Can I save the gnomes in Baldur's Gate 3?

Saving the gnomes in Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant part of the game's narrative, particularly during the events in the Underdark and later in Act 2. The gnomes you encounter are often in perilous situations, and your choices can determine their fate. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to save them, covering mechanics, strategies, and important considerations.

In the Underdark, you will encounter a group of gnomes who are enslaved by the duergar in the Grymforge area. The primary gnome you need to save is Thulla, who is poisoned and in need of an antidote. To save her, you must first find the antidote, which can be obtained by defeating the duergar leader, Sovereign Glut, or by persuading him to give it to you. If you choose combat, ensure your party is well-prepared with healing potions and spells, as the duergar can be tough opponents. If you opt for persuasion, having a character with high Charisma and proficiency in Persuasion or Deception will increase your chances of success.

Once you have the antidote, return to Thulla and administer it. This will save her life and earn you the gratitude of the gnomes. Additionally, you can free the other enslaved gnomes by defeating the duergar slavers or by finding a way to sabotage their operations. Using stealth and deception can be effective here, allowing you to avoid direct combat if your party is not strong enough.

In Act 2, you will encounter another group of gnomes who are being held captive by the Absolute cultists in the Moonrise Towers. To save them, you need to infiltrate the towers and find a way to release them. This can be done by either sneaking into the prison area and unlocking their cells or by defeating the cultists in combat. If you choose the stealth approach, having a character with high Dexterity and proficiency in Stealth and Sleight of Hand will be beneficial. You can also use spells like Invisibility or Pass Without Trace to avoid detection.

Combat in Moonrise Towers can be challenging, so itÔÇÖs important to prepare your party with strong weapons, armor, and spells. Focus on taking out the cultists quickly and use area-of-effect spells to deal with groups of enemies. Healing spells and potions are essential to keep your party alive during the fight. Once the gnomes are freed, they will join your cause and provide assistance in future battles.

Important tips and considerations include always having a balanced party with a mix of melee, ranged, and spellcasting abilities. This will give you flexibility in different situations, whether you need to fight, sneak, or persuade. Pay attention to the environment and use it to your advantage, such as taking cover behind obstacles or using high ground for ranged attacks.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing into combat without proper preparation or failing to explore all dialogue options that could lead to peaceful resolutions. Always check your inventory for useful items like lockpicks, potions, and scrolls that can aid in your mission.

Advanced techniques involve optimizing your character builds for specific roles. For example, a Rogue with high Dexterity and proficiency in Stealth and Sleight of Hand can be invaluable for sneaking and lockpicking. A Bard with high Charisma and proficiency in Persuasion and Deception can help you talk your way out of difficult situations. A Cleric or Paladin with healing spells can keep your party alive during tough fights.

Related D&D rules and mechanics include the use of ability checks for persuasion, deception, and stealth. These checks are based on your characterÔÇÖs abilities and proficiencies, so itÔÇÖs important to build your character accordingly. Combat mechanics involve initiative rolls, attack rolls, and saving throws, so having a good understanding of these rules will help you in battles.

Specific examples and scenarios include the encounter with Sovereign Glut in the Underdark, where you can choose to fight or persuade him to give you the antidote. In Moonrise Towers, you can use stealth to sneak past guards or engage in combat to free the gnomes. Each choice has consequences, so consider your options carefully.

In summary, saving the gnomes in Baldur's Gate 3 involves a combination of combat, stealth, and dialogue. Prepare your party, use the environment to your advantage, and make strategic choices to ensure their survival. By following these steps and considering the tips and techniques provided, you can successfully save the gnomes and influence the story in a positive way.