How do I recruit Minthara in Baldur's Gate 3?

Recruiting Minthara in Baldur's Gate 3 is a unique and morally complex process that requires careful decision-making and alignment with her goals. Minthara is a drow paladin of the Absolute, and her recruitment involves siding with the goblins and the Absolute, which can have significant consequences for your playthrough. Here is a detailed guide on how to recruit her, including mechanics, strategies, and considerations.

To recruit Minthara, you must first encounter her in the Goblin Camp, located in the Shattered Sanctum. This area is accessible after you reach the Druid Grove and learn about the conflict between the druids, tieflings, and goblins. Minthara is one of the three leaders of the goblin forces, alongside Priestess Gut and Dror Ragzlin. To recruit her, you need to align yourself with her and the goblins, which means betraying the tieflings and druids at the Druid Grove.

The first step is to speak with Minthara in the Shattered Sanctum. She will ask you to prove your loyalty to the Absolute by helping her attack the Druid Grove. This is a critical decision, as siding with Minthara will result in the destruction of the grove and the death of many characters, including potential companions like Wyll and Karlach, who will leave your party if you choose this path. You must be prepared for these consequences before proceeding.

Once you agree to help Minthara, she will give you a quest to infiltrate the Druid Grove and open the gates for the goblin attack. You can either return to the grove and betray the tieflings by opening the gates yourself, or you can deceive Minthara by pretending to help her while secretly working against her. However, to recruit her, you must fully commit to her cause and carry out the attack on the grove.

After the attack, Minthara will be impressed by your loyalty and will agree to join your party. She will accompany you as a companion, and you can begin to build a relationship with her. Minthara is a powerful paladin with access to smite spells and divine abilities, making her a valuable addition to your party. However, her alignment and personality may clash with other companions, so be mindful of party dynamics when bringing her along.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when recruiting Minthara. First, this path locks you into an evil playthrough, as it involves significant moral compromises and the loss of several companions and questlines. If you are aiming for a good or neutral playthrough, recruiting Minthara may not be the best choice. Additionally, Minthara's recruitment can affect your relationships with other characters, so be prepared for potential conflicts and changes in party composition.

Common mistakes to avoid include failing to fully commit to Minthara's cause or attempting to deceive her without a clear plan. If you try to double-cross her, she will likely turn hostile, and you will lose the opportunity to recruit her. It is also important to consider the long-term consequences of your actions, as siding with Minthara can lock you out of certain quests and storylines.

Advanced techniques for optimizing Minthara's recruitment include carefully planning your party composition and dialogue choices to maximize her approval. Minthara values strength, loyalty, and ruthlessness, so making decisions that align with these traits will help build a positive relationship with her. Additionally, you can use her paladin abilities to complement your party's strengths, such as pairing her with a cleric or wizard for powerful spell combinations.

In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, Minthara's abilities are based on the paladin class, which focuses on divine magic, melee combat, and smite spells. Paladins are known for their high durability and damage output, making them effective front-line fighters. Minthara's alignment as a drow also gives her access to unique racial abilities, such as darkvision and innate spellcasting, which can be useful in various situations.

Specific examples and scenarios include the attack on the Druid Grove, where you must decide whether to fully commit to Minthara's plan or attempt to deceive her. Another scenario is managing party dynamics after recruiting her, as her presence may cause tension with other companions who oppose her methods. These situations require careful consideration and strategic decision-making to achieve the desired outcome.

In conclusion, recruiting Minthara in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally challenging process that requires careful planning and commitment to her cause. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and strategies provided, you can successfully recruit her and add a powerful paladin to your party. However, be prepared for the significant consequences of your actions and the impact they will have on your playthrough.