Can You Have an Evil Paladin in Baldur’s Gate 3?
In Baldur’s Gate 3, players have the option to create a Paladin, a holy warrior dedicated to a higher power. However, can a Paladin truly be evil? In this article, we’ll explore the possibilities of playing an evil Paladin in BG3 and what it means for your character.
What is an Oathbreaker Paladin?
In BG3, Paladins are bound to an oath, a promise to uphold certain values and principles. However, if a Paladin breaks their oath, they become an Oathbreaker. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re evil, but rather that they’ve chosen to abandon their previous commitment. As an Oathbreaker, a Paladin can still be a complex and nuanced character, driven by motivations other than pure evil.
Can Paladins be Evil?
While Paladins are typically associated with good, the class itself doesn’t inherently prohibit evil behavior. Paladins can be evil if they choose to be, and their actions are guided by a desire to harm or exploit others. In BG3, players can choose to play an evil Paladin by breaking their oath and pursuing a path of destruction and chaos.
How to Play an Evil Paladin in BG3
To play an evil Paladin in BG3, follow these steps:
- Choose the Oathbreaker path: When creating your Paladin, choose the Oathbreaker path, which allows you to break your oath and pursue a different set of values.
- Make evil choices: Throughout the game, make choices that align with your evil alignment. This might include killing innocent civilians, betraying allies, or engaging in morally reprehensible behavior.
- Develop your character’s backstory: Create a backstory for your Paladin that explains why they chose to abandon their oath and pursue a life of evil. This could be due to a traumatic event, a desire for power, or a sense of disillusionment with their previous path.
Romancing an Evil Paladin
In BG3, there are opportunities to romance certain characters, including Minthara, a Drow Elf who serves as one of the leaders of the Goblin Camp. As an evil Paladin, you can romance Minthara by working with her and building a relationship based on mutual respect and trust.
Paladin Abilities and Evil Alignment
Paladins have access to a range of abilities, including Divine Sense, which allows them to detect evil. However, as an evil Paladin, you can use these abilities to further your own goals, rather than to promote good. For example, you might use Divine Sense to detect the location of your enemies, rather than to identify those who are genuinely evil.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Paladins are typically associated with good, it is possible to play an evil Paladin in BG3. By choosing the Oathbreaker path, making evil choices, and developing a backstory that explains your character’s motivations, you can create a complex and nuanced character that defies traditional notions of good and evil. Remember, in BG3, the choices you make have consequences, and playing an evil Paladin requires a deep understanding of your character’s motivations and actions.
Table: Paladin Abilities and Evil Alignment
| Ability | Description | Evil Paladin Use |
|---|---|---|
| Divine Sense | Detects evil | Use to detect enemies or locations, rather than to identify genuinely evil individuals |
| Lay on Hands | Heals allies | Use to heal yourself or harm enemies |
| Aura of Protection | Protects allies | Use to protect yourself or harm enemies |
| Smite | Deals damage to enemies | Use to harm enemies, rather than to protect allies |
Bullets List: Tips for Playing an Evil Paladin
• Choose the Oathbreaker path to break free from traditional Paladin constraints
• Make evil choices throughout the game to align with your character’s motivations
• Develop a backstory that explains your character’s reasons for abandoning their oath
• Use Paladin abilities to further your own goals, rather than to promote good
• Be prepared for consequences, as your choices will have an impact on the game world and its inhabitants