The last character I liked who had an unknown fate... sad times. Oh well, it just puts me farther on team Amari, the only main character left who doesn't seem like a complete sack of shit. Actually, I take that back, there is hope for Aedale which is a great divergence from the SHB. Some Undead characters have a lot of room to shine post-True Story for me also.
Redfist himself was a hugely impactful character that didn't get many lines or screen time. I quite like how none of Aedale's memories of her father are confirmed real and we still have no idea how he really was to her.
I hate that Borean had to go, but he was unquestionably likable and that's exactly why it had to happen. Redfist needed another solid W to earn that final villain top spot for the end of the campaign since they hadn't done much for awhile.
Still, to see him sacrificing his life under the slogan of Ishzog... I don't know whether that's just a result of the Bearmen's gratitude for their survival and their desperation to be a part of something since their forest was corruped... or if the amulets aren't the only form of mind control in Arkain.
I think he actually believed it. Whether you see Ishzog's work as sinister or not is subjective. Yes it's purposeful, yes it's propaganda, but is the outcome so bad?
Perhaps reflecting on why we all believe what we believe and live the lives we do is uncomfortable when we realize most of our beliefs are pretty malleable and come straight from our peer groups without much thought put into them, at least not initially. Is that mind control? I'd argue it's just life.
Seeing this fictional group shaped into something new and - in my opinion - "good", optimistic, and PREACHING FORGIVENESS is very refreshing compared to every other faction which are frankly miserable is why I am Team Amari/Orcs new age.
It's hard for me to cheer for Zyainor when nearly all its top level lieutenants are either magically influenced (Larine, Merlon, Claire) or seem to delight in being shitty and think it's the only way to be effective (Birram, Thanok, Ferdal, Herdon). The new age Orcs show you can be purposeful in accomplishing your goals without going completely scorched earth insane.
Gardon is MUCH more interesting in the True Story as you can see he became more extreme and careless after having to 'kill' Praxeus and members of his family. At the same time, he didn't even try to negotiate with van Durce. Yes, van Durce asked for a lot, but Gardon didn't counter at all. Like ok, let's not fight and I will leave, but I won't give up any of my other methods. Ceasefire agreed! In any case, that talk failing is integral and makes the story way better, so I'd not have it any other way.
A few things I'm wondering for the last few maps.
In Red Day will Gorthog become Chieftan of all Moghtar and come in as a surprise ally to keep Daric busy? What will be the narrative outcome of that? Clearly Gorthog will not work with Amari, but perhaps he can make the Moghtar look good to the Orcs and Ogres that otherwise hated them by helping out +new age Ishzog teachings of forgiveness (no Ogres at the sermon though I notice) and can be some surprise happy ending where Gorthog, Gran, and Amari bury the hatchet
(copium)... I really doubt it though.
The Ogres might leave without Brokta to guide them, but I'm willing to trade the Ogre Legion as a member of the Dominion for an accepted Moghtar ally under Gorthog if that also includes a more bought-in Gran. The Ogres also still have a home to go back to, so they can go chill there and at least not be an enemy.
Inara remains a wild card. Just like my boy The Destroyer
Aveen is displaying some subtle doubts with Redfist. I expect she may survive The Red Day battle one way or another, but then Brian will have Amari kill her anyway as a precaution against her linking back up with Gardon even though she will express her willingness to stay/leave in peace.
Aedale may now have an impact on Gates of Hell, I have no predictions on that one but I expect Zoia to interact with her at least one more time.
Is The Red Night ditched, or will there still be three more maps instead of two? Seems like having the four Redfist sisters close it out on a map called RED night after their respective conflicts have closed out could be a fitting, well rounded, final map. Cora and Vanessa need a reason to get there too though at this point, so I don't know if this will happen.
If it is the case though, no single faction would get the special top spot of owning the last playable map, which feels right. And surely Ornasion needs to get a farewell moment to disrupt some well laid plans with brute strength like he always has wanted, right?