What happens if I side with the Goblins in Baldur's Gate 3?
Siding with the Goblins in Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant story choice that can drastically alter the course of the game. This decision is part of the main questline and involves aligning yourself with the Goblin Camp, which is led by leaders like Priestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and Minthara. Choosing to side with the Goblins means you will be working against the Druids of the Emerald Grove and the Tiefling refugees who are seeking shelter there. This choice has far-reaching consequences, affecting your relationships with companions, the fate of key characters, and the overall narrative.
To side with the Goblins, you need to progress through the main quest until you reach the Goblin Camp, located in the Shattered Sanctum. This area is accessible after you have explored the Blighted Village and the surrounding regions. Once you arrive at the Goblin Camp, you will need to navigate the complex social dynamics within the camp. The Goblins are not a unified group, and each leader has their own agenda. To gain their trust, you will need to complete tasks for them and prove your loyalty.
One of the first steps is to speak with Priestess Gut. She will offer to help you with the parasite in your head, but this comes with a price. She will ask you to prove your loyalty by eliminating the Druids and Tieflings at the Emerald Grove. This is a critical moment where you must decide whether to fully commit to the Goblin cause. If you agree, you will be tasked with infiltrating the Grove and sabotaging their defenses from within.
Another important figure is Dror Ragzlin, the warlord of the Goblin Camp. He is a formidable warrior and will test your strength and resolve. To gain his favor, you may need to engage in combat or complete specific tasks that demonstrate your prowess. Minthara, the Drow leader, is another key character. She is focused on the Absolute and will require you to prove your dedication to their cause. Aligning with Minthara can lead to unique story developments, especially if you are playing as a character with a dark or morally ambiguous alignment.
Once you have gained the trust of the Goblin leaders, you will be tasked with leading an assault on the Emerald Grove. This is a major turning point in the game, and the outcome will depend on your choices and actions during the assault. If you successfully eliminate the Druids and Tieflings, the Goblins will reward you with valuable loot and resources. However, this choice will also alienate certain companions, such as Wyll and Karlach, who have strong moral convictions and will not support such actions.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when siding with the Goblins. First, be prepared for the consequences of your actions. This choice will lock you out of certain quests and storylines, particularly those involving the Druids and Tieflings. Additionally, some companions may leave your party or become hostile if they disagree with your decisions. It is crucial to consider the long-term impact on your party composition and overall strategy.
Another consideration is the difficulty of the assault on the Emerald Grove. This is a challenging combat encounter that will test your tactical skills and party coordination. Make sure your party is well-equipped and prepared for a tough fight. Utilize crowd control spells, area-of-effect abilities, and strategic positioning to gain the upper hand. It is also advisable to save your game before committing to this path, as it is a point of no return.
Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the strength of the Druids and Tieflings. They have powerful abilities and can quickly overwhelm an unprepared party. Additionally, failing to fully commit to the Goblin cause can lead to mistrust and betrayal from the Goblin leaders. Make sure to complete all tasks and prove your loyalty to avoid any complications.
Advanced techniques and optimizations can enhance your experience when siding with the Goblins. For example, playing as a character with high Charisma and Deception skills can help you navigate the social dynamics within the Goblin Camp more effectively. Additionally, choosing a class with strong combat abilities, such as a Fighter or Barbarian, can make the assault on the Emerald Grove more manageable. Utilizing stealth and ambush tactics can also give you an advantage in combat.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, siding with the Goblins aligns with the concept of making morally ambiguous or evil choices. This can affect your character's alignment and reputation within the game world. The consequences of your actions are a key aspect of the D&D experience, and Baldur's Gate 3 does an excellent job of reflecting these choices in the narrative.
Specific examples and scenarios include the interactions with Minthara. If you choose to side with her, you can unlock unique dialogue options and story developments that are not available otherwise. Additionally, the assault on the Emerald Grove can play out in different ways depending on your approach. For example, you can choose to sabotage the Grove from within by poisoning the food supply or disabling their defenses, or you can lead a direct assault with the Goblins.
In conclusion, siding with the Goblins in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and impactful decision that requires careful consideration and strategic planning. It offers a unique narrative experience with significant consequences for your character and the world around you. By understanding the mechanics, preparing for the challenges, and making informed choices, you can fully embrace this path and explore the darker side of the game's story.
To side with the Goblins, you need to progress through the main quest until you reach the Goblin Camp, located in the Shattered Sanctum. This area is accessible after you have explored the Blighted Village and the surrounding regions. Once you arrive at the Goblin Camp, you will need to navigate the complex social dynamics within the camp. The Goblins are not a unified group, and each leader has their own agenda. To gain their trust, you will need to complete tasks for them and prove your loyalty.
One of the first steps is to speak with Priestess Gut. She will offer to help you with the parasite in your head, but this comes with a price. She will ask you to prove your loyalty by eliminating the Druids and Tieflings at the Emerald Grove. This is a critical moment where you must decide whether to fully commit to the Goblin cause. If you agree, you will be tasked with infiltrating the Grove and sabotaging their defenses from within.
Another important figure is Dror Ragzlin, the warlord of the Goblin Camp. He is a formidable warrior and will test your strength and resolve. To gain his favor, you may need to engage in combat or complete specific tasks that demonstrate your prowess. Minthara, the Drow leader, is another key character. She is focused on the Absolute and will require you to prove your dedication to their cause. Aligning with Minthara can lead to unique story developments, especially if you are playing as a character with a dark or morally ambiguous alignment.
Once you have gained the trust of the Goblin leaders, you will be tasked with leading an assault on the Emerald Grove. This is a major turning point in the game, and the outcome will depend on your choices and actions during the assault. If you successfully eliminate the Druids and Tieflings, the Goblins will reward you with valuable loot and resources. However, this choice will also alienate certain companions, such as Wyll and Karlach, who have strong moral convictions and will not support such actions.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when siding with the Goblins. First, be prepared for the consequences of your actions. This choice will lock you out of certain quests and storylines, particularly those involving the Druids and Tieflings. Additionally, some companions may leave your party or become hostile if they disagree with your decisions. It is crucial to consider the long-term impact on your party composition and overall strategy.
Another consideration is the difficulty of the assault on the Emerald Grove. This is a challenging combat encounter that will test your tactical skills and party coordination. Make sure your party is well-equipped and prepared for a tough fight. Utilize crowd control spells, area-of-effect abilities, and strategic positioning to gain the upper hand. It is also advisable to save your game before committing to this path, as it is a point of no return.
Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the strength of the Druids and Tieflings. They have powerful abilities and can quickly overwhelm an unprepared party. Additionally, failing to fully commit to the Goblin cause can lead to mistrust and betrayal from the Goblin leaders. Make sure to complete all tasks and prove your loyalty to avoid any complications.
Advanced techniques and optimizations can enhance your experience when siding with the Goblins. For example, playing as a character with high Charisma and Deception skills can help you navigate the social dynamics within the Goblin Camp more effectively. Additionally, choosing a class with strong combat abilities, such as a Fighter or Barbarian, can make the assault on the Emerald Grove more manageable. Utilizing stealth and ambush tactics can also give you an advantage in combat.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, siding with the Goblins aligns with the concept of making morally ambiguous or evil choices. This can affect your character's alignment and reputation within the game world. The consequences of your actions are a key aspect of the D&D experience, and Baldur's Gate 3 does an excellent job of reflecting these choices in the narrative.
Specific examples and scenarios include the interactions with Minthara. If you choose to side with her, you can unlock unique dialogue options and story developments that are not available otherwise. Additionally, the assault on the Emerald Grove can play out in different ways depending on your approach. For example, you can choose to sabotage the Grove from within by poisoning the food supply or disabling their defenses, or you can lead a direct assault with the Goblins.
In conclusion, siding with the Goblins in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and impactful decision that requires careful consideration and strategic planning. It offers a unique narrative experience with significant consequences for your character and the world around you. By understanding the mechanics, preparing for the challenges, and making informed choices, you can fully embrace this path and explore the darker side of the game's story.