Can I save the Gnomes from the Duergar in Baldur's Gate 3?

Saving the Gnomes from the Duergar in Baldur's Gate 3 is a challenging but rewarding task that requires careful planning, strategic combat, and thoughtful decision-making. This quest is part of the larger narrative in Act 1, where you encounter the Duergar slavers in the Underdark who have captured a group of Gnomes. The Gnomes are being forced to work in dangerous conditions, and your goal is to free them. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, you need to locate the Gnomes. They are found in the Underdark, specifically in the area known as the Myconid Colony. The Gnomes are being held captive by the Duergar near the Sussur Tree. To reach this area, you must navigate through the Underdark, which is filled with various dangers, including hostile creatures and environmental hazards. Make sure your party is well-prepared with healing potions, scrolls, and spells, as the journey can be treacherous.

Once you reach the area where the Gnomes are being held, you will encounter the Duergar slavers. The Duergar are tough enemies with abilities like Invisibility and Enlarge, which can make them difficult to deal with. ItÔÇÖs important to approach this situation carefully. You have a few options for how to proceed. You can try to negotiate with the Duergar, use stealth to free the Gnomes without alerting the slavers, or engage in direct combat.

If you choose to negotiate, you will need to pass a series of dialogue checks. High Charisma and proficiency in Persuasion or Deception will be beneficial here. Successfully negotiating can lead to the Duergar releasing the Gnomes without a fight, but this is not always guaranteed. If negotiations fail, you will need to resort to combat.

Combat with the Duergar can be challenging due to their abilities. They can turn invisible, making them hard to target, and they can use the Enlarge ability to increase their size and strength. To counter this, use area-of-effect spells like Faerie Fire to reveal invisible enemies, and focus fire on one Duergar at a time to reduce their numbers quickly. Crowd control spells like Hold Person or Sleep can also be very effective in managing the battlefield.

When the combat begins, prioritize protecting the Gnomes. The Duergar may attack them, and if too many Gnomes die, the quest will fail. Use spells like Sanctuary or Shield of Faith to protect the Gnomes, and position your party members to block the Duergar from reaching them. If you have a character with high mobility, like a Rogue or Monk, use them to quickly take out any Duergar who get too close to the Gnomes.

After defeating the Duergar, you will need to escort the Gnomes to safety. This involves leading them out of the Underdark and back to the surface. Along the way, you may encounter additional enemies, so stay vigilant. Make sure to keep your party healed and ready for any surprises.

There are a few important tips to keep in mind. First, make sure your party is well-rested before engaging in this quest. Having all your spell slots and abilities available will make a significant difference. Second, consider bringing a character with high Perception to detect traps and hidden enemies. Third, use the environment to your advantage. The Underdark is filled with hazards like poisonous mushrooms and deep pits, which you can use to your benefit in combat.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing into combat without a plan, neglecting to protect the Gnomes, and underestimating the DuergarÔÇÖs abilities. Take your time to assess the situation and plan your approach carefully.

Advanced techniques include using stealth to position your party before combat begins, setting up ambushes, and using environmental hazards to your advantage. For example, you can lure Duergar into areas with explosive mushrooms or push them off cliffs using spells like Thunderwave.

In terms of D&D rules, the DuergarÔÇÖs abilities are based on their stat block from the Monster Manual. They have resistance to certain damage types and can use their Invisibility and Enlarge abilities as bonus actions. Understanding these mechanics can help you develop effective strategies to counter them.

In conclusion, saving the Gnomes from the Duergar in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 is a complex task that requires careful planning, strategic combat, and thoughtful decision-making. By following these steps and tips, you can successfully free the Gnomes and complete this challenging quest.