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Shadowheart: A Deep Dive into Good, Evil, and Player Choice

Does Shadowheart become evil? The answer, like so many things in Baldur’s Gate 3, is firmly in your hands. Shadowheart’s character arc is a fascinating exploration of faith, memory, and free will. While her initial devotion to Shar, the Lady of Loss, and the ingrained tenets of the Dark Justiciars lean her towards morally questionable actions, her inherent goodness and the player’s choices can guide her down a very different path. Whether she embraces the darkness of Shar fully, finds redemption with Selûne, the Moonmaiden, or forges her own path entirely, depends entirely on your interactions and decisions throughout the game.

The Path of Darkness: Embracing Shar

Becoming a Dark Justiciar

The most direct route to an “evil” Shadowheart is to actively support her devotion to Shar. This culminates in Act 2 with the crucial decision surrounding the Nightsong. Allowing Shadowheart to kill the Nightsong solidifies her commitment to Shar, transforming her into a full-fledged Dark Justiciar. This path dramatically alters her personality, making her colder, more ruthless, and undeniably evil in her actions and motivations. She will readily carry out Shar’s will, even at a terrible personal cost.

The Price of Power

While embracing the path of the Dark Justiciar grants Shadowheart powerful gear, including Shar’s Spear of Evening, the cost is immense. This choice not only impacts her personal morality but also affects her relationships with other companions, particularly those with a strong sense of justice or goodness. This decision will lead to her executing her parents in Act 3, which is one of the key moments where she becomes fully committed to Shar.

The Path of Redemption: Finding Selûne

Choosing Light Over Darkness

The alternative path involves challenging Shadowheart’s faith and encouraging her to spare the Nightsong. This act of defiance against Shar triggers a profound internal conflict within Shadowheart, leading to a crisis of faith. By providing support and guidance, players can help her question Shar’s teachings and rediscover suppressed memories of her past.

A Transformation of Faith

If Shadowheart chooses to spare the Nightsong, Shar abandons her. This pivotal moment opens the door for her to embrace Selûne, the goddess of the moon and light. This transformation is visually represented by her hair changing from black to silver, symbolizing her newfound clarity and purpose. As a follower of Selûne, Shadowheart becomes a beacon of hope and healing, dedicated to protecting the innocent and fighting against the forces of darkness. The Spear of Night also transforms into Selûne’s Spear of Evening.

The Grey Area: Forging Your Own Path

Beyond Gods and Dogma

It’s also possible to guide Shadowheart toward a more nuanced path, one that acknowledges the complexities of morality and rejects blind faith in either Shar or Selûne. This path allows her to define her own values and make choices based on her own understanding of right and wrong.

The Power of Choice

Ultimately, the key to Shadowheart’s arc is the power of player choice. By engaging with her story, challenging her beliefs, and offering alternative perspectives, players can shape her destiny. Whether she becomes a devoted servant of Shar, a champion of Selûne, or something entirely unique, the responsibility rests on your shoulders. Exploring these kinds of choices about faith and personhood can allow players to gain different perspectives and is discussed more broadly at the Games Learning Society and on GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shadowheart

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Shadowheart, offering further insights into her character and potential outcomes:

Can I romance Shadowheart if she becomes evil?

Romancing an evil Shadowheart is possible, but the nature of the relationship will be drastically different. Expect a darker, more manipulative dynamic, reflecting her commitment to Shar.
What happens if Shadowheart kills Lae’zel?

Shadowheart’s approval of you will increase. Shadowheart’s death will upset you, but your choice will still have implications.
Can I change Shadowheart’s class?

Yes, like any companion in Baldur’s Gate 3, you can respec Shadowheart’s class using Withers at your camp. This allows you to customize her role in your party regardless of her moral alignment.
What are the best ways to gain Shadowheart’s approval early in the game?

In the early game, gain Shadowheart’s approval by disagreeing with Lae’zel, showing kindness to animals, and helping those in need. She also appreciates trickery and deception over outright violence.
What happens if I fail the persuasion check to save the Nightsong?

If you fail the persuasion check, Shadowheart will likely kill the Nightsong, solidifying her path as a Dark Justiciar. However, there might be other opportunities to influence her later on.
Can Shadowheart die permanently?

Yes, like any companion, Shadowheart can die permanently in combat if you are playing on Tactician difficulty. Make sure to keep her alive or resurrect her quickly!
Does Shadowheart’s romance affect her alignment?

Yes, a strong romantic connection with the player can significantly influence Shadowheart’s decisions, particularly when it comes to her faith and her willingness to defy Shar.
What are the consequences of letting Shadowheart execute her parents?

Letting Shadowheart execute her parents solidifies her commitment to Shar and locks her into the “evil” path. It also has a profound emotional impact on her, further hardening her heart.
How does Shadowheart react to other companions if she becomes a Dark Justiciar?

As a Dark Justiciar, Shadowheart will likely clash with companions who uphold justice and morality, such as Karlach or Wyll. These conflicts can lead to disapproval or even party departures.
Is it possible to have a “good” Shadowheart without romancing her?

Yes, you can guide Shadowheart towards redemption and a good alignment without pursuing a romantic relationship. The key is to support her in questioning Shar and embracing Selûne.
What are the benefits of having Shadowheart as a follower of Selûne?

As a follower of Selûne, Shadowheart becomes a powerful healer and support character, capable of providing invaluable aid to your party. She also becomes a source of hope and inspiration.
Does Shadowheart’s appearance change depending on her alignment?

Yes, Shadowheart’s most notable visual change is her hair color. When she fully embraces Selûne, her black hair turns silver. Her armor and overall demeanor also reflect her chosen path.
What happens if I never recruit Shadowheart?

If you never recruit Shadowheart, you miss out on a significant portion of the game’s story and lore. Her questline is intricately woven into the main narrative and offers unique insights into the world of Baldur’s Gate 3.
Can I convince Shadowheart to betray Shar after she becomes a Dark Justiciar?

While extremely difficult, it might be possible to redeem Shadowheart even after she becomes a Dark Justiciar, but it will require significant effort, high approval, and specific dialogue choices.
Does Shadowheart have any unique dialogue or interactions based on my character’s race or class?

Yes, Shadowheart’s dialogue and reactions can vary depending on your character’s race, class, and background. Certain races or classes might trigger unique conversations or interactions based on their lore or history.