Gale story (spoilers)

[heart_of_the_tiger]

So, this guy had a love affair with Mystra, got hold of a major netherese artifact, and lived in a huge mage tower. When we meet him he's level 1 or level 2... suuure.
I have to admit I'm not that far into the story, maybe it will make sense, but atm it sounds like absolute BS. This guy shoud be an archmage of lvl 18-20 judging from his backstory.

[zacharyb]

The tadpoles made all the characters weaker than what they were.

[Time Traveler]

Originally posted by heart_of_the_tiger:

So, this guy had a love affair with Mystra, got hold of a major netherese artifact, and lived in a huge mage tower. When we meet him he's level 1 or level 2... suuure.
I have to admit I'm not that far into the story, maybe it will make sense, but atm it sounds like absolute BS. This guy shoud be an archmage of lvl 18-20 judging from his backstory.

Wyll and Gale actually talk a little bit about this if they're in your party...

In past editions of DnD, various monsters have had the ability to drain player levels--even setting them back to the beginning. These "magic" tadpoles in BG3 have had the same effect on everybody that has been infected. They are taking some of the most famous and powerful people in BG3 and stealing away their abilities, strengths, etc and forcing them to regain their abilities (aka back to level 1). Silly way of doing things, but then I guess the "Absolute" wants to mold these characters in their own way. That and trying to command a lvl 18 wizard to obey your will is suicide.