Baldur’s Gate 3 Paladin Subclass Update Addresses Long-Standing Plot Hole

Patch 8 of Baldur’s Gate 3 heralds significant enhancements, most notably introducing cross-play capabilities and a much-anticipated photo mode. Player testing for this exciting update is set to commence in January 2025. Enthusiasts are particularly thrilled about the inclusion of 12 new subclasses, paving the way for unprecedented character customization options.

Many of the newly added subclasses in Patch 8 aim to fill the gaps within the game’s narrative. Notable examples include characters such as Lora and Captain Grisly, both of whom share a piratical background, making them ideal candidates for the Swashbuckler rogue subclass. However, one character stands out due to implications of a past subclass that has only now become available in Baldur’s Gate 3.

The Oathbreaker Knight: A Glimpse into His Past

Connecting the Oathbreaker’s Lore with the New Subclass

The Oathbreaker Knight is a complex character that emerges when a paladin diverges from their sworn path. Typically, this transformation occurs when the player themselves takes on the role of a paladin. However, there are instances when the Oathbreaker also appears to Minthara, providing intriguing narrative depth. Players can interact with him after their initial encounter, where he will share insights about his life before becoming an Oathbreaker, including that he was the first to adopt this title, shedding light on his unique backstory.

Fans speculate that his original subclass aligns with something newly implemented in the game—the Oath of the Crown. In the lore of Dungeons & Dragons, this oath is traditionally pledged to a ruler or a sovereign. According to the Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide, it can also be committed to the “spirit of a nation” or a “deity of law and rulership.” Essentially, paladins who take this oath demonstrate unwavering loyalty to their superiors, guided by the ideals set forth by the entity they serve.

“When I finally saw the truth, he would not be reasoned with. So I ended him. For this, I was called ‘Oathbreaker.’”

The Oathbreaker Knight initially swore loyalty to a corrupt lord and chose to break that oath by killing him when he realized the necessity of stopping his nefarious deeds. Given the narrative clues, it is reasonable to deduce that he likely adhered to the Oath of the Crown, betraying a personal bond in the quest for the greater good. He now serves as a mentor for other paladins who find themselves at a similar crossroads, guiding them through the potential paths of the Oathbreaker subclass.

Enhanced Dialogue for the Oathbreaker Knight in Patch 8

Gaining Deeper Insights into His Backstory

According to the patch notes for Baldur’s Gate 3’s Patch 8, as shared on Larian’s X profile, the Oathbreaker Knight will feature new dialogue lines. When players first interact with him, he will provide responses that reflect their initial oaths. This suggests that he will address the implications of their oaths, particularly regarding the Oath of the Crown, and may even reference his own initial allegiance.

Discover what’s coming to Baldur’s Gate 3 next year with Community Update #30: 🛡 Cross-Play & 📸 Photo Mode & 🗡️ 12 New Subclasses & 🔧 Continued Bug Fixing 💳 Patch 8 Stress Test – January 2025 Read more: https://t.co/HuVZ4buBuD pic.twitter.com/IPErZJXGKU — Baldur’s Gate 3 (@baldursgate3) November 27, 2024

Some may argue that the Oath of the Crown subclass may not substantially contribute to the game, especially since there isn’t a clear “crown”figure to swear allegiance to. However, it presents intriguing opportunities for deeper character backstories, potentially allowing for more meaningful connections with certain NPCs. While it seems unlikely that Larian will enable players to select a specific individual for their oaths, akin to how clerics choose their deities, doing so would indeed enrich the gameplay experience. This subclass appears to complement and elaborate on the Oathbreaker Knight’s narrative.

The Oath of the Crown presents itself as an ideal subclass for paladins aligned with factions such as the Flaming Fist or other lords in Baldur’s Gate. This aligns with the potential for enriched interactions with these characters, fostering a sense of kinship between the player’s character and the Oathbreaker Knight. Ultimately, the Oath of the Crown could vastly expand the dialogue options and character lore in Baldur’s Gate 3, suggesting an imminent influx of content related to the Oathbreaker Knight.

Source: Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide, Larian Studios/X

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