How do I trigger the secret event with the Duergar in Baldur's Gate 3?

To trigger the secret event with the Duergar in Baldur's Gate 3, you need to explore the Underdark, a vast and dangerous underground area filled with unique encounters and hidden secrets. The Duergar, a race of evil dwarves, are one of the many factions you can interact with in this region. The secret event involves a specific group of Duergar who are involved in a hidden plot, and triggering it requires careful exploration and decision-making.

First, you need to reach the Underdark. There are several ways to access this area, but one of the most common is through the Goblin Camp. After dealing with the goblins and their leaders, you can find a hidden passage in the Shattered Sanctum that leads to the Underdark. Alternatively, you can access the Underdark through the Zhentarim Hideout or the Whispering Depths. Once you are in the Underdark, you need to navigate its treacherous terrain and avoid or defeat the various enemies that inhabit it.

The secret event with the Duergar is centered around a group of them who are working on a mysterious project. To find them, you need to head to the Decrepit Village, a location in the Underdark that is home to several Duergar. As you explore the village, you will come across a building with a locked door. This door can be opened with a key, which is carried by one of the Duergar in the area. You can either pickpocket the key or defeat the Duergar to obtain it.

Once inside the building, you will find a hidden laboratory where the Duergar are conducting experiments. This is where the secret event begins. You will need to interact with the various objects in the room to uncover the truth about their experiments. Be careful, as some of the objects are trapped and can trigger harmful effects if not handled properly. You can use your Perception skill to detect traps and your Thieves' Tools to disarm them.

As you explore the laboratory, you will find notes and journals that reveal the Duergar's plans. They are working on a powerful weapon that could have devastating consequences if completed. You will need to decide whether to destroy their work or try to use it for your own purposes. This decision will have significant consequences later in the game, so choose carefully.

One important tip is to make sure your party is well-prepared before attempting this event. The Duergar are tough opponents, and the traps in the laboratory can be deadly. Make sure you have a character with high Perception and Thieves' Tools proficiency to deal with the traps. It is also a good idea to have a balanced party with strong melee and ranged fighters, as well as a healer, to handle the combat encounters.

A common mistake to avoid is rushing into the laboratory without proper preparation. The traps and enemies can quickly overwhelm an unprepared party. Take your time to explore the area and gather as much information as possible before making any decisions. Another mistake is ignoring the notes and journals in the laboratory. These provide valuable insights into the Duergar's plans and can help you make informed decisions.

Advanced techniques include using stealth to avoid detection by the Duergar. If you have a character with high Stealth, you can sneak past the guards and explore the laboratory without triggering combat. This can give you an advantage in dealing with the traps and making decisions without the pressure of fighting. Another technique is to use spells like Invisibility or Pass Without Trace to move through the area undetected.

In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the event involves several skill checks, including Perception to detect traps, Thieves' Tools to disarm them, and Investigation to uncover the Duergar's plans. The combat encounters are based on the standard D&D 5E rules, with the Duergar using their abilities like Enlarge and Invisibility to gain an advantage in battle. The decision to destroy or use the Duergar's work is a moral choice that can affect your alignment and relationships with other characters in the game.

Specific examples and scenarios include finding a hidden lever behind a bookshelf that reveals a secret passage, or discovering a trapped chest that explodes if opened without disarming the trap. These elements add depth to the event and require careful exploration and problem-solving to navigate successfully.

In conclusion, triggering the secret event with the Duergar in Baldur's Gate 3 involves careful exploration, strategic decision-making, and preparation for combat and traps. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and techniques provided, you can successfully uncover the Duergar's hidden plot and make choices that will impact your journey through the game.