Meet Gale, the Wizard of Waterdeep in Baldur's Gate 3. He's the sweet kid from the neighborhood who knew the name of every wildflower in the schoolyard, even if it meant enduring a few punches. For players looking for a unique romance, Gale offers an interesting arc to explore.
Having a Wizard like Gale in your party is ideal, especially since he's a powerful one. His backstory includes being a prodigy under the watchful eye of the goddess Mystra herself. However, this special attention came with its own set of consequences. If players want to delve deeper into Gale's story, they can embark on his romantic journey as part of their adventure.
Finding & Recruiting Gale
Gale is also located near the Illithid ship, but he is positioned on the opposite side from the protagonist and Shadowheart. He has become ensnared within a mystical portal that he employed to soften his descent. Proceed in a northerly direction through the ship in order to locate him. Keep an eye out for a swirling purplish and dark portal situated beside the road.
This particular portal bears a resemblance to a Waypoint, but upon closer examination, one will notice a human hand protruding from it. A voice, simultaneously apprehensive and polite, can be heard beseeching for assistance. The player has the option to aid Gale by executing a Strength roll to extricate him or by utilizing other alternatives pertinent to their own class.
Gale's Approval Rating
: Gale is an exceedingly intelligent individual, whose introduction is magnificently verbose, showcasing his sincere desire to impress. This endearing trait adds to his overall charm. He is more than willing to participate in the gathering, granted there is ample space, or he is content to patiently await at the campsite.Gale is a pragmatic individual, yet he possesses a touch of sentimentality and holds strong convictions about morality. He particularly admires Tav's dedication to doing what is right, even if it involves potential harm. Moreover, Gale finds intellectual prowess rather enticing and will be impressed if you indulge in reading books.
It is advisable to reserve the Gale romance for a Paladin playthrough or a class that adheres to a Lawful or Chaotic Good moral alignment. Gale strongly disapproves of Deception, cruelty, or stupidity.
The companions who share similar approval with Gale towards the protagonist's actions are Karlach, Wyll, Halsin, and Jaheira, although they may not always agree entirely. Shadowheart is someone he frequently agrees with. However, Lae'zel and Astarion are party members that he tends to clash with.
Romancing Gale
Gale stands out from other companions in his refusal to rely on superficial charm or a seductive voice to achieve his goals. Unlike those who often overshadow him, he places value on honest communication and expects the same in return. However, his true strength lies in his incredible imagination and extraordinary magical abilities, which he utilizes to transform his visions into reality.
In the Journal, Gale's Companion quests are titled "The Wizard of Waterdeep". These quests differ from others in the sense that Tav, the protagonist, appears powerless to alter or prevent the events that ultimately lead to Gale's unavoidable destiny. Nonetheless, there are choices available to the protagonist that can lead to a more favorable outcome for Gale.
Act 1
Gale's Questline: During this phase of the game, Gale's condition can only be satisfied by consuming three enchanted objects. To cultivate a strong connection with him and ensure his presence, players are highly recommended to willingly sacrifice their magical items, engage in conversations with him at the camp, and maintain his company within the party as frequently as feasible.
Cut Scenes: In the initial third of the game, there is no explicit romantic content involving Gale, unless the protagonist opts for it during their first meeting. Eventually, Gale will invite the main character to partake in a magical session in the Weave. Impressions made through intelligent, sensitive, or creative responses will appeal to him, and those seeking a romantic option can choose to kiss him. However, flippant or violent responses will immediately shut down the opportunity, and Gale will not ask again.
At this point in the story, the renowned Elminster appears to deliver some unfavorable news to Gale on behalf of their revered goddess, Mystra. This significant event occurs toward the end of Act 1, either in the mountains near the Rosymorn Monastery or in the Underdark using the Grymforge elevator.
Act 2
Questline: Gale embarks on a harrowing mission ordained by a divine entity— a literal suicide mission. Mystra bestows upon him a newfound power, enabling him to harness his Netherese Orb and obliterate the Absolute. However, this self-destructive act will inevitably consume him and annihilate anything caught in the ensuing explosion. It is intriguing how he remains remarkably unperturbed by the looming prospect of imminently perishing in a magical cataclysm.
Cut Scenes: The Act features a remarkable moment known as the "Mirror Image Scene." In this scene, Gale skillfully opens up about his emotions and assures the main character that he is committed for the long run. The seduction scene is truly awe-inspiring, partly due to Gale's extraordinary abilities with the Weave, enabling him to manifest anything desired by Tav. Following this encounter, the main character has the opportunity to engage in a conversation with Gale and extend an invitation for a Long Rest together on their bedroll.
Act 3
Questline: The final part of the game holds important items for Gale's questline, such as the Crown of Karsus and a book in Sorcerer's Sundries that is linked to the artifact. This enables Gale to negotiate another agreement with Mystra, providing the party with an alternative to using Gale's orb to eliminate the Elder Brain.
Cut Scenes: The astral boat scene has gained fame not just for its stunning visuals, but also for the genuine and vulnerable nature of Gale. If the player chooses to pursue a romance with Gale until the end of the game, he eventually proposes in his characteristically awkward yet endearing manner.