In Baldur's Gate 3, you will find Oskar Fevras in Act 1 at a place called the Zhentarim Hideout. You can only finish his quest, called 'Free the Artist,' in Act 3. At that time, you'll find him in a house named Lady Jannath's Estate in the Lower City of Baldur's Gate.
Oskar Fevras is an artist who is kept as a slave by the Zhentarim. He promises untold riches and claims that the woman he is set to marry will pay well for his safe return. However, Oskar is not entirely trustworthy; he needs additional money for his trip to Baldur's Gate, and there's no guarantee that he will keep his word.
Oskar presents players with a moral and financial dilemma. He is held captive by the Zhentarim, a faction akin to the mafia in the game. The quest involving Oskar is called "Free the Artist," and it offers players the choice to buy him from his captors.
Should You Buy Oskar Fevras?
Buying Oskar is costly. The price depends on your ability to pass skill checks and whether you choose to pay for his transport to Baldur's Gate. Players should assess their current financial situation in the game and consider what other resources or upgrades this gold could be used for before making this decision.
If You Decide to Buy Oskar:
If you choose to buy Oskar Fevras in Baldur's Gate 3, you'll spend between 600 to 1,400 gold, depending on your negotiation skills and additional costs. Buying him opens up new quests in Act III, offering valuable experience points.
If You Decide Not to Buy Oskar:
If you leave Oskar with the Zhentarim in Act I, you won't encounter him again in the game. This means you won't have another chance to free him or engage in any quests related to him in future acts. However, you'll save a significant amount of gold and avoid the disapproval of Shadowheart and Astarion.
Consideration: Moral and Ethical Implications
The act of buying Oskar raises ethical questions, as you're essentially participating in a form of human trafficking to free him. This can conflict with your character's moral alignment and may affect how you perceive your journey in the game.
Consideration: Companion Approval Ratings
One of the immediate consequences of your decision is the impact it has on your companions' approval ratings. Here's how it breaks down:
If You Buy Oskar:
- Shadowheart and Astarion: Will disapprove of your actions.
- Karlach: Will approve of your actions.
If You Don't Buy Oskar:
- Karlach: Will disapprove of your actions.
- Shadowheart and Astarion: Will not disapprove, effectively maintaining the status quo.
Your companions' approval ratings are crucial if you're aiming to build relationships or even romances with them. A low approval rating can close off certain dialogue options and questlines.
Consideration: Quest Rewards
Buying Oskar opens up additional quests in Baldur's Gate, which offer valuable experience points. However, these quests are only accessible in Act III, so it's a long-term investment. If you're interested in exploring every aspect of the game, this could be a compelling reason to buy him.
Consideration: The Risk
Oskar promises untold riches and claims that his fiancée would pay handsomely for his safe return. However, there's no guarantee that these promises will materialize. This adds an element of risk to the decision.
Cost to Buy Okskar
The quest to free Oskar Fevras is not just a moral dilemma but also a financial one. The game presents you with several options, each with its own cost implications.
Initial Purchase Price:
When you first encounter Oskar, he is held captive by the Zhentarim. To free him, you have the option to buy him from his captors. The initial cost can vary based on your character's abilities:
Persuasion or Intimidation Check:
- Successful Check: If you pass a Persuasion or Intimidation check, the cost to free Oskar is reduced to 600 gold.
- Failed Check: If you fail the check, you will have to pay the full price of 1,000 gold.
Additional Costs:
After successfully purchasing Oskar, there are additional costs to consider. Oskar will ask for an additional 200 gold to help him reach Baldur's Gate. This is optional, but if you pay, it may influence the quest's outcome in later acts.
Total Cost:
The total cost of freeing Oskar can range from 600 to 1,200 gold for the initial purchase, plus an optional 200 gold for his transport to Baldur's Gate. Therefore, the total cost can range from 600 to 1,400 gold, depending on your choices and success in ability checks.
Is Buying Oskar Fevras Worth It?
The financial investment in Oskar is significant, especially in the early stages of the game where gold may be scarce. Whether or not this investment pays off is contingent on various factors like your moral stance, the characters you are trying to romance, and your interest in the quests Oskar offers in later acts.