To beat Auntie Ethel in Baldur's Gate 3, here are effective strategies and tips:
Preparation
- Kill the Redcap enemies outside her lair before starting the fight to reduce difficulty
- Have spells like Fireball, Thunderwave, Fire Bolt, and Bane ready for damage and debuffs
- Carry water or have the Create Water spell to extinguish the fire on Mayrina's cage quickly
- Bring multiple inexpensive throwable items like Smokepowder Barrels to deal area damage
- Rest up and ensure your party is at full health and reasonably leveled (level 10+ recommended)
Fight Strategy
- When the fight starts, Auntie Ethel sets Mayrina's cage on fire; immediately use water spells or throw water barrels to save Mayrina
- Auntie Ethel summons multiple illusory clones of herself; these clones can cast Hold Person and other spells, so quickly dispel or kill them with area-of-effect attacks or spells like Magic Missile, Thunderwave, or Fireball
- Identify the real Auntie Ethel by examining the clones; the real one has the "Fey Life" buff and wears red clothes, while clones wear blue
- Avoid casting spells that trigger her legendary action too often, as she reacts strongly to magic; instead, focus on melee attacks once she is visible
- Use silence spells to prevent her from turning invisible or teleporting, then surround and attack her in melee
- You can "cheese" the fight by using Thunderwave to push her off the nearby cliff for an instant kill
- Alternatively, use Fireball on her location early and then ignite Smokepowder Barrels to try to kill her in one turn
- Keep Mayrina alive throughout the fight, as she may be teleported into danger
Additional Tips
- Use invisibility potions to sneak and free Mayrina before the fight
- Delay the fight until your party has higher levels and better equipment if you find it too difficult
- Summons and familiars can help attack clones without triggering her legendary actions
Following these tactics will help you efficiently defeat Auntie Ethel while saving Mayrina and minimizing party damage.
