Baldur’s Gate 3: Who is the Weary Traveler in BG3?

Toward the end of Act One in Baldur’s Gate 3, an unassuming old man, dubbed the Weary Traveler, joins the long list of sketchy figures you come across. His outward appearance is so not nefarious that I found him greatly suspect. It’s always the ones you least expect, after all.

To our surprise, it turns out this is visitor is actually transparent about their intentions.

Should you trust the Weary Traveler in Baldur’s Gate 3? (spoilers)

Just as you’re preparing to enter the Shadow-Cursed Lands and begin the Moonrise Tower arc in BG3, the Weary Traveler stops your party and inquires about Gale.

• Of course, if Gale is currently a part of the adventuring group, you can’t keep it a secret.
• If he’s still at your camp, you have the option to tell the Traveler that you’ve never heard of Gale.

If you’re honest, the traveler asks to accompany you back to camp so he can speak with Gale. If you agree, you quickly figure out that the Weary Traveler can indeed be trusted—he is an old friend (and, in fact, mentor) of Gale.

The two being friends doesn’t mean the Weary Traveler comes bearing good tidings, however. After greeting Gale and seemingly trying to meet a quota of words per sentence, the Weary Traveler reveals himself as Elminster Aumar, a name that may or may not ring a bell.

If you spoke to Rolan, a Tiefling refugee in Druid’s Cove and aspiring wizard, you might recall him telling you he’s headed to Baldur’s Gate to train under the legendary wizard Elminster Aumar. This is that very same Elminster, and he has come to deliver a message from Mystra, the Goddess of the Weave (magic) and former lover of Gale. Elminster explains that Mystra has decided to “consider what she considers forgiveness” if Gale agrees to something for her.

In short, Mystra wants Gale to use the Unstable Orb (the ticking time bomb inside his chest) to destroy The Absolute—and himself, in the process. Elminster appears genuinely distraught, relaying the message, and clearly cares greatly for Gale.

Even if you protest, Gale agrees to Mystra’s deal. The way he sees it, he is on borrowed time regardless, and this way, his death can matter. (Why must Baldur’s Gate 3 hurt us like this?) Elminster casts a spell on Gale that stabilizes the Orb, meaning you no longer have to feed magical items to him, and you can finally sell those 25 useless necklaces you were hoarding as rations.