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Withers is one of the first NPCs (non player character) you interact with in Baldur’s Gate 3. After a brief conversation with him, he tells you that you will see him later and later shows up at your camp. He can help you revive dead allies, recruit Hirelings, and more. He can also give you insight on what’s happening in the world around you but who is this zombie-like creature? He is actually a recurring character from older Baldur’s Gate games so if you have not played the previous titles, you may have not heard of him. While we will go over potential spoilers from previous Baldur’s Gate games, we will not be spoiling anything from Baldur’s Gate 3 so you can read on safely.
Withers is Jergal from the Dungeons & Dragons universe
In the Baldur's Gate series of video games, Jergal is a deity from the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) universe. He is often associated with death, fate, and the afterlife. Jergal was once a more powerful deity known as the Lord of the End of Everything, responsible for recording the deaths of mortals and maintaining the balance of the afterlife. Over time, his power waned, and many of his responsibilities were transferred to other deities like Kelemvor, who took on the role of the Lord of the Dead.
In the Baldur's Gate games, Jergal's presence is felt through references to his influence on matters of death and the afterlife. His followers, known as the "Doomguides," play a role in guiding the souls of the departed and ensuring proper funerary rites are performed. Jergal's influence also extends to necromancy, the magical art of controlling and manipulating undead creatures.
Jergal is often seen as a neutral deity. He does not embody evil intentions but rather represents the natural cycle of life and death. His followers tend to be pragmatic and introspective, understanding that death is a fundamental part of existence.
Jergal's worshipers are typically those who deal with death, fate, and the afterlife. This includes morticians, gravediggers, priests who officiate at funerals, and those who are interested in exploring the mysteries of death and the beyond. His followers, known as Doomguides, are dedicated to ensuring that proper funeral rites are observed and that the dead are given the respect they deserve.
