As a seasoned Baldur's Gate 3 player who's logged over 500 hours since its 2023 release, I've grown attached to Larian's masterpiece – but one omission still stings like a nettle in the Underdark. Walking through Baldur's Gate in Act 3 felt like coming home, especially when Shadowheart finally reunited with Nocturne. That purple-haired tiefling wasn't just some random NPC; she was Shadowheart's childhood anchor in the Sharran cloister, a living memory of kindness amidst cruelty. When they locked eyes in that dim temple, I legit got chills – it was pure magic! But then poof! After one long rest, she vanished like a fart in the wind, leaving nothing but an epilogue letter. Talk about a gut punch! This gentle soul embodied everything BG3 does brilliantly: subtle emotional depth, representation done right, and organic storytelling. Yet Larian fumbled the bag by not letting her become a camp follower. What a damn shame.

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The Emotional Payoff That Fizzled

Remember when Shadowheart recalled that childhood bullying flashback? That moment hit different after meeting Nocturne. Here's why their reunion wrecked me:

  • 🥹 Authentic Vulnerability: Two trauma survivors recognizing each other after decades

  • 🔥 Zero Judgment: Nocturne's true neutral alignment meant she supported Shadowheart whether she embraced or rejected Shar

  • 💔 Bittersweet Goodbye: Her disappearance felt abrupt, like getting blueballed by the narrative

Frankly, watching them reconnect was one of Act 3's most human moments – a quiet triumph amid all the mind flayer chaos. But instead of exploring this golden thread, Larian snipped it short. Total mood killer!

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Why She'd Have Rocked as a Camp Follower

Look, I adore Mizora's sass and Yenna's soup, but Nocturne could've brought next-level depth to camp dynamics. Imagine:

Scenario Nocturne's Impact
Shadowheart embraces Shar Becomes her confidante & Sharran guide
Shadowheart rejects Shar Inspires her with stories of bravery
Romance Shadowheart Reveals her dorky childhood secrets 🤣

She wasn't just some low-hanging fruit – she was a whole damn orchard! As a trans character, her presence would've woven quiet resilience into our chaotic camp. Plus, her loyalty could've created ripple effects, challenging companions' views on memory and identity. Instead? We got ghosted harder than a bad Tinder date.

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The Representation That Could've Been

Let's keep it 💯 – excluding Nocturne feels like a misfire when BG3 nails inclusivity elsewhere. She wasn't just a diversity checkbox; her potential arc mirrored Shadowheart's own journey:

  • 🧠 Memory Keeper: Could've helped unpack Shadowheart's past

  • 🌈 Quiet Strength: Demonstrated resilience without grand heroics

  • 😂 Comic Relief: Imagined her roasting Gale about his "artefact hoarding" habit

Her absence stings extra sharp because she could've tied directly into a companion's arc without being a toxic specter like Gortash for Karlach. Damn shame we only got crumbs in that epilogue letter.

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Final Thoughts from a Salty Fan

Two years post-launch, this still bugs me like an unwelcome tadpole. That tender reunion scene? Chef's kiss! But Nocturne's vanishing act left a void no other NPC fills. Larian, if you're listening – drop a damn Definitive Edition with our purple-haired queen in camp! Until then, I'll cling to that epilogue letter like Gale clings to his magic items. Sigh.

❓ FAQ: Burning Questions About Nocturne

1. Can you actually recruit Nocturne in 2025?

Nope 😭 Despite fan petitions, she still disappears after Act 3. Modders tried fixing this, but vanilla BG3 leaves her story tragically undercooked.

2. Why do players care so much about a minor NPC?

She's Shadowheart's emotional Rosetta Stone! Their history adds layers to both characters, plus rep matters – she's one of gaming's few explicitly trans characters done with nuance.

3. What makes her different from other camp followers?

True neutral queen! While others judge your choices, Nocturne stays ride-or-die for Shadowheart regardless of Shar drama. That unconditional loyalty? chef's kiss

4. Any hope for future content?

Fingers crossed! Larian's dropped surprise updates before. A "Nocturne Expansion" would break the fandom like that one owlbear meme.