I found the main plot too convoluted on my first play-through and have never been particularly emotionally engaged. Getting the tadpoles out never felt like a real option, so I never even tried too much. Upon replay the main plot feels the weakest along with the Emperor's role. It feels like the game was originally conceived around a Bhaalspawn/Dark Urge protagonist and was later shifted to fit custom Tav too. It doesn't help that Act 3 has way too much going on from small inconsequential quests to saving the world, and it doesn't give enough space for Orin and Gortash to breathe.
I would have cut large parts of the plot with the Netherbrain and the Emperor and added more character moments to Orin/Gortash and the Dead Three.
