What happens if I let the gnomes die in Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, the fate of the gnomes is tied to a specific questline involving the Underdark and the Duergar slavers. The gnomes are enslaved by the Duergar, and their survival depends on your actions during the quest. If you choose to let the gnomes die, either by ignoring their plight or failing to rescue them, the consequences can ripple through the story and affect your relationships with certain characters and factions.

The mechanics involved in this decision revolve around the quest "Rescue the Gnomes," which is part of the larger narrative in Act 1. The gnomes are being held captive by the Duergar in the Underdark, and their fate is determined by your choices during the rescue mission. If you decide to let the gnomes die, you can either avoid the quest entirely or fail to complete it successfully. This can happen if you do not intervene when the Duergar are attacking the gnomes, or if you make choices that lead to their deaths during the rescue attempt.

To let the gnomes die, you can simply avoid engaging with the quest. This means not interacting with the gnomes or the Duergar slavers when you encounter them in the Underdark. Alternatively, you can choose to side with the Duergar, either by attacking the gnomes yourself or by allowing the Duergar to kill them during the confrontation. If you fail to rescue the gnomes, they will perish, and their deaths will be noted in the game's narrative.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind if you decide to let the gnomes die. First, consider the impact on your party members and their personal quests. Some companions, like Gale or Wyll, may disapprove of your decision to abandon the gnomes, which could affect your relationship with them. Additionally, the gnomes are tied to other quests and storylines in the game, so their deaths may close off certain opportunities or alter the course of the narrative.

Common mistakes to avoid include failing to recognize the long-term consequences of your actions. While letting the gnomes die may seem like a minor decision, it can have significant repercussions later in the game. For example, the gnomes may have information or resources that could be useful in future quests, and their deaths could limit your options. Additionally, failing to rescue the gnomes may lead to negative outcomes in other quests, such as the fate of the Myconid colony or the resolution of the Underdark conflict.

Advanced techniques or optimizations involve carefully planning your approach to the quest. If you want to let the gnomes die but still maintain positive relationships with your companions, you can try to avoid direct confrontation with the Duergar or find alternative ways to resolve the situation. For example, you could use stealth or diplomacy to bypass the encounter entirely, minimizing the impact on your party's morale. Alternatively, you could focus on other quests and storylines that do not involve the gnomes, allowing their fate to be determined by your inaction.

In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, the decision to let the gnomes die reflects the moral and ethical dilemmas that are central to the Dungeons and Dragons experience. The game encourages players to consider the consequences of their actions and to think carefully about the impact of their choices on the world and its inhabitants. The gnomes' fate is a prime example of how player decisions can shape the narrative and influence the outcome of the story.

Specific examples and scenarios include the confrontation with the Duergar slavers in the Underdark. If you choose to let the gnomes die, you may witness the Duergar executing them or leaving them to perish in the harsh environment. This can lead to a sense of loss or regret, especially if you later encounter other characters who were connected to the gnomes. Additionally, the gnomes' deaths may affect your reputation with certain factions, such as the Myconids or the Deep Gnomes, who may view your actions as a betrayal.

In conclusion, letting the gnomes die in Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant decision that can have far-reaching consequences for the story and your relationships with other characters. By understanding the mechanics involved, considering the impact of your choices, and planning your approach carefully, you can navigate this moral dilemma and shape the narrative in a way that aligns with your character's values and goals.