In the sprawling narrative of Baldur’s Gate 3, players encounter a diverse array of antagonists, each more sinister than the last. At the forefront are The Chosen Three: Ketheric Thorm, Orin the Red, and Enver Gortash—servants of the Dead Three, whose malevolent ambitions threaten to plunge Faerun into chaos. As players navigate this treacherous landscape, they must confront not only these primary villains but also a host of other nefarious characters, from cunning devils to twisted hags, each contributing to a rich tapestry of conflict and intrigue. Who are these villains, and what drives their dark ambitions? Join us as we delve into the depths of villainy in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Mind Flayers, also known as Illithids, are powerful opponents with the ability to manipulate the minds of other people. One of their main enemies are Githyanki. These creatures have been present in Dungeons & Dragons since the first edition. They appeared in the previous Baldur’s Gate games. You could encounter them e.g. in the Underdark visited in the second game.
They are octopus-like creatures that feed on human mind. The formation of the new representatives of this breed occurs through a process called ceremorphosis. Over its course, the host’s brain becomes infected with the embryo of a Mind Flayer, which gradually feeds on it to finally replace it completely. Then there is also a process of physical transformation of the host which results in the transformation of the infected into an Illithid.
What makes the Chosen Three so formidable in Baldur’s Gate 3
The Chosen Three in Baldur’s Gate 3—Ketheric Thorm, Enver Gortash, and Orin the Red—are formidable antagonists due to their unique powers and dark motivations, each serving one of the Dead Three gods: Myrkul, Bane, and Bhaal.
Powerful Divine Empowerment
Each member of the Chosen Three is a mortal elevated by their respective deities, granting them immense power. Ketheric Thorm, for instance, is an undead paladin who wields the authority of Myrkul, the god of death, allowing him to command dark forces and manipulate life and death. Orin the Red, as Bhaal’s Chosen, embodies chaos and murder, using her cunning and sadistic nature to instill fear and manipulate others. Enver Gortash represents Bane’s ruthless ambition, employing his political acumen and control over powerful constructs to further his goals.
Strategic Manipulation and Control
The Chosen Three have orchestrated a complex plan involving the Elder Brain and the Cult of the Absolute. They utilized the Crown of Karsus to gain control over mind flayers, creating “True Souls” who can be commanded at will. This psychic influence allows them to infiltrate societies and spread chaos without direct confrontation. Their ability to manipulate large groups makes them not just dangerous individuals but also leaders of a widespread cult that threatens Faerun.
Tragic Backstories and Motivations
Each antagonist has a compelling backstory that adds depth to their villainy. Ketheric Thorm’s tragic loss drives his quest for power to protect his resurrected daughter, while Orin’s transformation into a murderous figure stems from her devotion to Bhaal and her own dark past. This blend of personal tragedy with their ruthless ambitions makes them relatable yet terrifying foes.
In summary, the Chosen Three’s formidable nature arises from their divine empowerment, strategic manipulation of their followers, and complex motivations rooted in personal tragedy. Together, they present a multifaceted challenge for players in Baldur’s Gate 3.
How do the individual powers of Ketheric Thorm, Enver Gortash, and Orin the Red contribute to their formidable nature
The individual powers of Ketheric Thorm, Enver Gortash, and Orin the Red contribute significantly to their formidable nature in Baldur’s Gate 3, each embodying distinct strengths that enhance their threat level as antagonists.
Ketheric Thorm: The Undead Paladin
Ketheric Thorm, as the Chosen of Myrkul, wields considerable necromantic power. His transformation into an undead paladin allows him to command legions of the dead and raise an army of cultists and monstrous beings, such as goblins and ogres. This ability to manipulate life and death makes him a strategic threat on the battlefield, as he can continuously replenish his forces and overwhelm opponents with sheer numbers. Additionally, his tragic backstory—having lost his daughter and turned to darkness—fuels his motivations, making him a complex and compelling villain whose emotional depth adds to his menace.
Enver Gortash: The Political Machinator
Enver Gortash, the Ch
