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{{ up to date | 2024-01 | {{ up to date | 2024-02-01 }} | ||
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| title = Karlach | | title = Karlach | ||
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===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, drink, 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 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, drink, 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 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, lie 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]] due to 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, lie 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]] due to both wanting to live their life outside the shadow of their abusers. | ||
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== History == | == History == | ||
===Life in Baldur's Gate=== | ===Life in Baldur's Gate=== | ||
Born to [[Pluck]] and [[Caerlack]] Cliffgate, Karlach was raised in [[Baldur's Gate]] in a modest household in the [[ | Born to [[Pluck]] and [[Caerlack]] Cliffgate,{{ref|[[Graveyard (Lower City)|Graveyard, Lower City]], lines spoken by the narrator when inspecting her parents' graves.<br>''"Here lies Pluck Cliffgate - beloved husband and father."''<br>''"Here lies Caerlack Cliffgate - beloved wife and mother."''}} Karlach was raised in [[Baldur's Gate]] in a modest household in the [[Outer City]].{{ref|name=home|[[Campsite]], line spoken by Karlach when recently recruited and asked about her past.<br>''"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."''}} 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]] 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, 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. The pair worked well together for a while, until Gortash made a deal with the [[Zariel|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, and Gortash was confident Karlach could handle it, that she would serve as a great prototype for his dreamed [[Steel Watcher|infernal automatons]]. | At some point, Karlach got hired by [[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,{{ref|name=gortash|[[Campsite]], lines spoken by Karlach when talking to her after she's disclosed her relationship with Gortash.<br>''"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."''}} 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.{{ref|name=gortash2|[[Campsite]], lines spoken by Karlach when talking to her after she's disclosed her relationship with Gortash.<br>''"I respected him. Trusted him. And he returned that trust, that respect. His life was in my hands, and I took that seriously."''}}{{ref|name=gortash3|[[Wyrm's Rock Fortress]], lines spoken by Karlach when confronting Gortash after antagonizing him.<br>''"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."''}} The pair worked well together for a while, until Gortash made a deal with the [[Zariel|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,{{ref|name=gortash4|[[Campsite]], lines spoken by Karlach when talking to her after she's disclosed her relationship with Gortash.<br>''"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."''}} and Gortash was confident Karlach could handle it, that she would serve as a great prototype for his dreamed [[Steel Watcher|infernal automatons]].{{ref|name=gortash5|[[Wyrm's Crossing]], dialogue exchange between a Steel Watcher and Karlach.<br>''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."<br>Player: "It thinks you're one of them, Karlach. Why?"<br>Karlach: "(...) If it turns out I'm the fucking prototype for these things, I'll dismantle every single one of them.''}} | ||
===Avernus and the Blood War=== | ===Avernus and the Blood War=== | ||
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 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 [https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Blood_War Blood War]. Trapped and without any other choices, 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. 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. | 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 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 [https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Blood_War Blood War]. Trapped and without any other choices, 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.{{ref|name=zariel|[[The Risen Road]], lines spoken by Karlach when initially encountered and spared.<br>''"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."''}} 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=== | ===Escape aboard the nautiloid=== | ||
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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, 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. | ||
If the partnership with Gortash is mantained up until the first encounter with the [[Netherbrain]], he will | 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. | ||
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 forces 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 coping with a feeling of senselessness drive her to rage at her situation, and she leaves 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 forces 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 coping with a feeling of senselessness drive her to rage at her situation, and she leaves for camp. | ||
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Back on the first plane of the Hells, Karlach and her companion(s) 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 companion(s) 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 Wyll recently felled a high ranking [[Cambion|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 and for the opportunity of a night's rest without the danger of being ambushed by devils. She also comments that being in the Hells is not so bad when she's with the one she loves, indicating she's begun a relationship with Wyll if not already in one with the player.{{ref|[[Epilogue]], ambient line spoken by Karlach during Withers' gathering when both she and Wyll ended up in Avernus by the end of the game.<br>''"I guess Avernus isn't too bad if you're with the one you love..."''}} | During [[Withers|Withers']] gathering six months after the events of the game, Karlach mentions she and Wyll recently felled a high ranking [[Cambion|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 and for the opportunity of a night's rest without the danger of being ambushed by devils. She also comments that being in the Hells is not so bad when she's with the one she loves, indicating she's begun a relationship with Wyll if not already in one with the player.{{ref|[[Epilogue]], ambient line spoken by Karlach during Withers' gathering when both she and Wyll ended up in Avernus by the end of the game, neither romanced.<br>''"I guess Avernus isn't too bad if you're with the one you love..."''}} | ||
====Life as a Mind Flayer==== | ====Life as a Mind Flayer==== | ||