What happens if I let the Goblins kill the Tieflings in Act 1 of Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, the decision to let the Goblins kill the Tieflings in Act 1 is a significant story choice that can have far-reaching consequences for the rest of your playthrough. This choice occurs during the early stages of the game when you encounter the Druid Grove, a sanctuary for both Druids and Tieflings who are refugees from Elturel. The Goblins, led by the leaders of the Absolute cult, are seeking to attack the Grove and eliminate the Tieflings. Your decision to either defend the Grove or allow the Goblins to kill the Tieflings will shape the narrative and affect your relationships with various characters and factions.

To let the Goblins kill the Tieflings, you need to align yourself with the Goblins and their leaders, Minthara, Dror Ragzlin, and Priestess Gut. This involves completing certain quests and making specific dialogue choices that favor the Goblins over the Tieflings. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this outcome:

1. First, you need to 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, you will need to gain the trust of the Goblins. This can be done by completing tasks for them, such as retrieving the artifact they are searching for or by offering to help them attack the Druid Grove.

2. Inside the Goblin Camp, you will encounter Minthara, the Drow leader of the Goblins. She will ask you to help her plan an attack on the Druid Grove. To align with the Goblins, you must agree to her plan and offer your assistance. This will involve infiltrating the Grove and gathering information or sabotaging the defenses from within.

3. Once you have agreed to help Minthara, you will need to return to the Druid Grove. Here, you can choose to either openly attack the Tieflings and Druids or to secretly sabotage their defenses. If you choose to attack, you will need to be prepared for a difficult battle, as the Tieflings and Druids will fight back. Alternatively, you can use stealth and deception to weaken their defenses, making it easier for the Goblins to overrun the Grove.

4. After you have completed your tasks in the Grove, return to Minthara and report your success. She will then lead the Goblins in an assault on the Grove. During this assault, you can choose to actively participate in the battle or to stand back and let the Goblins do the work. If you choose to participate, you will need to fight alongside the Goblins and help them defeat the Tieflings and Druids.

5. Once the battle is over, the Tieflings will be dead, and the Druid Grove will be under Goblin control. This will have several consequences for the rest of the game. For example, the Tieflings who survive the attack will no longer be available as allies or merchants, and certain quests related to them will be unavailable. Additionally, your relationship with the Druids will be permanently damaged, and they will become hostile towards you.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when making this choice. First, be aware that aligning with the Goblins will make you enemies with the Tieflings and Druids, which can limit your options later in the game. Second, consider the moral implications of your decision, as allowing the Goblins to kill the Tieflings is a morally dark choice that may affect your character's alignment and relationships with certain companions. Third, be prepared for the consequences of your actions, as this choice will have a significant impact on the story and the world around you.

Common mistakes to avoid include failing to properly prepare for the battle in the Druid Grove, as the Tieflings and Druids can put up a strong fight. Additionally, be careful not to reveal your true intentions too early, as this can lead to the Goblins turning on you. Finally, make sure to consider the long-term consequences of your decision, as this choice will affect the rest of your playthrough.

Advanced techniques and optimizations include using stealth and deception to weaken the Grove's defenses before the attack, which can make the battle easier. Additionally, consider recruiting powerful allies or using powerful spells and abilities to turn the tide of the battle in your favor. Finally, think carefully about your character's alignment and how this choice will affect their development and relationships with other characters.

In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, this choice reflects the alignment system and the concept of moral decision-making. Allowing the Goblins to kill the Tieflings is an evil act that aligns with a Chaotic Evil or Neutral Evil alignment. This choice also involves elements of stealth, deception, and combat, which are key aspects of the D&D ruleset.

Specific examples and scenarios include the battle in the Druid Grove, where you will need to fight against the Tieflings and Druids. This battle can be challenging, especially if you are not properly prepared. Another example is the dialogue with Minthara, where you will need to carefully choose your words to gain her trust and align with the Goblins. Finally, the consequences of this choice will be felt throughout the rest of the game, as the Tieflings and Druids will no longer be available as allies, and certain quests will be unavailable.

In conclusion, letting the Goblins kill the Tieflings in Act 1 of Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant story choice that can have far-reaching consequences. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and considerations, you can successfully align with the Goblins and achieve this outcome. However, be aware of the moral implications and long-term consequences of your decision, as this choice will shape the rest of your playthrough.