How do I save the prisoners in Moonrise Towers in Baldur's Gate 3?

Saving the prisoners in Moonrise Towers in Baldur's Gate 3 is a challenging but rewarding task that requires careful planning, strategic combat, and thoughtful decision-making. The prisoners are held in the dungeon beneath the towers, and their fate is tied to the larger story of the game, particularly the conflict involving the Absolute and the cultists. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to save them, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the context. The prisoners are being held by the cultists of the Absolute, and their lives are in immediate danger. To save them, youÔÇÖll need to infiltrate Moonrise Towers, navigate the dungeon, and either fight or sneak your way to their cells. The key to success lies in preparation, as the dungeon is heavily guarded, and the cultists are well-prepared for intruders.

Before attempting the rescue, ensure your party is well-equipped and leveled. A balanced party with a mix of melee, ranged, and spellcasting abilities is ideal. Characters with high stealth, such as Rogues or Rangers, can be particularly useful for sneaking past guards or disarming traps. Additionally, having a Cleric or Paladin for healing and support can make a significant difference in combat. Stock up on healing potions, scrolls, and other consumables, as the dungeon can be unforgiving.

When you arrive at Moonrise Towers, youÔÇÖll need to gain access to the dungeon. This can be done in several ways. One approach is to infiltrate the towers by disguising yourself as a cultist or using persuasion to gain entry. Alternatively, you can fight your way through the front gates, though this will alert the entire tower and make the rescue more difficult. Once inside, head to the lower levels where the prisoners are held.

The dungeon is filled with guards, traps, and environmental hazards. Use stealth to avoid unnecessary combat, and take out isolated enemies quietly to reduce the number of foes youÔÇÖll face later. Rogues can use their Sneak Attack ability to deal significant damage to unaware enemies, while spellcasters can use spells like Invisibility or Silence to bypass guards. Be mindful of traps, as they can deal heavy damage or alert nearby enemies. Disarm them using a character with high Dexterity or the ThievesÔÇÖ Tools proficiency.

When you reach the prisonersÔÇÖ cells, youÔÇÖll need to free them. This can be done by picking the locks on the cell doors or finding the keys from the guards. Once the prisoners are free, they will follow you, but they are unarmed and vulnerable. Your priority is to escort them to safety, which means fighting your way out of the dungeon or finding an alternate exit. Be prepared for waves of enemies, as the cultists will not let their prisoners escape easily.

Combat in the dungeon can be intense, so use the environment to your advantage. Narrow corridors can funnel enemies into choke points, allowing your melee characters to hold the line while your ranged and spellcasting characters deal damage from a safe distance. Spells like Fireball or Thunderwave can clear groups of enemies quickly, while abilities like Shield or Counterspell can protect your party from incoming attacks. Focus on taking out the most dangerous enemies first, such as spellcasters or heavily armored foes.

One common mistake is rushing into combat without a plan. The dungeon is filled with enemies, and engaging them all at once can overwhelm your party. Instead, use stealth and positioning to pick off enemies one by one, and retreat to safer areas if necessary. Another mistake is neglecting to heal or buff your party before entering combat. Make sure your characters are at full health and have any necessary buffs, such as Bless or Mage Armor, before engaging in battle.

Advanced techniques include using environmental hazards to your advantage. For example, you can lure enemies into traps or use spells like Grease to create difficult terrain, slowing down their advance. Additionally, you can use the prisoners as distractions, drawing enemies away from your party while you deal with them. However, be cautious, as the prisoners are fragile and can easily be killed if left unprotected.

In terms of D&D rules, the mechanics of stealth, combat, and spellcasting are faithfully implemented in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3. Stealth checks are based on Dexterity and proficiency in Stealth, while combat relies on initiative rolls, attack rolls, and saving throws. Spells and abilities function as they do in the tabletop game, with some adjustments for the video game format. Understanding these rules can help you make better decisions in the game, such as knowing when to use a spell or ability for maximum effect.

Specific scenarios you might encounter include facing a powerful boss or dealing with a large group of enemies. In these situations, focus on crowd control and area-of-effect spells to thin out the enemy ranks. For example, a Wizard can use Hypnotic Pattern to incapacitate multiple enemies, while a Fighter can use Action Surge to take down a key target quickly. Always be aware of your surroundings and use the environment to your advantage.

In conclusion, saving the prisoners in Moonrise Towers requires careful planning, strategic combat, and thoughtful decision-making. By preparing your party, using stealth and positioning, and leveraging the environment, you can successfully rescue the prisoners and alter the course of the story. Remember to stay patient, adapt to the situation, and make use of your partyÔÇÖs strengths to overcome the challenges ahead.