Can I recruit Rolan in Baldur's Gate 3?

Rolan is a character you encounter early in Baldur's Gate 3, and while he is not a full companion like Shadowheart or Astarion, you can recruit him to join your cause under specific circumstances. Rolan is a tiefling wizard who can be found in the Druid Grove during Act 1. His recruitment involves a series of interactions and choices that influence whether he will aid you later in the game. Here is a detailed explanation of how to recruit Rolan and the mechanics involved.

First, you need to find Rolan in the Druid Grove. He is located near the training area, arguing with his siblings, Cal and Lia. During this conversation, you will learn that Rolan is considering leaving the grove to seek his fortune elsewhere, while his siblings want to stay and help the tiefling refugees. Your dialogue choices here are crucial. If you encourage Rolan to stay and help his people, he will be more inclined to assist you later. If you support his desire to leave, he may not be as willing to join your cause.

After this initial encounter, you will have the opportunity to interact with Rolan again during the tiefling party that occurs after successfully defending the grove from the goblin attack. During the party, you can speak with Rolan and further influence his opinion of you. Positive interactions, such as complimenting his magical abilities or expressing gratitude for his help, will increase his approval of you. This approval is important because it affects his willingness to join you later in the game.

In Act 2, you will encounter Rolan again in the Last Light Inn. By this point, the tiefling refugees have been captured by the Absolute's forces, and Rolan is desperate to find his siblings. If you have built a positive relationship with him, Rolan will ask for your help in rescuing Cal and Lia. This quest, "Rescue the Tieflings," is critical to recruiting Rolan. You must successfully rescue his siblings from the Moonrise Towers prison. Failing to do so will result in Rolan blaming you for their deaths, and he will not join your cause.

To rescue Cal and Lia, you need to infiltrate Moonrise Towers and locate the prison area. This involves navigating through hostile territory and dealing with the Absolute's forces. Combat tactics are important here, as you will face powerful enemies. Using stealth, crowd control spells, and strategic positioning can help you overcome these challenges. Once you reach the prison, you must free Cal and Lia and escort them to safety. This can be done by either fighting your way out or using stealth to avoid detection.

After successfully rescuing Cal and Lia, return to the Last Light Inn and speak with Rolan. He will express his gratitude and agree to join your cause. While Rolan does not become a full companion, he will provide valuable assistance in the final battle against the Absolute. His magical abilities can be a significant asset, especially if you need additional firepower or crowd control.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when recruiting Rolan. First, always choose dialogue options that align with his values and goals. Rolan is proud of his magical abilities and values loyalty to his family and people. Supporting these aspects of his character will increase his approval of you. Second, make sure to complete the "Rescue the Tieflings" quest successfully. Failing to rescue Cal and Lia will result in Rolan blaming you, and he will not join your cause. Third, be prepared for challenging combat encounters in Moonrise Towers. Having a well-balanced party with strong combat abilities and healing spells is essential.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting to build a positive relationship with Rolan in Act 1, failing to rescue Cal and Lia in Act 2, and underestimating the difficulty of the combat encounters in Moonrise Towers. Additionally, do not ignore the importance of stealth and crowd control in the prison area. These tactics can make the rescue mission much easier.

Advanced techniques and optimizations include using spells like Invisibility and Misty Step to navigate the prison area more efficiently. Additionally, having a character with high Charisma and Persuasion skills can help you influence Rolan's decisions more effectively. Finally, consider the synergy between your party members and Rolan's abilities. For example, pairing Rolan with a tanky character who can protect him in combat can maximize his effectiveness.

In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, Rolan's abilities are based on the wizard class. This means he has access to a wide range of spells, including offensive, defensive, and utility options. Understanding how to use these spells effectively is key to making the most of Rolan's abilities. Additionally, the approval mechanics in Baldur's Gate 3 are influenced by your dialogue choices and actions. Building a positive relationship with Rolan requires consistent support for his values and goals.

Specific examples and scenarios include the initial encounter in the Druid Grove, where your dialogue choices can influence Rolan's decision to stay or leave. During the tiefling party, positive interactions with Rolan can increase his approval of you. In Act 2, successfully rescuing Cal and Lia from Moonrise Towers is critical to recruiting Rolan. Each of these scenarios requires careful consideration of your choices and actions to ensure a positive outcome.

In conclusion, recruiting Rolan in Baldur's Gate 3 involves building a positive relationship with him through dialogue choices and successfully completing the "Rescue the Tieflings" quest. By understanding the mechanics involved, following the step-by-step instructions, and considering the tips and strategies provided, you can successfully recruit Rolan and gain his valuable assistance in the final battle against the Absolute.