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Who is Withers in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Even after multiple playthroughs of Baldur’s Gate 3, you might still have some questions. For instance, what is Withers’ role? Why does Isobel seem to lack survival instincts? And will Karlach ever manage to fix her heart? The game leaves many mysteries, but one of the biggest is the giant floating skeleton in the Astral Plane where Orpheus is held.
When you first encounter the giant skeleton, it appears with no background information. It’s reminiscent of Knowhere from Marvel Comics. While some players might know Dungeons & Dragons lore, many are left in the dark about the giant being’s identity and how its remains ended up here. Although Baldur’s Gate 3 doesn’t provide clarity, an older game does.
Neverwinter Nights 2 and the Floating Skeleton
A Reddit user named TheParadoxigm pointed out that a loading screen in Neverwinter Nights 2 offers some lore on the Astral Plane. It explains why there’s a giant skeleton and even mentions the living beings that may exist alongside it.
According to the lore, “When a god dies, its body floats endlessly in the emptiness of the Astral Plane.” These remains can become homes for other creatures, like the Githyanki. Some deceased gods are ancient, existing from the very start of the universe and now forgotten by both mortals and other gods.
Given the vastness of the Astral Plane and the many dead gods that likely drift through it, Vlaakith showed resourcefulness by imprisoning Orpheus within one of these skulls. Sadly for her, he eventually gets discovered, leading to significant events in the game.
It’s surprising that Baldur’s Gate 3 does not hint at the giant skeleton in the Astral Plane. A simple comment from Lae’zel or Orpheus would have clarified things for players who aren’t familiar with the backstory. So, when you next find yourself in the giant skull, remember to show it some respect; after all, it once belonged to a god.
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