What Happens If You Accept Ethel’s Deal?
Accepting Ethel’s deal in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a significant decision with lasting consequences. If you choose to trust Auntie Ethel and agree to her offer to remove the parasite from your head, you’ll be transported to her lair. What follows is a harrowing experience where she attempts to extract the parasite, but fails miserably and blinds one of your eyes. You gain the permanent debuff “Paid the Price“, which results in -1 to all Attack Rolls, Ability Checks, and Saving Throws. While you might have hoped for a quick cure, you instead receive a permanent penalty that impacts gameplay.
The Grim Reality of Ethel’s Cure
Auntie Ethel, despite her seemingly helpful offer, is a deceptive and dangerous hag. Her “cure” is nothing more than a cruel trick. By agreeing to the deal, you subject your character to a painful and ultimately unsuccessful procedure. The Paid the Price debuff is a constant reminder of your poor judgment and the consequences of trusting a clearly untrustworthy individual.
Immediate Consequences
Immediately after the procedure, you’ll notice the following:
- One eye is permanently gone. Visually, your character will now have an empty socket where one eye used to be. This is purely cosmetic but adds to the immersion and highlights the severity of the situation.
- You receive the “Paid the Price” debuff. This is the core consequence and what truly impacts gameplay. The -1 penalty to all rolls is noticeable throughout the game, making combat and skill checks slightly more challenging.
- A lingering sense of betrayal. Your character will likely react with anger and frustration at being so blatantly deceived.
Long-Term Implications
The Paid the Price debuff is permanent. There is no known way to remove it within the game. This means you’ll be carrying this penalty for the entirety of your playthrough. While -1 to all rolls might seem insignificant at first, it accumulates over time and can be the difference between success and failure, especially in crucial moments.
Story and Roleplaying Considerations
Accepting Ethel’s deal and suffering the consequences can be a powerful roleplaying opportunity. It can shape your character’s personality and motivations. You might become more cautious and distrustful of others, or you might become determined to seek revenge against Ethel. This event can also influence your relationship with your companions, as they may react to your decision with sympathy, disappointment, or even anger.
Combat and Skill Checks
The -1 to all Attack Rolls, Ability Checks, and Saving Throws will directly affect your ability to succeed in combat and skill checks. In combat, your chance to hit enemies and your ability to avoid enemy attacks will be slightly reduced. When making skill checks, such as Persuasion, Deception, or Athletics, your chances of success will also be diminished. While this penalty isn’t game-breaking, it can be frustrating, especially in situations where you’re already facing challenging odds.
Is There Any Benefit to Accepting Ethel’s Deal?
Honestly, no. There is no tangible benefit to accepting Ethel’s deal. You don’t receive any valuable items, abilities, or information. The only outcome is a permanent debuff that negatively impacts your gameplay. This is a clear-cut case where refusing the deal is the objectively better choice.
Alternatives to Ethel’s “Cure”
Fortunately, there are alternative ways to deal with the parasite within your head. One of the main storylines involves seeking out a true cure, and your companions will have their own opinions and ideas on how to proceed. Trusting these allies and pursuing legitimate leads is a far safer and more effective approach than relying on Ethel’s dubious methods.
The Moral of the Story
Ethel’s deal serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of trusting strangers, especially those who seem too good to be true. It highlights the importance of critical thinking, careful decision-making, and seeking out reliable sources of information. Baldur’s Gate 3 is filled with choices that have significant consequences, and Ethel’s deal is a prime example of this.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ethel’s Deal
1. Can the “Paid the Price” debuff be removed?
No. As of the current version of the game, the “Paid the Price” debuff is permanent and cannot be removed through any known means, including spells, potions, or character respec.
2. Does Ethel actually remove the parasite?
No. Ethel’s “cure” is a complete sham. She doesn’t remove the parasite; she only inflicts a permanent injury.
3. What happens if I try to fight Ethel during the procedure?
If you attack Ethel during the procedure, combat will initiate. However, even if you defeat her, you will still suffer the loss of your eye and receive the “Paid the Price” debuff. Avoiding the deal altogether is the best option.
4. Does the “Paid the Price” debuff affect all my characters?
No. The “Paid the Price” debuff only affects the character who agreed to Ethel’s deal. It does not impact your other party members.
5. Is there any way to avoid losing my eye if I accept the deal?
No. Accepting the deal guarantees the loss of your eye and the “Paid the Price” debuff. There is no way to avoid this outcome.
6. Does the game warn me about the consequences of accepting Ethel’s deal?
The game provides subtle hints about Ethel’s true nature, but it doesn’t explicitly warn you about the loss of your eye. You need to pay attention to dialogue and environmental clues to understand the risks involved.
7. Does having a high Wisdom or Insight skill help me avoid being tricked by Ethel?
While a high Wisdom or Insight skill can help you detect Ethel’s deception, it won’t prevent her from blinding you if you agree to the deal. The deal itself is the trigger for the negative outcome.
8. Can I get my eye back later in the game?
No. There is currently no known way to restore your lost eye in Baldur’s Gate 3. The cosmetic change and the debuff are permanent.
9. Does the loss of an eye affect my character’s vision in gameplay?
While you visually see that your character has lost an eye, it doesn’t actually impact the gameplay mechanics of vision or perception. The only gameplay effect is the “Paid the Price” debuff.
10. What are the best alternatives to dealing with the parasite early in the game?
The best approach is to follow the main storyline quests and explore various leads regarding the parasite’s origins and potential cures. Trust your companions and work together to find a legitimate solution.
11. Does Ethel’s deal impact my relationship with my companions?
Yes, your companions may react negatively to your decision to trust Ethel, especially after suffering the consequences. This can affect your approval rating with them and potentially impact the storyline.
12. Does the “Paid the Price” debuff stack with other negative effects?
Yes. The “Paid the Price” debuff stacks with other negative effects that reduce attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws. This can make challenging encounters even more difficult.
13. Is accepting Ethel’s deal considered a bad choice in terms of story progression?
While it doesn’t lock you out of any major story paths, accepting Ethel’s deal is generally considered a poor choice due to the permanent debuff and the missed opportunity to handle the parasite situation in a more strategic and informed way.
14. Does playing on a higher difficulty level make the “Paid the Price” debuff more impactful?
Yes. On higher difficulty levels, every point matters. The -1 to all rolls from the “Paid the Price” debuff can be significantly more noticeable and detrimental in challenging encounters.
15. Does the race or class of my character affect the outcome of Ethel’s deal?
No. The race and class of your character do not affect the outcome of Ethel’s deal. Regardless of your background, accepting the deal will always result in the loss of your eye and the “Paid the Price” debuff.
In conclusion, accepting Ethel’s deal is a decision best avoided. The consequences are severe and permanent, offering no tangible benefits in return. Trust your instincts, explore alternative solutions, and learn from the mistakes of others who have fallen victim to Ethel’s treachery. Your eyes (and your character’s overall performance) will thank you.