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| Minsc | |
|---|---|
| Baldur's Gate character | |
 Minsc as he appears inBaldur's Gate 3 | |
| First game | Baldur's Gate (1998) |
| Voiced by | Jim Cummings[1] Matthew Mercer (Baldur's Gate 3)[2] |
| In-universe information | |
| Class | Ranger |
| Alignment | Neutral Good (Baldur's Gate) Chaotic Good (Baldur's Gate II) |
| Home | Rashemen |
Minsc/ˈmɪnsk/ is a fictional character in theBaldur's Gate series ofDungeons & Dragonsrole-playing video games developed byBioWare andLarian Studios. He originated from thepen-and-paperDungeons & Dragons sessions held by the lead designer ofBaldur's Gate,James Ohlen, and was expanded upon by the game's lead writer, Lukas Kristjanson. His video game debut was inBaldur's Gate as a companion character who can join the player's party. He also appears in the sequel,Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn, the expansion,Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal, the 2015 gameBaldur's Gate: Siege of Dragonspear, the 2023 gameBaldur's Gate 3, as well as in promotions relating to the titles. Minsc is voiced byJim Cummings in his original video game appearances,[1] and byMatt Mercer inBaldur's Gate 3.
In the storyline, Minsc is a ranger, originally tasked with serving as a bodyguard to thewitch Dynaheir as part of a "dajemma" (rite of passage). When Dynaheir is captured by gnolls, Minsc asks the player to help free her, after which both characters are available to assist the player. Eventually, the player's party is captured and when Dynaheir is killed by the mageJon Irenicus, Minsc teams with the player in the pursuit of justice. Aberserker, he has a strong desire to uphold good and be heroic, though with an extreme fervor that causes those around him to regard him as possiblyinsane. His animal companion is a miniature giant space hamster named Boo, with whom he often consults.
Since his introduction, Minsc has been regarded as one of the best and most popular elements of theBaldur's Gate games because of his demeanor and attachment to Boo, according to reviewers fromIGN,GameSpot, andEurogamer. Other reviewers from publications such asCVG have regarded him as one of the greatest aspects ofPC gaming, while game developers have noted a preference for him. The web comicMegatokyo added Boo as a character in their publication, while Largo (for whom Boo serves in the comic as his long-suffering conscience) took on aspects of Minsc. His absence from subsequent gaming titles has also been lamented by several publications.
Minsc and Boo originated inpen and paperDungeons & Dragons sessions held by the lead designer ofBaldur's Gate,James Ohlen.[3] Played by Cameron Tofer, associate producer and lead programmer ofMDK2, Minsc was conceived as an unstablecomic relief ranger who carried around a pet hamster named Boo in theDark Sun campaign setting. The lead writer forBaldur's Gate, Lukas Kristjanson, expanded upon the character and created dialogue intended to make Minsc funny and memorable to the general audience.[4] During development, some of the character's lines were rewritten based on the voice actor's readings.[5] As this progressed, the writers noted they were able to interject dialogue more freely for Minsc into the script in a tone suitable for the character.[6] In a 2001 interview,BioWare co-founderRay Muzyka has stated that among the titles the company has completed, Minsc was his favorite character.[7]
Minsc classifies Boo a "miniature giant space hamster", a creature first mentioned in theDungeons & DragonsSpelljammercampaign setting which describes them as giant hamsters bred to paddle wheels for flying ships, which can alternatively be bred in miniature form, looking like a normal hamster.[8] Senior designerDavid Gaider noted that regardless of what Boo was called, Boo had no powers or abilities beyond those of a regular hamster.[9] He also noted that Boo was handled differently from other creatures that served as familiars that would fight alongside their owners, because of the frailty of hamsters and the impact Boo's dying would have on Minsc in the game.[10] In an open discussion with BioWare developers, scriptwriterDrew Karpyshyn described Boo's role in the game as "[providing] wisdom and moral support to Minsc".[11]
InBaldur's Gate, Minsc is a bald, purple-tattooedranger from theForgotten Realms country ofRashemen. Originally aberserker on his "dajemma",[12] arite of passage to gain entrance to the Ice Dragon Berserker Lodge,[13] he makes an oath to guard thewitch Dynaheir,[12] but runs into trouble when he and Dynaheir are ambushed by gnolls, who capture Dynaheir at their stronghold. He orders the player to halt so that Boo may judge them, and requests that the player help him. Following Dynaheir's rescue, the player is given an option to add Minsc and Dynaheir to the party that will eventually fight the main antagonistSarevok.
At the beginning ofShadows of Amn, the player's party is captured and imprisoned by the mageJon Irenicus, who seeks to tap into the player's power for his own goals. Dynaheir has been slain, so Minsc offers his services to avenge her. Depending on the player's choices, it is possible Minsc adopts a new witch in the party; if he does, and the new witch is downed in battle, Minsc goes berserk.[14][15] InThrone of Bhaal, Minsc is a character that can be summoned to assist the player. In the game's epilogue, it is revealed that Minsc has returned to Rashemen and has gained access to the Ice Dragon Berserker Lodge, having become a renowned hero due to his experiences with the player. He forms his own adventuring company, the Justice Fist, where he continues to fight evil. In his later years, he journeys across the Realms and disappears.[13]
Larian Studios, developers for the 2023 sequelBaldur's Gate 3, have confirmed thatMatthew Mercer is the voice of Minsc.[16] Minsc appears as a minor antagonist and possible party member. He is implanted with a mind-controlling parasite by the main antagonists of the game and manipulated by a doppelganger impersonating his friend and former companion Jaheira. Minsc takes on the name "The Stonelord" and leads a criminal organization in the city of Baldur's Gate. Depending on the player character's actions he can be snapped out of his brainwashing and recruited as a companion.
Minsc is a supporting character in the 2000novelization ofBaldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn byPhilip Athans. He is depicted as a well-built man with long red hair, a patchy orange beard, and a jagged scar along the right side of his head. He is no longer a warrior, and is physically smaller than the novel's protagonist, Abdel. In contrast, Boo is unchanged, and is still referred to by Minsc as his miniature giant space hamster. Held prisoner alongside Abdel at the start of the novel, Minsc is set free and accompanies Abdel until they reach an inn, where he decides to work. Abdel repeatedly shows discomfort for his presence, using Minsc's employment as an excuse to leave him behind and steal his sword, though he later returns for his help in securing travel aboard a ship. After Abdel returns to kill his employers, Minsc realizes the inn will close permanently; he and Boo leave to find another place to work.[17]
In February 2015, it was announced that Minsc and Boo will appear inElemental Evil, a module to the 2013massively multiplayer online role-playing gameNeverwinter. The module was released on March 17, 2015.[18]
Boo appears in thewebcomicMegatokyo, where he wears strapped-on wings and serves asLargo's conscience, although he is often misunderstood as he only squeaks. Largo adapts Minsc's personality, including his catchphrase, saying "Go for the beer, Boo!"[19] In number 121, Boo leaves Largo but is unable to get his old job back at BioWare.[20]
BioWare's Ray Muzyka praised Boo's appearance in the comic, describing it as an "anime-style" depiction of a favorite character.[7] For a limited time Booplush toys modeled after his appearance in the comic were sold by the artists through the website, though production was initially delayed due to manufacturing errors.[21]
In September 2019,Dungeon Mayhem, aDungeons & Dragons inspired card game, released its first expansion pack entitledBattle for Baldur's Gate. The box contains two character card sets, with one featuring Jaheira and the other with Minsc and Boo.[22]
Minsc and Boo have also been referenced by non-BioWare games and media. InDragon Age: Origins, the loading screen sometimes displays the advice "If all else fails, go for the eyes".[citation needed] InDragon Age Legends, random NPC's use "Go for the eyes!" as a battle cry.[citation needed] InNeverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer, an "Astral Rodent totem" can be found, with the words "For M" carved on it. InMass Effect 2, a "space hamster" is available for purchase. It gives the player a "knowing smile" when observed. One of the game'snon-playable characters,Tali, shouts "Go for the optics!" to her combat drone.[citation needed] InMass Effect 3 Citadel DLC,Commander Shepard finds their hamster being thrown out by one of their foes, and tells the hamster "Sit tight, little guy. If anyone gives you trouble, go for the eyes!"[citation needed] InGuild Wars Nightfall, "Go for the eyes!" is the name of a shout command skill used by the Paragon class.[23][note 1]
In July 2014, a comicDungeons & Dragons: Legends of Baldur’s Gate was announced for October 2014 release. It's set generations afterThrone of Bhaal and features Minsc as the main character. It's written by Jim Zub and pencilled by Max Dunbar. It's part of theDungeons & Dragons 40th anniversary celebrations.[24]
On March 8, 2015 atPAX East inBoston, Massachusetts, Minsc was used as an NPC "intern" of the player characters in the "Acquisitions Incorporated" celebrityDungeons & Dragons session, to the apparent delight of playersJerry Holkins andPatrick Rothfuss.[25]
In March 2015,Wizkids provided a limited edition promotional card and die of Minsc and Boo as part of their Dungeons & DragonsDice Masters setBattle for Faerûn.[26]
In July 2017,Wizkids released their seventh D&D Icons of the Realms miniature sets, which features a miniature of Minsc (with Boo sitting on his shoulders) as a Medium-sized and of 'Rare' rarity rating piece of the set.[27]
In the 2017 gameTorment: Tides of Numenera, the player can, under certain circumstances obtain a rodentlike creature named Bao which grants one fighting bonuses at the expense of intelligence, along with an ability to blind enemies.[28]
In July 2021, Minsc was depicted on aMagic: The Gathering trading card in theDungeons & Dragons themed setAdventures in the Forgotten Realms.[29]
In an interview withGameSpy, Lukas Kristjanson acted as Minsc as he gave details about his character background.[30] When asked about the possibility of Minsc and Boo making cameo appearances later BioWare titles,Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal lead developer Kevin Martens stated "Well, Minsc is popular. You like Minsc. We like Minsc. Neverwinter is so far away. That is all that I have to say."[11]
Dan Tudge, project lead forDragon Age: Origins, noted that prior to working for BioWare he would rush home after work to use the character.[31]UGO.com described Minsc as "a beloved game personality",[32] and lamented the absence of similar characters in later BioWare titles.[33]IGN named Minsc's return inBaldur's Gate II as an aspect of the game they looked forward to, stating "How can you live without Minsc?!"[34]Computer Games Magazine called him the favorite character of many players of the originalBaldur's Gate, citing his strengths and "appealing personality" as reasons for his popularity.[35] Calling him "everyone's favorite lovable oaf",[36] they praised his early presence in the game's sequel.[37] Minsc placed seventh in a "Reader's Choice" edition ofGameSpot's "Ten Best Sidekicks", which noted that the character's demeanor and attachment to Boo as reasons for his appeal.[38]Eurogamer named Minsc the best male supporting character in video games for 2001, noting him as additionally one of the most popular characters of the originalBaldur's Gate.[39]
CVG listed him as one of their two-hundred reasons to "Love PC Gaming", quoting one of his battle cries ("Go for the eyes, Boo!") for their reasoning.[40] He was listed byMSN Entertainment as one of the "Gaming's unsung heroes", saying he "provides great comic relief and is a fondly remembered man."[41]GameDaily named him one of the Most Lovable Lummoxes in video gaming, stating "Every good party of adventurers in aCRPG needs atank...InBaldur's Gate, the human ranger Minsc is that tank, and a valuable asset to the player's quest."[42] Dakota Grabowski of GameZone listed Minsc as the top BioWare created teammate, commenting "His voice-acting was hands-down one of the best attributes of theBaldur's Gate series" and that "BioWare will never surpass their creation of Minsc (and Boo!).".[43] Kimberley Wallace ofGame Informer considered him to be one of the best BioWare characters, saying "If you played Baldur's Gate, one character stood out from the pack. ... Strangely enough, this is what makes you love him all the more."[44] In 2011,Empire ranked him and Boo as the 11th greatest video game character, adding that "Few names bring a wistful smile to the faces of aging PC gamers like that of Minsc and his trusty hamster companion".[45]GamesTM named Minsc one of BioWare's 8 most memorable companion characters.[46] Andy Kelly fromPC Gamer named Minsc as his personal favourite BioWare companion, commenting "Minsc is not as rich or nuanced as many of BioWare's more recent creations, but he makes up for it with sheer personality".[47] In a 2017 article,PC Gamer staff included Minsc in their definitive list of the best RPG squad mates around.[48]
With the saga of the Bhaalspawn closed, Minsc fulfilled a long promised oath. He returned to Rashemen, hoping to regale the Icedragon Berserker Lodge with the tales of his deeds, and earn a place within its hallowed halls. His words were not needed. Every tavern in Faerun had a bard singing of the valiant ranger, and he was welcomed as a hero. Eventually he formed his own adventuring company, the Justice Fist, striking fear in the hearts and faces of evil until, in his advancing age, he again set out across the Realms... and disappeared. And what of Boo? Well, what is Minsc without Boo? The two would never be separated, and some say they are together still, up amongst the stars where hamsters are giants and men become legends.
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