What are the consequences of letting the hag live in Baldur's Gate 3?
Letting the hag, Auntie Ethel, live in Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant story choice that can have both immediate and long-term consequences. This decision occurs during the quest "Save Mayrina," where you encounter Auntie Ethel in her lair in the Sunlit Wetlands. The hag has kidnapped Mayrina, a pregnant woman, and offers you a deal: you can either kill her and save Mayrina, or let her live in exchange for a powerful reward. If you choose to let her live, the consequences are multifaceted and can impact your game in various ways.
First, let's discuss the mechanics involved in this choice. When you confront Auntie Ethel in her lair, she will eventually offer you a deal after a certain point in the fight. She will propose that you let her go, and in return, she will give you a unique item called the Hag's Hair. This item grants a permanent +1 bonus to one of your ability scores, which is a significant boost. However, if you accept this deal, Auntie Ethel will escape, and Mayrina will remain in her clutches. This choice is a moral dilemma, as you must weigh the benefits of the powerful item against the ethical implications of leaving Mayrina to her fate.
To achieve this outcome, you need to engage in combat with Auntie Ethel until she is reduced to a certain amount of health. At this point, she will offer the deal. You can then choose to accept her offer, which will end the combat and allow her to escape. It's important to note that if you want to save Mayrina, you must refuse the deal and continue fighting until you defeat the hag. However, if you prioritize the Hag's Hair, you can accept the deal and let her go.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when making this choice. First, consider the long-term impact on your character's build. The +1 ability score increase from the Hag's Hair can be very beneficial, especially if you are min-maxing your character. However, you should also consider the moral implications of your decision. Letting the hag live means that Mayrina will remain in danger, and you may miss out on other rewards or story developments related to her rescue.
One common mistake to avoid is not fully understanding the consequences of your choice. Some players may be tempted by the immediate power boost from the Hag's Hair without considering the broader implications. It's important to think about how this decision aligns with your character's values and the overall story you want to experience. Additionally, be aware that letting the hag live may have unforeseen consequences later in the game, as she may reappear and cause further trouble.
Advanced techniques and optimizations can also come into play when making this decision. For example, if you are playing a character with high Charisma and Persuasion skills, you may be able to negotiate a better deal with the hag. Some players have reported being able to convince her to release Mayrina and still give you the Hag's Hair, though this is not guaranteed and may require specific dialogue choices and skill checks. Additionally, if you are playing with a party, you can coordinate your actions to maximize your chances of success in combat, making it easier to defeat the hag if you choose to do so.
In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, the choice to let the hag live is a classic example of a moral dilemma that tests the player's alignment and values. In Dungeons & Dragons, hags are typically evil creatures that thrive on causing misery and suffering. Letting one go can have significant repercussions, as they are known for their cunning and ability to manipulate others. The Hag's Hair is a unique item that reflects the hag's dark magic, and its effects are tied to the game's ability score system, which is a core mechanic in D&D 5E.
Specific examples and scenarios can help illustrate the impact of this choice. For instance, if you let the hag live, you may encounter her again in later acts of the game, where she may offer further deals or cause new problems. On the other hand, if you choose to kill her, you may gain the satisfaction of rescuing Mayrina and potentially earn other rewards or story developments. Ultimately, the decision to let the hag live is a complex one that requires careful consideration of both the immediate benefits and the long-term consequences. By understanding the mechanics, weighing the pros and cons, and considering your character's values, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your desired playthrough.
First, let's discuss the mechanics involved in this choice. When you confront Auntie Ethel in her lair, she will eventually offer you a deal after a certain point in the fight. She will propose that you let her go, and in return, she will give you a unique item called the Hag's Hair. This item grants a permanent +1 bonus to one of your ability scores, which is a significant boost. However, if you accept this deal, Auntie Ethel will escape, and Mayrina will remain in her clutches. This choice is a moral dilemma, as you must weigh the benefits of the powerful item against the ethical implications of leaving Mayrina to her fate.
To achieve this outcome, you need to engage in combat with Auntie Ethel until she is reduced to a certain amount of health. At this point, she will offer the deal. You can then choose to accept her offer, which will end the combat and allow her to escape. It's important to note that if you want to save Mayrina, you must refuse the deal and continue fighting until you defeat the hag. However, if you prioritize the Hag's Hair, you can accept the deal and let her go.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when making this choice. First, consider the long-term impact on your character's build. The +1 ability score increase from the Hag's Hair can be very beneficial, especially if you are min-maxing your character. However, you should also consider the moral implications of your decision. Letting the hag live means that Mayrina will remain in danger, and you may miss out on other rewards or story developments related to her rescue.
One common mistake to avoid is not fully understanding the consequences of your choice. Some players may be tempted by the immediate power boost from the Hag's Hair without considering the broader implications. It's important to think about how this decision aligns with your character's values and the overall story you want to experience. Additionally, be aware that letting the hag live may have unforeseen consequences later in the game, as she may reappear and cause further trouble.
Advanced techniques and optimizations can also come into play when making this decision. For example, if you are playing a character with high Charisma and Persuasion skills, you may be able to negotiate a better deal with the hag. Some players have reported being able to convince her to release Mayrina and still give you the Hag's Hair, though this is not guaranteed and may require specific dialogue choices and skill checks. Additionally, if you are playing with a party, you can coordinate your actions to maximize your chances of success in combat, making it easier to defeat the hag if you choose to do so.
In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, the choice to let the hag live is a classic example of a moral dilemma that tests the player's alignment and values. In Dungeons & Dragons, hags are typically evil creatures that thrive on causing misery and suffering. Letting one go can have significant repercussions, as they are known for their cunning and ability to manipulate others. The Hag's Hair is a unique item that reflects the hag's dark magic, and its effects are tied to the game's ability score system, which is a core mechanic in D&D 5E.
Specific examples and scenarios can help illustrate the impact of this choice. For instance, if you let the hag live, you may encounter her again in later acts of the game, where she may offer further deals or cause new problems. On the other hand, if you choose to kill her, you may gain the satisfaction of rescuing Mayrina and potentially earn other rewards or story developments. Ultimately, the decision to let the hag live is a complex one that requires careful consideration of both the immediate benefits and the long-term consequences. By understanding the mechanics, weighing the pros and cons, and considering your character's values, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your desired playthrough.