What are the consequences of killing the Tieflings in Baldur's Gate 3 for companion relationships?

Killing the Tieflings in Baldur's Gate 3 can have significant consequences for your companion relationships, as many of the companions have strong moral alignments and personal stakes tied to the fate of the Tieflings. The Tieflings are a group of refugees who are trying to survive in a hostile world, and their plight is central to several key storylines in the game. When you choose to kill them, it can lead to a variety of outcomes depending on which companions are in your party and how they feel about your actions.

First, let's discuss the mechanics involved. Each companion in Baldur's Gate 3 has an approval rating that reflects how they feel about your character. This rating is influenced by your dialogue choices, actions, and decisions throughout the game. When you kill the Tieflings, companions who are morally good or who have a personal connection to the Tieflings will likely disapprove of your actions, causing their approval rating to drop. Conversely, companions who are more morally ambiguous or evil may approve of your actions, leading to an increase in their approval rating.

For example, companions like Wyll and Karlach are likely to disapprove strongly if you kill the Tieflings. Wyll is a heroic character who is deeply invested in protecting the innocent, and Karlach has a personal connection to the Tieflings due to her own background. On the other hand, Astarion, who is more morally flexible and self-serving, might approve of your actions if he sees them as beneficial to his own goals. Shadowheart, who is more neutral in her alignment, might not have a strong reaction either way, but her approval could still be influenced by the context of the situation.

To manage these consequences, you need to be strategic about when and how you kill the Tieflings. If you want to maintain a good relationship with Wyll or Karlach, you should avoid killing the Tieflings altogether. However, if you are trying to build a relationship with Astarion or another morally ambiguous companion, you might choose to kill the Tieflings in a way that minimizes the negative impact on your other companions. For example, you could kill the Tieflings when Wyll or Karlach are not in your active party, or you could use stealth and deception to make it seem like the Tieflings were killed by someone else.

One important tip is to pay close attention to your companions' reactions during key moments in the game. If you are planning to kill the Tieflings, you should save your game beforehand so that you can reload if the consequences are too severe. Additionally, you should consider the long-term impact of your actions on your companions' personal quests. For example, if you kill the Tieflings, it might prevent you from completing certain quests that are tied to their survival, which could in turn affect your companions' storylines and the rewards you receive.

Another consideration is the role of D&D 5E rules in shaping these interactions. In D&D, alignment and personal beliefs play a significant role in how characters react to different situations. Baldur's Gate 3 reflects this by giving each companion a unique personality and set of values that influence their approval ratings. Understanding these values can help you predict how your companions will react to your actions and make more informed decisions.

In terms of advanced techniques, you can use dialogue options and persuasion checks to mitigate the negative consequences of killing the Tieflings. For example, if you are confronted by a companion who disapproves of your actions, you might be able to convince them that killing the Tieflings was necessary for the greater good. This requires a high Charisma score and proficiency in Persuasion, but it can be an effective way to maintain your relationships with morally good companions while still pursuing your own goals.

Finally, let's look at a specific example. Suppose you are in the Druid Grove and you decide to side with the goblins in their attack on the Tieflings. This decision will likely lead to a significant drop in approval from Wyll and Karlach, as they are both deeply invested in protecting the Tieflings. However, if you have Astarion in your party, he might approve of your decision to side with the goblins, especially if you frame it as a pragmatic choice that benefits your own survival. In this scenario, you would need to weigh the benefits of gaining Astarion's approval against the cost of losing Wyll and Karlach's trust.

In conclusion, killing the Tieflings in Baldur's Gate 3 can have far-reaching consequences for your companion relationships. By understanding the mechanics of approval ratings, being strategic about your actions, and using dialogue options to your advantage, you can navigate these consequences and build the relationships you want with your companions. However, you should always be mindful of the long-term impact of your decisions and be prepared to adapt your strategy as the game progresses.