How to Romance Karlach in Baldur's Gate 3
The Baldur's Gate 3 Karlach romance involves finding Infernal Iron so her Infernal Engine can be repaired. It's also related to her companion quest arcs: Our Fiery Friend and The Hellion's Heart. Here's a quick summary:
- Upon reaching the Risen Road in Act 1, make sure you have a spot in your party so Karlach can join in the fight against Anders. You can refer to our companion recruitment guide for more info.
- Continue adventuring with Karlach and increase her approval through good deeds and heroic actions. She might come to blows with Wyll, but you should break up the fight through dialogue.
- You'll learn of her Infernal Engine, her heart, which causes searing pain to people who try to touch her.
- You must save the Tiefling refugees. Do not side with Minthara and the Goblins. If you pick the latter, she'll be disgusted with your actions, and she'll permanently leave the party.
- You might encounter a problem if you sleep with or express your love for other origin characters:
- We cannot confirm what happens to other companions. However, in our campaign, there was an option to fully lock-in the Shadowheart romance after the Nightsong encounter in Act 2. Karlach remarked that she's happy for our character and Shadowheart, and that she considered us a good friend.
- Karlach may dislike it if you're flirting with her (i.e. dialogue options and kissing scene), only to sleep with a different origin companion later on, thus ending the romance arc.
- We cannot confirm if ending the relationship with a companion that you already slept with would lead to an opportunity to romance Karlach later.
Act 1: Dammon and Your First Infernal Iron
For the Baldur's Gate 3 Karlach romance, you need to find a Tiefling who knows a bit about engineering. Make your way to the Tiefling refugee camp in Druid Grove and look for an NPC named Dammon. He's able to help, but you need to bring Infernal Iron. There are a couple of places where you can find it in Act 1:
- Goblin Camp/Shattered Sanctum: Dror Ragzlin - Defeat Dror Ragzlin to obtain his key, or lockpick the treasure hoard room behind his throne.
- Grymforge: Stonemason Kith - You need to travel to the Underdark and reach Grymforge from there. Look for a Duergar NPC named Stonemason Kith:
- If you pass all three skill checks for History, Investigation, and Perception, he'll give you the Infernal Alloy for free. If you fail, then you have to buy it from him.
- If you've already freed True Soul Nere, you can side with the Duergar since Stonemason Kith is with them. You can buy the Infernal Iron after the fight while he's still in the chamber. If you fast travel out of the area, Stonemason Kith might not be there when you return.
Karlach First Kiss and How to Cool Her Off
Return to Dammon and give the Infernal Iron. Karlach will be able to touch someone, but only for a short while. You can go ahead and test this by going for a kiss, which causes an abrupt spark.
Back in your camp, talk to Karlach and say that you know of a way to cool her off. She'll simply reply with "I'm waiting" and her dialogue will not change. To fix this, you can either throw water at her, cast a water or ice spell, or shoot an ice arrow. This will advance her dialogue in the meantime.
Act 2: Other Infernal Iron, Infernal Alloy, and Infernal Metal Sources
Your next objective, as Dammon says, is to visit him in Baldur's Gate. However, before you could even reach the city, you'd have to venture into the Shadow-Cursed Lands. There, you'll find Last Light Inn, which is also where you'll meet Jaheira for the first time. Dammon is also there in the stables, which means he'll want additional Infernal stuff.
We were able to find two Infernal Iron sources, both of which were in the Gauntlet of Shar dungeon:
- To the left of the waypoint, you'll reach a chamber which has the necromancer Balthazar. There's a large room with a locked door to the north. You can lockpick that to find three ornate chests, one of which has Infernal Iron.
- To the right of the main area, you'll encounter a demon by the name of Yurgir (who also happens to be a part of Astarion's companion quest). Killing him is tough, since he and his demonic cohorts are on an elevated area. However, you can convince him to off himself by succeeding in several hard dialogue checks. You can then loot Infernal Metal from his ashes.
Karlach Love Scene
Now that you have another Infernal item and it's already the game's second act, you can bring it to Dammon in Last Light Inn. He does give you a warning (more on this later). For now, though, you can push through with the Baldur's Gate 3 Karlach romance. Simply return to your camp and talk to Karlach at night. Choose the appropriate responses and lean in for a kiss.
Potential Problems
Your Baldur's Gate 3 Karlach romance won't go off without a hitch. That's because there might be a few problems down the line:
- Dammon claims that Karlach's Infernal Engine will continue to overheat, and she'll eventually die. There might be a cure, but we've yet to discover one in the campaign.
- There might be a way to use Soul Coins, due to their description that states how they power up Infernal Engines.
- We advise you to keep Dammon alive at all costs. Otherwise, his death could mean losing an opportunity to romance Karlach. This can occur during specific decisions made as the Dark Urge and when you're interacting with the Nightsong.
- As far as we can tell, the love scenes/sex scenes with origin characters may lock you out of potential romances with other companions. In our experience, we tried to woo Karlach and Shadowheart at the same time. After the Karlach sex scene, Shadowheart simply remarked that she's happy for our character, and that she'd remain a friend.
Romances with Non-Origin Characters and NPCs
Since Shadowheart was our character's main squeeze during the campaign, we're unable to confirm what Karlach's reaction would be if you choose to sleep around with non-origin characters. Here are our findings based on a Shadowheart romance:
- Halsin romance - Shadowheart was okay with "sharing" our character with Halsin. We're uncertain if Karlach would react the same way.
- Emperor romance - Shadowheart, and basically the entire group, didn't even react the morning after.
- Mizora romance - Shadowheart scoffed at the idea, but the romance continued. This may be more impactful in Karlach's case, knowing that Mizora is a cambion, and because of her past torment in the hells.
This is all we know about how to romance Karlach in Baldur's Gate 3. We'll update our guide soon, so stay tuned.
Indiagamebox.blogspot.com Gate 3 - How To Romance Mizora.
How to Romance Mizora in Baldur's Gate 3
For the Baldur's Gate 3 Mizora romance, we made sure that both Mizora and Wyll remained alive throughout our run. That's because the option for the love scene only appears during Act 3. Moreover, since Mizora isn't a companion, there's no indicator of an approval system (pertaining to her alone). Here's some info based on our playthrough:
- Shadowheart was our main squeeze, and she was fine with the outcome afterward. This may have been affected by having high approval with her, or a hidden flag that's different per character. This could be somewhat akin to the Halsin romance in that they're both okay with "sharing" your character.
- We can't say the same for other companions that you have a relationship with at this stage, as we're mostly "locked in" the Shadowheart romance with high approval. For instance, would Karlach, Gale, Lae'zel, or Astarion be happy with your choice?
- A scenario that we've yet to confirm is one where Wyll is your main squeeze. In our playthrough, Wyll simply disapproved of the romance--Mizora is his tormentor and has had him pact-bound, after all--but he stayed with the group. However, since Wyll wasn't our character's lover, we can't confirm if a sinful tryst with Mizora automatically ends the relationship.
How to Start the Mizora Romance
Here's a quick summary of the other decisions we made during our playthrough:
- Act 1: In the Druid Grove, we saved the Tiefling refugees. If you slaughter the good folks, Wyll ends up leaving your party forever.
- Act 2: Upon reaching Moonrise Towers, we agreed to help Mizora find Zariel's Asset. It turns out that she is the asset, and she's just sending a projection so you can help her. You'll find Mizora trapped in a pod in the Mind Flayer Colony as you're chasing after Ketheric Thorm. Pick the Strength or "unleash" options to free her.
- Act 3: Upon reaching Wyrm's Rock Fortress, avoid fighting Gortash immediately (you'll just get trounced). Talk to Mizora afterward, and she'll appear in your camp.
Love Scene: The Flavors of Hell
Mizora gives Wyll an ultimatum on what he should do to protect a loved one. Regardless of your decision, Mizora will stay in your camp. Don't make her leave, and just talk to her after a couple of long rests. You might see an exclamation point, which means there's an important conversation.
Mizora will tempt you with a proposition. You can always choose to decline. In fact, there are responses that cause your character to stop the whole scene altogether. But, if you want to see the Baldur's Gate 3 Mizora romance in full, you'll want to pick the appropriate responses:
- When you talk to her in camp, choose: "Sounds delicious. What are you suggesting?"
- Accept the offer and do a long rest. At night, your character will be held inside a demonic circle.
- Choose: "Bask in the powerful sensations," followed by: "I'm ready," or "Sigh and brace yourself."
- You can pick either "Gorge on the river" or "Take a tentative sip."
The next dialogue choices in the Baldur's Gate 3 Mizora romance involve the different realms and lands of hell. Locations include Dis, Minauros, Phlegetos, and Stygia. That's followed by Malbolge, Maladomini, Cania, and Nessus.
No, you won't suddenly teleport to those lands. Instead, the locations are simply described to you, as though your character is filled with sensations that would make a Slaaneshi cultist giddy. The visual effects will also change somewhat (i.e. red flames or cold blue ice).
Lastly, Mizora will strip and approach you. You can pick: "Step into Mizora's outstretched wings." This will cause the two of you to float, your character wrapped snugly in the devil's embrace.
The Morning After and Potential Romance Consequences
The next morning, Mizora talks to you about what happened. If you already have a lover, they'll chide the devil-woman. For instance, Shadowheart said that Mizora was just an inferior choice, and your character knows how good they have it with her. In our case, Shadowheart also said that she's not jealous, and that you have your own needs, as does she. The romance status remained active.
While we can't confirm how it goes for other companions, our experience was that spending the night with Mizora didn't end our main character's relationship with Shadowheart. Still, you might want to keep a backup save, just in case.
Can You Romance Raphael in Baldur's Gate 3
If you're wondering about the Baldur's Gate 3 Raphael romance, then the answer is "no." To be more specific, you don't actually get to sleep with Raphael himself, but there's an incubus that bears a striking resemblance to him. The incubus' name is Haarlep, and you meet them in the devil's domain in Avernus. Here's what you need to do:
- Going to Raphael's domain is part of the Free Orpheus and Deal With the Devil quests. Certain decisions will give you a reason to go there, such as obtaining the Orphic Hammer or stealing your contract.
- The portal that leads to it is created via Helsik's Ritual in the Devil's Fee in the Lower City.
- We discuss the important parts related to the objective in our House of Hope guide. Still, it's worth mentioning that the entire area is filled with debtors enslaved by the devil.
As you explore, you'll eventually learn of a way to obtain the Orphic Hammer: you'll need to pass through the Mystic Force Curtain to enter the Boudoir. There, you'll find Haarlep eager to tempt you. As mentioned earlier, Haarlep looks just like your ol' devil pal--"Haarlep" is just a rearrangement of "Raphael," after all. Technically, this whole sequence is akin to a Baldur's Gate 3 Raphael romance. You can also tell them to switch to a female form, if you want.
Love Scene: The Sex Was to Die For
Haarlep will tell your character to strip and get on the bed. There are several sets of responses, but here are the important ones:
- Any time you outright reject or provoke hostilities with Haarlep, you'll end up in a fight against them, as well as several imps.
- The first set of responses--i.e. "Let Haarlep do as they please," "[Performance] Pretend to be helpless"--lead to a bit of devilish foreplay.
From there, you'll get another set of options, which lead to a particular outcome:
- "You can have my body, but not my mind" - Haarlep teases you by saying that they can use your physical form as a disguise. There's no altercation afterward. Haarlep tells you that Raphael's safe is hidden behind a nearby painting, and you're also given a key that opens it.
- "My heart and soul are yours" - You drown in untold sensations until your character dies. You got screwed... in more ways than one.
- "[Constitution] Try to cool your desires and push the creature away" - This leads to a battle, akin to provoking Haarlep.
The incubus has the Ethereal Escape passive, causing them to become immaterial if they get hit. They can also charm your party members. If you manage to eliminate your target, you can pick up the key to the safe. Inside, you can grab some Soul Coins, as well as a clue on how to obtain the Orphic Hammer.
That does it for this faux Raphael romance in Baldur's Gate 3. Don't forget that you still need to get out of this domain, so make sure you check out your tasks in our House of Hope guide. You might even befriend a couple of important NPCs along the way.
How to Beat Gortash in Baldur's Gate 3
There are several ways to trigger the Baldur's Gate 3 Gortash boss fight. And, in one scenario, you don't even need to battle him at all. Just know that all of these take place in the game's third act, once you've reached Wyrm's Rock Fortress.
Potential Encounter: The Proclamation
The first chance you'll get to battle Gortash in Baldur's Gate 3 is during his proclamation as archduke. Doing so is a terrible idea, since he's surrounded by numerous Steel Watch sentries and mechs. In fact, taking out the mechs before fighting him is a key objective later in the campaign. If you attempt this, then be ready for a frustrating, single-turn annihilation.
Potential Encounter: An Offer Refused and Karlach's Presence
If you hold off on hostilities, Gortash will offer an alliance, but you have to kill Orin the Red and take her Netherstone. Another battle can happen if you visit Gortash's chamber. You can reach it by heading back to the throne room, then climbing the steps past the doorway to the right of the throne.
If you talk to Gortash without Orin's and Ketheric's Netherstone, he certainly won't like it. Likewise, if you brought Karlach along, and you chose the second reply--"Never mind that, Gortash, we've heard all we need from the likes of you"--the tensions will escalate. Gortash, flanked by his lieutenants, as well as several Steel Watch robots, will make quick work of you.
Potential Alliance: Shared Leadership and Death
If you have the two Netherstones, you can visit Gortash and pick the amicable reply. Also, if Karlach is with you, just answer with: "Easy Karlach, we won't make it far against the Steel Watch."
Gortash will talk to you about a power-sharing opportunity. If you want to glean his intentions, you'll realize that he admires people who are strong-willed and not easily cowed. You can then reply with: "We can be allies, but Ketheric's and Orin's stones stay with me."
Gortash happily agrees, and he tells you to meet him in the Morphic Pool Docks in the northern section of the Undercity Ruins. Go ahead and sail on the boat, and delve deeper into the caverns until you encounter the Elder Brain. There will be multiple skill checks here, until Gortash gets too impatient. He wrests control of the Netherstones, only to get instantly slain by the Elder Brain.
Assaulting Wyrm's Rock Fortress
Your deeds will cause Gortash's soldiers defending Wyrm's Rock Fortress to become hostile. Proceed with caution since you can encounter some nasty issues. Here's what you can expect:
- After clearing the enemies on the ground floor, save your game just as you interact with the passage to the proclamation room. Some enemies on the rooftop are also hostile, even though they have no line of sight.
- If possible, wait for enemies to move toward you, instead of rushing up to the proclamation room.
- When you head up the proclamation room, don't move too far in the chamber. Take out only the aggroed forces that are near the doorway.
- Then, move your party members back to the drawbridge, which is a safe area (i.e. not a red zone). This will allow you to fast travel back to camp. Do a long rest.
- Return to the proclamation room. If everything went smoothly, the NPCs should be reset (i.e. not hostile). Alternatively, you can stealth as a group until you reach the rooftop where Gortash's chamber is located.
Boss Fight: How to Defeat Gortash
Finally, it's time for the Gortash boss fight in Baldur's Gate 3. Once inside the chamber, you'll notice several traps, as well as a few lieutenants. Here's the gist:
- The contraptions on the wall apply a shield to Gortash, though you can still deplete his HP.
- Bombs will get tossed periodically near your characters. Throw them when possible, but be careful with the explosion radius. The bombs deal a ton of damage to allies and enemies alike. You can actually use them to eliminate the lieutenants.
- Gortash will get empowered by Bane soon enough, and he'll gain extra HP and deadlier attacks:
- Manifestations of Tyranny have an aura that buffs Gortash's damage if he's within their radius. They have low HP, so don't worry too much about them.
- Gortash will spawn a large Hand of Shadow in the room. After a turn, this will smash down on the ground, crushing any unit within its radius.
Again, your best bet is relying on bombs, while taking care to avoid the explosion radius. With a bit of luck, you should be able to clear the Baldur's Gate 3 Gortash boss fight. Your rewards include Gortash's Fabricated Arbalest, which has a +2 weapon enchantment, Illuminating Shot, and Dazzling Ray. You'll also get the Netherstone-Studded Gauntlet, which grants +1-4 force damage for unarmed attacks, as well as +1 to spell save DC.
Love Scene: Titillating Tentacles
You'll have the Baldur's Gate 3 Emperor romance love scene opportunity in another dream sequence during the third act. When prompted, respond with:
- "I could have done with more coddling."
- "True."
The two of you will float in mid-air. You can then take its tentacle in your hand, and kiss it. Keep doing it since the fella loves your masterstroke. The screen will fade to black, and your character will wake up naked. Suddenly, three random companions show up via a portal. It seems the sensual squidface got a bit distracted, causing your teammates to get a sneak peek. They look disgusted as well.
Again, as far as we can tell, this did not affect our character's current standing with their lover. In fact, no one on our team ever talked about this incident again (thank goodness).
What Happens if You Reject the Emperor's Advances
Two replies will let you reject the Emperor's flirting moves:
- "I think you misread the signs - I'm fine with what we have now" - This causes the Emperor to clam up and focus on the task at hand.
- "Absolutely not, you freak" - This makes the Emperor angry. However, he also gives you a glimpse into his past, namely how he had mind controlled Duke Selmane. He admits that such a predicament would have happened to you, had he not decided to play nice. And, yes, he also says that you're nothing but his puppet.
That does it for the Emperor romance in Baldur's Gate 3. We'll let you know if there are long-term consequences, such as getting Illithid Warts.
How to complete Gather Your Allies in Baldur's Gate 3
The Baldur's Gate 3 Gather Your Allies quest begins in earnest once you learn the true threat of the forces that you're facing. From there, various NPCs and groups will promise you their aid down the line. You do need to make key decisions for that to happen.
Our Baldur's Gate 3 Gather Your Allies guide lists down the ones that we were able to unlock during our playthrough. We also note their respective passive boosts or uses in the climactic battle, which takes place after you complete the Free Orpheus quest. This special skill--"Call Forth Allies"--can be seen just above the icons for your weapons on your action bar. Using it allows you to summon additional units during combat. You must keep them alive as, otherwise, their deaths would mean that you won't be able to summon them again.
Bear in mind that this list isn't complete. Although we've seen different outcomes for various quests, but we weren't able to follow some of those branching paths up to the finale.
Volo the Bard
- Unlock method: Rescue Volo in the Goblin Camp during Act 1. He's in need of help again in Act 3, and you'll find him in the southwestern portion of the Lower City.
- Passive: Volo's Guide to Monsters - +2 to all attack rolls, saving throws, and ability checks.
Battle-Ready Owlbear and Dammon
- Owlbear unlock method - Kill the Mama Owlbear in the cave in Act 1, but spare the Owlbear Cub. Rescue it and have it remember your scent once you reach the Goblin Camp (i.e. it's being chased in the chicken minigame). Later, in a camp scene, be kind and feed it when it approaches you.
- Dammon unlock method - Dammon is in the Druid Grove, and he plays a pivotal role in Karlach's romance/quest. You can prevent his untimely demise by saving the Tiefling refugees in Act 1 and ensuring that Isobel stays alive in Act 2.
- Summon: Battle-Ready Owlbear - Your Owlbear Cub is now fully-grown... and fully-armored.
- Note: We're combining these two in one entry. As far as we can tell, Dammon remarks that he's the one who outfitted the Owlbear Cub with plate armor. His survival might be necessary
