Over a century after the events of its predecessors, Baldur’s Gate 3 features subtle references to beloved companions from the original games. Despite the passage of time, the presence of long-lived races and magical means of halting aging in Dungeons & Dragons means that many of these characters could still be alive.
One such companion is Xan, an elven enchanter who joins the party in the first game. While Xan is not physically present in Baldur’s Gate 3, his existence is acknowledged through a book that details an illicit encounter he had. This reference suggests that Xan never joined the party in the first Baldur’s Gate game and remained in the Nashkel Mines.
In addition to Xan, Baldur’s Gate 3 is filled with other Easter eggs and references to the series’ lore and the broader world of D&D. These references, ranging from books detailing the adventures of Elminster and Volo to the appearance of familiar items and spells, add depth and continuity to the world of Baldur’s Gate.
Larian Studios has confirmed that it is not currently working on DLC or expansions for Baldur’s Gate 3, leaving the possibility open for other studios to continue the story and potentially bring back fan-favorite characters like Xan. With his elven longevity, Xan could easily still be alive and may yet play a role in the future of Baldur’s Gate.
