Summary
Baldur’s Gate 3presents players with many moral conundrums during its lengthy narrative. These can come in the form of stealing NPCs' valuables, choosing whether to protect those in need, or deciding to spare or kill another character, among many more. When dealing with the latter situation, one must consider a number of factors. These include the ethics of the act, the moral compasses of the protagonist and their party members, the innocence or villainy of the character whose fate is being decided, and, of course, the benefits of killing or not the person, as related to loot and any effects on the remainder of theBaldur’s Gate 3playthrough.
For instance, gamers have the opportunity to kill Isobel at the Last Light Inn in Act 2 of the game. The primary reason for doing so is to procure herMoon Devotion Robe, one of the most powerful pieces of spellcaster clothing inBaldur’s Gate 3. However, Isobel is a good person and the last line of defense keeping the inn and its inhabitants from falling prey to the shadow curse infecting the land. In such a case, forgoing the robe is most often the pragmatic and moral choice. However, when it comes to another powerful item, Viconia’s Walking Fortress Shield, as well as its titular owner, the circumstances of the decision to kill or spare her are much different.
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Baldur’s Gatefans may remember Viconia DeVir from the first two games, in which she could become one of the player’s companions. While she was a neutral evil drow cleric with a somewhat nasty disposition, Viconia could be a valuable party member and could even be romanced inBaldur’s Gate: Enhanced EditionandBaldur’s Gate 2. Further, with quite a bit of effort, she could be realigned as a true neutral character in the second game, doing away with her evil nature.
Why BG3’s Viconia is Different From Baldur’s Gate 1 and 2
While such memories may give some players pause in deciding to execute Viconia, they should keep in mind that the Viconia inBaldur’s Gate 3is no longer the companion they knew and adventured with. She has gone down a very dark path and has used andabusedBG3’s Shadowheartand many others over the years. In fact, Larian, at the request of Wizards of the Coast, made her this evil in keeping with their version of Viconia rather than the one from previousBaldur’s Gategames. As such, gamers shouldn’t feel nostalgic or bad about dispensing ultimate justice to her.
That said, there are no consequences for the rest of the game whether she is dispatched or not, save for one narrow exception. An Oath of VengeancePaladin will become an Oathbreakerif they choose to spare Viconia. This is a big change for such a character, so players with that build should carefully consider whether they want to go down this road.
The Walking Fortress Shield Is Well Worth Viconia’s Sacrifice
Having weighed all the other variables of the decision to kill or spare Viconia, there remains one last consideration: her loot. Viconia is in possession of quite a lot of high-value items, which she drops once she’s been executed. This bounty includes a very rare weapon known as the Handmaiden’s Mace, rare clothing in the form of Viconia’s Priestess Robe, and most importantly,the legendary shield, Viconia’s Walking Fortress.
What Viconia’s Walking Fortress Shield Does in Baldur’s Gate 3
As can be seen, this shield alone is well worth killing the evil cleric, Viconia. It is considered by many to be the best shield inBaldur’s Gate 3. Of course, if the player prefers the pacifism route and spares Viconia, she won’t be seen again, andsome party members such as Jaheiramay approve the decision.
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.
