How do I recruit Minthara without losing other companions in Baldur's Gate 3?

Recruiting Minthara in Baldur's Gate 3 without losing other companions is a complex task that requires careful planning and execution. Minthara is a Drow Paladin of the Absolute, and her recruitment typically involves siding with the goblins and attacking the Druid Grove, which can lead to the loss of companions like Wyll, Karlach, and potentially others who disapprove of such actions. However, there is a way to recruit Minthara without losing your other companions, though it involves exploiting certain game mechanics and making specific choices.

First, it's important to understand the mechanics involved. In Baldur's Gate 3, companions have approval ratings that are influenced by your actions and dialogue choices. If you make decisions that align with their values, their approval increases, and if you make decisions they disapprove of, their approval decreases. Some companions, like Wyll and Karlach, have strong moral compasses and will leave the party if you side with the goblins and attack the Druid Grove. To avoid this, you need to find a way to recruit Minthara without triggering these negative consequences.

One strategy involves using a combination of dialogue choices and game mechanics to manipulate the situation. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieve this:

1. Start by progressing through the game until you reach the point where you need to decide whether to side with the Druid Grove or the goblins. Do not commit to either side yet.

2. Speak with Minthara in the goblin camp. During your conversation, you can express interest in joining her cause without fully committing to attacking the Druid Grove. This allows you to gain her trust without immediately triggering the negative consequences with your other companions.

3. Next, you need to find a way to resolve the conflict between the Druid Grove and the goblins without directly attacking the grove. One way to do this is by using stealth and deception. You can infiltrate the goblin camp and eliminate the leaders without alerting the entire camp. This way, you can weaken the goblins' forces without openly siding with them.

4. After dealing with the goblin leaders, return to Minthara and inform her of your actions. She may still be willing to join you, especially if you frame your actions as a strategic move to weaken the enemy and strengthen her position.

5. Throughout this process, be mindful of your companions' approval ratings. Avoid making choices that directly conflict with their values. For example, do not openly attack innocent NPCs or make decisions that clearly align with evil intentions.

6. Once Minthara is recruited, you can continue to manage your companions' approval by making choices that align with their values. This may involve balancing your actions and dialogue to maintain their trust while keeping Minthara in your party.

Important tips and considerations include being cautious with your dialogue choices and actions. Always save your game before making critical decisions, so you can reload if things go wrong. Additionally, consider the long-term implications of your choices, as some actions may have lasting consequences on your companions' loyalty and the overall story.

Common mistakes to avoid include openly siding with the goblins and attacking the Druid Grove, as this will almost certainly result in losing Wyll and Karlach. Another mistake is neglecting to manage your companions' approval ratings, which can lead to them leaving the party or becoming hostile.

Advanced techniques involve using stealth, deception, and strategic planning to manipulate the situation in your favor. For example, you can use spells like Disguise Self to infiltrate the goblin camp without being recognized. You can also use dialogue options to mislead NPCs and gain their trust without fully committing to their cause.

Related D&D rules and mechanics include the use of Charisma-based skills like Persuasion, Deception, and Intimidation to influence NPCs and manipulate the situation. Additionally, understanding the alignment and motivations of your companions can help you make choices that align with their values and maintain their loyalty.

Specific examples and scenarios include using Persuasion to convince Minthara that your actions are in her best interest, even if they involve weakening the goblin forces. Another example is using Deception to mislead the goblins about your intentions, allowing you to eliminate their leaders without openly betraying them.

In conclusion, recruiting Minthara without losing other companions in Baldur's Gate 3 requires careful planning, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the game's mechanics and your companions' values. By following the steps outlined above and being mindful of your choices, you can successfully recruit Minthara while maintaining the loyalty of your other companions.