#that the githyanki have the exact same goals as mindflayers

[empcrer]

Since I saw a Tiktok of folks hating on Emp– I want to address some old points that yes, he did enthrall Stelmane, but what Baldur's Gate fails to address is the Knights of the Shield's higher-ups worshiped the devil Garguath; and kept that worship a secret to the rest of their members.

My headcanon's include that Emp enthralled Stelmane to take back some control of Knights of Shield since Garguath is a devil of political corruption. Baldur's Gate is very important to him, so enthralling her was a risky chess move that he very much regrets.

When illithids enthrall someone they become very attached. With Stelmane, Emp was very affectionate of her. So much so that his bond with her bordered romantic. So when Gortash / the Absolute ripped him away from her they severed Emp's and Stelmane's "bond" instantly, leaving her injured and partially paralyzed.

Her ailments, and her murder, are something Emp fully blames himself for. Which is why he never wishes to enthrall someone ever again.

So did he enthrall her? Absolutely. Was it right to do? Absolutely not. Does he think it was necessary? Yes. Did she reciprocate his affection? Nahhh brother. But does he miss his wife? He misses her a lot.