Siege of Dragonspear Chapter 7 walkthrough (Part II)

Part II of the Siege of Dragonspear Guide.

Siege of Dragonspear Chapter 7

Having dealt with Korlasz in the catacombs and completed the starter dungeon (Interlude), CHARNAME is time-lapsed to the Ducal Palace for the commencement of Chapter Seven of Siege of Dragonspear.

This post in a nutshell: initial exploration and questing in Baldur's Gate, recruiting a couple of companions to start forming our new adventuring party, and otherwise readying for our northward-bound expedition to Caelar Argent's Stronghold.

The Ducal Palace

The Ducal Palace, Guest Suite (AR BD0103). So here we are! - in a luxurious suite of the opulent Ducal Palace. The jumpy Imoen awakens you and sneaks off to investigate a noise coming from the next room. You will notice the following things:

Your party has disbanded without warning and with no goodbyes. I guess it's not a huge deal but it would have been nice to say goodbye to a few of them who won't be party members in Siege. Afterall, we did adventure together for the entire main campaign...

The contents of your backpack and your companion's backpacks have been transferred to a nearby storage chest aka party stash. The problem here is that your companions have absconded with their equipped items. This is also not a huge deal but it caused me to reload a save-game to transfer equipped items to backpacks, in order to keep them in reserve for future party members (they were loans, not gifts).

Update: If not stripped of their equipped gear at the Interlude's conclusion, companions that are found later in the campaign will still have them on their person. 

Note: Imoen has her own private stash, located in her room.

My Missed Fortune

You have not a penny on your person but are in possession of a Treasury Note and there is a quest in your journal related to regaining your gold (Quest: My Missed Fortune).

It seems we should meet up with Ophyllis in the treasury at our first opportunity. Leave the companion equipment in the storage chest for the time being: you can always return to your suite and collect its contents once you have recruited your mules (aka companions).

No sooner have you stepped into the living room, Imoen runs back to you with four assassins hot on her heels; one of whom knocks her out cold before you can defend her! The assassins are then rapidly shot down by a sharpshooter ally: Schael Corwin, Captain of the Flaming Fist.

Assassin x3 (+75-125 Exp ea).

Secure the Palace

Liia Jannath, a Grand Duke of Baldur's Gate, then teleports into the chamber and tends to Imoen who has succumbed to a non-lethal "mystic poison". Liia requests that you accompany Corwin in hunting down the assassins who have infiltrated the palace (Quest: Important Events - Secure the Palace).

  

Loot the Parchment from a corpse and it becomes clear that you - unsurprisingly - were the assassins' mark.

Loot: Trivial treasures only. There is a storage chest for Imoen in her room but if you didn't have her in your party then it just contains her generic gear.

When you're ready, head downstairs to the dining hall.

Second Floor, Dining Hall (AR BD0100). Assist Corwin and the Flaming Fist Enforcers in fighting off several more assassins, a couple of whom attempt to trap you in an adjoining room. You should have no problems dealing with these scrubs: relatively speaking they are far less threatening than Shank and Carbos of the Candlekeep Prologue.

Assassin x5 (+75-125 Exp ea).

Loot: Trivial treasures.

(Completed Quest: Secure the Palace).

If you return to the guest suite you will see Imoen on the bed being watched over by the cleric, Fenster. She is alive, and we wish her a speedy recovery. You may also return here, anytime, to access your storage chest and rest; i.e, heal your wounds and memorize spells.

Descend the stairs to the Council Hall.

First Floor, Council Hall (AR BD0102). This is the chamber in which you exposed Sarevok's evil intent to the Grand Dukes a few weeks ago; and now you again have audience with The Council of Four: Eltan (leader of the Flaming Fist), Entar Silvershield (Skie's father), Liia Jannath & Belt. 

It's confirmed that you were to be assassinated by hitmen in the employ of Caelar Argent's Crusade. You then learn the symbol of the crusade, a sun cresting the horizon. The Dukes inform you that the Flaming Fist have joined soldiers from Daggerford and Waterdeep to march north to Caelar's Stronghold (aka Dragonspear Castle), but that their combined army is still no match for The Shining Lady's swelling ranks. 

Therefore, the Dukes request that you embark on a northward-bound, Fist-backed expedition to rendezvous with the out-numbered allied forces; afterall, YOU are the Hero of Baldur's Gate, the one who has brought Xzarts to the brink of extinction and delved to the depths of Durlag's Tower to vanquish a Demon Knight! 

However, preparations must first be made before we embark on tomorrow's expedition - to which this post and the next are given over.

Skie's Grand Plan

Speak with Skie Silvershield, the roguish daughter of Duke Entar and companion of Charname in the original campaign (but not in Siege). She suspects that Caelar is a Bhaalspawn and intends to meet you in private, some other time, to tell you more. That won't happen until just before leaving for the expedition, so put her out of your mind until then (Quest: Skie's Grand Plan).

The War at Home

Jospil is a depressed loremaster who needs a moment to compose himself. Speak with him a second time to receive info on the refugee crisis, the progress of Caelar's Crusade and Caelar Argent herself. It seems the Argent family are known for their service to Lathander and that her ancestors were paladins in the Order of Aster. Be positive in dialogue to cheer Jospil up and he gifts you Brevin's Quarterstaff (THAC0 +1, dmg +1, Lore +10, Friends 1/day). You also receive +250 Exp.

(Completed Quest: The War at Home).

Descend the stairs to reach the basement of the palace.

Palace Basement & Treasury (AR BD0116). You will arrive here just in time to witness Korlasz breaking out of her cell, scorching a guard with Fireball in the process (Of course, this only happens if you showed her mercy in the Interlude). Korlasz may pose problems for some players since you lack a party for back-up. Her self-buffs of Mirror Image and Stoneskin coupled with her scripted movement make her hard to hit (for mundane builds); and her casting of Confusion may wreak havoc if you don't have mind shield status active. Stick with it and you should be able to take her down - this time for good!

(Completed Quest: Sarevok's Servant).

Korlasz: +2,500 Exp.

The Fist Restrained

A Flaming Fist officer is imprisoned in an adjacent cell, claiming that a Doppelganger tricked him into being locked inside. Use the cell key found on the nearby table to release Idianeali, who then claims that a mage in Sarevok's service tricked him (i.e, Korlasz). 

Idianeali thanks you for releasing him and then runs off to report to Fist command. The quest completes and it seems like there is nothing else to do (Completed Quest: The Fist Restrained). 

The False Fist

However, force-attacking Idianeali exposes him as a Doppelganger that surrenders after taking a beating. When it does, you may either lock it back in its cell (no reward) or accept its offer to rendezvous in the Iron Throne HQ basement (Quest: The False Fist). This quest is continued in Part III.

Note: You may also slay the Doppelganger outright for +700 Exp (lock the creature back up then reopen the door and force-attack it).

Step into the treasury and Ophyllis explains how he lost your massive gold-hoard. A gambling treasurer? What? Do you have any idea how many Xvart corpses I looted to amass my fortune? Anyway, Ophyllis promises to meet you outside the palace to pay back the gold.

The door to the vault is locked and the fancy chest inside is locked and trapped: you need a thief or at least the Knock spell to swipe what's inside. The door can be forced open with Titan Strength (stacking DUHM with a Storm potion) but the chest stubbornly resists brute force.

Loot: 1647 GP, Laeral's Tear Necklace, King's Tears, Emerald, Diamond.

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Companion Locations: Recruitment Drive

Return to the council hall and find Corwin in the foyer. She gives you some leads as to the whereabouts of potential companions:

• Elfsong Tavern (Garrick, Safana & Coran). Safana joins for selfish reasons (human Thief), Garrick declines in order to pursue love instead, and Coran is out-of-character obnoxious in his refusal to join.
• Three Old Kegs (Minsc & Dynaheir). The Rashemi duo gladly join (Ranger & Invoker).
• Iron Throne HQ (Rasaad). The Monk reluctantly declines to join. You will meet him again in the Coast Way Forest (Chapter Eight), at which point you may enlist his services (AR BD7000: x=2040, y=1500).
• Flaming Fist HQ (Tiax). Rudely refuses to join.
• According to Fist intel Khalid & Jaheira are somewhere "up north", Neera is probably at Boareskyr Bridge, and Viconia has already been hired for the expedition.

cf. Siege of Dragonspear Companions.

***

Have Corwin follow you out of the palace. At this point she only accompanies you as a guide, not as a full-fledged companion. She interjects at key moments to offer info and also assists in quests and battles. Corwin makes a great archer companion in Chapter Eight.

Note: While I don't recommend you do this on your maiden run, it's possible to entirely skip exploration of the city and fast track to Chapter Eight by informing Corwin of your readiness for the expedition. The next morning Safana, Viconia, Minsc & Dynaheir will gladly join (they are waiting for you just outside the palace) and you will have access to more party members in Chapter Eight. Again, I don't recommend skipping the city segment, but play how you like.

Baldur's Gate City, Outside the Palace (AR BD0010).

The Flaming Fist is trying to keep the peace, but it's an uphill battle. - Corwin.

Refuge for the Refugees

On the streets outside the palace you will see Flaming Fist Enforcers trying to hold back a throng of encroaching refugees who are protesting their displacement by Caelar's Crusade and treatment by the Dukes. Discipline an Enforcer for assaulting refugees to receive a one-point Reputation increase.

Wind your way through the throng and a beat-up Ophyllis limps over to inform you of his progress - or lack thereof: your money was relieved from him by refugees who are currently patrons at the Three Old Kegs - one of the many taverns in the city (Quest: My Missed Fortune - covered in this post).

All the Way to the Bank

Speak with the two merchants standing at their stalls, Teera and Quila. Teera requests you deliver a bag of gold (50 GP) to a moneylender whose shop is across the street from Sorcerous Sundries. (Quest: All the Way to the Bank - covered in Part III).

Garachen is the fat man housing refugees on the proviso that they cough up their belongings as payment (Quest: Refuge for the Refugees - continued in Part III).

Ok, gain access to the City Map by clicking on a transition point to the south, east or west (oversight: there is no map marker in the east).

Baldur's Gate City Map

You may visit four different city locations in any order you like: Three Old Kegs, Elfsong Tavern (& Sorcerous Sundries), Iron Throne HQ and Flaming Fist HQ. 

You are not free to explore the city as it was presented in the original campaign (large interlinking areas), and the explorable parts have been majorly downsized.

Three Old Kegs

Three Old Kegs (AR BD0040).

On the streets outside the inn lurk would-be muggers in search of a victim: Lluis, Golt, Dirla and Asery. You can intimidate the weaker Asery into fleeing (and still receive the kill experience) but the other three foolishly draw steel and seal their fate.

Lluis (+450 Exp), Golt (+400 Exp), Dirla (+250 Exp), Asery (+200 Exp).

Loot: Trivial.

Bar Fight

Three Old Kegs, Common Room (AR BD0106). Rival sailor Autinn is provoking the crew of the Amnian Delight and it threatens to escalate into a bar-room brawl. Resolutions:

• Calm them down for +500 Exp and 200 GP from the innkeeper, Nantrin Belowglyn (refuse the gold for Rep +1).
• Defuse the situation by threatening the lot of them: 200 GP but no experience points.
• Ally with Autinn against Lucilla. If the latter flees or is killed Autinn rewards you with Eadro's Blade +1 (scimitar/wakizashi/ninja-to, THAC0 & dmg +2 vs. elementals & mephits). If Lucilla is killed in the fight (+750 Exp if the PC lands the killing blow) you can also loot her corpse for the Cudgel of Montgomer +1 (mace, THAC0 +1, dmg +2, 10% on-hit Cure Light Wounds [wielder]). Reward from innkeeper: a drink on the house.
• Same as above, except you ally with Lucilla against Autinn.

(Completed Quest: Bar Fight).

Head upstairs.

Three Old Kegs, Dining Room (AR BD 0107). Feasting up here are the refugees who beat up the treasurer and took your money from him. However, they have doled it out to fellow refugees and there is zero chance of ever getting it back from them. If you take the charitable approach their speaker (Berahli) gifts you a Battle Axe +1 and there is nothing else to do but wish them well and take your leave. If you order them to turn themselves in to Corwin for robbing and assaulting Ophyllis, they will comply and you receive +750 Exp. You may also simply slay them, right then and there.

Berahli (+100 Exp), Hastus (+100 Exp), Ozil (+100 Exp), Refugee x3 (+120 Exp ea).

Either way, your gold is gone - but there is plenty more where that came from (Completed Quest: My Missed Fortune).

Head upstairs again.

The Meeting of Minds

Three Old Kegs, Private Suites (AR BD 0108). In one of the suites you will overhear a trio of nobles conspiring against the Council of Four. Resolve the issue as you see fit.

• Blackmail: Demand they hand over their valuables in exchange for your silence. Reward: 600 GP, +600 Exp, Ostentatious Boots (Cha +1), Cloak of Protection +1 (AC & all saves +1), Dagger +1.
• Pretend you want in on the plot but report them to Corwin in the common room. She and Inspector Tyle will meet you back upstairs. Dupe the nobles into proceeding to conspire and the inspector will have heard enough to arrest them. Reward: +750 Exp, Emerald (from Corwin).
• Threaten them with imprisonment. The mere thought of being locked up offends them to the point of losing their minds and attacking an armored hero while dressed in naught but evening-wear, and you can effortlessly slay them with Drizzt dual-blades. Major overkill, right thar. Lord Maxwell (+15 Exp), Lady Araya (+15 Exp), Lord Therton (+15 Exp).

(Quest Complete: The Meeting of Minds).

We're almost done with the Three Old Kegs inn.

Companions: Minsc & Dynaheir. Guarding the entrance to the adjacent suite is the most famous companion in the Baldur's Gate series (after Boo): the Rashemi Berserker, Minsc. He grants you access to the suite where his charge, the wychlaran Dynaheir, agrees that they should accompany you against The Shining Lady.

Part III.

Baldur's Gate Walkthrough	Siege of Dragonspear Walkthrough	Baldur's Gate Chapter 10
Baldur's Gate Companions	Baldur's Gate Chapter 7	Baldur's Gate Chapter 11
Siege of Dragonspear Companions	Baldur's Gate Chapter 8	Baldur's Gate Chapter 12
Siege of Dragonspear Item Codes	Baldur's Gate Chapter 9	Baldur's Gate Chapter 13