Baldur's Gate 3's full release has been a dashing success. Players can't wait to immerse themselves into the realm of Faerun and turn over every rock for secrets. In their quest for gold, many players have been stumped by the quest Rescue the Gnome in Act One.
However, the answer to this one is deceptively simple. Keep reading for where to find the Gnome, how to bypass the goblins, and how to turn off the Windmill. Additionally, learn what loot lies in store for successful adventurers.
Where To Find The Gnome
The Rescue the Gnome quest can be found in Act One of Baldur's Gate 3. The game will automatically add it to your journal once you venture close enough to the Windmill in the Blighted Village.
How To Bypass The Goblins
Once you have the quest, you'll notice there are yells for help from the Gnome and jeers from some Goblins on the platform. Whether you can safely approach the Goblins depends on your current standing with the rest of the village. If you talked your way in, then you can talk to this group too. However, if you've fought your way inside the Goblins next to the Windmill will attack on sight.
Negotiating
It is possible to negotiate for the Gnome's freedom by starting a conversation with the Goblins. Their leader Fezzerk will be slightly hostile but can be talked around using Persuasion or Intimidation. Approaching the quest peacefully will keep the Blighted Village Goblins non-hostile to you, but will prevent you from looting Fezzerk's weapon The Very Heavy Greataxe.
Combat
If you are unsuccessful in your negotiations, the village is already Hostile to you, or you attack them then the Goblins will react with violence. This is a very tricky fight because the enemies are numerous and use Bless to buff each other. However, the other enemies will flee if their leader Fezzerk is defeated, so you can focus him down to end the fight quickly.
Notice that it says defeat Fezzerk, not kill. If he goes low health but is not killed outright, then he will attempt to plead for his life. You will then have the chance to spare him. Killing him at this point can turn Paladins into Oathbreakers or ruin your chances with some companions. You can still loot him and save the Gnome even if you grant him mercy.
How To Turn Off The Windmill
After dealing with the Goblins, your next task will be to turn off the Windmill. This can be done by walking around to the back of the structure and going inside. Here, you will find two levers on the first floor. One is labeled Release Brake Lever, while the other is called Brake Lever. If you are having a hard time locating the levers, try using the command to highlight objects.
The Brake Lever will stop the Windmill. Activate it, then go back out front to cut the Gnome down. Speaking with him once he is on the ground will complete the quest. Any of the given dialogue options work, and are primarily there for roleplaying purposes.
Do not hit the Release Brake Lever, as this will throw the Gnome off into the distance and cause you to fail the quest. Instead, you'll be able to loot his corpse for a compass and a map.
Rewards For Rescuing The Gnome
Once the Gnome has been rescued, he'll tell you that they caught him because of his heavy backpack and run off. This backpack contains the loot for finishing this quest and can be found in the room under the Windmill. To enter, use the hatch around the back of the Windmill next to the broken wall. There is also a Heavy Chest in this room to loot.