In the mystical realm of Baldur’s Gate 3, the Druid Grove stands as a sanctuary fraught with tension and intrigue. As adventurers traverse this lush haven, they encounter not only the serene beauty of nature but also the looming threat of conflict between the Druids and the Tiefling refugees seeking shelter within its sacred bounds. Central to this turmoil is the Idol of Silvanus, a powerful artifact that could tip the scales in an escalating struggle. Will you ally with the Druids to protect their sacred rites, or will you dare to steal the idol and ignite a war? The choices you make in this enchanted grove will shape your destiny and that of its inhabitants.
Emerald Grove – important places
Emerald Grove, a pivotal location in Baldur’s Gate 3, is rich with significant sites that enhance gameplay and narrative depth. Key areas include the Secluded Chamber, where players can encounter important NPCs like Zevlor, and the Underground Passage, a secret route that offers alternative access to the grove. The Tieflings Hideout serves as a refuge for characters seeking safety from external threats, while various quests such as “Save the Refugees” and “Investigate Kagha” unfold throughout this vibrant setting. Additionally, the grove is home to valuable items and crucial interactions that impact the game’s storyline, making it essential for players to explore thoroughly.
A group of goblins. They appear once you approach the grove’s gate. You must defeat them to use this entrance. People from the Grove will help you win this battle.
Stone door. This is a secret entrance to an underground passage that you can discover by passing a skill check. Exploring this location allows you to access Druid Grove in an alternative way. There is a backpack with thief’s tools and other loot nearby.
Prison. A goblin named Sazza is being held in a cage. You can let a tiefling shoot her dead or stand in front of the cage and stop the execution by passing a skill check (failing triggers combat). You can then ask Sazza about the goblin healer, open her cage (use the thief’s tools) and help her escape from the Grove. If you save Sazza, she will help you reach the Goblin Camp.
Silvanus Idol. It is located in the central part of the area where the druid ritual is performed. You can steal it as a quest for Mol. The idol guarantees blessings (bonuses to Nature and Animal Handling).
A group of clerics. You’ll meet two clerics watching over their dying friend. They’ll attack you if you tell them you’ve survived the shipwreck. You can also offer to help them kill the Owlbear in its den.
Emerald Grove – Companions
Emerald Grove is a pivotal location in Baldur’s Gate 3, serving as the home of several key companions who can join your party. Among them, Wyll, the warlock known as the “Blade of Frontiers,” can be found fighting against goblins at the grove’s entrance, eager to assist in your quest. Halsin, the First Druid of the Emerald Grove, plays a crucial role in the storyline, and players must rescue him from captivity in the goblin camp to recruit him. Additionally, Karlach, a tiefling barbarian with a complex past, may also be encountered here, adding depth to your party dynamics. Each companion brings unique abilities and storylines that enhance gameplay and enrich the narrative experience as players navigate the challenges of the grove and beyond.
Wyll is a warlock encountered during your first visit to the Emerald Grove. You’ll find him on the training grounds.
Underground Passage
The Underground Passage in Baldur’s Gate 3 serves as a hidden route connecting the Emerald Grove to the surrounding forest, allowing players to bypass the main entrance of the Druid Grove. Accessible through two stone doors—one concealed by vegetation and another located within the Makeshift Prison—this area is fraught with challenges, including magical guardian statues that pose a threat to unwary adventurers. Players must utilize stealth and clever tactics to navigate past these hazards while seeking valuable loot, such as the Charred Key and Nature’s Snare staff. Additionally, rescuing the druid Findal from goblin captors adds an important quest element to this treacherous locale, making it a crucial stop for those exploring Act One of the game.
The Underground Passage is a dungeon underneath the Druid Grove. You can access it through three different entrances:
- The secret stone door left of the Druid Grove entrance. You have to pass a skillcheck to use it.
- The stone door next to the makeshift prison – pictured above. This is the best choice if you intend to help Sazza escape the grove.
- The secret passage in the Emerald Grove. Its location is included in the description of this bonus location.
In the dungeon, you can encounter a group of goblins led by Findal. The easiest way to surprise your opponents is to begin your exploration of the Underground passage from the south as you can then shove one of the goblins into a pit and attack the other ones from high ground.
Pictured above, near the water, is a corpse holding a Charred Key. You can use the key to unlock one of the exits from this dungeon.
In the southern part of the passage is a trapped heavy chest. The trap is very dangerous, so you should identify it (skillcheck) and disarm it. The chest contains gold and a green staff – Nature’s Snare.
The Guardian Statue shown in the picture is also a dangerous trap, dealing tons of damage from a distance. You can use your own ranged attacks to destroy it.
Secluded Chamber
The Secluded Chamber serves as a crucial location within the Emerald Grove in Baldur’s Gate 3, specifically during Act One. This chamber acts as a temporary base for Zevlor and the tieflings, providing a safe haven amidst the chaos surrounding them. Accessible through a stone door in the Hollow, this area features a ladder leading to a cliff that overlooks the Risen Road, offering strategic views and potential escape routes. The chamber not only plays a role in the narrative but also contains valuable resources and opportunities for players to explore as they navigate the challenges of the Druid Grove.
The Secluded Chamber entrance is the stone door in the western part of the Druid Grove.
Inside you’ll find Zevlor, who you can meet during the Save the Refugees quest. There is also a ladder here you can climb to reach the waterfall area at the back of the Grove.
Tieflings Hideout
The Tiefling Hideout in Baldur’s Gate 3 serves as a secretive refuge for a group of tiefling children, primarily led by a character named Mol. Located within the Emerald Grove, this hidden area can only be accessed through specific means, such as being invited or squeezing through narrow openings. The hideout is not just a sanctuary; it acts as a base for various schemes and activities, including pickpocketing unsuspecting adventurers. Players can engage with Mol to initiate quests and trade items, but entering without her approval may lead to confrontations with the guards outside, adding an element of risk to exploring this intriguing location.
The access to the hideout is linked to Doni, who resides in the northern part of the Druid Grove. He’ll disappear after the first meeting, but you can return here after saving Mirkon from the harpies. This will give you access to the hideout. It has two entrances – you can use a hidden hatch next to Doni (pictured above) or a passageway at a rock crevice located a little further east, next to the waterfall.
Inside the hideout is Mol, who can give you the Steal the Sacred Idol quest.
If you were unable to save the boy from the harpies, you can discover this place through skill checks while talking to Doni.
Kagha and Nettie
Kagha and Nettie are two significant characters within the Druid Grove of Baldur’s Gate 3, each embodying contrasting ideals and roles. Kagha, the temporary leader of the druids, is often viewed as authoritarian and antagonistic, particularly towards the Tiefling refugees, as she seeks to enforce her vision of order and purity within the grove. Her actions, including the controversial Rite of Thorns, create tension among the druids and players alike. In contrast, Nettie serves as a healer within the Inner Sanctum, providing assistance to players seeking to cure Mind Flayer parasites. However, her demeanor can be unsettling; she pressures players for information and offers dubious remedies, including a vial of poison. The interactions with both characters significantly influence the narrative and player choices in the game, highlighting themes of power, morality, and survival in a world fraught with conflict.
There are stone chambers within the Emerald Grove. The entrance is near the ritual site. It’s an important location tied to one of the main quests.
During your first visit you’ll witness an important scene revolving around the Archdruid Kagha, Rath and Arabella. Depending on your chosen dialogue and passed skill checks, the girl could live or die here, while the Druids could possibly turn hostile.
In the Druid’s Chambers you’ll find Nettie, who you need to talk to for one of the main quests. You can accept a vial of poison from her and promise you’ll drink it when you feel yourself transforming. Otherwise, she’ll try to poison you herself.
The final room is the Enclave Library. There are 4 stone slabs for runes in the Library. They are connected to a puzzle, which we described in detail on the Stone slabs with runes in Emerald Grove page. Completing the puzzle will unlock a secret vault with valuable items.
Passing a Perception skill check will reveal the secret passage pictured above. After successfully picking a lock, you can move to an Underground Passage, but you’ll come into contact with a poison cloud. You can use this passage if Nettie traps you in the library, or if you want to access the parasite notes and Halsin’s journal in the library without meeting Nettie.
Emerald Grove – important NPCs
Emerald Grove is home to several key NPCs that play vital roles in the unfolding narrative of Baldur’s Gate 3. Kagha, the acting leader of the druids, is central to the tensions between the druids and the Tiefling refugees, as she believes their presence exacerbates the threat from nearby goblins. Alfira, a tiefling bard, can be found struggling with her music but offers unique rewards if kept alive through the game. Rolan, a sorcerer with a contentious relationship with his family, presents players with moral choices that affect his fate and loyalty. Other notable characters include Nettie, who tends to injured creatures, and Auntie Ethel, a hag whose fate can significantly impact the storyline. Each NPC not only enriches the lore of the Emerald Grove but also influences player decisions and outcomes throughout the game.
Trader Arron.Arron sells potions, magic scrolls, various types of arrows, sets for opening locks and disarming traps, torches, melee weapons, and clothes.
Trader Dammon.Sells different kinds of arrows, melee and ranged weapons, shields, and various pieces of armor.
What are the best strategies to sneak past the Druids and steal the Idol of Silvanus
To successfully sneak past the Druids and steal the Idol of Silvanus in Baldur’s Gate 3, you can employ several strategic methods. Here are the best approaches:
Preparation Steps
- Initiate the Quest: Start by speaking with Mol, a Tiefling child, after completing the necessary tasks to earn her trust. This will activate the quest to steal the idol.
- Stop the Ritual: Before attempting to steal the idol, find a way to stop the Druids’ ritual, as they need the idol for it. Exposing Kagha is a common method that can halt the ritual without direct confrontation.
Stealth Strategies
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Use Spells for Concealment:
- Fog Cloud or Darkness: Cast these spells to obscure the area around the idol. This will allow you to move in closer without being seen and makes it easier to grab the idol unnoticed.
- Utilize Mage Hand: If available, use the spell Mage Hand to manipulate the idol from a distance, although this method may have been patched in later updates. If it works, you can throw it out of sight before retrieving it4.
- Distract with Performance: Position a Bard character nearby and use their performance abilities to draw the attention of nearby Druids away from the idol, allowing your stealthiest character to make a move.
- Timing is Key: Wait for moments when Druids are distracted or not facing the idol. Crouch and approach when their attention is diverted, ensuring that you pick up the idol swiftly.
Execution
- Grab and Go: Once you have successfully taken the idol, immediately fast-travel back to your camp or another safe location before any Druids can react or confront you.
- Deception or Intimidation Check: If you are caught after taking the idol, be prepared to pass a Deception or Intimidation check to convince the Druids that you were not involved in the theft.
By following these strategies, you can effectively navigate through Druid Grove’s defenses and secure the Idol of Silvanus without triggering a full-scale conflict with the Druids.
What are some creative ways to distract the Druids while stealing the Idol
To creatively distract the Druids while attempting to steal the Idol of Silvanus in Baldur’s Gate 3, consider employing these engaging strategies:
Spell-Based Distractions
- Fog Cloud or Darkness: Cast Fog Cloud (Level 1) or Darkness (Level 2) to obscure the area around the idol. This will create a visual barrier, allowing you to sneak in without being detected while the Druids are disoriented by the sudden change in visibility.
- Illusion Spells: If you have access to illusion spells, use them to create sounds or images that draw the Druids’ attention away from the idol. Spells like Minor Illusion can be effective for this purpose.
Bardic Performance
- Bard’s Performance: Position a Bard character near the Sacred Pool and use their performance abilities to mesmerize nearby Druids. Successfully passing a Performance Check can divert their focus, allowing your stealthiest character to approach the idol unnoticed.
Environmental Manipulation
- Throwing Objects: Use objects in the environment to create noise elsewhere. For instance, toss a rock or any small item away from your intended path to lure the Druids away from the idol’s location.
- Mage Hand Trick: Utilize Mage Hand to manipulate objects from a distance. You can throw a distraction item or even attempt to move the idol itself out of sight temporarily, making it easier for your party member to grab it.
Timing and Movement
- Timing with Ritual Interruptions: Wait for moments when the Druids are particularly engaged in their ritual chants or distracted by other events in the grove. This is often when they are least likely to notice your movements.
- Fast Travel Tactics: After successfully stealing the idol, if you find yourself caught, consider using fast travel immediately after grabbing it. This can sometimes allow you to escape confrontation altogether.
By combining these tactics, you can effectively create distractions that will enable you to steal the Idol of Silvanus with minimal risk of detection and conflict with the Druids.
