Baldur’s Gate 3 takes place on the Sword Coast in the continent of Faerün, we know that. But the exact location is a little murkier. So, naturally, fans have dug into the world to pinpoint where on the official Dungeons & Dragons map the game starts. Particularly, where the Nautiloid ship crashes.
As reported by IGN, the investigation was spearheaded by CommanderRasseru. Looking at the D&D map, which is enormous, they believe that the crash site is somewhere near Fort Morninglord along the River Chionthar, south of the not-at-all-ominous Fields of the Dead and north of the not-at-all-frightening Wood of Sharp Teeth.
The crash site of the Nautiloid ship is kind of tricky to spot as it has to be on a large bend where the river goes north a way and for the river to be off the Grove’s East. But not too near Fort Morninglord and Elturel.
A big crash like that may, or would, cause more people to investigate it. Plus, our tribe of tieflings had to be so far from Elturel where it was also a risk to return as well.
Moonrise Towers is further west, so they put forward that it’s about halfway between the crash site and Baldur’s Gate. Luckily, since the city is an iconic landmark (even referenced in the D&D movie), we know exactly where it’s located – no need for speculation.
That narrows things down and makes it easier to place Act 2. “Moonrise Tower is placed on the straight part of the river after a huge bend to the west,” CommanderRasseru claimed. “As the Sunrise Spire monastery is to the west before the big bend and the Rosymorn Monastery is somewhere to the northeast.”
While many are in agreement with CommanderRasseru’s assumption, others have their own ideas. “Moonrise Towers (according to books from the ’90s) is between Anga Vled and Elturel, south of Skuldask Road,” SPACKlick said. “I think it’s further east than you’ve drawn it. Basically where you’ve drawn the crash site.”
Others, in agreement, believe that the distance between Moonrise Towers and the crash site is much smaller. “[They’re] in the immediate vicinity, just behind a mountain pass,” AmazingActimel added.
Further evidence of the location of the crash site can be found in Act 1 itself. As pointed out by Suikoden1434, there is a sign before the Blighted Village that points east to Elturel and west to Baldur’s Gate. That backs up where the game starts on the above map.
Regardless, this map and the notes of commenters give us a decent guess at where the crash site is, and where the Moonrise Towers may then be. Our party made a long trek across the river to Baldur’s Gate, but thankfully they managed to avoid The Fields of the Dead. n
Why Baldur’s Gate 3 Should Win Game Of The Year
Baldur’s Gate 3 isn’t just a great threequel – it elevates the genre. Even in a year of great releases, it’s the only choice for Game of the Year.
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