What happens if I let the Goblins kill the Tieflings in Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, the decision to let the Goblins kill the Tieflings is a significant story choice that can have far-reaching consequences for the game's narrative, your relationships with companions, and the overall world state. This choice occurs during the early stages of the game, specifically in the Druid Grove, where the Tieflings are seeking refuge from the Goblins. The Goblins, led by leaders like Priestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and Minthara, are a hostile force that you can either oppose or align with, depending on your choices.

To let the Goblins kill the Tieflings, you need to side with the Goblins during the conflict at the Druid Grove. This involves several steps and careful decision-making. First, you must reach the Goblin Camp, which is located to the west of the Druid Grove. You can find the camp by following the road or by exploring the surrounding areas. Once you arrive at the Goblin Camp, you will encounter various Goblin leaders who are planning an attack on the Druid Grove. To align with them, you need to gain their trust. This can be done by completing certain tasks for them, such as eliminating the Druids or proving your loyalty through other means.

One of the key moments where you can make this choice is during the conversation with Minthara, the Drow leader of the Goblins. She will ask you to help her attack the Druid Grove. If you agree, she will lead the Goblins in an assault on the Tieflings. During this assault, you have the option to actively participate in the attack or simply stand by and let the Goblins do the work. If you choose to let the Goblins kill the Tieflings, the outcome will be devastating for the Tiefling refugees, as they will be slaughtered, and the Druid Grove will be overrun.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when making this choice. First, be aware that siding with the Goblins will have a significant impact on your relationships with certain companions. Characters like Wyll and Karlach, who have strong moral compasses, will likely disapprove of your actions and may even leave your party. On the other hand, characters like Astarion, who is more morally ambiguous, may approve of your decision. Additionally, this choice will lock you out of certain quests and storylines that involve the Tieflings, such as helping them reach Baldur's Gate or resolving their conflicts with the Druids.

A common mistake to avoid is not fully understanding the consequences of your actions. Letting the Goblins kill the Tieflings is a morally dark choice that will lead to a more evil-aligned playthrough. If you are aiming for a good or neutral playthrough, this choice may not align with your goals. It is also important to consider the long-term impact on the game's story. The Tieflings play a significant role in the narrative, and their survival or demise can affect the world state and the availability of certain quests and allies later in the game.

Advanced techniques or optimizations for this choice involve carefully managing your party composition and dialogue choices. If you want to minimize the negative impact on your relationships with certain companions, you can choose to leave them at camp during the assault. This way, they will not witness your actions and may not disapprove as strongly. Additionally, you can use persuasion or deception to manipulate the Goblins and Tieflings, potentially reducing the amount of combat required to achieve your goals.

In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, this choice reflects the alignment system and the concept of moral decision-making. In Dungeons & Dragons, alignment represents a character's ethical and moral perspective, ranging from lawful good to chaotic evil. Letting the Goblins kill the Tieflings is an evil-aligned action, as it involves the deliberate harm of innocent people for personal gain or alignment with a hostile force. This choice also ties into the game's implementation of the D&D 5E rules, where actions have consequences that can affect the story and the world.

Specific examples and scenarios include the aftermath of the assault on the Druid Grove. If you let the Goblins kill the Tieflings, the Grove will be left in ruins, and the surviving Druids may become hostile towards you. This can lead to additional combat encounters and make certain areas more dangerous. Additionally, the Tiefling refugees who survive the initial attack may seek revenge, leading to further conflicts down the line. On the other hand, if you choose to save the Tieflings, you will gain their gratitude and potentially unlock new quests and alliances that can aid you in your journey.

In conclusion, letting the Goblins kill the Tieflings in Baldur's Gate 3 is a major story choice that can significantly impact the game's narrative and your relationships with companions. It requires careful consideration of the consequences and strategic planning to achieve the desired outcome. By understanding the mechanics involved, following the step-by-step instructions, and considering the tips and considerations provided, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your playstyle and goals.