What happens if I let the Goblins raid the Grove in Baldur's Gate 3?
If you choose to let the Goblins raid the Grove in Baldur's Gate 3, this decision has significant consequences for the story, your companions, and the world around you. This choice is one of the major turning points in Act 1, and it will shape the rest of your playthrough. Here is a detailed explanation of what happens, how to achieve this outcome, and the implications of your decision.
To let the Goblins raid the Grove, you must side with Minthara, the Drow Paladin leading the Goblin forces. This requires you to infiltrate the Goblin Camp and speak with her. During your conversation, she will ask for your help in locating the Grove and eliminating the Tiefling refugees and Druids inside. If you agree to her plan, she will task you with opening the gates of the Grove from the inside during the raid. This is a pivotal moment in the story, as it aligns you with the Absolute, the mysterious force controlling the Goblins and other factions.
To proceed, you must return to the Grove and gain the trust of the Tieflings and Druids. This can be done by completing quests for them, such as rescuing Halsin or dealing with the Goblin leaders. Once you have access to the inner areas of the Grove, you can open the gates during the raid. When the Goblins attack, you will have the option to either defend the Grove or betray its inhabitants by allowing the Goblins to enter. If you choose the latter, the Goblins will slaughter the Tieflings and Druids, and the Grove will be destroyed.
This decision has far-reaching consequences. First, it will alienate several of your companions, particularly Wyll and Karlach, who have strong ties to the Tieflings. Wyll may even leave your party permanently if you side with the Goblins. Additionally, Halsin, the Druid leader, will be killed during the raid, eliminating the possibility of recruiting him later in the game. On the other hand, Minthara will join your party as a companion, providing a unique perspective and abilities. However, her alignment with the Absolute may lead to further moral dilemmas down the line.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when making this choice. First, ensure that your party is well-prepared for the raid, as the combat can be challenging. The Goblins are numerous and will overwhelm the defenders if you do not assist them. If you plan to betray the Grove, make sure to position your party strategically to avoid being caught in the crossfire. Additionally, consider the long-term implications of your decision. While siding with the Goblins may provide short-term benefits, such as loot and Minthara's companionship, it will close off several storylines and quests related to the Tieflings and Druids.
Common mistakes to avoid include failing to gain the trust of the Grove inhabitants before the raid. If you are not able to open the gates from the inside, the Goblins will be unable to breach the defenses, and the raid will fail. Additionally, be cautious when interacting with Minthara, as she may turn on you if she suspects betrayal. It is also important to manage your companions' reactions carefully. If you want to keep Wyll and Karlach in your party, you may need to persuade them to stay or make alternative choices that align with their values.
Advanced techniques for this scenario include using stealth and deception to manipulate both the Goblins and the Grove inhabitants. For example, you can use Disguise Self or other illusion spells to infiltrate the Goblin Camp without raising suspicion. Similarly, you can use dialogue options to mislead the Tieflings and Druids, ensuring that they do not suspect your true intentions. Additionally, consider the role of your character's alignment and background in this decision. A morally ambiguous or evil character may find it easier to justify siding with the Goblins, while a good-aligned character may struggle with the consequences of their actions.
From a D&D rules perspective, this scenario reflects the alignment system and the concept of moral choices. In Dungeons and Dragons, alignment represents a character's ethical and moral perspective, ranging from lawful good to chaotic evil. Siding with the Goblins is a chaotic evil choice, as it involves betrayal, violence, and the pursuit of personal gain at the expense of others. This decision will shift your character's alignment towards evil, which may affect interactions with NPCs and the availability of certain quests.
Specific examples and scenarios include the aftermath of the raid. If you let the Goblins destroy the Grove, the Tiefling refugees will be wiped out, and their questlines, such as helping them reach Baldur's Gate, will be permanently closed. The Druids will also be eliminated, preventing you from accessing their knowledge and resources. On the other hand, Minthara's presence in your party will open up new dialogue options and storylines related to the Absolute. Her unique abilities as a Paladin can also be a valuable asset in combat.
In conclusion, letting the Goblins raid the Grove is a major decision that will significantly impact your playthrough of Baldur's Gate 3. It requires careful planning, strategic thinking, and a willingness to embrace the consequences of your actions. By understanding the mechanics, preparing your party, and considering the long-term implications, you can navigate this challenging scenario and shape the story according to your choices.
To let the Goblins raid the Grove, you must side with Minthara, the Drow Paladin leading the Goblin forces. This requires you to infiltrate the Goblin Camp and speak with her. During your conversation, she will ask for your help in locating the Grove and eliminating the Tiefling refugees and Druids inside. If you agree to her plan, she will task you with opening the gates of the Grove from the inside during the raid. This is a pivotal moment in the story, as it aligns you with the Absolute, the mysterious force controlling the Goblins and other factions.
To proceed, you must return to the Grove and gain the trust of the Tieflings and Druids. This can be done by completing quests for them, such as rescuing Halsin or dealing with the Goblin leaders. Once you have access to the inner areas of the Grove, you can open the gates during the raid. When the Goblins attack, you will have the option to either defend the Grove or betray its inhabitants by allowing the Goblins to enter. If you choose the latter, the Goblins will slaughter the Tieflings and Druids, and the Grove will be destroyed.
This decision has far-reaching consequences. First, it will alienate several of your companions, particularly Wyll and Karlach, who have strong ties to the Tieflings. Wyll may even leave your party permanently if you side with the Goblins. Additionally, Halsin, the Druid leader, will be killed during the raid, eliminating the possibility of recruiting him later in the game. On the other hand, Minthara will join your party as a companion, providing a unique perspective and abilities. However, her alignment with the Absolute may lead to further moral dilemmas down the line.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when making this choice. First, ensure that your party is well-prepared for the raid, as the combat can be challenging. The Goblins are numerous and will overwhelm the defenders if you do not assist them. If you plan to betray the Grove, make sure to position your party strategically to avoid being caught in the crossfire. Additionally, consider the long-term implications of your decision. While siding with the Goblins may provide short-term benefits, such as loot and Minthara's companionship, it will close off several storylines and quests related to the Tieflings and Druids.
Common mistakes to avoid include failing to gain the trust of the Grove inhabitants before the raid. If you are not able to open the gates from the inside, the Goblins will be unable to breach the defenses, and the raid will fail. Additionally, be cautious when interacting with Minthara, as she may turn on you if she suspects betrayal. It is also important to manage your companions' reactions carefully. If you want to keep Wyll and Karlach in your party, you may need to persuade them to stay or make alternative choices that align with their values.
Advanced techniques for this scenario include using stealth and deception to manipulate both the Goblins and the Grove inhabitants. For example, you can use Disguise Self or other illusion spells to infiltrate the Goblin Camp without raising suspicion. Similarly, you can use dialogue options to mislead the Tieflings and Druids, ensuring that they do not suspect your true intentions. Additionally, consider the role of your character's alignment and background in this decision. A morally ambiguous or evil character may find it easier to justify siding with the Goblins, while a good-aligned character may struggle with the consequences of their actions.
From a D&D rules perspective, this scenario reflects the alignment system and the concept of moral choices. In Dungeons and Dragons, alignment represents a character's ethical and moral perspective, ranging from lawful good to chaotic evil. Siding with the Goblins is a chaotic evil choice, as it involves betrayal, violence, and the pursuit of personal gain at the expense of others. This decision will shift your character's alignment towards evil, which may affect interactions with NPCs and the availability of certain quests.
Specific examples and scenarios include the aftermath of the raid. If you let the Goblins destroy the Grove, the Tiefling refugees will be wiped out, and their questlines, such as helping them reach Baldur's Gate, will be permanently closed. The Druids will also be eliminated, preventing you from accessing their knowledge and resources. On the other hand, Minthara's presence in your party will open up new dialogue options and storylines related to the Absolute. Her unique abilities as a Paladin can also be a valuable asset in combat.
In conclusion, letting the Goblins raid the Grove is a major decision that will significantly impact your playthrough of Baldur's Gate 3. It requires careful planning, strategic thinking, and a willingness to embrace the consequences of your actions. By understanding the mechanics, preparing your party, and considering the long-term implications, you can navigate this challenging scenario and shape the story according to your choices.