Can I romance Minthara in Baldur's Gate 3?

Romancing Minthara in Baldur's Gate 3 is a unique and challenging endeavor due to her alignment and the moral choices required to pursue her. Minthara is a Drow Paladin of the Absolute, and her recruitment and romance are tied to siding with the goblins and the Absolute in Act 1. This path involves making decisions that are morally questionable and often conflict with the goals of other companions, such as Halsin, who is a key figure in the Druid Grove. To successfully romance Minthara, you must align yourself with her goals and gain her approval through specific actions and dialogue choices.

The first step in romancing Minthara is to encounter her in the Goblin Camp during Act 1. She is located in the Shattered Sanctum, where she is leading the goblins in their assault on the Druid Grove. To initiate the romance, you must choose to side with the goblins and help them destroy the Druid Grove. This decision is a major turning point in the game and will lock you out of certain storylines and companions, such as Halsin and potentially others who disapprove of such actions. It is important to note that this choice will have significant consequences for the rest of your playthrough, so it is crucial to consider the long-term impact on your party and story.

Once you have sided with the goblins, you will need to gain Minthara's approval. This is done by making choices that align with her values and goals. Minthara values strength, loyalty, and a willingness to embrace the power of the Absolute. During conversations with her, choose dialogue options that reflect these values. For example, when discussing the attack on the Druid Grove, express your eagerness to crush your enemies and prove your loyalty to the Absolute. Additionally, during combat encounters, prioritize actions that demonstrate your strength and effectiveness in battle, as Minthara respects those who can hold their own in a fight.

After successfully aiding the goblins in their assault on the Druid Grove, you will have the opportunity to speak with Minthara privately. This is a critical moment in the romance progression. During this conversation, you must choose dialogue options that express your interest in her and your desire to form a deeper connection. Minthara is not easily swayed by flattery or superficial gestures, so it is important to be genuine and assertive in your approach. If you have gained enough of her approval, she will reciprocate your interest and the romance will begin to develop.

One important tip to keep in mind is that Minthara's approval is heavily influenced by your actions and decisions throughout the game. It is not enough to simply side with the goblins and destroy the Druid Grove. You must consistently make choices that align with her values and demonstrate your commitment to the Absolute. This includes avoiding actions that undermine her goals or show weakness. For example, sparing enemies or showing mercy to those who oppose the Absolute will likely result in a loss of approval from Minthara.

A common mistake to avoid is attempting to romance Minthara while also trying to maintain good relationships with other companions who disapprove of her actions. This is nearly impossible, as the choices required to gain Minthara's approval will often result in disapproval from companions like Wyll, Karlach, and Halsin. If you are committed to romancing Minthara, it is best to accept that you may need to part ways with certain companions or face their disapproval. This can be a difficult decision, but it is necessary to fully embrace Minthara's path.

Advanced techniques for optimizing your romance with Minthara include carefully planning your character build and party composition to complement her strengths and weaknesses. Minthara is a Paladin, so she excels in melee combat and has access to powerful smite abilities. Building a character that can support her in battle, such as a Cleric or Bard, can help strengthen your bond and make your party more effective. Additionally, focusing on dialogue options that highlight your character's alignment with the Absolute and their willingness to embrace power will further solidify your relationship with Minthara.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, Minthara's romance and approval mechanics are influenced by her alignment and class. As a Paladin of the Absolute, she is likely aligned with Lawful Evil, meaning she values order, power, and loyalty above all else. Understanding her alignment and how it influences her behavior can help you make choices that align with her values and gain her approval. Additionally, her Paladin abilities, such as Divine Smite and Lay on Hands, make her a formidable ally in combat, and leveraging these abilities effectively can further strengthen your bond.

Specific examples of scenarios where you can gain Minthara's approval include siding with her during the attack on the Druid Grove, choosing to execute prisoners or enemies without hesitation, and expressing your desire to embrace the power of the Absolute. Conversely, showing mercy to enemies, sparing those who oppose the Absolute, or expressing doubt about the Absolute's power will likely result in a loss of approval. It is important to carefully consider each decision and its potential impact on your relationship with Minthara.

In conclusion, romancing Minthara in Baldur's Gate 3 requires a commitment to her path and a willingness to make morally questionable decisions. By aligning yourself with her values, gaining her approval through specific actions and dialogue choices, and carefully managing your party composition, you can successfully pursue a romance with Minthara. However, it is important to be aware of the consequences of your choices and the impact they will have on your overall playthrough. With careful planning and a clear understanding of Minthara's character and motivations, you can navigate the complexities of her romance and build a meaningful connection with this intriguing companion.