Quote:
Originally posted by Luvian:
Why not just introduce a new group. A completely new faction? There are other groups or even individuals that could help.
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Not a bad idea. I think that the reason that people think in terms of using existing groups is that it's easier to look at their justifications for helping you and how it fits into their pre-existing mandate. Creating a new group requires creating a justification for their very existance, as well as a justification for why they are helping you.
And that the existing groups have existing headquarters in the city, whereas adding a new faction would seem to require finding a place to put them.
I suppose that there may be some groups in the region that exist in D&D and FR, but were not included in BG2. But since I am not a D&D expert, only a D&D CRPG player, I know nothing of these possible groups.
Personally, I wouldn't mind if a justification could be created for the Lathanerites or Helmites or the Order of the Radiant Heart (ORJ) to help you. Yes, no doubt that there are reasons, some already mentioned, for these groups *not* helping. But I think that it's entirely possible that a justification could be created for them to help out, in spite of their normal mandate. Sometimes, groups will do the unexpected. Oh, not some much so that it's completely nukes their alignment.
But I think that I could see where the ORH's leadership might be chafing at the arrogance of the Cowled Wizards and are looking for a reason to look into their abuses. They might believe that they couldn't do this themselves, but would see the PC as an opportunity. And in return, they would help the PC get to Spellhold. What kinds of tasks you might be required to do for the ORH? Oh, the easy requirement might be to simply do the Windspear Hills area and/or kill Firkraag. A new requirement would require some creative thinking.
OTOH, perhaps the Lathanderites might be willing to help out, but in return you might need to figure out the reason for all of the vampires that are prowling the streets of Athkatla at night. This could end up being similar to the path you take when you work with the Shadow Thieves, i.e. go to graveyard, break into Bohdi's lair, and kick some vampire butts. (Except that you'd need someone other than the Shadow Thief's wizard and the golem to open the "big blue door" to break into Bohdi's lair.)
All in all, I think that all roads would probably lead to getting the boat ride with Saemon Havarian.