Summary
Set approximately a hundred years after the events of the firstBaldur’s Gategames,Baldur’s Gate 3sees only a small handful of characters return. Among them is Minsc, also known as the Mad Rashemeni, a ranger who - along with his miniature giant space hamster, Boo - served as a party member in both original games. As manyBaldur’s Gate 3players are meeting Minsc for the first time, they might not know that his journey to the Sword Coast was originally to protect Dynaheir, a powerful witch who met a tragic fate.
Who Was Dynaheir InBaldur’s Gate?
In the originalBaldur’s Gate,several characters came in “pairs” - players could either have both in their party, or neither. Minsc was paired with Dynaheir, a wise and powerful witch (also known as aWychlaran)from his faraway homeland of Rashemen. The party initially encountered the duo after Dynaheir found herself captured by gnolls. They were a generally good-aligned pair incompatible with evildoers, particularly theRed Wizard Edwin, who wanted to see Dynaheir dead.
Dynaheir Stats
Minsc was assigned to protect Dynaheir as his dajemma-a pilgrimage Rashemeni men must undertake if they wish to be accepted as members of the land’s berserker lodges. The two journeyed to the Sword Coast to investigate a prophecy that foretold both great and dark things in the land’s future. Dynaheir was a righteous, rather inflexible Lawful Good character who was decisive and confident in her knowledge. She spoke formally, using antiquated language such as “thee” and “thou.” As an Invoker, she was one of the most offensively-oriented mages recruitable in theoriginalBaldur’s Gateand could fit well into many party compositions.
Dynaheir Met A Tragic Fate InBaldur’s Gate 2
The beginning ofBaldur’s Gate 2: Shadows of Amnsees the player character and companions Minsc, Jaheira, and Imoen captive in the dungeons of the mage Jon Irenicus. Minsc reveals that both he and Dynaheir had been captured, but his beloved Wychlaranwas killed by Irenicus. It was never explained why Irenicus chose to kill her and spare Minsc, although he might have been wary of her magical prowess. She was one of severalBaldur’s Gateparty memberswhose deaths inBaldur’s Gate 2were unavoidable; others included Jaheira’s husband Khalid, the noble Skie Silvershield, and the Shadow Druid Faldorn.
Throughout the game,Baldur’s Gate’s Minscis deeply affected by his failure to save Dynaheir, including arguing bitterly with Edwin should the two be forced to serve in the same party. He feels lost and purposeless, although he can find a new purpose should players encourage him to protect the winged elf Aerie, another party member. Minsc could even declare Aerie to be his “new witch” in Dynaheir’s absence.
Minsc Remembers Her Fondly InBaldur’s Gate 3
“One day, we walked past a shop full of wonders. Sorcerous Sundries… Dynaheir fell in love. Dragged poor Minsc there every day. Minsc frowned and complained. He felt more like a babysitter than a berserker. But how Dynaheir smiled.” -Minsc
InBaldur’s Gate 3,many decades have passed since Dynaheir’s death, but Minsc still mourns her. He briefly returned to Rashemen, but found he was unhappy there as he felt he had not properly completed his dajemma.He can share stories of his time with Dynaheir with the player, and will attempt to makeJaheirahis replacement Wychlaran,a role which the druid adamantly refuses to step into. Should the player encourage him to do so, he can even declare every party member (except Minthara, whom he fears) to be his new “witches.” Although Dynaheir has been dead for a long time, she remains extremely important to Minsc, and he never forgets their time together.
