The Gods, Factions, and Heroes of Baldur’s Gate 3

Different laws govern Baldur’s Gate and The Sword Coast. These laws were created by the different gods, factions, and heroes of Baldur’s Gate 3. To know these gods and factions is to understand the lore of Baldur’s Gate 3. If you’re new to the game series, this is the best article for you. Learn about the systems put in place by the deities and noble NPCs of the Forgotten Realms. We explained how you can pick the best class here, but this article focuses on the influential characters you’ll find in Baldur’s Gate 3. 

The Gods of Faerun

There are many gods in Faerun, and sure enough, they control different domains. So, it’s tricky to pray to a deity because they don’t answer the same prayers. Don’t doubt for a second that these in-game gods aren’t watching and willing to answer their devotees. That said, below are the principal gods of Baldur’s Gate 3.

Helm

Helm is otherwise called the Watcher or the Vigilant One. He is the patron god of guardians, security guards, and defenders. So, he’s not only humble but also patriotic and empathetic. His worshippers sometimes give players missions. This may range from protecting the weak to safeguarding relief supplies. 

Lolth

Lolth is the Queen of the Demonweb Pits, who’s also a goddess whose lair can be found in the Underdark. Naturally, most of her followers can be found in the Underdark. True to the previous game, Lolth is as evil as they get, but she does grant her followers some boons.

Ilmater

Ilmater is also known as the Crying God. He’s courteous and just, so he naturally shines as a deity of endurance, suffering, and perseverance. Compared to the other deities, Illmater is also the most forgiving of them all. To worship this god, the devotees are usually tormented and need relief.

Bhaal

Bhaal was the evil Lord of Murder who granted boons to followers who could unjustly kill NPCs and other characters in the game. The bizarre aspect is that Bhaal had been dead for at least a century before he was resurrected through one of his spawns.

Cyric

Cyric is also known as the Prince of Lies and is associated with lies, deceit, betrayals, and murders. So, saying he’s evil is an understatement, especially as he was only able to achieve his status as a god by killing Bhaal, the previous Lord of Murder. Cyric’s last appearance was in the expansion, Baldur’s Gate 2: Throne of Bhaal. 

Talos 

Talos is the deity of storms, fires, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, and many other natural disasters. So, saying this god is angry and evil is like proclaiming that rice is white. In Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadows of Amn, his temple could be found in Athkatla, and his followers were evil to the core.

Lathander 

Lathander is one of the better gods in Faerun because of his domains, which are spring, dawn, new beginnings, hidden potential, vitality, youth, and self-perfection. He’s also known as the Morning Lord because of his cheerful attitude towards problems, his followers, and events. In Baldur’s Gate 3, his temple could also be found in Athkatla, and his followers are friendly and good. 

Umberlee 

Umberlee is one of the most evil gods on our list, with wickedly funny names like the Bitch Queen and Queen of the Depths. She’s chaotic, evil, and proud, so you can expect all of her followers to be just as bad. She’s so evil that even her worshippers can’t count on her help all the time. You can find the Temple of Umberlee in the Harbour District of Baldur’s Gate. 

Oghma 

Oghma is also known as the Binder of What is Known or the Patron of Bards. Compared to the other deities, he’s neither good nor evil because his domains are invention and knowledge. You can find his temple in Candlekeep in the first game.

The Factions of the Forgotten Realms

On your way to conquering the Forgotten Realms, alliances are the most important events that you’ll oversee. Choosing a friend means you may share common enemies, so you must choose your allies and foes carefully. That said, have a look at the guilds and factions of Faerun below.

The Flaming Fist

The Flaming Fist is a powerful mercenary agency that largely operates in Baldur’s Gate, where it was founded. This faction’s members are so good that they’re akin to City Guards. In the first game, players partnered with the company’s leader, Prince Eltan, to defuse some tensions in Faerun. Ultimately, the Flaming Fist is mostly influential in the city. 

The Harpers

Harpers are members of a secret organisation that keeps the peace in Faerun. They’re also inventors and innovators who push for progress and a balance between nature and civilisation. Harpers are good folks, and their actions are evidently for the betterment of the Forgotten Realms. From preserving the cultural heritage of the many races in the game to safeguarding dangerous devices and fragile art, the company does the most. 

The Shadow Thieves

Shadow Thieves are similar to members of the yakuza. The faction consists of corrupt nobles, thieves, bandits, fencers, and smugglers. They’re not decent people, if that’s what you’re wondering about. 

The Guild

The Guild is another version of Shadow Thieves, which means the company is comprised of individuals such as:

• Thugs.
• Thieves. 
• Smugglers.
• Assassins.
• Corrupt politicians.

Anybody willing to get their hands dirty will receive a warm welcome from this faction. You just need the skills and mental orientation to meet this company’s expectations. 

The Iron Throne

The Iron Throne is a merchant guild with a lot of power in Faerun because they trade iron and weapons. In a world plagued by monsters, beasts, dirty politicians, and thieves, iron is indispensable. The faction supplies iron to the City Guard and the Flaming Fist companies. 

The Council of Four

The Council of Four is equivalent to the supreme government of Baldur’s Gate. It’s a council that consists of the four most powerful and influential princes in the game. After the events of the first two games, the main character becomes one of the princes in the Council of Four. 

Cult of the Absolute

The Cult of the Absolute is one of the strongest factions in the game. Its leader, Lord Enver Gortash, is one of the most influential NPCs in Baldur’s Gate 3. The reason this faction is dangerous is because of its army of Steel Watchers. 

The Zhentarim

The Zhentarim are the sworn enemies of the Flaming Fist faction and Gortash’s Cult of the Absolute. Members of this faction are cunning, treacherous, and power-hungry. Besides that, they also worship some of the foulest gods to ever appear in Baldur’s Gate 3, such as Bane. 

The Heroes of Faerun

Besides the factions and gods of Faerun, there are noble heroes and NPCs whose influence has spread across the Forgotten Realms. Some of them are the children of known villains, while others come from humble backgrounds. 

Abdel Adrian

Abdel Adrian was one of Bhaal’s children. He also happens to be the canonical protagonist of Baldur’s Gate 1 and Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadows of Amn, down to the expansions and add-ons. Throughout the events of the first and second games, Abdel is on a quest to solve his foster father’s mysterious death. Along the way, he discovers that his father is the Lord of Murder and that his half-brother, Sarevok, hates his guts. 

Eventually, Abdel defeats his half-brother and many other villains who want his power for themselves. Abdel is killed by his other half-brother, Viekong, in Murder in Baldur’s Gate. However, that was after he lived 136 years due to his status as a demi-god. 

Elminster Aumar

Elminster is an old mage who’s reminiscent of Professor Dumbledore from the Harry Potter books. Naturally, he’s affiliated with the good guys, and you can find him crushing villains underfoot. Elminster is at least 1,000 years old, so he’s a master spellcaster who only appears in places where important events will occur.

Gorion 

Gorion was Abdel Adrian’s foster father and was also an important figure in Candlekeep. Abdel’s father was a powerful mage, who, together with Harpers, saved Abdel from his father’s followers. Gorion is later killed by Sarevok. 

Sarevok Anchev

Sarevok was also a child of Bhaal, and he was the main antagonist in Baldur’s Gate. He’s a powerful figure in the Iron Throne faction who almost dragged Baldur’s Gate into a war against the Sword Coast. His reasons were simple; Awaken his father’s full power to become the new Lord of Murder. Sarevok turns a new leaf in the expansion, Baldur’s Gate 2: Throne of Bhaal, though it’s not known what happened to him afterwards.

Jon Irenicus

Jon Irenicus was a mage who was also the main antagonist in Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadows of Amn. Between Jon and his sister, Bodhi, we don’t know who was more evil. They aimed to achieve divine power, and unfortunately, they nearly destroyed the Tree of Life and Suldanessellar in the process. During the events of the second game, he attempted to steal Abdel’s soul to achieve god-like power. 

Bodhi

Bodhi was the vampire sister of Irenicus, the antagonist of Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadows of Amn. While players can decide to help her during the early chapters of the game, she later dies, courtesy of a stake to the heart. Her intentions towards Abdel were impure, so he paid her in kind. 

Our Final Say

Baldur’s Gate 3 is sensational, but there are also fun alternatives like Diablo 4 and Disco Elysium. For one, Diablo 4 allows you to adopt pets. On the other hand, a game like Disco Elysium doesn’t offer combat encounters. However, as far as isometric games are concerned, Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the best. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What Is the Best Deity in Baldur’s Gate 3?

The best deity in Baldur’s Gate 3 has to be Bahamut, who is the Dragon God of Justice. Bahamut and Clerics go hand-in-hand because the Dragon God can boost their healing capabilities. Only the Cleric class can worship a deity in Baldur’s Gate 3. 

Who Is the Secret Character in Baldur’s Gate 3?

There are two secret characters: Drizzt Do’Urden and Artemis Entreri. However, you must meet some requirements to unlock these characters. You can unlock Drizzt by beating Baldur’s Gate 3 on any difficulty level. To unlock Artemis, you must have defeated the game in Extreme mode. However, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a lengthy game. 

Who Is the Most Romantic Character in Baldur’s Gate 3?

The top choice for romance in Baldur’s Gate 3 is Shadowheart, who is also the first companion you meet in the game. Other runners-up in the game are Astarion, Gale, Lae’zel, Karlach, Halsin, Minthara, and Wyll.