Summary
As early as player choice is emphasized in the prologue ofBaldur’s Gate 3, so is the importance of the player’s connection to other characters. The world ofBaldur’s Gate 3constantly reacts to the choices of the player through the varied reactions of its inhabitants, but the game’s party members are actually capable of undergoing different arcs depending on the route they are driven towards.
The player’s party inBG3contains an array of moral alignments across its members, such that some are nearly impossible to recruit unless certain principles are agreed upon. As the player influences these characters with evil actions throughout the game, however, some will become corrupted and change while others remain adamantly less affected.
This article contains major spoilers regarding the storylines of several key characters in Baldur’s Gate 3
Astarion
He may be a more sinister voice of the party, but Astarion will become a Vampire Ascendant bysacrificing his fellow Spawn in Cazador’s ritualif encouraged by the player. This will lead to Astarion becoming more arrogant and selfish in his newfound power.
Lae’zel
While there are clear sides to the conflict between Vlaakith and Prince Orpheus that Lae’zel finds herself playing an important role in, there’s a case to be made that both of these factions are ultimately evil and violent. There is at least more honesty to siding with the less manipulative Orpheus, but many evil players are likely to be pleased with Lae’zel’s disposition no matter her outcome.
Shadowheart
Shadowheart’s arc takes a drastic turn if she is encouraged to delve into darkness by sacrificing the Nightsong, and subsequently, her parents. She will become so dedicated to Shar folllowing this path that she will even end her romantic relationship with the character, fully committing to the dark goddess.
Gale
Gale is morally dubious in his troubled pursuit of Mystra’s love, but he seems to mean well and will disapprove of evil actions. Keeping him after sinister acts can be challenging, but his goals align with the player’s enough to look the other way.
Wyll
His status as a Warlock due toWyll’s contract with Mizoragives him an obvious sense of edge and darkness, but the good intentions behind his choices show his true nature as a heroic warrior. Following this, he will not tolerate attacking the Emerald Grove, permanently leaving the party if that route is taken.
Karlach
Despite her devilish appearance and brutish strength, Karlach is a character with a heart of gold that has endeared her to many fans. While she won’t take most evil too seriously beyond Act 1, she will take the same stance as Wyll in terms of abandoning the party if the Emerald Grove is attacked by the player.
Halsin
Intended to be a party member that is only acquired if the player is on the path of good,Halsin will end up deadif an evil route is followed in Act 1. Trapped in the prison of the Goblin Camp’s Shattered Sanctum, he must be saved by defeating the murderous faction’s leaders.
Minthara
Originally intended to require the player to raid the Emerald Grove to recruit her, Minthara’s availability has recently been expanded to good routes as well. She is meant to embody development within a dark moral alignment despite her depth, asshe’s an evil person who looks at the pragmatic side of things.
Jaheira
She won’t be able to survive if the player goes evil in Act 2 and sacrifices the Nightsong, but Jaheira can tolerate a level of moral ambiguity. She won’t become unavailable if the player kills a few Harpers before meeting her, and subsequent questionable actions unrelated to Minsc won’t affect her much.
Minsc
A violent crime lord under the Absolute’s influence when first encountered, Minsc is eventually shown to be characterized by a wholesome disposition. He won’t necessarily approve of unnecessary cruelty, but he understands that force gets the job done for a hero like himself and doesn’t mind most evil.
Baldur’s Gate 3
WHERE TO PLAY
Abducted, infected, lost. You are turning into a monster, but as the corruption inside you grows, so does your power. Forge a tale of fellowship and betrayal, sacrifice and survival, and the lure of absolute power. Caught in a conflict between devils, deities, and sinister otherworldly forces, you and your party will determine the fate of the Forgotten Realms.THE ULTIMATE D&D EXPERIENCEChoose from a wide selection of D&D races and classes, or play as an origin character with a hand-crafted background. Adventure, loot, battle, and romance as you journey through the Forgotten Realms and beyond. Play alone or as a party of up to four in multiplayer – and select your companions carefully.A CINEMATIC STORYTELLING EPICForged with the new Divinity 4.0 engine, Baldur’s Gate 3 gives you unprecedented freedom to explore, experiment, and interact with a world that reacts to your choices. A grand, cinematic narrative brings you closer to your characters than ever before, as you venture through our biggest world yet. Romance, deceive, aid, obstruct, and grow alongside your friends thanks to Larian’s next-generation RPG engine.
