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 and actions 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 assistance. To save her, you need to find an antidote. The antidote can be obtained by defeating the duergar leader, Sergeant Thrinn, or by persuading her to give it to you. If you choose combat, make sure your party is well-prepared with healing potions and spells, as the duergar can be tough opponents. If you prefer diplomacy, having a character with high Charisma and proficiency in Persuasion can make this encounter easier. Once you have the antidote, use it on Thulla to cure her. This action not only saves her but also earns you the gratitude of the other gnomes, who will assist you later in the game.

In Act 2, you will encounter another group of gnomes who are being held captive by the Absolute's forces in the Moonrise Towers. To save them, you need to infiltrate the towers and free them from their cells. This requires careful planning and stealth. Make sure your party is equipped with lockpicks or has a character proficient in Sleight of Hand to open the cell doors. You can also use spells like Invisibility or Misty Step to avoid detection. Once the gnomes are free, guide them to safety by clearing a path through the enemies. This can be challenging, so itÔÇÖs important to use crowd control spells like Hold Person or Web to immobilize the guards and create an escape route.

One common mistake players make is rushing into combat without proper preparation. The duergar and the Absolute's forces are formidable enemies, and engaging them without a strategy can lead to failure. Always scout the area beforehand to identify enemy positions and plan your approach. Use the environment to your advantage, such as high ground for ranged attacks or chokepoints to funnel enemies into a kill zone.

Advanced techniques include using stealth to avoid unnecessary fights and focusing on disabling key enemies first. For example, targeting spellcasters or leaders can disrupt the enemyÔÇÖs coordination and make the encounter easier. Additionally, using area-of-effect spells like Fireball or Thunderwave can quickly thin out groups of enemies, giving you more control over the battlefield.

In terms of D&D rules, saving the gnomes involves a combination of combat mechanics, skill checks, and strategic planning. Persuasion and Sleight of Hand are key skills that can help you avoid combat or overcome obstacles. Combat encounters require understanding of action economy, positioning, and resource management. Make sure your party is balanced with a mix of damage dealers, tanks, and support characters to handle different situations effectively.

Specific examples include using a Rogue with high Dexterity and proficiency in Stealth to sneak past guards and unlock cell doors. A Wizard with spells like Invisibility and Misty Step can provide mobility and utility, while a Cleric or Paladin can offer healing and support. In combat, a Fighter or Barbarian can tank damage and draw enemy attention, allowing your other characters to focus on freeing the gnomes.

In conclusion, saving the gnomes in Baldur's Gate 3 requires a combination of careful planning, strategic combat, and effective use of skills and spells. By preparing your party, using the environment to your advantage, and making smart choices, you can ensure the gnomesÔÇÖ safety and earn their gratitude, which can have positive consequences later in the game.