Awhile back when I decide to delve into some Avernus lore, I found what I thought was potential for Zariel to do a whiplash redemption story arc. It could be a fascinating character.
Fallen angel but for the "right" reasons, at least according to her. Her celestial peers did not agree so fallen she went.
She seems to make the most of it. Rising to power with the approval a big timer of the hells no less. Zariel was considered a token however, a sort of prize. The hells being able to turn an angel to their side or something along those lines.
Karlach has potential regarding Zariel redemption arc.
If Karlach were to receive some sort of intervention or fix to her engine, it would be interesting to see it go from infernal powered to maybe something like radiant powered.
Yes, that's the feeling I got too. That Karlach's fate could be tied to Zariel in that sense. A good writer could make this very nuanced and complex, which would fit the vibe of BG3. It would've been really cool.
I also thought of something like a different energy powering her, one that wouldn't consume her and was blue like the Steel Watch (or when she gets all lovey). Now that you mention radiant, it would be an awesome idea.
I also keep thinking of the hollyphant we have in BG3, Valeria. I don't know why or how she is there, but we know there is Lulu, the hollyphant who used to be friends with angelic Zariel that roamed Avernus after losing her memories. I read somewhere that Zariel found out about her (ex) friend, but could not kill her. Instead, she sent her out of Avernus and to Faerun. WHAT IF Lulu was Valeria without her memories? And somehow we find that out, and in helping Lulu regain her memories, she travels with us back into Avernus to help with Karlach/Zariel. That would've been a-ma-zing (especially if Lulu turned into the super cool golden mammoth of celestial wrath :0 )
