A Baldur’s Gate 3 NPC's name might have been inspired by a Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition sourcebook, according to an observant player. The game, heavily drawn from the classic tabletop RPG, contains many familiar elements to players of the Forgotten Realms series. This article delves into one such possible connection.

Deep Connection Between Baldur’s Gate 3 and Dungeons & Dragons

A player has observed that one significant Baldur’s Gate 3 NPC (Non-Player Character) possibly got its name from a Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition sourcebook. This sameness further highlights the deep connection between the popular video game and the iconic tabletop role-playing game (RPG). With its world, mechanics, and even confusing spell slot system, Baldur’s Gate 3 borrows heavily from Dungeons & Dragons to deliver a familiar experience to players acquainted with different versions of the Forgotten Realms series.

Possible Easter egg from game developers

The player suggested that the game developers at Larian Studios might have sourced some names for the game's characters from 5e sourcebooks, effectively creating an Easter egg for fans.

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Auntie Ethel - A notable instance

A noticeable instance was with the NPC ‘Auntie Ethel’, whose name featured in Volo’s Guide to Monsters', a resource for Dungeon Masters creating their own hags. Baldur’s Gate 3 players often encounter the character 'Auntie Ethel' during the first act of the game. Initially disguised as a harmless old lady, her deeper, more menacing nature is soon revealed to players.

Hags in the Dungeons & Dragons lore

In the lore of Dungeons & Dragons, hags are depicted as evil, potent, dark fey creatures notorious for striking bargains and corrupting others for their twisted enjoyment. The fact that Auntie Ethel's name appears in Volo’s Guide to Monsters adds an intriguing dimension to her character.

The role of NPC Volo

Volo, another NPC in Baldur’s Gate 3, is also described as the author of the guide. A theory is that Volo might have come across Auntie Ethel during his adventures and decided to document her name in his book. This possibility is supported by the fact that Volo presents the players with a similar choice to Auntie Ethel's, albeit with a different, more favorable outcome.

Deliberate connection or coincidence?

Whether this connection between Baldur’s Gate 3 and Dungeons & Dragons was deliberately designed by Larian Studios or is simply a random coincidence remains unclear. Nevertheless, it illustrates the game's depth and complexity, engaging fans who delve more profoundly into the storyline.

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