What are the consequences of siding with the Zhentarim in Baldur's Gate 3?
Siding with the Zhentarim in Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant story choice that can have lasting consequences on your playthrough. The Zhentarim are a shadowy and morally ambiguous faction known for their mercenary work, smuggling, and underground dealings. Aligning with them can open up unique opportunities, but it also comes with risks and potential conflicts with other factions and characters. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of what happens when you side with the Zhentarim, how to do it, and what to consider.
To side with the Zhentarim, you will first encounter them in Act 1 during the quest "Find the Missing Shipment." This quest begins when you find a group of Zhentarim agents near the Risen Road. They are searching for a missing shipment of cargo, which turns out to be a powerful artifact. You can choose to help them recover the shipment or betray them by keeping the cargo for yourself or giving it to another faction. If you decide to help the Zhentarim, you will need to navigate a series of interactions and combat encounters to secure the shipment and deliver it to their leader, Zarys, at their hideout in the Waukeen's Rest area.
Once you deliver the shipment, Zarys will offer you a place among the Zhentarim, effectively aligning your character with the faction. This decision has several immediate and long-term consequences. First, you gain access to the Zhentarim's network, which can provide you with unique items, information, and quests. For example, you may receive discounts from Zhentarim merchants or gain access to rare and powerful equipment. Additionally, siding with the Zhentarim can influence how other factions and characters perceive you. Some may view you as untrustworthy or dangerous, while others may respect your willingness to work with a powerful and resourceful group.
However, siding with the Zhentarim also comes with risks. The faction is known for its ruthless and cutthroat nature, and aligning with them can lead to conflicts with other groups, such as the Harpers or the Flaming Fist. For example, if you side with the Zhentarim, you may find yourself at odds with Jaheira, a prominent Harper leader, and her allies. This can complicate your relationships with certain companions, especially those who have strong moral convictions or ties to other factions. Additionally, the Zhentarim's involvement in illegal activities can lead to legal troubles or hostile encounters with law enforcement in Baldur's Gate.
When deciding whether to side with the Zhentarim, it's important to consider your character's alignment and goals. If you are playing a morally ambiguous or evil character, the Zhentarim's resources and connections may be highly beneficial. However, if you are playing a good-aligned character, siding with the Zhentarim may conflict with your values and lead to difficult moral dilemmas. It's also worth noting that the Zhentarim's quests often involve morally questionable actions, such as smuggling, theft, and assassination, so be prepared to make tough choices.
One common mistake players make when siding with the Zhentarim is underestimating the faction's influence and reach. The Zhentarim are a powerful and well-connected group, and their actions can have far-reaching consequences. For example, if you betray the Zhentarim or fail to complete their quests, they may send assassins or other agents to hunt you down. This can make your journey through Baldur's Gate more dangerous and unpredictable. To avoid this, it's important to carefully consider your actions and maintain a good relationship with the faction.
Advanced players may want to explore the full potential of the Zhentarim's network by completing all available quests and building strong alliances with key members. This can unlock unique rewards and opportunities, such as access to powerful artifacts, rare crafting materials, and exclusive dialogue options. Additionally, players who are skilled in diplomacy and persuasion may be able to manipulate the Zhentarim to their advantage, using the faction's resources to further their own goals without fully committing to their cause.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, the Zhentarim are a well-established faction in the Forgotten Realms setting. They are known for their use of stealth, deception, and combat prowess, making them a formidable ally or enemy. When interacting with the Zhentarim, players may need to make skill checks in areas such as Persuasion, Deception, or Intimidation to navigate their complex web of alliances and rivalries. Additionally, the Zhentarim's quests often involve combat encounters with rival factions or dangerous creatures, so it's important to have a well-rounded party with strong combat abilities.
In conclusion, siding with the Zhentarim in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and impactful decision that can shape your playthrough in significant ways. By carefully considering the consequences, building strong relationships with key members, and navigating the faction's morally ambiguous quests, you can unlock unique opportunities and rewards. However, be prepared for the risks and challenges that come with aligning yourself with a powerful and ruthless faction. Whether you choose to embrace the Zhentarim's dark path or use their resources to further your own goals, your decision will have a lasting impact on the world of Baldur's Gate.
To side with the Zhentarim, you will first encounter them in Act 1 during the quest "Find the Missing Shipment." This quest begins when you find a group of Zhentarim agents near the Risen Road. They are searching for a missing shipment of cargo, which turns out to be a powerful artifact. You can choose to help them recover the shipment or betray them by keeping the cargo for yourself or giving it to another faction. If you decide to help the Zhentarim, you will need to navigate a series of interactions and combat encounters to secure the shipment and deliver it to their leader, Zarys, at their hideout in the Waukeen's Rest area.
Once you deliver the shipment, Zarys will offer you a place among the Zhentarim, effectively aligning your character with the faction. This decision has several immediate and long-term consequences. First, you gain access to the Zhentarim's network, which can provide you with unique items, information, and quests. For example, you may receive discounts from Zhentarim merchants or gain access to rare and powerful equipment. Additionally, siding with the Zhentarim can influence how other factions and characters perceive you. Some may view you as untrustworthy or dangerous, while others may respect your willingness to work with a powerful and resourceful group.
However, siding with the Zhentarim also comes with risks. The faction is known for its ruthless and cutthroat nature, and aligning with them can lead to conflicts with other groups, such as the Harpers or the Flaming Fist. For example, if you side with the Zhentarim, you may find yourself at odds with Jaheira, a prominent Harper leader, and her allies. This can complicate your relationships with certain companions, especially those who have strong moral convictions or ties to other factions. Additionally, the Zhentarim's involvement in illegal activities can lead to legal troubles or hostile encounters with law enforcement in Baldur's Gate.
When deciding whether to side with the Zhentarim, it's important to consider your character's alignment and goals. If you are playing a morally ambiguous or evil character, the Zhentarim's resources and connections may be highly beneficial. However, if you are playing a good-aligned character, siding with the Zhentarim may conflict with your values and lead to difficult moral dilemmas. It's also worth noting that the Zhentarim's quests often involve morally questionable actions, such as smuggling, theft, and assassination, so be prepared to make tough choices.
One common mistake players make when siding with the Zhentarim is underestimating the faction's influence and reach. The Zhentarim are a powerful and well-connected group, and their actions can have far-reaching consequences. For example, if you betray the Zhentarim or fail to complete their quests, they may send assassins or other agents to hunt you down. This can make your journey through Baldur's Gate more dangerous and unpredictable. To avoid this, it's important to carefully consider your actions and maintain a good relationship with the faction.
Advanced players may want to explore the full potential of the Zhentarim's network by completing all available quests and building strong alliances with key members. This can unlock unique rewards and opportunities, such as access to powerful artifacts, rare crafting materials, and exclusive dialogue options. Additionally, players who are skilled in diplomacy and persuasion may be able to manipulate the Zhentarim to their advantage, using the faction's resources to further their own goals without fully committing to their cause.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, the Zhentarim are a well-established faction in the Forgotten Realms setting. They are known for their use of stealth, deception, and combat prowess, making them a formidable ally or enemy. When interacting with the Zhentarim, players may need to make skill checks in areas such as Persuasion, Deception, or Intimidation to navigate their complex web of alliances and rivalries. Additionally, the Zhentarim's quests often involve combat encounters with rival factions or dangerous creatures, so it's important to have a well-rounded party with strong combat abilities.
In conclusion, siding with the Zhentarim in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and impactful decision that can shape your playthrough in significant ways. By carefully considering the consequences, building strong relationships with key members, and navigating the faction's morally ambiguous quests, you can unlock unique opportunities and rewards. However, be prepared for the risks and challenges that come with aligning yourself with a powerful and ruthless faction. Whether you choose to embrace the Zhentarim's dark path or use their resources to further your own goals, your decision will have a lasting impact on the world of Baldur's Gate.