The Origin Characters in Baldur’s Gate 3 add an extra layer to the gameplay. They come with unique backgrounds, stories, and quests that are linked to the main plot. Playing as an Origin Character lets you make choices that can change the story. However, you can’t change their class, race, or other set attributes. Whether you choose to play as one or create your own character, the Origin Characters make the game more interesting and engaging. It’s all about how you want to experience the story.
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Key Takeaways
- Baldur’s Gate 3 offers Origin Characters with set backgrounds and stories linked to the main game plot.
- Playing as an Origin Character allows unique decisions during gameplay.
- These OG characters in BG3 follow a default path if not chosen by the player.
- Origin Characters come with a fixed class, race, playstyle, and attribute scores set by the developers.
- The game does not allow players to change these set attributes of Origin Characters.
- Origin Characters can also be chosen as protagonist companions in the gameplay.
- There are seven Origin Characters in Baldur’s Gate 3, each with a unique storyline.
- “The Dark Urge” is a unique Origin Character that lets players explore the game from a darker perspective.
Origin Character Classes In Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 does not allow the player to change the Origin Character Class. This is because in BG3 all of these Origin Characters have a set background. This means they have some attributes such as class, race, playstyle, and attribute scores, that have been set by the developers, and players cannot alter them while playing the game. For instance, Shadowheart’s story revolves around her being a Cleric of Shar, and her story would not make sense otherwise.
However, players can create new characters that are entirely customizable and can choose the pre-built origin characters to be the protagonist companions in the gameplay.
All Origin Characters In Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 has seven confirmed Origin Characters yet. All these characters are listed and discussed briefly ahead.
- Lae’zel (Fighter)
- Wyll (Warlock)
- Shadowheart (Cleric)
- Gale (Wizard)
- Astarion (Rouge)
- Karlach (Barbarian)
- The Dark Urge
Lae’zel
| Race | Githyanki |
| Gender | Female |
| Class | Fighter |
| Subclass | N/A |
| Background | Soldier |
| Deity | Vlaakith |
| Strength (STR) | 17 |
| Intelligence (INT) | 11 |
| Dexterity (DEX) | 13 |
| Wisdom (WIS) | 12 |
| Constitution (CON) | 14 |
| Charisma (CHA) | 8 |
Laezel is a Githyanki fighter. Githyanki were ruled by Mind Flayers for a long time. They started a rebellion against Mind Flayers and overthrew them However, they ended up in an ideological split and got divided into Githyanki and Githzrai. Well, Laezel belongs to the Githyanki which have a militant mindset set to uproot the Mind Flayers.
Lae’zel is encountered first in the Prologue on the Nautiloid. She leaves your party post-Prologue and is found captive near the Cathedral Ruins in the starting area. Free her to get her back in your party. If she dies on the Nautiloid and isn’t resurrected, she’ll be found dead near the shore.
If you camp before meeting her, she may end up dead near the Githyanki raiders. Her storyline continues with the quest “The Githyanki Warrior,” delving into her backstory and race’s lore.
Wyll
| Race | Human |
| Gender | Male |
| Class | Warlock |
| Subclass | The Fiend |
| Background | N/A |
| Deity | N/A |
| Strength (STR) | 9 |
| Intelligence (INT) | 14 |
| Dexterity (DEX) | 13 |
| Wisdom (WIS) | 11 |
| Constitution (CON) | 15 |
| Charisma (CHA) | 16 |
Wyll belongs to the Warlock class in BG3. Wyll was drawn into a Warlock Pact with a devil known as Mizora. Well, this pact has transformed Wyll into a monster hunter called Blade of Frontiers.
Wyll is located in a camp at Druid’s Grove, north of the Roadside Cliffs, valuing kindness and justice. Gain his approval by avoiding harm to innocents. He appears in Chapter One’s “Removing the Parasite” quest, during a Goblin fight at a camp gate, where you can recruit him.
Be careful, siding with the Goblins will prompt Wyll’s departure. His character depth is explored in the quest “The Blade of Frontiers,” introducing an intriguing dynamic to his role in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Shadowheart
| Race | High Half-Elf |
| Class | Cleric |
| Gender | Female |
| Subclass | Trickery Domain |
| Background | Urchin |
| Deity | Shar |
| Strength (STR) | 12 |
| Intelligence (INT) | 10 |
| Dexterity (DEX) | 14 |
| Wisdom (WIS) | 16 |
| Constitution (CON) | 14 |
| Charisma (CHA) | 10 |
Shadowheart is the next origin character on the list. She is a Half-Elf Cleric of Shar. This is a goddess of darkness. She is on a mission in service of her goddess. Upon successful completion of her mission, Shadowheart will also get her memory back as well.
Shadowheart, a relentless companion in Baldur’s Gate 3, is initially found at a beach in Chapter 1, near the Abandoned Ruins. You can free her from a Nautiloid pod during the prologue using a specific rune or class method. If unsuccessful, she can be found at the Dank Crypt entrance on the Ravaged Beach’s north end or later at the Druid’s Grove. However, if Lae’zel is present, a successful Persuasion check is required to convince Shadowheart to join your team.
Gale
| Race | Human |
| Gender | Male |
| Class | Wizard |
| Subclass | N/A |
| Background | Sage |
| Strength (STR) | 9 |
| Intelligence (INT) | 16 |
| Dexterity (DEX) | 14 |
| Wisdom (WIS) | 11 |
| Constitution (CON) | 15 |
| Charisma (CHA) | 13 |
Gale belongs to the Wizard class in BG3. Like other characters, Gale also has many side problems along with the Mind Flayer tadpole kicking around. His personal story revolves around dealing with the Magic Orb he was cursed with. This Magic item consumes magical energy. Failing in keeping this thing happy will result in complete destruction including Gale’s death as well.
In Act 1, you meet Gale, a compelling companion, at the Roadside Cliffs waypoint near the Nautilus wreck. He’s found near the post-prologue landing beach, emerging from a portal in the Roadside Cliffs. Engage in conversation and persuade him to join your party composition in Baldur’s Gate 3. Gale’s goal is to eliminate the Tadpoles from your brains; if initial recruitment fails, focus on this objective to gain his approval.
Astarion Origin Character
| Race | High Elf |
| Gender | Male |
| Class | Rogue |
| Background | Noble |
| Strength (STR) | 8 |
| Intelligence (INT) | 13 |
| Dexterity (DEX) | 17 |
| Wisdom (WIS) | 13 |
| Constitution (CON) | 14 |
| Charisma (CHA) | 10 |
Astarion is a High-Elf vampire spawn that belongs to Rogue. Astarion used to be a magistrate in the city of Baldur’s Gate before being turned into a vampire spawn. He has spent a lot of time under his evil master and recently got freedom. However, the master is still desperate to get him back.
After meeting Shadowheart, you’ll soon find Astarion, calling for help while battling a monster west of the beach. Rescuing him and allowing him to consume your enemies’ blood will aid in persuading him to join your party. He is first encountered in Chapter One on a beach near Nautiloid wreckage, initiating his mysterious storyline as you navigate the debris and climb a small hill.
Karlach
| Race | Asmodeus Tiefling |
| Gender | Female |
| Class | Barbarian |
| Strength (STR) | 17 |
| Intelligence (INT) | 11 |
| Dexterity (DEX) | 13 |
| Wisdom (WIS) | 12 |
| Constitution (CON) | 14 |
| Charisma (CHA) | 8 |
The final origin character is the Karlach. She belongs to the Barbarian class in BG3. Karlach is an escapee from a literal plane of Hell known as Avernus. She is finding a fix to the engine implanted in her chest by the devil Zariel. This engine is getting hotter and hotter and she has a fear that it will eventually burn her out as well.
You meet Karlach at The Risen Road in Baldur’s Gate 3, with her role influenced by your choices, highlighting the game’s narrative dynamism. Her associated quest, “Hunt the Devil,” hints at a perilous, potentially ethically complex task, despite its specifics remaining a mystery, adding depth to her character and intrigue to your adventure.
7. The Dark Urge
The Dark Urge is an exclusively selectable Origin character in the immersive CRPG Baldur’s Gate 3. Unlike other Origin characters, The Dark Urge cannot be recruited as a Companion and is only available during the Character Creation section. This character gives players an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in a malevolent mindset, engaging with the game in entirely unique ways.
- As The Dark Urge, players encounter specialized cutscenes, interactions, and dialogues, along with unique outcomes for selected actions.
- The gameplay is distinctively influenced by a sinister moral compass, often prompting questionable decisions and exploring the depths of the character’s darkest impulses.
- This Origin is particularly interesting for those wishing to challenge their traditional approach to RPG morality.
- The Dark Urge’s journey is audibly guided by a haunting narrator, revealing the character’s internal struggles and conflicts.
- Assisting The Dark Urge is the abominable servant, Sceleritas Fel, a character devoted to leading The Dark Urge down a path of violence and destruction.
Interestingly, the character of The Dark Urge doesn’t relate to any companions in the game but significantly affects the interactions and adventures throughout the journey. It presents a compelling experience for players looking to explore the game from a different and darker perspective, pushing the boundaries of traditional RPG narrative constructs.
Players must wrestle with the challenge of either resisting the dark thoughts that plague their character or succumbing to the thrill of causing chaos and upheaval in the game world.
To wrap it up, Baldur’s Gate 3 provides players with a variety of characters to play through the storyline. The game allows the player either to create his own character or to choose from a list of some pre-made characters. These pre-made characters can serve both as a companion or as the main character as well. That’s the main reason these built-in characters are known as Origin Characters in BG3. Further, have a look at Baldur’s Gate 3 Bear Scene, Wildheart Barbarian, and Strange Ox guides.
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