9 Awesome Video Game Moments That Didn’t Need To Happen

Another BioWare entry here, but this time we’re going old-school with their classic Neverwinter Nights.

Near the start of the game, you meet the elven paladin of Tyr Lady Aribeth de Tylmarande, who tasks you with finding the Waterdhavian creatures to help cure the city of a sickness. 

Her half-elf lover, Fenthick Moss, works with you to help create a cure for the Wailing Death that is affecting the city.

However, all goes pear-shaped once the cure for the sickness is created. Fenthick’s partner Desther Indelayne steals the cure and reveals himself to be in league with the game’s overarching villain Morag, much to Fenthick’s shock and dismay. 

Fenthick is later falsely accused of “collaboration” with Desther and Morag and is ultimately hanged as his punishment.

This sends Aribeth down a path of rage and destruction as she quickly turns her back on the city and becomes an antagonist, who you even have to fight later on in the game. 

Once Aribeth is defeated, you would be safe to assume that is ultimately the end of her. However, enter the second expansion pack for the main game – Hordes of the Underdark.

As you travel to the area called Cania, the ninth level of Hell in the game, you come across a frozen Aribeth, which is presented as a side quest for you to unfreeze with fire if you indeed choose to do so. 

This would be a wise decision, she tells you she was sentenced to hell following her actions after turning against the city of Neverwinter. 

You can also recruit Aribeth as a companion to join you on your quest for the rest of the game and can even romance her, which leads to a rather moving storyline in the game’s conclusion.

Aribeth is a prime example of what BioWare are known for – taking you into an incredible fantasy world which you explore alongside well written companions. 

When you think of any great BioWare game, chances are it’s the characters who immediately come to mind. Witnessing their journey and growth alongside your character is part of what makes up the overall epic experience of the game. 

Meeting Aribeth again was completely optional here, you could have made your way through the rest of the game with other companions.

 But finding her again and seeing her full character arc through to completion is absolutely worth your time, further highlighting that BioWare are at their strongest when they are able to tell their stories in their own way.