Hey everyone -- here is another massive episode! Our team composition for today's part is: Edrahil, Astarion, Gale and Shadowheart. For a bit, we swap out Astarion for Karlach too. I also spend a brief moment of time towards the end to talk about Edrahil's backstory. I may try to add more character information and lore, if people would like to know more about our characters going forward!
So regarding the worms. I feel Astarion and Gale are the choices that make the most sense, Wyll to a lesser extent but I'm not familiar enough with his character. Astarion would embrace any power to free himself from his master's yoke though realistically would Edrahil actually trust him with that power? Gale is a wizard and given his past curiosity is enough of a reason imo. Gale is also currently a morally good person and given he has the equivalent of a nuke ready to go off well Edrahil has a way to get rid of him should Gale exhibit signs of turning to evil.
Thank you so much for this wonderful video for this wonderful episode thank you so much for continuing this series from the bottom of my heart thank you very much
I think the obvious answer for empowerment would be Asterion, but he's clearly weirded out by and disgusted by the worm to much to empower his. Also Edrahil might have too many reservations about making him even more powerful then he already is. Gale would be a slightly better option given that he has the orb already constantly killing him and that he's supposed to explode on the Absolute on Mystra's order anyway. He's also an academic and might be fascinated enough to study the effects the worm has given him. A sort of final thesis, for his act of redemption. (Unless Edrahil talks him out of it or finds another way that is)
The voice in Edrahill head. Enemy: Goblins, incinerated. The new enemy is identified: Duergar. On a more serious note. Great video, as always. I like big episodes but the anticipation is just killing me
Regarding Wyll's stuck exclamation mark, if you take him with you to Waukeen's Rest and walk into the main building (the one that you had the Strength check to help bust into), it will go away. There seems to be a flag for you to talk to Wyll about his father, but it doesn't check if you have already done so and can show up after you've talked to him about a few other subjects.
Oh man that bit with the eye gave me the heebie jeebies. Well I guess you can see invisible creatures now? The way Vollo ran off like a snake oil salesman after selling his product makes me think its cursed or something, I did get a kick out of everyone dissapproving though.
I feel like Astarion would use the worm as not to give to much of a spoiler, he is willing to go down a dark path to get back at his old masters, also if you spoke to him after the dream, he is excited about the new powers.
I think Astarion makes the most sense for someone trying to use the parasites. The parasite was an escape for him from his servitude as a vampire spawn, allowing him to enjoy sunlight and running water. One of the earliest things he asks is not how to lose the parasite, but how to control it. Everyone else seems to have gotten weaker from the parasites (Wyll mentions he had higher level Warlock summoning abilities before the parasite) besides our little vampire boy. Great episode, keep it up, can't wait till you get on that boat! Let's save some Gnomes! Although I do feel a bit bad about the stealing the noblestalk, it's very in character for Astarion and it led to an interesting scene with Shadowheart, so I dig it.
I’d say Wyll might empower his worm since he needs the power to break free from his contract and face Mizora. Also the fact he uses eldritch spells, it just seems logical to me.
What a great episode! The Underdark is a perilous place. Reminds me of a joke often said between me and my friends: The First Rule of Underdark Adventures... is don't go on Underdark Adventures! But Edrahil and company seem to have this in the bag. If I were to offer a suggestion as to whom among your party should receive the empowered tadpole, perhaps Gale is the best choice. If he should ever have to make that self-sacrificial choice to redeem himself and destroy the Absolute, endowing the Wizard with greater psychic strength would give him the advantage he needs to defeat the Absolute when it really matters. Also, that scene at the very end... by the sweet and merciful light of Lathander, that was... incredible. Jaw-dropping. Unspeakable. Just... wow!
If I recall correctly, you can toss the ball that Scratch gives you to play fetch with him. Might be handy to know that while running, you can right-click for the party to stop moving. Very useful if your party suddenly perception checks traps or other hazards.
I absolutely love how you had Astarion do the “sell thing then steal it back” trick. Awesome way to role play him! Also, I don’t believe you’ve done the puzzle to find the Nightsong yet. Just so you don’t forget!
Well what a better way to end the day then watching Edrahill smitting some evil, some good dreams I will have (and no they do not include shadowheart and karlach ahem ahem... nope whatsoever)
So stoked seeing that cut-scene play out when you went to rest at the very beginning. I won't spoil what happens for you when you reach Baldur's Gate to speak with him, but I WILL say that the end reward from that quest line when you finally make it there in Act 3 is every bit as awesome (if not better) as that mace you found deep within the gith creche and is perfect for Lae'zel!!! 👍😎 Edit: That bit toward the end where Wyll seemed to have a permanent ! symbol over his head even after you seemed to have exhausted every single chat option so many times made me laugh so hard when you finally went to pan the camera away and ignore him. This playthrough has been a trip!!! Oh btw you might want to combine those icy metal parts and crystal you picked up from those 3 Drow who were searching for the Grymforge and each were foolishly trying to compete with one another in their hunt for it even to the point of killing each other. Won't tell you what happens but I wanted to let you know so you didn't end up selling them off and missing out on something potentially really good.
Glut was sadly broken by the trauma he had gone through. it is an understandable reaction to lash out when you have been hurt, understandable but not right. You made the correct choice.
Love the playthrough. Its amazing how invested I become once you start speaking. I enjoy the company of shadowheart and karlach. But i would like to see Wyll more. Cant wait for the next video, keep it up buddy!
Still loving this. Especially your attention to small details. Like Getting a good opening shot, sitting next to shadowheart and stuff like that. Excited for what`s to come
I really love edrahils story. The whole day gets better when the notification for a new part pops up. What will happen next to the sword collecting goblin smiting, shadowheart courting hero. Excited for the next part 😁
Man, I'm not even done with act 1 yet and I'm already excited about doing an evil run after this. Oath breaker paladin necromancy and romancing minthara.
Also on the potential next playthrough. The idea may be to ask people post on RU-vid (or somewhere else) their potential character ideas, kind of like a template, and the one with the most upvotes would be picked? Or the one you like the most? Something like Class/Subclass -> Race -> Basic Backstory And Motivations of Character -> Character Alinghtment (Good/Evil/Neutral). In this case, it would simply 'suggest' potential dialogue options ad how to proceed from there. Neutral most likely would mean 'up to you' kind of? Unless we go more into detail with Chaotic/Lawful as well, and picking as closely to it as it is possible in-game.
Loving this campaign, Surreal. If it's not the best playthrough on the platform, it's definitely my absolute favorite. Thank you for the content, bro. I'm currently playing vicariously through Edrahil. From my forever DM viewpoint, he's a great character 10/10 would drop rocks on
Im convinced Edrahil doesnt actually WANT to loot everything, but he was cursed by a goblin Shaman just before their death at his hand to have an undying urge to collect shinies. Addendum: he is definitely thay friend with 100 dice sets, but is also the first to lend the wizard his d8s.
just in time man. i was wondering when is the next episode. thanks for the awesome content. keep up the good work looking for forward for the next one.
I'd say the one MOST likely to use the tadpole is probably gale. One, he's a wizard and we all know how highly curious wizards are. Two, we have to immediately rule out shadowheart (being only devoted to her goddess), edrahil won't because he doesn't believe in using its power over others and will because of two reasons (one being he is more like edrahil and wouldn't believe in using the worms power either to solve problems, and be already has enough on his plate with his whole pact issue going on). Karlach is a very straight forward person and is very true to being herself and the whole worm psionic mental control thing isn't really her style. Our green friend isn't a likely candidate either because not only does she want to get rid of the damn thing the most, but she also is only really interested in her god and being her champion (until recent events). Gale seems like the most likely person that would.
Edrahil didn't need that eye, anyway. Who needs depth perception when you're cleaving goblins in two with a giant great sword from a foot away :p Also, you have all that Githyanki armor and items from the previous episode: I feel like Lae'zel would always find a way to wear native attire, even at a disadvantage.
Haha, at least in his backstory he already had to learn how to fight with one eye. This is an upgrade for him. I think she would want to do so as well. It'll be tough for me since her polearm build is so useful for us!
That "operation" was excruciating to watch. Also out of character for Edrahil, but it was certainly some good content thats for sure. How you jsut casually proceeded with it while i could barely continue to watch is hilarious to me. Anyway, amazing vid as always and very glad youre back to your consistent uploads. i hope you conitnue to enjoy the journey and share it with us. your compatriot, Kira
Thanks Kira! I'm glad you enjoy it. If I'm playing a DnD character and I've defined him accordingly, I'd argue that I have a good gauge on what is in-character. The novel thing to note is that I still will engage with the logic of a D&D world -- which means an 8 intelligence Paladin trusting that someone like Volo would know what he's doing. It's a dead eye -- which means, he's feeling pain but not losing an eye that works anyway.
Yeah Glut was just a tyrant hungering for tyranny. He could’ve have started his own circle, earned his seat as sovereign, not take it. Well done noble Paladin 1:44:04
Wyll would be a good option to the worm. Thinking that he has no leverage on his master, maybe the tadpole would help him find a loophole in the contract, and even if he is worried that the contract is terminated making him be worthless, it would help him make the right call and help him boost his confidence.
Quickie to help on reading the "Mating Rituals" book. I gave it to Gale who only needed a 5 to read it and as he had +7 (int + investigation proficiency) i would have only failed on a nat 1.
I'm loving this series so much, and I honestly need to give these suggestions, some could be count as pleads: -PLEASE, give Karlacc her previous subclass and those gloves that give some damage to throwing and unconventional weapons. With some creativity and if you really try to use the Rage to its maximum i'm sure she could be a menace. -I don't know if you're going to make the mission of the Adamantine forge, but I say it could be worth to look for some Underdark Blacksmith, maybe Edrahil could get somewhat curious with how weapons are furged down there, maybe even learn a few smithing secrets -It could be worth it to look for the scrolls you have and make it so Gale learns them. I'm sure you have more than one scroll of the same spell that you could use for that. Or maybe even see if you can make scrolls in this game and give some to the party, that might help if Gale isn't on the party or if they're in need of some more magic -Also, with the thing about the tadpole and who could use it, I say Astarion, Wyll, and maybe Edrahil could do it. Let me explain: Astarion it's the typical egotistical guy, he would be more than happy to get another tadpole on his head if that means he can Enchant anyone to steal them easily or even manipulate them into giving them blood. If he could, surely he would have someone of the camp being his blood bag Wyll literally accepted a Pact to gain power and slain monsters, he didn't care for the cost, he only knew it could help him to keep doing good. And for Edrahil: Look, we only know that our Guardian it's the one who's apparently keeping his tadpole at bay, but we don't know if it's actually doing it, or if it's also doing it to our companions. The only thing we know and we're sure, is that if there's other attack of the Absolute, like when we saw the visions of Her "champions" the artifact stopped the attack. Maybe without it, at the Absolute command we transform. We know that Edrahil don't likes to take unnecesary risks, so he wouldnt at all make or suggest someone into trying to get another tadpole, so in my opinions, Edrahil could be able to take the tadpole not only to take care of his companions but also because he might care about his Guardian. And if his Guardian finally lose her powers like she said and Edrahil hasn't grown his mental powers, they're both doomed.
Re: Karlach's old subclass. I am waiting for Larian to fix Tavern brawler. Right now it's not just strong but broken. I could make the same build and likely solo the entire game on Tactician difficulty. To use that build would make everything else trivial. -For the Forge: We will definitely look for gear! -I have a bag of 50+ scrolls. A lot of this kind of inventory keeping, I do in between parts since I spend roughly an hour or two just organizing loot and sorting through everything. -Yeah, Astarion & Wyll are on my list too! Even Gale since we didn't get to see his true nature if we wanted to deny him magic items before. He may be nice for the most part, but who knows who he is willing to deal with.
If I remember correctly, besides Gale and Astarion, the others have reservations about harnessing the tadpoles, that makes the first two the most obvious options... Then again, and I'm loathe to say it... Karlach could probably shred enemies with some of the illithid powers available... though she may need to be convinced to harness it
A Friend and I started a campaign as 2 Tieflings. When we had to free Lae'zel from the cage, He botched the intimidation roll and we were forced to fight. We picked the tieflings side and killed Lae'zel immediately 😂 It was such an interesting direction 🤣
Now I know you've gone through this before or you'd have never let Volo do that to your eye unless you knew it was going to happen, but it's good to watch the effectiveness of knowing what to do next, even if it takes away some of the spontaneity and suspense of the game, and you have not claimed that this is a first-time playthrough, so can you share, how to buff up the saving and bonus throws like you have, as you have rarely failed and knowing this on my first playthrough would be invaluable. As for your question about who to buff up with the worms, I think Asterion would enjoy it, especially knowing he can walk in the sunshine.
I fail a lot later on, especially as I turn things up to Tactician difficulty. Early on, 'Friends' is such a massive advantage to most social encounters. I played EA over two years ago which at the time ended when you sailed off to Grymforge, so there's a lot of changes and things I've forgotten. That's admittedly a small portion of the game since it's only a portion of Act 1. Admittedly, Edrahil has an injured eye as part of his story and aesthetic and I figured he'd get a discoloration to help match that. What buffs in particular are you looking for? Most of the strongest items are over in Act 3. There's a lot of funny situational ones in Act 1 and 2.
Love verything you cover! You're so meticulous and energetic about this and as a fellow faboy it truly warms my hearth! THANK YOU! Please hit me up with a comment! Your content is a breath of fresh air man! And watching this as am enjoying in a big steak dinner so great timing!
My character isn't using the tadpoles, or the Illithid powers, for similar RP reasons - he believes the powers granted by his oath are sufficient to guide him through; if I was going to give the tadpoles to anyone it would be Astarion as he seems most interested in their powers, however my character doesn't trust him enough to give him any additional power. I'm actually thinking of multiclassing Wyll as a rogue, simply so I don't have to deal with Astarion's constant complaining and selfishness. Phalur Aluve is my favourite sword; it's great for a sword & shield build, especially as there's a trader later on who can sell you a very rare shield that's perfect for a paladin. On another note - you have to respect the balls of a solitary Drow willing to face off against a greatsword-wielding giant who's just shish-kebabbed a Spectator!
Astarion is already powerful enough already, use Gale for the worm powers since Edrahil can trust a guy with a ticking time bomb than Astarion with his opportunistic mindset.
I think Gale would be willing to accept the tadpole's power. He's hungry for knowledge and literally has nothing to lose at this point. Wyll would be a good choice too as he is always willing to sacrifice for greater good as proven by his pact with the demon. As for Astarion, hard to say. He does love power, I think, but hates being a monster
Was for the worm.... what about our lovely *I think* He's a wizard... I don't see anyone else really wanting that power? or at least in how there story goes maybe the berserker? but still I think or little magic man would use it the most.
