Arriving in Easthaven is the first step of the main quest of Icewind Dale.
Quick walkthrough[]
- Start a new game.
- Explore Easthaven. (optional)
Walkthrough[]
After the prologue intro slide, the game begins with the player-controlled party gathered in the Winter's Cradle Tavern of Easthaven.
Hrothgar, the town's champion, immediately addresses your party's leader. No matter how you respond, he warns you not to harm the townspeople, tells you about the available stores and services, and invites you to his home to discuss some business.
Hrothgar's task is described in the next step of the main quest, but there is no rush, so feel free to explore the town first (see Easthaven ► Buildings and Easthaven ► Characters).
Before you attempt to face serious combat challenges, it is a good idea to first:
- Buy equipment at Pomab's Emporium, in order to properly outfit your party.
Recommended equipment Equipment has a huge impact on your party's combat effectiveness in this game. It is advisable to buy at least the following for every party member:
- A suitable weapon, or weapon+shield combo (i.e. one that matches their weapon proficiencies).
- A helmet, if their class allows them to wear one.
- The heaviest armor they can wear without downsides[1]. (Especially important for front-line warriors!)
Containers, healing potions, etc. are also nice to have if you have gold to spare. (Everard in the Temple of Tempus also sells some of those.)
- Complete small optional side-quests, in order to gain experience and possibly level up.
Available side-quests The following side-quests are available in Easthaven. You can do as many of them as you like, and in any order. All of these, except Gaspar's quest, can be completed before doing the next step of the main quest.
Optional quests Given by Reward Grisella's beetle problem Grisella 1200 exp, 5 
A bottle for Old Jed Old Jed 1200 exp, 6
The dream song Jhonen 2400–4800 exp Apsel's wolf problem Apsel 1200 exp, 25 , Apsel's Dagger
Damien's fish Damien 1200 exp, loot The fishmonger's supply problems Gaspar 1200 exp Getting funding for a dwarven expedition [Dwarf] townsperson Andar Gem Singing a tale of your journey [Bard] townsperson Moonstone Gem Rebuffing shorty stereotypes [Halfling] townsperson Knucklehead Trout
Once you are ready to continue the main quest, proceed with the next step:
- ⟶ 2. The missing caravan
Appendix[]
Journal entry[]
| “ | Important Events Today, our party arrived in the snowy lakefront community known as Easthaven. Weary and half-frozen from the road, we hastily made our way into the local tavern to find a hot meal and some friendly conversation. Scarcely had we seated ourselves at a table by the hearth when we were approached by a burly warrior who called himself Hrothgar. He seemed friendly enough, but something in his eyes warned us that he wasn't one to cross. He politely asked us to come see him at his home, a couple doors west of the tavern, to discuss business of some sort. |
” |
Footnotes[]
- ↑ Arcane magic users (Bards, Sorcerers, Mages, and their dual-/multiclasses) cannot cast spells while wearing armor, so they are better off wearing robes instead.
Similarly, Thief multiclasses cannot use thieving skills while wearing heavy armor, so they are better off wearing Studded Leather Armor or lighter.