Auntie Ethel’s “Help”: A Baldur’s Gate 3 Faustian Bargain – Should You Take It?

The question of whether to accept Auntie Ethel’s “help” in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a complex one, riddled with caveats and long-term consequences. The short answer is: proceed with extreme caution. While some of her “offers” seem tempting – particularly the promise of stat boosts or parasite removal – they almost invariably come at a steep price, often with lasting negative impacts on your character and the narrative. In most cases, refusing her deals and finding alternative solutions is the wiser, if more challenging, path. She is a Green Hag, after all, and dealing with Hags is seldom a pleasant experience. You can learn more about games and learning at the Games Learning Society, https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Understanding Auntie Ethel’s Deals

Auntie Ethel presents several opportunities for “assistance” throughout Act 1. These include:

• Offering a Stat Boost in Exchange for Mayrina: After weakening Ethel in her lair, she proposes letting her keep Mayrina in exchange for a permanent stat boost.

• “Removing” the Parasite: She claims she can remove the Mind Flayer parasite, but ultimately fails. However, complaining about her broken deal can yield Auntie Ethel’s Charm.

• Taking Your Eye: A truly terrible offer that results in a permanent debuff.

Each of these interactions requires careful consideration of the potential benefits versus the inevitable drawbacks.

The Pitfalls of Dealing with a Hag

Hags in Dungeons & Dragons lore (and therefore in Baldur’s Gate 3) are creatures of deception and manipulation. They rarely offer anything without expecting something far more valuable in return. Here’s why trusting Auntie Ethel is generally a bad idea:

• Illusory Promises: Her promises are often misleading or outright lies. She may claim to help but intentionally sabotage the process to gain leverage over you.

• Debilitating Consequences: Accepting her “help” frequently leads to permanent debuffs, reduced stats, or other long-lasting negative effects that outweigh any initial benefits.

• Moral Implications: Supporting Ethel perpetuates her evil actions and contributes to the suffering of others, specifically Mayrina and the masked victims.

• Missed Opportunities: Refusing her offers often unlocks alternative quests, rewards, and character development opportunities that are far more rewarding in the long run.

Weighing the Options

While rejecting Ethel’s advances is generally the safest bet, there are a couple of situations where calculated interaction might be considered.

• The Stat Boost (with caution): If you are confident in your ability to manage the consequences (both in-game and morally), bargaining with Ethel for the stat boost could provide a small edge. Be aware that this comes at the cost of Mayrina’s life and the potential for future repercussions.

• Auntie Ethel’s Charm: This is a possible outcome when you allow her to try and remove the parasite and then complain about her breaking the deal.

Even in these scenarios, the long-term costs often outweigh the short-term gains. Remember that Baldur’s Gate 3 is a game that rewards strategic thinking and moral choices, and siding with evil rarely leads to a truly satisfying outcome. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the intersection of education and gameplay.

Alternative Solutions and Moral High Ground

Fortunately, Baldur’s Gate 3 provides numerous alternative ways to gain power, progress the story, and help those in need without resorting to deals with devils (or, in this case, hags).

• Saving Mayrina: Prioritize saving Mayrina, either by defeating Ethel or cleverly outmaneuvering her. This is not only the morally correct choice but also unlocks potential quest rewards and character development.

• Seeking Alternative Healers: Explore other options for dealing with the parasite, such as seeking out the help of more trustworthy NPCs or pursuing alternative magical solutions.

• Strategic Combat: Develop your party’s combat skills, utilize tactical positioning, and exploit enemy weaknesses to overcome challenges without relying on questionable power boosts.

Conclusion: Choose Wisely

Ultimately, the decision of whether to let Auntie Ethel “help” you rests with you. However, by understanding the inherent risks and potential consequences, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your character’s values and your desired gameplay experience. Remember, in Baldur’s Gate 3, the path of righteousness is often the more rewarding one, even if it presents more immediate challenges. Don’t let a Hag trick you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Auntie Ethel

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Auntie Ethel and how to deal with her in Baldur’s Gate 3:

1. Should I tell Auntie Ethel about the parasite?

Yes, telling her about the parasite is necessary to progress certain questlines and see her offers. However, don’t expect her to actually remove it successfully. It’s part of her deceptive game.

2. What happens if you tell Auntie Ethel about the parasite?

She feigns concern and offers to help, leading you back to her lair. She attempts to remove the parasite but claims it’s been “tampered with” and cannot be removed. Complaining about the broken deal grants Auntie Ethel’s Charm.

3. Should I let Auntie Ethel remove the parasite?

Absolutely not. She doesn’t actually remove the parasite. Her attempt is a ruse that ultimately fails and can lead to complications. If you do let her try, make sure you complain afterward to get Auntie Ethel’s Charm.

4. How do I save Mayrina from Auntie Ethel?

Focus on either defeating Ethel or disabling the cage she’s trapped in. The cage will be set ablaze, so act quickly to douse the flames or disable the fire source. You need to send someone over to the control orb on the far side of the room to save her.

5. Should you let Auntie Ethel take your eye?

Never! Allowing her to take your eye grants you a permanent debuff: a decrease in Perception and Disadvantage on any attack against her. It’s a terrible deal with no redeeming qualities.

6. What level should I be at Auntie Ethel?

While it’s possible to “cheese” the fight at lower levels, aiming for level 4 or 5 is generally recommended for a fair and manageable encounter. A low-level party can “cheese” the encounter.

7. How do you beat Auntie Ethel?

Focus fire on Ethel to bring her down quickly. Be mindful of her illusions and summons. Douse the flames on Mayrina’s cage and disable the traps in her lair. Alternatively, you can use Thunderwave to toss Auntie Ethel off a cliff.

8. Does Auntie Ethel come back?

Yes, after Ethel escapes into her fireplace, instead of heading into her lair, she comes back to play. You will encounter Auntie Ethel again later in the game.

9. Does Auntie Ethel remove the tadpole?

No. Auntie Ethel does not remove the tadpole. She claims she can, but her attempt is a deception and ultimately fails.

10. What happens if you let the hag kiss your eye?

Letting the hag kiss your eye results in a permanent decrease in Perception and Disadvantage on any attack against her. It’s a detrimental choice.

11. What do Auntie Ethel’s potions do?

Auntie Ethel’s Potions have varying effects: *A Mother’s Loathing: Grants the Bite attack. *Broken Promises: Permanently grants +2 Strength but takes 1 Strength away after every lost rest. *Faltering Will: Applies disadvantage on Wisdom saving throws.

12. What is the reward of Auntie Ethel’s hair?

The reward of Auntie Ethel’s Hair is a +1 bonus to any ability score of your choice. This is a permanent stat increase.

13. How to help Mayrina after killing Ethel?

After defeating Ethel, the cage will lower, and Mayrina will be free. Be prepared for an emotional outburst from her, and consider helping her with her subsequent quest.

14. Can Raphael remove the tadpole?

Raphael offers to remove the tadpole later in the game (around the end of Act 1), presenting a different kind of Faustian bargain. Be wary of his motives and the potential consequences.

15. How do you get stat boost from Auntie Ethel?

Leave 1 character completely out of combat hiding around the corner before starting the fight. Combat Ethel with the rest of your party until she stops combat to bargain with you. (If she starts her turn with a low amount of health, this will occur) Win the dice roll to get the stat increase.