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 of mercenaries, smugglers, and thieves. Aligning with them can open up unique opportunities, but it also comes with risks and moral dilemmas. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to side with the Zhentarim, the mechanics involved, and what to expect.
To begin, you will encounter the Zhentarim early in Act 1. One of the first interactions occurs in the Goblin Camp, where you meet Rugan, a Zhentarim operative. Rugan is involved in a quest to transport a valuable cargo, and your choices here will determine your relationship with the Zhentarim. If you help Rugan and his companion Olly safely transport the cargo, you will gain their trust and potentially earn a place within the organization. However, if you betray them or take the cargo for yourself, you will make enemies of the Zhentarim.
The mechanics of siding with the Zhentarim involve dialogue choices, quest decisions, and combat scenarios. When you first meet Rugan, you will have the option to assist him in defending the cargo from attackers. This is a combat-heavy encounter, so having a well-balanced party is crucial. Characters with high damage output, such as Fighters or Barbarians, can help you quickly dispatch the enemies. Additionally, having a Cleric or Paladin for healing and support can ensure your party survives the fight.
After the battle, Rugan will ask for your help in delivering the cargo to the Zhentarim hideout. This is where your choices come into play. If you agree to help, you will need to navigate through the wilderness and avoid or defeat any hostile creatures along the way. Once you reach the hideout, you will meet Zarys, the leader of the Zhentarim in this area. Zarys will offer you a reward for your assistance, and this is where you can officially align with the Zhentarim.
Important tips and considerations include being mindful of your party composition and the moral implications of your choices. Aligning with the Zhentarim means you are siding with a morally ambiguous organization, which can affect your relationships with other factions and companions. For example, characters like Wyll or Karlach, who have strong moral compasses, may disapprove of your decision to work with the Zhentarim. On the other hand, characters like Astarion, who are more pragmatic, may approve.
Common mistakes to avoid include betraying the Zhentarim too early or failing to secure their trust. If you decide to double-cross them, be prepared for a tough fight, as the Zhentarim are skilled combatants. Additionally, failing to complete their quests or making choices that go against their interests can result in them turning hostile. ItÔÇÖs important to weigh the benefits of aligning with the Zhentarim against the potential consequences.
Advanced techniques and optimizations involve leveraging the ZhentarimÔÇÖs resources to your advantage. Once you are in their good graces, you gain access to their network, which can provide valuable information, rare items, and unique quests. For example, the Zhentarim can offer you contracts for high-paying jobs, which can be a great way to earn gold and experience. Additionally, their connections can help you navigate the political landscape of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate, giving you an edge in dealing with other factions.
Related D&D rules and mechanics include the alignment system and faction reputation. In Dungeons & Dragons, your characterÔÇÖs alignment reflects their moral and ethical stance. Aligning with the Zhentarim may shift your alignment towards Neutral or Evil, depending on your actions. Additionally, your reputation with the Zhentarim will increase as you complete quests for them, unlocking new opportunities and rewards.
Specific examples and scenarios include the quest ÔÇ£Find the Missing Shipment,ÔÇØ where you help Rugan and Olly transport the cargo. Another example is the quest ÔÇ£The ZhentarimÔÇÖs Request,ÔÇØ where you are tasked with eliminating a rival faction. These quests not only advance your relationship with the Zhentarim but also provide insight into their operations and goals.
In conclusion, siding with the Zhentarim in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 is a complex and rewarding choice that requires careful consideration of your party composition, moral alignment, and long-term goals. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully align with the Zhentarim and unlock unique opportunities in the game. However, be prepared for the consequences of your actions, as the ZhentarimÔÇÖs influence can have far-reaching effects on your playthrough.
To begin, you will encounter the Zhentarim early in Act 1. One of the first interactions occurs in the Goblin Camp, where you meet Rugan, a Zhentarim operative. Rugan is involved in a quest to transport a valuable cargo, and your choices here will determine your relationship with the Zhentarim. If you help Rugan and his companion Olly safely transport the cargo, you will gain their trust and potentially earn a place within the organization. However, if you betray them or take the cargo for yourself, you will make enemies of the Zhentarim.
The mechanics of siding with the Zhentarim involve dialogue choices, quest decisions, and combat scenarios. When you first meet Rugan, you will have the option to assist him in defending the cargo from attackers. This is a combat-heavy encounter, so having a well-balanced party is crucial. Characters with high damage output, such as Fighters or Barbarians, can help you quickly dispatch the enemies. Additionally, having a Cleric or Paladin for healing and support can ensure your party survives the fight.
After the battle, Rugan will ask for your help in delivering the cargo to the Zhentarim hideout. This is where your choices come into play. If you agree to help, you will need to navigate through the wilderness and avoid or defeat any hostile creatures along the way. Once you reach the hideout, you will meet Zarys, the leader of the Zhentarim in this area. Zarys will offer you a reward for your assistance, and this is where you can officially align with the Zhentarim.
Important tips and considerations include being mindful of your party composition and the moral implications of your choices. Aligning with the Zhentarim means you are siding with a morally ambiguous organization, which can affect your relationships with other factions and companions. For example, characters like Wyll or Karlach, who have strong moral compasses, may disapprove of your decision to work with the Zhentarim. On the other hand, characters like Astarion, who are more pragmatic, may approve.
Common mistakes to avoid include betraying the Zhentarim too early or failing to secure their trust. If you decide to double-cross them, be prepared for a tough fight, as the Zhentarim are skilled combatants. Additionally, failing to complete their quests or making choices that go against their interests can result in them turning hostile. ItÔÇÖs important to weigh the benefits of aligning with the Zhentarim against the potential consequences.
Advanced techniques and optimizations involve leveraging the ZhentarimÔÇÖs resources to your advantage. Once you are in their good graces, you gain access to their network, which can provide valuable information, rare items, and unique quests. For example, the Zhentarim can offer you contracts for high-paying jobs, which can be a great way to earn gold and experience. Additionally, their connections can help you navigate the political landscape of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate, giving you an edge in dealing with other factions.
Related D&D rules and mechanics include the alignment system and faction reputation. In Dungeons & Dragons, your characterÔÇÖs alignment reflects their moral and ethical stance. Aligning with the Zhentarim may shift your alignment towards Neutral or Evil, depending on your actions. Additionally, your reputation with the Zhentarim will increase as you complete quests for them, unlocking new opportunities and rewards.
Specific examples and scenarios include the quest ÔÇ£Find the Missing Shipment,ÔÇØ where you help Rugan and Olly transport the cargo. Another example is the quest ÔÇ£The ZhentarimÔÇÖs Request,ÔÇØ where you are tasked with eliminating a rival faction. These quests not only advance your relationship with the Zhentarim but also provide insight into their operations and goals.
In conclusion, siding with the Zhentarim in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 is a complex and rewarding choice that requires careful consideration of your party composition, moral alignment, and long-term goals. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully align with the Zhentarim and unlock unique opportunities in the game. However, be prepared for the consequences of your actions, as the ZhentarimÔÇÖs influence can have far-reaching effects on your playthrough.