Devotees of the classic Baldur’s Gate games may find it unsurprising that the renowned series adversary, Sarevok Anchev, emerges in Baldur’s Gate 3. Nevertheless, Larian Studios takes a compelling twist with this character. Once presented with a chance for redemption, the formerly malevolent Sarevok has regressed to a wholly wicked persona in Baldur’s Gate 3. He now fervently serves Bhaal, leading his Murder Tribunal with unwavering loyalty to the malevolent deity.
In the initial installment of Baldur’s Gate, Sarevok Anchev emerges as a malevolent figure who ignites the game’s conflict by ruthlessly murdering Gorion, the protagonist’s paternal figure. Subsequently, he seizes authority and instigates chaos across the Sword Coast, orchestrating a scheme that involves contaminating the iron supply, manipulating both merchant guilds and bandit groups, and ultimately declaring himself the Duke of Baldur’s Gate. As the game concludes, Sarevok endeavors to seize Bhaal’s power, aspiring to become the new Lord of Murder. However, the player character thwarts his ambitions by defeating him in a decisive battle.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Sees Sarevok Turn From Redemption
Regrettably, any positive transformation Sarevok might have undergone at the conclusion of Throne of Bhaal proves temporary. In Baldur’s Gate 3, he is steadfastly committed to Bhaal, holding the position of the head of the Murder Tribunal alongside other echoes of Bhaalspawn and Bhaal’s former high priestess, Amelyssan. His reversion to allegiance to Bhaal predates the events of Baldur’s Gate 3, evident in his familial ties, including a daughter named Helena and a daughter-granddaughter (resulting from his union with his daughter), the newly designated Chosen of Bhaal, Orin the Red.
In Baldur’s Gate 3, the depiction of Sarevok diverges from the nuanced character development seen in Throne of Bhaal. Here, he is portrayed as entirely malevolent, devoid of any traces of the more compassionate individual that gradually emerged in the previous installment. His singular focus is on acts of violence, and he openly commends the Dark Urge origin character for embracing their Bhaalspawn heritage.
Despite any professed concern for Orin, Sarevok is quick to abandon her in favor of supporting the Dark Urge, endorsing them as Bhaal’s chosen successor. In stark contrast to his temporary alliance with Jaheira and Minsc in Throne of Bhaal, Baldur’s Gate 3‘s Sarevok harbors deep-seated resentment towards them. Disturbingly, he may even attempt to manipulate the player character into executing them as a sacrificial gesture, showcasing a drastic departure from the complexities of his character arc in the previous game.
Sarevok reclaimed his soul, once – and he still traded it back to his father for a pat on the head. – Jaheira
In the encounter between Jaheira and Minsc in Baldur’s Gate 3, when facing Bhaal’s Murder Tribunal, the dialogue suggests that Sarevok’s redemption in Throne of Bhaal did transpire but proved temporary. Jaheira emphasizes that Sarevok made a conscious decision to “barter his soul” back to Bhaal. This implies that Sarevok deliberately rejected the chance for a more virtuous existence and willingly opted to resume serving Bhaal, rather than being compelled against his will.
Baldur’s Gate Nintendo Switch
