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{{PageSeo
{{PageSeo
| title = Orpheus
| title = Orpheus
| description = Orpheus is a Githyanki in Baldur's Gate.
| description = Orpheus is an important Githyanki leader in Baldur's Gate.
| image = Orpheus_Freed.webp
| image = Orpheus_Freed.webp
}}
}}
{{Infobox character
{{CombatTab}}
{{Infobox creature
| name = Orpheus
| name = Orpheus
| image = Orpheus_Freed.webp
| va = Tommy Sim'aan
| title = The Prince of the Comet
| role = [[Attached Follower]]
| image = <gallery>
Orpheus_Freed.webp|In-game
Orpheus Model.png|Model
Portrait Orpheus.png|Portrait
</gallery>
| identity = Male
| hometown = [[Astral Plane]]
| race = [[Githyanki]]
| race = [[Githyanki]]
| titles = The Prince of the Comet
| family = {{FRWiki|Gith}} (mother)
| family =  
| size = [[Medium]]
| class = [[Way of the Four Elements]] [[Monk]]
| type = [[Humanoid]]
| level = 12
}}
 
'''Orpheus''', is a [[Githyanki]] that appears in [[Baldur's Gate 3|''Baldur's Gate 3'']], playing a major role in [[Act Three]] and {{CharLink|Lae'zel}}'s personal quest, {{Quest|The Githyanki Warrior}}.  As the son of Gith herself, he acts as the supposed true ruler of the Gith Empire.  However, he has been captured and is imprisoned in the [[Astral Plane]].  Being a githyanki, he seeks to destroy the [[mind flayers]] and remove {{CharLink|Vlaakith}} from power.
{{DiQ|Quickly now - even here, we do not have infinite time.|Orpheus| after being freed from his prison.}}
 
== Overview ==
 
=== Background ===
According to the inscribed discs, banned and deemed heretical by followers of Vlaakith, Orpheus is the first (and only) son of Mother Gith, the leader of the rebellion that freed the race that would bear her name from the Illithid Empire.  Gith's impressive psionic powers allowed her to disrupt elder brain control, powers that her son inherited.  At some point during the rebellion, Gith's advisor Vlaakith made a deal with the dragon goddess {{FRWiki|Tiamat}}, in which the gith acquired their red dragons.  It was only after the split between the githyanki and [[githzerai]] that the cost of Vlaakith's deal was revealed, as Gith was summoned to the [[Nine Hells]] to become Tiamat's advisor.  Tiamat's red dragon consort {{FRWiki|Ephelomon}} came to the githyanki, and decreed that Vlaakith was to be their new ruler.
 
Outraged at this turn of events, Orpheus led a rebellion against Vlaakith I's rule, assembling an Honor Guard and declaring himself the rightful ruler of the githyanki.  This "War of the Comet" was said to have ended with Orpheus' death at the hands of {{CharLink|Kith'rak Voss}} and with Ephelomon devouring his corpse<ref>{{SmRarityItem|Orpheus, Prince of the Comet, Part Three: Resurrection}}</ref>.  In truth, Orpheus and his Honor Guard were sealed away in a corner of the [[Astral Plane]], accessed using the [[Mysterious Artefact|Astral Prism]].  Orpheus himself was restrained by Infernal chains, so that Vlaakith could exploit his elder brain disruption powers.  The fact that Orpheus still lived was known only to Voss, the current and past Vlaakiths, and the few secret devotees of the Prince of the Comet spread throughout githyanki society.


| modules =
The artifact containing Orpheus soon came to the attention of {{CharLink|The Netherbrain}}, who wanted to use it to overthrow the Chosen of the [[Dead Three]] in control of it.  It sent a team of illithids to find and take the artifact from the githyanki.  However, the leader of the group (a mind flayer known as {{CharLink|The Emperor|the Emperor}}) seized the opportunity and went rogue, taking the artifact and hoping to use it to overthrow the elder brain.
{{Infobox statistics
== Involvement ==
| child = yes
| size = Medium
| type = Humanoid
| armour_class = 19
| hit_points = 130
| weight_kg = 75
| weight_lb = 165
| hiddenlevel = 12
| str = 12
| dex = 18
| con = 16
| int = 14
| wis = 21
| cha = 20
| str_save_proficiency = yes
| dex_save_proficiency = yes
| resistant1 = Psychic
| immune1 = Poison


| condition1_name = Orphic Favour Aura
=== Act One & Act Two ===
| condition1_description = Orpheus and nearby allies gain resistance to {{DamageType|Psychic}} damage, and a +3 bonus to INT, WIS, and CHA saving throws.
Orpheus and his role in the greater story of ''Baldur's Gate 3'' is hinted throughout the game, but is not truly revealed until the beginning of [[Act Three]]  References to him are found throughout the game, notably in the "Orpheus, Prince of the Comet" series of discs, which recount his attempted rebellion against the first Vlaakith and form the backbone of the quest {{Quest|Discover the History of Prince Orpheus}}.


| feature1_name = Advanced Unarmoured Movement
=== Act Three ===
| feature1_description = Difficult Terrain doesn't slow you down, increased jump while unarmoured.
{{Main|Free Orpheus}}
| feature2_name = Deflect Missiles (passive feature)
==== Battle in the Astral Prism ====
| feature2_description = Reduce ranged damage with your reaction.
{{Main|Help Your Protector}}
| feature3_name = Evasion
| feature3_description = Receive less damage from spells or effects that require a DEX Saving Throw.
| feature4_name = Extra Attack
| feature4_description = Make an additional free attack after making an unarmed or weapon attack.
| feature5_name = Ki-Empowered Strikes
| feature5_description = Your unarmed attacks ignore resistances to non-magical damage.
| feature6_name = Martial Arts: Bonus Unarmed Strike
| feature6_description = After an unarmed or monk weapon attack, you can make another unarmed attack as a bonus action.
| feature7_name = Martial Arts: Deft Strikes
| feature7_description = Monk weapon attacks have a floor of 1d4 Bludgeoning.
| feature8_name = Martial Arts: Dextrous Attacks
| feature8_description = Monk weapon and unarmed attacks scale with your DEX, if it is higher than STR.
| feature9_name = Opportunity Attack
| feature9_description = Automatically attack an enemy moving out of your reach.
| feature10_name = Psionic Empowerment
| feature10_description = Your attacks deal 1d6 Psychic damage.
| feature11_name = Purity of Body
| feature11_description = You are Immune to Poison damage and can't be Poisoned or diseased.
| feature12_name = Slow Fall
| feature12_description = When falling, you can use your reaction to gain Resistance to Falling damage.
| feature13_name = Stillness of Mind
| feature13_description = Automatically removes Charmed or Frightened.
| feature14_name = Unarmoured Defence (Monk)
| feature14_description = Add your WIS modifier to your AC.
| feature15_name = Unarmoured Movement
| feature15_description = Your movement speed increases by 6m (20ft).
}} }}


'''Orpheus''', is a [[Githyanki]] that appears in [[Baldur's Gate 3]]. He acts as the supposed true ruler of the Githyanki. However, he has been captured and is imprisoned in the [[Astral Plane]]. Being a Githyanki, he seeks to destroy the [[Mind Flayer]]s and remove [[Vlaakith]] from power.
While resting at [[Wyrm's Lookout]], the party are ambushed by githyanki warriors and combat ensues. The [[Dream Guardian]] opens a portal into the Astral Prism for the party to enter, lest they fall under the [[Absolute]]'s influence. There, the Dream Guardian reveals their true form as a mind flayer free from hivemind control, and asks the party for their aid against the githyanki. Though the party has the option to attack their protector, this will lead to a [[Game Over screens|Game Over]], as the player character and all party members either fall under the control of the Absolute, or are killed by the githyanki. After the battle, the Dream Guardian reveals that the source of the party's protection has been an imprisoned Orpheus, and that the githyanki who attacked are his Honor Guard, who were imprisoned alongside him by the first Vlaakith. Completing this encounter will complete both {{Quest|Discover the History of Prince Orpheus}} and {{Quest|Discover the Artefact's Secrets}}, as well as start {{Quest|Free Orpheus}}.


== Overview ==
==== Acquiring the Orphic Hammer ====
{{Main|Deal with the Devil|Escape the Deal}}
 
After his visit to the party's camp in [[Act Two]], Kith'rak Voss will have directed the party to meet him at [[Sharess' Caress]] in [[Wyrm's Crossing]]. [[Baldur's Gate]].  Upstairs, in the [[Devil's Den]], the party will find him attempting to make a deal with the devil {{CharLink|Raphael}}, who eventually dismisses him. Talking to the devil reveals he has the {{SmRarityItem|Orphic Hammer}}, a magically imbued hammer with the ability to free Orpheus from his infernal chains. He promises to give the artifact to the party in exchange for the {{IconLink|size=20|Crown of Karsus Faded.png|Crown of Karsus}}, signing a {{SmRarityItem|Soul-Sworn Contract|override_icon=Soul-Sworn Contract.png}} with the player character if they accept. The player character has serveral options to act:


=== Background ===
# The player character refuses the deal but decides to acquire the Orphic Hammer anyways. The party must infiltrate the [[House of Hope]] to steal the Orphic Hammer. This leads to a fight against Raphael.
According to the inscribed discs, banned by followers of Vlaakith and labelled as heretical, Orpheus is the first, and only, son of Mother Gith, the leader of the rebellion that freed the race that would then bear her name, from the Mind Flayer Empire. Sometime after the beginning of their freedom, the collective Gith race split into two cultures; the Githyanki and the Githzerai, the former, Orpheus was a part of.
# The player character accepts the deal and doesn't betray Raphael. At the final battle, after freeing Orpheus, Raphael will appear and give them the Orphic Hammer. As his deal involves handing over the Crown of Karsus, this prevents {{CharLink|Gale}} from either giving the crown to {{CharLink|Mystra}} or using it to become a god, and causes Raphael to appear at the celebration in the [[Epilogue]].
# The player character accepts the deal (signing a {{SmRarityItem|Soul-Sworn Contract|override_icon=Soul-Sworn Contract.png}} with the devil) but ultimately decide to break it. Then it is necessary to infiltrate the House of Hope and acquire the contract. The Orphic Hammer can also be stolen. This leads to a fight against Raphael.


Upon discovering that Vlaakith I (Not to be confused with [[Vlaakith|Vlaakith CLVII]]) had betrayed his mother, sacrificing her to create a pact with {{FRWiki|Tiamat}}, Orpheus led Gith's Honour Guard in a revolt and named himself the rightful king of the Githyanki, triggering the War of the Comet. At the head of the Honour Guard mounted on red dragons, Orpheus bravely fought Vlaakith's knights in a battle in the Astral Plane, where he praised Mother Gith and accused Vlaakith. Yet he was overcome and defeated in battle against [[Kith'rak Voss]], and was thought dead.
Showing the Orphic Hammer to Voss will complete {{Quest|Help Kith'rak Voss}}, which grants you the {{SmRarityItem|Silver Sword of the Astral Plane}}


Unknown to all but Vlaakith and Voss; however, Orpheus was instead imprisoned within the Astral Prism, so that Vlaakith may exploit the powers he inherited from his mother.  
==== Deciding the Prince's Fate ====
At the [[Morphic Pool]], the player character attempts to wield the Netherstones and control the Netherbrain, but is overwhelmed. The Emperor brings the party into the Astral Prism, and tells them that only an illithid can successfully wield the Netherstones. Here Orpheus' fate can be decided, with most decisions depending on whether or not the party acquired the Orphic Hammer.


At some time before the events of Baldur's Gate 3, [[The Emperor]] had discovered the Astral Prism, who proceeded to use it to rebel against the [[The Netherbrain|Elder Brain]].
===== The Prince Assimilated =====
Orpheus can be "assimilated" by either the Emperor, a mind flayer player character, or a mind flayer {{CharLink|Karlach}}.  If Lae'zel has rejected Vlaakith and embraced Orpheus, the player character must pass a {{Ability check|Persuasion|30}} or she will turn hostile. Upon leaving the Astral Prism and reaching [[The High Hall|High Hall]], an enraged Voss will turn hostile unless convinced not to, which requires a {{Ability check|Persuasion, Deception|30}}, with an additional prerequisite {{Ability check|Persuasion, Intimidation|25}} if the player character was the one to "assimilate" Orpheus. If Voss turns hostile, he can no longer be recruited as part of {{Quest|Gather Your Allies}}


== Involvement ==
===== The Prince Freed =====
=== Act Three ===
The party can refuse to allow the Emperor to "assimilate" Orpheus. Alternatively, a mind flayer player character can refuse to "assimilate" Orpheus, though a check is required to prevent your hunger from getting the best of you. Either choice causes the Emperor to defect to the Netherbrain, and the party then can free Orpheus. If the player character made the deal with Raphael and didn't betray him, then he will show up and give the Orphic Hammer to the party.
Orpheus is only ever mentioned in previous acts, either as the true ruler of the Githyanki people, or as a corruptive force. He is finally found, imprisoned within the Astral Prism when the party enters it to help The Emperor. The Party can either help The Emperor keep him imprisoned, or fight to free him, but only the former yields positive results, as the party, without The Emperor's assistance, falls to the [[Absolute]], and are likely killed by Orpheus and his Honour Guard.


Orpheus' fate is entirely dependent on the player character, and their choices. Several events can occur based on the following criteria;
If not having optained the Orphic Hammer at this point, then Raphael will appear and make his offer again. Refusing the offer causes a Game Over, so the player character is forced to {{Quest|Fulfill the Deal}}.


# If the party collects the [[Orphic Hammer]] through any means, and uses it to free him at the end of the game, he will accompany the party through the final hurdle, and help them destroy [[The Netherbrain|The Netherbrain.]]
Regardless, Orpheus is freed and offers an alliance to the party, though he may scold them for not freeing him sooner, or for stealing the {{SmRarityItem|Githyanki Egg}}. Like the Emperor, he tells the party that the only way to wield the Netherstones is to become an illithid. There are several options at this point:
#* If the party refuses to have anyone to turn into a Mind Flayer in order to control the Netherstones, he will turn into a Mind Flayer himself. In this instance, he will desire to die, rather than to live as an abomination, but can be convinced to spare himself, only if [[Lae'zel]] takes his place as the Githyanki people's saviour if she is in the party.
#* If the player character or a party member becomes a Mind Flayer, he will thank them for their sacrifice, promising they will be remembered as a hero. Once The Netherbrain is defeated, he will move to freeing his people from Vlaakith's rule, notably inviting Lae'zel to join him.
#* The party can choose to fight Orpheus after freeing him, but the battle can only lead to a game over: Orpheus kills the party if he wins, and if he is defeated they (naturally) lose his protection and are immediately dominated by the Absolute.
# If the party does not collect the Orphic Hammer, or refuses to use it, The Emperor will consume Orpheus' brain, assimilating his abilities.


If the party chooses to spare Orpheus and become a [[Mind Flayer]] themselves, then Orpheus will speak to them as part of the epilogue. He commends the player character for choosing to make such a sacrifice to defeat the Nethebrain, and promises that they will not be forgotten. Alternatively, if Orpheus chose to become a Mind Flayer he will demand that the party kill him, though passing a DC20 Persuasion check will avoid this.
# The player character or another party member becomes a mind flayer. Orpheus lowers his psionic defenses to allow the order to transform to go through.
# If the player character and any other party members refuse to become a mind flayer, Orpheus offers to make the sacrifice instead. Lae'zel is dismayed but will not turn hostile.
# The player character and the party decide to fight Orpheus. Winning or losing this battle immediately results in a Game Over, as the party either dies or loses Orpheus' protection and becomes dominated by the Absolute.


== Related Quests ==
Regardless of who transforms, Orpheus will join the party as an [[Attached Follower]] for the final battle. Depending on who transformed, Voss will express either confusion or dismay, but will also not turn hostile.
* [[Discover the History of Prince Orpheus]]
* [[Free Orpheus]]


== Combat ==
=== '''Endings''' ===
===Attacks and abilities ===
{{Content warning|section|described|selfharm}}
==== Githyanki====
Orpheus' role in the ending will depend on whether or not he transformed into a mind flayer
Orpheus has the [[Orphic Favour Aura (Condition)|Orphic Favour Aura]], giving all allies within 60ft/18m of him the {{cond|Orphic Favour}} condition.


In his githyanki form, Orpheus is a {{class|Way of the Four Elements}} and has the following abilities:
If Orpheus turned into a mind flayer, he will appear on the docks and ask Lae'zel to lead the githyanki fight for freedom without him, as he is now an abomination and seeks death.  He will ask another party member (usually the player character or Lae'zel) to kill him. If his request is not fullfilled, he will kill himself unless the player character convinces him refrain with a {{Ability check|Persuasion|20}}. If passing the check, he will leave the docks for places unknown.
{{div col}}
* {{SAI|Greater Invisibility}}
* {{SAI|Sanctuary}}
* {{SAI|Dimension Door}}
* {{SAI|Telekinesis}}
* {{SAI|Globe of Invulnerability}}
* {{SAI|Misty Step}}
* {{SAI|Enhance Leap|Githyanki Psionics: Jump}}
* {{SAI|Stunning Strike (Unarmed)}}
* {{SAI|Stunning Strike (Melee)}}
* {{SAI|Harmony of Fire and Water}}
* {{SAI|Fist of Unbroken Air}}
* {{SAI|Flurry of Blows}}
* {{SAI|Unarmed Strike}}
* {{SAI|Flames of the Phoenix}}
{{div col end}}


==== Illithid ====
If the player character or another party member turned into a Mind Flayer, he will appear on the docks, thanking the party's ceremorph for their sacrifice. Beeing now ready to begin a new rebellion against Vlaakith's tyranny, he calls two red dragons, and invites Lae'zel to join him in his new war against the Lich Queen. Lae'zel can either join Orpheus, be convinced to stay in [[Faerûn]], which requires a {{Ability check|Persuasion|30}}, and will automatically be rejected if the player character became a Mind Flayer, or take the player character along with them, if the player character is [[Lae'zel/Romance|romancing]] Lae'zel. Regardless of what choice Lae'zel makes, Orpheus flies on his red dragon into the sky and away from Baldur's Gate.
{{see also|Full-illithid}}
{{Infobox statistics
| name = Additional Illithid powers
| image =
| hit_points = 150
| weight_lb = 120
| armour_class = 16
| hiddenlevel = 12
| str = 13
| dex = 12
| con = 14
| int = 14
| wis = 21
| cha = 20
| str_save_proficiency = yes
| dex_save_proficiency = yes


| condition1_name = Mind Flayer Form
=== Epilogue ===
| condition1_description = Affected entity has embraced ceremorphoses and become a Mind Flayer.
{{Content warning|section|mentioned|selfharm}}
| condition2_name = Permanent Mind Sanctuary
If Orpheus did not transform into a Mind Flayer, then the player character will find a letter from him in the {{SmRarityItem|Chest of Grateful Words}}, titled {{SmRarityItem|The First Protocol}}. In it, he praises the player character as ''Mla'ghir'' ([[Githyanki vocabulary|Gith]] for "liberator"), and tells them of the success of his ongoing rebellion against Vlaakith.
| condition2_description = While in combat, this entity can use actions and bonus actions interchangeably.


| feature1_name = Ability Drain
If Orpheus transformed into a mind flayer but was convinced not to kill himself, then a unique dialogue option asking about him will be present when talking to Lae'zel. Her response indicates that Orpheus has disappeared and gone into hiding, but that she holds out hope he might re-emerge one day.
| feature1_description = When you make an attack roll, the attack reduces that target's corresponding ability score by 1.
| feature2_name = Charm
| feature2_description = Charm an enemy that attacks you, preventing it from attacking you till its next turn.
| feature3_name = Cull the Weak
| feature3_description = When you reduce a creature's hit points to fewer than the number of your Illithid powers, it dies and all nearby creatures take {{DamageText|1d4|Psychic}}.
| feature4_name = Favourable Beginnings
| feature4_description = The first attack roll or ability check you make against a target gains a bonus equal to your proficiency bonus.
| feature5_name = Luck of the Far Realms
| feature5_description = Once per Long Rest, you can change a successful attack roll into a critical hit.
| feature6_name = Permanent Mind Sanctuary
| feature6_description = You can use actions and bonus actions interchangeably.
| feature7_name = Psionic Backlash (passive feature)
| feature7_description = When an enemy within 30ft casts a spell, you can use your reaction to inflict {{DamageText|1d4|Psychic}} per the spell's level.
| feature8_name = Psionic Dominance (passive feature)
| feature8_description = When an enemy within 60ft targets you with a spell of a level equal or less than your proficiency bonus, counter that spell.
}}
If he undergoes ceremorphosis, Orpheus will have all the statistics (save his INT, WIS and CHA scores, which remain the same) and powers of a [[full-illithid]]. As well as gaining illithid passives, he will retain his original monk passives (but not abilities). The full-illithid ability [[Permanent Mind Sanctuary]], allows Orpheus to use actions and bonus actions interchangeably.  


Orpheus possesses the following illithid abilities:
== Combat ==
{{div col}}
{{Main|Orpheus/Combat}}
* {{SAI|Levitate (Illithid Power)}}
* {{SAI|Tentacle Whip}}
* {{SAI|Potent Concentrated Blast}}
* {{SAI|Mind Blast}}
* {{SAI|Extract Brain}}
* {{SAI|Mind Sanctuary}}
* {{SAI|Strengthened Force Tunnel}}
* {{SAI|Augmented Shield of Thralls}}
* {{SAI|Nebulous Black Hole}}
* {{SAI|Synaptic Consumption}}
* {{SAI|Fierce Perilous Stakes}}
* {{SAI|Fracture Psyche}}
* {{SAI|Displacer Beast Shape}}
* {{SAI|Stage Fright}}
* {{SAI|Transfuse Health}}
* {{SAI|Psionic Overload}}
{{div col end}}
As part of his reason for becoming Illithid, he also possesses:
* {{SAI|Karsus' Compulsion}}


==Loot==
===Loot===
* {{MdRarityItem|Orphic Ring}}
* {{MdRarityItem|Orphic Ring}}
* 2x {{MdRarityItem|Potion of Superior Healing}}
* {{MdRarityItem|Potion of Superior Healing}} -2x


==Gallery==
== Related quests ==
<gallery heights="200px" widths="200" mode="packed">
* {{Quest|Discover the History of Prince Orpheus}}
Orpheus Concept Art.png|Concept art.
* {{Quest|Discover the Artefact's Secrets}}
Orpheus_Concept_Art_Varenev_A.webp|Concept art.
* {{Quest|Free Orpheus}}
Orpheus Chained.png|Orpheus chained in the Astral Prism.
* {{Quest|The Githyanki Warrior}}
Chained.webp|Orpheus chained in the Astral Prism.
Orpheus_Reason.webp|"''It seems we must be allies''".
Orpheus.png|Orpheus talking.
Oprheus_Tattoo.png|Orpheus' Tattoo in tir'su.
Orpheus Tattoo.webp|Tattoo in-game, datamined by [https://twitter.com/chubblot/status/1677410267024564224 Chubblot].
Orpheus Model.png|Orpheus' model.
Player Mind Flayer Model.png|Orpheus' illithid model.
</gallery>


== Related literature ==
== Related literature ==
* Orpheus' history is mentioned in three githyanki discs:
* {{MdRarityItem|Orpheus, Prince of the Comet, Part One: Betrayal}}
** {{RarityItem|Orpheus, Prince of the Comet, Part One: Betrayal}}
* {{MdRarityItem|Orpheus, Prince of the Comet, Part Two: Sacrifice}}
** {{RarityItem|Orpheus, Prince of the Comet, Part Two: Sacrifice}}
* {{MdRarityItem|Orpheus, Prince of the Comet, Part Three: Resurrection}}
** {{RarityItem|Orpheus, Prince of the Comet, Part Three: Resurrection}}
* {{MdRarityItem|Report for Raphael}}
* {{MdRarityItem|The First Protocol}}


==Quotes==
==Gallery==
{{Q|"Quickly now - even here, we do not have infinite time.|Orpheus after being freed from his prison.}}
<gallery heights="250px">
Orpheus Model.png|Orpheus' model
Player Mind Flayer Model.png|Orpheus' illithid model
Orpheus Concept Art.png|Concept art
Orpheus_Concept_Art_Varenev_A.webp|Concept art
Orpheus Chained.png|Orpheus chained in the Astral Prism
Chained.webp|Orpheus chained in the Astral Prism
Orpheus_Reason.webp|"''It seems we must be allies''"
Orpheus.png|Orpheus talking
Oprheus_Tattoo.png|Orpheus' Tattoo in tir'su
Orpheus Tattoo.webp|Tattoo in-game, datamined by [https://twitter.com/chubblot/status/1677410267024564224 Chubblot]
</gallery>


==Notes==
==Notes==
Line 219: Line 129:
** Mostly nonsense and a mirrored word for Vlaakith - misspelled as "Alaakith". It was probably written as a defiance to her ways.
** Mostly nonsense and a mirrored word for Vlaakith - misspelled as "Alaakith". It was probably written as a defiance to her ways.
** [[Githyanki]] and [[Githzerai]] use the same writing system but githyanki write clockwise while githzerai - counter-clockwise, though unlike Orpheus, the githzerai do not mirror the symbols.
** [[Githyanki]] and [[Githzerai]] use the same writing system but githyanki write clockwise while githzerai - counter-clockwise, though unlike Orpheus, the githzerai do not mirror the symbols.
* Orpheus is also the name of a [[wikipedia:Orpheus|demigod]] in Greek mythology who traveled with Jason and the Argonauts in pursuit of the Golden Fleece, but was primarily famous for his journey to the Underworld to save his love Eurydice.
* Orpheus is also the name of a [[wikipedia:Orpheus|demigod]] in Greek mythology who traveled with Jason and the Argonauts in pursuit of the Golden Fleece, but was primarily famous for his journey to the Underworld to save his love Eurydice.{{noteend}}
{{noteend}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
Line 233: Line 142:
[[Category:Characters in the Upper City]]
[[Category:Characters in the Upper City]]
[[Category:Characters in Act Three]]
[[Category:Characters in Act Three]]
[[Category:Temporary Companions]]
[[Category:Attached Followers]]
[[Category:Authors]]

Latest revision as of 19:06, 22 November 2024

Overview Combat

Orpheus, is a Githyanki that appears in Baldur's Gate 3, playing a major role in Act Three and Lae'zel Lae'zel's personal quest, The Githyanki Warrior The Githyanki Warrior. As the son of Gith herself, he acts as the supposed true ruler of the Gith Empire. However, he has been captured and is imprisoned in the Astral Plane. Being a githyanki, he seeks to destroy the mind flayers and remove Vlaakith Vlaakith from power.

Portrait Orpheus.png
“
Quickly now - even here, we do not have infinite time.
„
— Orpheus after being freed from his prison.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Background[edit | edit source]

According to the inscribed discs, banned and deemed heretical by followers of Vlaakith, Orpheus is the first (and only) son of Mother Gith, the leader of the rebellion that freed the race that would bear her name from the Illithid Empire. Gith's impressive psionic powers allowed her to disrupt elder brain control, powers that her son inherited. At some point during the rebellion, Gith's advisor Vlaakith made a deal with the dragon goddess Tiamat, in which the gith acquired their red dragons. It was only after the split between the githyanki and githzerai that the cost of Vlaakith's deal was revealed, as Gith was summoned to the Nine Hells to become Tiamat's advisor. Tiamat's red dragon consort Ephelomon came to the githyanki, and decreed that Vlaakith was to be their new ruler.

Outraged at this turn of events, Orpheus led a rebellion against Vlaakith I's rule, assembling an Honor Guard and declaring himself the rightful ruler of the githyanki. This "War of the Comet" was said to have ended with Orpheus' death at the hands of Kith'rak Voss Kith'rak Voss and with Ephelomon devouring his corpse[1]. In truth, Orpheus and his Honor Guard were sealed away in a corner of the Astral Plane, accessed using the Astral Prism. Orpheus himself was restrained by Infernal chains, so that Vlaakith could exploit his elder brain disruption powers. The fact that Orpheus still lived was known only to Voss, the current and past Vlaakiths, and the few secret devotees of the Prince of the Comet spread throughout githyanki society.

The artifact containing Orpheus soon came to the attention of The Netherbrain The Netherbrain, who wanted to use it to overthrow the Chosen of the Dead Three in control of it. It sent a team of illithids to find and take the artifact from the githyanki. However, the leader of the group (a mind flayer known as The Emperor the Emperor) seized the opportunity and went rogue, taking the artifact and hoping to use it to overthrow the elder brain.

Involvement[edit | edit source]

Act One & Act Two[edit | edit source]

Orpheus and his role in the greater story of Baldur's Gate 3 is hinted throughout the game, but is not truly revealed until the beginning of Act Three References to him are found throughout the game, notably in the "Orpheus, Prince of the Comet" series of discs, which recount his attempted rebellion against the first Vlaakith and form the backbone of the quest Discover the History of Prince Orpheus Discover the History of Prince Orpheus.

Act Three[edit | edit source]

Main article: Free Orpheus

Battle in the Astral Prism[edit | edit source]

Main article: Help Your Protector

While resting at Wyrm's Lookout, the party are ambushed by githyanki warriors and combat ensues. The Dream Guardian opens a portal into the Astral Prism for the party to enter, lest they fall under the Absolute's influence. There, the Dream Guardian reveals their true form as a mind flayer free from hivemind control, and asks the party for their aid against the githyanki. Though the party has the option to attack their protector, this will lead to a Game Over, as the player character and all party members either fall under the control of the Absolute, or are killed by the githyanki. After the battle, the Dream Guardian reveals that the source of the party's protection has been an imprisoned Orpheus, and that the githyanki who attacked are his Honor Guard, who were imprisoned alongside him by the first Vlaakith. Completing this encounter will complete both Discover the History of Prince Orpheus Discover the History of Prince Orpheus and Discover the Artefact's Secrets Discover the Artefact's Secrets, as well as start Free Orpheus Free Orpheus.

Acquiring the Orphic Hammer[edit | edit source]

Main articles: Deal with the Devil and Escape the Deal

After his visit to the party's camp in Act Two, Kith'rak Voss will have directed the party to meet him at Sharess' Caress in Wyrm's Crossing. Baldur's Gate. Upstairs, in the Devil's Den, the party will find him attempting to make a deal with the devil Raphael Raphael, who eventually dismisses him. Talking to the devil reveals he has the Orphic Hammer, a magically imbued hammer with the ability to free Orpheus from his infernal chains. He promises to give the artifact to the party in exchange for the Crown of Karsus Crown of Karsus, signing a Soul-Sworn Contract with the player character if they accept. The player character has serveral options to act:

  1. The player character refuses the deal but decides to acquire the Orphic Hammer anyways. The party must infiltrate the House of Hope to steal the Orphic Hammer. This leads to a fight against Raphael.
  2. The player character accepts the deal and doesn't betray Raphael. At the final battle, after freeing Orpheus, Raphael will appear and give them the Orphic Hammer. As his deal involves handing over the Crown of Karsus, this prevents Gale Gale from either giving the crown to Mystra Mystra or using it to become a god, and causes Raphael to appear at the celebration in the Epilogue.
  3. The player character accepts the deal (signing a Soul-Sworn Contract with the devil) but ultimately decide to break it. Then it is necessary to infiltrate the House of Hope and acquire the contract. The Orphic Hammer can also be stolen. This leads to a fight against Raphael.

Showing the Orphic Hammer to Voss will complete Help Kith'rak Voss Help Kith'rak Voss, which grants you the Silver Sword of the Astral Plane

Deciding the Prince's Fate[edit | edit source]

At the Morphic Pool, the player character attempts to wield the Netherstones and control the Netherbrain, but is overwhelmed. The Emperor brings the party into the Astral Prism, and tells them that only an illithid can successfully wield the Netherstones. Here Orpheus' fate can be decided, with most decisions depending on whether or not the party acquired the Orphic Hammer.

The Prince Assimilated[edit | edit source]

Orpheus can be "assimilated" by either the Emperor, a mind flayer player character, or a mind flayer Karlach Karlach. If Lae'zel has rejected Vlaakith and embraced Orpheus, the player character must pass a DC 30 Persuasion check or she will turn hostile. Upon leaving the Astral Prism and reaching High Hall, an enraged Voss will turn hostile unless convinced not to, which requires a DC 30 Persuasion, or Deception check, with an additional prerequisite DC 25 Persuasion, or Intimidation check if the player character was the one to "assimilate" Orpheus. If Voss turns hostile, he can no longer be recruited as part of Gather Your Allies Gather Your Allies

The Prince Freed[edit | edit source]

The party can refuse to allow the Emperor to "assimilate" Orpheus. Alternatively, a mind flayer player character can refuse to "assimilate" Orpheus, though a check is required to prevent your hunger from getting the best of you. Either choice causes the Emperor to defect to the Netherbrain, and the party then can free Orpheus. If the player character made the deal with Raphael and didn't betray him, then he will show up and give the Orphic Hammer to the party.

If not having optained the Orphic Hammer at this point, then Raphael will appear and make his offer again. Refusing the offer causes a Game Over, so the player character is forced to Fulfill the Deal Fulfill the Deal.

Regardless, Orpheus is freed and offers an alliance to the party, though he may scold them for not freeing him sooner, or for stealing the Githyanki Egg. Like the Emperor, he tells the party that the only way to wield the Netherstones is to become an illithid. There are several options at this point:

  1. The player character or another party member becomes a mind flayer. Orpheus lowers his psionic defenses to allow the order to transform to go through.
  2. If the player character and any other party members refuse to become a mind flayer, Orpheus offers to make the sacrifice instead. Lae'zel is dismayed but will not turn hostile.
  3. The player character and the party decide to fight Orpheus. Winning or losing this battle immediately results in a Game Over, as the party either dies or loses Orpheus' protection and becomes dominated by the Absolute.

Regardless of who transforms, Orpheus will join the party as an Attached Follower for the final battle. Depending on who transformed, Voss will express either confusion or dismay, but will also not turn hostile.

Endings[edit | edit source]

Orpheus' role in the ending will depend on whether or not he transformed into a mind flayer

If Orpheus turned into a mind flayer, he will appear on the docks and ask Lae'zel to lead the githyanki fight for freedom without him, as he is now an abomination and seeks death. He will ask another party member (usually the player character or Lae'zel) to kill him. If his request is not fullfilled, he will kill himself unless the player character convinces him refrain with a DC 20 Persuasion check. If passing the check, he will leave the docks for places unknown.

If the player character or another party member turned into a Mind Flayer, he will appear on the docks, thanking the party's ceremorph for their sacrifice. Beeing now ready to begin a new rebellion against Vlaakith's tyranny, he calls two red dragons, and invites Lae'zel to join him in his new war against the Lich Queen. Lae'zel can either join Orpheus, be convinced to stay in Faerûn, which requires a DC 30 Persuasion check, and will automatically be rejected if the player character became a Mind Flayer, or take the player character along with them, if the player character is romancing Lae'zel. Regardless of what choice Lae'zel makes, Orpheus flies on his red dragon into the sky and away from Baldur's Gate.

Epilogue[edit | edit source]

If Orpheus did not transform into a Mind Flayer, then the player character will find a letter from him in the Chest of Grateful Words, titled The First Protocol. In it, he praises the player character as Mla'ghir (Gith for "liberator"), and tells them of the success of his ongoing rebellion against Vlaakith.

If Orpheus transformed into a mind flayer but was convinced not to kill himself, then a unique dialogue option asking about him will be present when talking to Lae'zel. Her response indicates that Orpheus has disappeared and gone into hiding, but that she holds out hope he might re-emerge one day.

Combat[edit | edit source]

Main article: Orpheus/Combat

Loot[edit | edit source]

Related quests[edit | edit source]

Related literature[edit | edit source]

Gallery[edit | edit source]

  • Orpheus' model

    Orpheus' model

  • Orpheus' illithid model

    Orpheus' illithid model

  • Concept art

    Concept art

  • Concept art

    Concept art

  • Orpheus chained in the Astral Prism

    Orpheus chained in the Astral Prism

  • Orpheus chained in the Astral Prism

    Orpheus chained in the Astral Prism

  • "It seems we must be allies"

    "It seems we must be allies"

  • Orpheus talking

    Orpheus talking

  • Orpheus' Tattoo in tir'su

    Orpheus' Tattoo in tir'su

  • Tattoo in-game, datamined by Chubblot

    Tattoo in-game, datamined by Chubblot

Notes[edit | edit source]

  • His tattoos have writing in tir'su - the gith writing system, see Gallery above.
    • Mostly nonsense and a mirrored word for Vlaakith - misspelled as "Alaakith". It was probably written as a defiance to her ways.
    • Githyanki and Githzerai use the same writing system but githyanki write clockwise while githzerai - counter-clockwise, though unlike Orpheus, the githzerai do not mirror the symbols.
  • Orpheus is also the name of a demigod in Greek mythology who traveled with Jason and the Argonauts in pursuit of the Golden Fleece, but was primarily famous for his journey to the Underworld to save his love Eurydice.

External links[edit | edit source]

Orpheus on the Forgotten Realms Wiki

  1. ↑ Orpheus, Prince of the Comet, Part Three: Resurrection
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