What are the consequences of killing Raphael in Baldur's Gate 3?

Killing Raphael in Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant decision that can have far-reaching consequences on the story, your companions, and the world around you. Raphael is a powerful cambion and a key figure in the game's narrative, often appearing as a manipulative and self-serving character who offers deals to the player. Deciding to kill him is not a straightforward task, as it involves careful planning, strong combat tactics, and an understanding of the potential repercussions.

To begin with, Raphael is encountered multiple times throughout the game, but the most pivotal moment to confront him is during Act 3. At this stage, he resides in the House of Hope, a pocket dimension that serves as his personal sanctuary. To reach him, you must first obtain the Orphic Hammer, a powerful artifact that can break the chains binding the Prince of the Comet, Orpheus. This hammer is crucial not only for the main quest but also for gaining access to Raphael's lair. You can acquire the hammer by either striking a deal with Raphael or by stealing it from his House of Hope. If you choose to steal it, you will need to infiltrate his domain, which is a challenging task in itself.

Once inside the House of Hope, you will face a series of tough encounters, including powerful devils and traps. The environment is designed to test your party's resilience and resourcefulness. Raphael himself is a formidable opponent, boasting high health, powerful spells, and a variety of abilities that can quickly turn the tide of battle. He is accompanied by his cambion allies, making the fight even more difficult. To prepare for this encounter, it is essential to have a well-balanced party with strong damage dealers, healers, and crowd control specialists. Characters with high mobility and the ability to deal with multiple enemies at once, such as a Paladin or a Sorcerer, can be particularly effective.

During the fight, Raphael will use spells like Fireball, Hold Person, and Dominate Person to control and damage your party. He also has the ability to summon additional devils, so it is crucial to focus on crowd control and area-of-effect spells to manage the battlefield. Spells like Counterspell can be invaluable for negating his most dangerous abilities. Additionally, using items like Scrolls of Protection from Evil and Good can provide your party with much-needed resistance to his attacks.

One common mistake players make is underestimating Raphael's strength and the complexity of the fight. It is easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of enemies and the environmental hazards present in the House of Hope. To avoid this, make sure to rest and prepare your party thoroughly before entering the lair. Stock up on healing potions, scrolls, and other consumables that can give you an edge in combat. Another mistake is neglecting to use the environment to your advantage. The House of Hope is filled with traps and hazards that can be turned against your enemies if used correctly.

Advanced techniques for this fight include using stealth and positioning to your advantage. For example, you can use a character with high stealth to scout ahead and set up ambushes, or position your party in a way that forces Raphael and his allies to move through chokepoints. This can help you control the flow of battle and minimize the damage your party takes. Additionally, using spells like Silence or Darkness can limit Raphael's ability to cast spells and give your party a significant advantage.

From a story perspective, killing Raphael has several consequences. Firstly, it removes a major antagonist from the game, potentially altering the course of the main quest. Raphael's death also affects the balance of power in the Nine Hells, as he is a significant figure in the infernal hierarchy. This could have implications for future events in the game or in potential sequels. Additionally, your companions may have varying reactions to your decision to kill Raphael. Some may approve of your actions, seeing it as a necessary step to protect the world from his schemes, while others may disapprove, viewing it as a reckless and dangerous move.

In terms of D&D rules, Raphael's abilities and stats are based on the cambion creature from the Monster Manual, with some modifications to fit the game's narrative and mechanics. Cambions are typically resistant to fire, poison, and non-magical attacks, so it is important to use weapons and spells that can bypass these resistances. Additionally, cambions have the ability to charm and dominate humanoids, which is reflected in Raphael's use of spells like Dominate Person.

In conclusion, killing Raphael in Baldur's Gate 3 is a challenging but rewarding endeavor that requires careful planning, strong combat tactics, and an understanding of the potential consequences. By preparing your party thoroughly, using the environment to your advantage, and employing advanced techniques, you can overcome this formidable foe and shape the story in a meaningful way. However, it is important to consider the broader implications of your actions and how they will affect the world and your companions.