SPOILERS AHEAD
The relationship betweenBaldur’s Gate 3andDungeons and Dragonsis symbiotic, meaningBG3learned a lot in adapting theDnD 5eruleset andDnDcould learn from plenty of the changes made to its formula in the game. More importantly, manyBaldur’s Gate 3fans are constantly starting new Tavs, Origin Characters, and Durges just to experience it all over again. The anticipation forBaldur’s Gate 3DLCis understandably high as a result, but it’s uncertain when and if that’ll happen. Instead, however, it’s possible to translate Larian’s take on Faerun to the table and “continue” the story ofBG3as a custom, homebrewed campaign.
It’s easy enough to translate the custom characters andcompanions ofBaldur’s Gate 3intoDnDcharacters; it’s pretty much outlined for every character, with a few modifications of course. That said, there are also plenty of “unfinished” stories that could serve well asBG3DLC or as completely homebrewed campaigns, with this world and characters translated from pixels to pen and paper.
Fallout in the City
DMs could easily find ways to tie together many elements that are ongoing in the city as ofBaldur’s Gate 3’s ending, any of them really. Practically every duke is killed, including Gortash and potentially Ravengard based on player choices, and this could create a fun power vacuum as the power of the city tries to rebuild. This opens up a lot of potential plots as people try to seize or restore power, as well as a lot of political RP. Meanwhile, the Underduke intends to restrengthen the Thieves Guild after the dealings with the Zhentarim (which a DM could take in any direction), and of course, it stands to reason many Cult of Bhaal worshippers are still alive somewhere in the city. These could serve as little one-offs or short campaigns, while it’s possible to see ways DMs could bring them together. Perhaps a low-ranking member from the Cult of Bhaal seizes the chance to restore the cult after Orin’s death and manipulates the crumbling power hierarchy.
The Fallout of Karsus
On its own or in conjunction with the above, it could be interesting to see if a new character becomes the Chosen ofGale, God of Ambition, to influence PCs or be a PC to deal with this and the fallout of the Crown’s reforging. At the same time, Mystra having Netherese power could be tied in the above storylines, if not outright standalone as well.
The War Between Selune and Shar
Selune or Shar can get the upper hand in their war depending on player choices inBaldur’s Gate 3, with a Sharran Shadowheart rebuilding her cloister with new Dark Justiciars or a Selunite Shadowheart being on the run from Sharran Assassins. Again, either of these hooks could serve as standalone campaigns or be tied into some new emerging plot unifying other ongoings in the city.
Mephistopheles' Revenge
Perhaps one of the best storylines for possibleBaldur’s Gate 3DLC or as a homebrew campaign deals with the archdevil Mephistopheles. He has plenty of reasons to hold a grudge against the possible player characters, particularly if someone were to convert aDark UgeBG3character. If someone chooses not to ascend Astarion, then that is 7,000 souls Mephistopheles has been denied. Players also learn that The Dark Urge and Gortash are responsible for the heist of the Crown of Karsus. Mephistopheles seeking revenge not only seems like a great possibleBG3DLC, but it’s open to interpretation, letting DMs have a lot of fun in this pocket. Any DM could create a great campaign of nearly any length dealing with Mephistopheles attempting to get back at the characters.
Spawn in the Underdark
It’s worth mentioning that theVampire Spawnwould ideally be living peacefully or terrorizing the Underdark; their fate is left ambiguous. Not only does this give DMs a lot to work with in a Mephistopheles-basedBaldur’s Gate 3campaign, but it could also serve as a standalone element in an Underdark adventure.
Avernus Adventures
If players want to set something in Avernus, then it would be simple enough to work inKarlach(potentially alongside Wyll and/or Tav) as well. One ending sees her return to the hated plane, and this could involve new methods to escape, brand new stories, and several other options. This could make a great side quest in any infernal dealings or it could be a major plot point in the aforementioned Mephistopheles campaign.
The Githyanki Civil War
If players don’t want to be restricted to the city of Baldur’s Gate or to Avernus, then the Astral Plane has a lot to offer. It could be something like Mind Flayer society dealing with the aftermath of the Netherbrain, it could be the ongoings with the Githyanki, and either would make great as full-fledged campaigns or miniature adventures. After the events of the game, Orpheus, Lae’Zel, Tav, or any combination of those could be leading war against Vlaakith. There are also Githzerai rebels that are later involved per Lae’Zel’sepilogue inBaldur’s Gate 3.
Really, a DnD campaign based onBaldur’s Gate 3can take any loose story thread, headcanon, or inspiration, and it would translate very well. It’ll be interesting to see how the relationship between the two continues to grow in the future.
Baldur’s Gate 3
WHERE TO PLAY
Abducted, infected, lost. You are turning into a monster, but as the corruption inside you grows, so does your power. Forge a tale of fellowship and betrayal, sacrifice and survival, and the lure of absolute power. Caught in a conflict between devils, deities, and sinister otherworldly forces, you and your party will determine the fate of the Forgotten Realms.THE ULTIMATE D&D EXPERIENCEChoose from a wide selection of D&D races and classes, or play as an origin character with a hand-crafted background. Adventure, loot, battle, and romance as you journey through the Forgotten Realms and beyond. Play alone or as a party of up to four in multiplayer – and select your companions carefully.A CINEMATIC STORYTELLING EPICForged with the new Divinity 4.0 engine, Baldur’s Gate 3 gives you unprecedented freedom to explore, experiment, and interact with a world that reacts to your choices. A grand, cinematic narrative brings you closer to your characters than ever before, as you venture through our biggest world yet. Romance, deceive, aid, obstruct, and grow alongside your friends thanks to Larian’s next-generation RPG engine.
