Can I save the Gnomes from the Duergar in Baldur's Gate 3?

Saving the Gnomes from the Duergar in Baldur's Gate 3 is a challenging but rewarding task that requires careful planning, strategic combat, and thoughtful decision-making. This quest is part of the larger narrative in Act 1, where you encounter the Duergar slavers in the Underdark who have captured a group of Gnomes. The Gnomes are being forced to work in dangerous conditions, and it is up to you to free them. Here is a detailed guide on how to achieve this, covering mechanics, strategies, tips, and more.

First, you need to locate the Gnomes and the Duergar. This typically happens in the Underdark, specifically in the area known as the Myconid Colony. The Gnomes are being held captive by the Duergar near the Sussur Tree, where they are forced to work on a dangerous project. To initiate the quest, you will need to speak with the Gnomes or the Myconids, who will inform you of the situation. The Myconids are a peaceful fungal race that can provide valuable information and assistance if you gain their trust.

Once you have the quest, you need to plan your approach. There are several ways to handle this situation, including stealth, diplomacy, and combat. Each approach has its own mechanics and considerations. If you choose stealth, you will need to sneak past the Duergar guards and free the Gnomes without alerting the entire camp. This requires high Dexterity and proficiency in Stealth, as well as the use of invisibility spells or potions. You can also use distractions, such as throwing objects to lure guards away from their posts.

Diplomacy is another viable option, especially if you have a character with high Charisma and proficiency in Persuasion or Deception. You can attempt to negotiate with the Duergar, convincing them to release the Gnomes or at least lower their guard. This approach can be risky, as the Duergar are naturally suspicious and hostile. If your persuasion attempt fails, you may find yourself in combat with the entire camp.

Combat is the most straightforward but also the most dangerous approach. The Duergar are tough opponents, with abilities like Invisibility and Enlarge that can make them difficult to deal with. To succeed in combat, you need to focus on crowd control and area-of-effect spells. Spells like Sleep, Hold Person, and Web can help you disable multiple enemies at once, while Fireball and other damaging spells can quickly reduce their numbers. It is also important to target the Duergar leaders first, as they often have powerful abilities and can rally their troops.

When engaging in combat, positioning is key. Use the environment to your advantage by taking cover behind obstacles and using high ground to gain a tactical advantage. The Gnomes can also assist you in combat if you free them, but they are not very strong and can easily be overwhelmed. Make sure to protect them and keep them out of harm's way.

One common mistake is underestimating the Duergar's abilities. Their Invisibility can make them difficult to target, and their Enlarge ability can turn a single Duergar into a formidable opponent. Always be prepared for these abilities and have counters ready, such as Faerie Fire to reveal invisible enemies or Counterspell to stop their Enlarge ability.

Advanced techniques include using environmental hazards to your advantage. The Underdark is full of dangerous terrain, such as chasms and toxic fungi, that can be used to damage or disable enemies. You can also use the Sussur Tree's anti-magic field to your advantage by luring spellcasting enemies into the area, where their spells will be nullified.

In terms of D&D rules, the Duergar are based on the 5th Edition rules for Duergar, which include their Invisibility and Enlarge abilities. Understanding these rules can help you anticipate their actions and plan your strategy accordingly. For example, knowing that Invisibility can be countered by Faerie Fire or other means of revealing hidden creatures can give you an edge in combat.

Specific examples and scenarios include the initial encounter with the Duergar near the Sussur Tree. Here, you might find a group of Duergar guarding the Gnomes, with one or two leaders giving orders. If you choose to engage in combat, focus on taking out the leaders first to disrupt their command structure. If you choose stealth, look for opportunities to sneak past the guards and free the Gnomes without being detected.

In conclusion, saving the Gnomes from the Duergar in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex task that requires careful planning and execution. Whether you choose stealth, diplomacy, or combat, understanding the mechanics and strategies involved is key to success. By using the environment to your advantage, anticipating the Duergar's abilities, and protecting the Gnomes, you can achieve a positive outcome and gain valuable allies in your journey through the Underdark.