What happens if I side with the goblins in Baldur's Gate 3?
Siding with the goblins in Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant story choice that can drastically alter the course of the game. This decision is part of the main questline and involves aligning yourself with the goblin leaders, who are antagonistic forces in the early stages of the game. Choosing to side with the goblins will have far-reaching consequences, affecting your relationships with companions, the progression of the main story, and the overall world state. Here is a detailed breakdown of what happens and how to navigate this path.
To side with the goblins, you must first reach the Goblin Camp, located in the Shattered Sanctum. This area is accessible after you explore the Blighted Village and follow the trail of goblin activity. Once inside the camp, you will encounter three goblin leaders: Priestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and Minthara. Each of these leaders plays a crucial role in the goblin hierarchy, and you will need to interact with them to progress the story.
The first step is to gain their trust. This can be done by completing tasks for them or by using dialogue options that show your willingness to cooperate. For example, Priestess Gut may offer to remove the tadpole from your head, but this is a trap. If you agree, she will attempt to imprison you. However, if you play along and find a way to escape, you can continue to manipulate the situation to your advantage. Dror Ragzlin, the hobgoblin leader, will ask you to interrogate a dead mind flayer. You can choose to assist him, which will further ingratiate you with the goblins. Minthara, the drow leader, is perhaps the most important figure to align with. She will task you with finding the location of the Druid Grove, which is a key objective in the early game.
Once you have gained the trust of the goblin leaders, you will be asked to lead an assault on the Druid Grove. This is a pivotal moment in the game, as it will determine the fate of several key characters, including the tiefling refugees and the druids. If you choose to side with the goblins, you will need to participate in the attack, which involves combat against the defenders of the grove. This battle can be challenging, so it is important to prepare your party with appropriate gear, spells, and tactics.
One important consideration is the impact this choice will have on your companions. Characters like Wyll and Karlach, who have strong moral convictions, may disapprove of your decision to side with the goblins. In some cases, they may even leave your party permanently. On the other hand, characters like Astarion and Lae'zel may be more accepting of your ruthless approach. It is important to weigh these consequences when making your decision.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the difficulty of the assault on the Druid Grove. The defenders are well-prepared and will put up a strong fight. Make sure to use the environment to your advantage, such as positioning your party on high ground or using choke points to limit the enemy's movement. Additionally, consider using area-of-effect spells and abilities to deal with groups of enemies efficiently.
Advanced techniques for this path include manipulating the goblin leaders to turn against each other. For example, you can use dialogue options to sow discord between Minthara and Dror Ragzlin, potentially leading to infighting within the goblin ranks. This can make the assault on the Druid Grove easier, as the goblins will be less organized.
From a D&D rules perspective, siding with the goblins aligns your character with chaotic evil or neutral evil alignments, depending on your motivations. This choice will influence your reputation and how other characters perceive you. It also opens up unique dialogue options and story branches that are not available if you choose to oppose the goblins.
In summary, siding with the goblins in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally ambiguous decision that can lead to a darker, more ruthless playthrough. It requires careful planning, strategic combat, and a willingness to accept the consequences of your actions. By understanding the mechanics, preparing your party, and considering the impact on your companions, you can navigate this path successfully and experience a unique side of the game's narrative.
To side with the goblins, you must first reach the Goblin Camp, located in the Shattered Sanctum. This area is accessible after you explore the Blighted Village and follow the trail of goblin activity. Once inside the camp, you will encounter three goblin leaders: Priestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and Minthara. Each of these leaders plays a crucial role in the goblin hierarchy, and you will need to interact with them to progress the story.
The first step is to gain their trust. This can be done by completing tasks for them or by using dialogue options that show your willingness to cooperate. For example, Priestess Gut may offer to remove the tadpole from your head, but this is a trap. If you agree, she will attempt to imprison you. However, if you play along and find a way to escape, you can continue to manipulate the situation to your advantage. Dror Ragzlin, the hobgoblin leader, will ask you to interrogate a dead mind flayer. You can choose to assist him, which will further ingratiate you with the goblins. Minthara, the drow leader, is perhaps the most important figure to align with. She will task you with finding the location of the Druid Grove, which is a key objective in the early game.
Once you have gained the trust of the goblin leaders, you will be asked to lead an assault on the Druid Grove. This is a pivotal moment in the game, as it will determine the fate of several key characters, including the tiefling refugees and the druids. If you choose to side with the goblins, you will need to participate in the attack, which involves combat against the defenders of the grove. This battle can be challenging, so it is important to prepare your party with appropriate gear, spells, and tactics.
One important consideration is the impact this choice will have on your companions. Characters like Wyll and Karlach, who have strong moral convictions, may disapprove of your decision to side with the goblins. In some cases, they may even leave your party permanently. On the other hand, characters like Astarion and Lae'zel may be more accepting of your ruthless approach. It is important to weigh these consequences when making your decision.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the difficulty of the assault on the Druid Grove. The defenders are well-prepared and will put up a strong fight. Make sure to use the environment to your advantage, such as positioning your party on high ground or using choke points to limit the enemy's movement. Additionally, consider using area-of-effect spells and abilities to deal with groups of enemies efficiently.
Advanced techniques for this path include manipulating the goblin leaders to turn against each other. For example, you can use dialogue options to sow discord between Minthara and Dror Ragzlin, potentially leading to infighting within the goblin ranks. This can make the assault on the Druid Grove easier, as the goblins will be less organized.
From a D&D rules perspective, siding with the goblins aligns your character with chaotic evil or neutral evil alignments, depending on your motivations. This choice will influence your reputation and how other characters perceive you. It also opens up unique dialogue options and story branches that are not available if you choose to oppose the goblins.
In summary, siding with the goblins in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally ambiguous decision that can lead to a darker, more ruthless playthrough. It requires careful planning, strategic combat, and a willingness to accept the consequences of your actions. By understanding the mechanics, preparing your party, and considering the impact on your companions, you can navigate this path successfully and experience a unique side of the game's narrative.