Ah, Balthazar. The undead necromancer you encounter early on in Baldur’s Gate 3. A morally ambiguous character shrouded in mystery, he presents a crucial decision point: should you help him or unleash your righteous fury (or perhaps a more strategic swipe)? 

This article delves into the potential consequences of both paths,  illuminating the impact your choice has on the narrative, your companions, and the overall flow of the game.

The Enigmatic Balthazar: A Self-Preserving Soul

Balthazar’s initial introduction paints him as a desperate individual. Trapped in the Gauntlet of Shar, a twisted temple overrun by the undead, he seeks your aid in retrieving a hidden relic.  However, his true motivations remain unclear.  Is he genuinely seeking to break free, or does he harbor a more sinister agenda?

Here’s a closer look at Balthazar’s key characteristics:

Undead Nature:  Balthazar is a powerful necromancer who has defied death itself.  This raises questions about his trustworthiness and potential threat level.

Desperate Plea:  His request for assistance seems genuine, fueled by his desire to escape the Gauntlet of Shar.

Hidden Agenda?:  Despite his claims, some of his actions and dialogue hints suggest a possible ulterior motive.  Is he truly seeking freedom, or does he have a more nefarious plan in mind?

The decision to trust Balthazar hinges on your character’s moral compass and interpretation of his character.

The Path of Assistance: A Deal with the Devil (or Lich)

If you choose to help Balthazar, you’ll embark on a quest to retrieve the relic within the Gauntlet of Shar. This path offers some potential benefits:

Unique Rewards:  Helping Balthazar grants access to specific loot, including the Circle of Bones headgear and the Animate Dead spell.

Temporary Alliance:  Balthazar temporarily aids you in combat, offering a temporary tactical advantage against the denizens of the Gauntlet.

Character Alignment:  Helping Balthazar might align more closely with a neutral or even evil character who prioritizes pragmatism over moral purity.

However, this path comes with its own set of drawbacks:

Uncertain Trust:  There’s no guarantee that Balthazar will keep his end of the bargain. He might turn on you once he obtains the relic.

Companion Disapproval:  Some of your companions, particularly Shadowheart, might disapprove of your decision to trust an undead being.

Moral Conundrum:  Helping an undead necromancer might conflict with the moral code of a good-aligned character.

Ultimately, the decision to assist Balthazar boils down to calculated risk and your character’s moral compass.

The Path of Fury: Justice Served (or Not Quite)

If you choose to fight Balthazar, you’ll engage in a challenging battle against him and his undead minions.  This path offers a sense of moral satisfaction and potential benefits:

Eliminating a Threat:   Permanently removing Balthazar eliminates a potential future antagonist.

Improved Reputation:  Certain companions, particularly Shadowheart, might approve of your decision to vanquish the undead necromancer.

Moral Alignment:  Slaying Balthazar aligns with a good-aligned character who prioritizes eliminating threats and upholding justice.

However, there are downsides to consider:

Missed Rewards:   You forfeit the unique loot and temporary alliance offered by helping Balthazar.

Challenging Fight:  Balthazar is a formidable opponent, and defeating him can be a significant hurdle, especially at lower levels.

Moral Gray Area:   Even if Balthazar posed a threat, some might argue that outright killing is not always the answer.

This path emphasizes decisive action and prioritizes potential future safety over immediate gain.

Beyond the Fight: Long-Term Consequences

The ramifications of your decision extend beyond the immediate encounter with Balthazar.  Here’s how your choice might impact the later stages of the game:

Story & Dialogue:  Your choice to help or kill Balthazar can lead to different dialogue options and story beats in later acts.

Companion Interactions:  Certain companions might reference your decision throughout the game, depending on their personalities and moral stances.

The Bigger Picture:  While Balthazar’s role might seem isolated, your choice could have unforeseen consequences that ripple throughout the narrative.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to aid or vanquish Balthazar is a turning point with lasting impacts on your Baldur’s Gate 3 experience.

FAQs

Balthazar, the undead necromancer you encounter in the Gauntlet of Shar, presents a moral quandary for players in Baldur’s Gate 3. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide his fate:

What are the consequences of killing Balthazar?

Immediate Reward: You’ll loot his body, potentially acquiring the Circle of Bones headgear, Warped Headband of Intellect, and the Animate Dead spell.

Easier Fight Later: You won’t have to face him again in the Shadowfell, making that encounter less challenging.

Disapproval from Shadowheart: If she’s in your party, she’ll disapprove of killing Balthazar, potentially affecting your relationship.

Missed Story Beats: You might miss some minor dialogue options related to Balthazar’s backstory and motivations.

What are the consequences of letting Balthazar live?

Potential Ally: He could be a helpful ally in the Shadowfell, assisting you in finding a hidden relic.

Unique Items: You might gain access to the Summon Golem Bell and the Moonlantern, items exclusive to the “help Balthazar” path.

Moral Dilemma: You’ll be aiding an undead character with questionable morals.

Potential Betrayal: There’s a chance Balthazar might betray you in the Shadowfell, leading to a difficult fight.

Should I consider my party composition?

Good-aligned characters: They might strongly disapprove of aiding an undead necromancer.

Characters seeking power: They might be more inclined to loot Balthazar.

What do people discuss on Youtube about Balthazar?

Gameplay walkthroughs: Many videos showcase both “kill” and “help” playthroughs, allowing you to see the different outcomes.

Character discussions: Videos might analyze Balthazar’s motivations and his potential role in the story.

Min-maxing guides: Some videos focus on maximizing rewards, possibly favoring killing Balthazar for the loot.

Ultimately, the decision is yours!

There’s no single “right” answer.  Weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks, consider your party’s alignment, and make a choice that aligns with your roleplaying style.

Here are some additional points to ponder:

Do you trust Balthazar? Even if you help him, he might turn on you later.

Are you playing for power or story? Killing Balthazar offers quicker rewards, while helping him might lead to more interesting story beats.

How do you feel about undead characters? Are you okay with working alongside them, or do you prefer to eliminate them?

No matter what you decide, remember, Baldur’s Gate 3 is about choice and consequence.  Choose wisely, adventurer!

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