I posted this on reddit about a week ago and it got a lot of attention. I think people get caught up in the Druid Grove/Goblin drama and it feels not very satisfying when the only option *seems* to be join Goblins or Join Grove with some permutations.
First ignore the Goblins and the Druids/Tieflings* - they are beneath you - instead head into the Underdark and claim power and resources for yourself.
1. Go to the Kuo-Toa and undercut that redcap weakling - then demand they worship you and "build you an army"
2. Help Glut supplant Spaw in return for power and influence. Spaw is weak anyway.
3. Give the noblestock to Baelen and demand recompense and discounts for your efforts.
4. Defeat the Drow wizards and find out about the adamantine forge - you will possess this power for your own ends.
5. Loot the arcane tower - learn of its guardians passcodes and take over the towers defenses. You now own your own fortress in the Underdark. Dig up De Hursts dead dog and take its collar so you can summon free steak and then eat it in her bed. Leave stains. Seems like this would be a great place to put your Kuo-Toa army (hint hint Larian ;D)
6. Work out a trade agreement with the hag - discounts on her incredible potions in exchange for gold.
7. Head to the Grymforge - when questioned push the Duegar off the boat and then slaughter the crew. Loot the boat.
8. When that Duegar female tries to extort you tell her to kiss your ass. Let her know you are happy to throw down anytime.
9. Abuse “Stickshit” - and mock him openly. Find out about the Shadow-curse lands from your new "friend" the drunk blowhard Duegar.
10. Oh don’t forget to steal that deep gnomes boots and her belongings in the Myconid colony.
11. Abuse the animals to get the rubble cleared.
12. Encourage Nere to kill all the slaves and Sergeant Thrinn and her ilk - then let him in on what is going on with the Tadpoles and the Absolute. He is shocked by what you tell him. He can give you a lot of information on who is in charge at moonrise. He tells you to go talk to Minthara who can help get you there...
And that’s when you go see the goblins…as a conqueror with your own agenda*Obviously there is stuff you can do on the surface before heading into the Underdark, being cognizant of your fledgling position. Such as:
1. Loot the grove for any resources you can find.
1. Let Aradin punch out Zevelor. While Zevelor is passed out steal his stuff. Mmm, nice Gloves!
2. Trick Alfira into teaching you how to perform with musical instruments as a non-bard. A minor ability but you may be able to charm/enthrall/distract people with it. Kill Alfira after you are done.
3. Interrogate the Goblin Sazza for everything she knows. Free her or don't. Pft.
4. Interrogate the entire camp. Lie to Nettie about using the poison on yourself - Wyvern poison is valuable and dangerous.
5. Find out about Kargha and the shadow druids from that locked chest and follow up to the tree in the swamp...that may be useful later.
6. Kill all the "Followers of Tyr" in the Toll house, or get rid of them in other ways. You don't need people like that around looking into your business.
7. Interrogate Rugin about his cargo, his affiliation with the Zhentarim and the passcode and location of the hideout. Demand he give you the Cargo (Various Checks) - go to the Hideout and speak to Zarys who invites you to join the Zhentarim and take the 'cargo" to Baldur's gate if you kill Rugan. Kill Rugan. These could be valuable allies both here and in Baldur's gate. they can get hard to get items, slaves, whatever you may need. Laugh at the stupid sissy artists and his predicament.
8. Fully loot the blighted village. Cow the Goblins into subservience. Torture the locals. Give Deep Gnomes wings. Hunt for knowledge in the old apothecary which leads you to the book, the promise and the price. Head into the underground spider lair to recover the Amethyst which the apprentice stole.
9. You notice the giant hole that leads into the Underdark, use Feather Fall to jump down, and go see above.
Additionally I would encourage people to create 4 custom characters and ditch all the pre-mades. Trust me, you will feel so free and in control. See below for instructions on how to do that from Wolfheart. Love that guy.
To Evil!
