Can I save Mayrina's husband in Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, saving Mayrina's husband, Connor, is a complex and morally ambiguous quest that involves dealing with a hag named Auntie Ethel. The quest, titled "Save Mayrina," is part of the larger narrative in Act 1, and it presents players with several choices that can lead to different outcomes. While it is technically possible to save Connor, it requires careful decision-making and understanding of the game's mechanics. Here is a detailed explanation of how to achieve this.

The quest begins when you encounter Mayrina in the Sunlit Wetlands, where she is being manipulated by Auntie Ethel. Mayrina believes that Ethel can bring her deceased husband, Connor, back to life. However, Ethel is a hag, and her intentions are far from benevolent. To save Connor, you must navigate through a series of challenges and make specific choices.

First, you need to confront Auntie Ethel in her lair, which is located in the Putrid Bog. The lair is filled with traps, illusions, and hostile creatures, so it is essential to prepare your party before entering. Make sure your characters are well-equipped with healing potions, scrolls, and spells that can deal with both physical and magical threats. Stealth can be advantageous here, as it allows you to bypass some of the traps and enemies.

Once inside the lair, you will eventually come face-to-face with Auntie Ethel. She will offer you a deal: she will let Mayrina go if you agree to let her keep Connor. This is a critical moment in the quest. If you refuse her offer, a fight will ensue. Ethel is a formidable opponent, with abilities that can charm, poison, and deal significant damage. It is crucial to focus your attacks on her while managing the other threats in the room. Spells like Silence can prevent her from casting, and abilities that remove charm effects are invaluable.

If you manage to defeat Ethel, you will find Mayrina in a cage, and Connor's body will be nearby. At this point, you have the option to use a wand called the Bitter Divorce, which Ethel drops upon her defeat. This wand has the power to resurrect Connor, but there is a catch. The resurrection is not perfect, and Connor will return as a zombie. This is the only way to "save" Connor, but it comes with significant moral and practical implications.

Using the Bitter Divorce wand on Connor will bring him back to life, but he will be undead. Mayrina will be horrified by this outcome, and it will affect her relationship with you. Additionally, having an undead companion can have unforeseen consequences in the game, as NPCs may react negatively to his presence. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of this decision carefully.

There are a few common mistakes to avoid during this quest. One is rushing into Ethel's lair without proper preparation. The area is filled with traps and powerful enemies, and entering without the right equipment or spells can lead to a quick defeat. Another mistake is accepting Ethel's deal without considering the long-term consequences. While it may seem like an easy way out, it ultimately leads to a worse outcome for Mayrina and Connor.

Advanced techniques for this quest include using stealth to avoid unnecessary fights and traps, and focusing on crowd control spells during the battle with Ethel. Abilities like Hold Person or Sleep can give you a significant advantage. Additionally, having a character with high Perception can help you detect and disarm traps more effectively.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, the mechanics of the Bitter Divorce wand and the resurrection of Connor as a zombie are unique to Baldur's Gate 3. In standard D&D, resurrection spells like Revivify or Raise Dead would typically bring a character back to life in their original form, but the game introduces its own twists to fit the narrative.

In conclusion, saving Mayrina's husband, Connor, in Baldur's Gate 3 is possible, but it requires careful planning, strategic combat, and a willingness to accept the moral complexities of the situation. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and strategies provided, you can navigate this challenging quest and make the best possible choices for your playthrough.