Can You Corrupt the Wizard? Exploring Gale’s Capacity for Evil in Baldur’s Gate 3
Can you make Gale evil? In essence, yes, but with significant caveats. While you can’t morph him into a cackling supervillain, you can certainly influence him towards darker paths, primarily by encouraging his ambition for godhood and supporting choices that align with a more ruthless, power-hungry agenda. This doesn’t necessarily equate to a traditional “evil” playthrough where he revels in wanton destruction, but rather a scenario where he prioritizes his own ascent to power, potentially at the expense of others. It’s a nuanced descent, driven by ambition rather than pure malice.
Gale’s Moral Flexibility: The Key to Corruption
Gale Decarios, the charming wizard with a Netherese Orb ticking in his chest, presents a fascinating character study in Baldur’s Gate 3. He begins as a character of relatively strong moral standing, driven by a desire to atone for a past mistake and potentially reclaim the favor of Mystra, the goddess of magic. However, his underlying ambition and vulnerability to the allure of power create an opening for players to influence his alignment.
The most direct path to swaying Gale towards an “evil” outcome involves his ambition regarding the Crown of Karsus. By actively encouraging him to seize the crown and ascend to godhood, you reinforce his desire for ultimate power. This encouragement, consistently provided throughout the game, can lead him down a path that many in the game world view as morally reprehensible. Other characters will react negatively to this ambition, reinforcing the “evil” connotation associated with this path.
However, it’s crucial to understand that even on this path, Gale isn’t necessarily advocating for widespread suffering. His motives are primarily self-serving, focused on achieving his own ambitions rather than inflicting pain or chaos. He believes, or convinces himself, that his godhood will ultimately benefit the world, even if the means to achieving it are questionable. This is where the player’s influence is paramount: you can shape his perception of what “benefit” entails. Is it benevolent rule or absolute control? The answer lies in the choices you guide him towards.
The Limits of Evil: Romance and Redemption
While you can push Gale towards a morally ambiguous or even outright selfish path, certain aspects of his core personality remain. He is still fundamentally driven by a desire for approval, and he retains a level of empathy that prevents him from becoming a truly irredeemable villain.
This has implications for romance. As the source article indicated, a full-blown “evil” playthrough may make romancing Gale difficult. He’s unlikely to be attracted to a character who consistently engages in acts of cruelty and senseless violence. However, a “dark urge” playthrough, where you are struggling against an innate bloodlust, might offer a more palatable (and intriguing) dynamic.
Furthermore, even if you steer Gale towards godhood, there is always the possibility of redemption. Depending on the player’s choices, he can ultimately choose to relinquish the Crown, potentially earning Mystra’s favor and achieving a “good” ending. This highlights the fact that Gale’s path is not predetermined and that the player’s decisions hold significant weight throughout the game.
FAQs: Exploring the Darker Side of Gale Decarios
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further illuminate the complexities of making Gale “evil” in Baldur’s Gate 3:
1. Can you romance Gale as a genuinely evil character?
It’s extremely difficult. Gale is unlikely to be attracted to a character who consistently chooses cruel and selfish options. You might find more success with a character who is struggling against darker impulses (e.g., a Dark Urge playthrough).
2. Does encouraging Gale to become a god make him evil?
Not inherently, but it’s considered an “evil” choice by most characters in the game. It’s seen as a dangerous pursuit of power that could have negative consequences for the world.
3. What companions disapprove of Gale’s godhood ambitions?
Generally, Karlach and Wyll are likely to disapprove, reflecting their strong moral compasses. They are not likely to stay with a party that chooses this path for Gale.
4. Can you persuade Gale to stay with you even if you encourage his evil path?
It’s possible but difficult. You’ll need high persuasion skills and a strong argument to convince him that your goals align.
5. What is Gale’s greatest vulnerability that makes him susceptible to corruption?
His ambition and desire for approval are his biggest weaknesses. He craves recognition and validation, making him susceptible to manipulation.
6. What happens if you let Gale destroy the Absolute in Act 2?
The article doesn’t specify consequences specifically in Act 2. Generally, sacrificing himself to destroy the Absolute leads to his death, but success in destroying the brain. The results can have dire consequences.
7. Can Gale become a god and still have a “good” ending?
Potentially. If Illithid Gale surrenders the Crown, Mystra will offer to restore his humanity. If he agrees, he will become the Chosen of Mystra. If he refuses, he will still receive the gratitude and favor of the goddess, so this is also a good ending.
8. Should you let Gale sacrifice himself to destroy the Absolute?
That’s a matter of player choice. His death is a permanent consequence, but it does succeed in destroying the Absolute. Ask Gale not to sacrifice himself to destroy the Absolute, as you can continue with the game.
9. Can you marry Gale if he becomes a god?
If you play as Gale and become a god, Mystra will destroy Gale. If you persuade Gale to give up the crown, then yes, you can marry Gale at the end of the game.
10. Does making evil choices lock you out of content in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Yes. At a certain point, evil playthroughs lose out on a substantial amount of content compared to good or neutral playthroughs.
11. What are the consequences of ignoring Gale’s need for magic items?
Ignoring Gale’s request for magic items will upset him and may lead to him leaving the party, causing potential negative consequences in the game.
12. How does Gale’s story affect the main plot of Baldur’s Gate 3?
Gale’s personal story and quests significantly influence the main plot. His Netherese Orb poses a constant threat, and his potential to become a god has major ramifications for the world.
13. Does romancing Gale offer a different experience compared to other companions?
Yes. Romancing Gale offers a more straightforward and uncomplicated relationship compared to some other options. His wit, magical connection, and personal story add unique elements to the romance.
14. What is the “Illithid Gale” ending?
Illithid Gale surrenders the Crown, Mystra will offer to restore his humanity. If he agrees, he will become the Chosen of Mystra. If he refuses, he will still receive the gratitude and favor of the goddess, so this is also a good ending.
15. What are some of the key dialogue choices that influence Gale’s path towards godhood?
Actively encourage him to pursue the power of the crown. Support dialogue options that prioritize power and ambition over ethical concerns.
Conclusion: Evil is a Matter of Perspective
While you may not be able to turn Gale into a mustache-twirling villain, you can certainly steer him towards a path that is considered “evil” by many in the game world. By encouraging his ambition for godhood and prioritizing power over morality, you can shape his destiny and create a fascinatingly complex character arc. Ultimately, whether Gale becomes a benevolent deity or a tyrannical ruler depends on the choices you make and the influence you exert. It’s all about understanding his vulnerabilities and playing on his desires. This nuanced approach to character alignment is one of the many reasons why Baldur’s Gate 3 offers such a compelling and replayable experience. For further exploration of game-based learning and the impact of games on society, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.