Certain calamities in Baldur's Gate 3 are simply unavoidable, even with prior knowledge. Given the game's intricate decision-making, especially in Honour mode, replayability is inherent. Some players opt for entirely new paths with each playthrough to uncover fresh outcomes, while others stick to familiar routes, albeit with the possibility of subtle variations due to dice rolls.
However, even in subsequent playthroughs, some tragedies remain inevitable. Despite meticulous planning, certain plot triggers are subtly presented, leading to potential misunderstandings or oversights. Acting impulsively based on assumptions from prior playthroughs can result in dire consequences for the party. Here's how to navigate these situations prudently and prevent tragedies stemming from misconceptions gleaned from previous gameplay.
Orin Doesn't Always Kidnap Yenna In BG3
In Baldur's Gate 3, it's essential not to jump to conclusions about Yenna; sometimes, she truly is just an innocent child. Players typically encounter Yenna in Act Three, when entering Rivington, a suburb of Baldur's Gate. She seeks help in finding her missing mother, presenting the party with various options: offering aid, seeking a city guard, or delivering a blunt assessment.
Should the party have the ability to speak with animals active, they can converse with Yenna's cat, Grub, whose anxious and secretive demeanor might raise suspicions. However, regardless of the interaction, Yenna and Grub will later appear at camp, providing no further substantial dialogue.
For some players, Yenna and Grub may seem like unfinished content, as they receive more attention than typical NPCs without leading to significant developments. Yet, for others, Yenna becomes pivotal when she is kidnapped and impersonated by Orin the Red, a changeling and major antagonist of Act Three. However, attacking Yenna outright upon meeting her or at camp is unwise, as she may not always be kidnapped by Orin.
If a companion is abducted instead, rescuing them requires considerable effort, involving uncovering Orin's involvement with the Temple of Bhaal, navigating a murder tribunal, and either trading a Netherstone for Yenna's release or passing challenging skill checks. Given the difficulty of these tasks, some companions may not survive, leaving good-aligned parties reluctant to surrender the Netherstone and unsure of achieving the required skill checks.
While it's possible to negotiate with Orin, this aligns more with an evil playthrough. Therefore, some players may choose to eliminate Yenna prematurely to avoid inadvertently harming her or repeating the arduous process. However, this action does not exclude any story content and may only draw disapproval from companions. Ultimately, it's advisable to await Orin's possession of another companion before taking decisive action.
Orin's Target Isn't Random In BG3
How To Tell Who Orin Kidnapped
In Baldur's Gate 3, while there's an element of randomness in Orin's target selection, it's not entirely left to chance and can be predicted or even preempted in subsequent playthroughs. Orin consistently chooses from five potential kidnapping options: Yenna, Lae'zel, Gale, Halsin, or Minthara, with Yenna being specifically included for this purpose. Therefore, if players haven't recruited all these options or if all recruited options are present in the party when Orin's story trigger activates, Yenna will be targeted.
There are multiple triggers for Orin's kidnapping, with the most common being learning about a traitor at camp from Enver Gortash before his coronation. Alternatively, players can discover the kidnapping by visiting the Emperor's hideout in the Lower City, where Orin herself announces the abduction.
Players can influence who gets kidnapped by leaving the intended target at camp when activating either trigger. While this may seem harsh, especially if it's a beloved companion, it can prevent the loss of a more valued friend, particularly if players are concerned about their ability to pass the skill checks required to free them.
Baldur's Gate 3 is replete with intricate decisions, necessitating multiple playthroughs to comprehend various story triggers, their considerations, and their consequences. Experienced players can leverage these dynamic moments by strategically timing certain choices to influence specific outcomes, as with Yenna and Orin. However, attempting to preempt Orin's kidnapping entirely can lead to unintended consequences. Therefore, it's advisable to await Orin's revelation before taking decisive action in Baldur's Gate 3.
