What happens if I let the Goblins kill the Tieflings in Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, the decision to let the Goblins kill the Tieflings is a significant story choice that can have far-reaching consequences for the game's narrative, your relationships with companions, and the overall world state. This choice occurs during the early stages of the game, specifically in Act 1, when you encounter the Goblin Camp and the Druid Grove. The Tieflings are refugees seeking shelter in the Druid Grove, and the Goblins are part of a larger force that is hostile to both the Tieflings and the Druids. Letting the Goblins kill the Tieflings is a morally complex decision that can lead to different outcomes depending on your actions and alliances.

To achieve this outcome, you need to side with the Goblins and their leaders, Minthara, Gut, and Dror Ragzlin, who are orchestrating the attack on the Druid Grove. The first step is to reach the Goblin Camp, which is located to the west of the Druid Grove. You can either fight your way through the Goblins or use dialogue options to gain their trust. Once inside the camp, you will need to speak with the Goblin leaders. Minthara, in particular, is key to this decision, as she is the one who will lead the assault on the Grove. You can agree to help her by providing information about the Grove's defenses or by directly participating in the attack.

When you return to the Druid Grove with the Goblins, you will have the option to either defend the Tieflings or let the Goblins kill them. If you choose to let the Goblins kill the Tieflings, the game will progress with the Tieflings being slaughtered, and the Druid Grove will fall under Goblin control. This decision will have immediate consequences, such as the loss of potential allies and companions. For example, Wyll, a companion who is deeply invested in protecting the Tieflings, may leave your party or become hostile if you side with the Goblins. Similarly, Karlach, another Tiefling companion, will also be affected by this choice, as her personal quest is tied to the fate of the Tieflings.

One important tip to consider is that this choice will lock you into a specific path for the rest of the game. Siding with the Goblins means that you will be aligned with the Absolute, the mysterious force that is controlling the Goblins and other creatures. This alignment will affect your interactions with other factions and characters, as well as the overall tone of the story. For example, the Harpers, a group of rangers and fighters who oppose the Absolute, will become your enemies, and you will lose access to their quests and resources.

A common mistake to avoid is not fully understanding the consequences of this choice. While it may seem like a quick way to gain favor with the Goblins, it can lead to a more challenging gameplay experience later on. The Tieflings provide several benefits if they survive, such as access to unique items, vendors, and quests. Additionally, their survival can lead to positive outcomes in later acts, such as the ability to recruit certain characters or gain their assistance in key battles.

Advanced techniques for this path include using stealth and deception to manipulate both the Goblins and the Tieflings. For example, you can pretend to side with the Tieflings to gain their trust, then betray them at the last moment by leading the Goblins into the Grove. This approach requires careful planning and a high Charisma score to succeed in the necessary dialogue checks. Additionally, you can use spells like Disguise Self or Charm Person to avoid detection or gain the upper hand in conversations.

From a D&D rules perspective, this choice reflects the alignment system, where your actions determine whether you are good, neutral, or evil. Letting the Goblins kill the Tieflings is an evil act, and it will shift your character's alignment towards evil. This can affect your interactions with other characters, as well as the types of abilities and spells you can use. For example, certain Paladin oaths may be broken if you commit evil acts, leading to a loss of powers or a change in class abilities.

In summary, letting the Goblins kill the Tieflings is a major story choice in Baldur's Gate 3 that can significantly alter the course of the game. It requires careful consideration of the consequences, as well as strategic planning to achieve the desired outcome. By understanding the mechanics involved, avoiding common mistakes, and using advanced techniques, you can navigate this complex decision and shape the world of Baldur's Gate 3 according to your vision.