Act 1 of Baldur's Gate 3 may have been tough for you, especially if you are new to the Dungeons and Dragons system. Nothing can truly prepare you for Act 2 when you enter the Shadow-Cursed Lands. There are nefarious people and problems within these lands.
One of the first people you may bump into is a strange cultist named He Who Was. Though he seems terrifying and dangerous, he actually asks for your aid. He Who Was is made to prolong the suffering and guilt of those who deserve it. Should you help him or let the dead rest?
What Happens If You Kill Madeline?
He Who Was wants you to punish the woman and make her feel bad about what she has done. If you convince Madeline to stab herself by succeeding in Persuasion, this will effectively injure He Who Was since he is the host of Madeline.
He Who Was will come to and be very upset that you tried to kill him. This will commence a fight.
What He Who Was wants you to do is convince her or remind her that she is a bad person. He wants Madeline to live a lifetime of sorrow and regret. You must pass a Persuasion skill check to make her feel bad about her actions.
She will then leave, upset. He Who Was will be pleased by this and gift you Raven Gloves and some Gold.
- Raven Gloves give the wearer the spell Summon Quothe The Raven, where you may summon a raven at your aid.
What Happens If You Forgive Madeline?
If you console Madeline and let her know that you understand her actions were a mistake, she will feel relieved and be able to rest in peace. This will gravely upset He Who Was. He Who Was wants endless punishment and vengeance, not forgiveness.
Successfully making Madeline feel better will initiate a fight with He Who Was.
Spamming He Who Was with spells and using your heavy hitters will quickly put an end to him. He Who Was will drop a scroll, materials for crafting, a dagger, armor, and personal letters.
This option will not give you the reward of a raven summon.