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

In Baldur's Gate 3, the decision to let Wyll kill Karlach is a significant moral and narrative choice that impacts both characters and your party dynamics. This choice arises during Wyll's personal quest, where he is tasked with hunting down Karlach, a tiefling who is believed to be a dangerous fugitive. The mechanics of this decision involve dialogue choices, approval ratings, and the consequences of your actions on the story and your companions.

To begin, you must first recruit Wyll and Karlach into your party. Wyll can be found in the Druid Grove, where he is introduced as the Blade of Frontiers. Karlach, on the other hand, is located in the Risen Road area, where she is being hunted by paladins. To recruit Karlach, you need to side with her against the paladins and convince her to join your party. Once both characters are in your party, Wyll will reveal his mission to kill Karlach, setting the stage for the pivotal decision.

The mechanics of this choice are primarily driven by dialogue. When Wyll confronts Karlach, you will have several options. You can choose to support Wyll in his mission, persuade him to spare Karlach, or remain neutral. If you decide to let Wyll kill Karlach, you must select the dialogue options that encourage him to follow through with his mission. This will lead to a combat scenario where Wyll will attack Karlach. It is important to note that Karlach is a formidable opponent, so you should ensure that Wyll is well-equipped and prepared for the fight.

One strategy to facilitate this outcome is to position Wyll advantageously before the confrontation. Ensure that Wyll has high health and is equipped with powerful weapons and armor. Additionally, consider using spells and abilities that can incapacitate Karlach, such as Hold Person or Sleep, to make the fight easier for Wyll. It is also beneficial to have other party members ready to support Wyll if needed, though the primary focus should be on allowing Wyll to deliver the killing blow.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, letting Wyll kill Karlach will significantly impact your relationship with both characters. Wyll's approval of you will increase, as you are supporting his mission and helping him achieve his goal. However, other party members, especially those who value mercy and redemption, may disapprove of your decision. This can affect their loyalty and willingness to pursue romance with you. Additionally, killing Karlach means losing her as a companion, which can impact your party composition and the abilities she brings to the group.

Common mistakes to avoid include not preparing Wyll adequately for the fight, which can result in his death or failure to kill Karlach. It is also important to consider the long-term consequences of your decision. While letting Wyll kill Karlach may seem like a straightforward choice, it can have ripple effects on the story and your relationships with other characters. For example, Karlach's death may close off certain questlines and opportunities for redemption or alliance later in the game.

Advanced techniques involve optimizing Wyll's build for this specific encounter. As a Warlock, Wyll benefits from high Charisma and Dexterity, which improve his spellcasting and combat effectiveness. Equip him with items that boost his attack rolls and damage output, such as the Infernal Rapier or the Amulet of Greater Health. Additionally, consider multiclassing Wyll into a Paladin or Fighter to enhance his combat capabilities and survivability.

From a D&D 5E rules perspective, this scenario involves mechanics such as attack rolls, saving throws, and spellcasting. Wyll's Eldritch Blast is a powerful cantrip that can deal significant damage to Karlach, especially if he has the Agonizing Blast invocation. Additionally, spells like Hex can increase the damage Wyll deals to Karlach, making the fight more manageable. Understanding these rules and how they apply in Baldur's Gate 3 can help you make informed decisions and optimize your strategy.

In specific examples and scenarios, imagine you are in the Risen Road area, and Wyll confronts Karlach. You choose the dialogue option that encourages Wyll to kill her. The combat begins, and you position Wyll to use Eldritch Blast from a distance, while your other party members provide support by casting buffs or debuffs. Karlach, being a strong melee fighter, closes the distance quickly, but Wyll's high Dexterity allows him to evade her attacks and continue dealing damage. Eventually, Wyll delivers the final blow, and Karlach falls. This outcome reinforces Wyll's sense of justice and duty, but it also leaves a void in your party and may strain your relationships with other companions.

In conclusion, letting Wyll kill Karlach in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex decision with significant narrative and mechanical implications. By understanding the mechanics, preparing Wyll adequately, and considering the consequences, you can navigate this choice effectively. However, it is essential to weigh the benefits and drawbacks, as this decision will shape your journey and the relationships within your party.