Summary
In 2001, the expansion packBaldur’s Gate 2: Throne of Bhaalsurprised fans by offering not just an exciting new adventure and the long-anticipated conclusion to the games' Bhaalspawn storyline, but also the ability to recruit iconicBaldur’s Gatevillain Sarevok Anchev as a playable character. Depending on their choices, characters could even redeem Sarevok and turn him away from Bhaal’s murderous influence. WhileBaldur’s Gate 3revealed that Sarevok’s redemption didn’t stick, the Larian Studios game could followThrone of Bhaal’sexample by making its villains recruitable in potential DLC. There are severalBaldur’s Gate 3villains who would make interesting companions and could even have redemption arcs honoring Sarevok’s iconic story.
Throne Of Bhaal Showed Another Side To The Forbidding Sarevok
In the originalBaldur’s Gate,Sarevok Anchevwas a terrifying, larger-than-life figure. He believed that, by murdering other Bhaalspawn, he could take his father’s place as the new Lord of Murder. He served as the final boss of the original game, and his unique Deathbringer class made him a difficult opponent to take down.
Sarevok: What is the use of power if you cannot carve out an empire for yourself?
Player: You can’t take an empire with you when you die.Youshould know that.
Throne of Bhaalsaw Sarevok, now deceased, attempting to bring himself back to life with a fragment of the protagonist’s soul. Players could engage in conversations with Sarevok that would show the formerBhaalspawnwas conflicted, unsure if he could ever become anything more than his father’s shadow. Should players make the right choices, his alignment would shift from Chaotic Evil to Chaotic Good, and he would end the game determined to seek his own path. The story was a complex one that acknowledged the corrupting lure of power and that true redemption started with wanting to do good. Several ofBaldur’s Gate 3’svillains could benefit from similar introspection and conversation should they become recruitable in DLC.
The Chosen Three Could Also Become More Than Their Gods
The obvious choice for recruitable antagonists returned from the dead inBaldur’s Gate 3DLC would be theChosen Three, who led the Cult of the Absolute. In-game materials and conversations hinted at each of them being much more complex than a simple servant of their god, and it would be fascinating to see what they could be like without their Chosen status defining them.
Orin The Red Could Follow In Sarevok’s Footsteps
Orin the Red, Chosen of Bhaal, could have a story very similar to Sarevok’s should she be recruited from beyond the grave. A Bhaalspawn and descendant of Sarevok himself, Orin’s mind was twisted due to being the product of an incestuous breeding project and being in constant conflict with the Dark Urge, Bhaal’s favored child. A recruitable Orin’s story could focus on helping her establish her own identity free from the murderous cult of Bhaal in which she was raised. Orin would also be a unique companion because her doppelganger race could allow her to make use of shapeshifting in combat.
Players Could Get To Meet The Old Ketheric Thorm
Before taking on the role of Chosen of Myrkul,Ketheric Thormwas once a heroic man. He devoutly served Selune before falling into despair following the deaths of his wife and daughter. A recruited post-death Ketheric could get to be a hero once more, and could have unique interactions with Shadowheart - who can potentially serve Selune - and with his daughter Isobel, who was restored to life. In battle, he would likely be a powerful Paladin, possibly with restored Selunite blessings and abilities.
Gortash Could Bring Back The Party Conflict System
InBaldur’s Gate 1and2,some characters had such powerful animosity towards one another that they would refuse to fight together. Recruiting one could even cause another to leave entirely.Enver Gortash, Chosen of Bane, would likely cause such conflicts, as Karlach loathes him for selling her to Archdevil Zariel and Wyll hates him for brainwashing his father. Still, Gortash as a companion would offer a unique experience, as he could use his traps and even Steel Watcher constructs in battle, and players could learn more about his heist of the Orphic Hammer or his servitude under the devil Raphael.
Other Villains Who Could Become Recruitable In DLC
Baldur’s Gate 3is filled to the brim with memorable villains, and several of them would be fascinating to see in a DLC focused on bringing back defeated villains similar toThrone of Bhaal.Just a few include:
Already,Baldur’s Gate 3is a game that lets players experiment with and experience both good and evil, with many complex choices available as well as the option to play as the tormentedDark Urgeorigin. Giving further depth to some of the game’s most memorable villains, and honoringThrone of Bhaal’sexample in the process, would be the perfect choice for the game’s potential DLC. With Larian Studios' recently added epilogue hinting that more adventures may be coming in the future, a chance to adventure with the game’s villains just as Gorion’s Ward and Sarevok once did is a definite possibility.
