Lands of Intrigue Quests Preview
Obviously we're not going to spoil things by giving away all the new LoI quests, so the following is merely a taster of what to expect.
Consequences
Isn't it kind of odd how Firkraag, Faldorn, Tor'Gal, the Shade Lord & co. sit around twiddling their thumbs while you're off gallivanting through Bynnlaw, Spellhold and the Underdark? Well, LoI will resolve that little problem. Of course this is also an excellent excuse to make the difficulty level of places like the Windspear Hills, the Druid Grove, etc, as well as some of the new LoI areas more appropriate for chapter 6 parties.
Conversely, you can also choose to install an optional (we must emphasize that, since we know a lot of people will hate it) component that adds consequences if you take too long to rescue Imoen. It's based around the dropped "Imoen the Ravager" storyline from BG2, but there are important differences from what BioWare originally had planned. There will be plenty of time to complete all the major quests before heading off to Bynnlaw & rescue Imoen in time, but you'd better not dawdle too much.
Sythillisian Gambit
Taking place from the moment the party arrives back in Athkatla from the Underdark, this quest sees the Council of Six virtually pressganging the party into performing a task for them in the southern city of Murann. Under siege by the Sythillisian Empire, you obviously can't waltz into the place, so you'll have to find some kind of less conventional way in to the city. Once there seek aid from the surviving inhabitants - which include everybody from Clerics of Selûne to Shadow Thieves!
The King of Amn
LoI introduces an alternate choice to working for the Shadow Thieves or Bodhi's Guild - the Knights of the Shield. Not exactly a "good" route to go, but somewhat less morally dubious than the existing alternatives. Your contact is Pehllus Tanislove who—unbeknownst to the player—is a relative high-ranking member of the Knights (though not in the Shield Council yet), and one of the Council of Six who rule Amn. As the title of the quest suggests, he has a certain other ambition too...
The Slaver Threat
This quest finally brings the slaver plot to a satisfactory conclusion. Saemon and his crew have recently begun hearing rumors of numerous ships being attacked and their crews abducted; slavers seem the most likely explanation. They will refuse to set sail unless someone deals with the problem first - obviously this is where you come in!
Once you've defeated the various existing groups of slavers and their associates (the management of the Copper Coronet, the owners of the Slaver Stockade, the Bridge District smugglers, the occupants of the Guarded Compound, and of course Isaea Roenall), you'll meet with Corgeig Axehand's superior, and the brand new elements of the quest are opened up. Eventually you'll not only discover the identity of the true leader of the slavers in Amn, but also uncover a dark conspiracy that could lead to devastating consequences the entire country...
Pain & Poison
You'd never know it from playing through the Baldur's Gate series, but Bhaal actually had two sub-ordinate deities: Loviator, Maiden of Pain and Talona, Lady of Poison. This quest sees the churches of the two evil gods introduced into ToB, as they each try manipulating the PC towards helping them achieve their own decidedly unpleasant goals. But which - if either - church will you chose to back, and what will the consequences of your choice be?
