What happens if I side 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, also known as the Black Network, is a shadowy organization involved in smuggling, mercenary work, and other illicit activities. Aligning with them can open up unique opportunities, but it also comes with risks and moral dilemmas. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of how to side with the Zhentarim, the mechanics involved, and what to expect.
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, who are guarding a shipment of goods. The shipment has been stolen by gnolls, and the Zhentarim are desperate to recover it. You can choose to help them retrieve the shipment, which will set you on the path to aligning with the Zhentarim. Alternatively, you can side against them, which will lead to a different set of outcomes.
When you approach the Zhentarim agents, you will need to pass a series of dialogue checks to gain their trust. Persuasion, Deception, and Intimidation are all useful skills here, so having a character with high Charisma can be beneficial. If you successfully convince them that you are not a threat, they will allow you to assist in recovering the shipment. Be cautious, as the gnolls guarding the shipment are formidable enemies. Use crowd control spells like Sleep or Hold Person to manage the fight, and focus on taking out the gnoll leader first to reduce their numbers.
Once you recover the shipment, you have the option to return it to the Zhentarim or keep it for yourself. Returning it to the Zhentarim will earn their favor and open up further opportunities to work with them. If you choose to keep the shipment, you will gain valuable loot but will lose the chance to ally with the Zhentarim. This decision is crucial, as it determines whether you can continue to work with them in later acts.
In Act 2, if you have sided with the Zhentarim, you will encounter them again in the Shadow-Cursed Lands. They will offer you a quest to retrieve a powerful artifact from a dangerous location. Completing this quest will further solidify your alliance with the Zhentarim and grant you access to their network of contacts and resources. However, be aware that working with the Zhentarim may put you at odds with other factions, such as the Harpers or the Flaming Fist, who view the Zhentarim as a threat.
One important tip is to carefully consider the long-term consequences of siding with the Zhentarim. While they offer valuable rewards and unique opportunities, their methods are often ruthless and morally questionable. This can lead to conflicts with your companions, especially those who have a strong sense of justice, such as Wyll or Karlach. If you are playing a character with a good alignment, you may find it challenging to justify some of the ZhentarimÔÇÖs actions.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the difficulty of the quests associated with the Zhentarim. Their missions often involve high-stakes combat and complex moral decisions. Make sure your party is well-prepared with healing potions, scrolls, and powerful spells. Additionally, be mindful of your reputation with other factions. Siding with the Zhentarim can close off certain storylines and make it harder to gain the trust of other groups.
Advanced techniques for optimizing your experience with the Zhentarim include leveraging their network to gain access to rare items and information. The Zhentarim have connections throughout the game world, and by maintaining a good relationship with them, you can unlock unique dialogue options and quests. Additionally, consider the role-playing opportunities that come with aligning with a morally ambiguous faction. This can add depth to your characterÔÇÖs story and provide a unique perspective on the gameÔÇÖs events.
In terms of D&D rules, the Zhentarim are a well-established faction in the Forgotten Realms setting. Their alignment is typically neutral evil, and they are known for their pragmatism and willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals. This is reflected in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3, where siding with the Zhentarim often involves making morally gray decisions. Understanding their motivations and methods can help you navigate the complexities of working with them.
Specific examples of the consequences of siding with the Zhentarim include gaining access to their hideout in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate, where you can purchase rare items and hire mercenaries. However, this also means that other factions may become hostile towards you, limiting your options in certain quests. For instance, if you side with the Zhentarim, you may find it harder to gain the trust of the Harpers, who are staunch enemies of the Black Network.
In conclusion, siding with the Zhentarim in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 is a choice that offers unique rewards and challenges. By carefully navigating the quests and dialogue options associated with them, you can build a powerful alliance that opens up new opportunities. However, be prepared for the moral dilemmas and conflicts that come with aligning with such a shadowy organization. With the right strategy and preparation, you can make the most of your alliance with the Zhentarim and shape your characterÔÇÖs story in a unique and compelling way.
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, who are guarding a shipment of goods. The shipment has been stolen by gnolls, and the Zhentarim are desperate to recover it. You can choose to help them retrieve the shipment, which will set you on the path to aligning with the Zhentarim. Alternatively, you can side against them, which will lead to a different set of outcomes.
When you approach the Zhentarim agents, you will need to pass a series of dialogue checks to gain their trust. Persuasion, Deception, and Intimidation are all useful skills here, so having a character with high Charisma can be beneficial. If you successfully convince them that you are not a threat, they will allow you to assist in recovering the shipment. Be cautious, as the gnolls guarding the shipment are formidable enemies. Use crowd control spells like Sleep or Hold Person to manage the fight, and focus on taking out the gnoll leader first to reduce their numbers.
Once you recover the shipment, you have the option to return it to the Zhentarim or keep it for yourself. Returning it to the Zhentarim will earn their favor and open up further opportunities to work with them. If you choose to keep the shipment, you will gain valuable loot but will lose the chance to ally with the Zhentarim. This decision is crucial, as it determines whether you can continue to work with them in later acts.
In Act 2, if you have sided with the Zhentarim, you will encounter them again in the Shadow-Cursed Lands. They will offer you a quest to retrieve a powerful artifact from a dangerous location. Completing this quest will further solidify your alliance with the Zhentarim and grant you access to their network of contacts and resources. However, be aware that working with the Zhentarim may put you at odds with other factions, such as the Harpers or the Flaming Fist, who view the Zhentarim as a threat.
One important tip is to carefully consider the long-term consequences of siding with the Zhentarim. While they offer valuable rewards and unique opportunities, their methods are often ruthless and morally questionable. This can lead to conflicts with your companions, especially those who have a strong sense of justice, such as Wyll or Karlach. If you are playing a character with a good alignment, you may find it challenging to justify some of the ZhentarimÔÇÖs actions.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the difficulty of the quests associated with the Zhentarim. Their missions often involve high-stakes combat and complex moral decisions. Make sure your party is well-prepared with healing potions, scrolls, and powerful spells. Additionally, be mindful of your reputation with other factions. Siding with the Zhentarim can close off certain storylines and make it harder to gain the trust of other groups.
Advanced techniques for optimizing your experience with the Zhentarim include leveraging their network to gain access to rare items and information. The Zhentarim have connections throughout the game world, and by maintaining a good relationship with them, you can unlock unique dialogue options and quests. Additionally, consider the role-playing opportunities that come with aligning with a morally ambiguous faction. This can add depth to your characterÔÇÖs story and provide a unique perspective on the gameÔÇÖs events.
In terms of D&D rules, the Zhentarim are a well-established faction in the Forgotten Realms setting. Their alignment is typically neutral evil, and they are known for their pragmatism and willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals. This is reflected in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3, where siding with the Zhentarim often involves making morally gray decisions. Understanding their motivations and methods can help you navigate the complexities of working with them.
Specific examples of the consequences of siding with the Zhentarim include gaining access to their hideout in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate, where you can purchase rare items and hire mercenaries. However, this also means that other factions may become hostile towards you, limiting your options in certain quests. For instance, if you side with the Zhentarim, you may find it harder to gain the trust of the Harpers, who are staunch enemies of the Black Network.
In conclusion, siding with the Zhentarim in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 is a choice that offers unique rewards and challenges. By carefully navigating the quests and dialogue options associated with them, you can build a powerful alliance that opens up new opportunities. However, be prepared for the moral dilemmas and conflicts that come with aligning with such a shadowy organization. With the right strategy and preparation, you can make the most of your alliance with the Zhentarim and shape your characterÔÇÖs story in a unique and compelling way.