What are the consequences of siding with the druids in Baldur's Gate 3?
Siding with the druids in Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant story choice that occurs early in the game, specifically during the conflict between the druids of the Emerald Grove and the tiefling refugees. This decision has far-reaching consequences for the narrative, your companions, and the world around you. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of what happens when you side with the druids, how to achieve this outcome, and what to consider when making this choice.
To side with the druids, you must align yourself with Kagha, the acting leader of the druids, and support her decision to expel the tieflings from the Emerald Grove. This choice is typically made during the quest "Save the Refugees," where you are asked to intervene in the conflict between the tieflings and the druids. To side with the druids, you can either actively support KaghaÔÇÖs decisions or remain neutral, allowing her plans to proceed without interference. This often involves refusing to help the tieflings or even assisting the druids in their efforts to seal the grove.
One of the key mechanics involved in this choice is dialogue. During conversations with Kagha, Zevlor (the tiefling leader), and other key characters, you will have the opportunity to express your support for the druids. Choosing dialogue options that align with KaghaÔÇÖs goals, such as agreeing that the grove should be sealed or that the tieflings are a burden, will push the story in this direction. Additionally, you can take actions that directly support the druids, such as helping them complete the Rite of Thorns, a ritual that will permanently seal the grove from outsiders.
Siding with the druids has several consequences. First, the tieflings will be forced to leave the grove, which puts them in grave danger as they travel through the dangerous wilderness. Many of them may not survive, and this will impact later parts of the story, particularly in Act 2, where tiefling survivors can play a role in certain quests. Second, your relationship with certain companions will be affected. Characters like Wyll and Karlach, who have strong ties to the tieflings, may disapprove of your decision, potentially leading to tension or even their departure from your party. On the other hand, characters like LaeÔÇÖzel or Astarion, who are more pragmatic, may not care as much about the tieflingsÔÇÖ fate.
One important tip is to consider the long-term implications of this choice. While siding with the druids may seem like a way to secure the groveÔÇÖs safety, it can limit your options later in the game. For example, the tieflings provide valuable allies and resources in Act 2, and their absence can make certain challenges more difficult. Additionally, siding with the druids may lock you out of certain quests and storylines involving the tieflings, such as helping them reach BaldurÔÇÖs Gate or resolving their conflicts with other factions.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the impact of this choice on your companions. If you are planning to romance or build a strong relationship with Wyll or Karlach, siding with the druids may create significant obstacles. ItÔÇÖs important to weigh the benefits of securing the grove against the potential loss of these companions and their associated storylines.
Advanced techniques for this path include exploring alternative ways to resolve the conflict without fully siding with the druids. For example, you can expose KaghaÔÇÖs corruption by finding evidence of her dealings with the Shadow Druids. This allows you to remove her from power and potentially find a more balanced solution that benefits both the druids and the tieflings. However, this requires careful exploration and investigation, as well as specific dialogue choices during key moments.
From a D&D rules perspective, this choice reflects the alignment system and the moral dilemmas that are central to the game. Siding with the druids can be seen as a lawful or neutral choice, prioritizing the safety and traditions of the grove over the needs of the tieflings. However, it can also be viewed as a selfish or evil choice, depending on how you justify your actions and the consequences that follow.
In summary, siding with the druids in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 is a complex decision with significant narrative and gameplay implications. It requires careful consideration of dialogue choices, companion relationships, and long-term story consequences. By understanding the mechanics and strategies involved, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your characterÔÇÖs goals and the story you want to experience.
To side with the druids, you must align yourself with Kagha, the acting leader of the druids, and support her decision to expel the tieflings from the Emerald Grove. This choice is typically made during the quest "Save the Refugees," where you are asked to intervene in the conflict between the tieflings and the druids. To side with the druids, you can either actively support KaghaÔÇÖs decisions or remain neutral, allowing her plans to proceed without interference. This often involves refusing to help the tieflings or even assisting the druids in their efforts to seal the grove.
One of the key mechanics involved in this choice is dialogue. During conversations with Kagha, Zevlor (the tiefling leader), and other key characters, you will have the opportunity to express your support for the druids. Choosing dialogue options that align with KaghaÔÇÖs goals, such as agreeing that the grove should be sealed or that the tieflings are a burden, will push the story in this direction. Additionally, you can take actions that directly support the druids, such as helping them complete the Rite of Thorns, a ritual that will permanently seal the grove from outsiders.
Siding with the druids has several consequences. First, the tieflings will be forced to leave the grove, which puts them in grave danger as they travel through the dangerous wilderness. Many of them may not survive, and this will impact later parts of the story, particularly in Act 2, where tiefling survivors can play a role in certain quests. Second, your relationship with certain companions will be affected. Characters like Wyll and Karlach, who have strong ties to the tieflings, may disapprove of your decision, potentially leading to tension or even their departure from your party. On the other hand, characters like LaeÔÇÖzel or Astarion, who are more pragmatic, may not care as much about the tieflingsÔÇÖ fate.
One important tip is to consider the long-term implications of this choice. While siding with the druids may seem like a way to secure the groveÔÇÖs safety, it can limit your options later in the game. For example, the tieflings provide valuable allies and resources in Act 2, and their absence can make certain challenges more difficult. Additionally, siding with the druids may lock you out of certain quests and storylines involving the tieflings, such as helping them reach BaldurÔÇÖs Gate or resolving their conflicts with other factions.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the impact of this choice on your companions. If you are planning to romance or build a strong relationship with Wyll or Karlach, siding with the druids may create significant obstacles. ItÔÇÖs important to weigh the benefits of securing the grove against the potential loss of these companions and their associated storylines.
Advanced techniques for this path include exploring alternative ways to resolve the conflict without fully siding with the druids. For example, you can expose KaghaÔÇÖs corruption by finding evidence of her dealings with the Shadow Druids. This allows you to remove her from power and potentially find a more balanced solution that benefits both the druids and the tieflings. However, this requires careful exploration and investigation, as well as specific dialogue choices during key moments.
From a D&D rules perspective, this choice reflects the alignment system and the moral dilemmas that are central to the game. Siding with the druids can be seen as a lawful or neutral choice, prioritizing the safety and traditions of the grove over the needs of the tieflings. However, it can also be viewed as a selfish or evil choice, depending on how you justify your actions and the consequences that follow.
In summary, siding with the druids in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 is a complex decision with significant narrative and gameplay implications. It requires careful consideration of dialogue choices, companion relationships, and long-term story consequences. By understanding the mechanics and strategies involved, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your characterÔÇÖs goals and the story you want to experience.