In the expansive world of Baldur’s Gate 3, players encounter countless side quests that often blend tragedy with dark humor. One such storyline in the game’s first act involves Mayrina, a woman desperate to resurrect her deceased husband, Connor Vinderblad. This quest, centered around a witch named Auntie Ethel, allows players to use a magical wand, the Bitter Divorce, to bring Connor back from the dead. However, as with all necromancy, this resurrection comes with a grim twist: Connor returns as a shambling, rotting corpse. While most players conclude the story shortly after his revival, one dedicated fan took Connor on a journey all the way to the final boss, turning him into an unexpected hero in the fight against the Absolute.

The Tragic Tale of Mayrina and Connor

Mayrina’s story begins in an illusory swamp, where she is found in the clutches of Auntie Ethel, a malevolent witch. Mayrina, driven by grief, strikes a desperate bargain with the witch: her unborn child in exchange for the resurrection of her husband, Connor. The player is presented with the option to intervene and ultimately gain access to the Bitter Divorce wand, a powerful necromantic artifact capable of bringing Connor back to life. However, the resurrection is far from perfect—Connor returns as a corpse, bound to the player’s will.

Mayrina would be so proud
byu/PickledThimble inBaldursGate3

For most players, this grim resurrection marks the end of Connor’s involvement. The player can choose to either reunite Connor with Mayrina, who is understandably horrified by his decayed state, or keep the wand for themselves, using it to summon Connor in future battles. However, his weak stats and unsettling appearance typically discourage further use, relegating him to the sidelines of the adventure.

Connor’s Journey to the Final Boss

In a remarkable twist, one player decided to defy the conventional narrative and take Connor on a journey that would span the entirety of the game. This player, driven perhaps by a mix of dark humor and a sense of narrative justice, brought Connor along all the way to the final confrontation with the Netherbrain, the game’s ultimate antagonist. Despite his obvious limitations—Connor has a mere 22 health points and lacks significant combat abilities—this undead companion played a crucial role in the climactic battle.

Players on Reddit shared their amazement and amusement at this unconventional choice. One comment detailed how, during a critical moment in the final battle, Connor managed to land the last blow on the Netherbrain, a feat that ensured victory for the player. The commenter humorously remarked on the absurdity of a decaying corpse saving the world, suggesting that while Connor’s final act may not be traditionally heroic, it certainly would have made Mayrina proud.

The Bittersweet Outcome

Despite the personal satisfaction and bragging rights that come with taking Connor to the final boss, this narrative choice comes with its own set of consequences. Opting to keep Connor as a companion means that Mayrina is left without her husband, an outcome that some players might find morally troubling, especially given the macabre nature of his resurrection. Furthermore, there is no unique ending or additional content that acknowledges Connor’s involvement in the final battle, leaving his heroic efforts unrecognized within the game’s broader story.

This lack of recognition might seem disappointing, but it also aligns with the often bittersweet and morally complex world of Baldur’s Gate 3. The game frequently challenges players to make difficult decisions, many of which do not lead to clear-cut victories or happy endings. In this context, Connor’s final act—saving the world as an unsung, undead hero—fits perfectly into the game’s narrative ethos.

Final Thoughts

Connor’s story, though unconventional, exemplifies the depth and flexibility of Baldur’s Gate 3. It’s a game where even a decaying corpse can become a hero, where the choices players make can lead to unexpected and often poignant outcomes. For those willing to look beyond the obvious, the world of Baldur’s Gate 3 offers endless opportunities for unique and engaging storytelling, ensuring that no two adventures are ever truly the same.

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