In the shadowy depths of Act 2 in Baldur’s Gate 3, adventurers encounter the formidable Gerringothe Thorm, the Toll Collector, whose insatiable greed for gold poses a unique challenge. This optional boss, crafted from gold and driven by an endless hunger for wealth, offers players a choice: engage in a perilous battle or outsmart her through clever dialogue. With the right Charisma checks, cunning players can turn the tables and force her to self-destruct, unlocking treasures and the coveted Penny Pincher trophy without drawing a weapon. Will you risk confrontation or employ wits to navigate this treacherous encounter?
Toll Collector Gerringothe Thorm w BG3
In Act 2 of Baldur’s Gate 3, players encounter Gerringothe Thorm, the formidable Toll Collector located in the Reithwin Tollhouse. This unique undead creature, adorned with a golden appearance, demands tribute in the form of gold coins from adventurers wishing to pass. Gerringothe’s insatiable greed manifests as she continuously requests more gold, making it nearly impossible to satisfy her demands through payment alone. Players can either engage in a challenging boss fight or cleverly navigate dialogue options to avoid combat altogether. Successfully passing high Charisma checks allows players to convince her to self-destruct, effectively eliminating the threat while also rewarding them with valuable loot, including gold and unique items like the Twist of Fortune weapon and keys to explore further within the Tollhouse.
In Act 2 BG3, you will come across the Tollhouse while traversing Shadow Curse Lands. This building will be near the cemetery, not far from the road leading to the Moonrise Towers.
On the second floor of the destroyed Tollhouse, you will meet Gerringothe Thorm, a giant golden monster who will demand payment for crossing the river. The collector will not give you any specific amount, and every time you hand her coin, she will demand more.
The fight against Gerringothe Thorm is virtually impossible to win. The monster has exceptionally powerful attacks capable of killing your character instantly. However, there is a way to outsmart it and quickly eliminate the threat.
How to get the Penny Pincher trophy?
To earn the Penny Pincher trophy in Baldur’s Gate 3, players must defeat Gerringothe Thorm, the Toll Collector, without allowing her to utilize gold against them. The key to this achievement lies in engaging her in dialogue rather than resorting to combat. Prioritize characters with high persuasion and charisma skills to navigate the conversation effectively. It’s advisable to save your game before initiating dialogue, as the checks can be challenging. Successfully convincing Gerringothe will lead her to self-destruct, thereby unlocking the trophy without any gold being used in the process. Additionally, consider leaving any gold you possess in your camp before entering the Tollhouse to avoid damage from her abilities linked to your gold count.
Most optional boss fights in BG3 can be easily avoided by cheating or convincing your opponent to agree to a truce. You can reason with Gerringothe Thorm and avoid a fight while earning the Penny Pincher trophy. Choose someone with high Charisma to talk to the golden monster.
Here’s what you need to do when talking to Gerringothe Thorm Toll Collector:
- Ask her what she wants.
- Ask her what you will get in return.
- Give her a coin.
- Ask her how much gold she wants.
- Tell her you won’t give her any more gold.
- Choose one of the Charisma checks and roll a minimum of 18 on the dice.
- Pass another skillcheck by rolling a minimum of 21.
When the conversation ends, the Toll Collector will self-destruct. On her corpse, you will find some gold, the Twist of Fortune weapon, a letter, and the Tollhouse Master’s Office Key.
Tollhouse Master’s Office
The Tollhouse Master’s Office in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a key area located within the Reithwin Tollhouse, accessible via the Tollhouse Master’s Office Key. This room features a Heavy Chest containing the Ironvine Shield, a valuable piece of equipment for players. Additionally, adventurers will encounter rotten floorboards that can be broken to access a lower level with two additional chests, enhancing the exploration experience. A successful Perception check (DC 15) can reveal a hidden button on the wall, allowing players to exit the office without needing to fast travel, making it an essential location for loot and navigation within the game.
You will find the office in the western part of the building, next to the place where you spoke with the Toll Collector. Open the door with the key found near her corpse. There will be some gold and an Ironvine Shield in the large chest near the wardrobe.
After a successful Perception check, you will discover rotten boards on the floor. Destroy the boards with a ranged attack and jump down. Search the room and take all valuable items, like scrolls and arrows. Pass another Perception check to discover a button on the wall that will activate the door leading outside.
How can I reason with Gerringothe Thorm effectively
To effectively reason with Gerringothe Thorm in Baldur’s Gate 3, players must navigate a series of dialogue options and skill checks that exploit her greed and desire for gold. Here’s a structured approach to successfully engage her without resorting to combat:
Initial Engagement
- Start the Conversation: When you approach Gerringothe, she will demand a toll. Begin by asking, “What do you require?” This prompts her to express her need for gold.
Gold Offering
- Offer Gold: Toss her a gold piece to initiate further dialogue. This action will lead to her demanding more, setting the stage for negotiation.
Dialogue Options
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Question Her Demands:
- After tossing a gold piece, ask “If I give you gold, what do I get in return?” This will lead her to promise safe passage.
- Follow up with “How much do you want, exactly?” to gauge her limits.
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Challenge Her Position:
- Use the option “The toll-collector scam is old and uninspired.” This triggers a DC 18 Persuasion check. If successful, it undermines her authority and may lead to her reconsidering her position.
- Alternatively, ask “Why stay in this rotted building? Take your gold and be free.” This also requires a DC 18 Persuasion check.
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Deception or Intimidation:
- If you’re playing as a Rogue or have Astarion in your party, you can use the Deception option: “I’m here to replace you as toll collector.” This can lead to further options that may convince her to relinquish her toll demands.
- An Intimidation option like “I require passage – or your throat will be cut.” can also be effective if your character has high intimidation skills.
Final Negotiation
- Conclude the Dialogue:
- If you’ve successfully navigated the checks, you may convince Gerringothe that continuing her toll collection is futile, potentially leading her to offer you the Signed Trade Visa, which allows safe passage without further demands.
By strategically using these dialogue options and skill checks, players can bypass combat with Gerringothe Thorm, turning her greed against her and securing safe passage through clever negotiation rather than brute force.
What are the best dialogue options to negotiate with Gerringothe Thorm
To effectively negotiate with Gerringothe Thorm in Baldur’s Gate 3, players should utilize specific dialogue options that exploit her greed and challenge her authority. Here are the best strategies and dialogue choices to bypass combat:
Initial Dialogue Options
- Start the Conversation: When prompted, choose “What do you require?” This will lead her to demand gold.
- Offer Gold: Toss her a gold piece to initiate the exchange, but be prepared for her to ask for more.
Key Negotiation Strategies
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Question Her Demands:
- After tossing a gold piece, ask “If I give you gold, what do I get in return?” This will prompt her to promise safe passage.
- Follow up with “How much do you want, exactly?” to clarify her demands.
-
Challenge Her Position:
- Use the option “I don’t hand out so much gold for so little in return.” This can lead to further dialogue options.
- Ask “Why stay in this rotted building? Take your gold and be free.” This requires a DC 18 Persuasion check, which can undermine her confidence.
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Utilize Deception or Intimidation:
- If you have a Rogue or Astarion in your party, use the Deception option: “I’m here to replace you as toll collector.” This can lead to additional dialogue options that may convince her to relinquish her toll demands.
- An Intimidation option like “I require passage – or your throat will be cut.” can also be effective if your character has high intimidation skills.
Final Negotiation
- Conclude the Dialogue:
- If successful in your checks, Gerringothe may become overwhelmed by her greed and self-doubt, leading her to offer you the Signed Trade Visa, allowing safe passage without further tolls.
By strategically using these dialogue options and skill checks, players can effectively negotiate with Gerringothe Thorm, avoiding combat while capitalizing on her greed and insecurities.