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{{ up to date | 2023-08-12 }} <!-- Date format is YEAR-MONTH-DAY, like 2023-08-07. -->
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{{PageSeo
{{PageSeo
| description = Withers is a mysterious undead entity. He offers resurrection services to the party and can allow characters to respec their character builds.
| description = Withers is a mysterious undead entity. He offers resurrection services to the party and can allow characters to respec their character builds.
| image = Withers-face.png
| image = Withers-face.png
}}
}}
{{CharacterInfo
{{Infobox creature
|name = Withers
| name = Withers
|image=[[File:Withers-face.png|350px]]
| image = <gallery>
|STR=10
Withers-face.png|In-game
|DEX=10
Portrait Withers.png|Portrait
|CON=10
</gallery>
|INT=10
| va = Stephen Boxer
|WIS=18
| faction = [[Jergal|Church of Jergal]]
|CHA=10
| role = [[Camp follower]]
|level=1
| race = [[Skeleton]]
|race=[[Skeleton]]
| size = [[Medium]]
|type=Undead
| type = [[Undead]]
|HP=1 (invincible)
| ac = 10
|AC=10
| hp = 1
|speed=9m / 30ft
| movement m = 9
|size=Medium
| weight kg = 50
|weight=50kg / 100lbs
| str = 10
|proficiency=2
| dex = 10
|initiative=-
| con = 10
|faction = [[Jergal|Church of Jergal]]
| int = 10
|location = [[Dank Crypt]], [[Campsite]]
| wis = 18
|alt-name = 3D Model
| cha = 10
|alt-image=[[File:Withers Model.png|250px]]
| wis save prof = yes
|wis save=Proficient|passive={{PAS|Immune To Control Undead}}{{PAS|Opportunity Attack}}}}'''Withers''' is a mysterious undead entity that joins the player on their adventures. He offers resurrection services to the party and can allow characters to respec their character builds. He can also become a [[Camp Follower]].
| wis save extra = +4
| passives = Immune To Control Undead, Opportunity Attack
}}
'''Withers''' is a mysterious [[Undead]] entity that joins the party on their adventures as a [[Camp Follower]]. He calls himself ''"a scribe, a seneschal - a keeper of records"'', and offers resurrection services to the party, allows characters to change or reset their class and provides the services of [[Hireling]]s.
{{DiQ|What is the worth of a single mortal's life?|Withers}}
{{TOC|limit=3}}
==Overview==
===Background===
Withers is a camp companion who offers his various services to the party. Secretive, but wise and ever helpful, he can be found in the [[Dank Crypt]] in [[Act 1]] and remains with the party throughout the game.
 
===Gameplay===
*Withers is an [[Undead]] creature whose level scales with that of the party.
*He can be encountered in Act 1 and remains with the party throughout the game.
*He cannot be damaged nor killed.
*He is the only means of changing class in the game.


{{Q|This strange wraith commands many powers: he allows you to resurrect allies, hire help, and change your class. For a price, of course.}}
===Appearance===
Withers has pale-brown, desiccated skin splotched with red spots. Strikingly, he lacks a nose but retains his other facial features. His outfit is tattered by the passage of time, and he wears bandages around his arms and chest. Despite his looks, his face, arms and parts of his collarbone are adorned with elaborate gilded strips of metal, giving him a regal look.


== Act One ==
===Personality===
{{SpoilerWarning}}
Though he may seem cryptic at times, Withers seems genuinely invested in the party's success against the [[Absolute]] and not only offers his services to aid them, but also provides information and guidance, in his own mysterious way. He is very matter-of-fact when spoken to, especially when it comes to gods and divinity, but he's never rude. He respects those with the courage to stand up to fate and take destiny into their hands, such as [[The Dark Urge]] when rejecting {{CharLink|Bhaal}} for good.
Withers is first encountered in the [[Dank Crypt]] - an ancient temple of Jergal. He is resting inside a sarcophagus within the hidden room. Open the '''Richly Adorned Sarcophagus''' to free him. He will ask a question and then leave.


Later, Withers will appear at the [[Campsite]] and join as a [[Camp Follower]]. If the player reaches the goblin camp or progresses far enough without completing [[Explore the Ruins]] and meeting him in the Crypt, this will still happen. If the player then visits the Crypt, they'll still be able to complete the aforementioned quest, but the sarcophagus will be empty.
At times, he also shows a kindness rarely seen as is the case with {{CharLink|Arabella}} should she join the party as a camp follower. Withers soothes her after she finds her parents are dead, and will gently guide her in her journey of understanding of the Weave. He also organised the gathering after the events of the game simply for the enjoyment of the companions, and rescued [[Milil]] from the Fugue Plane he was trapped in, even if it only was to provide music and entertainment. Furthermore, he seems to enjoy more mundane activities as evidenced by his multiple luncheons with {{CharLink|Tara}} and {{CharLink|Gale|Gale's}} mother.


== Act Two ==
In the epilogue, Withers can be seen speaking to the mural of the [[Dead Three]] not only with a familiar tone, but also with great disdain, dismissing them as fools and vermin. Whatever his relation to them, he has no apparent respect for them, and chides them.
When talking to Withers in [[Moonrise Towers]], the Party can note that he seems to know a lot about the [[Dead Three]].


==Act Three==
==Services==
A journal found in the [[Grand Mausoleum]] in Baldur's Gate records a meeting between a priest and who they identify as Jergal, the God of Death that preceded the [[Dead Three]]. The journal relates that the priest ''"came face to face with him: Masked in gold, his skin fine and worn as parchment. Jergal, the death-keeper, the End of Everything. I asked what he needed of me. He asked a simple question: 'What is the worth of a single mortal's life?'"''. This is the same question asked of the player by Withers when roused from his sarcophagus in Act One.
* Withers will resurrect dead [[Companions|companions]] for a 200 [[Gold|gold]] fee per resurrection.
* He offers the service of [[Hireling|hirelings]], recruitable characters that can be added to aid your party who, unlike regular companions, do not have related quests or interactions.
* He is able to resurrect hirelings for 100 gold per resurrection.
* Withers can also change the class of a character for 100 gold, setting them back to level 1 and allowing them to change their class, subclass, spells, ability scores, skill proficiencies, feats, etc.
**Characters cannot change their race, appearance, origin, or background.  This includes selectable aspects of race, such as the high elf's choice of cantrip.
**[[Paladin|Paladins]] who have broken their oaths cannot access this class change; they must retake their vows first through the [[Oathbreaker Knight]].
*Though not directly through him, his [[Magic Mirror]] can be used to change the appearance of non-origin characters and [[The Dark Urge (origin)|The Dark Urge]].
 
==History==
Little is known about Withers' history prior to the game.
 
Whoever he was, he was important enough to be laid to rest in a richly adorned sarcophagus, alongside attendants to take care of the temple that serves as his resting place. Paladins and clerics feel a divine energy coming from him, and whoever he was in life, he seems to have a deep understanding of gods and their nature.
 
Though the game never explicitly states it, it heavily implies Withers is actually {{CharLink|Jergal}}, the erstwhile ''"Lord of the End of Everything"'', a powerful god who willingly gave up part of his divine portfolio to three evil adventurers who would then become the [[Dead Three]]. Jergal would henceforth carry out his duty as a bookkeeper of the dead. For more information see {{CharLink|Jergal}}.
 
== Involvement ==
===Act One===
Withers is first encountered in the [[Dank Crypt]] - an ancient temple of Jergal. He can be found resting inside a sarcophagus within the hidden room. Once freed, he will ask the party a cryptic question and then leave.
 
Later, Withers will appear at the [[Campsite|campsite]] and join as a [[Camp Follower|camp follower]]. If the party reaches the courtyard of the goblin camp, or progresses far enough without completing {{Quest|Explore the Ruins}} and meeting him in the crypt, this will still happen. If the party then visits the crypt, they'll still be able to complete the aforementioned quest, but the sarcophagus will be empty.
 
===Act Two===
Withers can be found in [[Moonrise Towers]] after defeating {{CharLink|Ketheric Thorm}}, where he will ask the party whether they think [[Illithid|illithids]] possess souls or not. Regardless of the answer, Withers will affirm that they do not, and he ponders why the [[Dead Three]] would amass an army of soulless beings when souls are what gods need to imbue them with power.
 
===Act Three===
If the [[The Dark Urge]] is chosen as [[origin]] and refuses to become the Chosen of {{CharLink|Bhaal}} after killing {{CharLink|Orin|Orin the Red}}, Bhaal will seemingly kill the player character. However, in the final moment, Withers will appear and tell the player character that while Bhaal could destroy his own spawn, he could not destroy the new self that the player character had become by resisting the Dark Urge. He pronounces the player character redeemed and free of Bhaal's influence and brings them back to life.
 
Withers can be found among the allies and companions gathered in [[High Hall]] for the final battle against the [[Netherbrain]]. He will offer his services as always, as well as offer some words of encouragement for the fight ahead.
 
===Epilogue===
Six months after the events of the game, Withers extends an invitation to all companions, gathering them all at the campsite that served as home for many days for a celebratory party. For this, he has prepared food and beverage, a fact many companions remark upon with surprise, as well as summon [[Milil]], a former god trapped in the Fugue Plane, to provide music and entertainment. After mingling with the guests, he can be spoken to and he will offer a toast to the heroes of Baldur's Gate, telling them that there may yet be a time where they are called to action once more.
 
{{CharLink|Tara}}, Gale's tressym, that reveals that Withers has regularly joined her and Mrs. Dekarios for luncheons on numerous occasions in the past six months.
 
If the player character attacks anyone, Withers banishes them to an unknown realm through a portal, and the game ends immediately.


In the after credits scene, Withers is seen talking to a mural of the Dead Three disappointed in their actions and telling them that he overestimated them.
In the after credits scene, Withers is seen talking to a mural of the Dead Three disappointed in their actions and telling them that he overestimated them.
==Combat==
Withers cannot be damaged and is functionally invincible{{Bug}}, and he will never engage in battle if provoked.
If Withers is attacked, he will respond in banter with one of the following:
* ''Ah, yes. Well struck.''
* ''Thy accuracy would be lauded, had it a purpose.''
* ''Hast thou considered this is a waste of mortal energy?''
* ''When one tries and fails so many times, it is often named madness.''
===Loot===
Withers cannot be killed or looted.
== Related Literature ==
* {{MdRarityItem|The Book of Willing Souls}}
==Related Quests==
* {{Quest|Explore the Ruins}}
* {{Quest|The Urge}}


== Achievements ==
== Achievements ==
{{Achievement|Outsourcing}}
{{Achievement|Outsourcing}}


== Services ==
==Gallery==
* Withers will resurrect dead [[Companions]] for a 200 [[Gold]] fee.
<gallery heights="200px" mode="packed">
* Withers is able to resurrect [[Hirelings]] to your service for a 100 Gold. Speaking through them, Hirelings are recruitable characters that can be added to aid your party - unlike Companions, Hirelings do not have related quests or interactions.
Withers Model.png|Withers' in-game model.
* Withers can respec a character for a 100 Gold. This allows that character to make all of their character build choices over again, including class or classes, subclasses, spells, ability scores, etc. However, he doesn't allow a character to change their race, appearance, origin, or background.
Withers.webp|Appearance during Early Access.
** Withers will not respec a character if they are a [[Paladin]] with a broken oath.
Jane-katsubo-jergal-char.jpg|Official concept art by Jane Katsubo.
*** In this case the character ''must'' pay the [[Oathbreaker Knight]] before a respec.
Withers Jergal Concept.png|Concept art from the Digital Artbook.
* Withers puts the gold he receives for his services into a pickpocketable inventory, so players may steal back any money paid. Withers will not react to failed pickpocketing, allowing unlimited attempts.
Party withers.png|Withers as featured in [https://baldursgate3.game/news/community-update-24-looking-to-the-future_88 Community update #24].
</gallery>


== Trivia ==
== Notes ==
* Withers cannot be damaged.
{{notebegin}}
* In Early Access he was initially called The Hooded Skeleton even though he had no visible hood. He was later renamed to Talkative Skeleton and then, finally, Withers.  
* Withers puts the gold he receives for his services into a pickpocketable inventory, so it's possible to steal back any money paid. Withers will not react to failed pickpocketing, allowing unlimited attempts.
* If you speak with a hireling, it is revealed Withers is in fact remotely controlling them. In a sense, that makes Withers indirectly a companion as well.
* In Early Access he was initially called The Hooded Skeleton even though he had no visible hood. He was later renamed to Talkative Skeleton, and finally Withers.  
* It is heavily implied that Withers is either an avatar of [[Jergal]] or Jergal himself.
* If speaking with a hireling, it is revealed Withers is in fact controlling them remotely. In a sense, this makes Withers indirectly a companion as well.
** He is found in the Temple of Jergal and scribes bear Jergal's insignia.
* There is never a point where Withers actually reveals that his name is Withers, this information is revealed purely via the subtitles. It is unclear how the party members themselves learn this.
** In Withers' official concept art (see gallery below) he is referred to as Jergal
{{noteend}}
** In the after credits scene Withers is talking about how he disappointed he is in the Dead Three and how he overestimated them. 
** The question Withers asks the player when released from his sarcophagus, "What is the worth of a single mortal's life?", is the same question recorded as asked of a priest by Jergal in a journal in the Ancient Mousoleum in the Baldur's Gate graveyard.
** As a Paladin or Cleric you can feel divine energy from Withers. ''"He has a divine aspect, yes. A reflection of death itself. Eternal and inescapable."'' If you ask him if he's a god's Chosen he will refuse to answer questions in that regard.
** When a character dies and is resurrected by Withers, he states that the character's name has been "stricken from the record", and when a new companion first speaks to Withers, he states "Ah, another. Thy name has been recorded."  Jergal is also known as "Nakasr, The Final Scribe" who is responsible for keeping record of the ultimate fate of all mortals.
** As a Cleric of Kelemvor, you will receive unique dialogue when talking to Withers. You will sense something familiar about him when you first meet him. He will say unique lines such as ''"Thou walk with death, child of Kelemvor. That is enough for an understanding between us"'' and ''"No, although Kelemvor chose wise to bless one such as yourself"'' when replying to your questions
===Datamined content===
According to datamined notes, Withers ''is'' [[Jergal]]. The datamined notes say that he is compelled by Helm to assist the players as penance.
* From the Chapel dialog notes:
{{Q|After the party has slain a group of undead scholars, the judge of death--Jergal--climbs out of his sarcophagus to greet them. He has been locked inside for years by the god Helm to atone for his part in raising the Dead Three, wicked gods who are now plotting to conquer the realms. Jergal is emotionless and excessively formal, both resigned to his fate and that of others. He is here to assist the party because that is his divine oath, not out of any true desire to act. Players can attempt to goad or attack him, but to minimal effect, as he is functionally immortal. His only goal was to see their faces, so he can find them at camp later to offer further assistance.}}
* From the Camp dialog notes:
{{Q|Jergal, a god of the dead, awaits the player in camp. He is bound by the judgment of another god - Helm - to assist the players as penance for past crimes. He provides resurrection services to the players.}}


==Gallery==
==Bugs==
<gallery heights="250px" mode="packed">
* As of Hotfix 21, there is a bug where Withers can be killed in camp during Act 3 by a [[partial-illithid]] character, via repeatedly using an [[Intelligence]] [[Cantrip]] (or other [[Spells]]) to trigger [[Ability Drain]] to bring Withers' INT to 1, and then using [[Devour Intellect]]. Withers only drops a regular {{SmRarityItem|Quarterstaff}}.
Withers.webp|In Early Access
[[Category:Bugs]]
Jane-katsubo-jergal-char.jpg|Official concept art by Jane Katsubo
Withers Jergal Concept.png|Concept art from the Artbook
Party withers.png|Withers as featured in [https://baldursgate3.game/news/community-update-24-looking-to-the-future_88 Community update #24]
</gallery>


== External Links ==
== External links ==
* {{FRWiki|Withers|long}}
* {{FRWiki|Withers|long}}


{{NavCompanions}}
{{NavCompanions}}
{{NavWilderness}}
[[Category: Camp Followers]]
[[Category: Skeletons]]
[[Category: Skeletons]]
[[Category: Undead]]
[[Category: Undead]]
[[Category: Characters in Act 1]]
[[Category: Authors]]

Latest revision as of 00:06, 10 November 2024

Withers is a mysterious Undead entity that joins the party on their adventures as a Camp Follower. He calls himself "a scribe, a seneschal - a keeper of records", and offers resurrection services to the party, allows characters to change or reset their class and provides the services of Hirelings.

Portrait Withers.png
“
What is the worth of a single mortal's life?
„
— Withers

Overview[edit | edit source]

Background[edit | edit source]

Withers is a camp companion who offers his various services to the party. Secretive, but wise and ever helpful, he can be found in the Dank Crypt in Act 1 and remains with the party throughout the game.

Gameplay[edit | edit source]

  • Withers is an Undead creature whose level scales with that of the party.
  • He can be encountered in Act 1 and remains with the party throughout the game.
  • He cannot be damaged nor killed.
  • He is the only means of changing class in the game.

Appearance[edit | edit source]

Withers has pale-brown, desiccated skin splotched with red spots. Strikingly, he lacks a nose but retains his other facial features. His outfit is tattered by the passage of time, and he wears bandages around his arms and chest. Despite his looks, his face, arms and parts of his collarbone are adorned with elaborate gilded strips of metal, giving him a regal look.

Personality[edit | edit source]

Though he may seem cryptic at times, Withers seems genuinely invested in the party's success against the Absolute and not only offers his services to aid them, but also provides information and guidance, in his own mysterious way. He is very matter-of-fact when spoken to, especially when it comes to gods and divinity, but he's never rude. He respects those with the courage to stand up to fate and take destiny into their hands, such as The Dark Urge when rejecting Bhaal Bhaal for good.

At times, he also shows a kindness rarely seen as is the case with Arabella Arabella should she join the party as a camp follower. Withers soothes her after she finds her parents are dead, and will gently guide her in her journey of understanding of the Weave. He also organised the gathering after the events of the game simply for the enjoyment of the companions, and rescued Milil from the Fugue Plane he was trapped in, even if it only was to provide music and entertainment. Furthermore, he seems to enjoy more mundane activities as evidenced by his multiple luncheons with Tara Tara and Gale Gale's mother.

In the epilogue, Withers can be seen speaking to the mural of the Dead Three not only with a familiar tone, but also with great disdain, dismissing them as fools and vermin. Whatever his relation to them, he has no apparent respect for them, and chides them.

Services[edit | edit source]

  • Withers will resurrect dead companions for a 200 gold fee per resurrection.
  • He offers the service of hirelings, recruitable characters that can be added to aid your party who, unlike regular companions, do not have related quests or interactions.
  • He is able to resurrect hirelings for 100 gold per resurrection.
  • Withers can also change the class of a character for 100 gold, setting them back to level 1 and allowing them to change their class, subclass, spells, ability scores, skill proficiencies, feats, etc.
    • Characters cannot change their race, appearance, origin, or background. This includes selectable aspects of race, such as the high elf's choice of cantrip.
    • Paladins who have broken their oaths cannot access this class change; they must retake their vows first through the Oathbreaker Knight.
  • Though not directly through him, his Magic Mirror can be used to change the appearance of non-origin characters and The Dark Urge.

History[edit | edit source]

Little is known about Withers' history prior to the game.

Whoever he was, he was important enough to be laid to rest in a richly adorned sarcophagus, alongside attendants to take care of the temple that serves as his resting place. Paladins and clerics feel a divine energy coming from him, and whoever he was in life, he seems to have a deep understanding of gods and their nature.

Though the game never explicitly states it, it heavily implies Withers is actually Jergal Jergal, the erstwhile "Lord of the End of Everything", a powerful god who willingly gave up part of his divine portfolio to three evil adventurers who would then become the Dead Three. Jergal would henceforth carry out his duty as a bookkeeper of the dead. For more information see Jergal Jergal.

Involvement[edit | edit source]

Act One[edit | edit source]

Withers is first encountered in the Dank Crypt - an ancient temple of Jergal. He can be found resting inside a sarcophagus within the hidden room. Once freed, he will ask the party a cryptic question and then leave.

Later, Withers will appear at the campsite and join as a camp follower. If the party reaches the courtyard of the goblin camp, or progresses far enough without completing Explore the Ruins Explore the Ruins and meeting him in the crypt, this will still happen. If the party then visits the crypt, they'll still be able to complete the aforementioned quest, but the sarcophagus will be empty.

Act Two[edit | edit source]

Withers can be found in Moonrise Towers after defeating Ketheric Thorm Ketheric Thorm, where he will ask the party whether they think illithids possess souls or not. Regardless of the answer, Withers will affirm that they do not, and he ponders why the Dead Three would amass an army of soulless beings when souls are what gods need to imbue them with power.

Act Three[edit | edit source]

If the The Dark Urge is chosen as origin and refuses to become the Chosen of Bhaal Bhaal after killing Orin Orin the Red, Bhaal will seemingly kill the player character. However, in the final moment, Withers will appear and tell the player character that while Bhaal could destroy his own spawn, he could not destroy the new self that the player character had become by resisting the Dark Urge. He pronounces the player character redeemed and free of Bhaal's influence and brings them back to life.

Withers can be found among the allies and companions gathered in High Hall for the final battle against the Netherbrain. He will offer his services as always, as well as offer some words of encouragement for the fight ahead.

Epilogue[edit | edit source]

Six months after the events of the game, Withers extends an invitation to all companions, gathering them all at the campsite that served as home for many days for a celebratory party. For this, he has prepared food and beverage, a fact many companions remark upon with surprise, as well as summon Milil, a former god trapped in the Fugue Plane, to provide music and entertainment. After mingling with the guests, he can be spoken to and he will offer a toast to the heroes of Baldur's Gate, telling them that there may yet be a time where they are called to action once more.

Tara Tara, Gale's tressym, that reveals that Withers has regularly joined her and Mrs. Dekarios for luncheons on numerous occasions in the past six months.

If the player character attacks anyone, Withers banishes them to an unknown realm through a portal, and the game ends immediately.

In the after credits scene, Withers is seen talking to a mural of the Dead Three disappointed in their actions and telling them that he overestimated them.

Combat[edit | edit source]

Withers cannot be damaged and is functionally invincible[See: Bugs], and he will never engage in battle if provoked.

If Withers is attacked, he will respond in banter with one of the following:

  • Ah, yes. Well struck.
  • Thy accuracy would be lauded, had it a purpose.
  • Hast thou considered this is a waste of mortal energy?
  • When one tries and fails so many times, it is often named madness.

Loot[edit | edit source]

Withers cannot be killed or looted.

Related Literature[edit | edit source]

Related Quests[edit | edit source]

Achievements[edit | edit source]

A-Outsourcing.jpg

Outsourcing
Recruit a hireling. You can befriend them or use them as cannon-fodder - we won't judge.


Gallery[edit | edit source]

  • Withers' in-game model.

    Withers' in-game model.

  • Appearance during Early Access.

    Appearance during Early Access.

  • Official concept art by Jane Katsubo.

    Official concept art by Jane Katsubo.

  • Concept art from the Digital Artbook.

    Concept art from the Digital Artbook.

  • Withers as featured in Community update #24.

    Withers as featured in Community update #24.

Notes[edit | edit source]

  • Withers puts the gold he receives for his services into a pickpocketable inventory, so it's possible to steal back any money paid. Withers will not react to failed pickpocketing, allowing unlimited attempts.
  • In Early Access he was initially called The Hooded Skeleton even though he had no visible hood. He was later renamed to Talkative Skeleton, and finally Withers.
  • If speaking with a hireling, it is revealed Withers is in fact controlling them remotely. In a sense, this makes Withers indirectly a companion as well.
  • There is never a point where Withers actually reveals that his name is Withers, this information is revealed purely via the subtitles. It is unclear how the party members themselves learn this.

Bugs[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]


Retrieved from "https://dev.bg3.wiki/w/index.php?title=Withers&oldid=244995"