In Baldur’s Gate 3, players encounter numerous pivotal moments where their decisions profoundly influence the narrative trajectory. One such crucial juncture arises when Volothamp Geddarm, more commonly referred to as Volo, boldly proposes a solution to rid the player character of the mindflayer parasite—a potential game-altering development in the overarching story.
Considering the player's prior interactions with Volo, which include him antagonizing a bear and reluctantly entertaining goblins at a party, it's understandable that hesitation might arise. Can Volo truly be trusted to undertake such a critical procedure? Explore this guide to uncover the ramifications of entrusting the dubious bard-turned-surgeon with your parasite predicament.
Letting Volo Extract The Parasite
Upon liberating Volo from the goblin encampment at the Shattered Sanctum, he expresses immense gratitude and willingly accompanies you back to your camp.
Subsequently, when engaging with him at the campsite, you'll have the opportunity to confide in him about the mindflayer parasite lodged in your brain. Reacting with genuine concern, Volo promptly commits himself to delving into research to address your predicament.
Following a period of rest, Volo will seek you out and excitedly announce that he has devised a solution to your woes. At this juncture, you'll be presented with the choice of permitting him to proceed with his proposed "fix".
However, if you happen to possess the Hag's Eye already, you'll find yourself unable to pursue this avenue further.
Should you consent to Volo's proposed solution, he will proceed with his attempts to extract the parasite using a needle initially. When this proves ineffective, he will resort to a more drastic measure—utilizing an ice pick in a desperate bid. Throughout this harrowing procedure, you'll have ample opportunities to intervene and halt his actions. However, you also retain the option to passively allow him to continue unabated.
Should you opt to endure the entirety of the process, it culminates in a grim outcome—Volo inadvertently inflicts upon you a grievous injury, resulting in the loss of your sight in a distressingly gruesome turn of events.
Furthermore, your companions will overwhelmingly express their disapproval of your decision to permit Volo to employ such a perilous method. Their condemnation of your choice is entirely understandable, given the extreme and reckless nature of the procedure.
Ironically, amidst the aftermath of this eye-opening ordeal, there emerges a glimmer of hope. Following Volo's rather awkward exit after his failed attempt, he seeks to make amends for the debacle by presenting you with a magical replacement: Volo's Ersatz Eye.
This enchanted ocular prosthetic grants you the ability to perceive invisibility—an invaluable asset, particularly in confrontations against elusive adversaries such as fey creatures like hags or duergar in the depths of the Underdark. It's worth noting, however, that incorporating this magical eye into your arsenal necessitates sacrificing your amulet slot.
For those who prefer to bypass the distressing scene altogether but still desire the benefits of the magical eye, there exists an alternative albeit grim option—you can choose to eliminate Volo and acquire the eye from his remains. Undoubtedly, this recourse is not for the faint of heart.
