What happens if I side with the harpers in Act 1 of Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, siding with the Harpers in Act 1 is a significant story choice that can shape your experience and the outcomes of certain quests. The Harpers are a secretive organization dedicated to preserving balance and fighting against evil forces. Aligning with them can lead to unique rewards, story developments, and alliances later in the game. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of how to side with the Harpers, the mechanics involved, and what to expect.

To side with the Harpers, youÔÇÖll first need to encounter them in the game. The Harpers are introduced during the questline involving the Druid Grove and the goblin threat. Specifically, youÔÇÖll meet them in the Emerald Grove, where they are working with the druids to protect the refugees from the goblin army. The key Harper character youÔÇÖll interact with is Zevlor, the leader of the Tiefling refugees, and later, Jaheira, a prominent Harper who appears in later acts.

The first step to siding with the Harpers is to assist them in defending the Druid Grove. This involves completing quests that align with their goals, such as eliminating the goblin leaders (Gut, Minthara, and Dror Ragzlin) who are planning to attack the grove. By helping the Harpers and the Tieflings, youÔÇÖll gain their trust and establish a positive relationship with them. This is crucial because your actions in Act 1 will influence whether the Harpers see you as an ally or an enemy in later acts.

When you reach the Goblin Camp, youÔÇÖll have the opportunity to side with the Harpers by attacking the goblin leaders. This is a combat-heavy section of the game, so itÔÇÖs important to prepare your party for battle. Make sure your characters are well-equipped with weapons, armor, and spells. Consider using stealth to gain the upper hand in combat, as the goblin camp is filled with enemies. You can also use environmental hazards, such as explosive barrels, to deal significant damage to groups of enemies.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the goblin leadersÔÇÖ strength. Each leader has unique abilities and can summon reinforcements, so itÔÇÖs important to focus on one target at a time. For example, Priestess Gut can cast powerful spells and heal herself, so prioritize taking her out first. Minthara, on the other hand, is a formidable melee fighter, so keep your distance and use ranged attacks or spells to whittle down her health. Dror Ragzlin is a brute with high health and damage output, so use crowd control spells like Hold Person or Sleep to neutralize him temporarily.

After defeating the goblin leaders, return to the Druid Grove to report your success. The Harpers and Tieflings will be grateful, and this will solidify your alliance with them. YouÔÇÖll also gain experience points, gold, and possibly unique items as rewards. Additionally, siding with the Harpers will open up new dialogue options and quests in later acts, as they will remember your actions and trust you more.

In terms of character building, itÔÇÖs beneficial to have a balanced party when siding with the Harpers. A mix of melee fighters, ranged attackers, and spellcasters will help you handle the various challenges youÔÇÖll face. For example, a Fighter or Barbarian can tank damage and deal heavy melee damage, while a Wizard or Sorcerer can provide crowd control and area-of-effect spells. A Cleric or Druid can offer healing and support, ensuring your party stays alive during tough battles.

From a story perspective, siding with the Harpers aligns you with a group that values justice and the greater good. This can lead to positive outcomes for the Tiefling refugees and the Druid Grove, as well as open up opportunities to work with the Harpers in future acts. However, itÔÇÖs worth noting that siding with the Harpers may close off other story paths, such as aligning with the goblins or other factions. This is a key consideration if youÔÇÖre aiming for a specific ending or want to explore different narrative branches.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, the mechanics of combat and dialogue in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 closely follow the tabletop rules. For example, abilities like Sneak Attack, Divine Smite, and Fireball function similarly to how they do in the tabletop game. Understanding these rules can help you optimize your character builds and combat strategies. For instance, knowing how to position your characters to gain advantage on attack rolls or how to use cover to avoid enemy attacks can make a significant difference in battle.

In conclusion, siding with the Harpers in Act 1 of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 is a rewarding choice that can lead to unique story developments and alliances. By assisting them in defending the Druid Grove and eliminating the goblin leaders, youÔÇÖll gain their trust and open up new opportunities in the game. Be prepared for challenging combat, and consider your party composition and tactics carefully. Avoid common mistakes like underestimating enemy strength, and use the gameÔÇÖs mechanics to your advantage. By doing so, youÔÇÖll set yourself up for success and enjoy a rich, immersive narrative experience.