Summary
A campaign is not aDungeons & Dragonsgame without a spellcaster, withGalebeing the go-to mage of choice for players who want a Wizard in theirBaldur’s Gate 3story. Introduced as somewhat of a know-it-all, Gale has maintained a relatively “moral” stature throughout a gamer’s playthrough, applauding good decisions and showing obvious disdain over questionable choices. However, beneath Gale’s intellectual charm and his rather insatiable hunger for Magic Items is a tragic story quite unlike the other Companion’s.
Unlike the otherBaldur’s Gate 3Companions, Gale’s “crux” in his personal quest is already introduced should players choose him as their main character. On top of the Illithid parasite on all the protagonists’ brains is a Netherese Destruction Orb tucked neatly in his chest. However, there’s more to Gale’s story than meets the eye, with certain parts of his life and personality making him worth the romance option.
8The Best Spellcaster May As Well Be The Romantic Partner
WhileBaldur’s Gate 3buildsdo allow players to mix and match stats across their iteration of Tav and the Companions, Gale’s backstory as technically the ex-boyfriend of Mystra is tied to his core. This detail makes Gale suited to be kept as a Wizard, which turns out to be one of the most versatileBG3Classes that players can choose in the game.
On top of Gale’s input in the presence of magical phenomena and Arcana Checks, the sheer utility of a Wizard extends the character’s spellcasting skill into gameplay. Regardless of his chosen School, Gale as a Wizard can get access to powerful attacks (Evocation), defensive abilities (Abjuration), summons (Conjuration), and even debilitating spells (Necromancy).
7No Pressure In The Pursuit
Players who appreciate thecomplexity ofBaldur’s Gate 3gameplaymay want a romance that is more straightforward and uncomplicated, and romancing Gale fits into this archetype. While it’s true that Gale has quite a difficult problem in the form of his Netherese Destruction Orb, he is one of the Companions who don’t show they have the hots for the player every chance they get.
It’s this tendency of Gale to seem subtle, shy, or even uninterested in romance at times that helps players feel there shouldn’t be any pressure in pursuing another character while they’re invested inBaldur’s Gate 3gameplay or its main story.
6Safe With Traditional Romance
Considering how popular RPGs such asMass Effectare lauded for their character relationships, it’s unsurprising that part of the critical acclaim that the recentBaldur’s Gatetitle received is partly due to its approach to romance. However, newcomers to RPGs or those just getting to knowD&Dthrough the game may find Gale one of the more comfortable romantic options when it comes to relationship mechanics.
Among the romanceable Companions, Gale has a more traditional approach to the relationship and usually waits for Tav to initiate instead of the other way around. When Gale does initiate conversations, it’s usually to deepen their bond through various activities. Although this take on romance might be “slow” compared to other RPGs, newcomers who might feel overwhelmed with the game’s romance and sensual options may want to try Gale for their first time before dwelling on the more intense relationship prospects involving his comrades.
5Nerdy Wittiness Adds Charm
When put side by side against the over-eager Karlach, charismatic Astarion, and rather stingy Lae’zel, the rather optimistic wit of Gale is quite a breath of fresh air for players. ThroughoutBaldur’s Gate 3gameplay, having Gale in the party would have him make the periodic quip or side comment to various situations in the game. Successful Arcana Checks become more satisfying in Gale’s presence, especially when his insights usually offer a more nuanced take on the nature of the magical object or phenomenon in front of him.
Moreover, some of his comments tend to be hilarious when compared to other Companion’s responses. For instance, licking a certain spider’s corpse in the game will have Gale comment, “If what is happening is what I think is happening, and it’s because you licked a dead spider - the time might just have come when you and I should split ways.”
4Divine Intervention Is Personal
WhereasShadowheart ofBaldur’s Gate 3has a more introspective exploration of her faith as a Cleric of Shar, Gale has a rather personal involvement in divine affairs. With his immense aptitude for the arcane arts having attracted the attention of Mystra, a communion with the Goddess of Magic evolved into a surprising romance. Unfortunately, Gale’s rather insatiable ambition had the Goddess turn her eyes away from him, resulting in quite the emotional breakup.
Shards from this separation are apparent in Gale’s conversations with players, as though he’s convinced he is solely to blame for the collapse of their relationship. Seeing Gale slowly realize that Mystra’s lack of reciprocation and communication means she’s just as to blame as he was for the failure of their relationship can pave the way for a more satisfying romance with the player.
3Magic Plays A Major Role In The Romance
Compared to otherCompanions inBaldur’s Gate 3, the Wizard Gale has magic as a fundamental part of his relationship with the player. Even in their first special moment, Gale uses magic as a way to “connect” with the player’s character. The idea of Gale and the player being enclosed in their own magical space and dabbling in the rawness of the Weave isn’t something other Companions can offer from the perspective of romance.
Considering how Gale is also the go-to guy for Arcana Checks and other magical phenomena in the game, knowing that Gale has magical moments reserved exclusively for Tav can give a sense of romantic privilege to player characters.
2Being Twice The Ticking Time Bomb Has Its Thrill
As with both the player and therest ofBaldur’s Gate 3Companions, Gale also found himself as the unfortunate beneficiary of an Illithid parasite that would transform him into a Mindflayer when left unchecked. Unfortunately, this ticking timer adds to quite the heavy burden already present in Gale. In the early stages of their friendship, players would soon realize that not only does Gale need to constantly consume Magic Items, but he does so to stop a Netherese Destruction Orb tucked comfortably in his chest.
Should it be left unsated, the Orb could detonate with a force enough to level a city - which is just as disturbing as an impending Mindflayer transformation. Gale and the player’s budding romance despite the presence of these time bombs can add more thrill to their relationship, where overcoming adversity can deepen their bond.
1Romance Also Affects The Plot
Trouble is on the horizon when a main character likeGale ofBaldur’s Gate 3has a literal bomb in their chest amid a plot involving an invasion. The fact that Gale has a Netherese Destruction Orb ties heavily into the story, from the early signs of Gale frequently requesting Magic Items for consumption up until the end when the final threat seems nigh-unbeatable.
It doesn’t take long for anyone exposed to pop culture to realize that evenBG3’s story is affected by the “full circle” trope in narratives. Gale having a Netherese Destruction Orb is a ticking time bomb for the party, and resolving this part of Gale’s story becomes all the more worthwhile when players also have him as an active romantic interest.
