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While making your way through the Shadow Cursed Lands in Baldur’s Gate 3, the He Who Was or Madeline situation will make you stand before a choice you have to make. You’ll run into a man who wants vengeance and it’s your decision whether you want to help him or not. This man, simply known as He Who Was wants to punish Madeline, who is already dead, for her wrongdoings at The Waning Moon. You may be wondering what would be best: siding with He Who Was or Madeline in Baldur’s Gate 3. Well, here is exactly what happens in both scenarios.
What Is the Deal With He Who Was and Madeline in Baldur’s Gate 3?
He Who Was is on a revenge mission. When you initially find him, you’ll find that he is speaking to Madeline, a deceased woman using magic. He is easy to spot since he’s hanging out with a white raven and has an interesting face tattoo. Plus, he’s communicating with the dead.
He will tell you that Madeline’s actions resulted in the death of her friends and He Who Was wants to punish her. Apparently, her death isn’t enough for him. He’ll eventually ask you to ‘break her’ and you can decide to do so. Or you can choose to forgive the woman for her past mistakes.
Who to Choose Between He Who Was or Madeline in BG3
Before you make your decision, you need more information. He Who Was will tell you that he needs evidence written in her own hand. This evidence is located at a tavern near the Moonrise Towers waypoint: The Waning Moon, which is in the western part of Reithwin Town.
You have to find Madeline’s Ledger as it’s the proof you need. You can find it easily enough, but not before facing off against a formidable foe. It’s highly recommended that you save your game before entering the tavern as you’ll run into a huge fella—Thisobold Thorm. He is quite a wretched distiller but you can have an interesting chat with him.
If you have a high enough Sleight of Hand skill you can outwit him and make him blow himself up. If you manage to outdrink him with your Saving Throw checks, good on you, that’s not easy. Alternatively, you’ll have to fight this big guy, which can be quite tough, so good luck!
Once the fight is over, you can explore the tavern and behind the bar you’ll find loose planks and Madeline’s Ledger. You have to take the ledger to He Who Was so he can put her on ‘trail’ for her transgression.
This will lead to a conversation with Madeline and you’ll hear her side of the story. It is at this point that you have to decide. Does she deserve to be forgiven or must she be treated harshly and called a coward?
Rewards For Your Decision
There are only two things you can get from siding with He Who Was or Madeline in BG3:
- Raven Gloves (Side with He Who Was)
- 225 Experience and Random Loot (Side with Madeline)
Note that if you tell Madeline to stab herself you’ll initiate a fight with He Who Was if she doesn’t stab him to death. You won’t get the Raven Gloves as loot from his body, so if you want them, you’ll have to side with He Who Was.
The gloves let you summon a raven familiar that is able to Blind your enemies with its beak. When it’s killed, the attacker must succeed a Dexterity Saving Throw or they’ll become Ensnared.
The choice you make here won’t affect your game, so go with the decision you like most. If you want the gloves or feel that Madeline shouldn’t have reported her friends, side with He Who Was.
If you feel that she doesn’t deserve the guilt she’s carrying even after her passing and want 225 xp from He Who Was and his Raven, give her the forgiveness she yearns for.
And that is all you need to know about who to choose between He Who Was and Madeline in Baldur’s Gate 3. Check out other interesting BG3 guides and articles:
