Summary
Karlach can be one of the most appealing romance options inBaldur’s Gate 3, but it stands to reason that the player character wouldn’t be the only one charmed by the tiefling. Despite having one of the most distressing backstories ofBaldur’s Gate 3’s Origin characters, Karlach has survived the hells and made it out with her fundamental kindness and humanity intact. The infernal engine that’s replaced her heart can be an obstacle to a close relationship, but helping her overcome that challenge is one of the most rewarding accomplishments in the game.
One of the most important NPCs in Karlach’s story is Dammon, a tiefling blacksmith who canfirst be found at the Emerald Grovein Act One ofBaldur’s Gate 3.Thanks to his experience dealing with infernal metals and contraptions,Dammon is the only person who can offer Karlach help with her infernal engine problem. Depending on the choices that a party makes, it’s possible to lose Dammon early on in the story, but he’s a significant recurring figure if nothing goes too terribly wrong.
BG3: One Act 1 Decision Is The Most Disturbing Way To Deal With Emerald Grove
It’s easy for the Emerald Grove situation in Baldur’s Gate 3 to end in violence, but one specific method has the most horrific results.
Dammon Definitely Has Feelings For Karlach In BG3
A Note At The End Of The Game Confirms His Affection
Karlach and Dammon don’t have a ton of interactions in the game, with most possible dialogue between them centering around the infernal engine and Dammon’s outlook on what Karlach can do about it. In the content that’s there, however, there’s a little bit more than just cordiality. It’s clear that meeting other tieflings who have been through Avernus means a lot to Karlach, and Dammon lands in a special category because of his ability to help her. For Dammon, it seems like things might be a little more than just that, and one note confirms the depth of his feelings.
Anyone looking to romance Karlach and reach a generally positive ending for the character should be careful to protect the tieflings at the Emerald Grove against Act 1 threats.
If Dammon survives to the end of the game, a note from Dammon to Karlach can be found in camp, as noted by Reddit useroffensivemindset. In the brief letter,Dammon says that he thinks of her often and asks her to write, signing off with “Yours faithfully, Dammon.“Although the letter isn’t explicitly romantic, the overall impression is certainly amorous, and it ultimately acts as proof that some tendencies he displays in earlier interactions don’t go away by the end of the story.
Karlach & Dammon Can Have A Notable Act 2 Interaction
Dammon Isn’t Afraid Of Flirtation
Prior to this point, the biggest evidence of Dammon’s feelings for Karlach only shows up with Karlach as a player character in Act 2. When Dammon tweaks Karlach’s Infernal Engine to allow her to touch other characters without burning them, this usually provides an opportunity for the player character to touch or hug her as a test. If Karlach’s being played, however,Dammon can fill that role himself, reaching out a hand to press up against hers and declaring that she’s “very touchable.”
Baldur’s Gate 3 Epilogue Finally Gives A Fan-Favorite Character The Ending They Deserve
With the introduction of a new epilogue for Baldur’s Gate 3, one fan-favorite character has received an entirely new potential ending to their story.
Karlach is able to pause and reflect on his apparent flirtation in that scene, but it doesn’t go anywhere, as Dammon quickly turns to a more serious matter about the infernal engine that immediately redirects Karlach’s train of thought. It’s consequently a moment that can remain unaddressed for the rest of the playthrough, but the Act 3 letter points to the idea that Dammon’s been simmering over his feelings for Karlach the whole time.
What makes this interaction so notable is thatBaldur’s Gate 3doesn’t tend to acknowledge possible romances between Origin characters and side NPCs, preferring to keep the focus on relationships that the player can engage in directly. Considering how much the game has to juggle, it makes sense that development resources didn’t end up going in this direction, but it can still be damaging to the game’s sense of immersion and complexity.Allowing companions to romance each otheror other NPCs would enhance the sense that they have lives that go beyond their interactions with the player character.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Romance Is Amazing, But A Lack Of This Option Is Holding It Back
This particular quirk of BG3 romance won’t be a huge issue in every campaign, but it can still be frustrating to navigate in certain situations.
One possible reason that Larian might have avoided the concept is the fear of implementing anything fans might view as canon romances, assome players hesitate to interrupt what might be seen as the natural course of action. The Dammon situation rides a fine line, as despite Karlach’s seemingly warm feelings for him,Baldur’s Gate 3never confirms if she actually reciprocates any romantic attachment.
Karlach & Dammon Have A Unique BG3 Relationship
Romantic Competition Isn’t Common In Baldur’s Gate 3
Realistically, anyone who invests in a Karlach romance doesn’t need to worry that she’s going to be swept off her feet by Dammon instead, but it does prove that she wouldn’t have to settle if the player character ever let her down. Dammon might not wait for Karlach forever, butas of Act 3, he certainly seems to be dedicated to her until the end. It’s an unusual instance of a player character having actual clear competition, even if Dammon isn’t quite as straightforward with his feelings as a player character is capable of being.
How To Romance Karlach in Baldur’s Gate 3
To romance Karlach in Baldur’s Gate 3, players must always be compassionate and heroic. Helping her fix her infernal engine heart is also essential.
The other interesting avenue with Karlach is the idea of arelationship between her and Wyll, as the two Origin characters have a closer and more interesting relationship than many others in the game. Karlach and Wyll can end up joining each other on a specific journey in one possible ending for the game, although, like the details with Dammon, it’s something many players might never see. Unlike Dammon, however,Wyll and Karlach’s relationship can be naturally read as platonic on both ends, with nothing ever seeming to cross the line into undeniable romantic affection.
Romance inBaldur’s Gate 3is ultimately whatever the player makes of it, and the potential link between Karlach and Dammon shouldn’t bother anyone who wants to end up with the tiefling. When entering a relationship with another companion, though, it’s nice to know that Karlach has a potential beau at the ready should she choose to embrace his apparent pursuit. With some unique shared experience and heritage, Karlach and Dammon might just be perfect for each other, setting the stage for what could be one of the most meaningfulBaldur’s Gate 3romances behind the scenes.
Source:offensivemindset/Reddit
Baldur’s Gate 3
Developed and published by Larian Studios, Baldur’s Gate 3 is an upcoming role-playing game set to release in August of 2023. Players will create a character to embark on a large-scale journey and can do so solo or cooperatively with a friend. Combat is a turn-based style this time around.
