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| imagesize = 0.8
| imagesize = 0.8
| image_alt_text = Cover artwork of Karlach from Baldur's Gate 3.
| image_alt_text = Cover artwork of Karlach from Baldur's Gate 3.
| role = [[Origin characters|Origin character]], [[Companions|companion]]
| role = [[Origin characters|Origin Character]]<br>[[Companions|Companion]]
| race = [[Zariel tiefling]]
| race = [[Tiefling]]
| subrace = [[Zariel Tiefling]]
| class = [[Barbarian]]
| class = [[Barbarian]]
| subclass = [[Wildheart]] (default)
| background = [[Outlander]]
| background = [[Outlander]]
| family = Pluck Cliffgate (father, deceased)<br>Caerlack Cliffgate (mother, deceased)
| family = Pluck Cliffgate (father, deceased)<br>Caerlack Cliffgate (mother, deceased)
| hometown = [[Baldur's Gate]]<br>[[Avernus]], Nine Hells
| hometown = [[Baldur's Gate]]<br>[[Avernus]], Nine Hells
|va=[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1404374 Samantha Béart]|full name=Karlach Cliffgate|title=Fury of Avernus|size=Medium|type=Humanoid|initiative=+1|movement m=9|weight kg=90|level=1|hp=14|ac=13|str=17|dex=13|con=15|wis=12|int=8|prof bonus=+2|cha=10|str save prof=yes|con save prof=yes|resistances=fire resistance nm|passives=Darkvision, Hellish Resistance, Opportunity Attack|conditions=Infernal Fury}}
| va= Samantha Béart
'''Karlach Cliffgate''' is an [[Origin]] character and a recruitable [[companion]] with the [[Outlander]] background. She is a [[Tiefling#Zariel tieflings|Zariel tiefling]] and a [[Barbarian]] first appearing during [[Act 1]].
| full name = Karlach Cliffgate
| title = Fury of Avernus
| size = Medium
| type = Humanoid
| movement m = 9
| weight kg = 90
| level = 1
| hp = 14
| ac = 13
| str = 17
| dex = 13
| con = 15
| wis = 12
| cha = 10
| int = 8
| str save prof = yes
| con save prof = yes
| resistances = fire resistance nm
| passives = Darkvision, Hellish Resistance, Opportunity Attack
| conditions = Infernal Fury}}
'''Karlach Cliffgate''' is an [[Origin characters|Origin Character]] and a recruitable [[Companion]]{{ref|Karlach was originally voiced by [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5964389/ Shala Nyx] in Early Access but was replaced once she became an origin and companion in the main game release.}} with the [[Outlander]] background. She is a [[Tiefling#Zariel tieflings|Zariel Tiefling]] and a [[Barbarian]] first appearing during [[Act 1|Act One]].


Once a soldier in [[Zariel|Zariel's]] army, she has been given a new chance at life after the recent events. Now, freed from [[Avernus]], she will make the most out of it, and no one will get in her way. She can be found and recruited on [[The Risen Road]] during Act 1, and romanced by characters of any gender.
Once a soldier in [[Zariel|Zariel's]] army, she has been given a new chance at life after the recent events. Now, freed from [[Avernus]], she will make the most out of it, and no one will get in her way. She can be first found on [[The Risen Road]] during Act One, where she can be recruited into the party as well as romanced by characters of any gender.


In multiplayer sessions, if Karlach is chosen as an origin by a player, [[Wyll]] will be locked as an option to any other players.
In multiplayer sessions, if Karlach is chosen as an origin by a player, [[Wyll]] will be locked as an option to any other players.
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=== Starting class ===
=== Starting class ===
Karlach starts as a Barbarian, with a focus on two-handed weapons. Upon reaching level 3, she will default to the [[Wildheart]] subclass, granting her access to a variety of animal-themed class features and actions.
Before she is recruited, Karlach is a level 3 Barbarian with the following [[Ability Scores]]: STR = 16, DEX = 13, CON = 14, INT = 8, WIS = 12, CH = 12.
If she is recruited, then Karlach changes to a level 1 Barbarian with the standard ability scores for that [[Class]], with a focus on two-handed weapons. Upon reaching level 3, she defaults to the [[Wildheart]] subclass, granting her access to a variety of animal-themed class features and actions.


=== Special features ===
=== Special features ===
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=== Recruitment ===
=== Recruitment ===
Karlach will refuse to join the party if they have sided with the [[Goblins]] and laid waste to the [[Emerald Grove]] before meeting her, or provoked a fight between the inhabitants there. She will also abandon the party if they decide to side with goblins while having her recruited.
Karlach will refuse to join the party if they have sided with the [[Goblins]] and laid waste to the [[Emerald Grove]] before meeting her, if they provoked a fight between the inhabitants there, or if they allowed the [[Rite of Thorns (ritual)|Rite of Thorns]] to be completed. She will also abandon the party if they decide to side with goblins while having her recruited. If she is in the party when the party sides with the goblins during the raid on the grove, she will assist until the fight at the gate is concluded at which point she will leave the party.


Karlach can be found on [[The Risen Road]], on a road near the [[Toll house|Toll House]], precisely at {{Coords|111|503}}. Cornered by Zariel's bloodhounds, she can be found nursing her wounds after the recent encounter. The party can talk to her and recruit her, provided they agree to help her get rid of the pursuers. Returning to {{CharLink|Anders}0 and his team with Karlach in the party will ultimately result in battle.
Karlach can be found on [[The Risen Road]], on a road near the [[Toll house|Toll House]], precisely at {{Coords|111|503}}. Cornered by Zariel's bloodhounds, she can be found nursing her wounds after the recent encounter. The party can talk to her and recruit her, provided they agree to help her get rid of the pursuers. Returning to {{CharLink|Anders}} and his team with Karlach in the party will ultimately result in battle.


If Wyll is brought along for the first meeting with Karlach, the two will confront each other. Wyll reveals that Karlach is the quarry he's been hunting for his patron, while Karlach claims to be a victim, not an agent of Zariel. Either of the parties can be sided with, though siding with Wyll results in battle with Karlach. The situation can also be defused by convincing Wyll that Karlach's words are true, as backed by the vision everyone shares during the dialogue thanks to their tadpoles.
If Wyll is brought along for the first meeting with Karlach, the two will confront each other. Wyll reveals that Karlach is the quarry he's been hunting for his patron, while Karlach claims to be a victim, not an agent of Zariel. Either of the parties can be sided with, though siding with Wyll results in battle with Karlach. The situation can also be defused by convincing Wyll that Karlach's words are true, as backed by the vision everyone shares during the dialogue thanks to their tadpoles.
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Karlach is tall and well-built, her muscle-bound body toned after many years battling in the first layer of the Hells. Her vermilion skin is covered in scars and burns received in Avernus, with tattoos adorning her left arm and parts of her abdomen. Small exhaust vents on her shoulders billow steam whenever her ersatz mechanical heart flares up, clearly visible under her chest.
Karlach is tall and well-built, her muscle-bound body toned after many years battling in the first layer of the Hells. Her vermilion skin is covered in scars and burns received in Avernus, with tattoos adorning her left arm and parts of her abdomen. Small exhaust vents on her shoulders billow steam whenever her ersatz mechanical heart flares up, clearly visible under her chest.


Despite her intimidating presence, Karlach has a soft and amiable face, with an easy smile on her lips. Her pointed ears stick out and her left horn curves backwards and out, while the right one seems to have been broken off some time ago. She keeps her hair, dark-brown with reddish accents, long and messy with some simple braids adorned by metal discs, falling on the right side of her neck, below the trimmed side of her head. Her eyes are dark yellow, with the distinctive tiefling slit pupils, and light moles and freckles mark her nose and upper cheeks.{{note|Throughout development Karlach had multiple design changes. In Early Access she only had a placeholder model created with the same assets as a custom character, with two horns and no scars and was a Fighter (with a datamined tag of a Paladin). Concept art shows different proposals for her face, initially planning to give her more scars and more aggressive features. She also had a few different starter armour designs with one repurposed to become [[Unwanted Masterwork Scalemail]]. Her other concept armour can be seen on her [https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/File:Karlach_CLB.jpg Magic: The Gathering Card].}}
Despite her intimidating presence, Karlach has a soft and amiable face, with an easy smile on her lips. Her pointed ears stick out and her left horn curves backwards and out, while the right one seems to have been broken off some time ago. She keeps her hair, dark-brown with reddish accents, long and messy with some simple braids adorned by metal discs, falling on the right side of her neck, below the trimmed side of her head. Her eyes are dark yellow, with the distinctive tiefling slit pupils, and light moles and freckles mark her nose and upper cheeks.{{ref|Throughout development Karlach had multiple design changes. In Early Access she only had a placeholder model created with the same assets as a custom character, with two horns and no scars and was a Fighter (with a datamined tag of a Paladin). Concept art shows different proposals for her face, initially planning to give her more scars and more aggressive features. She also had a few different starter armour designs with one repurposed to become {{SmRarityItem|Unwanted Masterwork Scalemail}}. Her other concept armour can be seen on her [https://x.com/bill_creative/status/1527605509922365440 Magic: The Gathering Card].}}


=== Personality ===
=== Personality ===
Karlach is an extremely passionate individual who strives to live life to the fullest. She tends to speak excitedly regarding any of life's simple pleasures, whether that be food, drinks, friends, or intimacy. Her demeanor is generally joyous and very forward, having no fear of loudly proclaiming her love of being alive and how much she cares for those close to her. Her positive disposition and infectious energy seem to allow her to make friends easily, even if her honesty can cause her to come off as somewhat naive at times.{{note|Interactions with those who knew her prior to the events of the game's story imply that she has always been this exuberant, even as a poor child growing up in Baldur's Gate.}} Karlach is also very protective of her friends and companions, taking a genuine interest in them, especially with Wyll should he have been transformed into a devil after defending her.
Karlach is an extremely passionate individual who strives to live life to the fullest. She tends to speak excitedly regarding any of life's simple pleasures, whether that be food, drinks, friends, or intimacy. Her demeanor is generally joyous and very forward, having no fear of loudly proclaiming her love of being alive and how much she cares for those close to her. Her positive disposition and infectious energy seem to allow her to make friends easily, even if her honesty can cause her to come off as somewhat naive at times.{{ref|Interactions with those who knew her prior to the events of the game's story imply that she has always been this exuberant, even as a poor child growing up in Baldur's Gate.}} Karlach is also very protective of her friends and companions, taking a genuine interest in them, especially with Wyll should he have been transformed into a devil after defending her.


Though oft friendly, Karlach is a very physical person and is not above getting into a brawl if provoked. She can be impulsive and easy to goad, and will lose sense and reason when confronting people she despises. Years in Avernus have made her lonely, compounded by the fact that her mechanical heart kept her from having physical contact with others, let alone intimacy. When talking about Gortash, beneath her outward rage, lies deep pain and a sense of betrayal, making her wary of trusting others as she once did. Despite the moral differences, she gets along well with {{CharLink|Astarion}} due to them both wanting to live their life outside the shadow of their abusers.  
Though oft friendly, Karlach is a very physical person and is not above getting into a brawl if provoked. She can be impulsive and easy to goad, and will lose sense and reason when confronting people she despises. Years in Avernus have made her lonely, compounded by the fact that her mechanical heart kept her from having physical contact with others, let alone intimacy. When talking about Gortash, beneath her outward rage, lies deep pain and a sense of betrayal, making her wary of trusting others as she once did. Despite their moral differences, she gets along well with {{CharLink|Astarion}} due to them both wanting to live their life outside the shadow of their abusers.


== History ==
== History ==
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=== Escape aboard the nautiloid ===
=== Escape aboard the nautiloid ===
After ten years in the Hells, the sudden appearance of a [[Nautiloid]] presented itself as a chance for escape, and Karlach made good on the opportunity. Cleaving the devils around her, she made her way towards the hurtling ship before running into Wyll, brought to Avernus to hunt her.{{note|It's never made clear when exactly Wyll arrives to Avernus or who really sent him. Though shortly before the events of the Prologue, Wyll couldn't have been hunting Karlach for long, as the time the nautiloid spent there before teleporting away is brief and Karlach's escape was an opportunistic decision. It's possible Zariel sent Wyll after Karlach via Mizora, but as Karlach herself says, she's largely inconsequential in Zariel's grand design. On the other hand, it's possible Mizora took the opportunity to remove Karlach as they both were in Zariel's inner circle and Mizora likely saw her as a rival.}} The two battled briefly, Wyll giving chase as Karlach desperately reached for the ship, until they made it to the nautiloid before being separated during the siege. Captured by the mind flayers as the ship escaped Avernus, Karlach was tadpoled just as all other uninvited guests, and awaited a slow transformation via [https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Ceremorphosis Ceremorphosis].
After ten years in the Hells, the sudden appearance of a [[Nautiloid]] presented itself as a chance for escape, and Karlach made good on the opportunity. Cleaving the devils around her, she made her way towards the hurtling ship before running into Wyll, brought to Avernus to hunt her.{{ref|It's never made clear when exactly Wyll arrives to Avernus or who really sent him. Though shortly before the events of the Prologue, Wyll couldn't have been hunting Karlach for long, as the time the nautiloid spent there before teleporting away is brief and Karlach's escape was an opportunistic decision. It's possible Zariel sent Wyll after Karlach via Mizora, but as Karlach herself says, she's largely inconsequential in Zariel's grand design. On the other hand, it's possible Mizora took the opportunity to remove Karlach as they both were in Zariel's inner circle and Mizora likely saw her as a rival.}} The two battled briefly, Wyll giving chase as Karlach desperately reached for the ship, until they made it to the nautiloid before being separated during the siege. Captured by the mind flayers as the ship escaped Avernus, Karlach was tadpoled just as all other uninvited guests, and awaited a slow transformation via {{FRWiki|Ceremorphosis}}.


== Involvement ==
== Involvement ==
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When found, Karlach explains that she too was on the nautiloid and was infected with a tadpole, but that she's not the monster she seems, and that her current priority is to get rid of the paladins hounding her and spreading lies. At odds with what the paladins, or Wyll, told the party about her, the group can press her further. Karlach explains that she escaped [[Avernus]] and the archdevil [[Zariel]], and that the paladins in the toll-house are nothing more than bloodhounds sent to bring her back to the [[Nine Hells|Hells]]. If Wyll was brought along, he confirms she's indeed his target and attempts to convince the party to aid him in slaying her. Karlach pleads that she's no agent of Zariel but rather her victim, and that she took the first opportunity she had to escape Avernus and return home. The tadpoles infecting the group will react to this, prompting Karlach to share her memories of recents events, seemingly confirming her story. Regardless, the party can decide to side with Wyll, and indirectly with the paladins, and kill Karlach claiming her head, or take her for her word and agree to spare her. Though initially intent on killing her, Wyll can be convinced to spare her after the visions were shared, and he will direct his anger at his patron for deceiving him.
When found, Karlach explains that she too was on the nautiloid and was infected with a tadpole, but that she's not the monster she seems, and that her current priority is to get rid of the paladins hounding her and spreading lies. At odds with what the paladins, or Wyll, told the party about her, the group can press her further. Karlach explains that she escaped [[Avernus]] and the archdevil [[Zariel]], and that the paladins in the toll-house are nothing more than bloodhounds sent to bring her back to the [[Nine Hells|Hells]]. If Wyll was brought along, he confirms she's indeed his target and attempts to convince the party to aid him in slaying her. Karlach pleads that she's no agent of Zariel but rather her victim, and that she took the first opportunity she had to escape Avernus and return home. The tadpoles infecting the group will react to this, prompting Karlach to share her memories of recents events, seemingly confirming her story. Regardless, the party can decide to side with Wyll, and indirectly with the paladins, and kill Karlach claiming her head, or take her for her word and agree to spare her. Though initially intent on killing her, Wyll can be convinced to spare her after the visions were shared, and he will direct his anger at his patron for deceiving him.


Karlach offers to join the party, and taking her to the paladins leads to a confrontation where Anders eventually drops the act and confirms Karlach's words as true: the paladins are servants of Zariel, and the archdevil wants her favorite attack dog back. After slaying them, a frenzied Karlach rages around the toll-house, setting it ablaze. When talking to her after she cools off, she confesses that she has an infernal engine for a heart that allows her to burn as hot as the Hells, though it's been running overdrive since leaving Avernus. She wants to find someone who has experience with infernal machines, and that she heard one of the paladins let slip that one is in the area. This begins {{Quest|The Hellion's Heart}}.
If Karlach was recruited before Wyll, he will arrive at camp during a [[Long Rest]] to kill his quarry. In this scenario, the party can still side with Wyll and kill Karlach, or convince him to stand down and join the party. Alternatively, they can instead decide to challenge Wyll to a fight. Karlach will try to stop this, as she does not want Wyll dead. The party can still recruit Wyll as normal, or choose to go against Karlach’s wishes and attack Wyll anyway, much to her [[Approval|contempt]]. If Wyll died in this instance, Karlach will mention that someone likely misguided him.
 
Bringing Karlach to the paladins leads to a confrontation where Anders eventually drops the act and confirms her words as true: the paladins are servants of Zariel, and the archdevil wants her favorite attack dog back. After slaying them, a frenzied Karlach rages around the toll-house, setting it ablaze. When talking to her after she cools off, she confesses that she has an infernal engine for a heart that allows her to burn as hot as the Hells, though it's been running overdrive since leaving Avernus. She wants to find someone who has experience with infernal machines, and that she heard one of the paladins let slip that one is in the area. This begins {{Quest|The Hellion's Heart}}.


This infernal mechanic turns out to be {{CharLink|Dammon}}, a tiefling from [[Elturel]] that learned his trade when the city was taken to Avernus by Zariel and was forced to work on infernal engines for her army. Dammon explains that in order to stabilize her heart, the party needs to find some {{SmRarityItem|Infernal Iron}} for him as it's the only material able to withstand the heat of the mechanical heart. When delivered, Dammon upgrades Karlach's heart, stabilizing it while still providing a boost to her abilities. He warns, however, that the solution is not perfect, and that he needs more time to research and prepare a more permanent repair. Should they cross paths again, he promises to have a solution by then.
This infernal mechanic turns out to be {{CharLink|Dammon}}, a tiefling from [[Elturel]] that learned his trade when the city was taken to Avernus by Zariel and was forced to work on infernal engines for her army. Dammon explains that in order to stabilize her heart, the party needs to find some {{SmRarityItem|Infernal Iron}} for him as it's the only material able to withstand the heat of the mechanical heart. When delivered, Dammon upgrades Karlach's heart, stabilizing it while still providing a boost to her abilities. He warns, however, that the solution is not perfect, and that he needs more time to research and prepare a more permanent repair. Should they cross paths again, he promises to have a solution by then.


==== Act Two ====
=== Act Two ===
Should Dammon have survived the events of [[Act 1]], he will be found at [[Last Light Inn]] in the [[Shadow-Cursed Lands]], aiding the [[Harpers]] in their stand against [[Moonrise Towers]]. Karlach can speak to him, and he explains that after further tinkering, he can give her heart another upgrade if the party has some more infernal iron to spare. Dammon will tweak Karlach's heart for a second time, adding an insulation chamber to cool it to the point that she can touch others once more, something poignant for Karlach who hasn't been able to achieve physical contact with others for the last ten years. He also bears unfortunate news: her heart can't keep going outside the Hells. Too hot to exist in the material plane, the heart will burn her from the inside and consume her if she doesn't return to Avernus soon. Karlach dismisses the idea of ever returning to the Hells, content to celebrate her newfound ability to touch others for now.{{note|In the end, despite having access to Dammon, a surplus of infernal metal, Gortash's schematics and the help of the [[Church of Gond|Gondian]] and/or [[Clan Ironhand|Ironhand]] gnomes, there's currently no way of permanently fixing Karlach's mechanical heart.}}
Should Dammon have survived the events of [[Act 1]], he will be found at [[Last Light Inn]] in the [[Shadow-Cursed Lands]], aiding the [[Harpers]] in their stand against [[Moonrise Towers]]. Karlach can speak to him, and he explains that after further tinkering, he can give her heart another upgrade if the party has some more infernal iron to spare. Dammon will tweak Karlach's heart for a second time, adding an insulation chamber to cool it to the point that she can touch others once more, something poignant for Karlach who hasn't been able to achieve physical contact with others for the last ten years. He also bears unfortunate news: her heart can't keep going outside the Hells. Too hot to exist in the material plane, the heart will burn her from the inside and consume her if she doesn't return to Avernus soon. Karlach dismisses the idea of ever returning to the Hells, content to celebrate her newfound ability to touch others for now.{{ref|In the end, despite having access to Dammon, a surplus of infernal metal, Gortash's schematics and the help of the [[Church of Gond|Gondian]] and/or [[Clan Ironhand|Ironhand]] gnomes, there's currently no way of permanently fixing Karlach's mechanical heart.}}


When the party finally confronts {{CharLink|Ketheric Thorm}}, the battle eventually takes them down to the hidden [[Mind Flayer Colony]] beneath Moonrise. There, they spy Thorm consorting with {{CharLink|Enver Gortash}} and {{CharLink|Orin|Orin the Red}}, with the latter two leaving for [[Baldur's Gate]] to continue with their plans. After dealing with Ketheric, Karlach confesses that she has history with Gortash, letting out that it was due to him that she was sent to the Hells and had her heart replaced with a mechanical heart. Hell-bent on revenge, Karlach urges the group to hurry to Baldur's Gate and chase after her previous employer.
When the party finally confronts {{CharLink|Ketheric Thorm}}, the battle eventually takes them down to the hidden [[Mind Flayer Colony]] beneath Moonrise. There, they spy Thorm consorting with {{CharLink|Enver Gortash}} and {{CharLink|Orin|Orin the Red}}, with the latter two leaving for [[Baldur's Gate]] to continue with their plans. After dealing with Ketheric, Karlach confesses that she has history with Gortash, letting out that it was due to him that she was sent to the Hells and had her heart replaced with a mechanical heart. Hell-bent on revenge, Karlach urges the group to hurry to Baldur's Gate and chase after her previous employer.


==== Act Three ====
=== Act Three ===
After reaching the [[Wyrm's Rock Fortress]] outside Baldur's Gate, the party will be notified of Gortash's grand ascension as Archduke of the city taking place soon. When approached, Gortash will briefly interrupt the ceremony in order to parlay with the party, and greets Karlach nonchalantly. Karlach immediately wants to get back at him, and if not stopped, will be seized by [[Steel Watcher|Steel Watchers]] and thrown into the [[Wyrm's Rock Prison|dungeon]]. If convinced to stay cool, the party can listen to Gortash's proposition to an alliance. Karlach will be against it, but can be persuaded to check her hatred for the good of the city.
After reaching the [[Wyrm's Rock Fortress]] outside Baldur's Gate, the party will be notified of Gortash's grand ascension as Archduke of the city taking place soon. When approached with Karlach in the party, Gortash will briefly interrupt the ceremony in order to parlay with the party, and greets her nonchalantly. Karlach immediately wants to get back at him, and if not stopped, will be seized by [[Steel Watcher|Steel Watchers]] and thrown into the [[Wyrm's Rock Prison|dungeon]]. If convinced against attacking Gortash, the party can listen to his proposition to an alliance. Karlach will be against it, but can be persuaded to check her hatred for the good of the city.
 
If Karlach is convinced to keep her hatred in check, the party can leave the coronation of Gortash peacefully. If then speaking with any of the [[Steel Watcher|Steel Watchers]], there will be a unique dialogue as the Steel Watchers will mistake Karlach as one of their own due to her infernal engine, but also detect that the engine is overheating badly. The Watchers will consider her a defective unit and insist that the party take Karlach to the [[Steel Watch Foundry]] to have her "dismantled"; when asked if the engine can be repaired the Watcher mentions that Karlach's engine is "very obsolete" and it would be nearly impossible to repair, making Karlach wonder if she is a prototype for the Steel Watchers.


If the partnership with Gortash is mantained up until the first encounter with the [[Netherbrain]], he will be killed as the party attempts to control the brain. Karlach will let out a celebratory laugh and mock his ignominious end, but the threat of the Elder Brain forces her to focus once more.
If the partnership with Gortash is mantained up until the first encounter with the [[Netherbrain]], he will be killed as the party attempts to control the brain. If in the party, Karlach will let out a celebratory laugh and mock his ignominious end, but the threat of the Elder Brain forces her to focus once more.


Should the party antagonize Gortash, ally with Orin instead or simply wish to help Karlach get revenge, it will have to face the Archduke and his minions. When confronted with Karlach, Gortash will coldly dismiss any of her grievances with him further incensing Karlach, until the quakes caused by the Netherbrain's attempt at freeing itself force Gortash to attack the party for their netherstones in order to subdue it. After the battle, Karlach will come down from the excitement and be visibly upset. Though she finally managed to kill the person who betrayed her and caused her so much pain, she doesn't feel any better: Gortash isn't any more sorry dead than he was alive, and her mechanical heart was still set to combust at any time. Her impending doom and difficulty in coping with a feeling of senselessness will drive her to rage at the circumstances, and she will leave for camp.
Should the party antagonize Gortash, ally with Orin instead or simply wish to help Karlach get revenge, it will have to face the Archduke and his minions. When confronted with Karlach, Gortash will coldly dismiss any of her grievances with him further incensing Karlach, until the quakes caused by the Netherbrain's attempt at freeing itself force Gortash to attack the party for their netherstones in order to subdue it. After the battle, Karlach will come down from the excitement and be visibly upset. Though she finally managed to kill the person who betrayed her and caused her so much pain, she doesn't feel any better: Gortash isn't any more sorry dead than he was alive, and her mechanical heart was still set to combust at any time. Her impending doom and difficulty in coping with a feeling of senselessness will drive her to rage at the circumstances, and she will leave for camp.
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When Karlach's heart begins to enter its final stages after defeating the Netherbrain, players can attempt to convince Karlach to return to Avernus before it's too late. Though initially against it, she can be persuaded if the player offers to go with her, so that she may not be alone again. Likewise, if Wyll has completed his personal quest and became The Blade of Avernus, he too will offer to go Avernus with her.
When Karlach's heart begins to enter its final stages after defeating the Netherbrain, players can attempt to convince Karlach to return to Avernus before it's too late. Though initially against it, she can be persuaded if the player offers to go with her, so that she may not be alone again. Likewise, if Wyll has completed his personal quest and became The Blade of Avernus, he too will offer to go Avernus with her.


Back on the first plane of the Hells, Karlach and company prepare themselves to face the servants of Zariel. No longer alone, Karlach welcomes the challenge and readies her weapon in preparation of advancing imps.
Back on the first plane of the Hells, Karlach and her companions prepare themselves to face the servants of Zariel. No longer alone, Karlach welcomes the challenge and readies her weapon in preparation of advancing imps.


During {{CharLink|Withers|Withers'}} gathering six months after the events of the game, Karlach mentions she and Wyll recently felled a high ranking [[Cambion]] who carried blueprints for what could be a possible solution to Karlach's mechanical heart. Though the forge they intend to raid is likely well-guarded by Zariel's forces, she has an old contact, a guard named Flo, that might be able to help them. Regardless, she expresses joy at being able to see her companions once more, happy to receive the opportunity of a night's rest without the danger of being ambushed by devils. She also comments how after spending months together in the Hells, she and Wyll have grown closer.{{ref|[[Epilogue]], lines spoken by Karlach during Withers' gathering when both she and Wyll ended up in Avernus by the end of the game.<br>''"Wish Wyll and I had more time to reminisce, but surviving Avernus is just non-stop. Still, having him there has been incredible. You really can get through anything with someone you love at your side."''}}{{note|Karlach's quote about Wyll isn't elaborated further, and can be interpreted as platonic or romantic love.}}
During {{CharLink|Withers|Withers'}} gathering six months after the events of the game, Karlach mentions she and her companions recently felled a high ranking [[Cambion]] who carried blueprints for what could be a possible solution to Karlach's mechanical heart. Though the forge they intend to raid is likely well-guarded by Zariel's forces, she has an old contact, a guard named Flo, that might be able to help them. Regardless, she expresses joy at being able to see her companions once more, happy to receive the opportunity of a night's rest without the danger of being ambushed by devils.<ref>[[Epilogue]], line spoken by Karlach if player went to Avernus with her.
 
''"Rest up, soldier. My tin can'll be all right for the night. And you and me will get to sleep with both eyes shut for the first time in...six months? "''</ref> If only Wyll went to Avernus with her by the end of the game, she will also comment tough as life in Avernus though, having Wyll around is incredible and makes all the difference.{{ref|[[Epilogue]], lines spoken by Karlach during Withers' gathering if only she and Wyll ended up in Avernus by the end of the game.<br>''"War is a dirty business, soldier, it's been exactly how you think. But having Wyll around is being incredible. Fucker's even better at killing devils than yours truly. We don't have much time to chat, but just knowing he's there makes all the difference. "''}}


==== Life as a Mind Flayer ====
==== Life as a Mind Flayer ====
Line 137: Line 166:
== Interactions ==
== Interactions ==
===Companion interactions===
===Companion interactions===
Karlach has unique dialogue interactions as a companion available after certain events. Whenever one is available, she will have a floating [ ! ] icon above her.
Karlach can be spoken to with {{SAI|Speak with Dead}} has unique dialogue interactions as a companion available after certain events. Whenever one is available, she will have a floating [ ! ] icon above her.


==== Act One ====
==== Act One ====
Line 146: Line 175:


==== Act Three ====
==== Act Three ====
* After finally killing {{CharLink|Enver Gortash}}, Karlach will be overwhelmed by emotion and rages at Gortash's complete apathy until the very end, and the imminent loss of her own life and freedom.
* After finally killing {{CharLink|Enver Gortash}}, Karlach will be overwhelmed by emotion and rages at Gortash's complete apathy until the very end, and the imminent loss of her own life and freedom. Then, if as a companion, Karlach will tell that she loves the player character and feels thankful before returning to camp. <ref>[[Wyrm's Rock Fortress]], lines spoken by Karlach after she expressed her overwhelmed emotion.
 
''"You can come and find me later if you want to. Thanks for listening, for existing...love you."''</ref>{{ref|It is possible to trigger these lines without romancing Karlach, and she will use familiar words in several other non-romancing occasions. This cannot prove romance relationship about her. }} If spoken to at camp later, she'll appear to have recovered from the outburst, saying that despite the horrible situation, she's happy despite the circumstances. She'll then ask if the player character will stay with her during the moment when her infernal engine finally gives out.


=== Unique interactions ===
=== Unique interactions ===
Line 169: Line 200:
* {{CharLink|Enver Gortash}}
* {{CharLink|Enver Gortash}}
* {{CharLink|Fytz|Fytz the Firecracker}}
* {{CharLink|Fytz|Fytz the Firecracker}}
=== Speak with Dead ===
(if she dies before being recruited into the party)
{{Dialogue start}}
'''Party member:''' Who are you?
* '''Karlach:''' Karlach... the Demonsbane...
** '''Party member:''' Why are you known as the Demonsbane?
*** '''Karlach:''' Blood War... Avernus... champion...
**** '''Party member:''' What connects you to Avernus?
***** '''Karlach:''' Conspiracy... Elturel's fall...
'''Party member:''' What happened to you?
* '''Karlach:''' Hunted... murdered... condemned...
** '''Party member:''' Who was hunting you?
*** '''Karlach:''' The fallen angel... Zariel...
'''Party member:''' I was told you're a fiend and a killer. Is that true?
* '''Karlach:''' Lies... she hunts me... won't let me go...
** '''Party member:''' Who was hunting you?
*** '''Karlach:''' The fallen angel... Zariel...
'''Party member:''' What were you doing here?
* '''Karlach:''' Hiding... running... hunted...
** '''Party member:''' Who was hunting you?
*** '''Karlach:''' The fallen angel... Zariel...
{{Dialogue end}}
== Related literature ==
* {{MdRarityItem|Prison Log}}
* {{MdRarityItem|Sulphurous Note}}


== Loot ==
== Loot ==
Line 193: Line 251:


== Gallery ==
== Gallery ==
<gallery heights="200px" mode="packed">
<gallery heights="250px" mode="packed">
File:Karlach Unarmed Model.webp|Base model.
File:Karlach Unarmed Model.webp|Base model.
File:Karlach Camp Model.webp|Camp clothing model.
File:Karlach Camp Model.webp|Camp clothing model.
Line 212: Line 270:
File:Datamined Karlach.webp|Datamined appearance restored by [https://www.nexusmods.com/baldursgate3/mods/508 mods].
File:Datamined Karlach.webp|Datamined appearance restored by [https://www.nexusmods.com/baldursgate3/mods/508 mods].
File:Datamined Karlach2.webp|Datamined appearance restored by [https://www.nexusmods.com/baldursgate3/mods/508 mods].
File:Datamined Karlach2.webp|Datamined appearance restored by [https://www.nexusmods.com/baldursgate3/mods/508 mods].
Secret_Lair_Karlach_MTG_Art.png|Karlach by Secret Lair for Magic the Gathering City on Fire card
</gallery>
</gallery>


== Notes ==
== Notes and References ==
{{notelist}}
{{notebegin}}
{{notebegin}}
* Karlach was originally voiced by [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5964389/ Shala Nyx] in Early Access but was replaced once she became an origin and companion in the main game release.
{{div col}}{{reflist}}{{div col end}}
* Can be spoken to with {{SAI|Speak with Dead}}.
{{noteend}}
{{noteend}}
== References ==
{{div col}}{{reflist}}{{div col end}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
{{FRWiki|Karlach|long}}
* {{FRWiki|Karlach|long}}
* [https://media.dndbeyond.com/compendium-images/claims/bg3/char-sheets/BG3-Karlach-Sheet.pdf Karlachs's official 5E D&D Character Sheet on D&D Beyond] (PDF)
* [https://media.dndbeyond.com/compendium-images/claims/bg3/char-sheets/BG3-Karlach-Sheet.pdf Karlachs's official 5E D&D Character Sheet on D&D Beyond] (PDF)


Latest revision as of 16:47, 25 October 2024

Overview Approval Banter Romance

Karlach Cliffgate is an Origin Character and a recruitable Companion[1] with the Outlander background. She is a Zariel Tiefling and a Barbarian first appearing during Act One.

Once a soldier in Zariel's army, she has been given a new chance at life after the recent events. Now, freed from Avernus, she will make the most out of it, and no one will get in her way. She can be first found on The Risen Road during Act One, where she can be recruited into the party as well as romanced by characters of any gender.

In multiplayer sessions, if Karlach is chosen as an origin by a player, Wyll will be locked as an option to any other players.


Portrait Karlach.png
“
Avernus was never my home. It was my prison. I'm free now. AND I'M NEVER GOING BACK.
„
— Karlach, confronting servants of Zariel.

Overview[edit | edit source]

For a full overview of Karlach's starting features, see the articles Barbarian and Zariel tiefling.

Background[edit | edit source]

Trapped in Avernus under Zariel's banner due to the machinations of those she trusted the most, Karlach has been fighting in the Blood War for a decade, away from all that she loved. With the incursion of the nautiloid to the Nine Hells, fate would smile on her and give her a way out, only to turn on her just as quickly. Now, free at last, though with an unwelcome guest in her head, she must protect her hard-won liberty with her life as she seeks revenge on those who betrayed many years ago. With a malfunctioning engine for a heart, and a burning desire to live, will she be able to save herself, or will the Hells catch up with her sooner or later?

Starting class[edit | edit source]

Before she is recruited, Karlach is a level 3 Barbarian with the following Ability Scores: STR = 16, DEX = 13, CON = 14, INT = 8, WIS = 12, CH = 12. If she is recruited, then Karlach changes to a level 1 Barbarian with the standard ability scores for that Class, with a focus on two-handed weapons. Upon reaching level 3, she defaults to the Wildheart subclass, granting her access to a variety of animal-themed class features and actions.

Special features[edit | edit source]

  • Karlach can use Soul Coins to power up her mechanical heart, giving her the passive Infernal Fury, granting her additional 1d4Damage TypesFire damage on her attacks when raging or when her Hit Points drop below 25%
  • Karlach's mechanical heart can be upgraded twice while progressing the story:

Personal quest[edit | edit source]

Karlachs's personal quest is Our Fiery Friend Our Fiery Friend, spanning all acts of the game. Throughout it, Karlach's past will attempt to catch up to her as she is just beginning to enjoy her freedom.

One more sub-quest ties into her personal quest: The Hellion's Heart The Hellion's Heart. In it, Karlach and the party must deal with her mechanical heart and the problems it causes her. Furthermore, Hunt the Devil Hunt the Devil will have her hunted by Zariel's agents, and Wyll Wyll's companion quest, The Blade of Frontiers The Blade of Frontiers, also features her as an important character.

An origin Karlach replaces Our Fiery Friend and The Hellion's Heart with Servant of None and Forging a Heart, respectively.

Recruitment[edit | edit source]

Karlach will refuse to join the party if they have sided with the Goblins and laid waste to the Emerald Grove before meeting her, if they provoked a fight between the inhabitants there, or if they allowed the Rite of Thorns to be completed. She will also abandon the party if they decide to side with goblins while having her recruited. If she is in the party when the party sides with the goblins during the raid on the grove, she will assist until the fight at the gate is concluded at which point she will leave the party.

Karlach can be found on The Risen Road, on a road near the Toll House, precisely at X: 111 Y: 503. Cornered by Zariel's bloodhounds, she can be found nursing her wounds after the recent encounter. The party can talk to her and recruit her, provided they agree to help her get rid of the pursuers. Returning to Anders Anders and his team with Karlach in the party will ultimately result in battle.

If Wyll is brought along for the first meeting with Karlach, the two will confront each other. Wyll reveals that Karlach is the quarry he's been hunting for his patron, while Karlach claims to be a victim, not an agent of Zariel. Either of the parties can be sided with, though siding with Wyll results in battle with Karlach. The situation can also be defused by convincing Wyll that Karlach's words are true, as backed by the vision everyone shares during the dialogue thanks to their tadpoles.

Approval[edit | edit source]

Main article: Karlach/approval
Karlach Approves

Karlach has a very strong sense of right and wrong. She enjoys helping innocent people with their troubles and not expecting anything in return, something she finds in common with Wyll after their rocky first meeting. She approves of kind interactions with those in need, standing up for what's right, and being decisive with enemies. Setting her up for some fun, such as carousing or making some mayhem, also earns her approval, and being a compassionate friend to her, or a kind partner, is the easiest way of earning her trust and love.

Karlach disapproves of indiscriminate violence, being insensitive to the plights of others and dismissive of her own when she attempts to get closer. Dealing favourably with villains doesn't sit well with her, and siding with Enver Gortash Gortash, even if strategically sound, earns her disdain. Minimising her problems, especially that of her malfunctioning mechanical heart, is another sure way of earning her contempt.

Romance[edit | edit source]

Main article: Karlach/romance

Karlach can be romanced by characters of any gender. When romanced, Karlach's inability to touch her partner, and the pain of being physically isolated from everyone for so long, are issues that would have to be explored and overcome together.

Description[edit | edit source]

Appearance[edit | edit source]

Karlach is tall and well-built, her muscle-bound body toned after many years battling in the first layer of the Hells. Her vermilion skin is covered in scars and burns received in Avernus, with tattoos adorning her left arm and parts of her abdomen. Small exhaust vents on her shoulders billow steam whenever her ersatz mechanical heart flares up, clearly visible under her chest.

Despite her intimidating presence, Karlach has a soft and amiable face, with an easy smile on her lips. Her pointed ears stick out and her left horn curves backwards and out, while the right one seems to have been broken off some time ago. She keeps her hair, dark-brown with reddish accents, long and messy with some simple braids adorned by metal discs, falling on the right side of her neck, below the trimmed side of her head. Her eyes are dark yellow, with the distinctive tiefling slit pupils, and light moles and freckles mark her nose and upper cheeks.[2]

Personality[edit | edit source]

Karlach is an extremely passionate individual who strives to live life to the fullest. She tends to speak excitedly regarding any of life's simple pleasures, whether that be food, drinks, friends, or intimacy. Her demeanor is generally joyous and very forward, having no fear of loudly proclaiming her love of being alive and how much she cares for those close to her. Her positive disposition and infectious energy seem to allow her to make friends easily, even if her honesty can cause her to come off as somewhat naive at times.[3] Karlach is also very protective of her friends and companions, taking a genuine interest in them, especially with Wyll should he have been transformed into a devil after defending her.

Though oft friendly, Karlach is a very physical person and is not above getting into a brawl if provoked. She can be impulsive and easy to goad, and will lose sense and reason when confronting people she despises. Years in Avernus have made her lonely, compounded by the fact that her mechanical heart kept her from having physical contact with others, let alone intimacy. When talking about Gortash, beneath her outward rage, lies deep pain and a sense of betrayal, making her wary of trusting others as she once did. Despite their moral differences, she gets along well with Astarion Astarion due to them both wanting to live their life outside the shadow of their abusers.

History[edit | edit source]

Life in Baldur's Gate[edit | edit source]

Born to Pluck and Caerlack Cliffgate,[4] Karlach was raised in Baldur's Gate in a modest, but happy household in the Outer City.[5] Young and restless, Karlach would often work odd jobs as a means to support her parents, often getting into trouble in the meanwhile. Even as a child, she was joyous and full of life and, despite the hardships, she loved her life in the city, surrounded by family and friends.

At some point, Karlach got hired by Enver Gortash Enver Gortash to act as his bodyguard. Rising quickly through the criminal and political circles of the city, Gortash was beginning to paint a target on his back, and Karlach seemed like the ideal person to protect him. Lured initially by the money and a chance to support her parents financially,[6] Karlach eventually developed deep respect for Gortash, not only because he trusted her enough to put his life in her hands, but because he also made her feel valued.[7][8] The pair worked well together for a while, until Gortash made a deal with the Archdevil Zariel, and sold Karlach to her for a grand sum of money in order to fund his plans for domination of the city. Zariel's interest in the tiefling was to test her new infernal machine,[9] and Gortash was confident Karlach could handle it, that she would serve as a great prototype for his dreamed infernal automatons.[10]

Avernus and the Blood War[edit | edit source]

Betrayed and sold to the devil, Karlach was taken to Avernus and quickly worked on. Happening faster than she could process it, Zariel ordered her heart to be replaced by an infernal machine, aimed to test the limits of machine and soldier. The archdevil quickly put Karlach and her new mechanical heart to work, conscripting her into her army to fight in the Blood War. Trapped and without any other choices at hand, Karlach would fight for ten years in the war, surviving day by day fueled by both vengeance and a desire to live free. She would prove to be an exceptional soldier, slaying great demons and becoming one of Zariel's prized fighters.[11] Both prisoner and champion of the archdevil, throughout it all she was alone, surrounded by devils and demons who offered no comfort, away from home and everybody she held dear.

Escape aboard the nautiloid[edit | edit source]

After ten years in the Hells, the sudden appearance of a Nautiloid presented itself as a chance for escape, and Karlach made good on the opportunity. Cleaving the devils around her, she made her way towards the hurtling ship before running into Wyll, brought to Avernus to hunt her.[12] The two battled briefly, Wyll giving chase as Karlach desperately reached for the ship, until they made it to the nautiloid before being separated during the siege. Captured by the mind flayers as the ship escaped Avernus, Karlach was tadpoled just as all other uninvited guests, and awaited a slow transformation via Ceremorphosis.

Involvement[edit | edit source]

Karlach Icon.png
See main article: Our Fiery Friend

Our Fiery Friend is Karlach's personal quest. It is added to the journal upon recruiting her and spans all three acts of the game.

Act One[edit | edit source]

After the crash of the nautiloid, Karlach can be found at the The Risen Road, near the Toll House occupied by paladins of Tyr. If Wyll Wyll was recruited to the party, his quest, The Blade of Frontiers The Blade of Frontiers, will add a map marker that pinpoints Karlach's location, otherwise the party will have a vague idea of where to find her. Anders Anders, leader of the paladins, reveals they are hunting a dangerous devil who has been hurting refugees, and that they must bring it to justice.

When found, Karlach explains that she too was on the nautiloid and was infected with a tadpole, but that she's not the monster she seems, and that her current priority is to get rid of the paladins hounding her and spreading lies. At odds with what the paladins, or Wyll, told the party about her, the group can press her further. Karlach explains that she escaped Avernus and the archdevil Zariel, and that the paladins in the toll-house are nothing more than bloodhounds sent to bring her back to the Hells. If Wyll was brought along, he confirms she's indeed his target and attempts to convince the party to aid him in slaying her. Karlach pleads that she's no agent of Zariel but rather her victim, and that she took the first opportunity she had to escape Avernus and return home. The tadpoles infecting the group will react to this, prompting Karlach to share her memories of recents events, seemingly confirming her story. Regardless, the party can decide to side with Wyll, and indirectly with the paladins, and kill Karlach claiming her head, or take her for her word and agree to spare her. Though initially intent on killing her, Wyll can be convinced to spare her after the visions were shared, and he will direct his anger at his patron for deceiving him.

If Karlach was recruited before Wyll, he will arrive at camp during a Long Rest to kill his quarry. In this scenario, the party can still side with Wyll and kill Karlach, or convince him to stand down and join the party. Alternatively, they can instead decide to challenge Wyll to a fight. Karlach will try to stop this, as she does not want Wyll dead. The party can still recruit Wyll as normal, or choose to go against Karlach’s wishes and attack Wyll anyway, much to her contempt. If Wyll died in this instance, Karlach will mention that someone likely misguided him.

Bringing Karlach to the paladins leads to a confrontation where Anders eventually drops the act and confirms her words as true: the paladins are servants of Zariel, and the archdevil wants her favorite attack dog back. After slaying them, a frenzied Karlach rages around the toll-house, setting it ablaze. When talking to her after she cools off, she confesses that she has an infernal engine for a heart that allows her to burn as hot as the Hells, though it's been running overdrive since leaving Avernus. She wants to find someone who has experience with infernal machines, and that she heard one of the paladins let slip that one is in the area. This begins The Hellion's Heart The Hellion's Heart.

This infernal mechanic turns out to be Dammon Dammon, a tiefling from Elturel that learned his trade when the city was taken to Avernus by Zariel and was forced to work on infernal engines for her army. Dammon explains that in order to stabilize her heart, the party needs to find some Infernal Iron for him as it's the only material able to withstand the heat of the mechanical heart. When delivered, Dammon upgrades Karlach's heart, stabilizing it while still providing a boost to her abilities. He warns, however, that the solution is not perfect, and that he needs more time to research and prepare a more permanent repair. Should they cross paths again, he promises to have a solution by then.

Act Two[edit | edit source]

Should Dammon have survived the events of Act 1, he will be found at Last Light Inn in the Shadow-Cursed Lands, aiding the Harpers in their stand against Moonrise Towers. Karlach can speak to him, and he explains that after further tinkering, he can give her heart another upgrade if the party has some more infernal iron to spare. Dammon will tweak Karlach's heart for a second time, adding an insulation chamber to cool it to the point that she can touch others once more, something poignant for Karlach who hasn't been able to achieve physical contact with others for the last ten years. He also bears unfortunate news: her heart can't keep going outside the Hells. Too hot to exist in the material plane, the heart will burn her from the inside and consume her if she doesn't return to Avernus soon. Karlach dismisses the idea of ever returning to the Hells, content to celebrate her newfound ability to touch others for now.[13]

When the party finally confronts Ketheric Thorm Ketheric Thorm, the battle eventually takes them down to the hidden Mind Flayer Colony beneath Moonrise. There, they spy Thorm consorting with Enver Gortash Enver Gortash and Orin Orin the Red, with the latter two leaving for Baldur's Gate to continue with their plans. After dealing with Ketheric, Karlach confesses that she has history with Gortash, letting out that it was due to him that she was sent to the Hells and had her heart replaced with a mechanical heart. Hell-bent on revenge, Karlach urges the group to hurry to Baldur's Gate and chase after her previous employer.

Act Three[edit | edit source]

After reaching the Wyrm's Rock Fortress outside Baldur's Gate, the party will be notified of Gortash's grand ascension as Archduke of the city taking place soon. When approached with Karlach in the party, Gortash will briefly interrupt the ceremony in order to parlay with the party, and greets her nonchalantly. Karlach immediately wants to get back at him, and if not stopped, will be seized by Steel Watchers and thrown into the dungeon. If convinced against attacking Gortash, the party can listen to his proposition to an alliance. Karlach will be against it, but can be persuaded to check her hatred for the good of the city.

If Karlach is convinced to keep her hatred in check, the party can leave the coronation of Gortash peacefully. If then speaking with any of the Steel Watchers, there will be a unique dialogue as the Steel Watchers will mistake Karlach as one of their own due to her infernal engine, but also detect that the engine is overheating badly. The Watchers will consider her a defective unit and insist that the party take Karlach to the Steel Watch Foundry to have her "dismantled"; when asked if the engine can be repaired the Watcher mentions that Karlach's engine is "very obsolete" and it would be nearly impossible to repair, making Karlach wonder if she is a prototype for the Steel Watchers.

If the partnership with Gortash is mantained up until the first encounter with the Netherbrain, he will be killed as the party attempts to control the brain. If in the party, Karlach will let out a celebratory laugh and mock his ignominious end, but the threat of the Elder Brain forces her to focus once more.

Should the party antagonize Gortash, ally with Orin instead or simply wish to help Karlach get revenge, it will have to face the Archduke and his minions. When confronted with Karlach, Gortash will coldly dismiss any of her grievances with him further incensing Karlach, until the quakes caused by the Netherbrain's attempt at freeing itself force Gortash to attack the party for their netherstones in order to subdue it. After the battle, Karlach will come down from the excitement and be visibly upset. Though she finally managed to kill the person who betrayed her and caused her so much pain, she doesn't feel any better: Gortash isn't any more sorry dead than he was alive, and her mechanical heart was still set to combust at any time. Her impending doom and difficulty in coping with a feeling of senselessness will drive her to rage at the circumstances, and she will leave for camp.

Back at camp, some time alone allows Karlach to better come to grips with her situation, and though still very desperate, she's positive and decides to focus on the present and the time she has available instead, poised to save the city she loves.

After the initial confrontation with the Elder Brain, it is made clear that the only path to success is to harness the true power of the netherstones, which only an illithid can do. Though it's possible for the The Emperor Emperor to do so, the player character or Orpheus Orpheus can sacrifice themselves and undergo ceremorphosis to become illithid instead. If Karlach is present during the discussion, she will volunteer, arguing that she is on borrowed time either way, and that this way her death would have meaning. If agreed, she transforms into a mind flayer and aids the party in the final battle against the Netherbrain.

Endings[edit | edit source]

A Blazing End[edit | edit source]

After defeating the Netherbrain, Karlach's infernal engine will finally begin to overheat, signaling her end. With the setting sun on the background, Karlach thanks the player for being there with her, and mourns not being able to join them in the celebrations and further adventures. If her wishes not to return to Avernus are respected, they can stay with her until the engine finally combusts, leaving nothing but ashes where she once stood. At the Epilogue party Withers reveals that her soul in the Fugue Plane burns so brightly, it pains gods to look upon it.

Return to Avernus[edit | edit source]

When Karlach's heart begins to enter its final stages after defeating the Netherbrain, players can attempt to convince Karlach to return to Avernus before it's too late. Though initially against it, she can be persuaded if the player offers to go with her, so that she may not be alone again. Likewise, if Wyll has completed his personal quest and became The Blade of Avernus, he too will offer to go Avernus with her.

Back on the first plane of the Hells, Karlach and her companions prepare themselves to face the servants of Zariel. No longer alone, Karlach welcomes the challenge and readies her weapon in preparation of advancing imps.

During Withers Withers' gathering six months after the events of the game, Karlach mentions she and her companions recently felled a high ranking Cambion who carried blueprints for what could be a possible solution to Karlach's mechanical heart. Though the forge they intend to raid is likely well-guarded by Zariel's forces, she has an old contact, a guard named Flo, that might be able to help them. Regardless, she expresses joy at being able to see her companions once more, happy to receive the opportunity of a night's rest without the danger of being ambushed by devils.[14] If only Wyll went to Avernus with her by the end of the game, she will also comment tough as life in Avernus though, having Wyll around is incredible and makes all the difference.[15]

Life as a Mind Flayer[edit | edit source]

If Karlach sacrificed herself and became illithid in order to defeat the Netherbrain, she will remain at Baldur's Gate, hidden and feeding from the dying patients of a local healer who wish to die with dignity instead of suffering. When spoken to at Withers' gathering, she explains that she still remembers parts of her, even using some of the expressions she once used in her tiefling form, but with every brain she feeds, she gains all the memories from it, slowly erasing her original identity. Still, she expresses gratitude and happiness at seeing many of her former companions, and bids the player a good evening.

Quest rewards[edit | edit source]

Karlach does not receive any particular items as reward for completing her quests.

Interactions[edit | edit source]

Companion interactions[edit | edit source]

Karlach can be spoken to with Speak with Dead Speak with Dead has unique dialogue interactions as a companion available after certain events. Whenever one is available, she will have a floating [ ! ] icon above her.

Act One[edit | edit source]

  • After killing Anders Anders and his group, Karlach will rage inside the Toll House. When she cools off, she'll tell the group about her mechanical heart and how she needs to find an infernal mechanic.

Act Two[edit | edit source]

  • After upgrading Karlach's heart for the second time, she will express her joy and share her plans to celebrate.

Act Three[edit | edit source]

  • After finally killing Enver Gortash Enver Gortash, Karlach will be overwhelmed by emotion and rages at Gortash's complete apathy until the very end, and the imminent loss of her own life and freedom. Then, if as a companion, Karlach will tell that she loves the player character and feels thankful before returning to camp. [16][17] If spoken to at camp later, she'll appear to have recovered from the outburst, saying that despite the horrible situation, she's happy despite the circumstances. She'll then ask if the player character will stay with her during the moment when her infernal engine finally gives out.

Unique interactions[edit | edit source]

Either as an origin, or in the party as a companion, Karlach has unique interactions and special dialogue with the following characters, listed by the act they are first encountered in.

Act One[edit | edit source]

Act Two[edit | edit source]

Act Three[edit | edit source]

Speak with Dead[edit | edit source]

(if she dies before being recruited into the party)

Party member: Who are you?

  • Karlach: Karlach... the Demonsbane...
    • Party member: Why are you known as the Demonsbane?
      • Karlach: Blood War... Avernus... champion...
        • Party member: What connects you to Avernus?
          • Karlach: Conspiracy... Elturel's fall...

Party member: What happened to you?

  • Karlach: Hunted... murdered... condemned...
    • Party member: Who was hunting you?
      • Karlach: The fallen angel... Zariel...

Party member: I was told you're a fiend and a killer. Is that true?

  • Karlach: Lies... she hunts me... won't let me go...
    • Party member: Who was hunting you?
      • Karlach: The fallen angel... Zariel...

Party member: What were you doing here?

  • Karlach: Hiding... running... hunted...
    • Party member: Who was hunting you?
      • Karlach: The fallen angel... Zariel...

Related literature[edit | edit source]

Loot[edit | edit source]

Karlach can be killed and looted, and drops the same loot as her starting equipment.

Starting equipment[edit | edit source]

Achievements[edit | edit source]

A-Hot Date.jpg

Hot Date
Go on a date with Karlach - now that's playing with fire.


Gallery[edit | edit source]

  • Base model.

    Base model.

  • Camp clothing model.

    Camp clothing model.

  • Underwear model.

    Underwear model.

  • Early Access model.

    Early Access model.

  • Digital Deluxe artbook concept.

    Digital Deluxe artbook concept.

  • Appearance in the character creator.

    Appearance in the character creator.

  • Portrait by Edward Vanderghote.

    Portrait by Edward Vanderghote.

  • Cover artwork.

    Cover artwork.

  • During late Early Access.

    During late Early Access.

  • First appearance in Early Access.

    First appearance in Early Access.

  • Promotional art.

    Promotional art.

  • Digital Artbook concept with different armour.

    Digital Artbook concept with different armour.

  • Digital Artbook early face concepts.

    Digital Artbook early face concepts.

  • Armour concept art 1.

    Armour concept art 1.

  • Armour concept art 2.

    Armour concept art 2.

  • Armour concept art 3.

    Armour concept art 3.

  • Datamined appearance restored by mods.

    Datamined appearance restored by mods.

  • Datamined appearance restored by mods.

    Datamined appearance restored by mods.

  • Karlach by Secret Lair for Magic the Gathering City on Fire card

    Karlach by Secret Lair for Magic the Gathering City on Fire card

Notes and References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Karlach was originally voiced by Shala Nyx in Early Access but was replaced once she became an origin and companion in the main game release.
  2. ↑ Throughout development Karlach had multiple design changes. In Early Access she only had a placeholder model created with the same assets as a custom character, with two horns and no scars and was a Fighter (with a datamined tag of a Paladin). Concept art shows different proposals for her face, initially planning to give her more scars and more aggressive features. She also had a few different starter armour designs with one repurposed to become Unwanted Masterwork Scalemail. Her other concept armour can be seen on her Magic: The Gathering Card.
  3. ↑ Interactions with those who knew her prior to the events of the game's story imply that she has always been this exuberant, even as a poor child growing up in Baldur's Gate.
  4. ↑ Graveyard, Lower City, lines spoken by the narrator when inspecting her parents' graves.
    "Here lies Pluck Cliffgate - beloved husband and father."
    "Here lies Caerlack Cliffgate - beloved wife and mother."
  5. ↑ Campsite, line spoken by Karlach when recently recruited and asked about her past.
    "The year? Ten ere. The place? A sleepy little town called Baldur's Gate. Our hero? Karlach, a knock-kneed delinquent from the Outer City with everything to give and nothing to lose."
  6. ↑ Campsite, lines spoken by Karlach when talking to her after she's disclosed her relationship with Gortash.
    "One of my mates got wind of a bit of work guarding some indoorsy type with lots of enemies. Seemed like easy money, so I went in for it. (...) I kept him safe, and he paid me well. Well enough to move my folks to a better neighborhood and put something away for the future. My future."
  7. ↑ Campsite, lines spoken by Karlach when talking to her after she's disclosed her relationship with Gortash.
    "I respected him. Trusted him. And he returned that trust, that respect. His life was in my hands, and I took that seriously."
  8. ↑ Wyrm's Rock Fortress, lines spoken by Karlach when confronting Gortash after antagonizing him.
    "You make it sound like we were lovers. Or friends. But that wasn't it. I trusted you. I respected you. It was my job to protect you, and that's what I did."
  9. ↑ Campsite, lines spoken by Karlach when talking to her after she's disclosed her relationship with Gortash.
    "Zariel laughed. Said she paid him well for my services. She'd wanted to test her new machine, and he said I'd be able to handle it."
  10. ↑ Wyrm's Crossing, dialogue exchange between a Steel Watcher and Karlach.
    Steel Watcher: "Your unit is a highly outdated model. The ra-gnax casement protecting your metallurgised-ised valves is burning well outside the recommended temperature. Please report to the Steel Watch Foundry for dismantling."
    Player: "It thinks you're one of them, Karlach. Why?"
    Karlach: "(...) If it turns out I'm the fucking prototype for these things, I'll dismantle every single one of them.
  11. ↑ The Risen Road, lines spoken by Karlach when initially encountered and spared.
    "You already know I fought in the Blood War. I was good. Really good. Turns out I've got a knack for killing demons. That made me a valuable asset. Zariel - the archdevil herself - made me as her personal attack dog."
  12. ↑ It's never made clear when exactly Wyll arrives to Avernus or who really sent him. Though shortly before the events of the Prologue, Wyll couldn't have been hunting Karlach for long, as the time the nautiloid spent there before teleporting away is brief and Karlach's escape was an opportunistic decision. It's possible Zariel sent Wyll after Karlach via Mizora, but as Karlach herself says, she's largely inconsequential in Zariel's grand design. On the other hand, it's possible Mizora took the opportunity to remove Karlach as they both were in Zariel's inner circle and Mizora likely saw her as a rival.
  13. ↑ In the end, despite having access to Dammon, a surplus of infernal metal, Gortash's schematics and the help of the Gondian and/or Ironhand gnomes, there's currently no way of permanently fixing Karlach's mechanical heart.
  14. ↑ Epilogue, line spoken by Karlach if player went to Avernus with her. "Rest up, soldier. My tin can'll be all right for the night. And you and me will get to sleep with both eyes shut for the first time in...six months? "
  15. ↑ Epilogue, lines spoken by Karlach during Withers' gathering if only she and Wyll ended up in Avernus by the end of the game.
    "War is a dirty business, soldier, it's been exactly how you think. But having Wyll around is being incredible. Fucker's even better at killing devils than yours truly. We don't have much time to chat, but just knowing he's there makes all the difference. "
  16. ↑ Wyrm's Rock Fortress, lines spoken by Karlach after she expressed her overwhelmed emotion. "You can come and find me later if you want to. Thanks for listening, for existing...love you."
  17. ↑ It is possible to trigger these lines without romancing Karlach, and she will use familiar words in several other non-romancing occasions. This cannot prove romance relationship about her.

External links[edit | edit source]

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