How do I save Isobel from Marcus in Baldur's Gate 3?

Saving Isobel from Marcus in Baldur's Gate 3 is a critical moment in the game, as it directly impacts the fate of the Last Light Inn and its inhabitants. This encounter occurs during Act 2, when Marcus, a winged horror working for the Absolute, attempts to kidnap Isobel, the cleric who maintains the protective barrier around the inn. If Isobel is taken, the barrier falls, and the inn is overrun by shadow creatures, leading to devastating consequences. To save Isobel, you need to prepare carefully, act decisively, and employ effective combat tactics.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of the encounter. Marcus and his allies will attack Isobel in her room at the Last Light Inn. The fight begins as soon as Marcus initiates dialogue, and Isobel becomes a target. Your goal is to protect her while defeating Marcus and his minions. Isobel is not a strong combatant, so she will need your help to survive. The fight is challenging because Marcus has high mobility, can summon additional enemies, and deals significant damage. Additionally, the environment is small, making positioning and area control crucial.

To prepare for this encounter, ensure your party is well-equipped and leveled. A balanced party composition is essential. A tanky character like a Fighter or Paladin can draw attention away from Isobel, while a spellcaster like a Wizard or Sorcerer can deal with MarcusÔÇÖs minions using area-of-effect spells. A healer, such as a Cleric or Druid, is invaluable for keeping Isobel alive. Stock up on healing potions, scrolls, and other consumables before the fight. If you have access to spells like Sanctuary or Shield of Faith, they can be used to protect Isobel.

When the fight begins, prioritize protecting Isobel. Position your tanky character between Isobel and Marcus to absorb attacks. Use spells like Sanctuary to make Isobel untargetable for a short time, giving you breathing room to deal with Marcus. Focus your damage on Marcus first, as he is the primary threat. If you have a spellcaster, use spells like Fireball or Magic Missile to quickly reduce his health. Be mindful of his mobility; he can fly and reposition himself, so use abilities like Hold Person or Entangle to restrict his movement.

Marcus will summon additional enemies during the fight, so be prepared to deal with them. Area-of-effect spells like Spirit Guardians or Cloud of Daggers can help control the battlefield and thin out the enemy numbers. If your party has a Rogue or Ranger, use their high damage output to eliminate weaker enemies quickly. Keep an eye on IsobelÔÇÖs health and use healing spells or potions as needed. If she goes down, the fight becomes much harder, as the protective barrier will fall, and shadow creatures will swarm the inn.

One common mistake is neglecting to protect Isobel. Players often focus too much on dealing damage to Marcus and forget that Isobel is vulnerable. Another mistake is not managing the battlefield effectively. The fight takes place in a confined space, so positioning is key. Avoid clustering your party too closely, as Marcus and his allies can use area attacks to hit multiple targets. Spread out your party to minimize the impact of these attacks.

Advanced techniques can give you an edge in this fight. For example, using environmental hazards to your advantage can be effective. If you have a spellcaster with spells like Grease or Web, you can create obstacles that slow down Marcus and his allies. Additionally, using crowd control spells like Hypnotic Pattern or Fear can disable multiple enemies at once, giving you time to focus on Marcus. If you have a character with high mobility, like a Monk or Barbarian, use them to chase down Marcus and keep him from escaping.

In terms of D&D rules, this encounter reflects the importance of action economy and battlefield control. Marcus and his allies have multiple actions per turn, so you need to maximize your partyÔÇÖs efficiency. Using spells and abilities that limit enemy actions, such as stuns or immobilization, can tilt the balance in your favor. Additionally, the encounter highlights the value of protecting key NPCs, a common theme in D&D campaigns.

In conclusion, saving Isobel from Marcus requires careful preparation, effective combat tactics, and quick decision-making. Protect Isobel at all costs, focus your damage on Marcus, and manage the battlefield to control enemy movements. Avoid common mistakes like neglecting IsobelÔÇÖs safety or clustering your party too closely. Use advanced techniques like environmental hazards and crowd control to gain an advantage. By following these strategies, you can successfully save Isobel and preserve the Last Light Inn, ensuring the safety of its inhabitants and maintaining the protective barrier against the shadow curse.