Summary
Baldur’s Gate 3remains an RPG with numerous possibilities and permutations. With 11 races, 12 classes, and seven playable origin characters, no two playthroughs are ever the same. This variation extends to party members, who have unique dialogue depending on which situations you drag them into.
On my first playthrough, I brought Lae’zel, Jaheira, and Shadowheart everywhere in Act 3. I witnessed a lot of unique dialogue, mostly from Jaheira, a resident of the city and familiar with all the returning characters from the original two games. I was so set in my ways that I didn’t even bring Astarion on his own personal quest, preferring to deal with Cazador without any trifling emotions getting in the way.
However, something I should have done was to bring Gale to face the wizard Lorroakan. I’d never considered that a wizard who holds himself in as high esteem as Gale does would be eager to dress down an inferior wizard.
Before you’ve even met Lorroakan, Gale reports that the people of Waterdeep consider him a “cad”, which is slang for someone who treats women unfairly. Given his view on Dame Aylin, this description is fairly accurate.
As highlighted by Goddammitkarl in arecent Reddit thread, Gale has some very fiery dialogue with the wizard if one brings him along to the confrontation.
Gale:He would seek the power of the gods for the pettiest of reasons - his own gratification. At least I seek them for the better of all.
Lorroakan:What’s that? I didn’t quite catch the words, but the insolent tone was clear enough.
Gale:Pitying, not insolent. You chase one power without knowing an even greater one lies within my reach - the Crown of Karsus.
Gale:Once we acquire it, your ambitions will be dwarfed. I will be able to stand against Mystra, and wrest her powers from her. For the betterment of all.
Lorroakan:The Crown of Karsus? Nonsense - even if it still existed, you couldn’t possibly handle its power.
Gale:Perhapsyoucould not. But Netheril’s power is in my blood, and Mystra? I know her in ways that most mortals can only dream of.
Lorroakan:Ah, so it is you. Mystra’s discarded lapdog. And now you think your bark is cause to make me tremble.
Gale:There is no need for me to bark. My actions will speak for themselves, in time.
Lorroakan:Then go - act. I’ll open a fine vintage in your name, once word of your failure reaches me.
This interaction also foreshadows what Gale becomes if given the Crown of Karsus: the god of ambition. It’s a biting interaction and a testament to the compelling writing and narrative of Baldur’s Gate 3.
Helping Lorroakan is objectively one of the most morally bankrupt actions you can take in the game, so defeating him is always extra satisfying.
