How do I recruit the duergar in Baldur's Gate 3?

Recruiting the duergar in Baldur's Gate 3 is a unique and somewhat complex process that involves navigating the game's intricate social dynamics and making strategic choices. The duergar, a race of subterranean dwarves, are not typical companions like Shadowheart or Gale, but they can be recruited under specific circumstances, particularly in Act 2 of the game. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the context in which you can recruit a duergar. In Act 2, you will encounter the duergar in the Shadow-Cursed Lands, specifically in the area around Grymforge. The duergar are initially hostile, but with the right approach, you can turn them into allies. The key to recruiting a duergar lies in the questline involving Nere, a drow who is trapped under rubble in Grymforge. Your interactions with Nere and the duergar will determine whether you can recruit them.

To begin, you need to reach Grymforge, which is accessible via the Underdark. Once there, you will find Nere trapped under rubble, and the duergar are trying to free him. The duergar are led by Elder Brithvar, who has his own agenda. Your first step is to engage in dialogue with Brithvar and the other duergar. ItÔÇÖs crucial to choose your words carefully here. Expressing a willingness to help or showing respect for their cause can improve your standing with them.

Next, you need to assist in freeing Nere. This involves using explosives to clear the rubble. You can find the necessary explosives nearby, and you will need to place them strategically to free Nere. Once Nere is freed, he will confront the duergar, and this is where your choices matter. If you side with Nere, the duergar will turn hostile, and you will have to fight them. However, if you side with Brithvar and the duergar, you can turn them into allies.

Siding with Brithvar involves agreeing to help him overthrow Nere. This will lead to a confrontation where you and the duergar will fight Nere and his loyalists. Winning this battle will earn you the trust of the duergar, and Brithvar will offer to join your cause. At this point, you can recruit the duergar as temporary allies. They will assist you in combat and provide valuable support in the Shadow-Cursed Lands.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, make sure your party is well-prepared for combat. The battle with Nere and his loyalists can be challenging, so having a balanced party with strong offensive and defensive capabilities is essential. Second, consider the long-term consequences of your choices. Siding with the duergar may have implications for your relationships with other characters and factions in the game. Third, pay attention to the dialogue options and choose those that align with the duergarÔÇÖs values and goals. This will help you gain their trust more easily.

Common mistakes to avoid include being too aggressive or dismissive in your interactions with the duergar. This can lead to them turning hostile and making it impossible to recruit them. Additionally, failing to prepare adequately for the battle with Nere can result in a difficult fight that you may not win. ItÔÇÖs also important to avoid making promises you canÔÇÖt keep, as this can damage your reputation with the duergar.

Advanced techniques and optimizations involve leveraging your characterÔÇÖs abilities and skills to gain an advantage in dialogue and combat. For example, characters with high Charisma and proficiency in Persuasion or Deception can more easily sway the duergar to your side. In combat, using area-of-effect spells and abilities can help you quickly dispatch NereÔÇÖs loyalists and turn the tide in your favor.

In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, the recruitment of the duergar involves elements of social interaction and combat. The Persuasion and Deception skills are particularly relevant, as they allow you to influence the duergarÔÇÖs decisions. The combat mechanics involve standard D&D 5E rules, including initiative, attack rolls, and saving throws. Understanding these rules can help you make more informed decisions and improve your chances of success.

Specific examples and scenarios include the initial dialogue with Brithvar, where you can choose to express sympathy for the duergarÔÇÖs plight or challenge their authority. Another key moment is the decision to side with Brithvar or Nere, which will determine the outcome of the quest and your ability to recruit the duergar. Finally, the battle with Nere and his loyalists is a critical test of your partyÔÇÖs combat abilities and strategic thinking.

In conclusion, recruiting the duergar in Baldur's Gate 3 requires careful navigation of the gameÔÇÖs social and combat mechanics. By understanding the context, making strategic choices, and preparing adequately, you can turn the duergar into valuable allies and enhance your experience in the Shadow-Cursed Lands.