Baldur’s Gate 3: Should You Trust Wizard Elminster in BG3

Baldur’s Gate 3 is full of bizarre encounters, including the enigmatic Wizard Elminster Aumar. In Act 2 near the entrance to the Shadow-Cursed Lands, you’ll meet a man who asks if Gale’s in your party.

If you’ve left Gale at the camp, you can lie and say he’s not. After all, can you trust this Elminister fellow?

Should You Reveal Gale is in The Camp to Elminister Aumar in Baldur’s Gate 3?

You should reveal that Gale is in the camp. This decision allows Gale to discuss his affliction and triggers a critical companion quest involving a mission from Mystra.

Whether this task was entrusted by Mystra herself or Elminster is conjuring up some lies, welcoming Elminster Aumar into the camp is safe. Elminster, at least during this first encounter, is harmless. The mighty wizard will deliver his divine message and then cast a spell to disappear.

This encounter will invite Gale to open up about his magic-gobbling illness and set the party on a companion quest to please Mystra’s wishes. The Companion Questline The Wizard of Waterdeep will be updated with the objective of destroying the heart of the Absolute, which would potentially kill Gale in the process. It’s up to the player to find an alternative to complete Mystra’s request and rid Gale of his curse. Maybe once he’s healed, I’ll let him join the party again.

If you want to make the most of Gale and see his storyline up close, and make him acknowledge your magical prowess, make sure to bring him along. Especially if you’re interested in romancing him. Gale is a powerful addition to your team, and he always has some interesting things to say when he is in your party.

Who is Wizard Elminster Aumar in BG3?

Elminster Aumar, the renowned Sage of Shadowdale, stands tall as Faerûn’s mightiest and most renowned wizard. He is a returning character in the Baldur’s Gate saga, representing a masterful fighter, cunning thief, and co-founder of the Harpers. Elminster has previously appeared in over 20 Dungeons and Dragons books and both prior Baldur’s Gate games.

In Baldur’s Gate 1 and 2, Elminster Aumar appears ocassionally as a helpful NPC, offering congratulations, guidance, and moral support. However, players could attack and kill him for a large amount of EXP and some darn good items.

Notably, if players choose to attack Elminster Aumar in Baldur’s Gate 3, they’ll find he’s not actually there. Elminster is actually a simulacrum construct when talking to the BG3 party, and when attacked, players will get a stern warning. Attack further, and Elminster will engage the party in battle. Upon defeat, Elminster will dissolve into a puddle, leaving no corpse—and no rewards—behind.

Otherwise, Elminster’s role in BG3 is that of a messenger. Endowed by Mystra, the goddess of magic, Elminster arrives at the camp to assign a crucial mission to Gale. This divine task demands a sacrifice, uncharacteristically setting it apart from Mystra’s usual benevolence as the Mother of all Magic. 

Where is Elminster located?

Elminster is found either during Act Two in the Shadow-Cursed Lands or toward the end of Act 1 on the Mountain Pass in BG3, depending on whether you decided to take the Underdark or the Mountain Pass to get to Moonrise Tower.

If you choose to run through the Mountain Pass, Elminster will be right by the entrance to the Shadow-Cursed Lands. You don’t have to actually start Act 2 to initiate this encounter. Just look for the Rosymorn Monastery Trail entrance and follow the path—you should find him easily.

If you entered Act 2 in BG3 through the Underdark, Elminster will approach the party almost immediately upon entering the Shadow-Cursed Lands. Just walk a few paces and Elminster will automatically stop you in your tracks.

If you somehow miss Elminster at either entrance, he will change locations. He’ll be on the Stone Bridge to Moonrise Towers.

It seems like everyone wants a piece of Gale in Baldur’s Gate 3. Check out our guide on the best feats for Gale in BG3.