What are the consequences of letting the Goblins take over the Grove in Baldur's Gate 3?

Letting the Goblins take over the Grove in Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant story choice that has far-reaching consequences for the game's narrative, your companions, and the world around you. This decision occurs during the early stages of the game, specifically in Act 1, when you are faced with the conflict between the Tiefling refugees and the Goblins. The Goblins, led by the leaders of the Absolute, are seeking to destroy the Druid Grove, while the Tieflings are trying to protect it. Your choice to side with the Goblins and allow them to take over the Grove will drastically alter the course of the story and your relationships with key characters.

To achieve this outcome, you must first align yourself with the Goblins. This can be done by speaking with Minthara, one of the Goblin leaders, in the Goblin Camp. Minthara is located in the Shattered Sanctum, and she will offer you a quest to infiltrate the Grove and help the Goblins attack it. To proceed, you must agree to her plan and return to the Grove to prepare for the assault. Once you return to the Grove, you will need to speak with Zevlor, the leader of the Tieflings, and inform him of the impending attack. This will trigger a series of events leading to the Goblins' assault on the Grove.

During the assault, you will have the option to either defend the Grove or side with the Goblins. To let the Goblins take over, you must actively fight against the Tieflings and Druids. This will involve engaging in combat with the defenders of the Grove, including Zevlor, Kagha, and other key characters. Once the Goblins have successfully taken over the Grove, the Tieflings will be slaughtered, and the Druids will either be killed or forced to flee. This outcome will have several immediate and long-term consequences.

One of the most significant consequences of letting the Goblins take over the Grove is the impact on your companions. Characters like Wyll and Karlach, who have strong moral convictions and a sense of justice, will likely disapprove of your actions and may even leave your party. On the other hand, characters like Astarion, who are more morally ambiguous, may approve of your decision. Additionally, your relationship with Minthara will improve, and she may join your party as a companion. However, this comes at the cost of losing other potential allies and companions.

Another consequence is the effect on the world and the story. The destruction of the Grove will lead to the death of many innocent Tieflings and Druids, and it will also disrupt the balance of power in the region. The Goblins, now emboldened by their victory, will continue to spread chaos and destruction under the influence of the Absolute. This will make it more difficult for you to find allies and support as you progress through the game. Additionally, the loss of the Grove will close off certain quests and storylines, as many of the Tieflings and Druids who would have provided these quests will be dead or gone.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when choosing to let the Goblins take over the Grove. First, make sure you are prepared for the combat encounters that will follow. The defenders of the Grove are strong, and you will need to have a well-balanced party with effective combat strategies to succeed. Consider using area-of-effect spells and abilities to deal with groups of enemies, and focus on taking out key targets like Zevlor and Kagha early in the fight.

Second, be aware of the moral implications of your choice. Letting the Goblins take over the Grove is an evil act, and it will have a significant impact on your character's alignment and reputation. If you are playing a good-aligned character, this choice may not align with your character's values and could lead to internal conflict. On the other hand, if you are playing an evil character, this choice may be in line with your goals and motivations.

Finally, consider the long-term consequences of your decision. While siding with the Goblins may provide short-term benefits, such as gaining Minthara as a companion, it will also close off many opportunities for alliances and support later in the game. Think carefully about how this choice will affect your overall strategy and goals.

In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, the choice to let the Goblins take over the Grove is an example of a moral dilemma that tests your character's alignment and values. In D&D, alignment is a key aspect of a character's identity, and actions that go against a character's alignment can lead to consequences such as losing class abilities or facing divine punishment. In Baldur's Gate 3, your choices will affect your relationships with companions and NPCs, as well as the overall narrative.

In conclusion, letting the Goblins take over the Grove is a major story choice with significant consequences. It requires careful consideration of the moral implications, combat strategies, and long-term effects on the game's narrative. By understanding the mechanics involved and making informed decisions, you can navigate this choice and shape the story of Baldur's Gate 3 in a way that aligns with your character's goals and values.