Slum District

Navigate Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn's Slum District. Find companions like Korgan, Nalia, and Anomen, uncover quests, and prepare for Imoen's rescue from Spellhold.

As you enter the Slum District, Gaelan Bayle will approach you, hinting at information regarding Imoen's whereabouts. He directs you to his home, where he reveals that a group can rescue Imoen for 20,000 gold. Agreeing to his terms triggers a cutscene showing Imoen and Irenicus imprisoned in Spellhold.

Gathering the funds for Imoen's rescue is crucial for game progression. Acquiring 15,000 gold allows you to advance to Chapter 3. The Slum District is also filled with numerous sidequests and major quests outside the city. Your party composition is important; consider recruiting companions like Korgan, Nalia, and Anomen in this area, or Viconia and Jan in the Government District. Other companions require quest completion or venturing outside the city.

You can loot Bayle's home, finding trapped containers upstairs with jewelry and a Wand of Magic Missiles. Arledrian, a merchant, sells Potions of Master Thievery. Using these potions with a Thief character can allow you to steal his entire stock, including Glasses of Identification and a Gem Bag. Returning to Waukeen's Promenade with these effects active lets you steal from most merchants, acquiring ample magic arrows and bullets. Arnolinus on the west side also sells +2 shields.

At night, two vendors appear: the Black Market Thief near the Temple of Ilmater (selling the Buckler of the Fist +2 if imported from Siege of Dragonspear) and the Storekeep near the Jansen home (selling Full Plate Armor).

Outside, Brus offers work based on your character class. Head to the Copper Coronet, your base of operations, and avoid Brus's offer to escort you. On the way, you'll encounter thugs Cohrvale and Bragg, who initiate a fight yielding 10,000 XP but no significant loot.

The Copper Coronet

The Copper Coronet serves as a good base. Inside, you can find Amalas, who will insult you. Fighting him leads to a pit fight where you earn 1,800 XP for defeating him and 9,500 XP for the challenge. Declining to fight results in Minsc defending your honor, still leading to a fight with Amalas and two ruffians, but you miss out on quest XP.

Yoshimo may be found near the door if dismissed. Korgan can be recruited here; it's advisable to recruit him after Edwin due to a time-sensitive quest. Korgan is a Berserker (Level 8, 100 HP) with high Strength and Constitution, making him a strong front-line fighter.

Nalia can also be recruited. She seeks help with her ancestral home being threatened. She is a Thief -> Mage (Level 4/9, 58 HP) with good Dexterity and Intelligence, and Thief skills: OL: 60, FT: 80, PP: 35, MS: 20, HS: 15.

Anomen, found opposite the entrance, can be recruited if you present yourself as a force for good, or by speaking to him again if you initially fail. He is a Cleric (Level 7, 75 HP) with high Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, and Wisdom.