
Volo is a crucial companion in Baldur's Gate 3, and understanding his importance can greatly impact your gameplay experience. Volo's knowledge and skills can be a game-changer in certain situations.
Volo's expertise in Arcana and History can be particularly useful in deciphering ancient texts and uncovering hidden secrets. His skills in these areas can also help you in your quest to uncover the mysteries of the Mind Flayer invasion.
As a skilled scholar, Volo can provide valuable insights and information that can aid you in your decision-making. His knowledge can also help you navigate complex social situations and relationships within the game.
Having Volo in your party can also provide a unique perspective and skillset that can be leveraged in creative ways to solve puzzles and overcome challenges.
A different take: Skills That Are Important
Is Volo Important in BG3?
Volo is more than just a quirky Bard in Baldur's Gate 3, he's a valuable companion who can provide significant benefits.
Volo's Ersatz Eye is a permanent upgrade that grants the ability to see Invisibility within 30 feet, making him a worthwhile investment. This ability can be crucial in navigating the game's world and avoiding hidden enemies.
However, Volo's actions come with some downsides, such as a permanent cosmetic change and party disapproval. These effects are relatively minor compared to the benefits of gaining Volo's Ersatz Eye.
You can choose to give Volo your eye, which will result in a permanent upgrade, or give it to Auntie Ethel, which will give you a +1 to Intimidation but a -1 to Perception and Disadvantage on attacks against Hags.
Here are the key benefits of letting Volo take your eye:
- Gain Volo's Ersatz Eye, which grants the ability to see Invisibility within 30 feet
- Permanent cosmetic change (one eye glows blue)
- Party disapproval
- Volo will leave your camp
In contrast, giving your eye to Auntie Ethel will give you:
- +1 to Intimidation
- -1 to Perception
- Disadvantage on attacks against Hags
Volo's Character
Volo is a loremaster, and his books are key readings in the Dungeons & Dragons community. They're considered fundamental lore and are used by DMs and players alike.
Volo has lived far longer than the average human, and this could be due to his role as a Weave anchor. Weave anchors stabilize the Weave and prevent it from collapsing should something happen to Mystra, the goddess of magic.
As a Weave anchor, Volo is unaware of his condition, which is a deliberate decision made by Elminster and Mystra to prevent him from boasting about it.
Chaotic Good Wizard
Volothamp Geddarm, also known as Volo, is a wizard who traveled extensively along the Sword Coast from the mid to late 14th century DR.
Volo is a prolific writer, renowned for his books Volo's Guide to Monsters and Volo's Guide to Waterdeep. He even wrote a book called Volo's Guide to All Things Magical, which unfortunately made magic accessible to many, including those who shouldn't have known about it.
Volo's books have undergone significant editing and fact-checking, courtesy of the archwizard Elminster. The two wizards have a cordial relationship, which is a testament to their mutual respect for each other's work.
Volo's travels took him to various locations, including Waterdeep, where he gained valuable knowledge and experience that would later be reflected in his books.
The Servant of Mystra
Volo's connection to the divine is a fascinating aspect of his character. He is unaware that he and Elminster share a unique bond as Weave anchors, beings invested with the divine essence of Mystra, the goddess of magic.
This bond explains why Volo has lived far longer than the average human. As Weave anchors tend to live prolonged lives, this could be a crucial factor in his remarkable longevity.
Elminster and Mystra feared that Volo would boast about being a Weave anchor, so they kept this secret from him.
Volo's Appearances
Volo has made appearances in various games set in the Sword Coast, including Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir, Baldur's Gate, and Baldur's Gate 2: Throne of Bhaal.
In these games, Volo has interacted with the protagonists, showcasing his knowledge about Bhaalspawn and their condition. He's even been found in specific locations, such as the Belching Dragon Tavern in Nashkel and the Tankard Tree in Saradush.
Volo's instruction manual and maps for both Baldur's Gate games are written from his perspective, giving players a unique insight into the world of Faerûn.
Should You Let Volo Take Your Eye
If you're considering letting Volo take your eye in Baldur's Gate 3, you should know that it's a worthwhile risk. You'll gain a permanent upgrade that lets you see Invisibility within 30 feet with Volo's Ersatz Eye.
However, this comes with some downsides. You'll experience a permanent cosmetic change, with one of your eyes glowing blue, and your party will disapprove of the act. Volo will also leave your camp and won't remove the parasite from your head.
One of the main benefits of letting Volo take your eye is gaining Volo's Ersatz Eye. You can also get this by killing Volo and looting his body, but this isn't as straightforward as just letting him perform the surgery.
It's worth noting that giving your eye to Auntie Ethel in a different scenario results in a +1 to Intimidation, but a -1 to Perception and Disadvantage on attacks against Hags. This might not be the best choice if you're planning to fight Auntie Ethel soon.
Here are the effects of letting Volo take your eye:
- You'll experience a permanent cosmetic change and one of your eyes will glow blue.
- Your entire party disapproves of the act.
- Volo will leave your camp.
- Volo's eye surgery does not remove the parasite.
- After Volo's operation and eye replacement, you cannot give your other eye to Auntie Ethel.
Overall, while there are some downsides to letting Volo take your eye, the benefits of gaining Volo's Ersatz Eye make it a worthwhile risk.
Volo's Appearances in Sword Coast Games
Volo's role in the Sword Coast games is quite impressive. He's appeared in Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir, Baldur's Gate, and Baldur's Gate 2: Throne of Bhaal.
In these games, Volo is knowledgeable about Bhaalspawn and their condition. His expertise is a valuable asset to players navigating the world of Faerun.
Volo can be found in the Belching Dragon Tavern in Nashkel in Baldur's Gate. He's also present in the Tankard Tree in Saradush in Baldur's Gate 2: Throne of Bhaal.
The instruction manual and maps for both games are written from Volo's perspective. This adds a personal touch to the game's lore and makes it feel more immersive.
In both games, Volo is unkillable, which means players can't defeat him in combat. This allows him to remain a constant presence in the game world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth saving a Volo BG3?
Yes, saving Volo in BG3 is worth it for the Blazer of Benevolence and potential permanent bonus. You'll also gain a powerful ally in the final fight if you save him again in Act 3.
Sources
- https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/baldurs-gate-3-volo-eye
- https://gamerant.com/baldurs-gate-3-volo-who-lore-history-weave-explained/
- https://bg3.wiki/wiki/Volo
- https://gamerant.com/baldurs-gate-3-bg3-how-rescue-volo-save-goblin-camp-cage-prisoner-gribbo/
- https://www.thegamer.com/baldurs-gate-3-bg3-rescue-volo-from-baldurs-gate-mob/
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