What are the best dialogue choices to romance Minthara in Baldur's Gate 3?

Romancing Minthara in Baldur's Gate 3 is a unique and challenging endeavor due to her alignment and the specific circumstances required to pursue a relationship with her. Minthara is a Drow Paladin of the Absolute, and her romance path is tied to siding with the goblins and the Absolute in the early stages of the game. This means that romancing her often requires making morally questionable decisions, which can alienate other companions. Below is a detailed guide on how to successfully romance Minthara, including mechanics, strategies, and important considerations.

To begin, you must first encounter Minthara in the Goblin Camp during Act 1. She is located in the Shattered Sanctum, where she serves as one of the leaders of the goblin forces. To initiate the romance, you need to gain her approval by aligning with her goals and the Absolute. This involves making dialogue choices that support her plans and show your willingness to embrace the Absolute's influence. For example, when speaking to her, choose options that express loyalty to the Absolute and a desire to work with her. Avoid any dialogue that questions her authority or the Absolute's power, as this will lower her approval.

One of the key moments in romancing Minthara occurs during the raid on the Druid Grove. To progress her romance, you must side with her and the goblins in attacking the grove. This decision has significant consequences, as it will result in the deaths of many innocent characters, including potential companions like Wyll and Karlach, who will leave your party if you choose this path. It is important to note that this choice locks you into a specific story trajectory, so be prepared for the ramifications.

After the raid, Minthara will invite you to celebrate the victory with her. During this celebration, you will have the opportunity to deepen your relationship. Choose dialogue options that express your interest in her and your commitment to the Absolute. This will lead to a romantic encounter, solidifying your bond with her. However, keep in mind that Minthara's romance is not as straightforward as others, and her approval is harder to earn due to her strict and ruthless nature.

To maintain Minthara's approval throughout the game, continue to make choices that align with her values. This includes prioritizing the Absolute's goals, showing strength and decisiveness in combat, and avoiding actions that she would perceive as weak or indecisive. For example, if given the choice to spare an enemy or show mercy, opt for the more ruthless option, as this will please Minthara. Additionally, engage in conversations with her to learn more about her backstory and motivations, as this will help you make choices that align with her worldview.

One common mistake to avoid is trying to romance Minthara while also maintaining good relationships with other companions who oppose the Absolute, such as Wyll or Karlach. This is nearly impossible, as their moral compasses are diametrically opposed to Minthara's. If you want to pursue Minthara's romance, you must be prepared to sacrifice these relationships and accept the consequences of your actions.

Advanced techniques for optimizing Minthara's romance include carefully planning your character build to complement her strengths in combat. As a Paladin, Minthara excels in melee combat and can benefit from having a party that supports her abilities. Consider playing as a character with high Charisma, such as a Bard or Sorcerer, to enhance your dialogue options and increase your chances of gaining her approval. Additionally, focus on building a party that can handle the challenges of siding with the goblins, as this path often involves difficult combat encounters.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, Minthara's romance is influenced by the alignment system and the concept of loyalty. Her character is Lawful Evil, meaning she values order and power above all else. To romance her, your character must demonstrate similar values and a willingness to embrace the darker aspects of the story. This aligns with the D&D mechanics of alignment and how it affects character interactions and relationships.

Specific examples of dialogue choices that can help you romance Minthara include agreeing to help her with the raid on the Druid Grove, expressing admiration for her strength and leadership, and showing a willingness to sacrifice others for the greater good of the Absolute. During the celebration after the raid, choose options that indicate your desire to be close to her and your commitment to her cause.

In conclusion, romancing Minthara in Baldur's Gate 3 requires a deliberate and calculated approach. You must align with her goals, make morally challenging decisions, and be prepared to face the consequences of your actions. By understanding her character, making the right dialogue choices, and building a party that complements her strengths, you can successfully pursue a romance with Minthara and explore this unique and complex relationship.