Summary
WithBaldur’s Gate 3releasing to critical acclaim among both newcomers and savants to theDungeons & DragonsTTRPG, the game has become yet another addition to the growing slate ofD&Dgames set in theForgotten Realms. Created by Ed Greenwood and officially used beginning inAD&D 2nd Edition, the Realms grew to become perhaps the most popularD&Dsetting inDungeons & Dragonsmedia.
Set in the continent of Faerun in the world of Toril, the Forgotten Realms is home to various races and nations in potential conflict. While games such asNeverwinter Nights, Icewind Dale, and even the previousBaldur’s Gateentries showed groups of heroes saving the world from imminent danger, it’s time for a new generation of heroes to save Faerun inBaldur’s Gate 3. However, with the scope ofBG3’s story, certain popular characters in the Forgotten Realms could have a place among the game’s Companions.
10Gorion’s Ward
Unlike other RPGs with customizable protagonists,Gorion’s Wardis a rare example of a custom character whose story happens throughout different games. As the protagonist of thefirst twoBaldur’s Gategames, the Harper above raised Gorion’s Ward alongside Imoen, their childhood friend and potential companion. Having stopped the Bhaalist plot that happens across the two games, one may assume Gorion’s Ward has accomplished their mission.
This time, Gorion’s Ward could be a customizable Companion or another Custom Origin, reflecting the character’s status as the player’s protagonist in the previous games. Story-wise, Gorion’s Ward inBG3could be amnesiac like the Dark Urge, or perhaps hiding their true nature for reasons unknown.
9Drizzt Do’Urden
The nameDrizzt Do’Urdenis almost synonymous with the Forgotten Realms, with stories in theIcewind DaleandThe Dark Elftrilogies highlighting the Ranger’s exile from Drow society and his eventual transformation as the hero of the North. Such was the popularity of the R.A. Salvatore character that he and his Companions even made a cameo inpreviousBaldur’s Gategames, although they aren’t available as player characters.
However, with both games occurring within the same era, having the likes of Minsc become Companions means it’s not an impossibility for Drizzt to lend his aid to players. Despite his heroic stature, Drizzt’s original build inAD&Das a low-level Ranger can make it plausible for players to help him grow from the ground up, even if he’s already recognized as a hero.
8Artemis Entreri
Drizzt Do’Urden andArtemis Entreriwere once seen as two sides of the same coin, with the Drow’s skill meeting the latter’s interest to the point of obsession. Although a formerarchnemesis of Drizzt, Artemis remains feared as one of Faerun’s most effective assassins.
It’s unsurprising if bothBaldur’s Gate 3enemies and allies would hire Artemis’s3Eand2Ebuilds predominantly had him as a Fighter first, then a Rogue (or, in the case of2E, a Thief) second. As a potential Companion inBaldur’s Gate 3, it makes sense then for Artemis to be presented as a Battle Master Fighter/Thief Rogue Multiclass, giving both Lae’zel and Astarion a run for their money with his cunning and combat prowess.
7Jarlaxle Baenre
Lacking a Companion to represent the Bard inBaldur’s Gate 3can disappoint fans due to the Class becoming quite the gateway to hilarious interactions. Thankfully, being a humorous actor is somethingJarlaxle Baenreloves to fulfill, especially when Drow society expects nothing less but double-crosses and double-dealings. Jarlaxle of the Bregan D’aerthe would see Faerun’s Mindflayer invasion as a chance to amass power and influence.
Given Jarlaxle’s flair for theatrics, the game could introduce an annoying Drow Bard who only reveals himself as Jarlaxle in the endgame. Should the gameintroduce Jarlaxle as himself, his story could involve an accident separating him from his mercenaries, with his quest revolving around his attempts to return to them.
6Krehlan Arunsun
Elminster’s presence asaBaldur’s Gate 3characterimplies that his student and fellow Chosen of Mystra, Laeral Silverhand, is maintaining peace in the northern Sword Coast as the Open Lord of Waterdeep. Unlike Laeral, who has had an exciting history, her son Krehlan Arunsun has been quite the foreword due to a lack of any “substantial” activities. Although not Chosen of Mystra, Krehlan inherited their magic and became the Blackstaff, a title held by the Archmage of Waterdeep.
In the lore, Krehlan had died in 1424 DR, decades before the game’s events. However,BG3could reveal a hidden history wherein Krehlan may have survived through some machination and has gone into hiding, only to reveal himself as one of the saviors of Faerun. Although Krehlan would likely still be attached to theBaldur’s Gate 3Wizard Class, his story tied directly to Mystra’s “child” can make an interesting alternate take on Gale’s love story with the goddess.
5Cattie-brie
Best known as themost pragmatic but empathic of Drizzt’s allies, his friend and eventual wifeCattie-brieis the resident marksman of the Companions of the Hall. When a shard of the Spellplague struck and inadvertently took Cattie-brie’s life, nature goddess Mielikki gave her and the other deceased Companions a chance to reincarnate to aid Drizzt anew.
With the events ofBaldur’s Gate 3occurring just decades after Ruqiah’s birth, accompanying players in their mission to save Faerun could be a little side quest in Cattie-brie’s mission to aid Drizzt. As a Companion, Cattie-brie could appear as herself and become a Fighter/Ranger hybrid, or perhaps take on the form of her reincarnation Ruqiah as a Wizard/Druid.
4Bruenor Battlehammer
Among the most honorable of Drizzt’s friends isBruenor Battlehammer, the adoptive father of Cattie-brie. Although growing up to be King Bruenor of the Battlehammer Clan, his dream was to reclaim his family’s previous settlement of Mithral Hall. After seeking the help of Cattie-brie, Drizzt, Wulfgar, and Regis, the Shield Dwarf managed to reclaim the territory before soon being dragged to other adventures.
Despite his status as a clan leader, Bruenor can become a worthwhile Companion inBaldur’s Gate 3. Being that of royalty could result in entertaining dialogue, this time with the wisdom of aged pride instead of the air of arrogance of the similarly-royal Red Prince in another Larian Studios work,Divinity: Original Sin 2. Built as a Fighter in his early-edition appearances, Bruenor can be a Fighter/Cleric hybrid, particularly a Battle Master.
3Grimgnaw
Originally hailing from the Battlehammer Clan,Grimgnawleft his life with his brethren to join the Long Death, a Monastic Tradition that relishes ending the natural life cycle. Grimgnaw’s fascination with death can be off-putting for players who spend time with him, eventually becoming the leader of the Cania, one of the Nine Hells, in theHordes of the Underdark.
Although Grimgnaw becomes a villain players must face, an alternative route would have him explore Faerun as a Long Death Monk seeking disciples. Grimgnaw’s rather dark view of the world is an interesting contrast compared to the rest of the player’s allies, with a hypothetical status as a Monk inBaldur’s Gate 3finally attaching a Companion to the Class.
2Edwin Odesseiron
The capability of Wizards to achieve otherworldly feats with enough study can make them extremely dangerous enemies, with the cunning ofEdwin Odesseironproving it unwise to get on their wrong side. Appearing as an available henchman in both previousBaldur’s Gateentries, Minsc may be in for quite a surprise upon encountering this Red Wizard of Thay.
Compared to the gentler Gale, Edwin possesses an introverted snark that can make him an immediate source of annoyance for much of the party, paving the way for exciting character development reminiscent of what he received in otherBaldur’s Gatetitles. However, his potentialBaldur’s Gate 3gameplay is also fascinating, as his original designation as a Conjurer means hisBG3kit could focus heavily on summons.
1Tomi Undergallows
While Astarion makes no hesitation in making himself known through his charm,Tomi Undergallowsis oddly reserved. Although his “secretively cheery” nature makes sense with his Class as a Rogue in thegameplay ofNeverwinter Nights, his backstory makes him a worthwhile potential Companion in the recentBaldur’s Gatetitle. As it stands, Tomi went to Neverwinter as a fugitive, working odd jobs while staying out of unnecessary legal trouble.
However, while Tomi is present during the Drow attacks inHordes of the Underdark, his fate remains relatively unknown to players. AlthoughNWNtook place more than a century beforeBG3, a Halfling like Tomi could live for up to 150 years, paving the way for an aged Tomi to remain an active adventurer in the game’s events. The presence of a veteran Rogue opposite Astarion could pave the way for exciting interactions.
