Wild Forest

Note: All spellcastings in this area, both arcane and divine, including scroll castings, spell-originated abilities, will automatically produce a Wild Surge effect; sequencer preparations, contingency preparations & triggers are not affected.

Wild Forest
Inhabitants
Companions	Neera
Thieving
Trap difficulty	95
Items
Treasure	A Pile of Gravel
Related quests
Quests	Neera's Hidden Refuge Barad Ding's eight cats Amanis Khal's Missing Son
Transitions
North to	Hidden Refuge
Other information
Area code	OH6000

The Wild Forest is accessible only during Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition from Chapter 2, and only if Neera marks it on the party's World Map..

It is the recruitment location for Neera and the initial path towards her companion quest, Neera's Hidden Refuge.

Gameplay (Walk-through)

When the party first arrives, here, Neera may be found just ahead - speak with her to find out what the situation is and potentially recruit her (recommended for her companion quest).

According to Neera, who seeks to join the party and go with you to the Hidden Refuge, there are numerous traps throughout the area - set by the wild mages to thwart intruders, yet Neera can't really remember where they all are, or exactly which way to traverse the area.

In terms of what sort of traps, triggering them could lead to Magic Missiles, Ice Storm, Fireballs, and Polymorph types.

Begin exploring, to find a way through the forest and onward to the refuge.

Possible encounters

• A gnome called Quaid stands by a broken wagon or cart. The party could speak with him and see if he needs help mending it. He may know of hidden dangers in the Wild Forest, or the path to follow to get through.

• A Speaking Snake, of all things can be encountered. The serpent will also initiate contact when a party member is within 25 feet to it, the snake says -"Death Awaitsss,(CHARNAME RACE)! Death awaits, and I show the way!". More chatter and warnings will continue and promises of death awaiting if you pass the snake. The snake may turn hostile, depending on dialogue choices and will move at rapid speed towards anyone who may attack it. Is this some kind of trick or illusion? A Wild Mage's Hidden Forest defense? If the party heeds the snakes warning s and doesn't pass the snake, an information entry reads:

I encountered a snake capable of speech in the Wild Forest. It warned me away from the path I was on, so I turned back.

Or, if the party gets into a fight with the snake:

In the Wild Forest, I encountered a snake capable of speech. Despite its warnings, I decided to forge ahead. It attacked, forcing me to slay it.

• A small group of Hobgoblins will attack the party if you are observed. Their corpses may provide some treasure.

• Two Gnoll Elites and a Captain can be found, as well as a monstrous Ettin that seems to be hunting them.

• Several wild beasts including great cats, spiders and Wyverns roam the area, and they will attack on sight.

• Depending on the path you take, you could come upon a pair of hostile Ogres. If you approach or engage the creatures, there is a possible surprise from an invisible Ogre Mage.

• A cluster of ten kobolds may be seen, and they will attack if you are observed.

• In the northeast side of the Wild Forest is seen a destroyed bridge that used to span the churning waters of the stream. As you near it, a text display reads "This bridge appears rotten and uncrossable. The water flowing beneath is polluted with magic. It has an unwholesome and eerie look that is distinctly unwelcoming". If Neera is in your party, she will help out with the situation, as long as she is close enough to the broken structure to examine it. If so, there will be a 2000 experience point reward for each party member, and she will solve the issue (which she actually created earlier as part of the defenses for the Hidden Refuge). Otherwise, find a "A Pile of Gravel" which may help as well.

Once across the bridge, the party may exit the area map edge and transition to the Hidden Refuge.

Creatures of significance

• Baby Wyvern (×2)
• Brown Bear
• Ettin
• Giant Spider (×2)
• Gnoll Captain
• Gnoll Elite (×2)
• Greater Wyvern
• Hobgoblin Captain
• Hobgoblin Elite (×4)
• Hobgoblin Shaman
• Kobold (×4)
• Kobold Commando (×4)
• Kobold Shaman
• Kobold Witch Doctor
• Ogre (×2)
• Ogre Mage
• Panther (×3)
• Speaking Snake
• Sword Spider
• Wild Tiger (×2)
• Wolf
• Wyvern

Companions

• Neera

Quests

The list below are quests where the Wild Forest must be visited in order to complete them:

• Neera's Hidden Refuge
• Barad Ding's eight cats
• Amanis Khal's Missing Son
  

Trivia

The method of dispelling the illusory bridge, is possibly a homage to one of the obstacles thwarting attempts to reach the Holy Grail in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

Gallery

Soon after entering the Wild Forest area, the party agrees to let Neera join them - which is the best way to get the most complete gameplay content when pursuing her quest, obviously.

Neera remembers the protective illusion placed on the bridge and removes it so the party can cross the turbulent waters. XP is awarded.

Mod content

This section is about unofficial content that is only available via fan-made mods.

Gallery:

Quaid, a gnomish travelling merchant with a broken wagon. Seems to be wary of you, and is fond of "A Fortnight!"

Speaking Snake, that somehow talkssss with a forked tongue.

Ettin, hunting some gnolls and you may be next.

Portraits from Portraits Portraits Everywhere