Can I save the tieflings without siding with the goblins in Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, saving the tieflings without siding with the goblins is entirely possible and aligns with a morally good playthrough. This choice involves navigating a complex web of alliances, combat encounters, and story decisions. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this, including mechanics, strategies, and considerations.

The tieflings are refugees from Elturel who have taken refuge in the Druid Grove. Their safety is threatened by the goblin forces led by the Absolute, a mysterious and malevolent power. To save the tieflings, you must ensure the Druid Grove remains secure, which means eliminating the goblin leaders who pose a direct threat. This can be done without siding with the goblins, but it requires careful planning and execution.

First, you need to infiltrate the goblin camp, located in the Shattered Sanctum. This is a large area filled with hostile goblins, so stealth and diplomacy are key. You can enter the camp by either fighting your way in or using deception. If you choose the latter, you can disguise yourself as a True Soul, a follower of the Absolute, by using the tadpole powers granted by your illithid parasite. This allows you to move freely within the camp and gather information.

Once inside, your primary objective is to eliminate the three goblin leaders: Priestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and Minthara. Each leader presents a unique challenge. Priestess Gut can be lured into a private room and dealt with quietly. Dror Ragzlin is a powerful hobgoblin who commands the goblins, and taking him down will require a well-coordinated attack. Minthara, a drow paladin, is the most dangerous of the three and is planning an assault on the Druid Grove. Eliminating her is crucial to saving the tieflings.

Combat tactics are essential here. Use the environment to your advantage. For example, you can push enemies into chasms or use explosive barrels to deal massive damage. Positioning your party members strategically before initiating combat can give you the upper hand. Make sure to use crowd control spells like Sleep or Hold Person to disable key enemies temporarily.

After dealing with the goblin leaders, the goblin camp will descend into chaos. This is your cue to escape and return to the Druid Grove. Once there, you will find that the tieflings are preparing to leave, as the immediate threat has been neutralized. Speak with Zevlor, the tiefling leader, to confirm their safety. This will also strengthen your relationship with tiefling companions like Wyll and Karlach.

Important tips include saving frequently, as the goblin camp is a high-stakes area with many potential points of failure. Also, ensure your party is well-rested and equipped before engaging in combat. Common mistakes to avoid include alerting the entire camp to your presence too early, which can result in overwhelming numbers of enemies. Additionally, failing to eliminate all three leaders can leave the tieflings in danger.

Advanced techniques involve using stealth and illusion magic to bypass large groups of enemies. Spells like Invisibility and Misty Step can help you navigate the camp without drawing attention. Optimizing your party composition is also crucial. Having a balanced mix of melee, ranged, and spellcasting abilities will make combat encounters more manageable.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, the game closely follows the mechanics of the tabletop version. This includes the use of action economy, spell slots, and ability checks. Understanding these rules can help you make informed decisions during combat and dialogue.

Specific examples include using the tadpole powers to manipulate goblins into revealing information or turning against each other. Another scenario involves using the environment to your advantage, such as collapsing a bridge to prevent reinforcements from reaching you.

In summary, saving the tieflings without siding with the goblins requires a combination of stealth, combat prowess, and strategic planning. By carefully navigating the goblin camp and eliminating the leaders, you can ensure the safety of the tieflings and maintain your moral integrity. This path not only enriches the story but also strengthens your relationships with key companions, making it a rewarding choice for players.