Summary
Baldur’s Gate 3’sDruid companion Halsin quickly became memorable for the appearance of his bear Wild Shape in one particularly infamous romantic encounter. However, players who did not experience the Enhanced Editions of previous games might not be aware that Halsin is far from the first bear to appear as a playable character inBaldur’s Gate.In many ways, Halsin isBaldur’s Gate 3’sanswer to Wilson the Bear, a grizzly bear who was a secret unlockable companion in the Enhanced Edition ofBaldur’s Gate 2andThrone of Bhaal.
Wilson WasBaldur’s Gate 2: Enhanced Edition’sMost Surprising Companion
Unlike Halsin, Wilson was not a druid who takes on the form of a bear - althoughBaldur’s Gate 2did have two druids,Jaheiraand Cernd, who could Wild Shape into creatures such as bears. Instead, Wilson was a fairly normal grizzly bear who could communicate only in snorts and grunts, although the player character was apparently able to understand him perfectly well. He was kidnapped and caged by a cruel man named Beastmaster Jolstead, and could be encountered and possibly recruited during the personal quest of anotherEnhanced Editionparty member, the monk Rasaad.
A bear of refined tastes and delicate sensibilities, Wilson…was captured by a cruel trapper who sold his victims to the highest bidder. -Wilson Companion Description
Wilson’s class wasFighter, although he could only dual-wield his own Claws and could not equip other weapons. He could not wear armor, could not start conversations, and could not use any items other than healing potions and antidotes. Despite this, Wilson was an extremely capable party member, possessing the skill “Hug” - which let his attacks potentially do extra Crushing damage - and the ability to go into a Rage similar to Barbarians. He could also use the Tracking ability, otherwise exclusive to Rangers, to learn more about the creatures present in an area. His stats, most notably his Strength, are sometimes increased upon leveling, unlike most other characters.
Halsin And Wilson Share Unexpected Similarities
Halsin’s name isn’t the only way in whichBaldur’s Gate 3’self Druid is similar to Wilson, the bear who preceded him. It is definitely possible that Halsin’s bear Wild Shape was chosen to deliberately reference Wilson. In addition to this, the pair have a few surprising connections, including:
UnlikeHalsin, Wilson was not a romance option for players inBaldur’s Gate 2,and was not associated with any moments quite as infamous as the “bear scene.” Still, the choice to have a bear-focused druid in the party inBaldur’s Gate 3can definitely be seen as a tribute to the memorable Wilson. It is even possible that some of the bears found residing in the Emerald Grove, such as the sleepy Tuffet, or Bosk, who is interviewed by Volo, are descendants of the original Wilson. In addition, given that Halsin is approximately 350 years old, andBaldur’s Gate 2took place about one hundred years before3,it is possible that the grizzly bear and the Druid met and interacted at some point. Perhaps Halsin’s love of bears even came from spending time with Wilson - although this has neither been officially confirmed nor denied inBaldur’s Gate 3.
