The player community of Baldur’s Gate 3 recently celebrated an underdog victory. An improbable thick of fur emerged victorious against a deadly game dragon. Remarkably, this win was claimed by a character one wouldn't typically associate with Dungeons & Dragons.
The realm of the RPG (Role-Playing Game) is speckled with various character classes famous for their 'pet' gameplay dynamics. Essentially, these classes, such as the Druid and Ranger, can engage in combat flanked by animals - a wildly fascinating feature. Baldur’s Gate 3 doesn’t disappoint either. Chiefly, its Ranger's Beast Master subclass is amplified with an animal companion that accompanies them throughout the game.
Reviewing the vast chronicles of D&D, we find several examples of Rangers who fought bravely side by side with formidable animals. Iconic examples include wolves and hawks. One can't ignore the formidable Drizzt Do’Urden, a notable game character from the D&D novels. This character's animal companion? A magical panther.
However, not every character in D&D has the privilege of fighting alongside flashy animal companions. Yet, their lack of an impressive buddy in battle doesn't diminish their combat effectiveness. Minsc, the second most recognized Ranger in D&D, validates this point. Despite having a tiny hamster as his animal companion, Minsc's pet survived more adventures than most player characters.
The Little Hamster’s Mighty Feat in Baldur’s Gate 3
An intriguing revelation surfaced recently in the Baldur’s Gate 3 player community. This nugget divulged how a player defeated 'Ansur', the undead dragon in Act III. The protagonist of this victory? Boo, the diminutive hamster. Under the influence of the 'Bless' spell, Boo managed a fortunate hit that resulted in the dragon's downfall.
'Boo', a returning character from the preceding games, deserves more credit than one may presume. The hamster boasts an admirable record of vanquishing formidable opponents such as Beholders, Liches, and powerful mages. Additionally, Boo has stood against several Bhaalspawns, demigods, and mighty demons. No surprise then that a dracolich is easily 'breakfast' for Boo.
'Never underestimate a miniature giant space hamster; if you do, it might just be the last thing you do.' This saying is echoed fervently among members of the player community. Simultaneously, praise for Boo's heroics is widespread: 'Boo is an unlikely hero who has saved the world multiple times.'
Minsc’s often repeated catchphrase, 'Go for the eyes Boo!' did, inevitably, make an appearance among the comments. However, in the context of Ansur’s defeat, a user corrected, 'In this case, “go for the holes where the eyes should be”.' Most apt, considering Ansur, the undead dragon, is eyeless.
One frustrating facet of Baldur’s Gate 3 is the inability to recruit Minsc and Boo into your party until the game's conclusion. At this point, most players have already established an effective team that they do not wish to disturb. However, if the game undergoes a major content modification, players may have an opportunity to enlist Minsc and Boo earlier in the game. This would certainly allow room for further monstrous conquests at the claws of the heroic hamster.