How I Actually Pulled Off That Harper Ambush
So I stumbled into this ambush setup near Baldur’s Gate right? Totally unprepared. Thought maybe it’s just some bandits messing around. Nope. Proper Harper soldiers jumping out, all tactical and everything. Screwed up my first try completely – got Gale nuked early because those guards have these nasty ass crossbows. Died right there in the dirt, party wiped fast. Lesson one: DO NOT walk in like a tourist.
Second attempt. Okay, reload, smarter this time. Scouted the area properly with Astarion sneaking around first. Saw where those guys were hiding on the high rocks. Big advantage spot. Used him to spot everyone, all seven hostiles marked on my map. Counted three regular guards, two with crossbows up top, plus some warrior types by the wagons. Leader dude looked extra tanky.
Repositioned my party before triggering anything. Got Shadowheart crouched near the cliffside rocks ready for heals, Karlach up close to one of the archers (big axe ready!), my Tav sorcerer beside some barrels that looked… flammable. Gale? Parked him waaay back by that broken cart for AoE fire support. Snuck Astarion back after scouting. Breath held, saved the game again. Always save.
Initiative rolls. Oof. Tav gets to act first. Sweet. Saw that grouping near the crates. Smirked. Threw Firebolt straight at those barrels. BOOM. Massive explosion, caught three guards instantly. Fire everywhere! Hurt my own Gale a little, but worth it. Karlach raged right after, leaped onto the rock ledge and whacked the archer into next week. Shadowheart blessed us for some extra luck, then chucked Sacred Flame at another guy.
Felt good, right? Wrong. The leader charged Karlach. Hit her HARD. She staggered. Then the guards by the wagon started firing on Gale. He went down again! Crap. Shadowheart used Healing Word quick on Karlach – just enough to keep her swinging that axe. Tav scorched the wagon guy holding those important documents I needed later.
Chaos pure and simple. Astarion finally got his turn, popped out of hiding and sneak attacked the other archer. Critical! Shadowheart landed Guiding Bolt next on the leader, burning him real bad. Karlach finished him with a brutal Reckless Attack. Down he went.
Last guard standing tried to run. Nope. Tav hit him with Ray of Frost, slowed him down like sludge. Astarion chased him down and stabbed him in the back. Nice. Looted everything. Found the chest with Harper intel and got that strong magical shortbow too. Success! Mostly. Gale got rezzed afterward, complaining about smoke inhalation. Fair enough.
Mistake recap:
1. Underestimated their positioning.
2. Forgot Gale is made of wet paper.
What clicked:
1. Positioning is king. Always scout and set up.
2. Explosives are your chaotic best friend.
3. Focus fire the big threats FAST.
Feels damn satisfying winning that messy fight. Harper gear sold for decent gold too. Totally funding my camp supplies!