What happens if I let Wyll break his pact and kill Karlach in Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, Wyll is a companion who has made a pact with a fiend named Mizora. This pact grants him warlock powers but comes with significant consequences, including the obligation to hunt down Karlach, a tiefling who is marked as a target by Mizora. If you choose to let Wyll break his pact and kill Karlach, it will have significant repercussions on the story, your party dynamics, and Wyll's character development. Here is a detailed explanation of how to achieve this outcome, the mechanics involved, and the consequences of your choice.

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. Once both characters are in your party, you will eventually encounter Mizora, who will remind Wyll of his pact and demand that he fulfill his obligation by killing Karlach. This is a critical moment in the story, as it forces you to make a decision that will significantly impact Wyll's future.

If you choose to let Wyll break his pact and kill Karlach, you must first ensure that Wyll is in your active party when you confront Mizora. This is important because the decision to break the pact is tied directly to Wyll's personal questline. When Mizora appears, she will present Wyll with a choice: either kill Karlach and maintain his warlock powers, or break the pact and face the consequences. If you choose to break the pact, Wyll will lose his warlock abilities, as his powers are directly tied to his agreement with Mizora. This means that Wyll will no longer be able to cast warlock spells or use his eldritch invocations, which can significantly impact his effectiveness in combat.

Breaking the pact also has narrative consequences. Wyll will express regret over his past actions and the choices he made to gain power. This can lead to a deeper exploration of his character, as he grapples with the consequences of his decisions. Additionally, killing Karlach will have a significant impact on the story, as she is a key character with her own questline and potential contributions to the party. By killing her, you will lose access to her abilities and any future interactions or story developments involving her.

One important consideration when making this choice is the impact it will have on your party dynamics. Wyll and Karlach have unique personalities and abilities that can complement your party in different ways. Wyll, as a warlock, brings powerful ranged spells and eldritch invocations that can be useful in combat. Karlach, on the other hand, is a barbarian with high strength and durability, making her a valuable frontline fighter. By choosing to break Wyll's pact and kill Karlach, you are effectively removing two potential assets from your party, which can make certain encounters more challenging.

Another factor to consider is the approval system in Baldur's Gate 3. Your companions have their own opinions and will react to your decisions based on their personal values and beliefs. If you choose to break Wyll's pact and kill Karlach, other companions may disapprove of your actions, depending on their relationship with Wyll and Karlach. For example, companions who value loyalty and honor may view Wyll's decision to break his pact as a betrayal, while others may sympathize with his desire to escape the control of a fiend. It is important to consider how your choices will affect the overall morale and cohesion of your party.

In terms of combat tactics, losing Wyll's warlock abilities can be a significant setback, especially if you have built your party around his spellcasting. Warlocks are known for their ability to deal consistent damage with spells like Eldritch Blast, and losing access to these abilities can make certain encounters more difficult. To mitigate this, you may need to adjust your party composition and strategy, perhaps by bringing in another spellcaster or focusing more on melee combat. Additionally, you may want to consider respeccing Wyll into a different class, such as a fighter or paladin, to make up for the loss of his warlock powers.

From a roleplaying perspective, breaking Wyll's pact and killing Karlach is a morally complex decision that raises questions about the nature of power, responsibility, and redemption. Wyll's story is one of a man who made a Faustian bargain to gain power, only to realize the cost of his choices. By breaking the pact, Wyll is taking a step towards reclaiming his autonomy and making amends for his past actions. However, this comes at the cost of Karlach's life, which may be difficult to justify depending on your character's moral alignment.

In conclusion, letting Wyll break his pact and kill Karlach is a significant decision that will have far-reaching consequences for your party and the story. It requires careful consideration of the mechanics involved, the impact on your party dynamics, and the moral implications of your choice. By understanding the consequences and planning accordingly, you can navigate this complex situation and shape the story of Baldur's Gate 3 in a way that reflects your character's values and goals.