Continuing my series of BG2 companions, as before using Minsc as a counterpoint to let them demonstrate their personalities through their interactions with him.
Haer’Dalis
CN Tiefling Bard/Blade
To me Haer’Dalis is an interesting variant from many of the other characters. Completely honest about who and what he is, but chaotic and not quite trustworthy nevertheless. And his planar background fits well with the high stakes of the later game.
I found a native american/elven look suited him very well – particularly Navajo or Apache. Tweak the hair and eyes a little from there and it gives him an “elf-but-not-quite” sort of look.
“smirking apache elf man,(long dark-blue hair),(smooth skin),sly,(sharp features),(age 25),(wiry build),(faint crescent tattoos) on face,many earrings,(green cat eyes),(leather headband with ring),(leather armor);(in forest);(oil paint),drawing,(rpg portrait)(dark fantasy),(dark shading)“
Neera
CN Half-Elf Wild Mage
My conception of Neera in BG2 is similar to my conception of her in BG1. She’s a little older. She’s a little more in control of her magic, and a little more used to the idea that it doesn’t always quite turn out the way she intends. So rather than confused frustration she has more of the appearance of a resigned “oops, I did it again”.
“half-elf danish woman,(age 23),(normal figure),bewildered,bemused smile,shrugging,(beaded necklace),leather vest over green tunic,brown cloak,(short light pink hair in shag cut),(green eyes),sorceress;in the forest;(oil paint),drawing,(rpg portrait),(dark fantasy),(dark shading),d&d”
Cernd
TN Human Druid/Shapeshifter
Cernd comes across in dialog as a cross between a Druid and a zen philospher. He professes peace and harmony, but turns into a werewolf in combat. I’ve never quite known what to make of that, and never used him much in my own runs. He appears to me almost to exist more as a contrast to the other companions than as a strong personality in his own right.
Cernd has a very native american look in his BG2 portrait, I experimented with a couple different looks, but settled on Cheyenne. In his portrait he looks like he is wearing armor, but it seems like someone who turns into a giant wolf-man in combat would avoid restrictive clothing… So I dressed him a bit different.
“cheyenne druid man,(smooth skin),(clean-shaven),(cheyenne choker),(age 30),athletic,loose brown tunic,(long straight black hair) with feathers,brown eyes,(faint green linear tattoos) on his face;(in forest);(oil paint),drawing,(rpg portrait)(dark fantasy),(dark shading)”
Rasaad yn Bashir
LG Human Monk/Sun Soul
I’ve always pictured Rasaad a bit friendlier than his default image portrays. I picture him somewhat like an arabic Bruce Lee – who is happiest when practicing or teaching. By BG2 I think he is more confident and more comfortable with himself than he was at the start of BG1.
“bald arabic man,five o’clock shadow,athletic,monk,serene expression,(maori tattoos),(face tattoos),(age 32),(orange tunic with sun motif),(leather pauldrons),katana;in the forest;drawing,oil paint,(dark fantasy),d&d,(dark shading)”
Wilson
TN Grizzly Bear Fighter
I haven’t actually ever run with Wilson, but he seems like an amusing character. Just for fun, I decided to see what could be done with a completely non-humanoid companion.
“upright male grizzly bear,intelligent eyes,light muzzle,noble,friendly;(in forest);(oil paint),drawing,(rpg portrait)(dark fantasy),(dark shading)”
Minsc & Haer’Dalis
I think Haer’Dalis would greatly appreciate the sheer novelty and randomness of Minsc and Boo. He would delight in Minsc’s unrestrained fighting style, and both share an “I am what I am” honesty about them. Haer’Dalis has also seen enough weird in his life that I don’t think he even blinks at the concept of a “miniature giant space hamster”. I think he and Minsc would love competing – sparring, racing, jumping – you name it. Perhaps especially, their own Haka war-dance!
Minsc & Neera
I think by BG2 Neera – like Haer’Dalis – has seen enough weird that the idea of Boo doesn’t seem that far-fetched. And I think Minsc would be more likely than almost any other BG2 companion to genuinely delight in the wacky effects that sometimes come from wild magic rather than getting frustrated by the randomness.
Minsc & Cernd
I think Minsc and Cernd would bond some over their love of nature, but Minsc would have little appreciation or understanding of Cernd’s philosophical musings. And Cernd might be a little put off by Minsc’s far more expressive demeanor. But ultimately, they both share a love for little critters in the woods. Even if Minsc occasionally tries to get shifted Cernd to play fetch….
Minsc & Rasaad
These two make quite a contrasting pair. I can easily envision Rasaad attempting to teach Minsc some of his tricks – and even vice versa (Rasaad wanting to learn how Minsc rages). But I think ultimately they would agree that they are each better off following their own path. But they would sure enjoy trying out each other’s styles.
Minsc & Boo & Wilson
I imagine Wilson and Boo getting along like gangbusters. In my imagination they can speak to each other, and Wilson of all companions is the most likely beyond Minsc himself to take Boo seriously. As a result I see Wilson and Minsc hitting it off pretty well too. Similar fighting styles, similar general attitude to life.
Leave a Reply