Baldur’s Gate 3 Companions Guide: Origin Characters Overview

In BG3, you can choose to make a custom character or pick from pre-made Origin background for your character that gives them a predetermined history. Any you don’t pick shows up as a named Companion in the world that you can recruit into your party. These Origin characters have their own special characteristics, personalities, and personal quest lines.  Here, I break down the seven companions and origin characters in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Companions Guide: Origin Characters Overview

There are seven companions and origin characters in Baldur’s Gate 3: 

• Astarion (Rogue)
• Gale (Wizard)
• Karlach (Barbarian)
• Lae’zel (Fighter)
• Shadowheart (Cleric)
• The Dark Urge (Sorcerer)
• Wyll (Warlock)

There are five more classes available to choose from than the default for each BG3 Origin. However, you can change the class from the default in the character creation menu. It’s also worth noting that Companions will talk amongst themselves, and you can strike up conversations with them at any time, especially back at camp, to learn more about them.

Here are all the details on the five Origin/Companion characters in Baldur’s Gate 3, including their names, background info, starting stats, questline info, and where to recruit them.

Astarion: Elven Vampire Spawn Rogue

Who is Astarion?

You can tell Astarion is a vampire immediately. The pale skin and red eyes, along with relatively regal attire, are all dead giveaways. Larian says this about Astarion:

Astarion prowled the night as a vampire spawn for centuries, serving a sadistic master until he was snatched away. Now he can walk in the light, but can he leave his wicked past behind? After 200 years serving a cruel master, the vampire spawn … is finally free — free to walk in the sun, free to chase power, and free to take revenge

What is Astarion’s Questline?

Astarion’s Stats

• STR: 8
• DEX*: 17
• CON: 14
• INT: 13
• WIS: 13
• CHA:10
• Initiative: +3
• HP: 10

When you first run across Astarion, he’s wearing Padded Armor and Leather Boots with a single Dagger and Shortbow. Since he’s a rogue, I recommend giving him a second offhand dagger because he can attack with his secondary offhand melee weapon as a bonus action during combat. Check out our best Rogue build guide for more.

Astarion’s Proficiencies

• Weapons: Simple weapons, hand crossbows, longswords, rapiers, shortswords, longbows, shortbows.
• Armor: Light armor.
• Skills: Acrobatics, Sleight of Hand (x2), Stealth (x2), Perception, Deception, Performance, Persuasion.

Astarion’s Cantrips and Actions

• Cantrip: Firebolt — 1~10 damage (1d10 Fire). Hurl a mote of fire. 18m range, INT. Action.
• Action 1: Sneak Attack (melee) — 1d6 Slashing. Deal extra damage to a foe you have advantage against. Action.
• Action 2: Sneak Attack (ranged) — 1d6 Slashing. Deal extra damage to a foe you have advantage against. Action.

How to Find and Recruit Astarion

It’s hard to miss Astarion. As you go through the wreckage of the Mindlflayer ship, you’ll spot him near the road calling out for help. After a conversation with him, you’ll be able to invite him to your party.

Related: Can You Be a Vampire in BG3? Answered

Gale: Human Wizard

Who is Gale?

Gale is an average human Wizard, or so it seems. He’s got an air of confidence and cockiness that makes him gel with other Companions in really interesting ways. Larian says this about Gale: 

Gale has one ambition: to become the greatest wizard Faerûn has ever known. Yet his thirst for magic led to disaster. A Netherese Destruction Orb beats in his chest, counting down to an explosion that can level a city. Gale is confident he’ll overcome it, but time is not on his side. Gale’s wizarding prowess once earned him the love of Mystra, the goddess of magic, until his ambition led him to the brink of catastrophe.

What is Gale’s Questline?

Gale’s Stats

• STR: 8
• DEX: 13
• CON: 15
• INT*: 17
• WIS: 10
• CHA: 12
• Initiative: +1
• HP: 8

Gale is your typical, textbook squishy glass cannon Wizard. All he has on him is a Simple Robe, Simple Boots, and a basic Quarterstaff. He really earns his keep by casting powerful spells.

Gale’s Proficiencies

• Weapons: Daggers, quarterstaffs, light crossbows, spears, pikes, halberds, glaives.
• Armor: Light armor, shields.
• Skills: Arcana, History, Investigation, Insight, Persuasion.

Gale’s Cantrips, Spells, and Actions

• Cantrips:
  • Fire Bolt: 1~10 damage (1d10 Fire). Hurl a mote of fire. 18m range. Action.
  • Mage Hand: Conjuration. Create a spectral hand that can manipulate and interact with objects. Lasts for 10 turns. 18m range. Action.
  • Ray of Frost: 1~8 damage (1d8 Cold). Reduces the target’s movement speed by 3m. Lasts for 1 turn. 18m range. Action.
• Spells:
  • Witch Bolt: 1~12 damage (1d12 Lightning). Link yourself to a target with a bolt of lightning. Deal an additional 1~12 Lightning damage each turn by activating it. Lasts for 10 turns. 18m range, CON. Level 1 Spell Slot. Action.
  • Fog Cloud: The cloud Blinds and heavily obscures creatures within it. Lasts for 10 turns. 5m radius. 18m range, CON. Level 1 spell slot. Action.
  • Grease: Cover the ground in grease, slowing creatures within and possibly making them fall Prone. Lasts for 10 turns. 4m radius. 18m range, DEX save. Level 1 spell slot. Action.
  • Sleep: Put creatures into a magical slumber. Select targets up to a combined 24 hit points. Lasts for 2 turns. 18m range. The condition ends upon taking damage. Level 1 spell slot. Action.
  • Thunderwave: 1~16 damage (2d8 Thunder). Release a wave of thunderous force that pushes away all creatures and objects. 5m radius. CON save. On save, targets still take half damage. Level 1 spell slot. Action.
  • Mage Armor: Protect a target from attacks. Increase its armor class to 13 + its DEX modifier. Cooldown: until Long Rest. The target can’t be wearing armor. Level 1 spell slot. Action.
• Action: Arcane Recovery — Replenish spell slots while out of combat. You can’t restore spell slots above 5th level. Arcane recovery charge.

How to Find and Recruit Gale

Gale is hard to miss. If you head north of the wreckage, you’ll find Gale standing in the road at the Roadside Cliffs waypoint. Just talk to him and ask him to join your party.

Related: Best BG3 Wizard Build

Karlach: Tiefling Barbarian

Who is Karlach?

Here’s what Larian says about Karlach:

Karlach has escaped 10 years of service in the Hells with nothing but the axe on her back — and the infernal engine blazing furiously where her heart used to be.

What is Karlach’s Questline?

Karlach’s Stats

• STR*: 17
• DEX: 13
• CON: 15
• INT: 8
• WIS: 12
• CHA: 10
• Initiative: +1
• HP: 14

Karlach’s Proficiencies

• Weapons: Simple weapons, martial weapons.
• Armor: Light armor, medium armor, shields.
• Skills Athletics, Perception, Survival, Intimidation.

Karlach’s Cantrips and Actions

• Cantrip: Thaumaturgy — Gain advantage on Intimidation and Performance checks. Cooldown: 10 turns. Action.
• Action 1: Rage — While raging, you are stronger, and you deal 2 extra damage with melee and improvised weapons, and when throwing objects. Lasts 10 turns. Rage ends early if you don’t attack an enemy or take damage each turn. You can’t cast or concentrate on spells while raging. Bonus Action. Rage charge.

How to Find and Recruit Karlach

Karlach has to be sought out to recruit her, and she has a special request if you do choose to do so. You can find Karlach in the spot marked on the map above.

Lae’zel: Githyanki Fighter

Who is Lae’zel?

Lae’zel is the first character you meet after the opening moments of Baldur’s Gate 3. She was also a captive on the Mindflayer’s ship and is trying to escape and find a cure, just like you. Larian says this about Lae’zel:

Lae’zel is a ferocious Githyanki warrior, mighty even by the standards of her mind flayer-hunting kind. Faced with transforming into the very monster she’s sworn to destroy, Lae’zel must prove herself worthy of rejoining her people – if they don’t execute her first.

Lae’zel was raised ready for a life amongst the stars, mercilessly conquering the cosmos as a Githyanki soldier. Grounded, she must deal with a world she doesn’t understand, and find a way to serve her people in a plane that despises her militant kin.

Lae’zel being a Githyanki Fighter means she is intense and formidable in melee combat. The interesting thing about the Gith (typically an abbreviation of the race’s name) is that they are sworn enemies of Mindflayers after years of enslavement in the Astral Plane. As a result, they’re not very common in Faerun.

What is Lae’zel’s Questline?

Her quest line is called The Githyanki Warrior, and it follows her redemption among her race as you attempt to find a cure for the Mindflayer tadpole that’s burrowed into your brain.

Lae’zel’s Stats

• STR*: 17
• DEX: 13
• CON: 15
• INT: 10
• WIS: 12
• CHA: 8
• Initiative: +1
• HP: 12

Lae’zel comes equipped with a Longsword she wields as a two-handed weapon, a short bow for necessary ranged combat moments, Githyanki Half Plate armor, and Leather Boots.

Lae’zel’s Proficiencies

• Weapons: Simple weapons, martial weapons, shortswords, longswords, greatswords.
• Armor: Light armor, medium armor, heavy armor, shields.
• Skills: Athletics, Acrobatics, Survival, Intimidation.

Lae’zel’s Cantrips and Actions

• Cantrip: Githyanki Psionics: Mage Hand — Create an invisible spectral hand that can manipulate and interact with objects. Cooldown: 10 turns. 18m range. INT. Action.
• Action 1: Astral Knowledge — Gain proficiency in all skills of a chosen ability. Lasts until Long Rest. Action.
• Action 2: Second Wind — 2~11 Healing (1d10+1). Draw on your stamina to heal yourself. Bonus action.

How to Find and Recruit Lae’zel

She’s part of your party throughout the prologue, but once the ship crashes onto the beach, she is removed from your party. You have to recruit her again. You’ll find her near the Cathedral Ruins as a prisoner. If you can rescue her, then you can invite her back into your party.

Related: Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Fighter Build

Shadowheart: Half-Elf Cleric

Who is Shadowheart?

From what I’ve played so far, Shadowheart is by far my favorite companion. She’s got a fiery spirit, isn’t afraid to speak her mind and has a sarcastic sense of humor. She is also unique in the Cleric space because she doesn’t worship the traditionally “good” Gods, instead following Shar, the Goddess of Darkness and Mistress of the Night. Larian says this about Shadowheart:

One of Shar’s dark disciples, Shadowheart was sent on a suicide mission to steal an item of great power. While wrestling with her faith and strange, untamed magic, Shadowheart has enemies on all sides — and a long-buried secret to uncover.

Shadowheart willingly undertook a ritual to remove her memories to protect the secrets of her fellow Shar worshippers. Loss and pain are sacred to her, but her faith is now being tested like never before.

What is Shadowheart’s Questline?

Shadwoheart’s Stats

• STR: 13
• DEX: 13
• CON: 14
• INT: 10
• WIS*: 17
• CHA: 8
• Initiative: +1
• HP: 10

Clerics in D&D aren’t like healers and priests in other fantasy games. Rather than hanging back with a staff in robes, D&D Clerics are front-line warriors wearing sturdy armor and often wielding maces with shields. That’s why you see so many Dwarf Clerics in most D&D content. Shadowheart comes equipped with a Circlet for her faith, a Chain Shirt, Leather Boots, standard Mace, and a Studded Shield.

Shadowheart’s Proficiencies

• Weapons: Simple weapons, morningstars, spears, pikes, halberds, glaives.
• Armor: Light armor, medium armor, shields.
• Skills: History, Religion, Insight, Medicine.

Shadowheart’s Cantrips and Actions

• Cantrips:
  • Fire Bolt: 1~10 damage (1d10 Fire). Hurl a mote of fire. 18m range. INT. Action.
  • Resistance: Make a target more resistant to spell effects and conditions. It receives a +1d4 bonus to Saving Throws. Lasts 10 turns. Melee. CON. Action.
  • Guidance: The target gains +1d4 bonus to ability checks. Lasts 10 turns. Melee. CON. Action.
  • Sacred Flame: 1~8 damage (1d8 Radiant). Engulf target in a flame-like radiance. 18m range. DEX save. Action.
• Action 1: Blessing of the Trickster — Grant another creature advantage on stealth checks. Only affects one target at a time. Melee. CON. Action.

How to Find and Recruit Shadowheart

After you arrive on the beach, just stick to the shoreline and go straight through. You can’t miss her. She’s at the entrance to the Overground Ruins, standing near the door. Just talk to her to invite her into your party.

Related: How to Save Shadowheart

The Dark Urge

Who is the Dark Ugre?

Here’s how Larian describes The Dark Urge:

You remember nothing but a path paved with blood. Unimaginable cruelty whispers to you from within. Can you escape it? Would you even want to?

What is The Dark Urge’s Questline?

The Dark Urge Stats

• STR: 8
• DEX: 13
• CON: 15
• INT: 12
• WIS: 10
• CHA*: 17
• Initiative: +1
• HP: 8

The Dark Urge’s Proficiencies

• Weapons: Daggers, quarterstaffs, light crossbows.
• Skills: Arcana, Medicine, Intimidation, Persuasion.

The Dark Urge’s Cantrips, Spells, and Actions

• Cantrips:
  • Bone Chill: 1~8 damage (1d8 Necrotic): Prevent the target from healing until your next turn. An undead target receives disadvantage on attack rolls. Lasts 1 turn. 18m range. Action.
  • Acid Splash: 1~6 damage (1d6 Acid). Throw a bubble of acid that damages each creature it hits. 18m range. DEX save. Action.
  • True Strike: Gain advantage on your next attack roll. Lasts 2 turns. 18m range. CON. Action.
  • Light: Infuse an object with an aura of light. Lasts until Long Rest. Only affects one target at a time. Melee. DEX save. Action.
• Spells:
  • Chromatic Orb: 3~24 damage (3d8 Thunder). Hurl a sphere that deals 3~24 Thunder damage and possibly creates a surface on impact. Alternatively, choose a different type of damage. 18m rang. Action. Level 1 spell slot.
  • Magic Missile: 6~15 damage (3d4+3 Force). Shoot 3 magical darts, each dealing 2~5 Force damage. They always hit their target. 18m range. Action. Level 1 spell slot.
• Action: Frost Breath — 2~12 damage (2d6 Cold). Spew forth a cone of ice. On save, target still takes half damage. 5m cooldown. CON save. Action.

How to Find and Recruit The Dark Urge

You can’t find or recruit The Dark Urge. It’s only available as an Origin.

Wyll: Human Warlock

Who is Wyll?

Wyll is the character I know the least about, personally. I haven’t stumbled across him yet, even though I’ve found the other four companions already. However, Warlocks are powerful spellcasters in D&D 5E, so he is likely a good addition to most parties if you lack a magic-user. Larian describes Wyll as:

Noble by birth, Wyll made his name as the heroic ‘Blade of Frontiers’. He keeps his pact with a devil well-hidden, and is desperate to escape the hellish bargain – even if that means rescuing the seductive creature that made the deal.

Known as “The Blade of Frontiers,” Wyll uses his magic to fell the monsters and devils menacing the Sword Coast. In a moment of desperation, he accepted an offer of great power, forcing him into an infernal game he is struggling to play.

While Wizards are rather traditional spellcasters, Warlocks get their power by making a pact with supernatural beings such as fey, demons, and other foreign entities. You know the saying, “Did you make a deal with the devil?” That’s basically what Warlocks do to gain their power.

What is Wyll’s Questline?

Wyll’s Stats

• STR: 8
• DEX: 13
• CON: 14
• INT: 13
• WIS: 10
• CHA*: 17
• Initiative: +1
• HP: 10

Wyll’s Proficiencies

• Weapons: Simple weapons, spears, pikes, halberds, glaives.
• Armor: Light armor, shields.
• Skills: Arcana, Animal Handling, Survival, Intimidation, Persuasion.

Wyll’s Cantrips and Spells

• Cantrips:
  • Eldritch Blast: 1~10 damage (1d10 Force). Conjure 1 beam of crackling energy. 18m range. Action.
  • Blade Ward: Take only half the damage from bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing attacks. Cooldown: 2 turns. Action.
• Spells:
  • Armor of Agathys: Gain five temporary hit points and deal 5 cold damage to any creature that hits you with a melee attack. Lasts until Long Rest. Can only have temporary hit points from one source. Action. Level 1 spell slot.
  • Arms of Hadar: 2~12 damage (2d6 Necrotic). Prevent targets from using reactions. Lasts 1 turn. On save, targets still take half damage but are able to use reactions. 3m range. STR save. Action. Level 1 spell slot.

How to Find and Recruit Wyll

According to the Baldur’s Gate 3 Wiki site, you’ll eventually come across a group of goblins attacking an encampment during the Removing the Parasite quest. Wyll is near the gate, and you can recruit him to your party after the fight.

I fought a group of goblins attacking a Druid Grove entrance, so Wyll may be inside the Grove, and I just missed him. I’ll update this guide once I find him. 

That’s all for our Baldur’s Gate 3 companions guide and origin characters overview. Make sure to bookmark it for easy access as you play through or create new characters! And stay tuned for more Baldur’s Gate 3 guides.