Raphael is a captivating character known for their cryptic allure and offering players a chance at romance in the treacherous world of Baldur’s Gate 3. The complexity of their character is evident from the riddles they speak and the intricate games they play, setting the stage for a multifaceted relationship.
As with all characters in the realm of Baldur’s Gate 3, relationships are multifaceted. Navigating the intricate dance of gaining a companion’s trust, securing their approval through choices, and potentially courting them for romance forms an essential and immersive part of the gaming experience.
How to Increase Approval Rating with Raphael
Raphael doesn’t have a conventional approval system, given that they can’t be an official companion. Yet, your dialogue choices pave the path for further, potentially romantic interactions. To best navigate your encounters with Raphael, follow our approval guide below:
Actions that Increase Approval
- Openness to power and its benefits.
- Show cunning or deceptive tendencies.
- Seeking their assistance concerning the tadpole issue.
Actions that Decrease Approval
- Unwavering integrity.
- Being overly hostile or aggressive in dialogue options.
How to Recruit Raphael as a Companion
Though Raphael cannot be officially recruited as a companion, your interactions with him pave the way for deeper romantic connections. They can be found in several locations throughout your adventure.
- Druid’s Grove: Near the beach, right outside of the Ritual Area.
- Selune Temple in the Underdark: Close to the statue with the illuminating gem.
- Blighted Village: Near the broken bridge and the barn housing the checkers-playing couple.
- Goblin Camp: Inside the Central Building.
After meeting Rafael at one of these locations, they teleport you to an opulent dining chamber. There, speaking in riddles, they hint that this meal may be your last. Questioning Raphael’s motives leads him to reveal himself as a Cambion (part-Human, Part-Devil). Follow these dialogue choices to progress.
- “What makes you say that?”, or “Ignore him and fill your plate”
- “[Action] Draw your weapon.” Raphael, seeks to defuse the tension by offering to remedy your tadpole situation.
- “Why would you help me?”
- “You’re mad if you think I’ll make a deal with a… devil.” earns approval from Astarion, Lae’zel, and Shadowheart.
- “And if I do want to take this deal – how would I find you?”
Raphael ominously assures you that they’ll be watching you on your journey, leaving the door open for further encounters. While it might seem like Raphael is offering salvation, remember that in the treacherous world of Baldur’s Gate 3, every choice has consequences, and deals with devils are seldom what they appear.
How to Have a Relationship and Romance Raphael
While you cannot enter a romantic relationship with Raphael in human form, there’s an intriguing twist. Haarlep, an incubus bearing an uncanny resemblance and whose name is an anagram to Raphael, is the figure you engage with romantically.. This encounter occurs in the devil’s domain of Avernus during the Free Orpheus and Deal With the Devil quests.
Firstly, you must trigger the portal leading to Raphael’s domain. This can be done by conducting Helsik’s Ritual located in the Devil’s Fee in the Lower City. As you wander through this devilish realm, you’ll learn the location of the Orphic Hammer and then must cross the Mystic Force Curtain.
This grants you access to the Boudoir, where “Haarlep” eagerly anticipates your arrival, hoping to tempt you into devious acts. Follow the dialogue choices below to partake or reject Haarlep’s advances.
- Select “Let Haarlep do as they please” or “[Performance] Pretend to be helpless” to engage in some cheeky romantic foreplay.
- Reject or antagonise Haarlep and be thrust into combat against the Cambion and their imp minions.
If you accepted their advances, your next set of dialogue options will be as follows:
- “My heart and soul are yours” You will be ensnared in a whirlwind of passion, so intense in fact, that your body can’t endure the tantric pleasures, and you’ll die a satisfying death.
- “You can have my body, but not my mind,” Haarlep jests with you before delving into a sensual romantic scene. Afterwards, they’ll reveal the location of Raphael’s safe and give you the key to unlock it.
- “[Constitution] Try to cool your desires and push the creature away,” you’re thrown into battle against Haarlep and their minions.
If you chose to reject Haarlep in either the first or second instance, you’ll have to fight for your life. Triumphing in battle rewards you with a key to their safe, brimming with Soul Coins. Navigating the complex dynamics of this relationship offers players a choice between fiery romance and intense combat, highlighting the rich narrative depth and player choice in Baldur’s Gate 3.