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, making choices that align with her values and goals. Karlach is a tiefling barbarian with a strong sense of justice and a desire to break free from her past. Her story revolves around her connection to the infernal engine in her chest, which powers her but also ties her to a dark history. To keep her in your party, you must earn her trust and help her resolve her internal conflict.

First, you need to recruit Karlach. She can be found in the wilderness near the Risen Road, where she is being hunted by paladins of Tyr. When you encounter her, you have the option to fight alongside her against the paladins or side with them. To keep her in your party, you must side with her and defeat the paladins. This initial choice is crucial because it sets the tone for your relationship with her. If you side with the paladins, Karlach will not join your party, and you will lose the opportunity to have her as a companion.

Once Karlach is in your party, you need to build a positive relationship with her. This involves engaging in conversations with her at camp and during downtime. Karlach values honesty, loyalty, and a willingness to stand up for what is right. When given dialogue options, choose responses that reflect these values. For example, if she talks about her past and her desire to escape her infernal engine, show empathy and offer to help her find a solution. Avoid being dismissive or overly critical of her situation, as this can damage your relationship.

As you progress through the game, Karlach's personal quest will unfold. This quest involves finding a way to remove or stabilize her infernal engine. To keep her in your party, you must actively pursue this quest and make choices that align with her goals. For example, when you encounter NPCs who have knowledge about infernal engines, such as Dammon in the Druid Grove or the Tiefling refugees, engage with them and seek their help. Dammon, in particular, can provide valuable assistance, and helping him with his own problems can improve your standing with Karlach.

One important tip is to avoid making deals with devils or other infernal entities that could compromise Karlach's freedom. For example, if you encounter Raphael, a devil who offers to help with Karlach's engine in exchange for a favor, be cautious. Accepting his deal might provide a quick solution, but it could also lead to long-term consequences that Karlach would disapprove of. Instead, focus on finding non-infernal solutions, such as working with Dammon or other allies who can help without requiring a pact.

Another consideration is how you handle combat and party dynamics. Karlach is a barbarian, so she thrives in melee combat. Make sure to equip her with strong weapons and armor, and position her strategically in battles to maximize her effectiveness. Supporting her in combat and ensuring she feels valued as a member of the party can also strengthen your bond with her.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting her personal quest, making choices that go against her values, or failing to engage with her in meaningful ways. For example, if you ignore her quest for too long, she may become frustrated and leave the party. Similarly, if you make deals with devils or act in ways that she finds morally questionable, she may lose trust in you and decide to part ways.

Advanced techniques involve optimizing your party composition and dialogue choices to align with Karlach's preferences. For example, if you have other companions who share her values, such as Wyll or Shadowheart, they can help reinforce your relationship with her. Additionally, paying attention to her approval ratings and adjusting your behavior accordingly can help maintain a strong bond.

In terms of D&D rules, Karlach's infernal engine is a unique element that ties into her backstory and class mechanics. As a barbarian, she relies on her rage ability to deal massive damage in combat. Her infernal engine enhances her physical abilities but also creates a sense of urgency in her quest for freedom. Understanding these mechanics can help you make informed decisions that support her character arc.

Specific examples include the encounter with Dammon in the Druid Grove. If you help Dammon with his own problems, such as protecting the Tiefling refugees, he will be more willing to assist Karlach with her engine. Another example is the confrontation with Raphael. If you refuse his deal and instead seek alternative solutions, Karlach will appreciate your commitment to her freedom.

In summary, convincing Karlach to stay with the party requires a combination of strategic dialogue choices, active engagement with her personal quest, and alignment with her values. By supporting her in combat, avoiding deals with devils, and seeking non-infernal solutions to her engine problem, you can build a strong relationship with her and ensure she remains a loyal companion throughout your journey in Baldur's Gate 3.