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

Recruiting Minthara in Baldur's Gate 3 is a unique and somewhat complex process compared to other companions, as it involves making specific story choices that align with her goals and the Absolute's influence. Minthara is a drow paladin who serves the Absolute, and recruiting her requires you to side with the goblins and the Absolute during the early stages of the game. This decision has significant consequences for your playthrough, as it locks you out of certain companions and storylines. Below is a detailed guide on how to recruit Minthara, including mechanics, strategies, and considerations.

To recruit Minthara, you must first encounter her in the Goblin Camp during Act 1. The Goblin Camp is located in the Shattered Sanctum, which you can reach by exploring the Blighted Village and following the goblin-related quests. Once inside the camp, you will find Minthara in the central area, where she is planning an attack on the Druid Grove. To recruit her, you must agree to help her in this attack. This involves making a series of dialogue choices that align with her goals and the Absolute's agenda. You will need to express loyalty to the Absolute and show a willingness to eliminate the tieflings and druids in the Grove.

One of the key mechanics involved in recruiting Minthara is the approval system. Like other companions, Minthara has an approval rating that reflects her opinion of your actions and decisions. To gain her approval, you must make choices that align with her ruthless and power-hungry nature. This includes siding with the goblins, showing disdain for weakness, and embracing the Absolute's influence. However, unlike other companions, Minthara's recruitment is more dependent on specific story choices rather than general approval. This means that even if you gain her approval through dialogue, you must still follow through with the attack on the Druid Grove to recruit her.

The attack on the Druid Grove is a major turning point in the game and has significant consequences. If you choose to side with Minthara and the goblins, you will lose access to several companions, including Wyll and Karlach, who will leave your party in disgust. Additionally, the tieflings in the Grove will be slaughtered, and you will no longer be able to complete certain quests related to them. This decision also affects your reputation with other factions and characters, making it a morally challenging choice. However, if you are committed to recruiting Minthara, you must accept these consequences.

After successfully completing the attack on the Druid Grove, Minthara will join your party as a companion. She is a powerful paladin with access to smite spells and divine abilities, making her a valuable addition to your team. However, her recruitment comes at a cost, as you will have to navigate the moral and narrative implications of your actions. It is important to consider how this decision aligns with your character's alignment and goals, as it will shape the rest of your playthrough.

One common mistake players make when trying to recruit Minthara is failing to fully commit to the goblin side of the conflict. If you attempt to play both sides or show hesitation in your allegiance to the Absolute, Minthara may not trust you enough to join your party. It is crucial to be decisive and unwavering in your support for her cause. Additionally, some players may overlook the long-term consequences of siding with the goblins, such as losing access to certain quests and companions. It is important to weigh these factors before making your decision.

Advanced techniques for recruiting Minthara involve optimizing your party composition and combat tactics to ensure success in the attack on the Druid Grove. Since this battle is challenging, it is advisable to have a well-balanced party with strong melee fighters, ranged attackers, and spellcasters. Minthara herself can be a key asset in this fight, using her paladin abilities to deal heavy damage and protect your party. Additionally, you can use environmental tactics, such as setting traps or using high ground, to gain an advantage over your enemies.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, Minthara's abilities are based on the paladin class, which combines martial prowess with divine magic. Paladins are known for their smite spells, which allow them to deal extra damage on melee attacks, and their auras, which provide buffs to nearby allies. Minthara's alignment and motivations are also rooted in her drow heritage, as drow are typically associated with evil and subterfuge in D&D lore. Understanding these mechanics can help you make the most of her abilities and roleplay her character effectively.

In conclusion, recruiting Minthara in Baldur's Gate 3 requires a deliberate and morally complex series of choices. By siding with the goblins and the Absolute, you can gain her as a powerful companion, but at the cost of losing other allies and storylines. It is important to carefully consider the implications of this decision and prepare for the challenges it brings. With the right strategies and a clear understanding of the mechanics involved, you can successfully recruit Minthara and explore her unique perspective on the game's events.