What happens if I let the hag curse me in Act 1 of Baldur's Gate 3?
In Baldur's Gate 3, during Act 1, you encounter a hag named Auntie Ethel in the Sunlit Wetlands. She offers to help you with a problem in exchange for a favor, but this interaction can lead to a curse if you make certain choices. Letting the hag curse you is a significant story decision with both immediate and long-term consequences. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of what happens and how to navigate this situation.
When you first meet Auntie Ethel, she appears as a seemingly kind old woman who offers to help you with your tadpole problem. However, as you progress through her questline, you discover her true nature as a hag. If you confront her in her lair, the Riverside Teahouse, and engage in combat, she may offer to lift the curse she placed on Mayrina (a woman she kidnapped) in exchange for letting her curse you. This is where the choice comes into play.
If you agree to let the hag curse you, she will bestow a permanent debuff on your character. This debuff typically reduces one of your ability scores, such as Strength or Constitution, by a significant amount, often by 1 or 2 points. This reduction is permanent unless you find a way to remove the curse later in the game. The exact nature of the curse can vary, but it generally weakens your character in some way, making combat and skill checks more challenging.
To achieve this outcome, you need to follow these steps. First, you must find Auntie Ethel in the Sunlit Wetlands and agree to help her with her "problem." This will lead you to her lair, where you will discover her true intentions. During the confrontation, you will have the option to negotiate with her. When she offers to lift MayrinaÔÇÖs curse in exchange for cursing you, you must agree to her terms. This will trigger the curse, and you will receive the debuff.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, consider the long-term impact of the curse on your character. If you are playing a class that relies heavily on the affected ability score, such as a Fighter with reduced Strength or a Wizard with reduced Constitution, the curse can severely hinder your effectiveness in combat. Second, think about the role-playing implications. Accepting a curse from a hag can have narrative consequences, affecting how other characters perceive you and potentially altering future storylines.
Common mistakes to avoid include not fully understanding the consequences of the curse before agreeing to it. Some players may not realize how debilitating the debuff can be, especially in the early stages of the game when every ability point counts. Additionally, failing to explore alternative solutions, such as defeating the hag outright or finding another way to help Mayrina, can lead to unnecessary hardship.
Advanced techniques or optimizations involve planning your character build around the curse. For example, if you know you will accept the curse, you might choose a class or subclass that is less dependent on the affected ability score. Alternatively, you can seek out ways to mitigate the curseÔÇÖs effects, such as using magical items or spells that boost your abilities. In D&D 5E, certain spells like Greater Restoration can remove curses, so keep an eye out for opportunities to acquire or cast such spells in the game.
Related D&D rules and mechanics include the concept of curses and their removal. In the tabletop version of D&D, curses are powerful magical effects that can only be removed by specific means, such as the Remove Curse or Greater Restoration spells. BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 follows similar rules, so understanding these mechanics can help you navigate the situation more effectively.
Specific examples and scenarios include a scenario where a player playing a Barbarian accepts a curse that reduces their Strength. This would directly impact their melee damage output and ability to grapple or shove enemies. Another example is a Wizard accepting a curse that reduces their Constitution, making them more vulnerable to losing concentration on spells and reducing their overall survivability.
In conclusion, letting the hag curse you in Act 1 of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 is a significant decision with both immediate and long-term consequences. By understanding the mechanics, considering the impact on your character, and planning accordingly, you can navigate this choice effectively and continue your journey through the game.
When you first meet Auntie Ethel, she appears as a seemingly kind old woman who offers to help you with your tadpole problem. However, as you progress through her questline, you discover her true nature as a hag. If you confront her in her lair, the Riverside Teahouse, and engage in combat, she may offer to lift the curse she placed on Mayrina (a woman she kidnapped) in exchange for letting her curse you. This is where the choice comes into play.
If you agree to let the hag curse you, she will bestow a permanent debuff on your character. This debuff typically reduces one of your ability scores, such as Strength or Constitution, by a significant amount, often by 1 or 2 points. This reduction is permanent unless you find a way to remove the curse later in the game. The exact nature of the curse can vary, but it generally weakens your character in some way, making combat and skill checks more challenging.
To achieve this outcome, you need to follow these steps. First, you must find Auntie Ethel in the Sunlit Wetlands and agree to help her with her "problem." This will lead you to her lair, where you will discover her true intentions. During the confrontation, you will have the option to negotiate with her. When she offers to lift MayrinaÔÇÖs curse in exchange for cursing you, you must agree to her terms. This will trigger the curse, and you will receive the debuff.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, consider the long-term impact of the curse on your character. If you are playing a class that relies heavily on the affected ability score, such as a Fighter with reduced Strength or a Wizard with reduced Constitution, the curse can severely hinder your effectiveness in combat. Second, think about the role-playing implications. Accepting a curse from a hag can have narrative consequences, affecting how other characters perceive you and potentially altering future storylines.
Common mistakes to avoid include not fully understanding the consequences of the curse before agreeing to it. Some players may not realize how debilitating the debuff can be, especially in the early stages of the game when every ability point counts. Additionally, failing to explore alternative solutions, such as defeating the hag outright or finding another way to help Mayrina, can lead to unnecessary hardship.
Advanced techniques or optimizations involve planning your character build around the curse. For example, if you know you will accept the curse, you might choose a class or subclass that is less dependent on the affected ability score. Alternatively, you can seek out ways to mitigate the curseÔÇÖs effects, such as using magical items or spells that boost your abilities. In D&D 5E, certain spells like Greater Restoration can remove curses, so keep an eye out for opportunities to acquire or cast such spells in the game.
Related D&D rules and mechanics include the concept of curses and their removal. In the tabletop version of D&D, curses are powerful magical effects that can only be removed by specific means, such as the Remove Curse or Greater Restoration spells. BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 follows similar rules, so understanding these mechanics can help you navigate the situation more effectively.
Specific examples and scenarios include a scenario where a player playing a Barbarian accepts a curse that reduces their Strength. This would directly impact their melee damage output and ability to grapple or shove enemies. Another example is a Wizard accepting a curse that reduces their Constitution, making them more vulnerable to losing concentration on spells and reducing their overall survivability.
In conclusion, letting the hag curse you in Act 1 of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 is a significant decision with both immediate and long-term consequences. By understanding the mechanics, considering the impact on your character, and planning accordingly, you can navigate this choice effectively and continue your journey through the game.