As Dungeons and Dragons fans know, Larian Studios’ Baldur’s Gate 3 takes place in Faerûn, a content of Abeir-Toril (Toril) in the Forgotten Realms setting. In the game, players try to stop a parasite from transforming them into a mind flayer while the same creatures have begun an invasion of Faerûn. However, given the interplanar nature of the Forgotten Realms, this Baldur’s Gate entry might have a few surprises outside the realm. For instance, the game might feature settings – or even NPCs – from other campaign settings.
Thankfully, the Forgotten Realms’ focus on interplanar conflict doesn’t make it impossible for adventures to crossover with various settings. In fact, some D&D tables might have used this factor to have fan-favorite characters to make a cameo in their campaigns. This time around, perhaps Baldur’s Gate 3 can do the same. However, which NPCs should the game include, and for what purpose?
10 Zagyg
When D&D co-creator Gary Gygax created a playable adventure for his family and friends, they would find Zagyg as the person who created their massive Castle Greyhawk dungeon. Eventually, Gygax released the first version of D&D alongside some of the first and most memorable adventures of all time. In some of these works, Gygax transformed Zagyg into a demigod of Unpredictability and Eccentricity within the Greyhawk Pantheon.
Thanks to the rather obscure nature of the Greyhawk setting, Zagyg won’t need any convoluted backstory to be inserted into campaigns like BG3‘s. Given his mental instability, any encounter with Zagyg can result in hijinks that may gift players with extremely powerful items.
9 Fizban The Fabulous
In the Dragonlance setting, the world of Krynn finds itself in a time without dragons. Moreover, the tumultuous four years of the War of the Lance happened when the dark goddess Takhisis launching an all-out conquest with her evil Chromatic Dragons. Amidst all this is the sudden appearance of the eccentric yet aged Fizban the Fabulous.
However, Fizban reveals himself as the avatar of the god Paladine, creator of the Metallic Dragons. His arrival heralded the return of hope in the desperate War that led to Takhisis’ defeat. Despite Fizban lacking a strong powerset, his concept of a “disguised god” can fit Baldur’s Gate 3 and its grand conflict. After all, it makes sense for gods to secretly intervene in events such as the BG3‘s Mindflayer invasion.
8 Dalamar
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Known for being the apprentice of Raistlin Majere, Dalamar the Dark is considered the most powerful spellcaster in the realm. As Raistlin’s apprentice and wearer of the Black Robes, Dalamar is extremely skilled in Dark Magic. In the Dragonlance novels, Dalamar serves as a spy for the Wizards of High Sorcery to report on Raistlin’s activities.
Dalamar can make a cameo in BG3 in any DLC pertaining to extradimensional travel, or perhaps the appearance of dragons in the realm. He may appear as an NPC “passing by” to continue his studies, or he could be in Faerûn to collect some powerful artifacts to help Raistlin in his studies.
7 Mordenkainen
Spellcasters would most likely have heard of Mordenkainen, the world-famous archmage responsible for some of the most powerful spells in the entire D&D mythos. Despite his hawk-like face and strict demeanor, he cared deeply for his friends and allies. At some point, Mordenkainen found himself trapped in Ravenloft and driven to madness. However, he spent most of his days in the traveling Tower of Urm which he used to explore the multiverse.
As the author of Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes (as with the book), Mordenkainen can become a great supporting NPC for BG3 players. His presence can serve as the perfect branching-off point for DLCs that introduce new monsters, particularly from his Tome. Moreover, his multiversal means of travel can be a great means to explore realms beyond BG3‘s Faerûn.
6 Manshoon
In Faerûn, the Zhentarim or the Black Network served as the region’s most feared mercenary company, with its leader Manshoon responsible for their infamous criminal activities. Unlike other criminal masterminds, Manshoon not only possesses a cunning tongue but also remarkable spellcasting skills that rivaled that of extremely powerful wizards. In turn, Manshoon’s activities with the Black Network earned the ire of other criminal groups.
In BG3, Manshoon can become a minor or major antagonist for DLCs that center around political conflicts. Larian Studios may introduce Manshoon’s Zhentarim as part of a city-centric line of quests that can take players away from the Mindflayer invasion in the game.
5 Artemis Entreri
Fans well-aware of Drizzt Do’urden’s adventures in Neverwinter will remember Artemis Entreri, his former arch-nemesis. In contrast to Drizzt’s skills as a Ranger, Artemis is a Fighter-turned-Assassin. In fact, Artemis spent most of his days fulfilling his contracts, never dulling his skills in the art of assassination. As a master tactician, Artemis can adapt and emulate fighting styles and use the environment to his advantage.
In BG3, Artemis can arrive as an assassin that players need to fight in order to defend a target. Likewise, Artemis may become a part of DLC that introduces notable Neverwinter figures who may have stumbled into Faerûn via extraplanar travel.
4 Ireena Kolyana
In Curse of Strahd, Ireena Kolyana serves as the reincarnation of Tatyana, the true love of Count Strahd Von Zarovich who took her own life after the latter killed her love, Strahd’s brother Sergei. Years after, Strahd becomes obsessed with Ireena upon learning of her nature. Ireena eventually gets to visit Sergei’s soul, who offers her an exit out of Ravenloft. When she tells him she wants to fight Strahd, Sergei imparts Ireena his holy powers as an ordained. In turn, she becomes a Paladin who can help the adventurers slay Strahd.
Ireena can become a great guest NPC should BG3 feature vampires or travels that will take adventurers to the demiplane of Ravenloft. Moreover, BG3 may also feature Ireena as an experienced Paladin, now an adventurer years after Strahd’s death.
3 Vecna
Unlike other D&D characters, Vecna became popular enough to be ever-present in media since Advanced Dungeons & Dragons. Moreover, his infamy as a former lich that descended into godhood has earned him multiversal fame. As the Master of the Spider Throne, Vecna chose to wander the multiverse instead of claiming his own domain.
Thanks to his popularity, Vecna can easily become an NPC for almost any campaign setting, including BG3, courtesy of his penchant to become an Undying Patron for Warlocks foolish enough to seek his secrets. Moreover, his fabled Eye and Hand of Vecna remain some of the most-coveted artifacts today. As the Lord of Secrets, even non-Evil or non-Warlock characters may want to converse with Vecna to understand the machinations of the world around them.
2 The Raven Queen
The Raven Queen gained popularity among fans thanks to her Lawful Neutral nature and unique take over the Domains of Life and Death. Vecna has a particular hatred for the Raven Queen, not only because the latter prefers to appear as symbols but also due to her ability to observe and harvest mementos. In turn, many worshippers attach her to elements related to the cycle of life and death.
As a Neutral deity, the Raven Queen may arrive in BG3 as a supporting character. Should BG3‘s extraplanar conflicts disrupt the cycle of life and death, it makes sense for the Raven Queen to try to intervene. Clerics and Warlocks may seek her favor to tap into this power. Meanwhile, spellcasters may try to unravel the nature of her power over souls.
1 Tharizdun
In his first appearance in AD&D, Tharizdun’s contact with the primordial obyriths led him to insanity. Instead of following the obyrith’s instructions of corrupting the Astral Sea, Tharizdun instead corrupted the Elemental Chaos. This act resulted in the creation of the Abyss. In turn, the gods banished Tharizdun to another universe.
Since then, Tharizdun managed to try and communicate with mortals that turned into his followers. Despite his ramblings, most of his followers support Tharizdun’s penchant for destruction and insanity. Tharizdun in BG3 could take the form of a Warlock Patron or even a secret cult, promising them power in an unknowing exchange of their sanity.
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