An incident from a player’s experience in Baldur’s Gate 3 has prompted an interesting debate. The community is discussing if intimidating characters should have different consequences than deceiving them.

The expansive RPG, Baldur’s Gate 3

Allows players to roam and interact with the world in numerous ways. Conversations with Non-Player Characters (NPCs) can lead to radically different outcomes based on the player's approach. Tactics include using characters' knowledge to sway NPCs, passing Intimidation, Persuasion, and Deception checks to get their way, or simply initiating an attack.

A Controversy Emerges

A controversy emerged in the community when a player described how they experienced a disruption in their role-playing (RP) upon failing an Intimidation check against a prison guard. The player had attempted to establish dominance through Threats, but with no success. To their surprise, they were harmlessly returned to their cell, which sparked a debate over whether such actions should reflect intimidation or deception.

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Differing Opinions

One section of players argued that a failure in Intimidation checks should not lead to simple, uncomplicated outcomes. They suggested that such actions should be viewed as an unsuccessful attempt to threaten, resulting in combative consequences more often than not. The illustration within arguments included: 'In what galaxy does someone who just threatened to rip a person’s throat out for not letting them pass, and MEANT IT, respond to ‘Sure, buddy – now back in your cell.’ …Because they did mean it – otherwise it would have been a Deception check.'

However, not everyone agreed with this line of thought. Some argued that failing an Intimidation check may not necessarily provoke a reaction that launches combat. They noted that intimidation and deception often overlap. While one player stated the former relies on appearances, the latter depends more on being able to persuade and manipulate others.

A Variety of Reactions

In the view of those opposing the argument, the described outcome wasn’t necessarily immersion-breaking. One player suggested that if a threat lacks credibility, the threatened character's nonchalance may simply result in one being returned to the cell.

Baldur’s Gate 3: A Game of Choices

Baldur’s Gate 3 is known for its provision of a broad set of choices for players, and it's not unusual for players to question particular outcomes when they don't align with their expectations. But it’s all a part of the game's dynamic nature, that’s heavily dependent upon the luck of the dice.