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{{PageSeo
{{PageSeo
| title = Orpheus
| title = Orpheus
| description = Orpheus is a Githyanki in Baldur's Gate.
| description = Orpheus is an important Githyanki leader in Baldur's Gate.
| image = Orpheus_Freed.webp
| image = Orpheus_Freed.webp
}}
}}
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{{Infobox creature
{{Infobox creature
| name = Orpheus
| name = Orpheus
| va = [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12319062 Tommy Sim'aan]
| va = Tommy Sim'aan
| title = The Prince of the Comet  
| title = The Prince of the Comet  
| role = [[Attached Follower]]
| image = <gallery>
| image = <gallery>
Orpheus_Freed.webp|In-game
Orpheus_Freed.webp|In-game
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Portrait Orpheus.png|Portrait
Portrait Orpheus.png|Portrait
</gallery>
</gallery>
| identity = Male
| hometown = [[Astral Plane]]
| hometown = [[Astral Plane]]
| race = [[Githyanki]]
| race = [[Githyanki]]
| family = {{FRWiki|Gith}} (mother)
| family = {{FRWiki|Gith}} (mother)
| size = Medium
| size = [[Medium]]
| type = Humanoid
| type = [[Humanoid]]
}}
}}


'''Orpheus''', is a [[Githyanki]] that appears in [[Baldur's Gate 3]], playing a major role in [[Act Three]] and {{CharLink|Lae'zel}}'s personal quest, {{Quest|The Githyanki Warrior}}. He acts as the supposed true ruler of the Githyanki. However, he has been captured and is imprisoned in the [[Astral Plane]]. Being a Githyanki, he seeks to destroy the [[Mind Flayer]]s and remove {{CharLink|Vlaakith}} from power.
'''Orpheus''', is a [[Githyanki]] that appears in [[Baldur's Gate 3|''Baldur's Gate 3'']], playing a major role in [[Act Three]] and {{CharLink|Lae'zel}}'s personal quest, {{Quest|The Githyanki Warrior}}. As the son of Gith herself, he acts as the supposed true ruler of the Gith Empire. However, he has been captured and is imprisoned in the [[Astral Plane]]. Being a githyanki, he seeks to destroy the [[mind flayers]] and remove {{CharLink|Vlaakith}} from power.
{{DiQ|Quickly now - even here, we do not have infinite time.|Orpheus| after being freed from his prison.}}
{{DiQ|Quickly now - even here, we do not have infinite time.|Orpheus| after being freed from his prison.}}


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=== Background ===
=== Background ===
According to the inscribed discs, banned by followers of Vlaakith and labelled as heretical, Orpheus is the first, and only, son of Mother Gith, the leader of the rebellion that freed the race that would then bear her name, from the Mind Flayer Empire. Sometime after the beginning of their freedom, the collective Gith race split into two cultures; the Githyanki and the Githzerai, the former, Orpheus was a part of.
According to the inscribed discs, banned and deemed heretical by followers of Vlaakith, Orpheus is the first (and only) son of Mother Gith, the leader of the rebellion that freed the race that would bear her name from the Illithid Empire. Gith's impressive psionic powers allowed her to disrupt elder brain control, powers that her son inherited.  At some point during the rebellion, Gith's advisor Vlaakith made a deal with the dragon goddess {{FRWiki|Tiamat}}, in which the gith acquired their red dragons.  It was only after the split between the githyanki and [[githzerai]] that the cost of Vlaakith's deal was revealed, as Gith was summoned to the [[Nine Hells]] to become Tiamat's advisor.  Tiamat's red dragon consort {{FRWiki|Ephelomon}} came to the githyanki, and decreed that Vlaakith was to be their new ruler.


Upon discovering that Vlaakith I (Not to be confused with [[Vlaakith|Vlaakith CLVII]]) had betrayed his mother, sacrificing her to create a pact with {{FRWiki|Tiamat}}, Orpheus led Gith's Honour Guard in a revolt and named himself the rightful king of the Githyanki, triggering the War of the Comet. At the head of the Honour Guard mounted on red dragons, Orpheus bravely fought Vlaakith's knights in a battle in the Astral Plane, where he praised Mother Gith and accused Vlaakith. Yet he was overcome and defeated in battle against {{CharLink|Voss|Kith'rak Voss}}, and was thought dead.
Outraged at this turn of events, Orpheus led a rebellion against Vlaakith I's rule, assembling an Honor Guard and declaring himself the rightful ruler of the githyanki.  This "War of the Comet" was said to have ended with Orpheus' death at the hands of {{CharLink|Kith'rak Voss}} and with Ephelomon devouring his corpse<ref>{{SmRarityItem|Orpheus, Prince of the Comet, Part Three: Resurrection}}</ref>.  In truth, Orpheus and his Honor Guard were sealed away in a corner of the [[Astral Plane]], accessed using the [[Mysterious Artefact|Astral Prism]].  Orpheus himself was restrained by Infernal chains, so that Vlaakith could exploit his elder brain disruption powers. The fact that Orpheus still lived was known only to Voss, the current and past Vlaakiths, and the few secret devotees of the Prince of the Comet spread throughout githyanki society.


Unknown to all but Vlaakith and Voss; however, Orpheus was instead imprisoned within the Astral Prism, so that Vlaakith may exploit the powers he inherited from his mother.  
The artifact containing Orpheus soon came to the attention of {{CharLink|The Netherbrain}}, who wanted to use it to overthrow the Chosen of the [[Dead Three]] in control of it.  It sent a team of illithids to find and take the artifact from the githyanki.  However, the leader of the group (a mind flayer known as {{CharLink|The Emperor|the Emperor}}) seized the opportunity and went rogue, taking the artifact and hoping to use it to overthrow the elder brain.
== Involvement ==


At some time before the events of Baldur's Gate 3, {{CharLink|The Emperor}} had discovered the Astral Prism, who proceeded to use it to rebel against the [[The Netherbrain|Elder Brain]].
=== Act One & Act Two ===
Orpheus and his role in the greater story of ''Baldur's Gate 3'' is hinted throughout the game, but is not truly revealed until the beginning of [[Act Three]] References to him are found throughout the game, notably in the "Orpheus, Prince of the Comet" series of discs, which recount his attempted rebellion against the first Vlaakith and form the backbone of the quest {{Quest|Discover the History of Prince Orpheus}}.


== Involvement ==
=== Act Three ===
=== Act Three ===
{{Spoiler warning|act=3}}
{{Main|Free Orpheus}}
==== Battle in the Astral Prism ====
{{Main|Help Your Protector}}


==== Battle in the Astral Prism ====
While resting at [[Wyrm's Lookout]], the party are ambushed by githyanki warriors and combat ensues. The [[Dream Guardian]] opens a portal into the Astral Prism for the party to enter, lest they fall under the [[Absolute]]'s influence. There, the Dream Guardian reveals their true form as a mind flayer free from hivemind control, and asks the party for their aid against the githyanki.  Though the party has the option to attack their protector, this will lead to a [[Game Over screens|Game Over]], as the player character and all party members either fall under the control of the Absolute, or are killed by the githyanki. After the battle, the Dream Guardian reveals that the source of the party's protection has been an imprisoned Orpheus, and that the githyanki who attacked are his Honor Guard, who were imprisoned alongside him by the first Vlaakith. Completing this encounter will complete both {{Quest|Discover the History of Prince Orpheus}} and {{Quest|Discover the Artefact's Secrets}}, as well as start {{Quest|Free Orpheus}}.
Orpheus and his role in the greater story of ''Baldur's Gate 3'' is hinted at throughout the game, but is not truly revealed until the beginning of [[Act Three]] and the quest {{Quest|Help Your Protector}}.  While resting at [[Wyrm's Lookout]], the party will be ambushed by githyanki warriors and combat will ensue. The [[Dream Guardian]] will open a portal into the [[Mysterious Artefact|Astral Prism]] and call the party into it, lest they fall under the [[Absolute]]'s influence. There, the Dream Guardian reveals their true form as a mind flayer free from hivemind control, and asks the party for their aid against the githyanki.  Though the party has the option to attack their protector, this will lead to a [[Game Over screens|Game Over]], as the player either falls under the control of the Absolute, or are killed by the githyanki. After the battle, the Dream Guardian reveals that the source of the party's protection has been an imprisoned Orpheus, and that the githyanki who attacked are his Honor Guard, who were imprisoned alongside him by the first Vlaakith. Completing this encounter will complete both {{Quest|Discover the History of Prince Orpheus}} and {{Quest|Discover the Artefact's Secrets}}, as well as start {{Quest|Free Orpheus}}.


==== Acquiring the Orphic Hammer ====
==== Acquiring the Orphic Hammer ====
After his visit to the party's camp in [[Act Two]], Kith'rak Voss will have directed the party to meet him at [[Sharess' Caress]] in [[Wyrm's Crossing]].  Upstairs, in the [[Devil's Den]], the party will find him attempting to make a deal with the devil {{CharLink|Raphael}}, who eventually dismisses him. Talking to the devil reveals he has the {{SmRarityItem|Orphic Hammer}}, a magically imbued hammer with the ability to free Orpheus from his infernal chains. He promises to give the artifact to the party in exchange for the [[Crown of Karsus]], signing a {{SmRarityItem|Soul-Sworn Contract|override_icon=Soul-Sworn Contract.png}} with the player if they accept. The player has a few options:
{{Main|Deal with the Devil|Escape the Deal}}
 
After his visit to the party's camp in [[Act Two]], Kith'rak Voss will have directed the party to meet him at [[Sharess' Caress]] in [[Wyrm's Crossing]]. [[Baldur's Gate]].  Upstairs, in the [[Devil's Den]], the party will find him attempting to make a deal with the devil {{CharLink|Raphael}}, who eventually dismisses him. Talking to the devil reveals he has the {{SmRarityItem|Orphic Hammer}}, a magically imbued hammer with the ability to free Orpheus from his infernal chains. He promises to give the artifact to the party in exchange for the {{IconLink|size=20|Crown of Karsus Faded.png|Crown of Karsus}}, signing a {{SmRarityItem|Soul-Sworn Contract|override_icon=Soul-Sworn Contract.png}} with the player character if they accept. The player character has serveral options to act:


# {{Quest|Deal with the Devil}}: The player refuses the deal but decides to acquire the Orphic Hammer anyways. They infiltrate the [[House of Hope]] to steal the Orphic Hammer. This leads to a confrontation with Raphael, who the party must defeat.
# The player character refuses the deal but decides to acquire the Orphic Hammer anyways. The party must infiltrate the [[House of Hope]] to steal the Orphic Hammer. This leads to a fight against Raphael.
# {{Quest|Fulfill the Deal}}: The player accepts the deal and doesn't betray Raphael. At the final battle, after the party chooses to free Orpheus, Raphael will appear and hand them the Orphic Hammer. As his deal involves handing over the Crown of Karsus, this prevents {{CharLink|Gale}} from either giving the crown to {{CharLink|Mystra}} or using it to become a god, and causes Raphael to appear at the party in the [[Epilogue]].
# The player character accepts the deal and doesn't betray Raphael. At the final battle, after freeing Orpheus, Raphael will appear and give them the Orphic Hammer. As his deal involves handing over the Crown of Karsus, this prevents {{CharLink|Gale}} from either giving the crown to {{CharLink|Mystra}} or using it to become a god, and causes Raphael to appear at the celebration in the [[Epilogue]].
# {{Quest|Escape the Deal}}: The player accepts the deal but ultimately decides to break it. Just like if they refused the deal, they must infiltrate the House of Hope and must acquire their contract, with the option of also stealing the Orphic Hammer. This leads to a confrontation with Raphael, who the party must defeat.
# The player character accepts the deal (signing a {{SmRarityItem|Soul-Sworn Contract|override_icon=Soul-Sworn Contract.png}} with the devil) but ultimately decide to break it. Then it is necessary to infiltrate the House of Hope and acquire the contract. The Orphic Hammer can also be stolen. This leads to a fight against Raphael.


Showing the Orphic Hammer to Voss will complete {{Quest|Help Kith'rak Voss}}, which gifts you the {{SmRarityItem|Silver Sword of the Astral Plane}}
Showing the Orphic Hammer to Voss will complete {{Quest|Help Kith'rak Voss}}, which grants you the {{SmRarityItem|Silver Sword of the Astral Plane}}


==== Deciding the Prince's Fate ====
==== Deciding the Prince's Fate ====
At the [[Morphic Pool]], the player attempts to wield the Netherstones and control the Netherbrain, but are overwhelmed. The Emperor brings them into the Astral Prism, and tells them that only an illithid can successfully wield the Netherstones. It is here that Orpheus' fate can be decided, with most decisions contingent on whether or not the party acquired the Orphic Hammer.
At the [[Morphic Pool]], the player character attempts to wield the Netherstones and control the Netherbrain, but is overwhelmed. The Emperor brings the party into the Astral Prism, and tells them that only an illithid can successfully wield the Netherstones. Here Orpheus' fate can be decided, with most decisions depending on whether or not the party acquired the Orphic Hammer.


===== The Prince Assimilated =====
===== The Prince Assimilated =====
Orpheus can be "assimilated" by either the Emperor, a mind flayer player character, or a mind flayer {{CharLink|Karlach}}.  If Lae'zel has rejected Vlaakith and embraced Orpheus, the player must pass a {{Ability check|Persuasion|30}} or she will turn hostile. Upon leaving the Astral Prism and reaching [[The High Hall|High Hall]], an enraged Voss will turn hostile unless convinced not to, which requires a {{Ability check|Persuasion, Deception|30}}, with an additional prerequisite {{Ability check|Persuasion, Intimidation|25}} if the player was the one to "assimilate" Orpheus.  If Voss turns hostile, he can no longer be recruited as part of {{Quest|Gather Your Allies}}
Orpheus can be "assimilated" by either the Emperor, a mind flayer player character, or a mind flayer {{CharLink|Karlach}}.  If Lae'zel has rejected Vlaakith and embraced Orpheus, the player character must pass a {{Ability check|Persuasion|30}} or she will turn hostile. Upon leaving the Astral Prism and reaching [[The High Hall|High Hall]], an enraged Voss will turn hostile unless convinced not to, which requires a {{Ability check|Persuasion, Deception|30}}, with an additional prerequisite {{Ability check|Persuasion, Intimidation|25}} if the player character was the one to "assimilate" Orpheus.  If Voss turns hostile, he can no longer be recruited as part of {{Quest|Gather Your Allies}}


===== The Prince Freed =====
===== The Prince Freed =====
The player can refuse to allow the Emperor to "assimilate" Orpheus. Alternatively, a mind flayer player character can refuse to "assimilate" Orpheus, though a check is required to prevent your hunger from getting the best of you. Either choice causes the Emperor to defect to the Netherbrain, and the player can then free Orpheus. If the player made the deal with Raphael and didn't betray him, then he will show up and give the Orphic Hammer to the player.
The party can refuse to allow the Emperor to "assimilate" Orpheus. Alternatively, a mind flayer player character can refuse to "assimilate" Orpheus, though a check is required to prevent your hunger from getting the best of you. Either choice causes the Emperor to defect to the Netherbrain, and the party then can free Orpheus. If the player character made the deal with Raphael and didn't betray him, then he will show up and give the Orphic Hammer to the party.


If the player still doesn't have the Orphic Hammer at this point, then Raphael will appear and make his offer again. Refusing the offer causes a Game Over, so the player is forced to {{Quest|Fulfill the Deal}}.
If not having optained the Orphic Hammer at this point, then Raphael will appear and make his offer again. Refusing the offer causes a Game Over, so the player character is forced to {{Quest|Fulfill the Deal}}.


Regardless, Orpheus is freed and offers an alliance to the player. Like the Emperor, he tells the player that the only way to wield the Netherstones is to become an illithid. There are several options open to the player at this point:
Regardless, Orpheus is freed and offers an alliance to the party, though he may scold them for not freeing him sooner, or for stealing the {{SmRarityItem|Githyanki Egg}}. Like the Emperor, he tells the party that the only way to wield the Netherstones is to become an illithid. There are several options at this point:


# The player or another party member becomes a mind flayer. Orpheus lowers his psionic defenses to allow the order to transform to go through.
# The player character or another party member becomes a mind flayer. Orpheus lowers his psionic defenses to allow the order to transform to go through.
# If the player and any other party members refuse to become a mind flayer, Orpheus offers to make the sacrifice instead. Lae'zel is dismayed but will not turn hostile.
# If the player character and any other party members refuse to become a mind flayer, Orpheus offers to make the sacrifice instead. Lae'zel is dismayed but will not turn hostile.
# The player and the party decide to fight Orpheus. Winning or losing this battle immediately results in a Game Over, as the party either dies or loses Orpheus' protection and becomes dominated by the Absolute.
# The player character and the party decide to fight Orpheus. Winning or losing this battle immediately results in a Game Over, as the party either dies or loses Orpheus' protection and becomes dominated by the Absolute.


Regardless of who transforms, Orpheus will join the player's party as a temporary companion for the final battle. Depending on who transformed, Voss will express either confusion or dismay, but will also not turn hostile.
Regardless of who transforms, Orpheus will join the party as an [[Attached Follower]] for the final battle. Depending on who transformed, Voss will express either confusion or dismay, but will also not turn hostile.


=== '''Endings''' ===
=== '''Endings''' ===
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Orpheus' role in the ending will depend on whether or not he transformed into a mind flayer
Orpheus' role in the ending will depend on whether or not he transformed into a mind flayer


If Orpheus turned into a mind flayer, he will appear on the docks and ask Lae'zel to lead the githyanki fight for freedom without him, as he is now an abomination and seeks death.  He will ask another party member (usually the player or Lae'zel) to kill him. If no player fulfills his request, he will kill himself unless the player convinces him not to with a {{Ability check|Persuasion|20}}. If the player passes the check, he will leave the docks for places unknown.
If Orpheus turned into a mind flayer, he will appear on the docks and ask Lae'zel to lead the githyanki fight for freedom without him, as he is now an abomination and seeks death.  He will ask another party member (usually the player character or Lae'zel) to kill him. If his request is not fullfilled, he will kill himself unless the player character convinces him refrain with a {{Ability check|Persuasion|20}}. If passing the check, he will leave the docks for places unknown.


If the player or another party member turned into a mind flayer, he will appear on the docks, thanking the party's ceremorph for their sacrifice and ready to begin a new rebellion against Vlaakith's tyranny.  He will call two red dragons, and invite Lae'zel to join him in his new war against the Lich Queen. Lae'zel can either join Orpheus, be convinced to stay in Faerun (which requires a {{Ability check|Persuasion|30}}, and will automatically be rejected if the player became a mind flayer), or take the player along with them (if the player is romancing Lae'zel). Regardless of what choice Lae'zel makes, Orpheus flies on his red dragon into the sky and away from Baldur's Gate.
If the player character or another party member turned into a Mind Flayer, he will appear on the docks, thanking the party's ceremorph for their sacrifice. Beeing now ready to begin a new rebellion against Vlaakith's tyranny, he calls two red dragons, and invites Lae'zel to join him in his new war against the Lich Queen. Lae'zel can either join Orpheus, be convinced to stay in [[Faerûn]], which requires a {{Ability check|Persuasion|30}}, and will automatically be rejected if the player character became a Mind Flayer, or take the player character along with them, if the player character is [[Lae'zel/Romance|romancing]] Lae'zel. Regardless of what choice Lae'zel makes, Orpheus flies on his red dragon into the sky and away from Baldur's Gate.


=== Epilogue ===
=== Epilogue ===
{{Content warning|section|mentioned|selfharm}}
{{Content warning|section|mentioned|selfharm}}
If Orpheus did not transform into a mind flayer, then the player will find a letter from him in the {{SmRarityItem|Chest of Grateful Words}}, titled {{SmRarityItem|The First Protocol}}.  In it, he praises the player as ''Mla'ghir'' ([[Githyanki vocabulary|Gith]] for "liberator"), and tells them of the success of his ongoing rebellion against Vlaakith.
If Orpheus did not transform into a Mind Flayer, then the player character will find a letter from him in the {{SmRarityItem|Chest of Grateful Words}}, titled {{SmRarityItem|The First Protocol}}.  In it, he praises the player character as ''Mla'ghir'' ([[Githyanki vocabulary|Gith]] for "liberator"), and tells them of the success of his ongoing rebellion against Vlaakith.


If Orpheus transformed into a mind flayer but was convinced not to kill himself, then a unique dialogue option asking about him will be present when talking to Lae'zel. Her response indicates that Orpheus has likely gone into hiding, but that she holds out hope he might re-emerge one day.
If Orpheus transformed into a mind flayer but was convinced not to kill himself, then a unique dialogue option asking about him will be present when talking to Lae'zel. Her response indicates that Orpheus has disappeared and gone into hiding, but that she holds out hope he might re-emerge one day.


== Combat ==
== Combat ==
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===Loot===
===Loot===
* {{MdRarityItem|Orphic Ring}}
* {{MdRarityItem|Orphic Ring}}
* 2x {{MdRarityItem|Potion of Superior Healing}}
* {{MdRarityItem|Potion of Superior Healing}} -2x


== Related quests ==
== Related quests ==
* {{Quest|Discover the History of Prince Orpheus}}
* {{Quest|Discover the History of Prince Orpheus}}
* {{Quest|Discover the Artefact's Secrets}}
* {{Quest|Free Orpheus}}
* {{Quest|Free Orpheus}}
* {{Quest|The Githyanki Warrior}}


== Related literature ==
== Related literature ==
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==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery heights="200px" widths="250" mode="packed">
<gallery heights="250px">
Orpheus Model.png|Orpheus' model.
Orpheus Model.png|Orpheus' model
Player Mind Flayer Model.png|Orpheus' illithid model.
Player Mind Flayer Model.png|Orpheus' illithid model
Orpheus Concept Art.png|Concept art.
Orpheus Concept Art.png|Concept art
Orpheus_Concept_Art_Varenev_A.webp|Concept art.
Orpheus_Concept_Art_Varenev_A.webp|Concept art
Orpheus Chained.png|Orpheus chained in the Astral Prism.
Orpheus Chained.png|Orpheus chained in the Astral Prism
Chained.webp|Orpheus chained in the Astral Prism.
Chained.webp|Orpheus chained in the Astral Prism
Orpheus_Reason.webp|"''It seems we must be allies''".
Orpheus_Reason.webp|"''It seems we must be allies''"
Orpheus.png|Orpheus talking.
Orpheus.png|Orpheus talking
Oprheus_Tattoo.png|Orpheus' Tattoo in tir'su.
Oprheus_Tattoo.png|Orpheus' Tattoo in tir'su
Orpheus Tattoo.webp|Tattoo in-game, datamined by [https://twitter.com/chubblot/status/1677410267024564224 Chubblot].
Orpheus Tattoo.webp|Tattoo in-game, datamined by [https://twitter.com/chubblot/status/1677410267024564224 Chubblot]
</gallery>
</gallery>


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** Mostly nonsense and a mirrored word for Vlaakith - misspelled as "Alaakith". It was probably written as a defiance to her ways.
** Mostly nonsense and a mirrored word for Vlaakith - misspelled as "Alaakith". It was probably written as a defiance to her ways.
** [[Githyanki]] and [[Githzerai]] use the same writing system but githyanki write clockwise while githzerai - counter-clockwise, though unlike Orpheus, the githzerai do not mirror the symbols.
** [[Githyanki]] and [[Githzerai]] use the same writing system but githyanki write clockwise while githzerai - counter-clockwise, though unlike Orpheus, the githzerai do not mirror the symbols.
* Orpheus is also the name of a [[wikipedia:Orpheus|demigod]] in Greek mythology who traveled with Jason and the Argonauts in pursuit of the Golden Fleece, but was primarily famous for his journey to the Underworld to save his love Eurydice.
* Orpheus is also the name of a [[wikipedia:Orpheus|demigod]] in Greek mythology who traveled with Jason and the Argonauts in pursuit of the Golden Fleece, but was primarily famous for his journey to the Underworld to save his love Eurydice.{{noteend}}
{{noteend}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
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[[Category:Characters in the Upper City]]
[[Category:Characters in the Upper City]]
[[Category:Characters in Act Three]]
[[Category:Characters in Act Three]]
[[Category:Temporary Companions]]
[[Category:Attached Followers]]
[[Category:Authors]]

Latest revision as of 19:06, 22 November 2024

Overview Combat

Orpheus, is a Githyanki that appears in Baldur's Gate 3, playing a major role in Act Three and Lae'zel Lae'zel's personal quest, The Githyanki Warrior The Githyanki Warrior. As the son of Gith herself, he acts as the supposed true ruler of the Gith Empire. However, he has been captured and is imprisoned in the Astral Plane. Being a githyanki, he seeks to destroy the mind flayers and remove Vlaakith Vlaakith from power.

Portrait Orpheus.png
“
Quickly now - even here, we do not have infinite time.
„
— Orpheus after being freed from his prison.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Background[edit | edit source]

According to the inscribed discs, banned and deemed heretical by followers of Vlaakith, Orpheus is the first (and only) son of Mother Gith, the leader of the rebellion that freed the race that would bear her name from the Illithid Empire. Gith's impressive psionic powers allowed her to disrupt elder brain control, powers that her son inherited. At some point during the rebellion, Gith's advisor Vlaakith made a deal with the dragon goddess Tiamat, in which the gith acquired their red dragons. It was only after the split between the githyanki and githzerai that the cost of Vlaakith's deal was revealed, as Gith was summoned to the Nine Hells to become Tiamat's advisor. Tiamat's red dragon consort Ephelomon came to the githyanki, and decreed that Vlaakith was to be their new ruler.

Outraged at this turn of events, Orpheus led a rebellion against Vlaakith I's rule, assembling an Honor Guard and declaring himself the rightful ruler of the githyanki. This "War of the Comet" was said to have ended with Orpheus' death at the hands of Kith'rak Voss Kith'rak Voss and with Ephelomon devouring his corpse[1]. In truth, Orpheus and his Honor Guard were sealed away in a corner of the Astral Plane, accessed using the Astral Prism. Orpheus himself was restrained by Infernal chains, so that Vlaakith could exploit his elder brain disruption powers. The fact that Orpheus still lived was known only to Voss, the current and past Vlaakiths, and the few secret devotees of the Prince of the Comet spread throughout githyanki society.

The artifact containing Orpheus soon came to the attention of The Netherbrain The Netherbrain, who wanted to use it to overthrow the Chosen of the Dead Three in control of it. It sent a team of illithids to find and take the artifact from the githyanki. However, the leader of the group (a mind flayer known as The Emperor the Emperor) seized the opportunity and went rogue, taking the artifact and hoping to use it to overthrow the elder brain.

Involvement[edit | edit source]

Act One & Act Two[edit | edit source]

Orpheus and his role in the greater story of Baldur's Gate 3 is hinted throughout the game, but is not truly revealed until the beginning of Act Three References to him are found throughout the game, notably in the "Orpheus, Prince of the Comet" series of discs, which recount his attempted rebellion against the first Vlaakith and form the backbone of the quest Discover the History of Prince Orpheus Discover the History of Prince Orpheus.

Act Three[edit | edit source]

Main article: Free Orpheus

Battle in the Astral Prism[edit | edit source]

Main article: Help Your Protector

While resting at Wyrm's Lookout, the party are ambushed by githyanki warriors and combat ensues. The Dream Guardian opens a portal into the Astral Prism for the party to enter, lest they fall under the Absolute's influence. There, the Dream Guardian reveals their true form as a mind flayer free from hivemind control, and asks the party for their aid against the githyanki. Though the party has the option to attack their protector, this will lead to a Game Over, as the player character and all party members either fall under the control of the Absolute, or are killed by the githyanki. After the battle, the Dream Guardian reveals that the source of the party's protection has been an imprisoned Orpheus, and that the githyanki who attacked are his Honor Guard, who were imprisoned alongside him by the first Vlaakith. Completing this encounter will complete both Discover the History of Prince Orpheus Discover the History of Prince Orpheus and Discover the Artefact's Secrets Discover the Artefact's Secrets, as well as start Free Orpheus Free Orpheus.

Acquiring the Orphic Hammer[edit | edit source]

Main articles: Deal with the Devil and Escape the Deal

After his visit to the party's camp in Act Two, Kith'rak Voss will have directed the party to meet him at Sharess' Caress in Wyrm's Crossing. Baldur's Gate. Upstairs, in the Devil's Den, the party will find him attempting to make a deal with the devil Raphael Raphael, who eventually dismisses him. Talking to the devil reveals he has the Orphic Hammer, a magically imbued hammer with the ability to free Orpheus from his infernal chains. He promises to give the artifact to the party in exchange for the Crown of Karsus Crown of Karsus, signing a Soul-Sworn Contract with the player character if they accept. The player character has serveral options to act:

  1. The player character refuses the deal but decides to acquire the Orphic Hammer anyways. The party must infiltrate the House of Hope to steal the Orphic Hammer. This leads to a fight against Raphael.
  2. The player character accepts the deal and doesn't betray Raphael. At the final battle, after freeing Orpheus, Raphael will appear and give them the Orphic Hammer. As his deal involves handing over the Crown of Karsus, this prevents Gale Gale from either giving the crown to Mystra Mystra or using it to become a god, and causes Raphael to appear at the celebration in the Epilogue.
  3. The player character accepts the deal (signing a Soul-Sworn Contract with the devil) but ultimately decide to break it. Then it is necessary to infiltrate the House of Hope and acquire the contract. The Orphic Hammer can also be stolen. This leads to a fight against Raphael.

Showing the Orphic Hammer to Voss will complete Help Kith'rak Voss Help Kith'rak Voss, which grants you the Silver Sword of the Astral Plane

Deciding the Prince's Fate[edit | edit source]

At the Morphic Pool, the player character attempts to wield the Netherstones and control the Netherbrain, but is overwhelmed. The Emperor brings the party into the Astral Prism, and tells them that only an illithid can successfully wield the Netherstones. Here Orpheus' fate can be decided, with most decisions depending on whether or not the party acquired the Orphic Hammer.

The Prince Assimilated[edit | edit source]

Orpheus can be "assimilated" by either the Emperor, a mind flayer player character, or a mind flayer Karlach Karlach. If Lae'zel has rejected Vlaakith and embraced Orpheus, the player character must pass a DC 30 Persuasion check or she will turn hostile. Upon leaving the Astral Prism and reaching High Hall, an enraged Voss will turn hostile unless convinced not to, which requires a DC 30 Persuasion, or Deception check, with an additional prerequisite DC 25 Persuasion, or Intimidation check if the player character was the one to "assimilate" Orpheus. If Voss turns hostile, he can no longer be recruited as part of Gather Your Allies Gather Your Allies

The Prince Freed[edit | edit source]

The party can refuse to allow the Emperor to "assimilate" Orpheus. Alternatively, a mind flayer player character can refuse to "assimilate" Orpheus, though a check is required to prevent your hunger from getting the best of you. Either choice causes the Emperor to defect to the Netherbrain, and the party then can free Orpheus. If the player character made the deal with Raphael and didn't betray him, then he will show up and give the Orphic Hammer to the party.

If not having optained the Orphic Hammer at this point, then Raphael will appear and make his offer again. Refusing the offer causes a Game Over, so the player character is forced to Fulfill the Deal Fulfill the Deal.

Regardless, Orpheus is freed and offers an alliance to the party, though he may scold them for not freeing him sooner, or for stealing the Githyanki Egg. Like the Emperor, he tells the party that the only way to wield the Netherstones is to become an illithid. There are several options at this point:

  1. The player character or another party member becomes a mind flayer. Orpheus lowers his psionic defenses to allow the order to transform to go through.
  2. If the player character and any other party members refuse to become a mind flayer, Orpheus offers to make the sacrifice instead. Lae'zel is dismayed but will not turn hostile.
  3. The player character and the party decide to fight Orpheus. Winning or losing this battle immediately results in a Game Over, as the party either dies or loses Orpheus' protection and becomes dominated by the Absolute.

Regardless of who transforms, Orpheus will join the party as an Attached Follower for the final battle. Depending on who transformed, Voss will express either confusion or dismay, but will also not turn hostile.

Endings[edit | edit source]

Orpheus' role in the ending will depend on whether or not he transformed into a mind flayer

If Orpheus turned into a mind flayer, he will appear on the docks and ask Lae'zel to lead the githyanki fight for freedom without him, as he is now an abomination and seeks death. He will ask another party member (usually the player character or Lae'zel) to kill him. If his request is not fullfilled, he will kill himself unless the player character convinces him refrain with a DC 20 Persuasion check. If passing the check, he will leave the docks for places unknown.

If the player character or another party member turned into a Mind Flayer, he will appear on the docks, thanking the party's ceremorph for their sacrifice. Beeing now ready to begin a new rebellion against Vlaakith's tyranny, he calls two red dragons, and invites Lae'zel to join him in his new war against the Lich Queen. Lae'zel can either join Orpheus, be convinced to stay in Faerûn, which requires a DC 30 Persuasion check, and will automatically be rejected if the player character became a Mind Flayer, or take the player character along with them, if the player character is romancing Lae'zel. Regardless of what choice Lae'zel makes, Orpheus flies on his red dragon into the sky and away from Baldur's Gate.

Epilogue[edit | edit source]

If Orpheus did not transform into a Mind Flayer, then the player character will find a letter from him in the Chest of Grateful Words, titled The First Protocol. In it, he praises the player character as Mla'ghir (Gith for "liberator"), and tells them of the success of his ongoing rebellion against Vlaakith.

If Orpheus transformed into a mind flayer but was convinced not to kill himself, then a unique dialogue option asking about him will be present when talking to Lae'zel. Her response indicates that Orpheus has disappeared and gone into hiding, but that she holds out hope he might re-emerge one day.

Combat[edit | edit source]

Main article: Orpheus/Combat

Loot[edit | edit source]

Related quests[edit | edit source]

Related literature[edit | edit source]

Gallery[edit | edit source]

  • Orpheus' model

    Orpheus' model

  • Orpheus' illithid model

    Orpheus' illithid model

  • Concept art

    Concept art

  • Concept art

    Concept art

  • Orpheus chained in the Astral Prism

    Orpheus chained in the Astral Prism

  • Orpheus chained in the Astral Prism

    Orpheus chained in the Astral Prism

  • "It seems we must be allies"

    "It seems we must be allies"

  • Orpheus talking

    Orpheus talking

  • Orpheus' Tattoo in tir'su

    Orpheus' Tattoo in tir'su

  • Tattoo in-game, datamined by Chubblot

    Tattoo in-game, datamined by Chubblot

Notes[edit | edit source]

  • His tattoos have writing in tir'su - the gith writing system, see Gallery above.
    • Mostly nonsense and a mirrored word for Vlaakith - misspelled as "Alaakith". It was probably written as a defiance to her ways.
    • Githyanki and Githzerai use the same writing system but githyanki write clockwise while githzerai - counter-clockwise, though unlike Orpheus, the githzerai do not mirror the symbols.
  • Orpheus is also the name of a demigod in Greek mythology who traveled with Jason and the Argonauts in pursuit of the Golden Fleece, but was primarily famous for his journey to the Underworld to save his love Eurydice.

External links[edit | edit source]

Orpheus on the Forgotten Realms Wiki

  1. ↑ Orpheus, Prince of the Comet, Part Three: Resurrection
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