Summary

• The Dark Urge's past as a Bhaalspawn is revealed gradually throughout Baldur's Gate 3, but an early item hints at just how depraved the character used to be.
• A unique item only consumable by the Dark Urge hints that they used to routinely partake in cannibalism.
• Despite its disgusting implications, it's actually a very effective item, being better than most healing spells at that point in the game.

As if anyone venturing into a playthrough with Baldur's Gate 3's Dark Urge needed a reminder of the Origin character's disturbing background, there is one particular item that really drives it home. Throughout any Dark Urge playthrough there are hints and clues that they might not come from the happiest of circumstances, contrasting sharply with the custom character Tav. However, there is one item found early in the game that takes this dark depravity to a whole new level.

[Warning: The following article contains spoilers for Baldur's Gate 3.]

The Dark Urge is just one of seven Origin characters in BG3 with predefined backstories, alongside favorites like Shadowheart, Astarion and Gale. As the game progresses, more about the backstory of this strange character is revealed, tying in wonderfully with the main plot. From the beginning of BG3, the Dark Urge has some questionable choices that differ from any other playable character, but one item in Act 1 perhaps illustrates that the best.

BG3 Hints That The Dark Urge Used To Eat Dwarves

Can just one item out of potentially thousands in a massive game prove the Dark Urge's true depravity? It can when that item’s name is Roasted Dwarf Belly, but to be fair, there is also Roasted Dwarf Leg and Ribs too. These culinary delights are only found in one area of BG3 and can only be eaten by the Dark Urge, hinting at the Origin's disturbing past.

The Roasted Dwarf Can Only Be Eaten By The Dark Urge

When arriving at the Goblin Camp in Act 1, the party will find the goblins in the middle of a celebration. Those who have taken the peaceful route are welcome to the festivities, and there is plenty of food and drink on offer, including several pieces of a roasted dwarf. It soon becomes apparent that this was Brian, the dwarf who was once part of Aradin’s adventuring crew, who the goblins have cooked.

Disgustingly, the Dark Urge can eat the pieces of Roasted Dwarf and gain a whopping 4d4 healing from each piece. Only the Dark Urge can eat this "food," with any other companions refusing due to the taboo nature of the delicacy. But given that the Roasted Dwarf has better healing than some of the healing spells at this stage in BG3, it is worth even those attempting a "good" Dark Urge playthrough to pick up a few pieces.

Keeping some Roasted Dwarf on hand is also a good idea, because they don’t take an action or bonus action to use. This makes them fantastic for battle in place of potions in BG3, as several can be eaten one after the other to heal a Dark Urge character. Using the Roasted Dwarf in this way can make tough fights so much easier, especially in the early stages of the game.

How This Demonstrates The Dark Urge’s Terrible Past

But why is the Dark Urge the only playable character who can safely eat this disturbing meal? The answer to that lies in the Origin’s backstory and true identity, which isn’t fully divulged until well after the Roasted Dwarf Belly has been encountered. By the time the party reach the final act and the end of Baldur’s Gate 3, the Dark Urge’s true heritage as a Bhaalspawn has been revealed.

As the Chosen of Bhaal, the Dark Urge murdered countless people in worship of their "father," so it isn’t too far-fetched to assume that they would have committed taboo and depraved acts. Cannibalism can be confirmed not just by the fact that the Dark Urge can eat the Roasted Dwarf without being ill, but also by a flashback triggered if a noblestalk mushroom is eaten prior to meeting Sceleritas Fel. In the memory, the Dark Urge re a baby and ponders all the meals they will be able to make with the child.

This isn’t even the worst thing hinted at by the Dark Urge’s goblin butler, as he will even casually mention that the character used to indulge in necrophilia. Although thankfully there is no evidence of this within BG3 other than Sceleritas Fel’s comments about the Dark Urge reintroducing necrophilia to their schedule in no time. These other urges aren’t touched on in any great detail, with cannibalism apparently being the only instance of the Dark Urge’s depravity witnessed, beyond their many murders.

For those not playing as the Dark Urge, there is another use for the Roasted Dwarf, which is to keep it to feed it to Crimson at the Circus of the Last Days in Act 3. However, it is clear that this item was designed with the Dark Urge in mind. There is even an inspiration rewarded for eating it called “Good Ol’ Long Pig” along with 25 XP, truly and forever linking this disgusting item to the Dark Urge in Baldur’s Gate 3.