What happens if I let the Goblins kill the Tieflings in Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, the decision to let the goblins kill the tieflings is a significant story choice that can have far-reaching consequences for the game's narrative, your relationships with companions, and the overall world state. This choice occurs during the early stages of the game, specifically in the Druid Grove, where the tieflings are seeking refuge from the goblin threat. The goblins, led by leaders such as Priestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and Minthara, are a hostile force that you can either oppose or align with, depending on your character's alignment and goals.

To let the goblins kill the tieflings, you need to side with the goblins during the conflict at the Druid Grove. This involves several steps and careful decision-making. First, you must reach the goblin camp, which is located to the west of the Druid Grove. The goblin camp is a large, fortified area filled with hostile goblins, bugbears, and other creatures. To gain access to the camp, you can either fight your way in or use dialogue options to convince the goblins that you are not a threat. Once inside, you will need to speak with the goblin leaders to progress the story.

The key moment comes when you are given the choice to side with the goblins and attack the Druid Grove. This decision is typically presented during a conversation with Minthara, the drow paladin who leads the goblin forces. Minthara will ask for your help in assaulting the grove, and if you agree, she will lead the goblins in an attack on the tieflings and druids. At this point, you can choose to actively participate in the assault or simply stand by and let the goblins do the work. Either way, the tieflings will be killed, and the Druid Grove will be overrun.

There are several important considerations to keep in mind when making this choice. First, siding with the goblins will have a significant impact on your relationships with certain companions. Characters like Wyll and Karlach, who have strong moral convictions, will likely disapprove of your decision and may even leave your party. On the other hand, characters like Astarion, who are more morally ambiguous, may approve of your choice. Additionally, this decision will lock you out of certain quests and storylines that involve the tieflings, such as helping them reach Baldur's Gate or resolving their conflicts with the druids.

Another important consideration is the long-term consequences of this choice. By siding with the goblins, you are aligning yourself with a faction that is generally considered evil in the game's narrative. This can affect how other characters and factions perceive you, and it may limit your options for alliances later in the game. For example, the tieflings are potential allies who can provide support and resources in your journey, and by eliminating them, you are removing a valuable source of aid.

In terms of combat tactics, if you choose to participate in the assault on the Druid Grove, you will need to be prepared for a challenging fight. The tieflings and druids are not pushovers, and they will put up a strong defense. It is important to use your party's abilities strategically, focusing on crowd control and area-of-effect spells to deal with multiple enemies at once. Additionally, positioning is key in this fight, as the terrain of the Druid Grove can be used to your advantage. For example, you can use high ground to gain a tactical advantage or funnel enemies into chokepoints where they can be easily dealt with.

One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the strength of the tieflings and druids. While the goblins may have numbers on their side, the defenders of the grove are well-equipped and have powerful abilities that can turn the tide of battle. It is important to focus on taking out key targets, such as the druids who can heal and buff their allies, before they can cause too much damage. Additionally, be mindful of your party's health and resources, as the fight can be long and grueling.

Advanced techniques for this scenario include using stealth and deception to gain the upper hand. For example, you can use stealth to position your party in advantageous locations before the battle begins, or you can use dialogue options to sow discord among the defenders, causing them to turn on each other. Additionally, you can use environmental hazards, such as explosive barrels or traps, to deal significant damage to the enemy forces.

From a D&D rules perspective, this scenario involves several key mechanics, including combat, dialogue, and faction alignment. The combat mechanics are based on the D&D 5E ruleset, which means that abilities, spells, and actions are governed by the same rules as the tabletop game. This includes the use of action economy, where each character has a limited number of actions, bonus actions, and reactions per turn. Dialogue mechanics are also important, as your choices in conversation can have a significant impact on the outcome of the story. Finally, faction alignment is a key aspect of the game, as your decisions will affect how different groups perceive and interact with you.

In conclusion, letting the goblins kill the tieflings in Baldur's Gate 3 is a major story choice that can have significant consequences for the game's narrative and your relationships with companions. To achieve this, you must side with the goblins during the conflict at the Druid Grove, either by actively participating in the assault or by standing by and letting the goblins do the work. This decision will affect your relationships with certain companions, lock you out of certain quests, and align you with a faction that is generally considered evil. It is important to be prepared for a challenging fight, use strategic combat tactics, and consider the long-term consequences of your actions. By understanding the mechanics involved and making informed decisions, you can navigate this complex scenario and shape the story of Baldur's Gate 3 according to your character's goals and alignment.