just found an intriguing new twist in ToB regarding balthazar
Spoiler:
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Im not sure if this is a mod i installed, but i actually convinced him through conversation to join with my in my fight against melissan! it took a number of tries in the dialogue to finaly convince him that i had no quaral with him and that it would be better to be allies against her. I have no idea what the requirements would be, but i am a chaotic good sorcerer with heroic reputation (20) and a natural 19 charisma (+1 from SoA end).

its a byproduct of the ascention mod IIRC

Yep, I did the same, it's definately Ascension. I've read you also have to have high rep and select the right dialogue to get him.

Gabrielles blades- I am experiencing a bummer of a bug with this final battle. See my "Denied the Final victory, Oh the pain" thread if you have any problems. Maybe someone will know how to help if you get it too.