Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn
Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn

Chapter 5: Return to the Surface

Return to the surface after the Underdark. This guide covers navigating the Forest of Tethir, revisiting Trademeet and Umar Hills, and preparing for Athkatla's.

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Chapter 5: Return to the Surface

After the arduous trials and subterranean horrors of the Underdark, your party finally discovers a path back to the sunlit world above. Chapter 5 marks a pivotal shift in your grand adventure, transitioning from the claustrophobic depths to the familiar, yet now more dangerous, landscapes of Amn. This section of the guide will prepare you for the immediate challenges and opportunities that arise upon your return, detailing key locations, critical plot advancements, and opportunities to strengthen your party before the inevitable final confrontation with Irenicus.

Chapter 5: Return to the Surface - Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn screenshot
Emerging from the Underdark, the surface world awaits with new challenges and old acquaintances.

Immediate Objectives Upon Return

Your emergence from the Underdark typically places you in the Forest of Tethir, a relatively safe starting point, though not without its own dangers. Your primary immediate goal is to regroup, assess your resources, and decide your next course of action. The narrative will push you towards specific objectives, but there's also ample opportunity for exploration and side quests.

Key Locations and Plot Progression:

  • Forest of Tethir: Your initial landing zone. Expect minor encounters with local fauna and possibly some bandits. This area serves as a brief transition before you head to more populated regions.
  • Trademeet: If you haven't completed the Trademeet questline (the Djinni and the animal attacks) before entering the Underdark, this is an excellent time to do so. The rewards are significant, including powerful magical items and valuable experience. This is a prime example of "unfinished business" that becomes accessible again.
  • Umar Hills: Similarly, the Umar Hills questline involving the Shadow Lord and the temple of Amaunator can now be revisited or initiated. Completing this provides substantial experience and unique items like the Sword of Balduran.
  • Temple District (Athkatla): The main hub for plot progression. You'll need to return here to advance the primary storyline concerning Bodhi and Irenicus. Expect new dialogue options and quest triggers from various NPCs.
  • Waukeen's Promenade (Athkatla): A good place to rest, sell accumulated loot, purchase new equipment, and potentially recruit new party members or complete companion quests.
  • Government District (Athkatla): Depending on your choices, you might have unfinished business with the Council of Six or other factions.

Revisiting Familiar Locations and Unfinished Business

One of the strengths of Chapter 5 is the freedom it grants to revisit almost any area you've previously explored. This is crucial for several reasons:

  • Companion Quests: Many companion quests, such as Jaheira's Harper plotline, Korgan's search for the Book of Kaza, or Edwin's pursuit of the Nether Scrolls, often require travel to specific surface locations. Now is the time to prioritize these, as they offer unique insights into your companions and often provide excellent rewards.
  • Side Quests and Bounties: Check your journal for any outstanding side quests or bounties that you might have put off. These can be a great source of experience and gold.
  • Item Upgrades and Purchases: With the vast amount of loot acquired in the Underdark, you'll likely have a significant amount of gold. Visit merchants in Waukeen's Promenade, the Copper Coronet, or specialist shops in other districts to upgrade your gear. Look for powerful weapons, armor, and accessories that can significantly boost your party's combat effectiveness.
  • Spell Research: If you have a mage in your party, remember to visit spell vendors to purchase new spell scrolls and transcribe them into your spellbook. High-level spells become increasingly vital as you approach the endgame.

Strategic Considerations and Recommended Actions

Upon returning to the surface, your party will likely be high-level, but the challenges ahead are equally formidable. Here are some strategic tips:

Party Optimization:

  • Review Equipment: Ensure every party member has the best possible gear. Don't forget rings, amulets, and cloaks, which often provide crucial resistances or stat boosts.
  • Spell Preparation: Mages and Clerics should review their spell selections. Focus on crowd control, protective spells (e.g., Stoneskin, Protection from Evil 10' Radius), healing, and powerful offensive spells.
  • Potion Stockpile: Replenish your supply of healing potions, antidotes, and specialized potions (e.g., Potions of Extra Healing, Potions of Speed, Potions of Fire Resistance).

Key Quests to Prioritize (if not already completed):

While the main quest will guide you, these side quests offer significant benefits:

  • Trademeet:
    • Quest Giver: Lord Khellen in Trademeet.
    • Objective: Investigate the animal attacks and the missing Druid, Cernd. Ultimately confront the Djinni, Ithafeer, and his master, the Rakshasa.
    • Rewards: Belm (Scimitar +2), Spectral Brand (Scimitar +3), significant experience, and reputation gain.
  • Umar Hills:
    • Quest Giver: Minister Lloyd in Umar Hills.
    • Objective: Investigate the disappearances and the Shadow Lord. This involves exploring the Umar Caves and the Temple Ruins.
    • Rewards: Sword of Balduran (Long Sword +2, +1 vs. Undead), Shield of the Lost (Shield +2), substantial experience.
  • De'Arnise Keep: If you are a Fighter, Paladin, or Ranger, and have not yet claimed your stronghold, now is an excellent time to do so. The keep provides a steady income and unique quests.

Common Pitfalls and Missables

  • Ignoring Companion Quests: Many companion quests have time limits or specific triggers. Neglecting them can lead to companions leaving your party permanently, missing out on their personal stories, and valuable rewards.
  • Rushing the Main Plot: While the urge to confront Irenicus is strong, taking the time to complete side quests and explore will significantly strengthen your party, making the later encounters much more manageable.
  • Forgetting to Restock: After the Underdark, your party's resources (potions, scrolls, arrows) might be depleted. Always restock thoroughly before venturing into new dangerous areas.
  • Not Utilizing Strongholds: If you've acquired a stronghold (e.g., De'Arnise Keep, Planar Sphere, Temple of Talos), remember to visit it regularly to collect income, complete stronghold-specific quests, and manage followers.

Chapter 5 is a crucial period for consolidation and preparation. By strategically tackling side quests, optimizing your party, and revisiting key locations, you will ensure your heroes are fully equipped and ready for the epic conclusion of Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn.