Explore the moral dilemma of siding with He Who Was or Madeline in Baldur’s Gate 3. Will you choose vengeance or mercy?
Introduction to the Dilemma
In the captivating world of Baldur’s Gate 3, players are often faced with choices that test their morality. One of the most intriguing encounters occurs in Act 2 when you meet He Who Was, a Shadar-Kai seeking retribution against Madeline, a woman linked to a dark past. As you delve into this gripping narrative, you’re thrust into a quest that challenges your beliefs about justice and mercy.
The Quest: Punish the Wicked
Once you engage He Who Was, he reveals his quest, aptly named “Punish the Wicked.” Your first mission? Locate a ledger from the tavern where Madeline supposedly committed her transgressions. Will you find evidence to justify his thirst for vengeance? This ledger, however, isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s a key to understanding the past and the choices that lie ahead.
Finding the Ledger
The ledger can be discovered inside “The Waning Moon,” but be prepared: it’s hidden beneath some loose planks! You’ll need to pass a Perception Check to spot these planks. And don’t let your guard down just yet; Thisobald Thorm is lurking at the bar. You might need to either charm him with high-difficulty Charisma Checks or engage in battle to gain access.
The Choices You Face
After acquiring the ledger, you’re faced with a pivotal moment. You can either:
- Encourage Madeline to stab herself, leading to a confrontation with He Who Was.
- Stop Madeline, which can lead to receiving the coveted Raven Gloves—great for summoning builds.
If you let her stab herself, the choice branches further into either letting her continue or stopping her to claim the gloves.
Should you fail the Charisma Check, He Who Was might be disappointed but still rewards you with the gloves and gold.
The Path of Forgiveness
What if you decide to forgive Madeline? You’ll need to pass a Charisma Check of 10. Success means her guilt might lighten, though He Who Was won’t be pleased. In a twist of fate, he may initiate combat against your party, but the rewards from his defeat, including alchemical materials and a note about his orders, await you.
Moral Gray Areas
This quest presents one of the many moral ambiguities in Baldur’s Gate 3. Did Madeline betray her friends? Yes, she did. Does she deserve to suffer eternally? That’s where the debate begins. Choosing to forgive Madeline could symbolize your desire for peace, but it also forces you into conflict with He Who Was, who is adamant about punishing the wicked.
“Torturing Madeline by making her stab herself is pretty clearly the ‘evil’ option, for obvious reasons.”
Character Perspectives
For those playing as Paladins, this quest impacts your Oaths.
- Oath of Vengeance: If you forgive Madeline or stop her from punishing herself, you risk breaking your Oath.
- Oath of Devotion or Oath of Ancients: Letting Madeline harm herself or chastising her can lead to similar consequences.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Will you uphold your code, or will you prioritize compassion over duty?
Conclusion
In the end, siding with He Who Was or Madeline is not just about picking a side; it’s about exploring the depths of your character’s moral compass. Each path offers different rewards and consequences, making this decision one of the most impactful in Baldur’s Gate 3. So, gear up, choose wisely, and see where your choices lead you!
FAQs
- What is the significance of the ledger in the quest?
The ledger contains evidence of Madeline’s actions and is essential for determining her fate. - What do the Raven Gloves do?
The Raven Gloves allow you to summon a raven, enhancing your summoning abilities. - Can I change my decision after choosing a side?
No, once you commit to a choice, it significantly impacts the outcome of the quest. - What happens if I fail the Charisma Checks?
Failing the checks may lead to disappointing outcomes, but you still receive rewards. - Is there a “good” option in this quest?
The quest is morally gray, and each decision carries weight, making it subjective what counts as “good.”
If you enjoyed this article and want to stay updated with more intriguing content, consider subscribing to our newsletter here!
