EveryDungeons & Dragons-based game is going to make certain species and subraces more Charismatic than others. Sometimes it’s about visual appeal, but it can also be about intimidation and leadership qualities as opposed to beauty.
Baldur’s Gate 3will have a total of 11 races, or species, and some of them make a better impression than others. It depends on the kind of character the player is building and where they want the adventure to go, but some companions would make better party leaders than others based on the species.
11Githyanki
Nobody likes Githyanki, and the feeling seems to be mutual, even though they save most of their ire for the Illithids. They get bonuses to Intelligence and Strength, but not Charisma, and no subrace improves this stat.
Their public image isn’t so great either. They have a reputation for being ruthless, slicing first and asking questions later. It also doesn’t help that they normally don’t mix with other species unless under some duress, which the story inBaldur’s Gate 3establishes immediately. Players that want to play a Githyanki might not want to have them as the party leader.
10Half-Orc
Half-orcs are only less feared than the Githyanki because NPCs generally see them as being less competent, lacking skills like dragon-riding and inter-planar travel. However, Orcs are still hated enough that even those that carry some of their blood are generally shunned by society.
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On the plus side, the Half-orc can get a lot done when it comes to Intimidation checks or anything that depends on a Strength or Constitution modifier. They’re better at brawn than diplomacy, but can be an effective party leader in certain situations.
9Drow
The Drow are often on the negative side inD&Dgames when it comes to how the rest of society perceives them, but on the other hand, they’re mysterious, exotic, and easy on the eyes. Every subrace has a Charisma bonus, even the Lloth-Sworn subrace, so a player can strike a nice balance between a leader that is both inspiring and terrifying.
The Drow have a reputationthroughout Faerûn as some of the most ruthless and sadistic denizens of the Underdark. They frequently take part in unsavory pursuits like wars of aggression and the slave trade, so don’t be surprised when NPCs treat a Drow with more distrust than other species.
8Tiefling
Tieflings are obviously and literally,the spawn of hell, and their public image doesn’t improve even if the horns are missing. Regardless of these details, or the subrace they choose, Tieflings get a nice +2 bonus to their Charisma score even though not everyone likes them.
The story of the Druid Grove inBaldur’s Gate 3is a good example of this, with the local Druids wanting the “hellspawn” to leave and not caring what the Goblins outside do to them. Players that have chosen to play as a Tiefling should keep them as the party leader at this point, so they have more options when interacting with the locals.
7Dwarf
Dwarves are likable, but they have a reputation for being gruff and blunt, which can turn more sensitive players, NPCs, and Companions against them. They tend to have Backgrounds like Outlander or Soldier, and take their outdoor survival and physical prowess seriously.
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Ideal defenders in any combat situation, Dwarves aren’t so adept at being diplomatic. If the situation calls for a mix of brains and brawn, the Dwarf makes a good choice.
6Gnome
Gnomes tend to fade into the background, and that’s more about their quiet and awkward demeanor as opposed to their size. They are brave and resolute folks along with being intelligent and friendly, for the most part, and make more than decent party leaders.
Each Gnome subrace enjoys bonuses to Dexterity and Intelligence, stats that areuseful to a variety of classes. Players who choose the Gnome as their party leader can be any class without sacrificing their people skills.
5Human
Humans are good at everything, including being the party leader (or at least they can be). This is the most customizable race that players can choose, so they can have a high Charisma score it takes for public interaction. On the other hand, they can also be an ugly lout to stay in the background.
Humans get a plus one to every stat, and there are no subraces to choose from, so any other benefits to their Charisma score are going to have to come from their Background and choice of gear.
4Dragonborn
People are often in awe when meeting a statuesque Dragonborn, which is where their charm comes from. Combine that with their size and noble demeanor, and there’s not much that people won’t do for a Dragonborn, which is the main reason they make such great party leaders.
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Not all Dragons have a stellar or benevolent reputation, however. This might alter the public’s reaction to the party leader if they happen to be descended from a certain kind of dragon. Golden and bronze dragons are well-liked, for example, while greedy and destructive red dragons are not.
3Halflings
Everyone likes Halflingsno matter what class, and Lightfoot Halflings get a Charisma bonus on top of that. They often act as traders, merchants, and shopkeeps when the player encounters them in the open world, so as the party leader, they’re one of the best choices to make.
They don’t seem to have any overtly positive or negative feelings about other races, so it makes sense for them to have an eclectic party along with a wide circle of associates. Even classes with a reputation for being scrappy or immoral become more likable when a Halfling is playing one.
2Half-Elf
Two of the most charismatic races combined are going to be one of the best choices for a party leader. Not everyone likes Half-elves, and they suffer from some of the prejudices as Half-orcs, but Elves generally have a much better reputation throughout Faerûn than others.
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The exception to this rule would be half-Drow as a subrace, which is another option along with High Elf or Wood Elf, but this character still gets a +2 to their Charisma. Half-elves can take on any class but are exceptional Paladins and Bards, who depend onCharisma for their casting power.
