If you’re someone like me, you will love how every choice you make matters in Baldur’s Gate 3. It’s not just “pick this or that”; your decisions can change the game. One of the most captivating challenges you’ll face is during the Aid the Underduke quest. In this mission, you will have to decide whether to side with Stone Lord or Guild in BG3, two rival factions that you encounter in Act 3. But which one should you choose? And what are the consequences of your decision? We’re talking about life-or-death, ally-or-enemy type choices here with each having the results.
There’s a turf war going on, and you have to decide who will be the best companion for you. Should you side with the Stone Lord or keep it classic with the Guild in Baldur’s Gate 3? By the end of this guide, you’ll know which path is packed with the most rewards and epic story beats.
Who are Stone Lord and Guild in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Stone Lord is Minsc, a known character from the previous Baldur’s Gate games. He’s a ranger who roams around with Boo, his adorable miniature giant space hamster. But he is caught up in the web of the Absolute, this dark and mysterious force that’s stirring up trouble in the game. Now, Stone Lord has a big plan to kick off a new criminal Guild in the city, and guess what? He needs your help to pull it off.
Now, on the other side of town, we have the Nine Fingers Guild. They’re the current thieves’ Guild in Baldur’s Gate, led by Nine-Fingers Keene. They might not be typical heroes, but they’ve got their code of honor and a strong sense of loyalty. Further, they’re not fans of the Absolute and its schemes. So, they’re on bad terms with Stone Lord and his crew, and they want you to help put a stop to his ambitious plans.
How to Choose Between Stone Lord and Nine Fingers Guild in BG3?
During Aid the Underduke objective, you’ve got to choose between helping out the Nine Fingers Thieves Guild or throwing in your lot with Stone Lord. It’s a tough call, to be honest, and there’s no clear-cut good choice here. You will need to visit the Guildhall, where both factions are present. Once you’re in, you’ll chat with the Guild master, he will tell you that Minsc is creating the scenes there.
If you decide to side with Stone Lord, get ready to have a showdown with the Guild, including taking out Nine-Fingers Keene. Doing so means you’ll keep Jaheria by your side, who’s a very important companion to have in your party. Moreover, there’s a chance you could persuade the Nine Fingers to join your fight against the Absolute down the line.
But if you’re feeling that the Guild deserves your support, you can side with them instead. Going with that option means you’ll have to confront Stone Lord yourself. The downside is that you’ll miss out on getting Minsc on your part after that. It’s a bit of a dilemma, but that’s what makes it interesting, right?
If you think about who will be a more powerful companion for your adventures ahead and who will help you more during combats, you should choose Stone Lord. It’s a bit of a murky situation, ethically. And just so you know, if you’re looking for a way to wash your hands of the whole mess, there’s no middle-ground choice unless you simply ignore this objective and continue your journey.
Should You Side with Stone Lord or Nine Fingers Guild in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3)?
When you face the moment in Baldur’s Gate 3 where you need to choose between Stone Lord and the Nine Fingers Thieves Guild, it’s kinda like picking your path in a “choose your own adventure” book. Each choice spices up your game’s story and how your squad shapes up.
If you help Stone Lord, you can have Minsc on your team. He’s not only interesting and full of charisma; he’s a loyal friend who’s always got your back, no questions asked. And you will let Jaheira stay with you, too – she’s like the wise mentor who’s seen it all. Stick with the Lord, and she sticks with you, ready to offer her wisdom and support. But you’re helping a new gang take over the city, which might make you ponder over your choices at night.
But if you side with the Nine Fingers Guild, it’s a bit of a bittersweet pill. You’ll have to say goodbye to Jaheira, she is complex and has layers, and losing her is a big deal. Further, you will have to sacrifice Minsc, which means you’ll be missing out on his powerhouse melee skills, which is a tough loss. Moreover, helping the Guild means you’re helping the old guard stay on top, even if they’re not exactly the model of virtue.
Why Siding with Stone Lord is the Better Choice?
When it comes down to choosing between both of these parties in BG3, there’s no right or wrong pick. It’s all about what you feel is right and how you like to play the game. You’re going to be helping out some shady characters in any way, so trying to weigh the moral scales here might not be the best use of your time. Instead, think about how you can play your cards to get the most out of your companion lineup.
The smart move is to team up with Stone Lord first. Minsc is a blast to have around – you don’t want to miss out on his antics. Then, when the opportunity comes in the later part of the tale, you need to help the Nine Fingers Guild, especially when the Zhentarim decide to crash their party. This way, you’re playing both sides to your advantage, gathering a crew that’s as diverse as it is powerful.
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