Baldur’s Gate 3 players “mind blown” after discovering Withers’ true identity
Larian StudiosA Baldur’s Gate 3 player has only just realized who Withers truly is after reading a hidden book in the Ancient Mausoleum, and they were left dumbfounded after the “profound discovery.”
Baldur’s Gate 3 is full of shocking revelations that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you travel across the Sword Coast. Most of these are heavily foreshadowed or hinted at, but the revelations can still be mind-blowing. This may include revelations about your companions, your dream visitor, the main plot, and even other characters.
Now, a Redditor named ‘Old_Traffic_9388’ has been pleasantly surprised to learn Withers‘ true identity. It’s clear from their post on the Baldur’s Gate 3 subreddit that their excitement over this revelation was out of this world.
Note that there are Baldur’s Gate 3 spoilers ahead.
‘Old_Traffic_9388’ wrote that they “stumbled upon the ‘Crumbling Journal’ in the Ancient Mausoleum in Baldurs Gate which described an encounter with Jergal, the God of Death.” According to the book, Jergal asked the author a single question: “What is the worth of a single mortal’s life?”
This is the same question that Withers asks your main character when you awaken him in Act 1. The OP had their “mind blown” when they realized “this whole time I’ve been camping out with the God of Death.” They took to YouTube and came to understand why it all made sense for the plot.
As the OP explains, Jergal is “the one who granted godhood to the Dead Three and that’s why he’s helping you clean up his mess.” This revelation is made much clearer if you’re playing as a Dark Urge character in Baldur’s Gate 3. After the encounter with Bhaal, if you reject him, your character drops dead by Bhaal’s will.
However, Withers then proceeds to revive you, defying the laws of life and death itself. If you then ask him who he is, he reveals he’s “a scribe, a seneschal – a keeper of records.” Jergal, the original God of Death of Faerun, is the seneschal among the Gods in Dungeons & Dragons. He is also known as the Final Scribe who kept records of the dead.
One user wrote that “it explains his after-credits scene,” where Withers is “roasting the Dead Three.” They added, “Jergal doesn’t like to intervene, but Kelemvor told him to clean up their mess.” As another user pointed out that it’s heavily hinted throughout the game that Withers is none other than Jergal.
“There are also books about Jergal in the mausoleum that you find Withers in. There’s also a religion check to realize the statue in the room where Withers’ crypt is actually depicts Jergal.”
When speaking with Withers at the camp, Clerics and Paladins in Baldur’s Gate 3 can pass a Wisdom check to reveal his identity. This is a difficult one with a DC of 20, and many users admitted to failing it. Other users went on to mention several tiny details that give away Withers’ identity.
This includes the plaque in front of the Sarcophagus, the necklace you get out of there, and even the banners in that room.
If you want to read more about Baldur’s Gate 3, check out the hilariously lewd Light cantrip trick. Or, read how a player found the worst possible way to end Act 1.
