8Raphael
One Of The More Calculating Villains Players Encounter
One of themore charismaticcharacters players meet inBaldur’s Gate 3is Raphael, who promises he can help them with their little predicament, not that he will make it that easy for them. After all, the devil is in the details. He makes many players want to trust him, as dialogue shared with him is always entertaining, but it almost seems like he never quite shows his hand to them, leaving an air of mystery, likely all part of his plans to string Tav along for his benefit.
Selfish? Yes. Smart? Also, yes. Even though Tav will come out on top eventually, Raphael is still one of the more conniving villains in the entire game, always plotting schemes that he hopes will lead to success.
7Minthara
Pragmatic, Yet Ruthless
Minthara is one of the optional companions, as she can either be killed or recruited. In previous patches, players needed to destroy the grove to make hera possible companion, but now that is no longer necessary, so players can pick her up guilt-free, gaining one of the most underrated companions of all time, though she does have a vocal fanbase, who shower much deserving praise on this ruthless paladin who has more depths than what one might think.
Undoubtedly, Minthara is ruthless, lacking much regard for others, and her ambitions can make her rather short-sighted, but this does not mean she is unintelligent. After all, she was one of the major players in the goblin camp planning the siege on the grove, which would not be a task a stupid person would be in charge of.
6Jaehira
Jaehira’s Practical Experience Teaches Her More Than Any Books Ever Could
Those who have playedpreviousBaldur’s Gateentries may recognizethis druid, as Jaheira is a returning character with a wealth of field experience under her belt. Having acted as a companion in bothBaldur’s GateandBaldur’s Gate 2, she knows a thing or two about stopping the forces of evil. Even if he may be a little old to be running around on a battlefield, Jaheira isn’t about to let age slow her down, and she’s about to show the new young hero a thing or two.
Though her actual intelligence score might not be up to snuff, Jaheira is more intelligent for what her character has already gone through, and her ability to think strategically is more than just what smarts she should have mechanically. Experience is one hell of a teacher, and this is something Jaheira has in spades, which makes her one of the most valuable companions that the player can recruit.
5Lae’Zel
Behind The Warrior’s Mantle Is A Learned Mind
Lae’Zel is somewhat ofa polarizing characteramongBaldur’s Gate 3fans, as she can be rather abrasive with her very blunt manner of speaking, and often her words can come across as even flat-out insulting during certain conversations. But her worth in the party cannot be questioned, as she is the first tank that players can recruit, and more than just a bit of muscle, her mind is as sharp as her blade.
Granted, her knowledge is not all-encompassing, but in the areas to which she devoted her studies, her knowledge is unparalleled. She is at least confident enough that she knows more about the Illithid and their parasites than most, prompting the player on more than one occasion to find the githyanki creche, as it is the only definite cure. Lae’Zel is also well-spoken, shaking off the trope that all front-line fighters are all brawn and no brains.
4Gale Dekarios
Like All Wizards, Gale Possesses Unparalleled Book Smarts
Wizards are one of theD&Dclasses that cannot afford to dump intelligence, as it is the skill needed for them to sling their spells. Without possessing high enough intelligence, they would be utterly useless in battle, constantly missing spell attacks. Fortunately forBaldur’s Gate 3players, Gale is far from being dumb, easily being one of the smartest characters in the entire game.
Hisstatus as a wizardmakes this evident, as does Gale’s way of speaking. He is well-spoken, boasting an incredible vocabulary that hints at his studious past, which gifted him the book smarts he has now. He even has a library in his possession, which means that his studies and reading will only continue to further broaden his areas of mental expertise, and even while on the road, Gale sometimes quizzes where the nearest library is, meaning he cannot wait to continue his reading.
3Tav (Potentially)
The Customization Options Mean The Player Can Give Themselves The Biggest Smarts
Tav, as they are known before the player decks them out with a new name, is the customizable character players control. Just like inD&D, everything about them can be tailored, from their species, race, appearance, and stats, so that the player can make a character they are excited to play. If players really wanted to, they could put all ability score improvements and bonuses into intelligence, making them unparalleled in the smarts department mechanically.
Not to mention, the player character also benefits from having an actual person control them rather than the AI, which means more often than not, they’ll have the best tactical thinking, as algorithms can only account for so much, whereas human intelligence can take the whole picture into consideration.
2The Elder Brain
This Collection Of Mind Flayer Brains Possesses The Intelligence Of All
Mind Flayers aregross enough creatures, with their tentacled faces that seek to devour the brains of other creatures, but things grow even grosser when it comes to the Elder Brain, a creature comprised of the brains of deceased elder Mind Flayers, the final state of their life cycle. With much of the lore revolving around brains and intelligence, it is safe to bet Elder Brains are one of the smartestDungeons and Dragonsenemy creatures.
Serving as the final boss inBaldur’s Gate 3, the Elder Brain will challenge players. Even before they reach the creature, it already makes attacks against their minds, and as they draw nearer, the checks only grow harder. Its colossal intelligence means it can make the party submit to it, presenting an impossible check. The formidable intelligence of this creature should not be underestimated.
1Elminster
One Of The Most Powerful Wizards Is Also Highly Intelligent
For those who might be wondering who the Gandalf equivalent is in the world ofD&D, that would be Elminster. He is one of Mystra’s current Chosen and delivers a message from the goddess herself to Gale, much to his chagrin. Those unfamiliar withD&Dloremight not think much of this wizard, who looks about as stereotypical as wizards can get with his big white beard, robes, and pointed hat, but those who know realize they are in the presence of wizarding legend.
Having had much of a hand in saving the Forgotten Realms from complete annihilation, he earned himself fame not only from his antics but also from his abilities. He states he is several centuries old, which would mean, mechanically, his level would extend far beyond level 20. As someone who has lived so long, and a wizard at that, his intelligence is likely unrivaled across every plane of existence, meaning not only would he be the most intelligent character inBaldur’s Gate 3, but potentiallyD&Din its entirety.
