What happens if I let Karlach kill the paladins in Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, Karlach is a companion with a strong personality and a tragic backstory tied to her service in the Blood War. One of the key moments involving Karlach occurs when you encounter a group of paladins who are hunting her. These paladins, led by Anders, claim that Karlach is a dangerous fugitive who must be brought to justice. However, Karlach insists that she is innocent and that the paladins are corrupt. The decision to let Karlach kill the paladins or to intervene has significant consequences for her character arc, your relationship with her, and the overall story.

To let Karlach kill the paladins, you must first recruit her into your party. Karlach can be found in the Risen Road area, near the Toll House. When you approach her, she will explain her situation and ask for your help. If you agree to assist her, she will join your party. Once she is part of your group, you can proceed to confront the paladins. The paladins are located in the same area, near the Toll House. When you approach them, they will immediately recognize Karlach and demand that she surrender. At this point, you have several dialogue options. To let Karlach kill the paladins, you must choose dialogue options that support her and refuse to hand her over. This will escalate the situation into combat.

During the combat encounter, it is important to position your party strategically. The paladins are strong opponents, with Anders being particularly dangerous due to his high damage output and healing abilities. Karlach, being a barbarian, excels in close-quarters combat and can deal significant damage to the paladins. However, she is also vulnerable to ranged attacks and spells. To optimize her effectiveness, you should focus on keeping her in melee range of the paladins while using your other party members to provide support. For example, a cleric or druid can heal Karlach and buff her with spells like Shield of Faith or Barkskin, while a rogue or ranger can deal ranged damage to the paladins from a safe distance.

One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the paladins' abilities. Anders, in particular, can use Smite spells to deal massive damage to Karlach or other party members. To counter this, you should prioritize taking him out first. Focus your attacks on Anders and use crowd control spells like Hold Person or Sleep to incapacitate him temporarily. Once Anders is defeated, the remaining paladins will be much easier to handle.

Another important consideration is the impact of your decision on Karlach's approval. Letting her kill the paladins will significantly increase her approval of you, as it shows that you trust her and are willing to stand by her side. This can lead to deeper conversations and potential romance options later in the game. However, it is worth noting that killing the paladins will also have consequences for the story. The paladins are part of a larger organization, and their deaths may attract unwanted attention or lead to further conflicts down the line.

From a D&D 5E rules perspective, the combat encounter with the paladins is a good example of how to manage a high-stakes battle. Paladins are known for their high AC, strong melee attacks, and healing abilities, making them formidable opponents. To succeed, you need to use a combination of tactical positioning, crowd control, and focused fire. Karlach's barbarian rage ability is particularly useful in this situation, as it increases her damage output and reduces the damage she takes. Additionally, using environmental factors to your advantage, such as high ground or cover, can give you an edge in the fight.

In summary, letting Karlach kill the paladins in Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant decision that affects her character arc, your relationship with her, and the overall story. To achieve this, you must recruit Karlach, confront the paladins, and choose dialogue options that support her. During the ensuing combat, focus on taking out Anders first and use strategic positioning and support spells to maximize Karlach's effectiveness. Be mindful of the consequences of your decision, both in terms of Karlach's approval and the broader story implications. By following these steps and considerations, you can successfully navigate this pivotal moment in the game.