How do I convince Karlach to stay with the party in Baldur's Gate 3?

To convince Karlach to stay with the party in Baldur's Gate 3, you need to navigate her personal storyline carefully and make choices that align with her values and desires. Karlach is a tiefling barbarian with a strong sense of justice and a tragic past tied to the infernal engine in her chest. Her story revolves around her struggle to break free from the control of the archdevil Zariel and find a way to live a normal life. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to ensure she stays with your party.

First, you need to encounter Karlach in the game. She is found in the wilderness area of Act 1, near the Risen Road. When you meet her, she will be hostile at first due to her infernal engine causing her pain and confusion. To calm her down, you need to pass a series of dialogue checks. These checks are typically Persuasion or Insight rolls, so having a character with high Charisma or Wisdom can be beneficial. If you succeed, she will join your party temporarily.

Once Karlach is in your party, her personal quest, "The Hellion's Heart," begins. This quest is crucial for convincing her to stay. The main objective is to find a way to stabilize or remove the infernal engine in her chest. Throughout Act 1 and Act 2, you will encounter various NPCs and clues that can help with this. One key NPC is Dammon, a tiefling blacksmith who can be found in the Druid Grove in Act 1 and later in the Last Light Inn in Act 2. Dammon has the knowledge and skills to work on the infernal engine.

To progress Karlach's quest, you need to bring her to Dammon in Act 1. Dammon will examine the engine and suggest that you find infernal iron, a rare material needed for repairs. Infernal iron can be found in several locations, such as the Goblin Camp, the Underdark, and the Grymforge. Once you have the infernal iron, return to Dammon, and he will perform the first repair. This will stabilize Karlach's condition and improve her mood, making her more likely to stay with the party.

In Act 2, you will encounter Dammon again at the Last Light Inn. He will offer to perform further repairs on the infernal engine, but this requires more infernal iron. If you have the necessary materials, Dammon will make the repairs, and Karlach will express her gratitude and commitment to the party. This is a critical moment in her storyline, as it solidifies her trust in you and her desire to stay.

Throughout the game, your dialogue choices with Karlach are important. She values honesty, loyalty, and a sense of justice. Avoid making choices that align with evil or selfish motives, as this can alienate her. For example, siding with the goblins in Act 1 or making deals with devils can lead to her leaving the party. Instead, focus on helping the tieflings, fighting against tyranny, and supporting her quest to remove the infernal engine.

Combat tactics also play a role in keeping Karlach happy. As a barbarian, she thrives in melee combat and enjoys being in the thick of the action. Make sure to use her effectively in battles, and she will appreciate your leadership. Additionally, her rage ability is a key part of her combat mechanics, so managing her rage effectively can make her more effective in fights and more satisfied with the party.

In terms of D&D rules, Karlach's infernal engine is a unique mechanic that ties into her backstory. While it doesn't have a direct counterpart in the standard D&D 5E rules, it functions similarly to a cursed item or a magical affliction. The process of repairing the engine with infernal iron can be seen as a form of removing a curse or stabilizing a magical effect. Understanding this can help you appreciate the narrative and mechanical depth of her storyline.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting her quest, making choices that conflict with her values, and failing to gather the necessary infernal iron. If you ignore her quest for too long, she may become frustrated and leave. Similarly, if you make too many evil or selfish choices, she will lose trust in you and depart.

Advanced techniques involve optimizing your party composition and resource management. Ensure you have a balanced party that can handle the challenges of finding infernal iron and completing Karlach's quest. A rogue or ranger can help with exploration and finding hidden materials, while a cleric or paladin can provide healing and support in combat.

In summary, convincing Karlach to stay with the party involves progressing her personal quest, making choices that align with her values, and effectively managing her in combat. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure that Karlach remains a loyal and valuable member of your party throughout the game.