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| title = Balthazar
| title = Balthazar
| description = Balthazar is a necromancer encountered in the Gauntlet of Shar.
| description = Balthazar is a necromancer encountered in the Gauntlet of Shar.
| image = Balthazar.jpg
| image = Balthazar.png
}}
}}
{{CharacterInfo
{{Infobox creature
|title = Commander of the Reborn Dead
| name = Balthazar
|name = Balthazar
| identity = Male
|image = [[File:Balthazar.png|350px]]
| image =  
|STR = 10
<gallery>
|DEX = 14
Balthazar.png|In-game
|CON = 16
Portrait Balthazar.png|Portrait
|INT = 20
</gallery>
|WIS = 14
| va = Roger Ringrose
|CHA = 10
| title = Commander of the Reborn Dead
|str save =
| race = [[Undead]] [[Human]]
|dex save =
| class = [[Wizard]]
|con save = yes
| subclass = [[Necromancy School]]
|int save =
| level = 8
|wis save = yes
| size = [[Medium]]
|cha save =
| type = [[Undead]]
|level = 8
| e hp = 63
|race = Undead
| hp = 91
|type = Undead
| t hp = 118
|HP = 91
| extra init = 5
|AC = 15
| xp = 350
|speed =
| weight kg = 100
|size = Medium
| str = 10
|weight = 100kg
| dex = 14
|proficiency =
| con = 16
|initiative = +7
| int = 20
|passive = {{IconLink|Alert Icon.png|Alert|Alert|size=24}}<br>
| wis = 14
{{IconLink|Generic Necrotic Icon.png|Grave Magic (Passive Feature)|Grave Magic|size=24}}<br>
| cha = 10
{{IconLink|Grim Harvest Icon.png|Grim Harvest|Grim Harvest|size=24}}<br>
| con save prof = yes
{{IconLink|PassiveFeature Generic Death.png|Immune to Control Undead (Passive Feature)|Immune to Control Undead|size=24}}<br>
| wis save prof = yes
{{IconLink|Opportunity Attack Icon.png|Opportunity Attack|Opportunity Attack|size=24}}<br>
| athletics = 6
{{IconLink|PassiveFeature Generic Death.png|Turn Resistance (Passive Feature)|Turn Resistance|size=24}}<br>
| acrobatics = 2
{{IconLink|Circle_of_Bones_Icon.png|Undead Ward (Passive Feature)|Undead Ward|size=24}}
| perception = 2
|bludgeoning=Resistant
| resistances = slashing resistance full, piercing resistance full, bludgeoning resistance full, poison immunity
|piercing=Resistant
| conditions = Mage Armour, Undead Ward, Undead Ward Aura
|slashing=Resistant
| t conditions = Legendary Resistance, Mage Armour, Undead Ward, Undead Ward Aura
|acid=
| h conditions = Legendary Action: Spectral Aspect, Legendary Resistance, Mage Armour, Undead Ward, Undead Ward Aura
|cold=
| passives = Alert, Grave Magic, Grim Harvest, Immune to Control Undead, Legendary Action: Spectral Aspect, Opportunity Attack, Turn Resistance
|fire=
| t passives = Alert, Grave Magic, Grim Harvest, Immune to Control Undead, Legendary Action: Spectral Aspect, Magic Resistance, Opportunity Attack, Turn Resistance
|force=
| h passives = Alert, Grave Magic, Grim Harvest, Immune to Control Undead, Legendary Action: Spectral Aspect, Magic Resistance, Opportunity Attack, Turn Resistance
|lightning=
| uuid = 53651a9f-7ea8-444f-ba2d-224390b72f7d
|necrotic=
| uid = S_SHA_Necromancer
|poison=Resistant
| stats = SHA_Necromancer
|psychic=
|radiant=
|thunder=
|magic =  
|class =  
|background=
|location = [[Gauntlet of Shar]], [[Mind Flayer Colony]]
|faction =
|family =
|allies = [[Ketheric Thorm]], [[Flesh]]
|enemies = Mikan (Childhood Friend)
|exp =  
|alt-name = Model
|alt-image = [[File:Balthazar Model.png|200px]]
}}
}}
{{SpoilerWarning|act=2}}
'''Balthazar''' is an Undead necromancer, who can first be encountered in the [[Gauntlet of Shar]] during Act Two.
'''Balthazar''' is an undead NPC that can first be encountered during Act Two.
{{DiQ|We're still close. She's in a jar on the shelf over there.|Balthazar| elaborating on his relationship with his mother}}
 
==Overview==
===Background===
Balthazar is a necromancer in service to General {{CharLink|Ketheric Thorm}}, sent to the Gauntlet of Shar to retrieve the {{CharLink|Aylin|Nightsong}}, who is the source of Ketheric Thorm's immortality. He is proud and private by nature{{ref|When speaking with Balthazar, there is a dialogue option to comment on how the party learned of a relic called the {{CharLink|Aylin|Nightsong}} in his notes. If mentioning his notes, Balthazar becomes agitated, calls the player character a thief and demands they give him a reason why he should not have his creations kill them on the spot.}} and patient in pursuing his own goals, but not with the timing of others helping him to achieve them.{{ref|In conversation, it is possible to state how {{CharLink|Z'rell}} sent the party to check on his progress. Balthazar answers he has everything in hand and is "in the midst of a grand strategy." However, when commanding his minions and the party, he displays impatience with any delay.}}
 
== Involvement ==
Balthazar can first be encountered in the Gauntlet of Shar, behind a locked door guarded by his undead servants.
 
Approaching the door and / or his servants, wherever they are found, generally triggers a conversation. Combat begins at the conclusion of this conversation, when {{CharLink|Dark Justiciar}} Avengers attack his undead servants and the party. Once this fights ends, the party may have the opportunity to speak to Balthazar further and learn more about {{Quest|Find Ketheric Thorm's Relic|the relic he is searching for}}. There is also the option to attack and kill Balthazar at any time after this encounter, and it is also possible to fully avoid contact with Balthazar and his servants until entering the [[Shadowfell]].
 
If choosing to speak with Balthazar with certain conversation choices, [[Bard|Bards]] can pass a {{Ability check|History|14}} to learn more about how he got his name{{ref|Balthazar's name (and ribs) were taken from the monk {{FRWiki|Balthazar}}, a character from [https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Baldur%27s_Gate_II:_Throne_of_Bhaal ''Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal''.]}}. The party can also pass a {{Ability check|Persuasion|14}} {{ref|[[Rogue|Rogues]] only need pass a {{Ability check|Persuasion|10}} to obtain Balthazar's [[Summon Golem Bell|bell]].}} to obtain his {{SmRarityItem|Summon Golem Bell|bell}}, which can be used to summon {{CharLink|Flesh}} while in combat.{{ref|{{CharLink|Flesh}} cannot be healed by any spell or potion.{{verify}} If summoned by Balthazar's {{SmRarityItem|Summon Golem Bell|bell}} and Flesh is in, or enters the state of {{SAI|Corpulent Rage}}, it attacks the closest available target, including (former) allies. Therefore, if Flesh is in the state of rage when a combat encounter ends and the party returns to Balthazar, he and his retinue immediately become hostile and attack the party.}}
 
If not killed earlier, Balthazar is met a second time, upon crossing the threshold into the Shadowfell. If not met previously, he introduces himself and offers the opportunity to help him finish his mission.
 
Whenever first met, the party is generally allowed at several points to choose if they want to kill Balthazar or help him finish his mission.
 
If choosing to help Balthazar obtain the Nightsong the party can later meet with Ketheric Thorm, who ultimately takes them as prisoners. They wake up in Balthazar's lab at the [[Mind Flayer Colony]], where he prepares to find a way to remove the {{SmRarityItem|Mysterious Artefact}} from the party's possession. Eventually, a fight between the party and Balthazar breaks out.
 
== Combat ==
Unless bought from him during dialogue (by using the Trade button). Balthazar consumes a {{SmRarityItem|Potion of Speed}} at the start of his turn to gain the {{Cond|Hastened}} condition.
 
=== Attacks and abilities ===
{{feature box|Animate Dead (Balthazar)|Animate Dead}} Cast as a unique Level 6 variant, only when confronted in the [[Nightsong's Prison]], to reanimate an army of skeletons from the surrounding bones.
{{feature box|Bone Chill}}
{{feature box|Cloudkill}}
{{feature box|Misty Step}}
{{feature box|No Rest for the Wicked}}
{{feature box|Ray of Sickness}}
 
==== Honour mode ====
{{feature box|The Dead Wastes}}
 
===Allies===
In the Gauntlet of Shar:
* {{CharLink|Flesh}}
* {{CharLink|Ghoul Medic}} - 3x
* {{CharLink|Nere}} (conditional)


==Story==
In the Shadowfell:
Balthazar can be encountered within the [[Gauntlet of Shar]] while progressing the [[Find Ketheric Thorm's Relic]] quest.
* {{CharLink|Apostate Defender}} - 8x
* {{CharLink|Apostate Destroyer}} - 3x
* {{CharLink|Apostate Librarian}} - 3x
* {{CharLink|Apostate Sentinel}} - 6x


Balthazar can first be encountered behind a locked door that is guarded by his undead servants.
=== Tactics ===
* Lockpicking or casting {{SAI|Knock}} on his door outside his room during the ambush in the Gauntlet of Shar forces him into combat against the Sharrans, where he can be killed more easily.


Approaching the door and/or his servants, wherever they are found, will generally trigger a conversation. A combat encounter will always trigger on conclusion of this conversation, where Dark Justiciar Avengers attack both the undead servants and the player's party. Once this combat resolves, the player may have the opportunity to speak to Balthazar further and learn more about the relic he is searching for. The player also has the option to simply attack and kill Balthazar at any time after this encounter.
=== Notable Loot ===
* {{MdRarityItem|Circle of Bones}}


The player also has the option to fully avoid contact with Balthazar and his servants until they delve deeper into the Gauntlet. It is impossible to avoid meeting Balthazar if the player reaches this point.
==Notes and References==
{{notebegin}}
{{reflist}}
{{noteend}}


The second place he can be encountered, assuming the player has not killed him, is when the player crosses the threshold into the [[Shadowfell]] from within the Gauntlet. If the player has not yet met Balthazar at this point, he will simply introduce himself and give the player the opportunity to help him finish his mission.
== Related quests ==
* {{Quest|Defeat Ketheric Thorm}}
* {{Quest|Find Ketheric Thorm's Relic}}
* {{Quest|Find the Nightsong}}
* {{Quest|The Chosen of Shar}}


Once the player finally meets Balthazar, they are generally allowed to choose at several points if they want to kill him or help him finish his mission.
==Related literature==
{{div col}}
*{{MdRarityItem|Diary of Ketheric Thorm, Vol 2}}
*{{MdRarityItem|Moonrise Towers Prisoner Log}}
*{{MdRarityItem|Ornate Letter}}
*{{MdRarityItem|Stained Book (Thorm Mausoleum)}}
*{{MdRarityItem|Tissue and Organ Register}}
*{{MdRarityItem|Unsent Letter (Ketheric Thorm)}}


If the player helps Balthazar obtain the [[Dame Aylin|Nightsong]] and later meets with Ketheric, Ketheric will take the player prisoner. They will wake up in Balthazar's lab aboard the [[Mind Flayer Colony]], where Balthazaar prepares to find a way to remove the artefact from the player's possession; ultimately, a fight between the player and Balthazar will break out.
{{div col end}}
==Loot==
===Written by Balthazar===
* {{RarityItem|Circle of Bones|40}}
{{div col}}
* {{MdRarityItem|A Little Gift}}
* {{MdRarityItem|Attention Acolytes}}
* {{MdRarityItem|Balthazar's Notes}}
* {{MdRarityItem|Balthazar Personal Notes: 2}}
* {{MdRarityItem|Balthazar Personal Notes: 3}}
* {{MdRarityItem|Clasped Book (Moonrise Towers)}}
* {{MdRarityItem|Goblins: The Maglubiyet Gambit}}
* {{MdRarityItem|Instructions from B}}
* {{MdRarityItem|Orders from B}}
* {{MdRarityItem|Research Notes (Balthazar)}}
* {{MdRarityItem|Soul Cage Research}}
* {{MdRarityItem|Stained Book (Thorm Mausoleum)}}
* {{MdRarityItem|Temple Map}}
{{div col end}}


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery heights="250">
<gallery heights="250" mode="packed">
Balthazar Face Concept Art.jpg|Balthazar Face Concept Art
Balthazar Model.png|Model
Balthazar Face Concept Art 2.png|Balthazar Early Face Concept Art
Balthazar Face Concept Art.jpg|Digital Artbook concept art.
Balthazar Face Concept Art 2.png|Digital Artbook concept art.
Nikolai-chugunov-balthazar-nikolai-chugunov-2a.jpg|Render by Nikolai Chugunov
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Trivia==
==External links==
*Balthazar's name (and ribs) were taken from the monk {{FRWiki|Balthazar}}, a character from ''Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal''.
*{{FRWiki|Balthazar (necromancer)|long}}


{{NavAct2Finale}}
{{Gauntlet of Shar}}
{{Mind Flayer Colony}}
[[Category:Undead]]
[[Category:Wizards]]
[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Characters in the Gauntlet of Shar]]
[[Category:Characters in Act Two]]
[[Category:Authors]]
[[Category:Bosses]]
[[Category:Followers of Myrkul]]

Latest revision as of 09:31, 7 March 2025

Balthazar is an Undead necromancer, who can first be encountered in the Gauntlet of Shar during Act Two.

Portrait Balthazar.png
“
We're still close. She's in a jar on the shelf over there.
„
— Balthazar elaborating on his relationship with his mother

Overview[edit | edit source]

Background[edit | edit source]

Balthazar is a necromancer in service to General Ketheric Thorm Ketheric Thorm, sent to the Gauntlet of Shar to retrieve the Aylin Nightsong, who is the source of Ketheric Thorm's immortality. He is proud and private by nature[1] and patient in pursuing his own goals, but not with the timing of others helping him to achieve them.[2]

Involvement[edit | edit source]

Balthazar can first be encountered in the Gauntlet of Shar, behind a locked door guarded by his undead servants.

Approaching the door and / or his servants, wherever they are found, generally triggers a conversation. Combat begins at the conclusion of this conversation, when Dark Justiciar Dark Justiciar Avengers attack his undead servants and the party. Once this fights ends, the party may have the opportunity to speak to Balthazar further and learn more about the relic he is searching for the relic he is searching for. There is also the option to attack and kill Balthazar at any time after this encounter, and it is also possible to fully avoid contact with Balthazar and his servants until entering the Shadowfell.

If choosing to speak with Balthazar with certain conversation choices, Bards can pass a DC 14 History check to learn more about how he got his name[3]. The party can also pass a DC 14 Persuasion check [4] to obtain his bell, which can be used to summon Flesh Flesh while in combat.[5]

If not killed earlier, Balthazar is met a second time, upon crossing the threshold into the Shadowfell. If not met previously, he introduces himself and offers the opportunity to help him finish his mission.

Whenever first met, the party is generally allowed at several points to choose if they want to kill Balthazar or help him finish his mission.

If choosing to help Balthazar obtain the Nightsong the party can later meet with Ketheric Thorm, who ultimately takes them as prisoners. They wake up in Balthazar's lab at the Mind Flayer Colony, where he prepares to find a way to remove the Mysterious Artefact from the party's possession. Eventually, a fight between the party and Balthazar breaks out.

Combat[edit | edit source]

Unless bought from him during dialogue (by using the Trade button). Balthazar consumes a Potion of Speed at the start of his turn to gain the Hastened Hastened condition.

Attacks and abilities[edit | edit source]

Animate Dead.webp
Animate Dead Animate Dead ( + )
Awaken the dead from their century-long slumber.
 Range: 22 m / 73 ft
Cast as a unique Level 6 variant, only when confronted in the Nightsong's Prison, to reanimate an army of skeletons from the surrounding bones.
Bone Chill.webp
Bone Chill Bone Chill ()
Damage: 1~8

Prevent the target from healing until your next turn. An undead target receives Disadvantage Icon.png Disadvantage on Attack rolls.

 Range: 18 m / 60 ft
Cloudkill.webp
Cloudkill Cloudkill ( + )
Damage: 5~40

Craft a large cloud that inflicts 5d8Damage TypesPoison damage per turn. You can reposition the cloud every turn.

The cloud Heavily Obscures everything within it.

 Range: 18 m / 60 ft
Misty Step.webp
Misty Step Misty Step ( + )
Surrounded by silver mist, you teleport to an unoccupied space you can see.
 Range: 18 m / 60 ft
Animate Dead Zombie.webp
No Rest for the Wicked No Rest for the Wicked ()
Death is but a temporary inconvenience - raise a fallen undead with half of its hit points.
 Range: 3 m / 10 ft
Ray of Sickness.webp
Ray of Sickness Ray of Sickness ( + )
Damage: 2~16

Possibly Poisons Poisons the target.

CON Save
 Range: 18 m / 60 ft

Honour mode[edit | edit source]

Generic Necrotic.webp
The Dead Wastes The Dead Wastes
Damage: 4~24Healing: 4~24

Open a necrotic rift from a new corpse that heals Undead 4d6hit points and deals 4d6Damage TypesNecrotic to living creatures at the start of their turns.

 Range: 18 m / 60 ft

Allies[edit | edit source]

In the Gauntlet of Shar:

In the Shadowfell:

Tactics[edit | edit source]

  • Lockpicking or casting Knock Knock on his door outside his room during the ambush in the Gauntlet of Shar forces him into combat against the Sharrans, where he can be killed more easily.

Notable Loot[edit | edit source]

Notes and References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ When speaking with Balthazar, there is a dialogue option to comment on how the party learned of a relic called the Aylin Nightsong in his notes. If mentioning his notes, Balthazar becomes agitated, calls the player character a thief and demands they give him a reason why he should not have his creations kill them on the spot.
  2. ↑ In conversation, it is possible to state how Z'rell Z'rell sent the party to check on his progress. Balthazar answers he has everything in hand and is "in the midst of a grand strategy." However, when commanding his minions and the party, he displays impatience with any delay.
  3. ↑ Balthazar's name (and ribs) were taken from the monk Balthazar, a character from Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal.
  4. ↑ Rogues only need pass a DC 10 Persuasion check to obtain Balthazar's bell.
  5. ↑ Flesh Flesh cannot be healed by any spell or potion.[Needs Verification] If summoned by Balthazar's bell and Flesh is in, or enters the state of Corpulent Rage Corpulent Rage, it attacks the closest available target, including (former) allies. Therefore, if Flesh is in the state of rage when a combat encounter ends and the party returns to Balthazar, he and his retinue immediately become hostile and attack the party.

Related quests[edit | edit source]

Related literature[edit | edit source]

Written by Balthazar[edit | edit source]

Gallery[edit | edit source]

  • Model

    Model

  • Digital Artbook concept art.

    Digital Artbook concept art.

  • Digital Artbook concept art.

    Digital Artbook concept art.

  • Render by Nikolai Chugunov

    Render by Nikolai Chugunov

External links[edit | edit source]

Retrieved from "https://bg3.wiki/w/index.php?title=Balthazar&oldid=283350"