How do I unlock the secret romance with the hag in Act 3 of Baldur's Gate 3?
Unlocking the secret romance with the hag in Act 3 of Baldur's Gate 3 is a unique and unconventional path that requires careful navigation of the game's story and mechanics. This romance is not a traditional one, as it involves the hag Ethel, a cunning and manipulative character who plays a significant role in the game's narrative. To achieve this, you need to follow a specific sequence of events and make particular choices that align with Ethel's interests. Here is a detailed guide on how to unlock this secret romance.
First, it is important to understand the context of Ethel's character. She is a green hag who appears in Act 1 and Act 3, and she is known for her deceptive nature and ability to manipulate others. In Act 1, you encounter her in the Sunlit Wetlands, where she poses as a kind old woman but is later revealed to be a hag. Your interactions with her in Act 1 set the stage for how she perceives you in Act 3. If you choose to spare her life in Act 1, she will remember your mercy and may be more inclined to engage with you in Act 3.
In Act 3, Ethel reappears in the Lower City of Baldur's Gate. She is involved in a questline where she has taken a young girl named Mayrina captive. To initiate the secret romance, you need to approach this questline with a specific mindset. Instead of immediately trying to rescue Mayrina, you should engage in dialogue with Ethel and express a willingness to understand her motives. This involves choosing dialogue options that show empathy or curiosity about her actions, rather than outright hostility.
One key step is to agree to help Ethel with her plans. She will propose a deal where you assist her in exchange for her favor. This is where the romance path begins to take shape. By agreeing to her terms, you are signaling that you are open to forming a closer relationship with her. It is crucial to avoid any actions or dialogue choices that would make her hostile, as this will close off the possibility of romance.
As you progress through the questline, Ethel will test your loyalty and commitment. She may ask you to perform tasks that are morally questionable, such as harming innocent people or betraying your companions. To maintain the romance path, you must comply with her requests, even if they go against your usual moral compass. This is a significant consideration, as it may impact your relationships with other characters and the overall story.
One important tip is to ensure that your character has a high Charisma score and proficiency in Persuasion or Deception. These skills will help you navigate the dialogue with Ethel more effectively and increase your chances of successfully unlocking the romance. Additionally, having a character who is morally flexible or aligned with darker tendencies will make it easier to justify the choices required for this path.
A common mistake to avoid is being too aggressive or confrontational with Ethel. If you threaten her or try to force her hand, she will become hostile, and the romance path will be closed. It is also important to avoid revealing her true nature to others, as this could lead to conflicts that disrupt the romance.
Advanced techniques involve using spells or abilities that can influence Ethel's perception of you. For example, using Charm Person or similar enchantment spells can make her more amenable to your advances. Additionally, if you have a character with the Actor feat or similar abilities, you can roleplay as someone who is particularly skilled at manipulation, which aligns well with Ethel's own nature.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the interaction with Ethel is governed by the game's dialogue and persuasion systems. Your success in unlocking the romance depends on your ability to pass skill checks and make choices that align with Ethel's desires. The game uses the D&D 5E ruleset, so understanding how these mechanics work can give you an advantage.
Specific examples of scenarios include the moment when Ethel asks you to prove your loyalty by harming Mayrina. If you choose to comply, she will see you as a kindred spirit and may open up to you more. Another scenario is when she offers you a gift or a boon in exchange for your assistance. Accepting these gifts and showing gratitude will further solidify your relationship with her.
In conclusion, unlocking the secret romance with the hag in Act 3 of Baldur's Gate 3 requires a combination of strategic dialogue choices, moral flexibility, and a deep understanding of Ethel's character. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and techniques provided, you can successfully navigate this unique and unconventional romance path. Remember to stay true to the choices that align with Ethel's interests, and be prepared for the consequences that come with aligning yourself with a character as complex and dangerous as a hag.
First, it is important to understand the context of Ethel's character. She is a green hag who appears in Act 1 and Act 3, and she is known for her deceptive nature and ability to manipulate others. In Act 1, you encounter her in the Sunlit Wetlands, where she poses as a kind old woman but is later revealed to be a hag. Your interactions with her in Act 1 set the stage for how she perceives you in Act 3. If you choose to spare her life in Act 1, she will remember your mercy and may be more inclined to engage with you in Act 3.
In Act 3, Ethel reappears in the Lower City of Baldur's Gate. She is involved in a questline where she has taken a young girl named Mayrina captive. To initiate the secret romance, you need to approach this questline with a specific mindset. Instead of immediately trying to rescue Mayrina, you should engage in dialogue with Ethel and express a willingness to understand her motives. This involves choosing dialogue options that show empathy or curiosity about her actions, rather than outright hostility.
One key step is to agree to help Ethel with her plans. She will propose a deal where you assist her in exchange for her favor. This is where the romance path begins to take shape. By agreeing to her terms, you are signaling that you are open to forming a closer relationship with her. It is crucial to avoid any actions or dialogue choices that would make her hostile, as this will close off the possibility of romance.
As you progress through the questline, Ethel will test your loyalty and commitment. She may ask you to perform tasks that are morally questionable, such as harming innocent people or betraying your companions. To maintain the romance path, you must comply with her requests, even if they go against your usual moral compass. This is a significant consideration, as it may impact your relationships with other characters and the overall story.
One important tip is to ensure that your character has a high Charisma score and proficiency in Persuasion or Deception. These skills will help you navigate the dialogue with Ethel more effectively and increase your chances of successfully unlocking the romance. Additionally, having a character who is morally flexible or aligned with darker tendencies will make it easier to justify the choices required for this path.
A common mistake to avoid is being too aggressive or confrontational with Ethel. If you threaten her or try to force her hand, she will become hostile, and the romance path will be closed. It is also important to avoid revealing her true nature to others, as this could lead to conflicts that disrupt the romance.
Advanced techniques involve using spells or abilities that can influence Ethel's perception of you. For example, using Charm Person or similar enchantment spells can make her more amenable to your advances. Additionally, if you have a character with the Actor feat or similar abilities, you can roleplay as someone who is particularly skilled at manipulation, which aligns well with Ethel's own nature.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the interaction with Ethel is governed by the game's dialogue and persuasion systems. Your success in unlocking the romance depends on your ability to pass skill checks and make choices that align with Ethel's desires. The game uses the D&D 5E ruleset, so understanding how these mechanics work can give you an advantage.
Specific examples of scenarios include the moment when Ethel asks you to prove your loyalty by harming Mayrina. If you choose to comply, she will see you as a kindred spirit and may open up to you more. Another scenario is when she offers you a gift or a boon in exchange for your assistance. Accepting these gifts and showing gratitude will further solidify your relationship with her.
In conclusion, unlocking the secret romance with the hag in Act 3 of Baldur's Gate 3 requires a combination of strategic dialogue choices, moral flexibility, and a deep understanding of Ethel's character. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and techniques provided, you can successfully navigate this unique and unconventional romance path. Remember to stay true to the choices that align with Ethel's interests, and be prepared for the consequences that come with aligning yourself with a character as complex and dangerous as a hag.