Summary
Baldur’s Gate 3has an oversight when it comes to fan favorite tiefling barbarian Karlach, as she is able to pet Scratch and the owlbear cub when, according to the rules established by the story, she should not be able to do so without killing them. Karlach is one ofBaldur’s Gate 3’s Origin characters and can also be recruited as a companion. Like the otherBaldur’s Gate 3companions, Karlach has a unique questline that players can pursue during their adventures if they so desire.
Karlach’s quest inBaldur’s Gate 3begins with fixing the engine that’s keeping her alive.Karlach’s engine runs particularly hotin the Material Plane, making it so she is unable to touch her fellow adventurers without them bursting into flames. If players attempt to romance other characters as Karlach before getting her engine fixed, their attempts at intimacy will be thwarted by the fact that Karlach is physically unable to touch them without potentially killing them. A customBaldur’s Gate 3character will have to “fix” her engine before anything like a hug or kiss is even possible when romancing Karlach, though fans have found ways to steal quick, minor interactions by dousing her in water.
The game clearly establishes that Karlach can’t touch other people because of her engine, but this creates a potential plot hole when it comes to animals players can bring to their camp,like the dog Scratch. Despite it already being made clear through dialogue that Karlach is supposed to be unable to touch others, she is able to pet Scratch with no problems, and the same goes for the owlbear that players can get. There isn’t even any hesitation when Karlach goes to pet Scratch or the owlbear.
Karlach being able to pet Scratch and the owlbear before getting her engine fixed may be somewhat immersion-breaking for some players, but most won’t mind since it means they get to pet the cute animals. Being able to pet animals has no real bearing on the overallBaldur’s Gate 3plot orKarlach’s story, so it’s safe to say that most fans don’t mind the small oversight.
Baldur’s Gate 3continues to receive new updates, so it’s possible, though highly unlikely, that developer Larian Studios will address this oversight/plot hole in a future patch.Baldur’s Gate 3updates have primarily been focused on adding new content like theultra-challenging Honour Mode, squashing bugs, and addressing other concerns, so it doesn’t seem like taking away Karlach’s ability to pet Scratch and the owlbear before fixing her engine would be high on the studio’s priority list.
Baldur’s Gate 3
WHERE TO PLAY
Abducted, infected, lost. You are turning into a monster, but as the corruption inside you grows, so does your power. Forge a tale of fellowship and betrayal, sacrifice and survival, and the lure of absolute power. Caught in a conflict between devils, deities, and sinister otherworldly forces, you and your party will determine the fate of the Forgotten Realms.THE ULTIMATE D&D EXPERIENCEChoose from a wide selection of D&D races and classes, or play as an origin character with a hand-crafted background. Adventure, loot, battle, and romance as you journey through the Forgotten Realms and beyond. Play alone or as a party of up to four in multiplayer – and select your companions carefully.A CINEMATIC STORYTELLING EPICForged with the new Divinity 4.0 engine, Baldur’s Gate 3 gives you unprecedented freedom to explore, experiment, and interact with a world that reacts to your choices. A grand, cinematic narrative brings you closer to your characters than ever before, as you venture through our biggest world yet. Romance, deceive, aid, obstruct, and grow alongside your friends thanks to Larian’s next-generation RPG engine.
