I am writing this note for many reasons. For one, to explain myself. For two, to clarify some things that readers should keep in mind before jumping into this story.
I will start with the first. For those of you who don't know me (and that will be all of you, as of writing this): Hello, I am Jacques F. Pierre. That isn't my real name but rather a pseudonym I have taken on for this and all of my future publications. There are multiple reasons for this. One, I don't want to draw too much fame to my real name. Two, I just think it sounds a lot more striking than the name I was born with. Not that either are better or worse—it depends on how you look at it.
Anyway, pardon my arrogance but I believe I am a great writer. In time I know that my work will be revered as some of the best of its kind, if not the best. I am confident because I am quite young as of writing this but have already produced things that well-established fantasy writers cannot be compared to. Aside from this project, I am currently working on my own series, named An-Ulah, of which I am on the second novel. It is my aspiration to write the entire five book series, edit it as a whole, and then release it piecemeal. It is a dark, brooding series with many overarching arcs and themes—very complex to write. In truth, the second book broke me. Work and other stressors (mostly the latter) made me simply…unwilling to continue writing. Every day I would write 2k words, but this goal soon became untenable.
This sent me on a many month journey of self-exploration where I attempted to address the underlying psychological issues preventing me from writing how I wanted. From August 2024 until around October I was…drifting. Trying to build my strength back up, constantly thinking about writing. I often tried to dive back in—but always failed. In a typical month, I will write around 60k words, at a minimum.
During that three month period, I wrote around perhaps 70k.
It was at the end of this hell that I finally played Baldur's Gate 3.
And I finally arrive back to my intended topic. Why am I writing this story in particular? Because I fell in love with the story of Baldur's Gate 3—but it disappointed me. Not terribly. Really, I still think it's amazing—but there was a lot of missing potential. Much of my problems with it stem from production limitations, and the very nature of it being a game. Lore inconsistencies…slight plot holes…entire character arcs left abandoned…I could go on and on about it, but I'll spare you from any potential rant. This story will speak on its own.
As I played, ideas popped into my head. I pictured things yet to be and yearned to put them to paper. In-game, I played as a character that I'd planned for another project, and suddenly I realized that they fit the story perfectly. Plotlines began to form, the web was being knit. I had conversations with ChatGPT, explored ideas late into the night—and I loved every second of it. Now here are the fruits of my labor.
In essence, this project represents me taking a deep breath: It is me rediscovering why I love writing. That, in the end, is why I am producing it. An idea took hold of me, and I am riding the wave. My passions are being revived.
I am recovering.
As of writing this note, the story is around 70k words with 13~ chapters complete. I am publishing the first four, and that will remain all that you lovelies have access to until the entire work is finished. Consider it a…sample of what is to come. Some things may change or be edited, so keep in mind none of this is necessarily in its final form.
Now I will address my second purpose: clearing up misconceptions. There are many assumptions that previous players of Baldur's Gate 3 will carry into this project, and I want to erase them all here. I will address them in FAQ format.
Q: Why are certain characters so powerful?
A: I looked in lore and interpreted what their power should be for myself. For instance, it makes no sense for Karlach to be a level 1 barbarian, considering she was part of Zariel's inner circle. In game she states that she is 'not even [Zariel's] best fighter' (or something to that effect). But that implies that she is still in the top percent. Keep in mind that Zariel probably has legions of pit fiends at her beck and call. Karlach also states that she was sent on missions to assassinate high value targets. Assuming she was level 12 (the level cap) or even higher than that (16~), then why would Zariel care about anything she could solo? A vrock alone is CR 6 and there's probably millions of the buggers. For Christ's sake, there's thousands of Balors (CR 19) out there, if not more!
Karlach, in lore, should be at least comparable to a CR 20 creature. Think about that.
I extended this sort of analysis to all characters.
Q: Why does creature with X CR die in Y way?
A: Because I'm not using HP scores. I considered their anatomy and thought 'huh, how can this die?' That, combined with dramatic flair, is how I arrived at a lot of the action scenes. The first few chapters in particular were sort of my way of 'breaking out' of the mold you might have as a previous player. You'll see what I mean when you read them.
Aside from that, action kinda bores and frustrates me in books. Due to that, I try to focus on the characters, as that's what I find interesting. Less emphasis is put on combat and full realism and more on how it affects arcs, etc.
Q: Why did X plot point change?
A: Because I wanted it to. While the bigger picture remains the same, I would recommend going into this work with absolutely zero expectations. Things were warped and molded by me often just because I felt like it. If you don't enjoy the changes I made, then I entirely respect that—but try to keep an open mind. I'd like to think they're quite tasteful.
Q: Why is X lore point not fully accurate?
A: I will be honest when I say that Forgotten Realms is not my cup of tea. I'm more familiar with Pathfinder. I try to do my research, but sometimes I get things wrong. And, well…honestly if something is stupid I'll just change it.
Q: X thing doesn't exist in lore.
A: I created it myself :D.
Q: How does the chapter naming system work?
A: All chapters should be considered part of the main story unless they are tagged as an interlude. I have one or two of those planned, even if they aren't on paper by the time of writing this. Chapters named 'The Black Lotus' are focused on the main character/plot. Any other chapter is still part of the main story and will be connected with the chapters before and after it, but they focus more on individual characters. For instance, any chapter focusing on Astarion will be titled 'The Pale Elf, Part (X)'
Thank you, and I hope you enjoy my work!
Jacques F. Pierre
11/10/2024
