What are the consequences of letting Wyll become Duke in Baldur's Gate 3?

Letting Wyll become Duke in Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant story choice that impacts both his personal questline and the broader narrative of the game. This outcome is tied to Wyll's personal quest, "The Blade of Frontiers," and requires careful decision-making throughout the game. HereÔÇÖs a detailed explanation of how to achieve this outcome, the mechanics involved, and the consequences of this choice.

To begin, Wyll is a companion you can recruit early in the game, typically found in the Druid Grove during Act 1. His personal quest revolves around his pact with the fiend Mizora, his desire to protect the innocent, and his complicated relationship with his father, Duke Ravengard. To set Wyll on the path to becoming Duke, you must support his noble intentions and help him resolve his pact with Mizora. This involves making choices that align with his values, such as prioritizing the greater good over personal gain.

In Act 1, WyllÔÇÖs quest begins with his desire to hunt down Karlach, a tiefling he believes is a dangerous fugitive. However, as the story progresses, you learn that Karlach is not the villain Wyll was led to believe. Supporting Wyll in re-evaluating his mission and sparing Karlach will earn his approval and set the stage for his redemption arc. This is crucial because WyllÔÇÖs moral alignment and sense of justice are key to his eventual rise as Duke.

In Act 2, WyllÔÇÖs quest deepens as you encounter Mizora, who reveals more about the terms of his pact. Mizora offers Wyll a choice: either break his pact and lose his warlock powers or renew it to save his father, Duke Ravengard, who is being held captive in Moonrise Towers. To set Wyll on the path to becoming Duke, you should encourage him to break the pact, even if it means losing his warlock abilities. This decision demonstrates his willingness to sacrifice personal power for the greater good, a trait befitting a future leader.

In Act 3, the culmination of WyllÔÇÖs questline occurs in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate. Here, you will have the opportunity to help Wyll confront his father and the political turmoil in the city. If you have consistently supported WyllÔÇÖs noble intentions and encouraged him to prioritize the welfare of others, he will be in a strong position to take on the role of Duke. This involves navigating the complex political landscape of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate, making alliances, and ensuring that WyllÔÇÖs actions reflect his commitment to justice and leadership.

One key moment in Act 3 is the confrontation with Gortash, one of the gameÔÇÖs main antagonists. WyllÔÇÖs role in this confrontation can influence his future as Duke. If you allow Wyll to take a leadership role in the fight against Gortash and support his decisions, it will further solidify his reputation as a capable and just leader. Additionally, resolving the conflict with Mizora in a way that frees Wyll from her influence will reinforce his independence and moral integrity.

The consequences of letting Wyll become Duke are significant. As Duke, Wyll will focus on rebuilding BaldurÔÇÖs Gate and protecting its citizens from future threats. This outcome aligns with his character arc of redemption and selflessness. However, it also means that Wyll will no longer be available as a companion in your party, as he will be occupied with his duties as Duke. This is an important consideration if you rely on WyllÔÇÖs combat abilities or enjoy his presence in your group.

To optimize this outcome, itÔÇÖs important to build a strong relationship with Wyll throughout the game. This involves making dialogue choices that align with his values, such as prioritizing the safety of innocents and standing up to tyranny. Additionally, completing his personal questline and supporting his decisions will increase his approval of you, making it more likely that he will trust your guidance when it comes to his future.

Common mistakes to avoid include making choices that prioritize personal gain over the greater good, as this can lead Wyll down a darker path. For example, encouraging him to renew his pact with Mizora or siding with morally questionable factions can undermine his chances of becoming Duke. ItÔÇÖs also important to avoid neglecting his personal questline, as failing to resolve his conflicts with Mizora and his father can prevent him from achieving this outcome.

In terms of D&D mechanics, WyllÔÇÖs journey reflects the classic warlock archetype of a character bound by a pact with a powerful entity. Breaking this pact and reclaiming his independence is a key part of his story, and it aligns with the D&D theme of personal growth and redemption. The gameÔÇÖs implementation of these mechanics allows for meaningful role-playing opportunities, as your choices directly impact WyllÔÇÖs fate.

In summary, letting Wyll become Duke in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 is a rewarding outcome that requires careful decision-making and a commitment to his values. By supporting his noble intentions, helping him break free from MizoraÔÇÖs influence, and guiding him through the political challenges of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate, you can ensure that Wyll rises to the role of Duke and fulfills his potential as a leader. This outcome not only enriches WyllÔÇÖs character arc but also adds depth to the gameÔÇÖs narrative, showcasing the impact of your choices on the world and its inhabitants.