How do I recruit the dog Scratch in Baldur's Gate 3?
Recruiting Scratch, the lovable dog in Baldur's Gate 3, is a heartwarming and relatively straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to the game's mechanics and story progression. Scratch is not a traditional companion like Shadowheart or Astarion, but he can join your camp and provide useful benefits, such as helping you find hidden items or offering emotional support. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to recruit Scratch, including mechanics, strategies, and tips to ensure success.
To begin, you need to find Scratch in the wilderness. He is located near the Blighted Village, which is west of the Druid Grove. Specifically, Scratch can be found near the entrance to the village, close to a dead body. The body belongs to ScratchÔÇÖs former owner, who has passed away. When you approach Scratch, he will be guarding the body and may initially appear hostile or defensive. This is where the mechanics of the game come into play. You need to use the "Speak with Animals" spell or a potion that grants the same effect to communicate with Scratch. This spell is available to Druids, Rangers, and some other classes, or you can obtain it through scrolls or potions. If you donÔÇÖt have access to this spell, you can visit a vendor or use a companion who has it.
Once you can speak with Scratch, you need to approach the situation carefully. Scratch is grieving and protective of his ownerÔÇÖs body, so you must choose dialogue options that show empathy and kindness. For example, you can tell him that you understand his loss and that you mean no harm. Avoid aggressive or dismissive responses, as this will cause Scratch to remain hostile or run away. If you successfully calm him down, Scratch will eventually trust you and agree to follow you back to your camp. This is a key moment, as it establishes the bond between you and the dog.
After recruiting Scratch, he will appear in your camp as a permanent resident. He wonÔÇÖt join you in combat or travel with your party, but he will provide useful benefits. For example, Scratch can help you find hidden items by sniffing them out, and he can also boost morale among your companions. Additionally, Scratch has a unique interaction with the Owlbear Cub if you recruit it later, creating a heartwarming dynamic in your camp.
There are a few important tips and considerations to keep in mind when recruiting Scratch. First, make sure you have the "Speak with Animals" ability before approaching him. Without it, you wonÔÇÖt be able to communicate with him effectively, and the encounter may not go as planned. Second, always choose dialogue options that show compassion and understanding. Scratch is a loyal and emotional creature, and he responds best to kindness. Third, be patient. The process of gaining his trust may take a few dialogue exchanges, so donÔÇÖt rush through the conversation.
Common mistakes to avoid include approaching Scratch without the ability to speak with animals, which will make the encounter much more difficult. Additionally, avoid attacking Scratch or his ownerÔÇÖs body, as this will permanently prevent you from recruiting him. Finally, donÔÇÖt ignore Scratch after recruiting him. Interact with him regularly in camp to maintain your bond and unlock his full potential.
Advanced techniques for optimizing your relationship with Scratch include using him to scout for hidden items in your camp or during exploration. While he wonÔÇÖt join you in combat, his ability to find hidden objects can be invaluable, especially in areas with lots of loot. Additionally, if you have the Owlbear Cub in your camp, Scratch will interact with it, creating a unique and heartwarming dynamic that adds depth to your camp experience.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, ScratchÔÇÖs recruitment is a great example of how the game incorporates the "Speak with Animals" spell and animal handling skills. These mechanics are directly inspired by the Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition rules, which allow players to communicate with animals and build relationships with them. The game also uses approval mechanics, similar to those used with humanoid companions, to determine how animals like Scratch respond to your actions and dialogue choices.
In conclusion, recruiting Scratch is a rewarding experience that adds a touch of warmth and companionship to your journey in Baldur's Gate 3. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully recruit him and enjoy the benefits he brings to your camp. Remember to approach the encounter with kindness, use the "Speak with Animals" ability, and interact with Scratch regularly to maintain your bond. With these strategies in mind, youÔÇÖll have a loyal and helpful companion by your side throughout your adventure.
To begin, you need to find Scratch in the wilderness. He is located near the Blighted Village, which is west of the Druid Grove. Specifically, Scratch can be found near the entrance to the village, close to a dead body. The body belongs to ScratchÔÇÖs former owner, who has passed away. When you approach Scratch, he will be guarding the body and may initially appear hostile or defensive. This is where the mechanics of the game come into play. You need to use the "Speak with Animals" spell or a potion that grants the same effect to communicate with Scratch. This spell is available to Druids, Rangers, and some other classes, or you can obtain it through scrolls or potions. If you donÔÇÖt have access to this spell, you can visit a vendor or use a companion who has it.
Once you can speak with Scratch, you need to approach the situation carefully. Scratch is grieving and protective of his ownerÔÇÖs body, so you must choose dialogue options that show empathy and kindness. For example, you can tell him that you understand his loss and that you mean no harm. Avoid aggressive or dismissive responses, as this will cause Scratch to remain hostile or run away. If you successfully calm him down, Scratch will eventually trust you and agree to follow you back to your camp. This is a key moment, as it establishes the bond between you and the dog.
After recruiting Scratch, he will appear in your camp as a permanent resident. He wonÔÇÖt join you in combat or travel with your party, but he will provide useful benefits. For example, Scratch can help you find hidden items by sniffing them out, and he can also boost morale among your companions. Additionally, Scratch has a unique interaction with the Owlbear Cub if you recruit it later, creating a heartwarming dynamic in your camp.
There are a few important tips and considerations to keep in mind when recruiting Scratch. First, make sure you have the "Speak with Animals" ability before approaching him. Without it, you wonÔÇÖt be able to communicate with him effectively, and the encounter may not go as planned. Second, always choose dialogue options that show compassion and understanding. Scratch is a loyal and emotional creature, and he responds best to kindness. Third, be patient. The process of gaining his trust may take a few dialogue exchanges, so donÔÇÖt rush through the conversation.
Common mistakes to avoid include approaching Scratch without the ability to speak with animals, which will make the encounter much more difficult. Additionally, avoid attacking Scratch or his ownerÔÇÖs body, as this will permanently prevent you from recruiting him. Finally, donÔÇÖt ignore Scratch after recruiting him. Interact with him regularly in camp to maintain your bond and unlock his full potential.
Advanced techniques for optimizing your relationship with Scratch include using him to scout for hidden items in your camp or during exploration. While he wonÔÇÖt join you in combat, his ability to find hidden objects can be invaluable, especially in areas with lots of loot. Additionally, if you have the Owlbear Cub in your camp, Scratch will interact with it, creating a unique and heartwarming dynamic that adds depth to your camp experience.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, ScratchÔÇÖs recruitment is a great example of how the game incorporates the "Speak with Animals" spell and animal handling skills. These mechanics are directly inspired by the Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition rules, which allow players to communicate with animals and build relationships with them. The game also uses approval mechanics, similar to those used with humanoid companions, to determine how animals like Scratch respond to your actions and dialogue choices.
In conclusion, recruiting Scratch is a rewarding experience that adds a touch of warmth and companionship to your journey in Baldur's Gate 3. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully recruit him and enjoy the benefits he brings to your camp. Remember to approach the encounter with kindness, use the "Speak with Animals" ability, and interact with Scratch regularly to maintain your bond. With these strategies in mind, youÔÇÖll have a loyal and helpful companion by your side throughout your adventure.