Summary
Baldur’s Gate 3has many gods and goddesses mentioned in the game, as well as a few for the cleric and paladin classes to worship and follow. However, there are quite a few deities fromDungeons and Dragons’ Forgotten Realmsthat didn’t make it intoBaldur’s Gate 3or were only referenced by certain NPCs or in passing. There is one such goddess that has had quite a few dealings with a major goddess in the game that is only referenced once or twice.
The goddess in question is called Sharess, and she has had many dealings with Shar in the past. Players will have heard her name from the inn known asSharess’ Caress inBG3, where they meet Raphael, Voss, as well as many other characters inBaldur’s Gate 3. There is a reason that Sharess’ Caress is named after her, and it has to do with what she is the goddess of. Not only that, but she is also the patroness of a certain adorable animal species.
The History of Sharess
The Second Mulhorandi Empire
Long ago, Sharess was known as Bast and was the patroness of cats within the Mulhorandi Pantheon. During the reign of the second Mulhorandi Empire, she became the goddess of felines, nomads, and sensual pleasure while traveling across Faerun and creating a myriad of cults. Not only did she become more powerful within her godhood, but she also absorbed the identity of an Elven goddess known as Zandilar the Dancer, and thus became known as the Dancing Lady.
How She Gained The Name Sharess
Possibly sometime after the end of the second Mulhorandi Empire, Sharess, or Bast as she was known at that time, began to explore the darker sides of pleasure, which attractedthe Lady of Loss, Shar. Bast fell under the influence of Shar and soon became known as Sharess. Luckily for Sharess, she was freed from Shar’s influence by the goddess of beauty and love, Sune, during the Time of Troubles. Sune cleansed Sharess of the darkness with water from Arvandor’s Evergold, which restored her beauty and gave her the strength to rebel against Shar.
An Ally of Many Deities Including Selune
Sharess is allies and friends with several Good-aligned deities and, like her, they all oppose Shar, as well as Loviatar, the goddess of agony.
Not only did Sharess have many allies within the Faerunian Pantheon, as well as the Elven Pantheon, but she also had a few relationships with other deities, both platonic and romantic. Sharess had a close platonic relationship with Nobanion, the god of royalty, lions, and other felines and Good-aligned beasts. Since both Sharess and Nobanion shared a love for felines, they had a close bond, even though she did try to annoy him. Much likeBaldur’s Gate 3features romancefor players and NPCs alike, Sharess had a romantic relationship with the wise and peace-loving deity, Anhur, who was also known as the General of the Gods.
Sharess, The Mother of Cats
Sharess and Her Affiliation With Cats
In Faerun, Sharess is often depicted as a beautiful woman with the head of a cat, especially in Mulhorand. Most of the time, she is seen with various feline beasts at her side. Not only is she seen with various felines, but there is an entire order of werecats devoted to both her and Selune called the Eyes of the Evening. This order has a tradition of hunting down Sharran cultists during every full moon.
Barsik Is a Devout Follower of Sharess
InBaldur’s Gate 3, Sharess is barely mentioned, and many players will know her name from the inn known as Sharess’ Caress in Wyrms Crossing, where they can also meet the feline known as Kira. However, players can meet a devout follower of Sharess known as Barsik. Barsik is a black and white cat sitting outside Sorcerous Sundries waiting to find a new disciple for his goddess.Barsik is involved in a secret quest inBaldur’s Gate 3, where he is one of three cats that can be adopted by a lonely widow. Even thoughBaldur’s Gate 3doesn’t mention Sharess as much as other deities, at least there is a small nod to her in the form of an adorable feline.
