Learning new tabletop games can be a challenge. On Game the Game, Ivan van Norman and Becca Scott teach and play new board games live with fun guests each week! Watch live every Wednesday at 4 PT on Twitch! This week we’re heading to the Sword Coast of the Forgotten Realms with “Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate”.
Welcome to Baldur’s Gate, the greatest trade center along the Sword Coast. “The Gate” was built by Balduran in ancient times and is the only original structure from the founding of the city. Inside the city, you have Bloomridge, home to the wealthy, and Twin Songs, home to sailors and clerics.
If you are looking for a tavern, look no further than the Elfsong Tavern. Why yes, that is a baby beholder head on the wall. May I suggest their famous melted cheese sandwiches or stew? Be sure to keep your weapons handy, people frequent the tavern to do all sorts of business. More private rooms can be rented by the evening or by the candle. Be sure to stick around to hear the ghost of an elven woman sing for her lost love.
Spending some time in our city and need a place to stay? Might I suggest staying at the Helm and Cloak? Don’t mind the Knights of the Unicorn sharing the floor with you. They are just elegant, romantic buffoons. This is one of the safest establishments in the city, so enjoy your hot bath and warmed robe and slippers in peace.
Enjoy a pilgrimage to our temple district. The High House of Wonders is a must-see for its museum of technological wonders, even if you don’t worship Gond. If you are not a worshiper of Umberlee, please stay away from the Water Queen’s House along the harbor. Test your luck at the Lady’s Hall. May Tymora smile upon you. Any deity you care to follow should have a temple or shrine inside our fair city.
The sewers? You come to the great city of Baldur’s gate and want to wade around in the filthy sewers? There is NOTHING down there but rats and the occasional thief. There are no hidden chambers or secret passages between buildings. I assure you.
Moving on. No trip to Baldur’s Gate would be complete without seeing some of our more famous residents and let’s be honest, that’s why you’re visiting. I make no promises that Drizzt Do’Urden is around, but let me introduce you to a few who are.
That large, bald man talking to a hamster? That is none other than the great warrior, Minsc, and his hamster, Boo. I know what you’re thinking. Didn’t he die? He was brought back to life when a statue of him got hit with a spell. If you go up to talk to him, remember that he thinks Boo is a miniature giant space hamster and nothing will change his mind.
“Ooo, squirrels, Boo! I know I saw them! Quick, throw nuts!”
Maybe it’s better if we just back away and leave them alone. It looks like they’re busy.
Do you see that couple arguing over there? It looks like Jaheira and Khalid are bumping heads over something. It’s not very often that you see them argue, mostly because Jaheira wears the trousers in that relationship. It looks like he’s giving her a necklace with an aquamarine stone. I guess she thought he forgot their anniversary.
Now there’s a friendly face. Delina is the wild mage that brought Minsc and Boo back to life. With the help of her allies, she saved the city from a red dragon and foiled the Cult of the Dragon from stealing her powers. I will leave you in her care for now.
What is your favorite place in Baldur’s Gate? Have a favorite character from the games or books? Let me know in the comments below! Don’t forget to join Becca and Ivan on Game the Game as they take their own special journey through this landmark of Faerun tonight on Twitch.
Feature Image Credit: Wizards of the Coast
Other Image Credits: Wizards of the Coast/IDW Publishing, Beamdog/Wizards of the Coast