How do I unlock the secret quest with the hag in Baldur's Gate 3?

To unlock the secret quest involving the hag in Baldur's Gate 3, you need to navigate a series of specific steps and make careful choices. This quest is tied to the character Auntie Ethel, who appears as a seemingly harmless old woman but is actually a powerful and dangerous hag. The quest begins in the Druid Grove area and continues into the Sunlit Wetlands, where her true nature is revealed. Here is a detailed guide on how to unlock and complete this quest.

First, you will encounter Auntie Ethel in the Druid Grove. She is near the entrance, interacting with a man named Mayrina. This is your first clue that something is amiss. Ethel offers to help Mayrina with a personal problem, but her intentions are far from benevolent. To start the quest, you need to engage with Mayrina and Ethel. You can choose to intervene or let the conversation play out. If you intervene, you can question Ethel's motives, which will lead to more dialogue options and hints about her true nature.

After this encounter, you will find Mayrina again in the Sunlit Wetlands. This area is filled with illusions, and the environment will shift to reveal a more sinister swamp. To progress, you need to navigate through the swamp and find Ethel's teahouse. Along the way, you will encounter Redcaps and other hostile creatures. It is important to prepare for combat, as these enemies can be challenging. Make sure your party is well-equipped and has a balanced mix of melee and ranged fighters. Spells like Fireball or area-of-effect abilities can be particularly useful here.

Once you reach the teahouse, you will confront Ethel. She will reveal her true form as a hag and the quest will officially begin. At this point, you have several options. You can choose to fight her immediately, negotiate with her, or try to outsmart her. Each choice has different consequences. If you choose to fight, be prepared for a tough battle. Hags are powerful spellcasters with abilities like Mirror Image and Invisibility, which can make them difficult to hit. Focus on disabling her spells and using abilities that can reveal her true location.

If you choose to negotiate, you can strike a deal with Ethel. She will offer you a powerful item in exchange for leaving her alone. However, this comes at a cost, as she will continue to cause harm to others. If you want to outsmart her, you can use your skills in deception or persuasion to trick her into revealing her weaknesses. This requires a high Charisma score and proficiency in these skills, so make sure your character is well-suited for this approach.

One important tip is to explore the area thoroughly before confronting Ethel. There are hidden items and clues that can give you an advantage in the fight. For example, you can find a wand that can be used to control certain creatures in the swamp. Additionally, there are environmental hazards like explosive mushrooms that can be used to your advantage in combat. Positioning your party strategically and using the environment can turn the tide in your favor.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing into the fight without proper preparation. Hags are formidable opponents, and underestimating them can lead to a quick defeat. Make sure to rest and heal your party before engaging in combat. Another mistake is ignoring the dialogue options. The hag's quest is rich with story and lore, and skipping through the conversations can cause you to miss important clues and opportunities.

Advanced techniques involve using specific spells and abilities to counter the hag's powers. For example, spells like Dispel Magic can remove her Mirror Image, and abilities like True Seeing can reveal her when she turns invisible. Additionally, using crowd control spells like Hold Person can prevent her from casting spells and give you an opportunity to deal damage.

In terms of D&D rules, hags are creatures with high Intelligence and Charisma, making them skilled manipulators and spellcasters. They have abilities like Coven, which allows them to share spells with other hags, and they can use their Lair Actions to manipulate the environment. Understanding these mechanics can help you develop effective strategies to defeat her.

In conclusion, unlocking and completing the hag's quest in Baldur's Gate 3 requires careful planning, strategic combat, and thoughtful decision-making. By following these steps and considering the tips and techniques outlined above, you can successfully navigate this challenging quest and uncover the secrets of Auntie Ethel.