Withers, a key character in Baldur’s Gate 3, has been a boon to many players with his unique powers that grant them the perk of recruiting help and reviving fallen companions. However, his behavior and personality have generated discontent among those same players.
Being fundamental to the mechanics and storyline of this multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), Withers has grown to become an unavoidable figure. His huff, coupled with a disconcerting reticence to explain, makes the presence of this character both engrossing and infuriating.
His abrasive personality is evident in how he treats other game personalities. Disappointingly, he expresses no sympathy for Arabella when she loses her parents. Also peculiar is his readiness to push players into battles with the Dead Three- a formidable group in the game's narrative.
Equally annoying to many players is Withers' extraordinary penchant for hanging around the game's camp. He often refuses to provide any useful input during crucial moments, leading players to feel a constant frustration.
Indeed, Withers has his uses. For instance, he has the ability to bring Shadowheart back to life. Yet, unending debates have emerged among players questioning whether his invaluable skills are worth tolerating his irritating mannerisms.
Withers: A Manipulative Tool in Baldur’s Gate 3
The annoyance towards Withers is not baseless nor is it limited. Multiple players have publicly expressed their displeasure about his manipulative presence in the game.
One of the main grievances centers around his inexplicable appearance at the player's camp. Equally annoying is his unwavering claim that his presence is just a matter of 'fate', an audacious defense that raises qualms about his intentions.
Incredibly, he persists in staying uninvited, with no signs of leaving. For many, this is clear proof of his manipulative tendencies, perhaps tracing back to his initial sighting at the player's crypt.
Then there's his aggressive knack for initiating combats. Without player consent or knowledge, he pushes both the main player and party members into fighting against a multitude of ‘Chosens’, the Elder Brain, and other dreadful horrors they were unprepared for.
His blaring disregard for the sanity and safety of the players has made him a deplorable character. The frustration towards him often stems from the continuous scorn he seems to enjoy throwing at players.
He derives pleasure from belittling the players, snoering when they fail to find a partner. On the flip side, he does not hesitate to mock those fortunate to find a partner.
What infuriates players more is the superiority complex evident in Withers' demeanor—the audacity to believe he is more intelligent than anyone else. This has also sparked numerous debates among players about his real intention.
In the midst of all this, there is a consensus that Withers might unknowingly draw players into future catastrophic events; a prospect that has left many disgruntled.
The assumption that they are mere pawns in his operation to clear up his mistakes irks many. The mere thought of cleaning after him has left players feeling nothing but contempt for Withers.
Withers' past actions have hinted at his possible long-term plans—recruiting the players to undertake a life-altering event. This ominous possibility has fuelled anger among the players, many of whom opine that they are being treated as mere tools.
In the grand scheme of things, a conclusion about the true nature of Withers in Baldur’s Gate 3 remains elusive. On one hand, his actions give enough reasons for players to loathe him; while on the other, his abilities make it hard to completely write him off.