This Dragon is encountered in the Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition or Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal game editions.
The creature can be found in the the center challenge room, accessed via the Helmite Ghost on the Watcher's Keep Final Seal dungeon level.
| “ | I am the fearsome death that awaits those that would break the seal. | ” |
Gameplay[]
The party will eventually have to enter the center gateway (one of three Challenge rooms) after the Helmite Ghost has informed the party that the challenges await them - this is tracked in the Unlocking the Final Seal questline and associated journal entries.
Upon entry, the party is positioned on stone stairs descending below. The look of the stairwell is similar to places the party has probably been before where a dragon has been encountered, such as Firkraag's Hideout or Watcher's Keep – Saladrex (Dragon) areas.
The party must be gathered to enter here, and it can't be split. Once this area is entered, it can't be exited until the challenge ahead is resolved.
As the party moves forward from the stairs and emerges into a cavernous arched chamber - and when a member is detected, a huge green dragon will rumble an initial two lines of dialogue, and then attack. The creature can See the invisible, so being hidden won't prevent this. The dragon's hostile action doesn't allow the party to reply or afford an opportunity to engage in dialogue.
The first action by the beast is to apply its initial preparatory protection buff of Stoneskin and Death Ward on itself, followed a second later with a Remove Magic directed at the closest party member. These spells can't be interrupted.
The next action will probably see the dragon radiating a Dragon Fear aura and a Wing Buffet.
If the dragon detects an Incendiary Cloud, Stinking Cloud or Death Fog it will also initiate a Wing Buffet to disperse those.
If the dragon senses any invisibility effects upon the party, it will launch a True Sight spell.
When the dragon has zero Stoneskin layers remaining it applies another (10-skins).
The creature will direct a Plant Growth spell over itself when an enemy is within 15 feet. This spell has a large saving throw penalty and is difficult to block. An affected party member is essentially unable to move from its spot, where it is rooted in a stationary point on the map. The entangled party member may still fight and cast spells but can't maneuver.
Within three to four rounds of combat, the dragon will begin to use its Green Dragon Breath weapon attack at the closest opponent in range. The breath weapon may affect other party members in the area of effect. This can be done again after several more rounds have transpired.
When the dragon's wounds have reduced its HP below 50%, the beast can initiate a Heal spell, and this completely restores its original HP and can cure several status effects as well.
Further along in the battle, if the creature is still functioning, a Summon Insects (innate) spell is attempted at a party spell casting class member (Bard, Mage, Druid, Cleric etc.), as long as their Magic resistance is below 50%.
Much later in the battle, possibly never occurring, the dragon can attempt a Domination spell at a party member who has less than 50% magic resistance.
Obviously, party members in melee attack range will also be engaged by the dragon's slashing claw attacks, which will have a good chance of connecting against even superior armor class ratings.
If no party members engage the dragon in close quarters combat, the beast will advance and move into melee range on its own.
When the party defeats this beast, almost immediately afterwards the Helmite Ghost materializes in the chamber and delivers a message, saying:
- A truly fearsome foe defeated, brave <CHARNAME>. Your courage is without question. You have completed this challenge.
Each party member receives quest experience points (21,000 XP), and the exit back to the level above is now accessible.
Don't forget to take the items and gold the dragon carried. You'll need some these to progress the adventure.
Gallery[]
Mod content[]
This section is about unofficial content that is only available via fan-made mods.
Sword Coast Stratagems revises this dragon in many ways. Especially if you install the "Smarter Dragons" component (which is responsive to the game difficulty selection).
His SCS AI improves targeting and recognition of opponent's protections, which means he will fight smarter and not waste attacks on someone he cannot hit or damage.
It will also influence his tactical options and attack methods. First, some mention of the dragon's stats and abilities. In most cases, all of the unmodded ones are still applicable:
- This dragon is a level 24/24/24 creature (casts all spells at level 24)
- 672 Hit Points (depends on difficulty setting)
- 3 Attacks per round
- Dragon claw attack reach range is 5' and +4 enchantment with SCS
- Breath weapons attacks and Wing Buffeting can't be blocked by any spells or the Cloak of Mirroring with this mod
Immunities in addition to the unmodded dragon version:
- Intelligence modification (feeblemindedness will work, but not Mind Flayer brain drain)
- Blindness spell or effects
- Insect spells such as Creeping Doom, and Insect Plague.
- Instant death from Slay or Kill target effects.
Spells: The dragon's scripted spell use is revised. It can use the following spells, as determined by the AI's need:
- Attack spells: Magic Missile (×4), Melf's Acid Arrow (×4), Unholy Blight (×2), Insect Plague, Domination, Plant Growth, Death Spell (against summoned creatures only)
- Self Buffs: Defensive Harmony (×2), Stoneskin (×3), True Seeing
- Spell removers: Breach (×2), Remove Magic (×2), Spell Thrust (×2), Khelben's Warding Whip
- Instant release: Minor Sequencer, Spell Sequencer
- Contingency: HP <60% Heal
With the installation of the Spell Revisions mod, some of the dragon's arcane and divine memorized spells will be the SR version.
Game difficulty settings determine how often the dragon can use Wing Buffet and Green Dragon Breath.
The dragon will have a random scroll in its droppable loot.
Mod gallery[]
- Portraits from Portraits Portraits Everywhere
Mod screenshots[]
