What are the consequences of killing the tieflings in Baldur's Gate 3?

Killing the tieflings in Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant decision that can have far-reaching consequences on the story, your companions, and the world around you. The tieflings are a group of refugees who are trying to escape the dangers of the world, and they play a crucial role in several quests and interactions throughout the game. Deciding to kill them is not a choice to be taken lightly, as it will impact your relationships with your companions, the available quests, and the overall narrative.

To begin with, the tieflings are first encountered in the Druid Grove, where they are seeking refuge from the goblins and other threats. The grove is a central location in the early part of the game, and many of the tieflings are involved in quests that can help or hinder your progress. If you choose to kill the tieflings, you will need to be prepared for a significant shift in the game's dynamics. This decision will likely lead to combat, as the tieflings will not go down without a fight. You will need to have a strong party with good combat abilities to take them on, as they are not easy opponents.

One of the first things to consider is the impact on your companions. Several of your party members have strong opinions about the tieflings, and killing them will likely lead to negative reactions. For example, Wyll, a companion who is deeply connected to the tieflings, may leave your party or even turn against you if you harm them. Similarly, Karlach, another companion, has a personal connection to the tieflings and may react negatively to your actions. On the other hand, some companions, like Astarion, may not care as much and could even approve of your decision, depending on their alignment and personality.

In terms of quests, killing the tieflings will close off several opportunities. For instance, the tieflings are involved in the quest to rescue Halsin, the druid leader, and killing them will make it more difficult to complete this quest. Additionally, the tieflings are involved in the quest to find a cure for the tadpole in your head, and killing them may limit your options for finding a solution. You will also miss out on the chance to help the tieflings reach Baldur's Gate, which is a major storyline in the game.

Combat-wise, killing the tieflings will require careful planning and strategy. The tieflings are not pushovers, and they will fight back with everything they have. You will need to make sure your party is well-equipped and has a good mix of abilities to handle the fight. It is also important to consider the environment, as the Druid Grove is a complex area with many potential hazards. You may want to use stealth and ambush tactics to gain the upper hand, or you could use area-of-effect spells to take out multiple enemies at once.

One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the tieflings. They may seem like easy targets, but they can be quite formidable in combat. It is also important to consider the long-term consequences of your actions. Killing the tieflings will have a lasting impact on the game, and you may find yourself locked out of certain quests and storylines. It is also worth noting that killing the tieflings will likely make you enemies with the druids, who are powerful allies in the game.

In terms of advanced techniques, you may want to consider using charm or persuasion to avoid combat altogether. If you can convince the tieflings to leave the grove peacefully, you may be able to achieve your goals without resorting to violence. This will require a high Charisma score and good dialogue choices, but it can be a more effective way to handle the situation.

From a D&D rules perspective, killing the tieflings will likely shift your alignment towards evil, depending on your actions. This can have implications for your character's development and the way other characters perceive you. It is also worth noting that the tieflings are considered innocent civilians in the game, and killing them will have moral and ethical consequences.

In conclusion, killing the tieflings in Baldur's Gate 3 is a major decision that will have significant consequences on the story, your companions, and the world around you. It is not a choice to be taken lightly, and you will need to be prepared for the challenges that come with it. Whether you choose to kill the tieflings or find another way to achieve your goals, it is important to consider the long-term impact of your actions and make decisions that align with your character's values and goals.