Lots of thoughts on where to introduce her into the game. Probably in ACT 1, with her trying to get to Baldur's Gate as well, so maybe there would be a few points you can possibly run into her on the way. Ideally I'd want to introduce her in a way that makes it clear this isn't the same fretful kid she is at the start of BG2; she's composed, confident, a little bit silly, but not easily intimidated. Something like this, which could take place very near to the crash site at the start:

BANDIT LEADER: Hold there, friends. You’re looking a little worse for wear. Perhaps me and my compatriots can help lighten your burden a little.

(He whistles and more bandits come out of skulking to surround you.)

SHADOWHEART: Looters. They got here fast.

(Either attack right away, in which case Aerie will appear to help during the fight, then after skip to her asking if you’re okay, or attempt to talk your way past them.)

TAV: We don’t have anything.

BANDIT LEADER: Wrong, friend. Even if you were stood out here butt-naked, you’d still have something.

TAV: I’m serious; we just walked away from that crash. We've nothing valuable on us.

BANDIT LEADER: Ah, the crash; such a tragedy that. Such a shame that there were no survivors.

(The bandit unfurls and begins to wind up a long metallic whip for a lash, only for his body to be jerked slightly to the side. He snaps his head, squinting in confusion at a fair, blonde, and small elf holding the other end of the whip firmly in her hand.)

BANDIT LEADER: What’s this? Some little elfling girl wanting to be a hero? You’ve made a big mistake, little girl.

AERIE: Don’t call me little.

(A surge of energy rushes along the whip, knocking the Bandit Leader on his arse).

BANDIT: Another bloody wizard!

(Aerie begins to pace slowly to the side as the stunned and angry Bandit Leader scrambles to his feet, hand hovering close to her belt kind of like a Wild West gunslinger).

AERIE: So, you know she’s a spellcaster, and now you’re wondering how many more tricks does she have; maybe just one, or maybe she’s got an entire regiment’s arsenal tucked up her sleeves. I suppose the question to be asking yourself is, how much are you willing to risk to find out?

BANDIT LEADER: Just who the hell are you?!

AERIE: Well, who are any of us, really? Are we born who we are, or are we the sum of our experiences? Both? Perhaps some traits are set at birth, but their expression is—

BANDIT: I ain’t sure, but I reckon she’s taking the piss! We should stab her!

BANDIT LEADER: Shut it, you dullard! I’m thinking!

AERIE: See; if only you’d channelled that aggression into something like music or art. Such a shame.

(At this point either attack the bandits or persuade them to run away).

TAV: See that look? That's the look of someone who knows she can paste you.

BANDIT LEADER: Bah! It was only scraps here anyway. Come on lads!

(Either way, once they’re gone:)

AERIE: Are you okay? Did you survive that crash?

TAV: Who are you – your name, if you don’t mind.

AERIE: Aerie. Are there any others? Anyone who needs help?

TAV: We haven’t seen any other survivors.

AERIE: Well, you must have gone through quite an ordeal. If you need rest I saw what looked like a settlement a short ways north. I’m going to double-check the beach, just in case.

TAV: Careful, there might still be—

AERIE: Mindflayers? Don’t worry; I’ve a lot more experience at this sort of thing than it looks. Good luck to you!

(Runs off and vanishes).

(Obviously in the real thing there would be more dialogue options, like trying to intimidate the bandits yourself, and if successful Aerie would show up afterwards to ask if you’re okay. Or maybe you could try and side with them and attack her, although then you’d just have to fight her and then the bandits, and obviously attacking Aerie at any point could have consequences with other companions.)

Last edited by JPCoutelier; 22/06/24 10:24 PM.