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Shar Killed Isobel: (And it’s sadder than you think)

One of the biggest mysteries that prevail in Baldur’s Gate 3 during the Second Act is also one of the main catalysts that turns a noble General with a strong sense of duty and love, to commit acts of unending violence and darkness in order to cope with his loss. Ketheric Thorme’s story is arguably the best villain arc in the game, as it takes a very human (or elf) character and gives him vulnerability….even as he stands as one of the obstacles keeping the land cloaked in darkness and being the main force at the head of the Absolute’s army. And of course, we learn that his primary goal out of all of this is the return of his beloved daughter, the Selunite cleric Isobel.

But why did he lose Isobel in the first place?

In the game, Ketheric’s diaries tell us very little. We only learn from reading these journal entries, as well as discussing things with his loyal undead hound Squire, that Isobel was killed with the said hound under mysterious circumstances. According to the Wiki, datamined sources say (though don’t fully confirm in game) that her death was triggered by Balthazar to frame Isobel’s lover, Dame Aylin. But this seems…..not quite right. Too many puzzle pieces are out of the picture, and the fact it’s not brought up in the game only adds questions. Because we DO have something in the game that lends more credibility to the real killer of Isobel, as well as offering up a hint as to WHY it happened.

This killer, unfortunately, is Halsin.

While this theory was tossed around in early beta, and ultimately scrapped, I still think it’s a strong possibility. As a close friend to Thaniel, Halsin likely would have visited the region of Reithwin regularly to see him, even as he grew older. He was innately aware of Moonrise Towers and the Thorme Family, as well as having dialouge speaking of his familiarity with citizens of Reithwin Town. And the theory I have for why this murder happened may be a stretch, but bear with me.

Using Sorrow, Halsin was likely influenced by Shar to kill Isobel and turn Ketheric to her cause.

While I doubt Halsin would willingly follow Shar, we have to remember that the Lady of Loss is in constant war with her sister Selune. With Moonrise Towers being a literal monument to the Moonmaiden, Shar likely was resentful of the growing tide of Selunite followers and sought a plan. We can infer several acts that happened in the past that suggests Shar making moves to turn the tide, such as a raid on Moonhaven (which is possibly Shadowheart’s childhood home given some clues) and kidnapping Selunite children to lend to her cause. We also know the Lady of Loss is capable of altering memories, erasing them in order to create servants who obediently follow her orders.

And more importantly, we have Sorrow.

This beautiful glaive is described as “giving knots in your stomach” when you touch it. It’s a great weapon early game for those who have proficiency in it, and definitely a good choice as far as weapons go. But in the early beta versions, Sorrow is confirmed to be the glaive that slew Isobel and Squire, and Halsin was the one who held it.

Considering the name, it’s not a huge stretch to imagine Sorrow was made by Shar to be wielded by Halsin.

While Halsin is a powerful archdruid when we meet him, we must remember that he was still an apprentice when Ketheric Thorme turned to Shar, as he describes serving under another archdruid as he joined the fighting. At that age, it’s more than possible he would have been weaker to Shar’s influence, either being controlled or possessed by her in order to slay Isobel. Shar is keenly aware of what loss does to a person, and likely knew that with his loved ones gone, Ketheric would go the way of so many Dark Justiciars before him and seek an end to his grief. And once Halsin did as she commanded, she could easily erase his memory and send him on his way.

But Sorrow remains, forever stained with the act that turned Ketheric’s life to darkness. And even if Halsin couldn’t remember such a despicable act, the weapon retains his guilt and memory for him.

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It really, really is

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This is probably going to sound like crazy ramblings but whatever!

The second wife playbook has made me so happy. Literally my favorite fic of all time and I can't see anything beating it ever

I love coronis, I've never really cared about the MC or y/n in fics but Coronis is different and has genuinely become a comfort character for me. I think about her EVERY DAY I love her so much

I can't put it into words how much this fic means to me and thank you so much for writing it! You deserve at least 10 billion dollars for it jk jk

;_; Thank you so much!

I will admit to a great deal of guilt for being unable to produce more chapters at the moment. Mostly it's a job related issue, part of it is me considering what I want to do in the future, and a major part is me trying to piece together the ending of the story, which I've planned out, versus the "getting there" bit.

I appreciate all your support and I hope at the very least it becomes a fanfic you comfort read from time to time!

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Illustration for @ships-n-giggles' fic 🦚

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A short comic I made about my experiences as a seasonal worker, and the way places change you.

Prints & PDF

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For when they no longer serve you, cast them aside like old skin

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Thank you so much for the follow! I follow back from another main blog but I mooted back :>

- @the-feathered-consort

Hi! Congratulations on the new RP blog!

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Merry Christmas to all you beautiful people!!!

Commission for @ships-n-giggles 💖🎄

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Guys. Their love made history. Never before seen in over 10,000 years. Never before has this happened among hellborn, Goetia, or Sins. The love between Stolas Goetia and Blitzø Buckzo has rewritten the narrative of Hell itself.

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Stop this is amazing haha

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Some quick sketches of my birdie-folowers

And Triss the Imp, the ultimate sillyness

@ships-n-giggles @aroyaltailor @keeperofquestions