An Open Letter to Larian: Addressing Karlach
First, I'd like to say BG3 is my favorite game of the last decade, hands down. All of my analysis and criticism come from a place of love. Second, I'd like to note that I spent considerable time in film and later radio. I know what it is to work on a creative project in collaboration with others to tell a story you're passionate about. I know the joy and stress of making one's day and meeting the challenges of each project's twists and turns. It is a journey for which I have nothing but respect for the workers who make that magic happen.
However, coming from a world of film, I am also adept at media analysis. I've followed my passion for stories and a more just world into a graduate school for social work. I believe this skill set and personal mission provide me with a perspective of value that I can offer.
One or two further caveats before we get started to lay all my biases on the table. First, I suffer from a debilitating chronic physical illness that affects my daily life. I have witnessed those around me do the same. Second, I love Karlach (my bestest best friend :teddybear:). Sorry, folks, you did too good a job. I adore her and am hardly alone based on the online presence. It's no surprise we've all risen to fight for her life and happiness.
With all that out of the way, her story was not written for me. As a person with chronic physical illness trapped in the real world, I understand the realistic struggle of fighting each day to survive with your physical body and mental wellness intact. I don't require any reminders that this pain is real. My story did not have a stash of True Scrolls of Resurrection held by a friend in Act 1, the opportunity to speak with a cheese-obsessed ultra-powerful wizard, gods or devils to bargain with, or even gondians who could upgrade my troublesome parts. My story has limitations that Karlach, by the benefit of the world of DnD and BG3's own worldbuilding, does not have. The narrative's insistence that she is doomed without the proper effort to save her feels like an insult where the player is forced to watch meaningless suffering. As someone with experience in this pain, it feels dour and cruel despite what may have been intended.
This story was not meant for me; I am not the audience for this story because of my experience. While individuals who face illness are not a monolith, and this could have been helpful to some, it was not meant for me. Here, I am being talked about instead of being spoken to. This is a red flag, not an immediate social injustice, but we are all growing to understand that populations speaking for themselves is where truth and brilliance in storytelling lies.
I would move mountains one stone at a time to make things better for Karlach. She would not even need to ask. Truthfully, not only the setting of DnD itself but the game's own worldbuilding by introducing the mechanics it does (Gale's stash) does not allow for the inevitability of Karlach's ending to read as anything but unearned. I feel as though I have failed her because I did not try at all. I did not advocate, which feels like consigning her to death by laziness or forgetfulness, but it does not feel like love.
Though she was added late, and all of this can partially at least be attributed to that late addition to the overall narrative, it does have far-reaching consequences. My relationship with Gale changed because of his unwillingness to have even a conversation with me to save Karlach (and Astarion). Playing Gale romancing Karlach, I do not believe his love for her because of his refusal to save her. I can't imagine that was intended. To judge the man for his scenes and power-hungry behavior is one thing, but within the greater context of the narrative, I find his selfishness appalling.
The project is potentially done now, aside from some ongoing fixes. While I would be happy to play more BG3 content until the end of time, the purpose of this letter was simple communication. Intentionally or not, you were talking about people like me instead of with us within your narrative; please carry any lessons you learned here into your next project. I encourage you not to prevent yourselves from adding characters late in the process in the future. Karlach is lovely. We clearly adore her; instead, deeply consider your audience as you craft your character arch and if you are serving those you are attempting to portray.
DustiestBird
