Baldur's Gate 3
Baldur's Gate 3

High Elves

Learn about the High Elves race in Baldur's Gate 3. Understand skill checks like Arcana and Medicine, and how dialogue choices impact your playthrough.

·Multi-source verified (78/78)

High Elves

High Elves are one of the available races in Baldur's Gate 3. While specific racial features for High Elves are not detailed in the provided source material, the game offers a rich narrative experience with various companion quests and character builds. Understanding the broader game mechanics, such as dialogue choices and skill checks, is crucial for all characters, including High Elves.

During the tutorial escape from the Nautiloid, characters can interact with a victim named Myrnath (X:0 Y:-430). If a character has an Intelligence (Arcana) Bonus, the narrator reveals Myrnath is an Intellect Devourer. When the Intellect Devourer asks for help, several options are presented:

  1. [INVESTIGATION] Inspect the exposed brain.
  2. [STRENGTH] Break the skull.
  3. [DEXTERITY] Gently prise the brain from the skull.
  4. Destroy the brain.
  5. Leave.

Choosing the first option and succeeding a DC 10 skill check reveals a swollen brain. This leads to new options:

  1. [STRENGTH] Break the skull.
  2. [DEXTERITY] Gently prise the brain from the skull.
  3. [MEDICINE] Attempt a cerebral extraction, staying mindful of the swelling.
  4. Destroy the brain.
  5. Leave.

Some dialogue options offer advantages. For example, a character might have a 2d20 Advantage on a DC 10 skill check for a cerebral extraction, meaning two dice are rolled, and the higher result is used before modifiers are added. If the brain is spared, it will instruct the character to go to the helm, and can even become a temporary follower, with their movement and actions controllable via their character portrait.

Companion quests are a significant part of the game's story. While specific High Elf companion quests are not mentioned, general companion quests include:

  • Astarion:
    • The Pale Elf
  • Gale:
    • The Wizard of Waterdeep
  • Jaheira:
    • The High Harper
  • Karlach:
    • Our Fiery Friend
      • The Hellion's Heart
  • Lae'zel:
    • The Githyanki Warrior
  • Shadowheart:
    • Daughter of Darkness
      • The Chosen of Shar
  • Wyll:
    • The Blade of Frontiers
      • The Grand Duke

Having specific companions like Shadowheart or Astarion in your party can offer more interaction options during certain quests, such as those in the Shadowlands during Act 2, particularly if visiting the Gauntlet of Shar.

Character builds, such as Padlock, Gloomy Ranger, Gaindalf, Low-Level Transition Charisma Build, Not-a-Monk, Talos Devout, and Soradin, are available for main characters, offering various playstyles that High Elves can also adopt.