Discover the secrets lurking behind the enchanting facade of the Riverside Teahouse in Baldur’s Gate 3, a seemingly idyllic refuge nestled within the Sunlit Wetlands. What appears to be a charming retreat is actually the deceptive lair of Auntie Ethel, a cunning hag with a penchant for illusion and mischief. As players navigate this treacherous locale, they must unravel the mysteries hidden beneath its surface—where every corner could lead to danger or revelation. Will you see through the illusions and confront the dark truths that await?
Teahouse and Sunlit Wetlands – important places
The Riverside Teahouse, located within the Sunlit Wetlands, is a pivotal setting in Baldur’s Gate 3. Initially appearing as a quaint teahouse, it is actually the lair of Auntie Ethel, a deceptive hag who uses illusions to mask her true nature and intentions. Players encounter significant narrative elements here, including a confrontation between Auntie Ethel and two brothers searching for their sister, Mayrina. This location not only serves as a hub for quests but also challenges players to look beyond its charming facade to uncover the darker secrets hidden within, such as the illusory traps and the true identity of its inhabitants. The transition from Riverside Teahouse to Gnarled Teahouse upon breaking the illusion marks a critical turning point in the storyline, enhancing the immersive experience of this enchanting yet treacherous environment.
Johl, Demir and Auntie Ethel. On the way to the Teahouse, you can witness a confrontation – brothers Johl and Demir are arguing with Aunt Ethel about their sister Mayrina’s alleged abduction by an old woman. You can choose how you want to behave. The first main variant is siding with Auntie Ethel – you have to kill the men. The second option is to start questioning Aunt Ethel – the old lady gets angry and disappears.
If you didn’t kill the brothers, you can offer to help them find Mayrina. The brothers are found dead a little bit later, though the quest to locate Mayrina can continue regardless. You can read more about this on the page: Save Mayrina.
Spiked traps in the water. They are spread all over the area. They can be found by passing a perception skill check – walk slowly and stop immediately after receiving information that you can do this test. Entering the trap will lead to bleeding status for several rounds.
You can jump or avoid the traps you find. You can also look for other passages.
Teahouse. This is the location where Aunt Ethel / the witch lives.
A fallen tree over the abyss. This is an alternative route to the goblin camp. Don’t climb the tree with a few heroes at the same time, or it will break and you will fall.
Important NPCs
The Riverside Teahouse, also known as the Gnarled Teahouse, is home to several significant NPCs that players encounter during their journey in Baldur’s Gate 3. Auntie Ethel, the primary figure, is a powerful hag who initially appears as a helpful old woman but harbors dark secrets, including her involvement in the abduction of a character named Mayrina. Players must navigate complex interactions with her, which can lead to various outcomes depending on their choices. Additionally, Mayrina, the kidnapped sister, plays a crucial role in the narrative, as players seek to rescue her from Auntie Ethel’s clutches. Other notable characters include Johl and Demir, brothers who confront Auntie Ethel about their sister’s disappearance, offering players a moral dilemma that can influence their relationship with Ethel. These interactions are pivotal to the unfolding story within the teahouse and the broader quest to save Mayrina.
Frog. You can talk to a frog (magic/potion required – for more details see the How to speak with Animals? page) or pass an Animal Handling skill check. Failing it can lead to a fight with the amphibian. The Frog is able to reveal more information about Aunt Ethel and offer a reward after dealing with the witch.
Auntie Ethel/witch. You can encounter the old woman in the Druid Grove where she sells goods and offers to meet in her cabin to remove the parasite.
Upon entering the Teahouse, it will turn out that Auntie Ethel is indeed responsible for kidnapping Mayrina. The encounter with Ethel is very elaborate – it may involve getting rid of the parasite (a failed eye experiment) and wanting to free Mayrina. Angry Ethel can teleport to her hideout (a passage behind the fireplace leads to it) and send monsters on the heroes.
What secrets lie hidden within the Riverside Teahouse
The Riverside Teahouse, also known as the Gnarled Teahouse, is a deceptive location in Baldur’s Gate 3, shrouded in illusions and dark secrets. Here, Auntie Ethel, a cunning hag, resides, masking her true nature behind a facade of hospitality. The Teahouse’s enchanting exterior belies its sinister reality, as players soon discover that the lush surroundings are merely a cover for the dank, treacherous swamp beneath.
Secrets Within the Teahouse
- Illusions and Deceptions: The Riverside Teahouse is not what it seems; it’s an illusion that can be broken through various means, such as seeing through the ruse while in the Sunlit Wetlands or confronting Auntie Ethel directly.
- Hidden Passageways: Approaching the fireplace reveals an illusory wall that leads to Auntie Ethel’s true lair, the Overgrown Tunnel. This hidden area is filled with remnants of her past victims, showcasing the consequences of her dark bargains.
- The Well’s Dark Secret: A seemingly innocuous well near the entrance offers a tempting reward—temporary hit points—but at a cost. Once the illusion is dispelled, it reveals a foul reality filled with dead flesh, highlighting the Teahouse’s grim nature.
- Auntie Ethel’s True Form: Players must navigate complex interactions with Ethel, who can shift between her charming guise and her fearsome hag form. Engaging with her can lead to dire consequences, including combat encounters and moral dilemmas regarding her sinister deals.
- Victims of the Hag: Inside the Overgrown Tunnel, players encounter various victims of Ethel’s manipulations, including petrified and tormented souls, serving as a haunting reminder of the risks involved in dealing with her.
The Riverside Teahouse is a pivotal location where players must discern truth from illusion and navigate moral complexities to uncover the full extent of Auntie Ethel’s dark influence.
What happens if you drink from the well in the Riverside Teahouse
Drinking from the well at the Riverside Teahouse in Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a unique and intriguing gameplay mechanic. Upon interacting with the well, players are presented with a choice to drink from it, which triggers a cutscene revealing that the well is filled with bodies. Despite this gruesome revelation, if players choose to drink, they receive the Refreshed condition, which increases their maximum hit points by until their next long rest.
However, players should be cautious about the timing of their decision. If they drink from the well before confronting Auntie Ethel, the hag who owns the Teahouse, they benefit from the hit point increase. But once they engage Ethel, she can manipulate the effects of the well. Drinking from it after this confrontation can lead to negative consequences, such as being afflicted with debuffs that make characters vulnerable to psychic and acid damage.
In summary, while drinking from the well can provide a substantial temporary boost in health, it is essential for players to consider their strategy and timing regarding encounters with Auntie Ethel to avoid potential pitfalls.
