What happens if I let the Goblins kill the Druids in Act 2 of Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, the decision to let the Goblins kill the Druids in Act 2 is a significant story choice that can have far-reaching consequences for the game's narrative, your relationships with companions, and the overall state of the world. This choice is part of the larger conflict between the Goblins and the Druids, which is a central theme in the early acts of the game. Here is a detailed explanation of how this scenario can unfold, the mechanics involved, and the strategies you can use to navigate this choice.

To begin with, the Druids are a group of nature-worshipping individuals who reside in the Emerald Grove. They are led by Kagha, who has taken over as the temporary leader in the absence of Halsin, the Archdruid. The Goblins, on the other hand, are a chaotic and destructive force led by leaders such as Priestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and Minthara. The Goblins are seeking to invade the Emerald Grove and eliminate the Druids, which sets the stage for the conflict.

If you decide to let the Goblins kill the Druids, you are essentially siding with the Goblins in this conflict. This choice can be made during the quest "Save the Refugees," where you are tasked with either defending the Grove or allowing the Goblins to attack. To achieve this outcome, you will need to align yourself with the Goblins and support their plans. This can be done by speaking with Minthara, the Goblin leader, and agreeing to help her raid the Grove. You will need to provide her with information about the Grove's defenses and then lead the Goblins in their assault.

One important consideration is that this choice will have a significant impact on your relationships with your companions. Characters like Wyll and Karlach, who have strong moral convictions, will likely disapprove of your decision to side with the Goblins. On the other hand, characters like Astarion, who is more morally ambiguous, may not be as opposed to this choice. It is important to consider how this decision will affect your party dynamics and whether you are willing to risk alienating certain companions.

In terms of combat tactics, the assault on the Grove will involve a large-scale battle with multiple enemies. The Goblins will attack the Grove from multiple directions, and you will need to coordinate with them to ensure their success. This may involve using stealth to take out key defenders, such as the Tiefling guards, or using area-of-effect spells to deal with groups of enemies. It is also important to protect Minthara during the battle, as her survival is crucial to the success of the raid.

One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the strength of the Druids and their allies. The Druids have powerful spells and abilities, and they will be supported by the Tiefling refugees. If you are not prepared for a tough fight, you may find yourself overwhelmed. It is important to have a well-balanced party with a mix of melee and ranged fighters, as well as healers and spellcasters. You should also make use of environmental advantages, such as high ground and choke points, to gain the upper hand in combat.

Advanced techniques for this scenario include using stealth and deception to weaken the Grove's defenses before the battle begins. For example, you can infiltrate the Grove and sabotage their defenses, such as destroying their traps or poisoning their food supplies. You can also use charm spells or persuasion to turn some of the defenders against their allies, reducing the number of enemies you will face in the battle.

From a D&D rules perspective, this scenario involves a number of mechanics, including combat, stealth, and persuasion. The combat mechanics are based on the D&D 5E rules, with each character having a set of actions, bonus actions, and reactions that they can use during their turn. Stealth mechanics involve making Dexterity (Stealth) checks to avoid detection, while persuasion involves making Charisma (Persuasion) checks to influence the behavior of NPCs.

In conclusion, letting the Goblins kill the Druids in Act 2 of Baldur's Gate 3 is a major story choice that can have significant consequences for the game's narrative and your relationships with your companions. To achieve this outcome, you will need to align yourself with the Goblins, support their plans, and lead them in their assault on the Grove. This will involve a large-scale battle with multiple enemies, and you will need to use a combination of combat tactics, stealth, and persuasion to ensure the success of the raid. It is important to consider the impact of this choice on your party dynamics and to be prepared for a tough fight. By using advanced techniques and understanding the underlying D&D mechanics, you can navigate this scenario and shape the story of Baldur's Gate 3 according to your choices.