What are the consequences of letting the hag live and take Mayrina's child in Act 3 of Baldur's Gate 3?
In Baldur's Gate 3, the encounter with Auntie Ethel, the hag, in Act 1 is a pivotal moment that can have significant consequences later in the game, particularly in Act 3. If you choose to let the hag live and allow her to take Mayrina's child, this decision will ripple through the story and affect various outcomes. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of what happens and how to navigate this choice.
When you first encounter Auntie Ethel in the Sunlit Wetlands, she is disguised as a kind old woman helping Mayrina, who is pregnant and grieving the loss of her husband. As you progress through the quest, you discover Ethel's true nature as a hag. The confrontation with her in her lair beneath the Riverside Teahouse is where the critical decision is made. If you defeat her in combat, you can save Mayrina and her unborn child. However, if you negotiate with Ethel and let her live, she will take Mayrina's child as part of the deal.
Letting the hag live has several consequences. First, Mayrina will be distraught and angry with you for allowing her child to be taken. She will blame you for her loss, and this will affect her attitude towards you if you encounter her later in the game. In Act 3, you will meet Mayrina again in Baldur's Gate, where she is still grieving and seeking revenge against Ethel. If you let the hag live, Ethel will have corrupted Mayrina's child, turning it into a hagspawn. This creates a tragic and morally complex situation, as the child is no longer fully human and is under Ethel's control.
To achieve this outcome, you need to engage in dialogue with Ethel during the confrontation in her lair. When she offers to spare your life in exchange for Mayrina's child, you must agree to her terms. This requires passing certain dialogue checks or simply choosing the option to let her go. ItÔÇÖs important to note that this choice is morally ambiguous and will weigh on your conscience, as you are essentially sacrificing an innocent child for your own survival or gain.
One important tip is to consider the long-term consequences of your actions. While letting Ethel live might seem like the easier path, it leads to a darker outcome for Mayrina and her child. If you are playing a character who values life and justice, you might want to fight Ethel and save the child. However, if your character is more pragmatic or self-serving, letting Ethel live could align with their motivations.
A common mistake is underestimating the difficulty of the fight with Ethel. She is a powerful foe with abilities like invisibility and area-of-effect spells. If you decide to fight her, make sure your party is well-prepared with healing potions, spells, and tactics to counter her abilities. Using abilities like Faerie Fire can reveal her when she turns invisible, and focusing your attacks on her can quickly turn the tide in your favor.
Advanced techniques include using environmental factors to your advantage. Ethel's lair has hazards like poisonous gas vents and explosive mushrooms. You can use these to damage her or control the battlefield. Additionally, having a character with high Wisdom or Insight can help you navigate the dialogue options more effectively, potentially avoiding combat altogether or gaining an advantage in negotiations.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, hags are cunning and manipulative creatures with a variety of magical abilities. EthelÔÇÖs abilities in Baldur's Gate 3 are based on these rules, including her use of illusions and curses. Understanding these mechanics can help you better prepare for the encounter, whether you choose to fight her or negotiate.
In summary, letting the hag live and take Mayrina's child in Act 1 leads to a tragic outcome in Act 3, where the child is corrupted and Mayrina is left in despair. This choice is a significant moral dilemma that reflects the complex storytelling of Baldur's Gate 3. By considering the consequences, preparing for the encounter, and understanding the underlying mechanics, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your characterÔÇÖs values and goals.
When you first encounter Auntie Ethel in the Sunlit Wetlands, she is disguised as a kind old woman helping Mayrina, who is pregnant and grieving the loss of her husband. As you progress through the quest, you discover Ethel's true nature as a hag. The confrontation with her in her lair beneath the Riverside Teahouse is where the critical decision is made. If you defeat her in combat, you can save Mayrina and her unborn child. However, if you negotiate with Ethel and let her live, she will take Mayrina's child as part of the deal.
Letting the hag live has several consequences. First, Mayrina will be distraught and angry with you for allowing her child to be taken. She will blame you for her loss, and this will affect her attitude towards you if you encounter her later in the game. In Act 3, you will meet Mayrina again in Baldur's Gate, where she is still grieving and seeking revenge against Ethel. If you let the hag live, Ethel will have corrupted Mayrina's child, turning it into a hagspawn. This creates a tragic and morally complex situation, as the child is no longer fully human and is under Ethel's control.
To achieve this outcome, you need to engage in dialogue with Ethel during the confrontation in her lair. When she offers to spare your life in exchange for Mayrina's child, you must agree to her terms. This requires passing certain dialogue checks or simply choosing the option to let her go. ItÔÇÖs important to note that this choice is morally ambiguous and will weigh on your conscience, as you are essentially sacrificing an innocent child for your own survival or gain.
One important tip is to consider the long-term consequences of your actions. While letting Ethel live might seem like the easier path, it leads to a darker outcome for Mayrina and her child. If you are playing a character who values life and justice, you might want to fight Ethel and save the child. However, if your character is more pragmatic or self-serving, letting Ethel live could align with their motivations.
A common mistake is underestimating the difficulty of the fight with Ethel. She is a powerful foe with abilities like invisibility and area-of-effect spells. If you decide to fight her, make sure your party is well-prepared with healing potions, spells, and tactics to counter her abilities. Using abilities like Faerie Fire can reveal her when she turns invisible, and focusing your attacks on her can quickly turn the tide in your favor.
Advanced techniques include using environmental factors to your advantage. Ethel's lair has hazards like poisonous gas vents and explosive mushrooms. You can use these to damage her or control the battlefield. Additionally, having a character with high Wisdom or Insight can help you navigate the dialogue options more effectively, potentially avoiding combat altogether or gaining an advantage in negotiations.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, hags are cunning and manipulative creatures with a variety of magical abilities. EthelÔÇÖs abilities in Baldur's Gate 3 are based on these rules, including her use of illusions and curses. Understanding these mechanics can help you better prepare for the encounter, whether you choose to fight her or negotiate.
In summary, letting the hag live and take Mayrina's child in Act 1 leads to a tragic outcome in Act 3, where the child is corrupted and Mayrina is left in despair. This choice is a significant moral dilemma that reflects the complex storytelling of Baldur's Gate 3. By considering the consequences, preparing for the encounter, and understanding the underlying mechanics, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your characterÔÇÖs values and goals.