Heroes of Baldur's Gate
An Ancient Prophecy Ad
HoBG
“The God of Murder shall perish, but in his doom he shall
one y
spawn a score of mortal progeny. Chaos will be sown from Gorio
their passage. So sayeth the wise Alaundo.” adven
curre
Excerpt from The Endless Chant morta
broug
tumu
This prophecy refers to the god Bhaal. He was one of three Uphe
mortals, including Bane and Myrkul, who ascended to Ar
godhood centuries ago by slaying the death god, Jergal. big ci
Reveling in his newfound power, Bhaal transformed explo
himself into the Lord of Murder. He was an entirely wicked,
evil deity, revered only by assassins and nihilistic, power-
hungry sadists. Ch
In 1358 DR, during the Time of Troubles, Bhaal was one Lev
of many gods forced to walk Faerûn as mortals. During this
time, he was slain by the sword Godsbane, leaving his All ch
throne empty. But before his death, Bhaal fathered many
children, each possessing a portion of his fractured divinity. Rac
These children came to be known as Bhaalspawn, seeds of Al
the Lord of Murder. Va
The ancient prophecy is now coming to pass, with sc
disastrous consequences for the Sword Coast. It began Al
with the Iron Crisis. ch
The Iron Crisis Cla
One year ago, the great nations of Baldur's Gate and Amn Al
were nearly manipulated into a war by a powerful Un
Bhaalspawn named Sarevok. Sarevok was one of the
leaders of a mercantile guild called the Iron Throne. He Abi
used the influence of his organization to try and plunge the Choo
region into a bloody war. In his mind, the resulting death
and slaughter would make him a worthy successor to his St
malevolent father. ab
Before his ambitions could be realized, Sarevok was Ro
slain by another Bhaalspawn, called "Gorion's ward", who cu
was working with an organization known as the Harpers. ha
Gorion's ward gathered a group of companions from across Po
the Sword Coast who stood together to defeat Sarevok and sp
his minions. The Iron Crisis was averted, but Bhaal's low
throne remains empty. ab
While many are aware of the role that the Iron Throne Abil
played in this conflict, very few are aware of the
Bhaalspawn or their prophecy. Tensions between Baldur's
Gate and Amn remain high. The Iron Throne has been cast
down: its leaders killed, its followers scattered, and its
strongholds abandoned.
The Sword Coast
The port city of Baldur’s Gate is the pride of West Faerûn, a
mercantile stronghold ruled by the famous Grand Dukes. It
lies in the north of the region known as the Sword Coast. Bac
Some say it took its name from the white cliffs that rose up Al
sharply for hundreds of miles along the coastline between us
the river Dessarin and Baldur's Gate. Traveling author Ho
Volothamp Geddarm attributed the region's name to its Th
dangerous inhabitants, both humanoid and bestial. pa
1
d6 Pe
Epic Backgrounds G
of
Child of Bhaal 1
in
Decades ago, many gods were killed in the Godswar. The st
Lord of Murder, Bhaal, foresaw his demise and stalked the 2 M
mortal world, fathering children with dozens of women of
every race. The children born from these unions all carried Ia
the divine spark of Bhaal. You are one of these children. 3 de
The taint of Bhaal grants you powers beyond those typical do
of your race and heritage. At least, that is what you've been I'v
told… 4
m
So far, none of your powers have manifested. While you Ia
have always had the free will to choose your own path, your 5
be
father's shadow looms large. You know that Bhaal expected
to return to life, once his children had slaughtered one The symbol of Bhaal, the Lord of Murder. Ia
6
another to the last. If you were the last remaining th
Bhaalspawn, would you become a god? Or would you be no
more than a vessel for your malevolent father? You may d6 Id
choose to embrace this destiny and hunt down your Fr
siblings, or you may try to forever rid yourself of your 1
liv
father's tainted ‘gift’.
D
2
Skill Proficiencies: Survival, Intimidation fa
Languages. One of your choice Re
Equipment. A set of common clothes, a holy symbol of 3
to
Bhaal, a book that describes Alaundo's prophecy, a belt
pouch containing 10gp 4
Po
Fortitude of Bhaal. When you are killed, your soul is ot
drawn to the Throne of Bhaal, where it must wait along A
with all of its siblings until only one Bhaalspawn remains 5
u
alive. This means that resurrection magic will no longer
work on your dead body after being dead for one day. 6
A
g
However, this is offset by the fact that you are more
resilient than others of your race. When you are forced to d6 B
make death saving throws, you are not dead until you have
failed four rolls (instead of three). 1
Is
w
Suggested characteristics A
Bhaalspawn come from every race and walk of life, born to 2
th
mortal mothers scattered across Faerûn. Some were raised
in isolated Bhaalite temples, while others were adopted by 3 M
families who were ignorant of their father's identity. Ia
Bhaalspawn are typically indistinguishable from others of 4
I
their race, except that they feel an unusual impulse to
perform violent and evil acts. They exult in the thrill of such 5
Io
violence, even if they experience shame and remorse g
afterwards. Many go on to choose professions best suited I'm
to these traits, becoming expert mercenaries and hunters. 6
co
d6 Fl
Ev
1
se
Is
2
w
Ia
3
m
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4
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5 M
I
6
in
2
d6 Ideal
The Awakened Clone
Knowledge. There is always a way to accomplish my
You are a clone of one of the most powerful archmagi to 1
goals, so I must learn as much as I can. (Any)
have ever lived. Unlike a typical clone, the soul of the
archmage never animated the body. Instead, the clone body Independence. I am confident in my own abilities and
was discarded and remained dormant for centuries. For 2 need help from no one, least of all the wizard who
some reason, you have awakened not as an empty vessel, created me. (Chaotic)
but with an identity and morality that is uniquely your own. Compassion. I am convinced that caring for other
However, this new life is missing one important thing: a 3
people is the key to gaining a soul. (Good)
soul. Deep down inside, you feel incomplete, and you Belonging. Finding my place in a community helps
desperately wish to create a soul for yourself, but only the 4
me to forget how different I am. (Any)
gods have that power.
You may choose to describe the archmage that you were Objectivity. My feelings of detachment from society
cloned from, or you may choose from one of the famous 5 are a gift. This impartiality helps me to make the
archmagi listed below: right decisions. (Neutral)
Loyalty. My connections to others are few in number
Azuth, before he ascended to godhood. 6
but unbreakably strong. (Lawful)
Halaster Blackcloak, ruler of Undermountain.
Karsus, the wizard whose magic destroyed the Netheril d6 Bond
Empire and created the Anauroch desert.
Acererak, the wizard on the cover of the Dungeon 1
I admire the wizard from whom I was cloned and
Master's Guide, before he became a lich. hope to one day become as adept as they are.
Skill Proficiencies: Arcana, Insight 2
I have a close friendship with someone who does
Languages: Two of your choice not know the secret of my origin.
Equipment: A set of common clothes, a belt pouch I am indebted to my mentor, who has taught me
containing 15 gp 3
most of what I know.
Empty Vessel. Because you don't have a soul, resurrection I want to make a name for myself by seeking fame
magic can restore you to life no matter how much time has 4
and fortune, enough to overshadow even my creator.
passed. For example, a revivify spell will always work on
your body, even weeks after you died. The only drawback is I am obsessed with history, especially that which
that true resurrection and wish spells are unable to bring 5 concerns my origins, and I research it as much as I
you back to life if your body is destroyed. can.
I resent the wizard who created me and carry a
Suggested characteristics 6
strong grudge against mages in general.
As the perfect duplicate of an archmage, an Awakened
Clone possesses the same raw potential as the original. d6 Flaw
Though they may not choose to study the arcane, they are
highly intelligent and have a natural aptitude for magic. An 1
Even though I try to hide it, I believe myself to be
Awakened Clone learns with astonishing speed and can less than whole. I'm not a 'real' person.
master skills quickly, even if their limited experience can I feel an intense jealousy toward anyone who has led
make them as naive as children. 2
a 'normal' life.
d6 Personality Trait I am so focused on my quest for a soul that I ignore
3
all else, including the safety of myself and others.
I am plagued by dreams and nightmares from a life
1 I am slow to trust other people to the point where
that I never lived. 4
most interpersonal relationships are difficult for me.
Life is absurd. Dire circumstances are just about the
2 There are holes in my knowledge of the world that
only things that I take seriously. 5
often put me in danger.
My lack of background knowledge of the world helps
3 me keep an open mind. For better or worse, I largely I sometimes experience identity crises that cause me
6
hold no prejudices. to confuse myself with my original creator.
I am experiencing most things for the first time,
4
which has made me prone to overindulgence.
I was "born" into this world with nothing and
5 treasure my few belongings. I take good care of even
the most minor trinket.
There is no greater joy than that I find in helping
6
others.
3
d6 Personality Trait d6 Fl
The Last Emperor
This new world fascinates me; I want to learn If
You are the last emperor of one of Faerûn's most powerful 1
everything I can about it.
1
of
ancient dynasties. Thousands of years ago, the
overconfidence of your family brought about the ruin of I have a habit of using idioms from my native 2 Ir
your entire civilization. Millions died, and your culture was 2 language that have been translated literally. They
Ia
erased from history. As the crown prince, you needed to be don't make much sense to most people. 3
g
protected before the final fall, and so you were entombed Etiquette has greatly changed since my interment.
deep beneath the earth. You were placed within an 3
The rudeness these modern folk display shocks me. 4
Ia
m
adamantine casket that would protect you until it was safe I have cultivated a grim sense of humor to cope with
for you to rise again and resume your family's dynasty. 4
the loss of everything I've ever known.
Ia
That time never came. You were forgotten, buried for 5 m
thousands of years, until your tomb was discovered by 5
I sometimes have trouble separating my dreams and m
archeologists. Your wondrous casket was displayed in a memories from reality. This can be very disorienting.
M
museum as an artifact of unknown nature and origin. My mind is preoccupied with events on a grand
6
an
Recently, someone realized the truth and used powerful 6
scale. I am indifferent to the problems of others.
divine magic to open your casket and return you to life.
They also stole your casket. You don't know who was d6 Ideal
responsible for the theft or why they did it. All you know is
that you exist in a new world, separated by thousands of Humility. My time among the common people has
years from the one that you knew. 1 taught me humility. Perhaps my empire would have
survived if not for our arrogance. (Good)
You may choose to describe the empire that you came
from, or you may choose one from the list below: 2
Knowledge. Understanding the world around me is
key to regaining at least some of my status. (Any)
The Netheril Empire. Your family allowed the
archmage Karsus to unleash magics that turned the 3
Community. The past can't be changed. I must find
empire into the Anauroch desert. my place in the present. (Lawful)
The Kingdom of Narfell. Your family foolishly engaged 4 Conquest. I will recreate my lost empire. (Evil)
the battle wizards of Raumathar in a cataclysmic war Respect. I crave the same level of respect that I once
that destroyed both nations. 5
took for granted. (Any)
The Empire of Imaskar. Your family battled the gods of
Mulhurand and Unther, and lost. All that remains of 6
Adventure. With nothing left to lose, the thrill of
your empire is the Raurin desert. exploration is all that matters to me. (Chaotic)
Skill Proficiencies: Arcana, Persuasion d6 Bond
Languages: Choose four 'exotic' languages
Equipment: A set of fine clothes, a silver signet ring worth 1 I worship a forgotten or obscure god.
25 gp A historian, scholar, or linguist who specializes in
Dreams of Warning. Every night, you dream of your 2 studying my culture has been instrumental in my
ancient life: your forgotten friends and family, and your lost adjustment to this new life.
lovers. It feels like they are trying to tell you something, but It is my duty to tell the story of my culture. I will not
you always awaken before the words can be spoken. One 3
allow my empire to be forgotten.
thing that your lost loved ones can do is warn you of
impending danger. When resting, you cannot be surprised. 4 I feel protective towards descendants of my people.
Since being revived, I have made a close friend or
Suggested Characteristics 5 taken a lover who reminds me of someone long
How the last emperor interacts with the modern world is a dead.
defining characteristic of their story. They may adapt
quickly to this radical change in fortune, or not. They might I am dedicated to prevent the people of this age
become a sympathetic figure, a tragic victim of ancient 6 from making the same mistakes that destroyed my
hubris. Or they might come to embody the same flaws that empire.
wiped out their original civilization. Likewise, they may
possess a regal bearing that transcends time or display
alien customs that unnerve modern Faerûnians.
4
d6 Personality Trait
Reincarnated
I am fascinated by humanoid ingenuity. What they
You were once a powerful green dragon that terrorized the 1
can accomplish with so little is truly remarkable.
Cloakwood forest for decades. Born centuries ago, you
grew to adulthood feeding off of those foolish enough to Threats do not faze me. I have already died once and
trespass in your domain. You were the most feared 2 can think of no worse punishment than my current
creature in the forest, and you had no rival. Unfortunately, form.
your overconfidence was your undoing. You came into 3 I never forget an insult.
conflict with a faction known as the Shadow Druids. My draconic greed has transcended reincarnation. I
Thinking them insignificant, you were surprised when they 4 demand high payments and endlessly count my
were able to trap and kill you with powerful nature magic. coins.
Instead of leaving you dead, the leader of the Shadow
Druids reincarnated you into the form of one of the 5
I prefer to stay away from urban environments. I've
pathetic humanoids that you once hunted as prey. You don't never been able to get used to the constant noise.
know why she did this. I freely discuss my previous life and become enraged
While you possess the memories of your old life, it 6
when others don't believe my tales.
doesn't define who you are now. Your new body has
instilled an affinity for those of the same race. You have an d6 Ideal
opportunity to start a new life. You might even want to
atone for the suffering that you caused as a dragon. But 1
Atonement. I am genuinely remorseful for my past,
first things first: You need to recover your beloved treasure and I seek to redeem other evil creatures. (Good)
hoard. Those thieving Shadow Druids stole it from you, and Glory. I strive for greatness, even though I am held
stealing from a dragon is a fatal mistake. 2
back by this weak humanoid body. (Any)
Skill Proficiencies: Deception, Insight 3 Power. I will be feared once more. (Evil)
Languages: Draconic and choose one 'exotic' language Adaptability. I will take advantage of any opportunity I
Equipment: A set of common clothes, a belt pouch with 4
can find in this state. (Chaotic)
10 gp
Draconic Memories. You retain the knowledge you 5
Restraint. I see that my recklessness was what sealed
my fate. I will not repeat this mistake. (Lawful)
accumulated over the centuries that you lived as a dragon,
and you remember your old home quite well. As a result, 6
Vengeance. I will track down the fools who cursed
you have advantage on all Intelligence (Nature) and me and exact retribution. (Evil)
Wisdom (Survival) checks when within the Cloakwood.
This advantage also applies to any Intelligence (Arcana and d6 Bond
History) checks that involve recalling information about the I still view other dragons as my kin and attempt to
Cloakwood and its immediate area. 1
engage them as equals.
Suggested Characteristics 2
After learning more about the Harpers, I have come
Although their previous life as a dragon largely defines to respect the organization.
their sense of self, the Reincarnated has also experienced a My hatred of the Shadow Druids continues to burn. I
lifetime as a humanoid, albeit a much shorter one. The 3
distrust all druids by extension.
struggle to reconcile the two can be a great source of inner
turmoil or something they never consciously think about. 4
I fervently study the arcane arts to find a way to
The Reincarnated may develop strong feelings of loyalty to restore my form.
their new community while also feeling alienated from it. I have grown to love my new home and would do
One characteristic from the previous life of a Reincarnated 5
anything to protect it.
is that it's impossible to ignore the feeling of ownership
over one's lost dragon hoard. It must be reclaimed! My new perspective has made me curious. I want to
6 explore the rest of the Sword Coast and even the
lands beyond.
d6 Flaw
I remain arrogant and disdainful of the lesser
1
creatures I known find myself surrounded by.
I am vulnerable to flattery, especially that which takes
2
into account my draconic nature.
I am still unused to having such a fragile body and
3
tend to underestimate risks of physical harm.
The vivid memories of my past life can confuse me.
4 Sometimes I forget common knowledge and
etiquette.
5 I continue to feel the compulsion to amass a hoard.
I experienced a bad fall in this new form that has
6
instilled in me a significant fear of heights.
