Dungeons and Dragons Video Games

Baldur's Gate 3 Catharsis

Published 1 year ago by Steve Beaudry

First of all, there will be spoilers for Baldur's Gate 3 here, so if you don't want to know what happens in the end after choosing the option to romance Karlach, then turn back. All you need to know is it destroyed me. In a very cathartic way.

If you already know or you don't care, venture forth.

Basically, the thing you have to know about Karlach is she's dying. Her heart was replaced with an infernal engine and if she stays too long in the Material Plane it'll burn up and take her with it. Thing is, the only thing that can save her is if she stays in Hell (Avernus, technically, but close enough). And if she does that she'll be hunted down by the villain that gave her that engine in the first place. So she's decided to accept her fate, save the world, enjoy what time she has left with this new soldier she's fallen for, and die happy.

The more her story unfolded, the more parallels I started drawing to Erica's story. Freed herself and became independent, found love, and only after that did she learn that she was inevitably dying. And the one thing that might give her a sliver of hope also offered too much pain for her to bear. Erica faced that end and I held her hand somewhat in denial, but also respectful of her wishes.

That's my thing, really. I respect people's decisions. Even throughout the game I respected the companions' choices and didn't speak up or try to sway them during crucial moments.

Karlach faced that end and once again I was faced with my love's oblivion. (No I wasn't actually in love with a fictional teifling from a video game, but when the game is as immersive as this it feels like it in the moment.) She was ready to meet her fate. But this time I intervened. I begged her to go to Avernus with me. I saved her.

And it destroyed me.

In life, I watched as cancer ate away at my love. In the game, I took her destiny into my hands. 

On the screen, my character and Karlach faced literal demons together. In my chair, I wept. 

Say what you want about save scumming. That was the reload I needed. No, it doesn't actually change anything, but at least a happy ending exists somewhere. Even if we have to invent it.

I don't think I want to start another play-through. Unless, of course, it's with friends. But apart from that, I don't want anything to happen any other way. It was perfect. This is such a great game. 

---

---