The Intricate Bond between Gale and Mystra in Baldur's Gate 3 Sparks Unforeseen Twists

Highlights

Baldur's Gate 3 features diverse companions, such as Gale, who is a significant character with an interesting romance and backstory.

Gale's narrative revolves around his unsuccessful aspiration to impress the goddess Mystra. To ensure his presence in the group, players are required to provide him with mystical relics.

Gale's bond with Mystra is intricate, as he endeavors to rekindle her love by presenting her with formidable sorcery. However, his quest leads him to uncover the unsettling reality behind the Netherese magic he once wielded.

One of the standout features of Baldur's Gate 3 is its diverse range of companions and the opportunity for players to engage in romantic relationships with them. Building on the series' tradition and the RPG genre as a whole, Baldur's Gate 3 delves deeper into the backstories of its party members for players who wish to explore more profound connections. Among the game's cast of fully fleshed-out characters, Gale is a companion whose personal history revolves around romance, intertwining with his role as an NPC and an Origin character.

Gale, a human Wizard from Waterdeep, is a popular choice for many players and his individual storyline presents a captivating narrative. His insatiable desire for magical artifacts, which requires players to provide him with valuable items to keep him in the party, is linked to his unsuccessful attempt to impress the goddess Mystra. Initially, the notion of a mortal engaging in a romantic relationship with a divine being may amaze players. However, upon closer examination, Gale's past reveals unsettling implications.

Gale's Romance with Mystra, Goddess of Magic

The goddess of the Weave, Mystra, formed a closer bond with the wizard than merely choosing him as one of her own. Gale, once a lover and muse to a god, found himself striving to win back her affection by presenting her with the magic of the infamous wizard, Karsus, who caused the downfall of Netheril. However, his misguided plan crumbled due to the grim reality that the Netherese magic he possessed was an independent force that sought to consume Mystra's own.

As the reliance on magical artifacts failed, the group eventually arrived at the Shadow-Cursed Lands, where the well-known character of Elminster Aumar from Dungeons and Dragons emerged to convey a message from Mystra. Gale's chest housed the explosive Netherese Orb, which he was instructed to use to annihilate the Absolute. While this might be seen as an honorable sacrifice to conclude the game, it became evident that Mystra showed little concern for Gale's well-being. Even if Gale were to triumph over the Nether Brain at the end and manage to survive, the only scenario in which he would reunite with his goddess would be if he transformed into a Mind Flayer.

The Dark Side to Gale's Relationship with Mystra

Gale's flawed nature is apparent through his ambitious pursuits, but his development was also influenced by the goddess. Allegedly connected to the Weave from a young age, it's possible that he has known BG3's Mystra since his formative years. Chosen by a deity who elevated their connection to a level uncommon among mortals, it's understandable that Gale held himself to exceptionally high standards. Mystra, on one hand, displays intense criticism towards him for employing magic beyond her control, yet she also molded Gale's entire persona by granting him an irreplaceable love and subsequently withdrawing it.

As an Origin character, surrendering the Crown of Karsus to Mystra presents the opportunity for Gale to be liberated from his Karsite affliction and live freely in the mortal realm. However, should he ultimately become an Illithid, Gale can regain his humanity under the condition of accompanying the goddess to Elysium. This requires him to relinquish everything he has saved in order to be with her. Ironically, Mystra seems uninterested in a relationship where power dynamics are equal, an attribute that contrasts with her previous human existence.

Baldur's Gate 3 is out now for PC, Mac, and PS5. A version for Xbox Series X/S is in development.