Edwin

Guide to Edwin's quest in Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn, including his transformation into Edwina, encounters with Salvanas and Degardan, and the final battle.

A day after acquiring the Nether Scroll in the Lower Tombs, Edwin will announce that he's managed to partially translate it. This will give Edwin +20 Lore and 50000XP.

After another day or so, Edwin will discover a transformation spell in the scroll and will be eager to try it out. Answer him however you please because there's no dissuading him. It doesn't have the expected effect, however. You now have a female Mage companion, Edwina.

Don't do this

There's a man named Salvanas in the Copper Coronet who will hit on female party members if they're the current party leader. If you speak to him with Edwina as party leader, he will hit on her. This leads to Edwin firing a Magic Missile at Salvanas which sends him and almost everyone else in the Copper Coronet (including Joluv) hostile.

Some time after his transformation, a Mage named Degardan will confront you looking for information. Unless you want Edwin to stay in female form forever (which is amusing), do not dismiss Degardan because he'll turn hostile, breaking the sidequest. He is looking for Edwin. Ask him why for an amusing response. Do not, however, sell Edwin out despite the promised reward because you will lose him as a companion permanently. Instead, promise to keep an eye out for this "Edwin" and Degardan will leave.

A short time later, Degardan will be back. He and Edwin will have an amusing exchange. Eventually, Degardan will tire of Edwin's evasion and turn him back into a man. Violence will ensue shortly afterwards. Degardan's a powerful Mage, but he's going to last long, not when you've Breached his magical protections anyway. Loot Degardan's remains for a Quarterstaff +2, a Wand of Monster Summoning, two Potions of Extra Healing and scrolls of Death Spell and Protection From Poison.