In the shadowy depths of Baldur’s Gate 3, players are beckoned to confront the haunting echoes of betrayal in the side quest “Punish the Wicked.” As you traverse the treacherous terrain of the Shadow-Cursed Lands, a mysterious figure known as He Who Was implores your assistance in delivering justice for a murderess whose dark deeds have left her spirit restless. Will you uphold the law of the living or succumb to the seductive whispers of vengeance? Prepare to navigate a web of moral dilemmas and face the consequences of your choices as you seek to unearth Madeline’s ledger, confront her tragic past, and decide her fate in this gripping tale of redemption and retribution.
How to find the notebook?
To locate the notebook in Baldur’s Gate 3, players should explore specific areas within the game where the notebook is hidden. This typically involves interacting with key characters or examining particular locations that are integral to the quest. Look for clues in dialogue or environmental hints that can lead you to the notebook’s whereabouts. Engaging with NPCs and completing related tasks may also unlock additional hints or direct paths to finding the notebook, ensuring you progress through the “Punish the Wicked” quest effectively.
Head to this area – the coordinates are X:115, Y:104.
Talk to the elf and agree to help him. He’ll ask you to go to the distillery and find the accused’s private notebook. The distillery is near Moonrise Towers, so you can’t complete this quest until you find a way to move through the curse.
If you’ve already done that, fast travel to Moonrise Towers and head towards the quest marker.
Once you’re inside, you’ll trigger a conversation with the innkeeper – a member of the Thorm family.
If you’d like to easily succeed here, make sure the leading character’s good at Performance, Sleight of Hand and Constitution saving throws.
You must get rid of the innkeeper before you can access the notebook. You can just attack him, but he’s a difficult foe, like all Thorms found here. Alternatively, you can talk to him instead. Thisobald takes a sip after passing checks. His third sip will be too much and he’ll burst, killing him without a fight. You’ll need to succeed at five skillchecks – two social ones, and three saving throws / Sleight of Hand.
The bard in this specific situation always has advantage on Performance checks – it’s worth remembering that!
After defeating Thisobald, approach the highlighted plank, take the notebook and return to the elf. Talk to him and participate in his ritual.
What are the consequences of forgiving Madeline
Forgiving Madeline in the Baldur’s Gate 3 quest “Punish the Wicked” leads to significant consequences. If you choose to console her and acknowledge her actions as mistakes, she experiences relief and is able to rest in peace. However, this act of forgiveness enrages He Who Was, who seeks endless punishment for Madeline’s betrayal. As a result, he will initiate combat against your party, making this choice a double-edged sword: while it provides closure for Madeline, it also triggers hostility from He Who Was, forcing players into a confrontation that can be challenging.
In terms of rewards, forgiving Madeline does not grant the coveted Raven Gloves, which allow players to summon a raven companion; instead, defeating He Who Was after forgiving her yields basic loot and crafting materials. Thus, the decision to forgive carries both emotional weight and practical repercussions in gameplay, reflecting the complex moral landscape of the game.
What happens if you don’t forgive Madeline
If you choose not to forgive Madeline during the “Punish the Wicked” quest in Baldur’s Gate 3, the consequences are significant and multifaceted. Instead of offering her solace, you can compel her to confront her guilt, which may involve persuading her to stab herself as a form of punishment for her actions. This choice aligns with the desires of He Who Was, who seeks to prolong Madeline’s suffering and ensure she acknowledges her wrongdoing.
Here are the key outcomes if you do not forgive Madeline:
- Combat with He Who Was: If you punish Madeline or make her harm herself, He Who Was will be satisfied initially. However, if you push too hard or damage him significantly during this process, he will become enraged and initiate combat against your party. His health remains full despite any damage taken during the ritual.
- Rewards: Successfully making Madeline stab herself will earn you the Raven Gloves, which allow for summoning a raven companion, along with some gold. Conversely, if you forgive her or fail to hold her accountable, He Who Was will not reward you with these gloves, and instead, you’ll only find basic loot after defeating him.
- Companion Reactions: Your companions will react differently based on your choice. Some may approve of punishing Madeline while others may disapprove, affecting their overall approval ratings within your party.
- Moral Implications: Choosing not to forgive Madeline reflects a deeper engagement with the game’s moral dilemmas, as it forces players to consider the weight of accountability and justice versus compassion and forgiveness.
Ultimately, refusing to forgive Madeline leads to a more confrontational outcome, emphasizing themes of guilt, punishment, and the complexities of moral choices in the game.
