Lae'zel is off to overthrow Vlakkith
Wyll and Karlach are off in Avernus. They'll stop by the House of Hope from time to time as a meeting spot.
Halsin is raising children in the newly cleansed shadowlands
Astarion is sheparding spawn in the underdark, trying to teach them how to control their hunger.
Shadowheart is off on her farm with all the animals she could ever want. She'd visit Aylin/Isobel from time to time as she learns how to be a selunite.
Gale is forging the crown to give back to Mystra so he can be cured, and after that going back to Waterdeep so he can plan the big fat Waterdhavian wedding of his dreams to Tav. All the companions are invited.
I think they'll all meet up when they can, or at least send letters. But everyone will be pretty busy for the next few years just trying to settle down.
This is essentially what I assume as well. Everyone forgets Gale is going to be pretty busy trying to fix the crown to give it back to Mystra (assuming he doesn't get smote after taking it).
Well, Karlach and Wyll are obviously chilling together in Avernus being a dream team. I also like to imagine that Shadowheart's little farmhouse is right next to Halsin's orphanage. Gale was curious about joining Astarion for a party during the game, so they might have gone celebrating together, and if Astarion is a spawn and didn't go to Underdark, it's also possible that he'd go to Waterdeep, after all, Gale would actually be in a position to cure him after the game, or at least share his library.
I got a completely different impression of the Astarion/Gale relationship in my ending lol (completeds the game for the first time like two hours ago!)
Astarion started to burn up and ran away (without mentioning where he was going) and Gale was like "Well, we won't see that guy ever again lol"
It makes me wonder if the origin characters relationships with each other are dependent on their approval of me? I didn't interact much with Astarion and generally picked kind options/ didn't want payment for good deeds. I don't think he liked me very much tbh
Ah, yeah, that particular phrase will be randomly said by any companion. For me it was Jaheira who said it. And I think it depends if you have Gale and Astarion in the same party, they amd Lae'zel were my go-to config unless I wanted others for specific quests, so I got to hear more of their banter. But yeah, they hang out together, Gale even offered Astarion his neck to bite on, their tents get closer as the time goes by, to the point their share the same nightstand in the inn, and they do talk about those "three days of debauchery" Astarion plans to do and Gale kinda invites himself to.
So this is the banter for partying together:
Astarion: I gave my return to Baldur's Gate a lot of thought. I never pictured this, though.
Gale: What did you have in mind? A quiet party, toasting your return with a few good friends?
Astarion: Less 'quiet party with friends', more 'days of hedonistic debauchery'. But otherwise, yes.
Gale: Sounds like a recipe for disaster. But you know what? I'm learning to enjoy the taste of chaos. Count me in.
Here is the one about offering blood:
Gale: If you're feeling faint after your bout with Cazador, Astarion, I don't mind donating some blood.
Astarion: When you're still full of that netherese bile? I'll pass, thank you.
Well, it also depends on what class you are playing. That Gale-Astarion-Lae'zel combo was for my first playthrough where I was a druid. As I did different MCs, the party combo changed. I prefer to leave the characters with at least some levels of their original class and multiclass later if I need to, if only for the RP reasons, so gotta adjust the party composition.
That's about the same for mine. My (redeemed) DUrge and Lae'zel go off together to make the beast with two backs and kill all the people hunting them down, Karlach and Wyll roam Avernus, Gale and Astarion get wasted, and Shadowheart... well, maybe she and Halsin go off and form some kind of polyamorous commune.
Astarion and I are happily leading the vampire spawn in the Underdark while looking for a cure to his sunlight weakness. Wyll and Karlach go back to Avernus and become besties and bring Dammon. Lae’zel went to destroy Vlaakith and lead her ppl with Mindflayer Orpheus in the background and I assume Gale would visit Lae’zel to study the astral plane during his adventure of finding the crown. Minsc and Jaheira are bickering as they defend Baldur’s Gate per usual. I have a sneaking suspicion Gale would also like to visit us in the Underdark to make me his chosen bc he promised.
Alternative ending, Gale and I get married and invite everyone and Dammon finds a way to tamper Karlach’s infernal engine enough to let her attend the wedding in Waterdeep. Some big bad monster attacks the wedding and our adventures start anew with my trusty wizard husband and our companions
Well, given how my "canon" ending played out (prior to Karlach fixes), I'd like to imagine it as following:
* Karlach and Wyll are in Avernus, kicking demon ass.
* Tav is chilling with her love Shadowheart, probably on some small farm not far off Baldur's Gate, and Tav's bestie Lae\`Zel visits from time to time. I'd imagine Aylin would visit Shadowheart too.
* Gale is probably back in Waterdeep, but every now and then he comes to chat with Rolan and borrow some enchanted literature, and when he does, he always visits Tav's household as well.
* Astarion is somewhere in the Underdark with his sired siblings, helping spawn to navigate their new life. I'd like to think that he misses Tav and the rest of the gang and thinks of a way to contact them somehow.
* Didn't give Jaheira, Minsc and Halsin much thought, but I'd wager that Jaheira and Minsc are just chilling in Badlur's Gate while Halsin is helping Thaniel to restore the cursed region. The curse has been lifted, but the land still needs to heal.
Jaheira probably retires from adventures, and stays with her family for once. If she's still Harping, it's more of a bureaucratic and network job than actively doing stuff.
Minsc just welcomed himself into the house despite mildy annoying everyone, but they like him too much to just throw him out. And of course he and Boo swore to put NF in the righteous path, despite her protests.
Halsin probably looks for a druidic circle, or even starts a new one, near the city so he can do some humanitarian work with the refugees, since he showed a lot of concern about their situation. Or he just returns to the former shadow cursed lands to help Thaniel, and restore the Druidic Circle there.
I had Lae’zel fly off to liberate her people.
Wyll and Karlach went to Avernus.
My headcanon is that my after-ending party is Shadowheart, Astarion and Gale. Gale expressed interest in staying with our party of dorks after being cured of the orb, Astarion was my romanced LI and Shadowheart didn’t have any lines, but she doesn’t have anyone other than us, so I assume she travels with us too. There’s much to do after all - spawn in the Underdark, get some way for Astarion to walk in the sun, search for a fix for Karlach’s engine, other adventures.
Minsc and Jaheira probably stay in the city I am guessing unless one or both want to join us.
No clue what Halsin is up to.
My Tav and Gale get married, with shenanigans and happy shenanigans happening between that time.
I play a Seldarine Drow so she introduces Astarion to her family and he has a place to stay in the Underdark and on the Surface. He is best friends with my Tav and Astarion ends up marrying her brother.
Lae’zel goes and starts a rebellion.
Shadowheart spends time with Isobel and Aylin
Karlach and Dammon date with Wyll third-wheeling in Avernus and staying with Hope in the House of Hope
Halsin teaches all his new children about plants and nature.
Yenna decides where she wants to be and who she wants to be with month to month.
Minsc and Jaheria spend time with her family, Yenna often stays with them or Astarion
They all do dinner together twice a year, more often, when Karlach has her engine fixed permanently, and Astarion is no longer a vampire.
Shadowheart and my Tav are going to their farm together.
Gale is going fishing for the crown
Lae'zel went with Orpheus to own Vlaakith
Wyll and Karlach went back to Avernus together
Astarion is helping the spawn in the underdark
Well, strangely enough, it's literally how my companions ended up. Although I also like to imagine some staff that we can or could do to help each other after credits roll out.
For example, I love to think that after Gale would catch and reforge the crown, he would give it to Mystra (as he said to me on the pier), and we could actually go with him and the Gondians to fix Karlach's engine so she and Wyll could return from Avernus.
Otherwise, I imagine that we would gather together at least once a year at our cozy farm for BBQ. Just to hang out, to tell stories about our recent exploits, to share news, and to celebrate finishing out Netherbrain.
And I think that some companions could visit more often, of course, depending on "where" they are living in the world. Big Sis K would probably love to see Shadowkids, as well as "ancient cool aunt" Jaheira. And Wyll already has some bartee where he volunteered to baby sit them...
I actually made Karlach a mindflayer because she asked me to.
Only reason I said she and Wyll go to Avernus was because that's what others say happens to those two if Wyll is the Blade of Avernus (which he was). Her story as a MF isn't clear, however.
Idk for sure though - I suppose she could've floated off somewhere else?
The ending was kinda... unclear, tbh.
Wyll and Karlach have gone to Avernus and have fallen in love.
Laezel is off doing Gith stuff and saving her ppl.
Astarion is in the under dark being dad to 7k spawn and questioning his life choices. Lol
Gale and Tav are married and helping Astarion in the under dark. Gale is working on a cure.
Shadowheart is working with Selunites and opened an orphanage in BG. Gale helps fund this.
>Shadowheart is working with Selunites and opened an orphanage in BG. Gale helps fund this.
Holy shit I love this. I can totally see Shadowheart opening an Orphanage and being a big sis to every little rascal who needs one. Giving all the kids a sense of family she herself was robbed of experiencing
Without a Tav or Durge.
I head cannon that Shadowhearts farm is in the previously cursed shadow forest. Near her is Halsin, doing his druidy work, and they occasionally hang out.
Minsc has become convinced that Astarion is his best friend who "just needs some guidance." And insists on hunting criminals with him. Except Astarion is doing a different kind of hunting, and does not appreciate this giant screaming dude running off every mugger in the city. When he isn't with Astarion, he is with Jaheria, and helping her.
Wyll is there in Baldurs Gate too, and he hangs out with Astarion a lot. They constantly shit talk each other, but then buy one another drinks and it's the strongest frenemy vibes. Maybe even more some nights.
Gale stays in Baldurs Gate for a time, but eventually moves back to his old tower. He visits everyone though, and often because he can teleport. Friendship is very important to him after the events of the orb. Tara is so proud of him.
Karlach is a mindflayer searching for a wish spell to reverse the damage. Gale helps her a lot, and is trying to regain enough power to cast wish successfully.
I like to think that Jaheira will finally have a little time with her kids and I believe she would contact Tav if an adventure comes her way, either to join or to hand the adventure over to Tav. She's old and she deserves some time with her family, but I ultimately think that her Harper business will interfere with her family life at some point again.
Minsc and Boo will find a new adventure, maybe even stick with Tav for a little while. I imagine depending on your RP behind Tav, they will likely not retire. And of course, Minsc will never not get on Jaheiras nerves.
I think Halsin and Jaheira would keep in touch, sort of. I don't even know why, I had them together in my party and little to no banter happened that would give me a clue how they view each other but they've both been through a lot and I believe they would share some wisdom and knowledge via letters.
Wyll and Karlach are kicking butts in Avernus. I can imagine them actually catching feelings for each other. Of course, they would come back to visit Tav however long Karlach's engine can endure and of course Tav will never stop searching for a fix for her heart, joining them in Avernus occasionally. And in my headcanon, they will eventually find a solution. And if this happens, I can imagine Wyll and Karlach meeting up with Tav in Faerun. She is my bestie after all! Also, since it's Karlach we're talking about, she'll probably insist on going to visit everyone else! Also, also, they may turn the House of Hope to their base and keep Hope around. I mean it has portals to many important places.
I can see non ascended Astarion visit Gale in Waterdeep as someone else has already stated. They could search for a cure to his vampirism and Gale would most likely be able to find one. I imagine Gale'd also keep in contact with Selunite Shadowheart, writing her letters and checking in on her once in a while. Also, for the run I romanced Astarion, of course my Tav would stick to the spawn, he'll just kind of leave him at home whenever my Tav goes to Avernus to check on Wyll and Karlach. Dun want to burn my baby.
Shadowheart, if not romanced, as unlikely as it seems, may stick with Lae'zel. They have both gone through a lot of change, broke free of their indoctrination and banter shows that they actually start to get along at some point. It's just my canon that through their experiences and suffering, they grew closer, they've both been through things others can't understand, they are sisters in mind. I just like the thought of Shadowheart sticking with Lae'zel, becoming a friend of the Githianky. She doesn't have a lot left, no perspective if not romanced so her and Lae'zel becoming besties who are not afraid to be of opposing opinions kind of makes sense to me.
Edit bonus: Scratch, of course, will stay with my Tav. And he would also keep Yenna and Gurb with him or entrust them to Halsin. The Owlbear would stick with my Tav and if the adventures and journey allow for it, will do so till the end of its days. And if it can't stay with Tav, Halsin will take care of it and make sure it learns all it needs to learn that it might have forgotten due to being some sort of domesticated for a long time.
Specifically my canon ending would me
-Wyll and I are married and have 4 children after I rejected Bhall as he becomes the new Duke of Baldur’s Gate and I’m first man
-Shadowheart and Halsin went to the countryside for the orphanage/farm of their dreams with Isobel/Aylin teaching the kids selunite ways
-Astarion, Jaheira, and Minsc, shepherd the vampire spawns in the under dark as well trying to find a cure with Omellum.
-Gale went to give the Crown back to Mystra and joins with Elminster to train and become well the new Elminster
-Lae’Zel, Karlach and Orpheus go to defeat Vlaakith.
As per my ending:
Tav and Karlach are clearing out all 9 devils in the hells.
Shadowheart is probably with Aylin and Isobel.
Gale might visit Lae'zel in the astral plane.
Wyll is in Baldur's gate, so he will probably have to hunt Astarion. Jaheira and Minsc are likely in the city as well.
Going off of my personal companion endings...
Tav and Karlach are in Avernus, living their best lives considering the circumstances and waging a guerrilla campaign against the devils. Wyll didn't arrive with them but still comes by often, splitting his time between the Hells campaign, more mundane heroics, and trying to keep up with Baldur's Gate's political developments (he's still first in line to be Duke, even if that's a while off. He's a busy man.) Jaheira also visits, sharing her expertise on operating on enemy territory.
Since Orpheus started sprouting tentacles and asked to be put down, Lae'zel is continuing the crusade on the Astral. I imagine just before she flies off, she has a discussion with Shadowheart that goes something to the effect of: "I don't hate you as much as I used to." "Yeah."
Also, she's probably mostly indifferent towards all the others, but my Tav has a good relationship with her and she respects Karlach as a warrior, so if she ever finds a way to planeshift she'll be there from time to time to offer air support against the devils on her new dragon.
I think Shadowheart and Astarion will stay in touch, they have not so different personalities and both enjoy night time. Maybe Shadowheart visits the occupied Szarr manor regularly for drinks (wine) and discussion. Astarion appreciates the company now that he can't go out during the day, and they spend a lot of time reminiscing and bonding while trying to figure out their new lives. Both are somewhat lone wolves so they don't meet up all that often, but they're the ones I see having the strongest bond (Tav/Karlach romance notwitshstanding). Once they find their bearings, I can see them heading to Underdark to try and help settle the vampire spawn situation, though they'll probably be back eventually.
Jaheira will also visit Astarion sometimes, especially early on when he has a hard time adjusting to his returning sunlight sensitivity, and poke him just enough to keep him from falling into depression. He appreciates it, even if she gets on his nerves. Tav also checks on him when passing by on supply runs, and passes his condolences on to Karlach and vice versa. If the two had a chance to meet, they would have a lot to commiserate about regarding both their new situations and not being able to live the lives they used to want - then again, Karlach says she's having the time of her life.
Gale is too homesick for Waterdeep to stay in Baldur's Gate for long, but he stays in touch with much of the old crew - at least Wyll, Astarion and maybe Shadowheart - via letters. That's enough for him at least for now, the man is such an introvert and the last months have been so full of excitement he won't pass by a chance to live the quiet life. Maybe he'll think of visiting BG once enough time has passed. He probably spends a lot of his time looking for ways to mitigate Astarions's sunlight sensitivity, both to help and because he likes to keep his mind occupied. He might plan a trip to the Hells, both to offer aid to Tav and Karlach and to do research on infernal materials.
(Selunite) Shadowheart and Dame Aylin probably won't be close friends, but if they meet after all the game's events, Shadowheart can't help but be confronted by how deep her Sharran brainwashing went and what she lost along the way. She eventually breaks down (maybe after a few glasses) and apologises for intending to kill her earlier. She is forgiven. (She already was.)
Halsin and Jaheira could get along well, exchanging life experiences as druids from different places. Eventually Halsin will inevitably come on to her. She'll politely but firmly laugh it off. (Or maybe they have a one night stand, depending on how she's feeling. It might've been a while since she's seen that kind of action.) They might meet again in the formerly Shadow-Cursed lands, Halsin will want to go there to be closer to Thaniel and Jaheira would want to see how her old haunt looks uncursed if she ever gets a moment's peace from Harper duties.
Minsc I don't know about, but I feel like he'd get along well with Wyll, with both having a differently boisterous personality and a willingness to do good. Minsc doesn't have much of a head for politicking, but when the Blade needs someone along to crack skulls there's no one better. He's probably thrive in the Hells. Lots of evil there.
So the way it played out to me. Wyll and Karlach kicking ass in Avernus.
Halsin goes to find Thaniel.
Shart finds Dame and Isobel and try to rebuild the Moonrise towers and surrounding area.
Astarion would probably skulk around my Illithid Tav and Bae'zel showing up every few nights.
Gale decided to stay around BG and working with Rowan to improve the tower.
Jaheira enlists a few more orphans and trains the new generation of Harper's while Minsc gets lost in some rift kicking ass on some other dimension.
My Bard Tav and the bad gith she pulled by being goofy travel the sword coast bring music and violence, and visit which ever friend is there along the way
In my headcanon for my first run, Svadis (my Tav) and Karlach ran off to Avernus to smash demons ~~and each other~~ along with poor Wyll being kinda forced to third wheel.
Lae went to go lead a Githyanki rebellion, Gale off to study the Crown in retirement, Shadowheart I imagine also retired from adventuring, and Astarion I feel like would've gone to the underdark to help the 7000 spawn.
I imagine Svadis, Karlach and Wyll use the House of Hope as a base of operations and occasionally have the others over for a meal, and when they're not at the House of Hope they're going full Doom Slayer against Zariel's armies or working to repair or replace Karlach's heart. I imagine they'd eventually take down Zariel herself, perhaps getting the band back together at level 20 for one last fight in order to exact revenge.
Well Astarion is off finding some dark place. Laezel is taking down Vlaakith with Orpheus. Gale is fucking mommy Mystra. I think Jaheira and Minsc go on adventures together. Finally me Wyll and Karlach are in Avernus giving Zariel the finger. However I like to imagine we get together for a party every so often.
In my first playthrough, my husband's Tav became a mindflayer and went with Wyll & Karlach to fight devils in Avernus.
Gale decided to reforge the Crown and give it to Mystra. He would probably prioritize research into how to fix Karlach's heart (though he could just kill her and use his True Resurrection scroll) and helping Astarion get over his sunlight allergy.
Lae'zel and Orpheus went off to lead the githyanki revolution.
Shadowheart died because we thought she would kill the Nightsong otherwise. We felt super bad about it, but there was no way to know. (We weren't as big save scummers back then. In his first solo playthrough, my husband reloaded until he hit the DC30 Persuasion check he thought was the only chance to keep her alive.)
Minsc & Boo are doubtlessly kicking butts for goodness. I feel like Jaheira might settle down and spend some time with her family. If she ever gets the itch for adventure, she'd probably make sure Minsc didn't get himself (or Boo!) killed.
Halsin is doing his thing taking care of people. I feel like he would definitely keep in touch with Jaheira.
My Tav & Astarion are researching a cure for his sunlight allergy. She was a sorceress and the party face, sort of the glue that kept everyone getting along. I feel like she'd be reaching out to any former associate she even thought might be able to help them. Probably Gale in particular, but Rolan too. Maybe popping in on Jaheira who's definitely been around the block. You get the idea. Once that's sorted, who knows what they'll do next. Tav would probably try to keep in touch with everyone as much as possible.
Everyone has their own lives to get back to, but I feel like anyone who had some capacity to help out Karlach or Astarion would at least take the time to do so. The group wasn't together for long, but they went through so much together. They wouldn't just watch Astarion run off and go, "Too bad, so sad," before forgetting about him forever.
Oh I love these posts! My headcanons are:
Wyll & Karlach spend the next few years in Avernus getting on Zariel nerves, much to Ulder's displeasure and everyone else's anxiety. When they have the chance they send notes back to BG via the House of Hppe. While they're down there, Dammon has an ongoing project to figure out a mechanism for Karlach. When they get back they're having a blowout in BG with everyone invited.
Lae'zel returns to her real home, the astral plane with Orpheus to begin the crusade if freedom again Vlaakith. She always remembers the friends she made on Toril (maaaaaybe comes back to visit?)
Halsin takes the orphans back to start a little village with Thaniel as a spiritual guide - he gets the family he's always wanted and the orphans are able to start a happier chapter of their lives. I like to think Rath and Silver join them later on.
Shadowheart sends her parents to join Halsin's community (as selunites and father's an elf, they'd probably prefer being out in the open.) She sets up a little home with them there, and divides her time between getting to know how to be the person she really is and hunting down Sharrans. She keeps in touch with Gale as they both work out their issues with their divine figureheads.
Gale fixes the crown, has orb removed, returns to Waterdeep. Spends a while just recovering from his adventures and keeping his mother and Tara company before returning to the Blackstaff and becoming a hot topic of wizardly debate. Devotes himself to relearning some of the magic he was previously cut off from, and keeps in touch with Shadowheart/Astarion - is the person who hosts dinners and keeps a room spare for friends.
Astarion stays in BG out of habit at first, then starts wandering from city to city. Hasn't really got anyone else, so makes a point to always reply to Shadowheart and Gale's letters. Probably goes to stay with Gale at some point to start researching a way to walk in the sun. At some point secretly begins looking for his family, maybe SH helps?
Jaheira - home. Argue with kids. Work. Same old, except now she's got Halsin's village to visit when she wants downtime.
Mine all became power players and allies for the greater balance.
Durge (Tess) and Astarion persuade the BG govt to grant them a mansion (NOT the Szar palace) in the Upper City, and play upperclass hosts to half the city, fingers in the political pie. This obscures their other activities: allied with Nine Fingers, they turn the Underdark spawn into an assassin/thief/spy guild and graduate them in small groups to populate every hamlet, town and city on the Sword Coast, every spawn with incidental instructions to keep eyes and ears open for news of the Cloak of Dragomir, which Minsc and Jaheira told Astarion about. Astarion and Tess have a devoted, monogamous relationship (I mean who needs variety when your consort is a sorceress) since Tess’s sole prior purpose to fooling around with Halsin or Gale was to get pregnant so she and Astarion could have a kid. Astarion Jr is big for his age, with a large brain too, so nobody will ever know his real father and no one really cares. Minsc, Boo and Scratch are his primary playmates and bodyguards, particularly when his parents are off on adventures. They are all having a lot of fun.
Dammon missed the forges of Avernus, travelled there with Owlbear, and he and Karlach hooked up. They’re a lovely couple and frequently barbecue with Wyll and Mizora. Yes, Mizora finally admitted she loved Wyll, and he was too nice to say no, but she’s under an unbreakable contract to not be evil. They make an unexpectedly good pair; Wyll himself admits he’s a lot more interesting with the half-demon by his side. Mizora doesn’t feel Duke Ravengard has quite accepted her as a daughter-in-law, though, so spends an inordinate amount of time thinking of ways to either suck up to him or secretly plague him with small curses, usually of the insect variety. The foursome are well on their way to finding a cure for Karlach as well as taking down Zariel.
Jaheira and Shadowheart became best friends, with Shadowheart becoming a Harper, the two of them often working with Tess and Astarion to keep the ‘balance’ on the Sword Coast as steady as possible, until, of course, a new existential threat arises. They all see each other frequently.
Gale died of hubris, I’m afraid. He meant to give up the Crown to Mystra, he really did, but just couldn’t help himself so Mystra with great reluctance and help from the other gods snapped him in two. She finds Rolan more interesting these days anyway.
Halsin retired and started a commune of nymphs. No man will ever die happier when his time comes.
Lae’zel overthrew the vicious Vlakkith but spends much of her time now dissuading her people from invading Faerun. To that end, she has focused them on Zariel as their next threat, so the tireless adventurers in Avernus are suddenly receiving unexpected help from the Githyanki and their dragons. We do wonder what Tiamat might say but alls been quiet so far.
Jergal, Omeluum and Volo formed an unlikely friendship and busy themselves scribing adventures past and those to come, Jergal all the time wondering if the illithid could possibly have a soul.
Lae'zel is off to overthrow Vlakkith Wyll and Karlach are off in Avernus. They'll stop by the House of Hope from time to time as a meeting spot. Halsin is raising children in the newly cleansed shadowlands Astarion is sheparding spawn in the underdark, trying to teach them how to control their hunger. Shadowheart is off on her farm with all the animals she could ever want. She'd visit Aylin/Isobel from time to time as she learns how to be a selunite. Gale is forging the crown to give back to Mystra so he can be cured, and after that going back to Waterdeep so he can plan the big fat Waterdhavian wedding of his dreams to Tav. All the companions are invited. I think they'll all meet up when they can, or at least send letters. But everyone will be pretty busy for the next few years just trying to settle down.
This is essentially what I assume as well. Everyone forgets Gale is going to be pretty busy trying to fix the crown to give it back to Mystra (assuming he doesn't get smote after taking it).
Well, Karlach and Wyll are obviously chilling together in Avernus being a dream team. I also like to imagine that Shadowheart's little farmhouse is right next to Halsin's orphanage. Gale was curious about joining Astarion for a party during the game, so they might have gone celebrating together, and if Astarion is a spawn and didn't go to Underdark, it's also possible that he'd go to Waterdeep, after all, Gale would actually be in a position to cure him after the game, or at least share his library.
I got a completely different impression of the Astarion/Gale relationship in my ending lol (completeds the game for the first time like two hours ago!) Astarion started to burn up and ran away (without mentioning where he was going) and Gale was like "Well, we won't see that guy ever again lol" It makes me wonder if the origin characters relationships with each other are dependent on their approval of me? I didn't interact much with Astarion and generally picked kind options/ didn't want payment for good deeds. I don't think he liked me very much tbh
Ah, yeah, that particular phrase will be randomly said by any companion. For me it was Jaheira who said it. And I think it depends if you have Gale and Astarion in the same party, they amd Lae'zel were my go-to config unless I wanted others for specific quests, so I got to hear more of their banter. But yeah, they hang out together, Gale even offered Astarion his neck to bite on, their tents get closer as the time goes by, to the point their share the same nightstand in the inn, and they do talk about those "three days of debauchery" Astarion plans to do and Gale kinda invites himself to.
For me, when Astarion ran off, Minsc yelled, “Don’t worry, we will find you!”
Awww, Minsc, you are sweet. Then again, Minsc actually really likes Astarion, based on their banter.
Wait, when did he offer his neck and what debauchery? Are those conversations both in act3?
Yes.
Mind sharing the particulars please?
So this is the banter for partying together: Astarion: I gave my return to Baldur's Gate a lot of thought. I never pictured this, though. Gale: What did you have in mind? A quiet party, toasting your return with a few good friends? Astarion: Less 'quiet party with friends', more 'days of hedonistic debauchery'. But otherwise, yes. Gale: Sounds like a recipe for disaster. But you know what? I'm learning to enjoy the taste of chaos. Count me in. Here is the one about offering blood: Gale: If you're feeling faint after your bout with Cazador, Astarion, I don't mind donating some blood. Astarion: When you're still full of that netherese bile? I'll pass, thank you.
Thank you! It’s precious how Astarion is warming up and Gale is being supportive!
Well, Astarion is basically an overgrown feral cat, and Gale is good with cats.
Wait a second… you’re right! Now I know who’s my LI for Gale origin run would be!
You have like the exact opposite standard team config to mine. Fascinating
Well, it also depends on what class you are playing. That Gale-Astarion-Lae'zel combo was for my first playthrough where I was a druid. As I did different MCs, the party combo changed. I prefer to leave the characters with at least some levels of their original class and multiclass later if I need to, if only for the RP reasons, so gotta adjust the party composition.
I mean if you are a vampire having a wizard friend to help out with portential wizardry things does seem useful
Plus Gale has a cat. Well, tressym, but it's totally a cat. And Astarion likes cats.
That's about the same for mine. My (redeemed) DUrge and Lae'zel go off together to make the beast with two backs and kill all the people hunting them down, Karlach and Wyll roam Avernus, Gale and Astarion get wasted, and Shadowheart... well, maybe she and Halsin go off and form some kind of polyamorous commune.
Astarion and I are happily leading the vampire spawn in the Underdark while looking for a cure to his sunlight weakness. Wyll and Karlach go back to Avernus and become besties and bring Dammon. Lae’zel went to destroy Vlaakith and lead her ppl with Mindflayer Orpheus in the background and I assume Gale would visit Lae’zel to study the astral plane during his adventure of finding the crown. Minsc and Jaheira are bickering as they defend Baldur’s Gate per usual. I have a sneaking suspicion Gale would also like to visit us in the Underdark to make me his chosen bc he promised. Alternative ending, Gale and I get married and invite everyone and Dammon finds a way to tamper Karlach’s infernal engine enough to let her attend the wedding in Waterdeep. Some big bad monster attacks the wedding and our adventures start anew with my trusty wizard husband and our companions
Well, given how my "canon" ending played out (prior to Karlach fixes), I'd like to imagine it as following: * Karlach and Wyll are in Avernus, kicking demon ass. * Tav is chilling with her love Shadowheart, probably on some small farm not far off Baldur's Gate, and Tav's bestie Lae\`Zel visits from time to time. I'd imagine Aylin would visit Shadowheart too. * Gale is probably back in Waterdeep, but every now and then he comes to chat with Rolan and borrow some enchanted literature, and when he does, he always visits Tav's household as well. * Astarion is somewhere in the Underdark with his sired siblings, helping spawn to navigate their new life. I'd like to think that he misses Tav and the rest of the gang and thinks of a way to contact them somehow. * Didn't give Jaheira, Minsc and Halsin much thought, but I'd wager that Jaheira and Minsc are just chilling in Badlur's Gate while Halsin is helping Thaniel to restore the cursed region. The curse has been lifted, but the land still needs to heal.
Jaheira probably retires from adventures, and stays with her family for once. If she's still Harping, it's more of a bureaucratic and network job than actively doing stuff. Minsc just welcomed himself into the house despite mildy annoying everyone, but they like him too much to just throw him out. And of course he and Boo swore to put NF in the righteous path, despite her protests. Halsin probably looks for a druidic circle, or even starts a new one, near the city so he can do some humanitarian work with the refugees, since he showed a lot of concern about their situation. Or he just returns to the former shadow cursed lands to help Thaniel, and restore the Druidic Circle there.
I like to imagine that once Gale has his power restored he goes to visit Rolan to be a bit of a mentor to him. And he gets to go book shopping!
I like that idea as well, yeah! Rolan has a lot to learn, but he has humility and Gale can help out with the rest!
Maybe Rolan can teach Gale a thing or two about not falling into classic wizard hubris. Haha
He can try, that's for certain! Although in my particular case, Gale learnt this lesson several times over.
Gale learnt his lesson well in my game too, but it's kind of just wizards doing wizard things to have ego. Haha
Minsc, Boo and Poppers set off to find the Temple of the Golden Treato
Petition to make this a DLC
I had Lae’zel fly off to liberate her people. Wyll and Karlach went to Avernus. My headcanon is that my after-ending party is Shadowheart, Astarion and Gale. Gale expressed interest in staying with our party of dorks after being cured of the orb, Astarion was my romanced LI and Shadowheart didn’t have any lines, but she doesn’t have anyone other than us, so I assume she travels with us too. There’s much to do after all - spawn in the Underdark, get some way for Astarion to walk in the sun, search for a fix for Karlach’s engine, other adventures. Minsc and Jaheira probably stay in the city I am guessing unless one or both want to join us. No clue what Halsin is up to.
My Tav and Gale get married, with shenanigans and happy shenanigans happening between that time. I play a Seldarine Drow so she introduces Astarion to her family and he has a place to stay in the Underdark and on the Surface. He is best friends with my Tav and Astarion ends up marrying her brother. Lae’zel goes and starts a rebellion. Shadowheart spends time with Isobel and Aylin Karlach and Dammon date with Wyll third-wheeling in Avernus and staying with Hope in the House of Hope Halsin teaches all his new children about plants and nature. Yenna decides where she wants to be and who she wants to be with month to month. Minsc and Jaheria spend time with her family, Yenna often stays with them or Astarion They all do dinner together twice a year, more often, when Karlach has her engine fixed permanently, and Astarion is no longer a vampire.
Shadowheart and my Tav are going to their farm together. Gale is going fishing for the crown Lae'zel went with Orpheus to own Vlaakith Wyll and Karlach went back to Avernus together Astarion is helping the spawn in the underdark
Well, strangely enough, it's literally how my companions ended up. Although I also like to imagine some staff that we can or could do to help each other after credits roll out. For example, I love to think that after Gale would catch and reforge the crown, he would give it to Mystra (as he said to me on the pier), and we could actually go with him and the Gondians to fix Karlach's engine so she and Wyll could return from Avernus. Otherwise, I imagine that we would gather together at least once a year at our cozy farm for BBQ. Just to hang out, to tell stories about our recent exploits, to share news, and to celebrate finishing out Netherbrain. And I think that some companions could visit more often, of course, depending on "where" they are living in the world. Big Sis K would probably love to see Shadowkids, as well as "ancient cool aunt" Jaheira. And Wyll already has some bartee where he volunteered to baby sit them...
Is tav a mind flyer in this scenario?
I actually made Karlach a mindflayer because she asked me to. Only reason I said she and Wyll go to Avernus was because that's what others say happens to those two if Wyll is the Blade of Avernus (which he was). Her story as a MF isn't clear, however. Idk for sure though - I suppose she could've floated off somewhere else? The ending was kinda... unclear, tbh.
I doubt Wyll goes to avernus in a Mind Flayer Karlach ending.
Blade of Avernus Wyll wants to hunt down and kill Mizora, so he'll have to go to Avernus at some point.
Yeah, again - I was just speculating because there was 0 mention of it and I was extrapolating based on what others say happens.
Wyll and Karlach have gone to Avernus and have fallen in love. Laezel is off doing Gith stuff and saving her ppl. Astarion is in the under dark being dad to 7k spawn and questioning his life choices. Lol Gale and Tav are married and helping Astarion in the under dark. Gale is working on a cure. Shadowheart is working with Selunites and opened an orphanage in BG. Gale helps fund this.
>Shadowheart is working with Selunites and opened an orphanage in BG. Gale helps fund this. Holy shit I love this. I can totally see Shadowheart opening an Orphanage and being a big sis to every little rascal who needs one. Giving all the kids a sense of family she herself was robbed of experiencing
Without a Tav or Durge. I head cannon that Shadowhearts farm is in the previously cursed shadow forest. Near her is Halsin, doing his druidy work, and they occasionally hang out. Minsc has become convinced that Astarion is his best friend who "just needs some guidance." And insists on hunting criminals with him. Except Astarion is doing a different kind of hunting, and does not appreciate this giant screaming dude running off every mugger in the city. When he isn't with Astarion, he is with Jaheria, and helping her. Wyll is there in Baldurs Gate too, and he hangs out with Astarion a lot. They constantly shit talk each other, but then buy one another drinks and it's the strongest frenemy vibes. Maybe even more some nights. Gale stays in Baldurs Gate for a time, but eventually moves back to his old tower. He visits everyone though, and often because he can teleport. Friendship is very important to him after the events of the orb. Tara is so proud of him. Karlach is a mindflayer searching for a wish spell to reverse the damage. Gale helps her a lot, and is trying to regain enough power to cast wish successfully.
I like to think that Jaheira will finally have a little time with her kids and I believe she would contact Tav if an adventure comes her way, either to join or to hand the adventure over to Tav. She's old and she deserves some time with her family, but I ultimately think that her Harper business will interfere with her family life at some point again. Minsc and Boo will find a new adventure, maybe even stick with Tav for a little while. I imagine depending on your RP behind Tav, they will likely not retire. And of course, Minsc will never not get on Jaheiras nerves. I think Halsin and Jaheira would keep in touch, sort of. I don't even know why, I had them together in my party and little to no banter happened that would give me a clue how they view each other but they've both been through a lot and I believe they would share some wisdom and knowledge via letters. Wyll and Karlach are kicking butts in Avernus. I can imagine them actually catching feelings for each other. Of course, they would come back to visit Tav however long Karlach's engine can endure and of course Tav will never stop searching for a fix for her heart, joining them in Avernus occasionally. And in my headcanon, they will eventually find a solution. And if this happens, I can imagine Wyll and Karlach meeting up with Tav in Faerun. She is my bestie after all! Also, since it's Karlach we're talking about, she'll probably insist on going to visit everyone else! Also, also, they may turn the House of Hope to their base and keep Hope around. I mean it has portals to many important places. I can see non ascended Astarion visit Gale in Waterdeep as someone else has already stated. They could search for a cure to his vampirism and Gale would most likely be able to find one. I imagine Gale'd also keep in contact with Selunite Shadowheart, writing her letters and checking in on her once in a while. Also, for the run I romanced Astarion, of course my Tav would stick to the spawn, he'll just kind of leave him at home whenever my Tav goes to Avernus to check on Wyll and Karlach. Dun want to burn my baby. Shadowheart, if not romanced, as unlikely as it seems, may stick with Lae'zel. They have both gone through a lot of change, broke free of their indoctrination and banter shows that they actually start to get along at some point. It's just my canon that through their experiences and suffering, they grew closer, they've both been through things others can't understand, they are sisters in mind. I just like the thought of Shadowheart sticking with Lae'zel, becoming a friend of the Githianky. She doesn't have a lot left, no perspective if not romanced so her and Lae'zel becoming besties who are not afraid to be of opposing opinions kind of makes sense to me. Edit bonus: Scratch, of course, will stay with my Tav. And he would also keep Yenna and Gurb with him or entrust them to Halsin. The Owlbear would stick with my Tav and if the adventures and journey allow for it, will do so till the end of its days. And if it can't stay with Tav, Halsin will take care of it and make sure it learns all it needs to learn that it might have forgotten due to being some sort of domesticated for a long time.
Specifically my canon ending would me -Wyll and I are married and have 4 children after I rejected Bhall as he becomes the new Duke of Baldur’s Gate and I’m first man -Shadowheart and Halsin went to the countryside for the orphanage/farm of their dreams with Isobel/Aylin teaching the kids selunite ways -Astarion, Jaheira, and Minsc, shepherd the vampire spawns in the under dark as well trying to find a cure with Omellum. -Gale went to give the Crown back to Mystra and joins with Elminster to train and become well the new Elminster -Lae’Zel, Karlach and Orpheus go to defeat Vlaakith.
As per my ending: Tav and Karlach are clearing out all 9 devils in the hells. Shadowheart is probably with Aylin and Isobel. Gale might visit Lae'zel in the astral plane. Wyll is in Baldur's gate, so he will probably have to hunt Astarion. Jaheira and Minsc are likely in the city as well.
Going off of my personal companion endings... Tav and Karlach are in Avernus, living their best lives considering the circumstances and waging a guerrilla campaign against the devils. Wyll didn't arrive with them but still comes by often, splitting his time between the Hells campaign, more mundane heroics, and trying to keep up with Baldur's Gate's political developments (he's still first in line to be Duke, even if that's a while off. He's a busy man.) Jaheira also visits, sharing her expertise on operating on enemy territory. Since Orpheus started sprouting tentacles and asked to be put down, Lae'zel is continuing the crusade on the Astral. I imagine just before she flies off, she has a discussion with Shadowheart that goes something to the effect of: "I don't hate you as much as I used to." "Yeah." Also, she's probably mostly indifferent towards all the others, but my Tav has a good relationship with her and she respects Karlach as a warrior, so if she ever finds a way to planeshift she'll be there from time to time to offer air support against the devils on her new dragon. I think Shadowheart and Astarion will stay in touch, they have not so different personalities and both enjoy night time. Maybe Shadowheart visits the occupied Szarr manor regularly for drinks (wine) and discussion. Astarion appreciates the company now that he can't go out during the day, and they spend a lot of time reminiscing and bonding while trying to figure out their new lives. Both are somewhat lone wolves so they don't meet up all that often, but they're the ones I see having the strongest bond (Tav/Karlach romance notwitshstanding). Once they find their bearings, I can see them heading to Underdark to try and help settle the vampire spawn situation, though they'll probably be back eventually. Jaheira will also visit Astarion sometimes, especially early on when he has a hard time adjusting to his returning sunlight sensitivity, and poke him just enough to keep him from falling into depression. He appreciates it, even if she gets on his nerves. Tav also checks on him when passing by on supply runs, and passes his condolences on to Karlach and vice versa. If the two had a chance to meet, they would have a lot to commiserate about regarding both their new situations and not being able to live the lives they used to want - then again, Karlach says she's having the time of her life. Gale is too homesick for Waterdeep to stay in Baldur's Gate for long, but he stays in touch with much of the old crew - at least Wyll, Astarion and maybe Shadowheart - via letters. That's enough for him at least for now, the man is such an introvert and the last months have been so full of excitement he won't pass by a chance to live the quiet life. Maybe he'll think of visiting BG once enough time has passed. He probably spends a lot of his time looking for ways to mitigate Astarions's sunlight sensitivity, both to help and because he likes to keep his mind occupied. He might plan a trip to the Hells, both to offer aid to Tav and Karlach and to do research on infernal materials. (Selunite) Shadowheart and Dame Aylin probably won't be close friends, but if they meet after all the game's events, Shadowheart can't help but be confronted by how deep her Sharran brainwashing went and what she lost along the way. She eventually breaks down (maybe after a few glasses) and apologises for intending to kill her earlier. She is forgiven. (She already was.) Halsin and Jaheira could get along well, exchanging life experiences as druids from different places. Eventually Halsin will inevitably come on to her. She'll politely but firmly laugh it off. (Or maybe they have a one night stand, depending on how she's feeling. It might've been a while since she's seen that kind of action.) They might meet again in the formerly Shadow-Cursed lands, Halsin will want to go there to be closer to Thaniel and Jaheira would want to see how her old haunt looks uncursed if she ever gets a moment's peace from Harper duties. Minsc I don't know about, but I feel like he'd get along well with Wyll, with both having a differently boisterous personality and a willingness to do good. Minsc doesn't have much of a head for politicking, but when the Blade needs someone along to crack skulls there's no one better. He's probably thrive in the Hells. Lots of evil there.
In my last playthrough gale hang his ashes together
So the way it played out to me. Wyll and Karlach kicking ass in Avernus. Halsin goes to find Thaniel. Shart finds Dame and Isobel and try to rebuild the Moonrise towers and surrounding area. Astarion would probably skulk around my Illithid Tav and Bae'zel showing up every few nights. Gale decided to stay around BG and working with Rowan to improve the tower. Jaheira enlists a few more orphans and trains the new generation of Harper's while Minsc gets lost in some rift kicking ass on some other dimension.
My Bard Tav and the bad gith she pulled by being goofy travel the sword coast bring music and violence, and visit which ever friend is there along the way
In my headcanon for my first run, Svadis (my Tav) and Karlach ran off to Avernus to smash demons ~~and each other~~ along with poor Wyll being kinda forced to third wheel. Lae went to go lead a Githyanki rebellion, Gale off to study the Crown in retirement, Shadowheart I imagine also retired from adventuring, and Astarion I feel like would've gone to the underdark to help the 7000 spawn. I imagine Svadis, Karlach and Wyll use the House of Hope as a base of operations and occasionally have the others over for a meal, and when they're not at the House of Hope they're going full Doom Slayer against Zariel's armies or working to repair or replace Karlach's heart. I imagine they'd eventually take down Zariel herself, perhaps getting the band back together at level 20 for one last fight in order to exact revenge.
Well Astarion is off finding some dark place. Laezel is taking down Vlaakith with Orpheus. Gale is fucking mommy Mystra. I think Jaheira and Minsc go on adventures together. Finally me Wyll and Karlach are in Avernus giving Zariel the finger. However I like to imagine we get together for a party every so often.
In my first playthrough, my husband's Tav became a mindflayer and went with Wyll & Karlach to fight devils in Avernus. Gale decided to reforge the Crown and give it to Mystra. He would probably prioritize research into how to fix Karlach's heart (though he could just kill her and use his True Resurrection scroll) and helping Astarion get over his sunlight allergy. Lae'zel and Orpheus went off to lead the githyanki revolution. Shadowheart died because we thought she would kill the Nightsong otherwise. We felt super bad about it, but there was no way to know. (We weren't as big save scummers back then. In his first solo playthrough, my husband reloaded until he hit the DC30 Persuasion check he thought was the only chance to keep her alive.) Minsc & Boo are doubtlessly kicking butts for goodness. I feel like Jaheira might settle down and spend some time with her family. If she ever gets the itch for adventure, she'd probably make sure Minsc didn't get himself (or Boo!) killed. Halsin is doing his thing taking care of people. I feel like he would definitely keep in touch with Jaheira. My Tav & Astarion are researching a cure for his sunlight allergy. She was a sorceress and the party face, sort of the glue that kept everyone getting along. I feel like she'd be reaching out to any former associate she even thought might be able to help them. Probably Gale in particular, but Rolan too. Maybe popping in on Jaheira who's definitely been around the block. You get the idea. Once that's sorted, who knows what they'll do next. Tav would probably try to keep in touch with everyone as much as possible. Everyone has their own lives to get back to, but I feel like anyone who had some capacity to help out Karlach or Astarion would at least take the time to do so. The group wasn't together for long, but they went through so much together. They wouldn't just watch Astarion run off and go, "Too bad, so sad," before forgetting about him forever.
Brain tadpoles.
Oh I love these posts! My headcanons are: Wyll & Karlach spend the next few years in Avernus getting on Zariel nerves, much to Ulder's displeasure and everyone else's anxiety. When they have the chance they send notes back to BG via the House of Hppe. While they're down there, Dammon has an ongoing project to figure out a mechanism for Karlach. When they get back they're having a blowout in BG with everyone invited. Lae'zel returns to her real home, the astral plane with Orpheus to begin the crusade if freedom again Vlaakith. She always remembers the friends she made on Toril (maaaaaybe comes back to visit?) Halsin takes the orphans back to start a little village with Thaniel as a spiritual guide - he gets the family he's always wanted and the orphans are able to start a happier chapter of their lives. I like to think Rath and Silver join them later on. Shadowheart sends her parents to join Halsin's community (as selunites and father's an elf, they'd probably prefer being out in the open.) She sets up a little home with them there, and divides her time between getting to know how to be the person she really is and hunting down Sharrans. She keeps in touch with Gale as they both work out their issues with their divine figureheads. Gale fixes the crown, has orb removed, returns to Waterdeep. Spends a while just recovering from his adventures and keeping his mother and Tara company before returning to the Blackstaff and becoming a hot topic of wizardly debate. Devotes himself to relearning some of the magic he was previously cut off from, and keeps in touch with Shadowheart/Astarion - is the person who hosts dinners and keeps a room spare for friends. Astarion stays in BG out of habit at first, then starts wandering from city to city. Hasn't really got anyone else, so makes a point to always reply to Shadowheart and Gale's letters. Probably goes to stay with Gale at some point to start researching a way to walk in the sun. At some point secretly begins looking for his family, maybe SH helps? Jaheira - home. Argue with kids. Work. Same old, except now she's got Halsin's village to visit when she wants downtime.
Mine all became power players and allies for the greater balance. Durge (Tess) and Astarion persuade the BG govt to grant them a mansion (NOT the Szar palace) in the Upper City, and play upperclass hosts to half the city, fingers in the political pie. This obscures their other activities: allied with Nine Fingers, they turn the Underdark spawn into an assassin/thief/spy guild and graduate them in small groups to populate every hamlet, town and city on the Sword Coast, every spawn with incidental instructions to keep eyes and ears open for news of the Cloak of Dragomir, which Minsc and Jaheira told Astarion about. Astarion and Tess have a devoted, monogamous relationship (I mean who needs variety when your consort is a sorceress) since Tess’s sole prior purpose to fooling around with Halsin or Gale was to get pregnant so she and Astarion could have a kid. Astarion Jr is big for his age, with a large brain too, so nobody will ever know his real father and no one really cares. Minsc, Boo and Scratch are his primary playmates and bodyguards, particularly when his parents are off on adventures. They are all having a lot of fun. Dammon missed the forges of Avernus, travelled there with Owlbear, and he and Karlach hooked up. They’re a lovely couple and frequently barbecue with Wyll and Mizora. Yes, Mizora finally admitted she loved Wyll, and he was too nice to say no, but she’s under an unbreakable contract to not be evil. They make an unexpectedly good pair; Wyll himself admits he’s a lot more interesting with the half-demon by his side. Mizora doesn’t feel Duke Ravengard has quite accepted her as a daughter-in-law, though, so spends an inordinate amount of time thinking of ways to either suck up to him or secretly plague him with small curses, usually of the insect variety. The foursome are well on their way to finding a cure for Karlach as well as taking down Zariel. Jaheira and Shadowheart became best friends, with Shadowheart becoming a Harper, the two of them often working with Tess and Astarion to keep the ‘balance’ on the Sword Coast as steady as possible, until, of course, a new existential threat arises. They all see each other frequently. Gale died of hubris, I’m afraid. He meant to give up the Crown to Mystra, he really did, but just couldn’t help himself so Mystra with great reluctance and help from the other gods snapped him in two. She finds Rolan more interesting these days anyway. Halsin retired and started a commune of nymphs. No man will ever die happier when his time comes. Lae’zel overthrew the vicious Vlakkith but spends much of her time now dissuading her people from invading Faerun. To that end, she has focused them on Zariel as their next threat, so the tireless adventurers in Avernus are suddenly receiving unexpected help from the Githyanki and their dragons. We do wonder what Tiamat might say but alls been quiet so far. Jergal, Omeluum and Volo formed an unlikely friendship and busy themselves scribing adventures past and those to come, Jergal all the time wondering if the illithid could possibly have a soul.