In the rich tapestry of fantasy gaming, Baldur’s Gate 3 emerges as a beacon, illuminating the storied realms of Dungeons & Dragons and the iconic Forgotten Realms. Set against the backdrop of Faerûn, players are thrust into a world teeming with peril and intrigue, where every choice echoes through the ages. As adventurers navigate the treacherous landscapes and complex characters, they uncover not just a gripping narrative but also the underlying lore that has captivated fans for decades. What makes this journey so compelling? Delve into the essence of Baldur’s Gate 3, where the fate of realms hangs in the balance, and discover how it intertwines with the legendary history of D&D.
Dungeons & Dragons
Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is a fantasy role-playing game that immerses players in a world of magic, mythical creatures, and epic quests. Central to this universe is the Forgotten Realms, a richly detailed campaign setting created by Ed Greenwood in the late 1960s. The Forgotten Realms serves as the default backdrop for many D&D adventures, particularly in the 5th edition, and encompasses diverse regions such as Faerûn and the Sword Coast. This setting is characterized by its complex cosmology, featuring multiple planes of existence, a pantheon of deities, and a variety of races including humans, elves, and dwarves. Players engage in storytelling and character development within this vibrant world, where their choices can lead to heroic deeds or catastrophic failures.
As we speak of the good old Baldur’s Gate series, it’s hard not to weep with nostalgia as we remind ourselves about all the references made to the paper-based role-playing systems.
RPG ( role playing game) – is a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. The gameplay is arranged by a game master – he is a narrator who controls the world, events, and creatures that emerge in the path of the player characters. Sometimes we play the game according to the rules set and decided by a game master, while other times we can use a ready-made system during the RPG session.
Among the most popular RPG systems are Warhammer, Vampire The Masquerade (and the universe created by White Wolf Publishing) – and one of the titans of RPGs, namely Dungeons & Dragons. Such systems regulate how and from which components we can create a character (race, occupation, characteristics, etc.), how we can interact with the environment created by the game master’s narrative, how combat looks like – is the outcome of a battle determined by the use of skills, is it based on the player’s description, is there any roll of a dice, or maybe it’s a combination of all those things? Systems such as DnD tried to cover as much of these topics as possible in order to create an organic environment that stimulated imagination of the participants.
Sounds familiar? Of course, the role-playing game is as old as society, a game in which we share a common story, like a children’s role-playing games, where you could meet a Pokemon Trainer, A Warrior Princess, Goku and Garfield (by the way, that would be an interesting team…) played by your friend. The RPG took this natural human instinct to participate in an adventure, gave every story a proper framework and some shape – all these features provide a sense of progression and a satisfying reward system. The characters grow in strength by acquiring more powerful equipment, increased number of stat points, and higher experience levels, often to reach the power of a divine being.
The first edition of Dungeons & Dragons was published by TSR (Tactical Studies Rules) in 1974, and was designed by Dave Arneson and Gary Gygax – the latter co-author is one of the writers of the classic adventures called The Temple of Elemental Evil, which later served as the basis for the video role-playing game of the same title. The game evolved from the Chainmail battle system, where players sent troops to battle against enemy forces on hexagonal boards. Dungeons & Dragons does not deviate entirely from this tradition, as publishers and manuals offer the ability to carry out battles with the help of boards and figurines, rather than using just the pure imagination with a few dice rolls.
Over the years, even more elaborate versions of the DnD system have been created. Baldur’s Gate 1 and 2 were using a modified version of the second DnD installment, that is, Advanced Dungeons & Dragons. Baldur’s Gate 3 Baldur’s Gate 3 is using the modern and more flexible edition of Dungeons & Dragons 5.0 ,which allows players to have many combinations of multiple professions at once and offers a more difficulty-balanced gameplay. Even the first part tried to adapt this form of gameplay and let players to assume a specific role in the most unconstrained way. At the same time it offered a unique visual representation of the Forgotten Realms universe.
Forgotten Realms (Faerun)
Faerûn is the central continent of the Forgotten Realms, a rich and expansive fantasy setting created for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game. First introduced in 1987, Faerûn encompasses diverse landscapes, cultures, and histories, making it a vibrant backdrop for countless adventures. The continent features iconic locations such as Baldur’s Gate, Waterdeep, and the ominous Underdark, each steeped in lore and inhabited by a variety of races and creatures. Faerûn’s geography has evolved through various editions of the game, particularly following significant events like the Spellplague, which reshaped its lands and political dynamics. This intricate world continues to captivate players and storytellers alike, serving as a foundation for novels, video games, and tabletop campaigns.
Forgotten Realms is one of the most popular settings created for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing games. Over the years it received such a popularity and acclaim that most adaptations of the DnD system used this universe, among other things, such series as Baldur’s Gate, Neverwinter Nights (and Neverwinter Online), Icewind Dale.
Faerun can be considered as the high and heroic fantasy as it includes all the conventions of that genre. It means that players experience adventures in a quasi-medieval land, where magic is a quite common phenomenon, there are dragons flying all over the sky, and in a roadside inn a half-orc bartender serves a mug of ale to an elf, a dwarf and a few human thugs. Also, in the corner we can find a mysterious figure in a hood that surely has some sort of work for us.
The world has been constructed in such a way that even when we encounter some really dark issues (as depicted in Baldur’s Gate 2, for example, human trafficking, poverty, gang crimes, corrupt government) we can make a difference, that is, have an impact on various things and make the local environment slightly better. Or make the surrounding world even more devastated place. After all, we play a role and we don’t always have to follow the path of righteousness.
This land is populated by various magical and humanoid races – apart from the mentioned ones, there are halflings or gnomes, as well as fruits of mixed races, including such beings as angels or demons. Goblins and undead await players in the dungeons and vampires can walk among mortals (sometimes). Some dungeons lead to mysterious lands covered by darkness such as the vast Underdark inhabited by dark elves (Drows) and Duergars, also known as gray dwarves.
In general, Forgotten Realmsuniverse is dominated by European accents mixed with a variety of creatures from Scandinavian, Slavic, Germanic or Greek fairy tales, myths and legends. Faerun also contains some exotic elements of Near East and even Far East. For example, a dwarf can carry a genie in a bottle that is being hunted by a mysterious warrior of the desert.
Various gods play a very important role in the philosophy of this world, its myths and beliefs. These ultimate beings can be good, bad and sometimes neutral. Forgotten Realms works a bit like Marvel’s Multiverse. This means that there are different dimensions and similar versions of the same reality. The one we will get in Baldur’s Gate 3 may differ from the story we know from Baldur’s Gate 1 and 2. However, it refers to the canonical ending of Baldur’s Gate 2 Throne of Bhaal, chosen by Wizards of the Coast.
How does Baldur’s Gate 3 incorporate the Forgotten Realms setting
Baldur’s Gate 3 intricately weaves the Forgotten Realms setting into its narrative and gameplay, immersing players in the rich lore of one of Dungeons & Dragons’ most iconic worlds.
Key Incorporations of the Forgotten Realms
- Setting and Geography: The game is set primarily in Faerûn, specifically around the city of Baldur’s Gate and its surrounding regions, known for their vibrant cultures and perilous adventures. This area, part of the Sword Coast, serves as a backdrop for the unfolding story, connecting players to familiar locations from D&D lore.
- Races and Characters: Baldur’s Gate 3 features classic D&D races, including Tieflings, whose origins are rooted in both the Forgotten Realms and earlier settings like Planescape. Tieflings embody a unique blend of human and infernal heritage, adding depth to character interactions and narrative arcs. The game also introduces potential companions from established lore, such as Drizzt Do’Urden and other notable figures from the Forgotten Realms universe.
- Narrative Continuity: The storyline of Baldur’s Gate 3 takes place approximately a century after the events of Baldur’s Gate 2 and follows the aftermath of Descent into Avernus, showcasing a timeline that respects the established history of the Realms. This continuity enhances player engagement by linking their experiences to significant events within the broader D&D multiverse.
- Lore and Themes: The game explores themes prevalent in the Forgotten Realms, such as conflict between good and evil, the influence of powerful deities, and the complexities of morality. Players encounter factions and villains that reflect the ongoing struggles within this expansive world, enriching their gameplay experience with meaningful choices.
Through these elements, Baldur’s Gate 3 not only honors its roots in Dungeons & Dragons but also revitalizes interest in the Forgotten Realms, inviting both new players and veterans to explore its depths.
How do Tieflings fit into the lore of Baldur’s Gate 3
Tieflings play a significant role in the lore of Baldur’s Gate 3, deeply rooted in both their unique heritage and the broader context of the Forgotten Realms.
Origins and Heritage
- Devilish Ancestry: Tieflings are descendants of humans who made pacts with devils, particularly those associated with the Nine Hells. This infernal lineage grants them distinct physical traits, such as horns, tails, and unusual skin colors, which often lead to societal prejudice and fear. In Baldur’s Gate 3, these characteristics are emphasized, showcasing their struggle for acceptance in a world that often views them with suspicion2.
- Cultural Background: Originally introduced in the Planescape setting, Tieflings were characterized as “planetouched,” beings affected by divine or demonic forces. Over time, particularly in the Fourth Edition of Dungeons & Dragons, they became a core race known for their connection to Asmodeus, the ruler of the Nine Hells. This shift solidified their identity and appearance, making them more recognizable within the D&D universe.
Role in Baldur’s Gate 3
- Refugees from Elturel: In Baldur’s Gate 3, many Tieflings are depicted as refugees from Elturel, a city that faced dire consequences after being dragged into Avernus. Their expulsion from Elturel has created a tight-knit community of Tieflings who band together for mutual support as they navigate the dangers of their new environment. This backstory enriches their narrative within the game, highlighting themes of survival and resilience.
- Social Dynamics: While traditionally considered loners due to societal rejection, the game portrays Tieflings as forming small communities or groups for protection. This is a departure from older lore where they lacked any unified culture or homeland. The shared experience of fleeing Elturel fosters a sense of camaraderie among them, allowing players to explore their interactions and individual stories more deeply5.
- Diverse Alignments: Despite their infernal heritage, Tieflings in Baldur’s Gate 3 are not confined to evil alignments; they embody a spectrum of moral choices. Some strive to defy stereotypes by embracing roles as heroes or champions of good, while others may succumb to darker impulses due to societal pressures. This complexity adds depth to character development and player choices throughout the game35.
In summary, Tieflings in Baldur’s Gate 3 are not just a unique race but also a reflection of broader themes within the Forgotten Realms—identity, acceptance, and the struggle against prejudice—making them integral to both the narrative and gameplay experience.
