What are the consequences of letting the hag curse the grove in Act 2 of Baldur's Gate 3?
In Baldur's Gate 3, the decision to let the hag curse the grove in Act 2 is a significant narrative choice that can have far-reaching consequences for the story, your companions, and the world around you. This choice occurs during the questline involving Auntie Ethel, a powerful hag who resides in the Sunlit Wetlands. To understand the consequences of letting her curse the grove, itÔÇÖs important to first understand the mechanics of the quest, the steps involved, and the potential outcomes.
The quest begins when you encounter Auntie Ethel in the Druid Grove during Act 1. She offers to help you with your tadpole problem, but her true intentions are revealed as you progress through her storyline. In Act 2, if you choose to confront her in her lair, you will face a moral dilemma: either defeat her and lift the curse she has placed on the grove, or allow her to continue her dark deeds in exchange for her assistance. If you choose to let her curse the grove, the consequences are severe and multifaceted.
First, the grove itself will suffer. The druids and tieflings who reside there will be afflicted by the curse, leading to widespread suffering and death. The once-thriving community will fall into chaos, with many of its inhabitants either dying or fleeing. This directly impacts the tiefling refugees, who are already struggling to survive. If you allowed them to stay in the grove during Act 1, their fate will be even more tragic, as they will be unable to escape the curse. This also affects the druids, who will lose their sanctuary and be forced to abandon their sacred duties.
Second, your companions will react strongly to this decision. Characters like Wyll, who has a strong sense of justice, and Karlach, who values protecting the innocent, will likely disapprove of your choice. This can lead to tension within the party and may even cause some companions to leave if their approval of you drops too low. On the other hand, characters like Astarion, who is more morally ambiguous, may not care as much about the groveÔÇÖs fate, but even he might question the wisdom of making a deal with a hag.
Third, the decision to let the hag curse the grove will have long-term consequences for the story. Hags are known in D&D lore for their cunning and deceit, and Auntie Ethel is no exception. While she may offer you a boon or assistance in the short term, her help often comes with hidden costs. For example, she might demand a favor in the future, or the curse she places on the grove could have unforeseen effects that come back to haunt you later in the game. This aligns with the D&D 5E rules, where hags are notorious for their manipulative nature and the long-term consequences of their bargains.
To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through Auntie EthelÔÇÖs questline. In Act 1, you will encounter her in the Druid Grove, where she offers to help you with your tadpole problem. If you accept her offer, she will lead you to her lair in the Sunlit Wetlands. In Act 2, you will confront her in her lair, where she will reveal her true nature as a hag. At this point, you will have the option to either fight her or negotiate with her. If you choose to negotiate, you can agree to let her curse the grove in exchange for her assistance. This decision is irreversible, so itÔÇÖs important to consider the consequences carefully.
One important tip is to save your game before making this decision. This allows you to explore the consequences without committing to them permanently. Additionally, consider the alignment and motivations of your character. If you are playing a morally ambiguous or evil character, letting the hag curse the grove might align with your goals. However, if you are playing a good-aligned character, this decision will likely conflict with your values and lead to negative outcomes.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the long-term consequences of dealing with a hag. While the immediate benefits might seem appealing, the hidden costs can be devastating. For example, Auntie Ethel might demand a favor later in the game that puts you in a difficult position, or the curse on the grove might spread to other areas, causing further destruction. ItÔÇÖs also important to consider the impact on your companions, as their reactions can significantly affect your party dynamics.
In terms of advanced techniques, you can use this decision to roleplay a character who is willing to make morally questionable choices for personal gain. This can lead to unique story branches and interactions that you might not experience otherwise. For example, if you let the hag curse the grove, you might gain access to unique dialogue options or quests that explore the darker side of the gameÔÇÖs narrative.
In conclusion, letting the hag curse the grove in Act 2 of Baldur's Gate 3 is a weighty decision with significant consequences. It affects the grove, your companions, and the overall story, and it aligns with the D&D 5E rules regarding hags and their manipulative nature. By understanding the mechanics, considering the consequences, and roleplaying your characterÔÇÖs motivations, you can make an informed choice that enhances your experience of the game.
The quest begins when you encounter Auntie Ethel in the Druid Grove during Act 1. She offers to help you with your tadpole problem, but her true intentions are revealed as you progress through her storyline. In Act 2, if you choose to confront her in her lair, you will face a moral dilemma: either defeat her and lift the curse she has placed on the grove, or allow her to continue her dark deeds in exchange for her assistance. If you choose to let her curse the grove, the consequences are severe and multifaceted.
First, the grove itself will suffer. The druids and tieflings who reside there will be afflicted by the curse, leading to widespread suffering and death. The once-thriving community will fall into chaos, with many of its inhabitants either dying or fleeing. This directly impacts the tiefling refugees, who are already struggling to survive. If you allowed them to stay in the grove during Act 1, their fate will be even more tragic, as they will be unable to escape the curse. This also affects the druids, who will lose their sanctuary and be forced to abandon their sacred duties.
Second, your companions will react strongly to this decision. Characters like Wyll, who has a strong sense of justice, and Karlach, who values protecting the innocent, will likely disapprove of your choice. This can lead to tension within the party and may even cause some companions to leave if their approval of you drops too low. On the other hand, characters like Astarion, who is more morally ambiguous, may not care as much about the groveÔÇÖs fate, but even he might question the wisdom of making a deal with a hag.
Third, the decision to let the hag curse the grove will have long-term consequences for the story. Hags are known in D&D lore for their cunning and deceit, and Auntie Ethel is no exception. While she may offer you a boon or assistance in the short term, her help often comes with hidden costs. For example, she might demand a favor in the future, or the curse she places on the grove could have unforeseen effects that come back to haunt you later in the game. This aligns with the D&D 5E rules, where hags are notorious for their manipulative nature and the long-term consequences of their bargains.
To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through Auntie EthelÔÇÖs questline. In Act 1, you will encounter her in the Druid Grove, where she offers to help you with your tadpole problem. If you accept her offer, she will lead you to her lair in the Sunlit Wetlands. In Act 2, you will confront her in her lair, where she will reveal her true nature as a hag. At this point, you will have the option to either fight her or negotiate with her. If you choose to negotiate, you can agree to let her curse the grove in exchange for her assistance. This decision is irreversible, so itÔÇÖs important to consider the consequences carefully.
One important tip is to save your game before making this decision. This allows you to explore the consequences without committing to them permanently. Additionally, consider the alignment and motivations of your character. If you are playing a morally ambiguous or evil character, letting the hag curse the grove might align with your goals. However, if you are playing a good-aligned character, this decision will likely conflict with your values and lead to negative outcomes.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the long-term consequences of dealing with a hag. While the immediate benefits might seem appealing, the hidden costs can be devastating. For example, Auntie Ethel might demand a favor later in the game that puts you in a difficult position, or the curse on the grove might spread to other areas, causing further destruction. ItÔÇÖs also important to consider the impact on your companions, as their reactions can significantly affect your party dynamics.
In terms of advanced techniques, you can use this decision to roleplay a character who is willing to make morally questionable choices for personal gain. This can lead to unique story branches and interactions that you might not experience otherwise. For example, if you let the hag curse the grove, you might gain access to unique dialogue options or quests that explore the darker side of the gameÔÇÖs narrative.
In conclusion, letting the hag curse the grove in Act 2 of Baldur's Gate 3 is a weighty decision with significant consequences. It affects the grove, your companions, and the overall story, and it aligns with the D&D 5E rules regarding hags and their manipulative nature. By understanding the mechanics, considering the consequences, and roleplaying your characterÔÇÖs motivations, you can make an informed choice that enhances your experience of the game.