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Backgrounds can be confusing and overwhelming inBaldur’s Gate 3if you don’t know what you’re looking at. These are simple ideas that shape how your character earns Inspiration, which is a beneficial mechanic that offers you a second chance when you fail an Ability Check. Each Background is different and offers unique proficiencies and dialogue options.
When selecting your Background, it’s important to note that you want to pick one that aligns with how you want to play the character. Not only will this improve your chances of earning Inspiration, but it will make your game more immersive overall.
What Is A Criminal?
When you create a character, you canselect a Backgroundto go with them. The Criminal Background grants youproficiency in Deception and Stealth, making it easier to get away with your nefarious schemes undetected.
While the Criminal Background implies that your character is not a “good” person, you arenot limited to only living a life of crime. Once you’re off the Nautiloid, your choices define who you are.
As a criminal in Baldur’s Gate 3, you’reno stranger to breaking the law. Your illegal enterprises willbring you success and opportunityin the future, so don’t be shy. These opportunities come from Inspiration, which lets youreroll failed Ability Checks.
You canonly hold four Inspiration pointsat one time, so you’ll need to use them up to collect more.Each party member can earn Inspirationwith their own unique Background Goals, and thetotal Inspiration is pooledfor all to use.
If you already have four Inspiration, each additional Inspiration will be converted into experience instead.
How To Earn Criminal Inspiration
Not all Inspiration can be found in a single playthrough, so make your choices wisely to maximize your options. There are plenty of choices to make andplenty of ways to earn Inspirationas you explore the Sword Coast.
Friend of the Family
Act One
Show Them How It’s Done
Steal from the tiefling children’s stash without making enemies of them.
Ally with Minthara to loot and slaughter the grove.
Act Two
Right Tool for the Job
Obtain all four variants of the nurses' tools from the House of Healing.
Shiny Trinkets and Baubles
Take the drider’s Moonlantern (through deception during the convoy ambush)
Find Roah in Moonrise and trade with her.
Take Shar’s gem without aiding or killing the orthon.
Notes of an Amateur
Fickle Allegiances
Betray Balthazar after learning that the Nightsong is not a simple relic.
Open and loot the mind flayer colony’s vault.
Trespass into Ketheric and Isobel’s respective rooms.
Any
Best Ways To Use Inspiration
While mostparty members have different Background Goals, you can still arrange your party to maximize how you earn Inspiration. Characters that don’t mind a few illegal or immoral deeds, like Shadowheart and Astarion, are great for bringing along.
Diversifying your party will allow you tocollect more Inspirationas you play without needing to compromise how your narrative unfolds.
Using Inspiration, you canreroll failed Ability Checks to open any locks, disarm traps, or get away with your crimeswhen caught. As you level, some of these tasks might get easier, but the rolls won’t always be in your favor.NEXT:Baldur’s Gate 3: How To Gain Inspiration As A Noble
