Unveiling the Depths: What Lies Beneath Baldur’s Gate?
Beneath the bustling streets and towering walls of Baldur’s Gate lies a hidden world of ancient ruins, forgotten temples, and monstrous denizens: the Undercity. This sprawling subterranean complex is more than just a simple network of tunnels; it’s a dangerous, multi-layered environment steeped in history and shrouded in darkness. The Undercity is a key location tied to some of the most significant events in the Baldur’s Gate saga, serving as a haven for the wicked and a battleground for those who dare to delve into its depths.
Exploring the Subterranean Realm
The Undercity is not a single, uniform space. Instead, it comprises a variety of distinct areas, each with its own unique characteristics and inhabitants.
The Ancient Ruins
At its heart, the Undercity consists of the remnants of a much older civilization. Eroded stonework, collapsed structures, and overgrown pathways hint at a glorious past now lost to time. These ruins are not merely cosmetic; they present both strategic opportunities and environmental hazards for adventurers who navigate their treacherous corridors.
The Temple of Bhaal
Perhaps the most infamous location within the Undercity is the Temple of Bhaal. This desecrated place of worship serves as a stronghold for the followers of the Lord of Murder, the dark god Bhaal. It was here that Sarevok, a formidable antagonist in the original Baldur’s Gate game, plotted his schemes with his most loyal disciples. The Temple of Bhaal is a symbol of corruption and a breeding ground for evil, making it a focal point for conflict and a crucial element of the game’s narrative.
Throrgar’s Domain
Expanding on what lies beneath, the text mentions Throrgar, which sits below Baldur’s Gate and extends beneath the eastern Cloakwood. However, Throrgar seems to be more of a region extending beyond just the city. It contains massive eldritch castles populated by slaadi, demons, and other inhabitants of Cocytus, such as bugbears and lycanthropes, adding another layer of complexity to what potentially underlies Baldur’s Gate and the regions surrounding it. While the main focus is on the Undercity, the existence of Throrgar hints at a broader and more sinister landscape beneath the surface.
Monsters and Inhabitants
The Undercity is a perilous place, teeming with a diverse array of monstrous creatures and nefarious individuals.
Undead Threat
As the name suggests, the Undercity is heavily infested with undead monsters. From shambling skeletons to spectral wraiths, these creatures pose a constant threat to those who venture into the darkness. The presence of the undead is a direct consequence of the Temple of Bhaal and the dark rituals performed within its walls.
Cultists and Followers of Bhaal
In addition to the undead, the Undercity is also home to living followers of Bhaal. These cultists are fanatically devoted to their dark god and will stop at nothing to further his goals. They often employ stealth, deception, and brutal violence to achieve their objectives, making them a formidable foe.
Other Denizens
Beyond the undead and cultists, the Undercity may also contain other opportunistic creatures and desperate individuals seeking refuge from the world above. These could include bandits, goblins, or even more exotic and dangerous monsters, adding to the unpredictable nature of the subterranean realm.
Significance in the Baldur’s Gate Series
The Undercity plays a crucial role in the Baldur’s Gate series, serving as a key location for quests, battles, and plot developments.
Sarevok’s Lair
In the original Baldur’s Gate, the Temple of Bhaal within the Undercity is the final destination for the protagonist, where they confront Sarevok and thwart his plans to plunge the region into war. The Undercity is therefore inextricably linked to the climax of the first game.
Exploring the Dark Side
The Undercity also offers players the opportunity to explore the darker aspects of the Forgotten Realms setting. By delving into its depths, players can uncover secrets, confront moral dilemmas, and face the consequences of their choices. The Undercity is a microcosm of the larger world, reflecting its conflicts, its corruption, and its capacity for both good and evil.
A Legacy of Adventure
Even in Baldur’s Gate 3, with its significant time jump, the legacy of the Undercity and the events that transpired there remain relevant. Characters might reference past events, and the consequences of Sarevok’s actions may continue to ripple through the world. Understanding the history of the Undercity enriches the player’s experience and adds depth to the overall narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Baldur’s Gate
1. What planet is Baldur’s Gate located on?
Baldur’s Gate is located on the planet Toril, also known as Abeir-Toril.
2. What is the Forgotten Realms?
The Forgotten Realms is a high fantasy campaign setting used for the Dungeons & Dragons tabletop role-playing game, as well as video games like the Baldur’s Gate series.
3. Where is Baldur’s Gate in Faerûn?
Baldur’s Gate is situated on the northwestern coast of the continent of Faerûn, along the River Chionthar.
4. Is Baldur’s Gate 3 a direct sequel to Baldur’s Gate 2?
While Baldur’s Gate 3 takes place in the same world and timeline, it occurs over 120 years after the events of Baldur’s Gate 2. It features a new cast of characters and a new storyline.
5. When do you reach Baldur’s Gate in Baldur’s Gate 3?
You reach Baldur’s Gate in the third act of Baldur’s Gate 3.
6. What is missing from Baldur’s Gate 3?
The Upper City of Baldur’s Gate is notably absent from Baldur’s Gate 3.
7. How old is the city of Baldur’s Gate?
The city of Baldur’s Gate is approximately 450 years old, based on the lore established in the original Baldur’s Gate game.
8. Can you play as Drizzt Do’Urden in Baldur’s Gate?
You could unlock Drizzt Do’Urden as a playable character in the original Baldur’s Gate by completing the game on the Extreme difficulty setting.
9. Is Baldur’s Gate 3 set in the Forgotten Realms?
Yes, Baldur’s Gate 3 is set in the Forgotten Realms.
10. Can you become a vampire in Baldur’s Gate 3?
While you can’t fully become a vampire in Baldur’s Gate 3, you can experience some vampire gameplay by allowing Astarion to drink your blood.
11. Who is the founder of Baldur’s Gate?
The founder of Baldur’s Gate is Balduran.
12. How many endings does Baldur’s Gate 3 have?
Baldur’s Gate 3 is designed to have multiple endings, making each playthrough unique. Larian has worked pretty hard to make sure you never get the exact same ending twice.
13. How does Baldur’s Gate 3 connect to Baldur’s Gate 1 and 2?
Baldur’s Gate 3 is set over 120 years after Baldur’s Gate 2, continuing the story in the same world but with new characters and storylines.
14. What is the main city in Baldur’s Gate 2?
The main city in Baldur’s Gate 2 is Athkatla, located in the country of Amn.
15. Is the Emperor Balduran?
The Emperor was formerly Balduran, before undergoing a transformation into an illithid. This strained his relationship with Ansur, who sought to cure him.
In conclusion, the Undercity beneath Baldur’s Gate is a complex and dangerous place, filled with history, monsters, and dark secrets. Its significance extends throughout the Baldur’s Gate series, impacting storylines and shaping the world of the Forgotten Realms. For those interested in the educational aspects of gaming, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.