Bence Duncan is a male human fighter and Flaming Fist corporal who appears repeatedly in Baldur’s Gate: Siege of Dragonspear, first at Coast Way Crossing.
Background[]
Following reports of a host massing near the ruins of Dragonspear Castle, Marshal Nederlok ordered Corporal Duncan to lead a detachment north to reconnoiter the area, gather intelligence, and compile a field report[1] in preparation for a larger response.
After returning to Baldur’s Gate, Duncan helps organize the Flaming Fist’s northward march into the conflict zone. He is also credited in dialogue with drawing the paladin Rayphus to the cause, and is described as a friend of Duke Entar Silvershield, having been entrusted with enlisting Skie into the Flaming Fist.
Involvement[]
Escort & command role. Bence Duncan serves as Schael Corwin’s aide in moving the Flaming Fist north to the Coalition Camp.[2] In camp scenes he functions as the company contact (e.g., recruiting M’Khiin, revising the marching route, and organizing strikes on Crusader positions).
Skie’s Grand Plan / Skie’s Gone Missing[]
Duncan repeatedly clashes with Skie Silvershield over discipline.
At Coast Way Crossing, Skie slips the camp and can be retrieved from Coast Way Forest (no formal quest given).
Skie escapes again from the Coalition Camp; Duncan asks the party to find her near Dragonspear Castle, adding:
Skie's Gone Missing
I need to track Skie down around Dragonspear Castle.
Skie Silvershield has fled the coalition's siege camp. I must find her before she falls into enemy hands. She was last seen heading towards Dragonspear Castle.
Rumor note: Buying drinks from Thaird can add a journal line about camp gossip linking Skie and Duncan (her identity remains unknown to most).
Closure: After the murder scene, Duncan arrests the Bhaalspawn; the “Skie’s Grand Plan” thread closes with:
Siege of Dragonspear (Quest)[]
Post–Coast Way Crossing (two journal updates):
We'll have to reroute to Boareskyr Bridge.
With the bridge blown, the Flaming Fist will have to take the long road to Dragonspear Castle. Our new route takes us through Bridgefort, a fort on one end of Boareskyr Bridge—the place where Bhaal died. Is it chance that takes me on this path, or destiny?
I can leave for Bridgefort whenever I'm ready.
It will take a little time for the Flaming Fist to break camp and to scout the best route for the army to march to Bridgefort. I'm free to finish up any tasks I have left and then start out for Bridgefort on my own. I'll meet the Flaming Fist there.
After securing Boareskyr Bridge:
I can cross the bridge and proceed to Dragonspear Castle.
With the Shining Lady's minions retreating and the threat to Boareskyr Bridge ended, the Flaming Fist caravan is free to proceed north to Dragonspear and our final confrontation with Caelar Argent. I must lead the way, and the caravan will follow.
After the parley (Coalition ↔ Crusade):
I must find Andrus at the firepit south of camp.
The crusade has launched a surprise offensive on the camp. Bence has ordered me to meet with a wizard named Andrus on the south side of the camp. There we can plan a defense of our coalition.
After pursuing Caelar into the basement, and if hesitating to enter vault:
I'll tell Bence when I'm ready to enter the vault.
Bence Duncan and his best soldiers wait by the vault door. When I'm ready to face Caelar, I should speak with him again.
Disturbing Implications / It Wasn’t Me[]
Arrest at Skie’s murder scene:
I don't know what really happened tonight.
Is this really happening? Have I killed Skie Silvershield? The blood of the Lord of Murder does run through my veins; perhaps I truly am the monster some believe me to be.
Sewers beneath Baldur’s Gate (pursuit):
Is this how my story ends?
With my neck in a noose?
I have one chance to escape—by going over the waterfall.
The Flaming Fist have cornered me. I'll never convince them of my innocence. My best chance is to run.
If Duncan is slain in the sewers:
I have one chance to escape—by going over the waterfall.
Bence Duncan and his followers have been slain, but more Flaming Fist mercenaries will surely follow. The longer I remain in the sewers, the greater the danger I'll find myself in. To escape, I must go over the edge of the falls.
Personality & Dialogue[]
Bence Duncan’s stance toward Gorion’s Ward shifts with the campaign’s fortunes. Early on he is formally polite and asks for help keeping Skie Silvershield in line. After the destruction of Coast Way Crossing, he angrily blames the Bhaalspawn; at the Coalition Camp he loudly rebukes Gorion's Ward for not being out on and fighting. During the counteroffensive and assault on Dragonspear Castle, he becomes professional and supportive. Following Skie’s death he arrests the protagonist and, at Duke Belt’s hearing, gives a brief, factual account of events at Bridgefort and the Boareskyr sigil incident. In the sewers confrontation with Schael Corwin, he presses for lethal force even if the Bhaalspawn offers to surrender.
Representative quotes[]
- Coalition Camp frustration:
«"Hero," my ass...»
- At Dragonspear Castle:
«Nice work, hero. I'm starting to see why the Grand Dukes wanted you here.»
- Upon the arrest:
«What have you done, <CHARNAME>? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?»
- Sewer confrontation:
«No—no! It's not enough. She has to die! Die in the name of Skie Silvershield! Kill her!» —or— «No—no! It's not enough. He has to die! Die in the name of Skie Silvershield! Kill him!»
Gameplay[]
Bence is protected from death during most of the campaign via MINHP1.ITM (plot protection). This item is removed for the sewer confrontation; without it he functions as a straightforward human fighter (competent but without unique abilities).
Gallery[]
- ↑ The Field Report is included with the game files (see the Manuals subfolder).
- ↑ Lieutenant Otilda appears mainly in The Irregulars and is otherwise seldom referenced.