Saradush is a city in Tethyr that was led by Gromnir Il-Khan. The city was under siege during the first chapter of Throne of Bhaal campaign and was later destroyed by the fire giant Yaga-Shura.
Backstory[]
Once a great bureaucratic center for the city's royal dynasty, Saradush became a producer of agricultural products for trade. Despite this, Saradush became an important way station for trade in the area surrounding the Lake of Steam. Given its proximity to several kinds of terrain, along with increased prominence as trade traffic with Riatavin rises, Saradush also become a haven for travelers and adventurers alike.
Later in Saradush history, the unpopular ruling Count Santele was overthrown by the even more tyrannic Bhaalspawn half-orc war lord Gromnir Il-Khan. At the same time, a woman named Melissan came and brought as many Bhaalspawn as she could to the city for their 'protection'. Unknown to them, she was actually Bhaal's right-hand servant and had really lured them to Saradush to gather them all in one place - allowing them to be killed together and Melissan able to gather more of Bhaal's essence for her cause. This would eventually lead to one of Melissan's cohorts, Yaga-Shura, besieging and sacking the city.
On the map[]
- Automap Note "Saradush Castle"
- Automap Note "Stairs to Second Floor"
- Automap Note "Militia Headquarters"
- Automap Note "Stairs to Second Floor"
- Automap Note "Countess Santele's House"
- Automap Note "Kiser's Home"
- Automap Note "Arcana Archives"
- Automap Note "Tavern"
- Automap Note "Gromnir's Barracks"
- Automap Note "Temple of Waukeen"
- Automap Note "Prison"
Places[]
- Castle Saradush First Floor (AR5001)
- Castle Saradush Second Floor (AR5002)
- Saradush Tavern (AR5003)
- Gromnir's Barracks (AR5005)
- Saradush Prison (AR5006)
- Kiser's Home (AR5008)
- Kiser's Home - Cellar (AR5014)
- Countess Santele's House (AR5010)
- Arcana Archives (AR5011)
- House (Saradush) (AR5012)
- Sewers beneath Saradush (AR5013)
- Militia Headquarters (AR5015)
- Temple of Waukeen
Creatures[]
NPCs[]
- Alexander Ralisar
- Dwarf (Saradush) (×3) conflict with Human (Dwarf Bully) - Stop the Dwarves side quest
- Errard
- Gromnir Soldier (Elf Bully) (×4) - Part of the Refuge for the Elves side quest.
- Harlot (Saradush)
- Elven refugees (×4) - Part of the Refuge for the Elves side quest
- Human (Dwarf Bully) (×3) conflict with Dwarf (Saradush)
- Il-Khan Soldier (×6) - Various types by the Castle Saradush main doorway/steps
- Melissan
- Oris Nimblefinger
- Squip
- Various animals, peasants, townsfolk, boy, girl
Quests[]
- Betrayal at the Gates (Justice for Mateo)
- Help Viekang
- Kill Fire Giants
- Lazarus's missing spellbook
- Peltje's Vampires
- Refuge for the Elves
- Stop the Dwarves
- The Ghostly Apparition
- Tazit's Dead Father
Treasure[]
Kiser Jhaeri[]
- Leather Armor +1
- Dagger +2
- Short Sword +3
- 2 Potions of Extra Healing
- 5 Potions of Invisibility
- Secret Jail Door Key
- Shakti Figurine
Kiser's home and cellar[]
- Starfall Ore
- King's Tears (×2)
- Numerous Random treasure types
Il-Khan Soldier[]
- Long Sword +3
- Large Shield +2
- Splint Mail +1
- War Hammer +3
- Mace +2
- Full Plate Mail +1
Gameplay and walkthrough (abbreviated)[]
Travel to Saradush[]
The party has already had an opportunuity to experience the Pocket Plane (area) and was introduced to the Solar. The party has encountered Sarevok and had discussion with the protagonist's "dead" brother. Additionally, the party has also completed the first of several challenges - specifically the Challenge: Retribution.
When the party is ready to continue the adventure, exit the pocket plane. A Journal Entry will display soon:
“ | Destiny's next stop According to Sarevok, the place I need to go next is the Tethyrian city of Saradush. I may not have much of a choice, either... this pocket plane isn't a simple portal that takes me where I want to go. It takes me where I need to be. | ” |
Arriving in Saradush[]
Next a cut scene cinematic will play about the siege of Saradush. Narration and a violent scene of burning buildings and flaming catapult missiles are featured. This transitions into another cutscene focused on the main steps in front of Castle Saradush. A mob of townsfolk are gathered and face a group of human and orc guards. They seek an audience with the town's current ruler, Gromnir Il-Khan. The guards refuse, warning all to disperse or face their wrath. Another NPC named Melissan talks over the mob and addresses all. She seeks to calm the situation, and says:
- "These people represent the concerns of the entire town. Please, good soldiers, hear their case. Threats are not the answer here. Everyone, stay calm and we can work together to find a solution. No one do anything rash. Uh, perhaps if we return later, when it is more convenient for Gromnir Il-Khan to see us..."
The soldiers aren't listening and prepare to attack the crowd. Melissan shouts:
- "NO! Put down your weapons! This is not necessary!"
At this moment the party appears only feet away from the gathering and observes the soldiers' advancing upon the hapless unarmed townsfolk. Melissan says out loud:
- "What's this? A child of Bhaal appears from nowhere? Impossible! Unless..."
A final soldier shouts that the party are intruders into the city, and to attack. The soldiers are now hostile and change their focus to the party. Defeat the Il-Khan Soldier forces, and check out their loot drops. The townsfolk flee the local area.
Converse with Melissan[]
Once the soldier threat is finished, Melissan will address the protagonist. During her explanations there may be a chance to interject, and further along ask some questions. Some paraphrased dialogue below:
- "Greetings, <CHARNAME>. I am Melissan—a friend. Welcome to Saradush. I regret your first encounter in this town was so... bloody. I have watched the events of your life quite closely, <CHARNAME>, as I do with all the progeny of the Lord of Murder. I have seen many of your kin slain over these past months. I do not know how you came to be here, <CHARNAME>, but I fear you are now trapped here in Saradush like the rest of us. Beyond the walls of Saradush awaits the army of Yaga-Shura. They have laid siege to this town, seeking the death of all those here who share your tainted blood. Yaga-Shura is a Bhaalspawn, <CHARNAME>—perhaps as powerful as you yourself. He and his army will not rest until every child of Bhaal within these walls lies dead. Until you prove yourself, there are some secrets I must keep to guarantee the safety of the people I have sworn to protect. If you wish to save yourself from Yaga-Shura, you will aid me regardless. There is little hope of escape from this besieged town. In addition to the army surrounding us, dark magic prevents us from even sending a message beyond the walls."
You learn more and find out your next goals in the saga:
- "First, we must deal with General Gromnir—the man who now runs the city of Saradush. Gromnir is also a child of Bhaal and was once a powerful general. I brought him and his loyal men here to protect Saradush and the many Bhaalspawn gathered here seeking sanctuary. But Gromnir is mad. He has barricaded himself in the castle throne room, and his troops run amok through the town with no regard for the lives and rights of the citizens of Saradush."
She continues:
- "The actions of Gromnir and his soldiers have caused dissension within the town and made it almost impossible for the loyal Saradush militia to defend the walls. We must first defeat the enemy within before we can end this siege. You must find a way to get inside the castle to Gromnir. Perhaps you can reason with him... but I fear he is beyond reason. I am afraid you will have to kill the general to give Saradush any hope of surviving the siege. I may be difficult to find after this, <CHARNAME>. The town suffers, and my hours are spent doing what I can for the people. If you have another question, I suggest you ask it now."
There are several questions and replies available should the party wish to delve further. Afterwards Melissan teleports away. At that time the player receives two Journal Entries:
“ | Your Journal has been updated: I must find a way to enter the palace and confront Gromnir Il-Khan. I should be able to find a way in if I talk to the people in town. | ” |
“ | Your Journal has been updated: I must find a way to overcome Yaga-Shura's invincibility. I may find answers in the Forest of Mir. I may have to use my pocket plane to travel outside of Saradush, however. | ” |
Mod gallery[]
- Portraits from Portraits Portraits Everywhere
Appendix[]
External links[]
- Saradush on the Forgotten Realms Wiki, a wiki for the Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting Forgotten Realms.
Sources & references[]
- Baldur's Gate II section at Mike's RPG Center