What happens if I let the Hag live in Baldur's Gate 3?
Letting the Hag live in Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant story choice that can have lasting consequences on your playthrough. The Hag, also known as Auntie Ethel, is a powerful and manipulative fey creature who resides in the Sunlit Wetlands. She is involved in several quests, including the "Save Mayrina" questline, where she has kidnapped a pregnant woman named Mayrina. The decision to let her live or kill her is a moral dilemma that affects the story, your companions, and the world around you.
To let the Hag live, you must first encounter her in her lair. This happens after you follow the trail of Mayrina's kidnapping into the Sunlit Wetlands. The area is filled with traps and illusions, so be cautious as you navigate through it. Once you reach her lair, you will engage in a dialogue with her. During this conversation, you will have the option to negotiate with her instead of fighting. This is where the choice to let her live comes into play.
The mechanics of this choice involve passing certain dialogue checks. Auntie Ethel will offer you a deal: she will give you a powerful reward in exchange for letting her go. To successfully negotiate with her, you may need to pass Persuasion, Intimidation, or Deception checks, depending on your approach. These checks are influenced by your character's Charisma score and any bonuses you have from skills or items. If you fail these checks, the Hag may become hostile, forcing you into combat.
If you succeed in the dialogue checks, Auntie Ethel will offer you a Hag's Eye, a unique item that grants you a permanent +1 bonus to your Ability Scores. This is a powerful reward, but it comes at a cost. By letting her live, you allow her to continue her nefarious activities, which could have negative consequences later in the game. Additionally, Mayrina will be left in a precarious situation, as the Hag will still have control over her.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when deciding to let the Hag live. First, consider the moral implications of your choice. Letting her live means allowing her to continue harming others, which may not sit well with some of your companions, especially those with a strong sense of justice like Wyll or Karlach. On the other hand, the Hag's Eye is a valuable item that can significantly boost your character's abilities, making it a tempting offer.
Another consideration is the potential long-term consequences. While the immediate reward is appealing, letting the Hag live could lead to unforeseen problems later in the game. For example, she may return to cause trouble in future acts, or her actions could have a ripple effect on the world and its inhabitants. Weigh the benefits of the reward against the potential risks before making your decision.
Common mistakes to avoid include failing to prepare for the dialogue checks. If your character has a low Charisma score, you may struggle to pass the necessary checks. To mitigate this, consider bringing a companion with high Charisma, such as Wyll or Shadowheart, to assist in the conversation. Additionally, make sure to save your game before engaging in the dialogue, so you can reload if things don't go as planned.
Advanced techniques involve optimizing your character build to increase your chances of success. If you know you will be facing the Hag, consider investing in skills like Persuasion or Intimidation, and equip items that boost your Charisma or provide bonuses to dialogue checks. You can also use spells or abilities that enhance your social skills, such as the Enhance Ability spell, which can give you advantage on Charisma checks.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the interaction with the Hag is a classic example of a social encounter. In Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition, social interactions often involve ability checks, such as Persuasion, Intimidation, or Deception, to influence the outcome. The success of these checks depends on your character's abilities and the difficulty class (DC) set by the Dungeon Master, or in this case, the game. Understanding these mechanics can help you better navigate the encounter and make informed decisions.
Specific examples and scenarios include the potential outcomes of letting the Hag live. For instance, if you let her go, you may encounter her again in future acts, where she could offer you further deals or cause new problems. Alternatively, if you kill her, you may gain different rewards, such as her hair, which can be used to permanently increase an Ability Score by 1. Each choice has its own set of consequences, so consider your options carefully.
In conclusion, letting the Hag live in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex decision that involves careful consideration of the mechanics, potential consequences, and moral implications. By understanding the dialogue checks, preparing your character, and weighing the pros and cons, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your playstyle and the story you want to experience. Whether you choose to let her live or kill her, the decision will have a lasting impact on your journey through the game.
To let the Hag live, you must first encounter her in her lair. This happens after you follow the trail of Mayrina's kidnapping into the Sunlit Wetlands. The area is filled with traps and illusions, so be cautious as you navigate through it. Once you reach her lair, you will engage in a dialogue with her. During this conversation, you will have the option to negotiate with her instead of fighting. This is where the choice to let her live comes into play.
The mechanics of this choice involve passing certain dialogue checks. Auntie Ethel will offer you a deal: she will give you a powerful reward in exchange for letting her go. To successfully negotiate with her, you may need to pass Persuasion, Intimidation, or Deception checks, depending on your approach. These checks are influenced by your character's Charisma score and any bonuses you have from skills or items. If you fail these checks, the Hag may become hostile, forcing you into combat.
If you succeed in the dialogue checks, Auntie Ethel will offer you a Hag's Eye, a unique item that grants you a permanent +1 bonus to your Ability Scores. This is a powerful reward, but it comes at a cost. By letting her live, you allow her to continue her nefarious activities, which could have negative consequences later in the game. Additionally, Mayrina will be left in a precarious situation, as the Hag will still have control over her.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when deciding to let the Hag live. First, consider the moral implications of your choice. Letting her live means allowing her to continue harming others, which may not sit well with some of your companions, especially those with a strong sense of justice like Wyll or Karlach. On the other hand, the Hag's Eye is a valuable item that can significantly boost your character's abilities, making it a tempting offer.
Another consideration is the potential long-term consequences. While the immediate reward is appealing, letting the Hag live could lead to unforeseen problems later in the game. For example, she may return to cause trouble in future acts, or her actions could have a ripple effect on the world and its inhabitants. Weigh the benefits of the reward against the potential risks before making your decision.
Common mistakes to avoid include failing to prepare for the dialogue checks. If your character has a low Charisma score, you may struggle to pass the necessary checks. To mitigate this, consider bringing a companion with high Charisma, such as Wyll or Shadowheart, to assist in the conversation. Additionally, make sure to save your game before engaging in the dialogue, so you can reload if things don't go as planned.
Advanced techniques involve optimizing your character build to increase your chances of success. If you know you will be facing the Hag, consider investing in skills like Persuasion or Intimidation, and equip items that boost your Charisma or provide bonuses to dialogue checks. You can also use spells or abilities that enhance your social skills, such as the Enhance Ability spell, which can give you advantage on Charisma checks.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the interaction with the Hag is a classic example of a social encounter. In Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition, social interactions often involve ability checks, such as Persuasion, Intimidation, or Deception, to influence the outcome. The success of these checks depends on your character's abilities and the difficulty class (DC) set by the Dungeon Master, or in this case, the game. Understanding these mechanics can help you better navigate the encounter and make informed decisions.
Specific examples and scenarios include the potential outcomes of letting the Hag live. For instance, if you let her go, you may encounter her again in future acts, where she could offer you further deals or cause new problems. Alternatively, if you kill her, you may gain different rewards, such as her hair, which can be used to permanently increase an Ability Score by 1. Each choice has its own set of consequences, so consider your options carefully.
In conclusion, letting the Hag live in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex decision that involves careful consideration of the mechanics, potential consequences, and moral implications. By understanding the dialogue checks, preparing your character, and weighing the pros and cons, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your playstyle and the story you want to experience. Whether you choose to let her live or kill her, the decision will have a lasting impact on your journey through the game.