Can I save Mayrina's husband in Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, saving Mayrina's husband, Connor, is a complex and morally ambiguous quest that involves dealing with a hag named Auntie Ethel. The quest, titled "Save Mayrina," is part of the larger narrative in Act 1, and it presents players with several choices that can lead to different outcomes. While Connor is technically dead at the start of the quest, there is a way to bring him back, but it comes with significant consequences and requires careful decision-making.

The mechanics involved in this quest revolve around dialogue choices, combat tactics, and understanding the nature of hags in Dungeons & Dragons lore. Hags are cunning and manipulative creatures, and Auntie Ethel is no exception. She offers to bring Connor back to life in exchange for Mayrina's unborn child, which is a classic hag bargain. To save Connor, you must navigate this situation carefully, as hags are known for their deceitful nature and the fine print in their deals.

Step-by-step instructions for saving Connor begin with finding Mayrina in the Sunlit Wetlands, which is actually a disguised version of the Putrid Bog. You will encounter Auntie Ethel, who will offer to help Mayrina by bringing Connor back to life. To proceed, you must agree to her terms, but this is where the real challenge begins. After agreeing, you will be transported to her lair, where you will face a series of traps and enemies. The key to saving Connor lies in defeating Auntie Ethel without killing her outright, as this will allow you to negotiate for Connor's resurrection.

Combat tactics are crucial here. Auntie Ethel is a formidable opponent with powerful spells and abilities. She can summon illusions, cast debilitating spells, and use her lair actions to her advantage. It is important to focus on disabling her quickly while managing the other threats in the room. Using spells like Silence or Counterspell can prevent her from casting, and focusing your party's attacks on her will help bring her down faster. Once her health is low, she will offer to make a deal. This is your opportunity to negotiate for Connor's resurrection.

Important tips and considerations include being prepared for the fight with Auntie Ethel. Make sure your party is well-rested and has plenty of healing potions and spell slots available. It is also a good idea to have characters with high Perception to detect and disarm traps in her lair. Additionally, consider the moral implications of your choices. Bringing Connor back to life may seem like a good deed, but it comes at a cost, and you must weigh the consequences of your actions.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing into the fight without proper preparation. Auntie Ethel is a tough opponent, and underestimating her can lead to a quick defeat. Another mistake is killing her outright without negotiating, as this will prevent you from saving Connor. It is also important to avoid making deals with hags without fully understanding the terms, as they are known for their trickery.

Advanced techniques or optimizations involve using specific character builds and spells to make the fight easier. For example, a Paladin with high Charisma can be effective in negotiating with Auntie Ethel, while a Wizard with Counterspell can shut down her magic. Additionally, using environmental hazards to your advantage, such as pushing enemies into traps or using the terrain to control the battlefield, can give you an edge in combat.

Related D&D rules and mechanics include the nature of hags and their deals. In Dungeons & Dragons, hags are known for their ability to manipulate and deceive, and their deals often come with hidden consequences. Understanding this can help you navigate the quest more effectively. Additionally, the rules for resurrection in D&D are relevant here, as bringing someone back from the dead is a powerful and complex process that often requires significant resources and has lasting effects.

Specific examples and scenarios include the dialogue options you will encounter when negotiating with Auntie Ethel. For example, when she offers to bring Connor back, you can choose to accept her deal, refuse, or try to find another way. Each choice will lead to different outcomes, and it is important to consider the long-term consequences of your decisions. Another scenario is the combat encounter in her lair, where you will need to balance dealing with her illusions and traps while focusing on her as the primary threat.

In conclusion, saving Mayrina's husband, Connor, in Baldur's Gate 3 is a challenging and morally complex quest that requires careful decision-making, strategic combat tactics, and an understanding of the nature of hags. By following the steps outlined above, preparing your party, and considering the consequences of your actions, you can navigate this quest successfully and bring Connor back to life. However, always be mindful of the cost and the potential for unforeseen consequences in your dealings with Auntie Ethel.