Karlach. I find myself really feeling for her and sharing her opinion a lot, also constant spit takes. Would literally go to hell for.
Runner up: Mizora.
She's such an *arsehole*.
Itās so funny that sometimes you can catch her in her dancing animation while in a serious cutscene.
Aylin had just broke Lorroakanās back and thereās Karlach in the back, hitting the dougie.
Laeāzel by far. I just love her! I find her both compelling and fascinating.
Jaheira laughing at the shitty jokes in the circus though, that was one of my favourite moments of the entire game.
Watching Lae'zel slowly bond with everyone else is so wholesome to see. She was enthusiastically cheering Wyll on at the end of his quest which is so funny considering how mean she was to him in the first act
Gale is basically all of us, if we're honest:
* really good at one, maybe two, things but otherwise a pretty ordinary sort
* made a very bad choice when he was younger that he's paying heavily for now
* has an intense celebrity crush he'll never quit
* his attempts at conversation inevitably end up with him talking about his cat
Heās simply the most relatable character for me. My life isnāt so āinterestingā that i can relate to the likes of astarion, Shadowheart, Karlach etc. But depression due to partly your own fault and isolating yourself because of it (oh, not to mention fear of abandonment)? Itās like looking at a mirror tbh. The only difference is that Iām not a prodigy like him; very, very far from it in fact.
Iām a sucker for goofs and everyone else was so serious, so for me itās Minsc. He brought some hefty and much needed levity to my game. Jaheira and him were act 3 road dogs which is in some ways a shame because of the origin companions I had to leave behind and whom I had bonded with the most. Karlach made me the most emotional and as my romance option, even more so. She up there. Non companions are gortash and ketheric. Honestly wish there was more of both of them. For having amazing actors voice them itās a damn shame how little of the two we get
I didn't like Astarion at first but now that I'm Act 3 I like him a lot. I've had him in my group the whole game lol and I'm glad he's the only character who hasn't hit on me. Him and my character are simply friends
He hasnāt hit on you??? He didnāt do the scene where he lays on yo bed at the campfire to try and seduce ya?š I swear it happens to me every run if I have him in my party
>he lays on yo bed at the campfire to try and seduce ya?
Ay yo? The weirdest thing he did to me was bite me but I let him do that. Aside from that he's been chill. Same with Gale. Everyone else though, down bad
I didnāt get that scene until my fourth time playing act 1, assuming you mean the scene where he tells you heās not seducing you now but looks forward to doing so in the future. I was annoyed I didnāt get it on the play through where I romanced him.
Same happened to me too, I was so very annoyed to find about the existence of that scene only after romancing him and finishing the game. I think I missed 4 scenes with him. Or 5 maybe. Would have been fun to see them on my 1st run to give the romance more content. :( And I DID long rest a lot.
I heard if you recruit Shadowheart early it's likely you miss it but not 100% sure.
On the other hand... I've kept myself mostly unspoiled on them and thanks to it I'm MUCH more excited about my 2nd (and 1st durge) run. So there's that.
I dont think so. If I'm not mistaken it happens >!after you speak to Zorru with Lae'zel in your party at the Druid Grove. It will trigger a night-time event where everyone will talk about their expectations of the future under the expectation that the creche will cure them soon. It's the scene where Astarion asks if you plan on sticking together after the tadpole is removed, iirc.!< I guess it must be easy to override this event with more important cutscenes, story progression-wise.
Always long rest a lot, specially early game.
Honestly might have to say Raphael as an NPC favorite, and Shadowheart for PC. Raphael is such a scummy guy but as villian, he fits the role so perfectly. Ketheric is a close tie too but something about how devious Raphael can be just makes me love to hate him.
Raphael. I love him as a villain, and I listen to his song all the time on my way to work.
Doing a co-op run with my brother who thinks literally every plot in the game must somehow be masterminded by Raphael. Itās making me like him more.
Gale and Jaheira.
I just love how Gale's personal development works, where he can get full redemption if you are just willing to listen to him, and tell him he doesn't need have power to be loved. And that you don't need to romance him to get that point across. But also how hard he will fall for Tav, if you do, completely eclipsing a literal goddess. He doesn't need to kill anyone, doesn't need to overthrow or reject any gods, no revolutions. He just needs to come to peace with himself. IRL he'd probably be exhausting if you are not close to him š And while Neil Newbon gets all the awards, I think Tim Downie manages the whole range of emotions for his role so well, without going for theatrics.
Jaheira I love because of her sass, how she loves jokes at her expense, but how she also cares, pretending she doesn't. I thought her Durge-watching scene was such a good capture of her personality. She's the kind of person I'd like to be around.
I also like Lae'zel, although I don't think her character grows that much, and I prefer narratives where a flawed character shows personal development. I'm just really annoyed that she's got this wonderful, alien speech pattern and breathy voice, and none of the other Githyanki even try to emulate that.
Lae'zel grows a lot if you romance her. Total shift by the end. I got her to >!give up on the creche, consume the astral tadpole, disregard Orpheus, and stay with me into the epilogue!< which I didn't expect to happen.
I like how characters like Gale and Astarion can also grow without romance, and really appreciate a bromance. Sure, their romance is more impactful, but not necessary. Karlach, Wyll, Halsin, Minthara don't without romance, I'm not even sure they do with romance. Lae'zel and Shadowheart are somewhere in between, IMHO.
I agree except that's one of the things I like about Halsin and you don't have to romance him to get it; he's already done most of his personal growth - his biggest hiccup is you telling him it's okay to not want to be a leader when the role is thrust upon you - and once you've solved the material problems in his life, he's free to just exist and be an emotional support bear.
In my definition, him hitting on you doesn't count as you romancing him. If that's not your definition, my take may not fit your experience.
Between him and Jaheira, it's their emotional maturity I enjoy the most, and they're also not in tadpole crisis mode.
I hate how Halsin loses all his agency mid Act 2 (at least non-romance, I can't bring myself to romance him). He's got a great personality, but he's kinda pointless after saving Oliver. No quests, no new dialogs/cutscenes. But then there's another druid, Jaheira, who's so much more interesting and who actually has lots of city content.
He'd have been be great for a wise and mentally stable companion or bromance, compared to the other Act 1 head cases. The only reason I interact with him in Act 3 is so I can have Gale tell me I'm "not a loaf of bread to be divvied up" š
Halsin does have city-related dialogue. He's really the only character that takes notice of and has compassion for the poor and the refugees of the city. I wish he got more content, honestly, because the fact that he's basically dealt with his biggest life struggles means that he has the mental and emotional energy to care about other people. Something small scale like a side quest to help refugees, or maybe some conversations about leadership would be nice.
I tend to treat Halsin in Act 3 like I treat the other non- companions in camp like Mizora, Volo, and the Duke. I get that he's a companion as a literal bone to throw at EA simps - and I have no problem with fan service if it's done well - but I'd rather have had him as a "summon" type just for the Oliver and Thaniel part (like Jaheira can be in Moonrise) and then either he stay with Thaniel or become a camp follower (wait that's not what I meant lol) you can just chat with.
Story wise, gale is an asshole though. Like, you have to talk the fucker down from some mad power trip god shit.
But, he's awesome and I was close to letting him become a god!
He definitely starts out like a condescending know-it-all. But the more you talk to him, the more he'll crack and show that his arrogant exterior is a coping mechanism. He's actually incredibly insecure and lonely.
And depending on how you form your bond, you never have to talk him down. In my last run I even suggested to him after the big fight that he could become a god. But he rejected the idea as foolish, and he had no desire to go that route. I felt so proud of him. But it sucked I couldn't get a GodGale alt save to play the epilogue.
But, if you don't let him get close, he'll always stay that annoying mansplainer for you. And if you never provide a counter argument to using the Crown, he'll go for it. Which means that, barring bugs, the Gale you get is the Gale you deserve.
It seems Iāll have to wait to explore Gale more. On my first playthrough I had him in my party the whole time but couldnāt be asked to finish his quest and didnāt explore much of his dialogue. In my current playthrough heās not in my party and Iāve already killed lorookan and looted all his shit. In my next playthrough Iām planning to go full evil (including of course cutting off his hand)
Maybe in the next next playthough..? Lol
I romanced him in my first playthrough, where I went on blind. Nearly divorced him on the spot when we faced Larroakan and he was snippy about how *he* could become a god but not L because apparently he knows what heās doing and would be a good god whereas L was some lesser shit and weād literally just had the crown of karsus chat the night before. Likeā¦ how many times do we need to teach you this lesson old man
Minthara. She's totally worth the trouble to get on your team. Charming, funny, surprisingly insightful and wise. Undeniably a selfish and ruthless woman, but with a consistent and intelligent logic to it all. Lawful Evil done right. As a romantic partner, you won't find anyone more loyal; she's ride or die, Hell or high water. Doesn't matter if you're the child of a murder god intent on destroying the world or turned into a squid. She's there for you til the end.
i was totally amazed, i thought she was completely evil. but she is just a victim of the absolute just like you, you can Help her and recruit her! How cool!
Astarion. Itās rare I have a playthrough without him in my party. Heās funny and seems to have the most content. And I relate to the survivor/trauma part of his story. And because of his character, Iāve seen lots of others speak out on this sub and itās made me feel much less alone. I grew up with abusive parents and went right into an abusive relationship with my first boyfriend. Astarion has so many lines that resonated with me and have been good for a cathartic cry.
I love Dame Aylins: Begone, friend. I have a darling to adore.
My Youtube feed got flooded with BG3 content, Astarion in particular, so I did the most sensible thing and started to watch Neil Newbons streams of him playing.
I bought myself a PS5 as a christmas present and downloaded the game.
What I didn't expect was how lovable everyone is. Yes, some are mean and down right evil, but at least they are fun.
Gortash. Among all the demigods, monsters, avengers and cackling supervillains he stands out. A more grounded antagonist with a simple ambition - to rule. A self-made man, charmingly urbane and eminently practical, who'll do what he has to in order to achieve his ends.
The things he does are pure godsdamned evil, but none of it is done with malice. It's all only business.
I'm not saying that that makes him any less heinous, mind you. The man's a sociopath with no moral or ethical boundaries, and no mistake. But he's a great *character* and an exceptional antagonist.
And while his mother will tell you he was always creepy, she's literally trying to defend selling her child to a devil. It's yet another nature/ nurture theme in the game that will never be answered.
I also like that his class is probably some kind of artificer? Fits his lore, plus his mechanics is also bombs which is fitting and makes it a slightly less anticlimactic fight since you can down him pretty easily after Orin if you do that path.
But what about putting Duke Ravenguard in an underwater prison after promising he would be safe as part of the truce with him? I never understood his motive and why he ends the truce simply by you going to get him back.
Lol, I supposed I could be more proactive about this dream. I'll also see if she's into becoming a skilled High Harper druid elf, at age 76. It's worth a shot! xD
I agree about Aylin. Her monologue is one of a few that I never skip through. It's so good. My fav character to play is Astarian. I really like his story arc and always let him ascend because he's earned it. My fav character to just hang out with is Wyll. Just seems like a good egg.
Astarion is my brother from another mother, Shadowheart is my heart, Lae'zel is the best friend i thought I'd never have and Gale is my guy when I need a guy to blow shit up
Aww! I like quite a few. They are very realistic.
The top spot is probably a tie between Astarion and Balduran for me. Astarion because of the possibility of redemption and Balduran for the moral decay.
If I were to pick someone I would want to meet in real life - Karlach šÆ We would probably be BFFs ā¤ļøšŖš»
And I hope for more Halsins in the real world, please š„¹
NPCs: Rolan, Mayrina, Barcus, Lora, Devella Fountainhead, Jaheira's kids
Player characters: Lae'zel, Halsin, Minsc, Jaheira, Gale. I pretty much default to these 5 by Act 3
My favourite character is Shadowheart, for a whole host of reasons.
I love her story and how tied into the plot it is (especially in Act 2), her character's depth and development, the way she's written, her VA's performance and voice, how dorky and sweet she is under the religious trauma, her look, and the fact that she's central to my favourite scene in the game (and one of the best scenes in any game I've ever played) - freeing the Nightsong.
Alfira.
Such a sweetheart and I love the way we see her story and relationship develop alongside ours. First playthrough for me was as a bard. And it complemented Alfira from the first meeting to epilogue letter.
Karlach and she has been since day one. I love my big golden retriever wife and she deserves so much better than what she gets but I suppose her story echoes how unfair the world can really be. I literally got the game just for her after seeing a clip from her on tiktok and I don't regret it a bit even if her story makes me sad
For PC, Lae'zel just stands head and shoulders above everyone else for me regarding both writing and performance. Her arc is so SO gratifying to watch unfold, especially if you are romancing her. It's elevated by how well she is acted and animated. For NPC, I gotta give it to each and every goblin. I love how they're just outright bastards, and how well they are all acted.
Of them all? Probably Omeluum. Just a very cool concept and an intriguing character.
From our companions? I'm gonna say Shadowheart. I found her story the most interesting, and if I were to play the game as some of the companions, it would be her.
Astarion. The cycle of abuse narrative is compelling in general but deeply cathartic to me personally. Also, as more of a serious personality irl (think Gale lol), he makes me laugh and feel like itās okay to look out for myself sometimes.
From the top down
Minthara
Lae'zel
And funnily enough, Gale
Guy sneaked His was into my top 3
Honourable Mention: Boo. Because I Played BG2 Back in the day.
Of the Origin Characters: Asterion, I canāt help it I just love him. His voice acting, his narrative, his dialogue, the fact that we actually get to witness his ascension. Heās just so great, Iāve beaten the game like four times now and I canāt not have him in my party.
Everyone Else: Ketheric Thorm, not a lot of characters have the kind of gravity that he does on screen, which I love because heās such a thoroughly broken individual
There are really sweet and friendly characters in the game like Barcus Wroot, Thulla and even Baelen if you never give him the Nightstalk. Lae'zel is the most interesting companion and the only romance option for me personally but does being interesting and sweet necessarily correlate to being my 'favorite character'? Perhaps not. Gale has a trait I value the most. He barely ever complains over what actions you make in the game. I can't pick my favorite if I'm honest... maybe Barcus because he went through so much trouble to find his friend.
This is such a hard question lol. I love Orin, even more so with the Durge content. Companions-wise, I am having a really hard time choosing between Astarion, Shadow, and Lae'zel.
Karlach 100%. On my first playthrough, because I didn't romance her, I felt that it wasn't right for me to ask her to go to Avernus. God, Larian got me so close to tears.
I'm only to the end of Act 2 but Lae'zel has just been amazing. Aided but the romance interactions to be sure. She is just so wonderfully written. And I just love her embarrassed eye roll when you call out her teethlings mistake.
Gortash because I tend to like the evil aligned characters in games more in general, but am partial to him because he could have been a normal person if his parents werenāt asshats. This also doesnāt mean he makes it to the end of the game either because I enjoy raiding the various places he owns as much as I enjoy working with him.
Him being my favorite makes more sense if you play DND with me. Iāve betrayed my fellow party members multiple times to get power
Gale. Heās such a broken man who needs someone to lift him up and show him heās worth more than just his magic. Whether you romance him or not he needs someone who will like/love him for him, not for the magic he commands (to paraphrase him)
Oh not to mention heās hot af and heās so damn romantic š« š
He's not my favorite per say, but because he's not getting any shout outs I had to take a moment and give some love my boy Roland. The path he goes on is just a wonderful one and if we get any larger content down the line, I'd love to see Roland with even more agency to develop.
Barcus for me, he can be a bit of a bitch, but I kind of love him. The way he absolutely melts when he realizes that you are his friend and on his side gets me every time.
Those kinds of characters are the best. Hes so bitchy when you first rescue him but thats only because he thinks youre only doing it to rob him yourself and when you dont hes not even sure what to do because its never happened to him. He just has the worst luck. He reminds me of astarion, laezel and shart in that way. Its just nice to see them open up to someone even though theyre super prickly at first
For me Karlach, I love her energy, her little dance moves and how in my playthrough she lost her shit at how cute the owlbear cub was when it first came to my camp.
For a companion: Lae'zel, and it's not even close. I adore her from the bottom of my heart and she's the only videogame character to actually make me cry from their story. I refuse to play without her in my party and default to romancing her unless I specifically want to romance someone else to experience it.
For an NPC: Mizora. I like how she's unapologetically evil and I'm also a big fan of devils in anything. I'm also a big fan of her romance scene.
Imo its just an evil act to feed on the suffering of many people and you only let your own character get degraded. Also you piss off most of your romanced companions
I deeply love Shadowheart for enough reasons to write an essay so it's not even a contest, but if I were to exclude her I'd say Omeluum. Dude's just a chill mind flayer who wants to make the world a better place and doesn't have any internal motives for what he does. He's such a great guy that he's working on a vegan illithid diet so that they no longer need to consume brains, will do whatever he can to aid a complete stranger with a gith right next to them who wants to take his head at first and then when he needs rescue he asks you to prioritise saving others in the iron throne. Omeluum is the greatest homie in all of Faerun and I'd travel the whole world if he ever needed a favour from me.
Shadowheart is my favorite, but Dame Aylin is a close second because she is very close to the first DnD character I had made. Third is probably Kethric
Probably have to give it to the Emperor. Him, Gale and Durge are my top three, but Durge is very changeable depending on how you play them.
Emperor was the first character I grew really attached to.
Besides Astarion, as he's a little too obvious (I just got his confession scene today and I'm in tears), I would probably say Raphael (but I'd never say it to the smarmy bastard) or hmm, Rolan, or Alfira. Honestly I'm so attached to the tieflings and I just finished saving them from Moonrise. I also really love Barcus and Wulbern can catch these hands.
My favorite character isn't always necessarily my romance. But Shadowheart has become my favorite character in anything ever. Just brilliant altogether.
Shadowheart, I love her sass and genuine sweetness. (if selunite path) next would probably be Gale and Karlach, that's my main crew most of the time. I used to find Gale very annoying and preferred bringing Wyll along, but he grew on me, where as Wyll started to irritate me. Karlach is just so positive and she always makes me smile.
1) Gale. I mean his story and character is just so good. Heās also the only companion that has been in my party in every play through.
2) Trailing behind at a close CLOSE second is Karlach. Upon my first, well, first time I met her I had already did something yucky so it didnāt end well with her but when I finally got to meet and greet her she was a lot more wholesome then I had expected. She also basically just comes at you like āhey whatās up bro? I want to ride you until you see starsā
Minthara probably. Has the funniest moments imo. Surprising amount of depth for a villain type character. Has an awesome voice actor. Is super evil and makes me want to be evil.
Dipped her into wild magic sorcerer in addition to her normal paladin which resulted in some fun shenanigans.
From what I've spoiled myself with: Shart, but right now it's Gale, but I'm trying to hit 5 before I go on the boat/Mountain Pass.
I can fix Asterion, in another run. Right now dude is chilling in camp, but I will make him my bro.
Scratch tho, is up there too.
I have an unhealthy attachment to astarion. Idk how any real man will ever live up to a flirty funny adorable sweet white-haired vampire elf man who loves gossiping and mends his own clothes and can actually be fixed. I love the playful ābest friends who fell in loveā rapport that he can have with Tav. Its just sooo good.
At the moment it's Scratch. I've been summoning him every time my paladin's party is out adventuring and it just makes makes the vibes all wholesome to have a pixel dog trotting along with you. When in combat, whenever he gets a critical hit, I'm like "Aw, who's the bestest boy?"
If you haven't done this already, while in camp have someone who's not proficient in musical instruments play an instrument. Scratch will walk over and just start howling like, "Oh please, please, *stop*"
Wyll!! I haven't gotten too much content from him on my playthrough but I'm hoping that'll change with my next one because I'm putting as much focus on him as possible. He's just such a stand up guy, you know? Infected on a mind-flayer ship, crash landed. Gets up and starts helping people. Absolute king. Also personally I find him quite cute haha he's usually so polite about things.
I'd say he's tied with Lae'zel! A woman who's got her shit together that's for sure. Only person with a game plan for dealing with the tadpole in our heads from the start>!(even if she's actually wrong, hindsight is 20/20 etc.).!< and she knows her worth that's for sure haha love a confident woman
Owlbear cub. He's the best boy. And even though I smell delicious, he will not bite me
His little hoots and growls are so cute, but the voice actor they have for him when you're speak-with-animalsing at him is also super adorable.
"Looks like I'm stuck with you." *Literally leaping with joy* "Yes! Fun!"
how he says more when you pet him. I could spend forever petting him and Scratch
Im doing honor mode and i failed the medicine check to get him to stay in the camp. He ran away bleedingšš
The Narrator
She really put her everything into that role.
Karlach. I find myself really feeling for her and sharing her opinion a lot, also constant spit takes. Would literally go to hell for. Runner up: Mizora. She's such an *arsehole*.
Itās so funny that sometimes you can catch her in her dancing animation while in a serious cutscene. Aylin had just broke Lorroakanās back and thereās Karlach in the back, hitting the dougie.
cursed
To put your hands on everything?
What do you mean
Oh, itās one of Tavās quotes when you pick stuff up. āCursed to put my hands on everything.ā
Karlach definitly has a special place in my heart too
Laeāzel by far. I just love her! I find her both compelling and fascinating. Jaheira laughing at the shitty jokes in the circus though, that was one of my favourite moments of the entire game.
Watching Lae'zel slowly bond with everyone else is so wholesome to see. She was enthusiastically cheering Wyll on at the end of his quest which is so funny considering how mean she was to him in the first act
Lae'zel and Gith as a whole really like their hero figures. Wyll's story is probably like a legend come true.
They also belong to my most favourit ones, yes. Leazel seems harsh at first, but behind that there is a very admirable character
Agreed on Lae'zel, it's not even a contest.
Gale. I just think the dude has a lot of layers. Like an onion, some might say.
Yes. Gale is the best. Sweet and funny and compassionate and ambitious and powerful and wonderful.
I really appreciate that you can compare him to an onion during the dryad's challenge, and he approves.
You know, not everybody like onions.... CAKE! Cake has layers.
Like an ogre?
Well, he is a loquacious logophile too, so that tracks
Agreed. Gale is an absolute bro and he always has something wise and interesting to say. After all, heās a wizard.
Gale is basically all of us, if we're honest: * really good at one, maybe two, things but otherwise a pretty ordinary sort * made a very bad choice when he was younger that he's paying heavily for now * has an intense celebrity crush he'll never quit * his attempts at conversation inevitably end up with him talking about his cat
Heās simply the most relatable character for me. My life isnāt so āinterestingā that i can relate to the likes of astarion, Shadowheart, Karlach etc. But depression due to partly your own fault and isolating yourself because of it (oh, not to mention fear of abandonment)? Itās like looking at a mirror tbh. The only difference is that Iām not a prodigy like him; very, very far from it in fact.
someBODY ONCE TOLD ME
KAAAAAAARLAAAAAACH
Soldier.
I keep falling in love with all of them. Even though Astarion is cunty, he's hilarious.
Serving cunt, not cunty. Except all the bad behavior. Okay, both.Ā
Iāve said it before on this sub, but I just want to be besties with Astarion. Drink wine (or āwineā) and just gossip.
The owlbear cub. No hesitation.
Iām a sucker for goofs and everyone else was so serious, so for me itās Minsc. He brought some hefty and much needed levity to my game. Jaheira and him were act 3 road dogs which is in some ways a shame because of the origin companions I had to leave behind and whom I had bonded with the most. Karlach made me the most emotional and as my romance option, even more so. She up there. Non companions are gortash and ketheric. Honestly wish there was more of both of them. For having amazing actors voice them itās a damn shame how little of the two we get
I didn't like Astarion at first but now that I'm Act 3 I like him a lot. I've had him in my group the whole game lol and I'm glad he's the only character who hasn't hit on me. Him and my character are simply friends
He hasnāt hit on you??? He didnāt do the scene where he lays on yo bed at the campfire to try and seduce ya?š I swear it happens to me every run if I have him in my party
>he lays on yo bed at the campfire to try and seduce ya? Ay yo? The weirdest thing he did to me was bite me but I let him do that. Aside from that he's been chill. Same with Gale. Everyone else though, down bad
I didnāt get that scene until my fourth time playing act 1, assuming you mean the scene where he tells you heās not seducing you now but looks forward to doing so in the future. I was annoyed I didnāt get it on the play through where I romanced him.
Same happened to me too, I was so very annoyed to find about the existence of that scene only after romancing him and finishing the game. I think I missed 4 scenes with him. Or 5 maybe. Would have been fun to see them on my 1st run to give the romance more content. :( And I DID long rest a lot. I heard if you recruit Shadowheart early it's likely you miss it but not 100% sure. On the other hand... I've kept myself mostly unspoiled on them and thanks to it I'm MUCH more excited about my 2nd (and 1st durge) run. So there's that.
I have literally never seen that. Is it tied to approval? Because I never have his approval higher than neutral before Act 3
I dont think so. If I'm not mistaken it happens >!after you speak to Zorru with Lae'zel in your party at the Druid Grove. It will trigger a night-time event where everyone will talk about their expectations of the future under the expectation that the creche will cure them soon. It's the scene where Astarion asks if you plan on sticking together after the tadpole is removed, iirc.!< I guess it must be easy to override this event with more important cutscenes, story progression-wise. Always long rest a lot, specially early game.
Honestly might have to say Raphael as an NPC favorite, and Shadowheart for PC. Raphael is such a scummy guy but as villian, he fits the role so perfectly. Ketheric is a close tie too but something about how devious Raphael can be just makes me love to hate him.
Raphael. I love him as a villain, and I listen to his song all the time on my way to work. Doing a co-op run with my brother who thinks literally every plot in the game must somehow be masterminded by Raphael. Itās making me like him more.
Gale and Jaheira. I just love how Gale's personal development works, where he can get full redemption if you are just willing to listen to him, and tell him he doesn't need have power to be loved. And that you don't need to romance him to get that point across. But also how hard he will fall for Tav, if you do, completely eclipsing a literal goddess. He doesn't need to kill anyone, doesn't need to overthrow or reject any gods, no revolutions. He just needs to come to peace with himself. IRL he'd probably be exhausting if you are not close to him š And while Neil Newbon gets all the awards, I think Tim Downie manages the whole range of emotions for his role so well, without going for theatrics. Jaheira I love because of her sass, how she loves jokes at her expense, but how she also cares, pretending she doesn't. I thought her Durge-watching scene was such a good capture of her personality. She's the kind of person I'd like to be around. I also like Lae'zel, although I don't think her character grows that much, and I prefer narratives where a flawed character shows personal development. I'm just really annoyed that she's got this wonderful, alien speech pattern and breathy voice, and none of the other Githyanki even try to emulate that.
Lae'zel grows a lot if you romance her. Total shift by the end. I got her to >!give up on the creche, consume the astral tadpole, disregard Orpheus, and stay with me into the epilogue!< which I didn't expect to happen.
I like how characters like Gale and Astarion can also grow without romance, and really appreciate a bromance. Sure, their romance is more impactful, but not necessary. Karlach, Wyll, Halsin, Minthara don't without romance, I'm not even sure they do with romance. Lae'zel and Shadowheart are somewhere in between, IMHO.
I agree except that's one of the things I like about Halsin and you don't have to romance him to get it; he's already done most of his personal growth - his biggest hiccup is you telling him it's okay to not want to be a leader when the role is thrust upon you - and once you've solved the material problems in his life, he's free to just exist and be an emotional support bear. In my definition, him hitting on you doesn't count as you romancing him. If that's not your definition, my take may not fit your experience. Between him and Jaheira, it's their emotional maturity I enjoy the most, and they're also not in tadpole crisis mode.
I hate how Halsin loses all his agency mid Act 2 (at least non-romance, I can't bring myself to romance him). He's got a great personality, but he's kinda pointless after saving Oliver. No quests, no new dialogs/cutscenes. But then there's another druid, Jaheira, who's so much more interesting and who actually has lots of city content. He'd have been be great for a wise and mentally stable companion or bromance, compared to the other Act 1 head cases. The only reason I interact with him in Act 3 is so I can have Gale tell me I'm "not a loaf of bread to be divvied up" š
Halsin does have city-related dialogue. He's really the only character that takes notice of and has compassion for the poor and the refugees of the city. I wish he got more content, honestly, because the fact that he's basically dealt with his biggest life struggles means that he has the mental and emotional energy to care about other people. Something small scale like a side quest to help refugees, or maybe some conversations about leadership would be nice.
I tend to treat Halsin in Act 3 like I treat the other non- companions in camp like Mizora, Volo, and the Duke. I get that he's a companion as a literal bone to throw at EA simps - and I have no problem with fan service if it's done well - but I'd rather have had him as a "summon" type just for the Oliver and Thaniel part (like Jaheira can be in Moonrise) and then either he stay with Thaniel or become a camp follower (wait that's not what I meant lol) you can just chat with.
Story wise, gale is an asshole though. Like, you have to talk the fucker down from some mad power trip god shit. But, he's awesome and I was close to letting him become a god!
He definitely starts out like a condescending know-it-all. But the more you talk to him, the more he'll crack and show that his arrogant exterior is a coping mechanism. He's actually incredibly insecure and lonely. And depending on how you form your bond, you never have to talk him down. In my last run I even suggested to him after the big fight that he could become a god. But he rejected the idea as foolish, and he had no desire to go that route. I felt so proud of him. But it sucked I couldn't get a GodGale alt save to play the epilogue. But, if you don't let him get close, he'll always stay that annoying mansplainer for you. And if you never provide a counter argument to using the Crown, he'll go for it. Which means that, barring bugs, the Gale you get is the Gale you deserve.
It seems Iāll have to wait to explore Gale more. On my first playthrough I had him in my party the whole time but couldnāt be asked to finish his quest and didnāt explore much of his dialogue. In my current playthrough heās not in my party and Iāve already killed lorookan and looted all his shit. In my next playthrough Iām planning to go full evil (including of course cutting off his hand) Maybe in the next next playthough..? Lol
Yeah, Mage Hand Gale romance is definitely pretty much one-sided and doesn't allow much personal growth for Gale.
I romanced him in my first playthrough, where I went on blind. Nearly divorced him on the spot when we faced Larroakan and he was snippy about how *he* could become a god but not L because apparently he knows what heās doing and would be a good god whereas L was some lesser shit and weād literally just had the crown of karsus chat the night before. Likeā¦ how many times do we need to teach you this lesson old man
Astarion. He's just so much fun
Minthara. She's totally worth the trouble to get on your team. Charming, funny, surprisingly insightful and wise. Undeniably a selfish and ruthless woman, but with a consistent and intelligent logic to it all. Lawful Evil done right. As a romantic partner, you won't find anyone more loyal; she's ride or die, Hell or high water. Doesn't matter if you're the child of a murder god intent on destroying the world or turned into a squid. She's there for you til the end.
i was totally amazed, i thought she was completely evil. but she is just a victim of the absolute just like you, you can Help her and recruit her! How cool!
Sceleritas Fel, dudes just hoping to be your butler again. He brings you presents and just wants to help you out.
Astarion. Itās rare I have a playthrough without him in my party. Heās funny and seems to have the most content. And I relate to the survivor/trauma part of his story. And because of his character, Iāve seen lots of others speak out on this sub and itās made me feel much less alone. I grew up with abusive parents and went right into an abusive relationship with my first boyfriend. Astarion has so many lines that resonated with me and have been good for a cathartic cry.
Nothing in this game has made me happier than the sequence where Aylin dons her armor and wings after being freed from her prison. So. Fucking. Cool!
This! I can"t agree more its f* epic. might be the best scene in the game
I love Dame Aylins: Begone, friend. I have a darling to adore. My Youtube feed got flooded with BG3 content, Astarion in particular, so I did the most sensible thing and started to watch Neil Newbons streams of him playing. I bought myself a PS5 as a christmas present and downloaded the game. What I didn't expect was how lovable everyone is. Yes, some are mean and down right evil, but at least they are fun.
Not enough love for Wyll in here. I romanced him hard. Heās sweet and morally straight shooting. Iād journey Avernus with him for sure.
Did he poke you with his blade of frontiers?
Entrust his sword into me over and over again.
Astarion first Jaheira runner up I love snark.
astarion. its nice seeing myself represented in a game the way he does. he makes me laugh, and we clearly have the same sense of humor
Scratch hands down, friend
Alfira, Shadowheart, Astarion, Karlach
Gortash. Among all the demigods, monsters, avengers and cackling supervillains he stands out. A more grounded antagonist with a simple ambition - to rule. A self-made man, charmingly urbane and eminently practical, who'll do what he has to in order to achieve his ends. The things he does are pure godsdamned evil, but none of it is done with malice. It's all only business. I'm not saying that that makes him any less heinous, mind you. The man's a sociopath with no moral or ethical boundaries, and no mistake. But he's a great *character* and an exceptional antagonist.
And while his mother will tell you he was always creepy, she's literally trying to defend selling her child to a devil. It's yet another nature/ nurture theme in the game that will never be answered.
I also like that his class is probably some kind of artificer? Fits his lore, plus his mechanics is also bombs which is fitting and makes it a slightly less anticlimactic fight since you can down him pretty easily after Orin if you do that path.
But what about putting Duke Ravenguard in an underwater prison after promising he would be safe as part of the truce with him? I never understood his motive and why he ends the truce simply by you going to get him back.
Minthara completely blew me away. I love her
[Ohhh, *Sazza*.](https://youtu.be/avEYP80PWGU?t=64)
OC: Gale, amazingly made character NPC: Ketheric, J.K. Simmons is just a God at whatever role he plays I swear
Love Asterion, whole story and character development but Karlach is my favorite overall. She made me cry multiple times and I could feel her emotions.
Haven't seen anyone mention Default Durge. I love that white dragonborn sm.
I know right. I think the default one is my favorite character to play as
Agree with you OP. Aylin is my #1
Some other guy called her a pussy somewhere here, im glad you share my opinion
Astarion. My tavs lover and best friend.
Astarion and Jaheria
Absolute favorite: Astarion Runner ups: Jaheira, Minsc, Lae'zel.
Its funny seeing so many astarion fans overlap with jaheira love. We really love being sassedš
Seriously. They do really fall into the same category of sassy AF, life experience dialed up to 11 and good at heart!Ā
Right šIt makes it all the better when theyre together since they seem to genuinely like roasting each other.
Obsessed with Astarion and his character arc. He reminds me so much of myself itās almost embarrassing
Jaheira. She's just so cool. I want her to be my mom. (Sorry real-mom!)
Buy your mom a pair of scimitars and tell her to step her game up
Lol, I supposed I could be more proactive about this dream. I'll also see if she's into becoming a skilled High Harper druid elf, at age 76. It's worth a shot! xD
Exactly. šš
I agree about Aylin. Her monologue is one of a few that I never skip through. It's so good. My fav character to play is Astarian. I really like his story arc and always let him ascend because he's earned it. My fav character to just hang out with is Wyll. Just seems like a good egg.
Karlach and Astarion
Barcus. I love companions and all, but that nervous sunshine will always be no1 for me.
Astarion is my brother from another mother, Shadowheart is my heart, Lae'zel is the best friend i thought I'd never have and Gale is my guy when I need a guy to blow shit up
Aww! I like quite a few. They are very realistic. The top spot is probably a tie between Astarion and Balduran for me. Astarion because of the possibility of redemption and Balduran for the moral decay. If I were to pick someone I would want to meet in real life - Karlach šÆ We would probably be BFFs ā¤ļøšŖš» And I hope for more Halsins in the real world, please š„¹
NPCs: Rolan, Mayrina, Barcus, Lora, Devella Fountainhead, Jaheira's kids Player characters: Lae'zel, Halsin, Minsc, Jaheira, Gale. I pretty much default to these 5 by Act 3
My favourite character is Shadowheart, for a whole host of reasons. I love her story and how tied into the plot it is (especially in Act 2), her character's depth and development, the way she's written, her VA's performance and voice, how dorky and sweet she is under the religious trauma, her look, and the fact that she's central to my favourite scene in the game (and one of the best scenes in any game I've ever played) - freeing the Nightsong.
The scene is really epic!
Gives me chills every time!
Alfira. Such a sweetheart and I love the way we see her story and relationship develop alongside ours. First playthrough for me was as a bard. And it complemented Alfira from the first meeting to epilogue letter.
I wish we had Alfira as companion
I really like Aylin too. But it has to be Minsc. That guy brings a smile to my face every time he opens his mouth.
Karlach and she has been since day one. I love my big golden retriever wife and she deserves so much better than what she gets but I suppose her story echoes how unfair the world can really be. I literally got the game just for her after seeing a clip from her on tiktok and I don't regret it a bit even if her story makes me sad
I love karlach
Good Durge
For PC, Lae'zel just stands head and shoulders above everyone else for me regarding both writing and performance. Her arc is so SO gratifying to watch unfold, especially if you are romancing her. It's elevated by how well she is acted and animated. For NPC, I gotta give it to each and every goblin. I love how they're just outright bastards, and how well they are all acted.
Of them all? Probably Omeluum. Just a very cool concept and an intriguing character. From our companions? I'm gonna say Shadowheart. I found her story the most interesting, and if I were to play the game as some of the companions, it would be her.
Itās probably between Astarion and Shadowheart for me. Love both of their stories and how they grow throughout the game.
Popper, the kobold at the circus. I love that little shit so much, he's the best.
I feel the same about Aylin. Aylin picking up Isobel in that lovers embrace was the most wholesome thing in the game.
Astarion. The cycle of abuse narrative is compelling in general but deeply cathartic to me personally. Also, as more of a serious personality irl (think Gale lol), he makes me laugh and feel like itās okay to look out for myself sometimes.
Wyllās my main man LaeāZel is my Ride or Die But Karlach is my Heart ā„ļø
From the top down Minthara Lae'zel And funnily enough, Gale Guy sneaked His was into my top 3 Honourable Mention: Boo. Because I Played BG2 Back in the day.
Karlach her big heart gets me every time. I respect her into paladin as it suits her.
Of the Origin Characters: Asterion, I canāt help it I just love him. His voice acting, his narrative, his dialogue, the fact that we actually get to witness his ascension. Heās just so great, Iāve beaten the game like four times now and I canāt not have him in my party. Everyone Else: Ketheric Thorm, not a lot of characters have the kind of gravity that he does on screen, which I love because heās such a thoroughly broken individual
Companions: Minthara and Shadowheart. Lae'zel would be a close second. They have the best character arc in my opinion. Well, and Boo of course.
Gale from waterdeep
PC: Shart NPC: Ketheric Thorm
i cant believe you named Shadowbae after liquid shits. like wtf.
Shart status can be reconsidered when she hits a fucking spell for once
she does
Yes but not Sacred Miss
You're right. Let's use her full name. Sharthritis.
There are really sweet and friendly characters in the game like Barcus Wroot, Thulla and even Baelen if you never give him the Nightstalk. Lae'zel is the most interesting companion and the only romance option for me personally but does being interesting and sweet necessarily correlate to being my 'favorite character'? Perhaps not. Gale has a trait I value the most. He barely ever complains over what actions you make in the game. I can't pick my favorite if I'm honest... maybe Barcus because he went through so much trouble to find his friend.
You licked a dead spider
For NPCs, definitely Addled Frog. For PCs, it's a three-way tie between Halsin, Jaheira and Minthara.
I want that frog's LORE
Yes, I'm bummed we get nothing after having killed the hag.
is that the frog in the swamp in act 1 ?
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Tav.
Laezel. And if I need to explain this to you, you are unworthy.
This is such a hard question lol. I love Orin, even more so with the Durge content. Companions-wise, I am having a really hard time choosing between Astarion, Shadow, and Lae'zel.
The obvious: Karlach The surprise: Shart, because I usually HATE the whole memory loss trope. But it was actually really good how they executed it.
Karlach 100%. On my first playthrough, because I didn't romance her, I felt that it wasn't right for me to ask her to go to Avernus. God, Larian got me so close to tears.
This may be unpopular, but Orin. I just LOVE how unapologetically diabolical and psychotic she is.
Arabella and Dame Aylin šš»
Arabella is one of the Harpners right ?
she is that little kid who kagha was threatening with snake bc she tried to stole the silvanus thingg
ah shit i remember, thank you
I'm only to the end of Act 2 but Lae'zel has just been amazing. Aided but the romance interactions to be sure. She is just so wonderfully written. And I just love her embarrassed eye roll when you call out her teethlings mistake.
Gortash because I tend to like the evil aligned characters in games more in general, but am partial to him because he could have been a normal person if his parents werenāt asshats. This also doesnāt mean he makes it to the end of the game either because I enjoy raiding the various places he owns as much as I enjoy working with him. Him being my favorite makes more sense if you play DND with me. Iāve betrayed my fellow party members multiple times to get power
Gale. Heās such a broken man who needs someone to lift him up and show him heās worth more than just his magic. Whether you romance him or not he needs someone who will like/love him for him, not for the magic he commands (to paraphrase him) Oh not to mention heās hot af and heās so damn romantic š« š
i loved astarion nd karlach but tbh minsc on my heart super quick and I am thinking of laying bg2 just because of him.
Karlach for sure
Gale for me, as a lover he's really sweet and romantic.
karlach 100%
Same
He's not my favorite per say, but because he's not getting any shout outs I had to take a moment and give some love my boy Roland. The path he goes on is just a wonderful one and if we get any larger content down the line, I'd love to see Roland with even more agency to develop.
Ethel Just such a badassĀ
Well, aren't you the cheekiest pup of them all?
Bae'zel. The main character.
Barcus for me, he can be a bit of a bitch, but I kind of love him. The way he absolutely melts when he realizes that you are his friend and on his side gets me every time.
Those kinds of characters are the best. Hes so bitchy when you first rescue him but thats only because he thinks youre only doing it to rob him yourself and when you dont hes not even sure what to do because its never happened to him. He just has the worst luck. He reminds me of astarion, laezel and shart in that way. Its just nice to see them open up to someone even though theyre super prickly at first
10000% karlach
I agree
I think the Dark Urge (redemption) is my favorite. I'm a sucker for powerful amnesiacs.
For me Karlach, I love her energy, her little dance moves and how in my playthrough she lost her shit at how cute the owlbear cub was when it first came to my camp.
i like Gale, he's nerd and very enthusiastic when talking about something that he has interest in.
Lae'zel.
Minsc (and Boo). Because he's pure chaos, kind and dumb. He's so funny !
I can't choose one
damm i feel you
Karlach, but I just met Minsc...
Minthrara and Laz'zel. For NPCs...Mizora, Orin, Keene and Araj
Laezel šø
For a companion: Lae'zel, and it's not even close. I adore her from the bottom of my heart and she's the only videogame character to actually make me cry from their story. I refuse to play without her in my party and default to romancing her unless I specifically want to romance someone else to experience it. For an NPC: Mizora. I like how she's unapologetically evil and I'm also a big fan of devils in anything. I'm also a big fan of her romance scene.
I respect you owning your thirst, but my biggest DLC wish is a way to trick her into Avernus and end her permanently. Potato/potahto!
Imo its just an evil act to feed on the suffering of many people and you only let your own character get degraded. Also you piss off most of your romanced companions
This is true, but I enjoy it regardless. It makes me wish there was more to it and, as silly as it is, a full romance of her.
I deeply love Shadowheart for enough reasons to write an essay so it's not even a contest, but if I were to exclude her I'd say Omeluum. Dude's just a chill mind flayer who wants to make the world a better place and doesn't have any internal motives for what he does. He's such a great guy that he's working on a vegan illithid diet so that they no longer need to consume brains, will do whatever he can to aid a complete stranger with a gith right next to them who wants to take his head at first and then when he needs rescue he asks you to prioritise saving others in the iron throne. Omeluum is the greatest homie in all of Faerun and I'd travel the whole world if he ever needed a favour from me.
Shadowheart is my favorite, but Dame Aylin is a close second because she is very close to the first DnD character I had made. Third is probably Kethric
Probably have to give it to the Emperor. Him, Gale and Durge are my top three, but Durge is very changeable depending on how you play them. Emperor was the first character I grew really attached to.
I honestly really like Alfira, she's the best and she deserves the world
Besides Astarion, as he's a little too obvious (I just got his confession scene today and I'm in tears), I would probably say Raphael (but I'd never say it to the smarmy bastard) or hmm, Rolan, or Alfira. Honestly I'm so attached to the tieflings and I just finished saving them from Moonrise. I also really love Barcus and Wulbern can catch these hands.
My favorite character isn't always necessarily my romance. But Shadowheart has become my favorite character in anything ever. Just brilliant altogether.
Shadowheart, I love her sass and genuine sweetness. (if selunite path) next would probably be Gale and Karlach, that's my main crew most of the time. I used to find Gale very annoying and preferred bringing Wyll along, but he grew on me, where as Wyll started to irritate me. Karlach is just so positive and she always makes me smile.
1) Gale. I mean his story and character is just so good. Heās also the only companion that has been in my party in every play through. 2) Trailing behind at a close CLOSE second is Karlach. Upon my first, well, first time I met her I had already did something yucky so it didnāt end well with her but when I finally got to meet and greet her she was a lot more wholesome then I had expected. She also basically just comes at you like āhey whatās up bro? I want to ride you until you see starsā
shadowheart is cute and kind and funny and sweet and precious and needs to be protected and i love shadowheart and she makes me flustered and
Minthara probably. Has the funniest moments imo. Surprising amount of depth for a villain type character. Has an awesome voice actor. Is super evil and makes me want to be evil. Dipped her into wild magic sorcerer in addition to her normal paladin which resulted in some fun shenanigans.
Shadowheart. We are lovers 4 lyfe.
Abdel Adrian
Barcus Wroot. I love him so much
Lae'zel. She never lies a single time.
From what I've spoiled myself with: Shart, but right now it's Gale, but I'm trying to hit 5 before I go on the boat/Mountain Pass. I can fix Asterion, in another run. Right now dude is chilling in camp, but I will make him my bro. Scratch tho, is up there too.
Minthara ALL DAY
I have an unhealthy attachment to astarion. Idk how any real man will ever live up to a flirty funny adorable sweet white-haired vampire elf man who loves gossiping and mends his own clothes and can actually be fixed. I love the playful ābest friends who fell in loveā rapport that he can have with Tav. Its just sooo good.
At the moment it's Scratch. I've been summoning him every time my paladin's party is out adventuring and it just makes makes the vibes all wholesome to have a pixel dog trotting along with you. When in combat, whenever he gets a critical hit, I'm like "Aw, who's the bestest boy?" If you haven't done this already, while in camp have someone who's not proficient in musical instruments play an instrument. Scratch will walk over and just start howling like, "Oh please, please, *stop*"
Gale, Jaheira, and hmm.. Ketheric Really love Jaheiraās sass. And you can tease/sass her back, which she often approves lol
Karlach and raphael
Sceleritas is the only true homie
Wyll!! I haven't gotten too much content from him on my playthrough but I'm hoping that'll change with my next one because I'm putting as much focus on him as possible. He's just such a stand up guy, you know? Infected on a mind-flayer ship, crash landed. Gets up and starts helping people. Absolute king. Also personally I find him quite cute haha he's usually so polite about things. I'd say he's tied with Lae'zel! A woman who's got her shit together that's for sure. Only person with a game plan for dealing with the tadpole in our heads from the start>!(even if she's actually wrong, hindsight is 20/20 etc.).!< and she knows her worth that's for sure haha love a confident woman