Summary
Baldur’s Gate 3has been hailed as one of the greatest RPGs of this generation, and for good reason. Larian Studios' astonishing game is not only alove letter toDungeons and Dragons, but a remarkably ambitious video game in its own right, rivaling the industry’s best role-playing experience across just about every aspect.
Most fans ofBaldur’s Gate 3agree that its writing and character work steal the show. Particular praise has been heaped on the game’s main band of companions, which has quickly become one of gaming’s most unforgettable RPG crews. These characters are more than just standard supporting cast fare: they all have their own ambitions, secrets, fears, and desires. Their most essential traits are highlighted in an easily missable dialog exchange in Act 3.
The Not-So-Hidden Desires of Every Baldur’s Gate 3 Companion
In Sharess' Caress, players can resolve a conflict between courtesan Naoise Nallinto and Fist Jara. Afterward, and upon passing an insight check, Nallintowill offer the Rapture buff, posing the question: “You have one word. Tell me: what will you be?”
Each non-custom party member has a unique response to this question. The character-specific options are as follows:
For whatever reason, Lae’zel, Jaheria, Halsin, and Minthara do not have character-specific dialog options during this exchange with Nallinto.
What These Dialog Options Reveal About Baldur’s Gate 3’s Companions
Astarion
Astarion is perhapsBaldur’s Gate 3’s most belovedorigin character, as his vampiric struggle, packaged in a cool, witty persona delivered expertly by actor Neil Newbon, is instantly captivating. Though it seems like the man revels in his vampirism, he lives under the ever-looming threat of Cazador, his sadistic and cruel former master, so it makes sense that he would wish for safety above all else.
Gale
Wisdom is a wizard’s forte, so it shouldn’t be surprising that Gale holds such a quality in high regard. But Gale’s history gives this desire some extra context, as his life has often been defined by ambition—an ambition that leads to his mysterious, destructive curse. Gale has exceptional talent, but his thirst for knowledge is a double-edged sword that he must hone.
Karlach
Karlach’s story is heartbreaking, and her unique dialog option with Nallinto reflects that. The devil-may-care tiefling is faced with an inevitable death from the beginning of the story, as the Infernal Engine in her chest is destined to overheat. She takes this in stride, but nonetheless wishes for love, family, and friendship. So, while Karlach comes to accept her fate, she still wants to live more than anything, which is devastating.
Minsc
Baldur’s Gatealumnus Minsccan respond to Nallinto’s query with his own name, which is rather humorous and reflective of the character’s simple and straightforward mentality. However, an alternative interpretation could connect to his years spent in petrification: Minsc may truly want to be “Minsc” more than anything, as he wants to retain his autonomy and selfhood.
Shadowheart
Shadowheart’s story is one of opposing ideals and internal struggle. She has one of the most interesting character arcs in the game, beginning as a devout worshiper of darkness before rejecting Shar’s teachings and carving a new path. But this path is uncertain, and her complicated history (not to mention her amnesia) can lead to serious struggles with identity as she strives to find her new purpose. Thus, her desire to be “whole” makes sense.
Wyll
Finally, there’s Wyll, the chivalrous warlock locked in a pact with the devil Mizora. Wyll’s journey inBaldur’s Gate 3is all about breaking the pactwith Mizora, though this is easier said than done, as the devil is shrewd, conniving, and uncooperative, always maintaining some degree of control over the man and keeping him from being truly free, in both body and spirit.
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.
