Summary
The Dark Urge origin options inBaldur’s Gate 3tells a unique story of a character tormented by their lost memories and their strange desire to kill. Players can take the Dark Urge in many directions, from a repentant would-be hero to a murderer who glorifies in the death and destruction they cause. They can also choose to romance one ofBaldur’s Gate 3’smany party members, often resulting in a very different love story that forces characters to confront the darkness in their partner’s heart. Each character reacts a little bit differently to the news that their partner is tormented by thoughts of death - including, possibly, killing the one they love.
Astarion Acknowledges A Connection
As a vampire spawn,Astarionis far from unfamiliar with the monstrous. He’s generally unperturbed by the Dark Urge’s thoughts of violence, and often gleefully shares in them. However, should players attempt to resist the Urge, he is surprisingly kind and supportive, equating the god Bhaal’s control over the Dark Urge with his own slavery at the hands of Cazador Szarr. He encourages players to fight the Urge and promises to stay at their side - but, if they give in, he’s also more than happy to participate in the slaughter, especially if he’s allowed to become the Vampire Ascendant.
Gale Handles With Humor - Until He Can’t
The wizardGaleis a man of many words, and his romance with the Dark Urge is no exception. He’s filled with quips, remarking “better safe than dead” when the Dark Urge attempts to kill him in his sleep and calling the Slayer form a mere “unsightly shape-shifting.” However, when pressed, Gale admits that he’s uncomfortable with the idea of the Dark Urge serving Bhaal, especially as he has his own bad experience swearing to and then being rejected by Mystra, Goddess of Magic.
Karlach Believes The Best Of The Player
Life has not been easy for tiefling barbarianKarlach. She was sold to the Archdevil Zariel, spent many years in the Hells, and emerged with a malfunctioning infernal engine in place as a heart. Despite that, her reaction to the Dark Urge is the most optimistic of the love interests. She is confident that the player will be able to overcome their Urge. “You are my friend. And you get to choose your destiny,” she tells the Dark Urge. “Choose well, all right? Please.” Even as Bhaal calls directly to the Dark Urge in his temple, Karlach begs them not to listen, eager to believe the best until the very last.
Lae’zel Is Confident She Can Handle Things
Lae’zelwas raised in the combat-focused githyanki culture, and is confident of her own prowess in combat. So, when the Dark Urge threatens her, she is confident, certain that she will emerge triumphant over even a Bhaal-blessed killer. In a potential scene where the Dark Urge is encouraged by butler Sceleritas Fel to kill a companion, Lae’zel chooses to fight back and threatens the Dark Urge even as their madness threatens to overcome them. She does encourage the player to resist Bhaal, but also pragmatically recognized that the Slayer form and Bhaal’s gifts make the Dark Urge an invaluable ally in combat.
Shadowheart Understands Feeling A God’s Pressure
Shadowheartstarts the game as a devotee of Shar, the goddess of darkness. Shar is a demanding god, asking much of her - constant devotion, occasional violent acts, even her memories. Depending on the player’s (and Shadowheart’s) choices, she can either become a Dark Justiciar and affirm her faith in Shar, or realize that her goddess has been cruel to her and choose to follow Selune instead. Because of this, Shadowheart can relate to the Dark Urge’s conflict about whether to serve Bhaal or oppose him. She generally supports them resisting Bhaal, and offers a listening ear to commiserate should the Dark Urge begin to feel they have failed their god.
Wyll Remains The Noble Hero Throughout
As the “Blade of Frontiers,“Wyllhas become a renowned monster hunter - and he sees the Dark Urge’s struggle against their murderous whims as yet another monster he must defeat. Should the Dark Urge try to kill a romanced Wyll, the warlock will narrate the encounter like an epic monster battle, telling them to “slaughter the fiend that stalks you” and “If this foe demands blood, tear off your limbs and let it drink its own!” Wyll’s heroism can potentially serve as inspiration to the Dark Urge, should it successfully encourage them to fight off their darker impulses and follow the Blade of Frontiers' example.
Non-Origin Romance Reactions
I was ready to rule by your side, Slayer. But you have given up a most glorious and dishonorable birthright. We are finished -Nightwarden Minthara
Aside from the six Origin characters, there are several others who the player can either pursue romantically or share a single night with. Some of them have specific reactions to the Dark Urge, while others do not care one way or the other.
Allowing the player’s potential romance partners to react differently to the Dark Urge is definitely one ofBaldur’s Gate 3’sstrengths, as it encourages players to experiment with romancing many different characters in many different playthroughs and to give the Dark Urge origin a try. The path may be a bloody one, but the characters' reactions can be surprisingly heartwarming and supportive - even should the Urge be embraced.
