If you aren’t enthusiastic about Justice for Karlach, there’s no need to post and dampen other folks’ enthusiasm. I love the brainstorming, speculating, and sharing links that’s happening here. It’s fun and hopeful. It’s nice to see folks sharing what they like about Karlach, coming up with cool ideas about other uses for stuff like soul coins, outlining their headcanons for possible expansions. This thread seems like a really nice way to honor the character.
I’m optimistic that Larian will incorporate fan feedback once again, like it seems like they do pretty consistently? Buuut even if they don’t, I kinda think that having hope is worth the potential cost… of disappointment down the line.
I agree with the notion that Larian just didn’t anticipate that Karlach would be so popular, and that so many people would get so invested in the character. They haven’t had time to develop something new in response to that yet. Hopefully something crops up in the next year or so!
In terms of what makes Karlach popular, for me personally I love the contrast between her and most of the other companions. If you try to probe Shadowheart’s thoughts in the beginning, she threatens to gut you—- big mistake I made ONCE, never again! (I know Shadowheart gets really sweet if you romance her though.) But with Karlach, you never have to try to probe her thoughts because she’ll tell you everything straight up, straight out. She’s not secretive, she doesn’t lie to you. Yeah, there’s some moral ambiguity associated with her character, like her use of soul coins. But at the end of the day, she’s a heroic character, and always wants to do the right thing. Save those in distress, etc. And that’s VERY different from the other companions as well.
And she’s not mean or condescending in the slightest. Larian seems to like to make companions who are really unpleasant and mean to you, who change when you get to know them over time. Same as in DOS2. (Case in point, Sebille, Red Prince, Fane.) So it’s refreshing to have a companion who is just wholesome and good-hearted. And sincere. Through and through.
So that’s some of the stuff I love about Karlach. Of course, her voice acting is amazing and she’s just fun, always lightens up the mood, and her interactions with the other companions make me laugh. (It seems like Lae’zel and Shadowheart are both low-key thirsting after her, which is so silly and gay, I love it. Speaking as a queer woman.) And I love that all she really wants, deep in her soul, is a hug.
