Minsc/Approval

Overview

Approval

Banter

Minsc isn't the brightest but he is brave and loyal and has the cutest familiar - Boo

Greetings

Depending on their approval rating, Minsc may greet the player with:

Negative (<0):

• "What."
• "What is it you want?"

Neutral and above - In camp (0+):

• "What is it my friend?"
• "A little rest to brush the road from Boo's fur, and then back to our adventuring."
• "You come to speak of the last time Minsc stood watch? The snoring, it was Boo!"
• "You will grow to like Jaheira's incense in time. Like - chewing herbs and soap, yes?"
• "Make sure you are refreshed before we set out again, friend. The road to justice is paved with kicked buttocks."

Neutral and above (0+) - In party

• "Why do we stop, my friend? There is evil somewhere with its small-pants yet unsoiled."
• "What? Minsc has the itch that only a butt can scratch! A kicked butt, I mean."
• "Stop wriggling, Boo, and prick up your ears."
• "Yes, my friend?"

Approval

The following story and dialogue choices will cause Minsc to gain approval.

Act 3 Spoilers! This section reveals details about the story of Baldur's Gate 3.

Act Three

Rivington

• Try to help the Dying Stone Lord Thug.  +1
  • OR, Playing as a Druid, apply a natural salve to his wound  +1

▶ Note: These options are available only if Orin is not impersonating the Thug

• Playing as a Ranger, tell Fortuno Dibbs to relax, because dogs are sensitive to emotions  +1
  • Speak to Biscotti via  Speak with Animals and call him a good dog  +1 (works only the first time you speak to him)
• Tell Tinker Nayzeem that the way people treat refugees is terrible.  +1
• Make a compliment to the pig inside the Requisitioned Barn.  +1 (works with or without  Speak with Animals)
  • OR Speak to it without  Speak with Animals and call her bacon  +1
• Talking to Mattis outside the barn, tell him to watch himself because Baldur's Gate is big and dangerous.  +1

▶ Note: This option is available only if tiefling kids survived in Acts One and Two

• Talk to Fist Rowan outside the barn, and when he asks you to give him "one good reason", answer "Barn".  +1

▶ Note: This option is available only if Orin is not impersonating Rowan

• Agree to chase refugees out from Arfur's Mansion for half-price, and punch Zenovia Dawg when she tries to extort full sum from you  +1 (requires failing Persuasion roll against her first)
• In the smugglers' cave, defeat Caïros and his thugs, and if Farlin survived, say you don't want gratitude from criminals  +1
• In the Abandoned Windmill basement, attack the newborn mind flayer  +1 (The option works regardless you wake it first or not)
  • OR, Playing as a Barbarian, yell "WAKE UP, SQUIDFACE!"  +1
• Playing as Astarion origin, at the Gur Camp tell Ulma you will do what you can for her tribe's children  +1

At the Sword Coast Couriers:

• Report to Commander Lightfeather that his soldiers were eaten by a flying cat  +1
  • OR, Playing as Gale origin, tell him that the enemy responsible is your tressym  +1
• Say "Woof" to Angry Mar'hyah twice.  +1
• Make Angry Mar'hyah to let you keep Scratch, using Persuasion, Intimidation or class-based Druid, Fighter or Paladin options.  +1
  • Then force Mar'hyah to leave the kennels via Deception or Intimidation.  +1

Circus of the Last Days

• At the entrance, convince Klaus to let you in, bribing him, using Persuasion, Intimidation, Deception or any class-based option except pretending to be a friend of Gortash's +1
  • OR, Playing as The Dark Urge, say you used to be a murderer  +1
  • OR, Playing as an Archfey Warlock, first say that you never pass up a faerie mischief  +1
• Speaking with Zara the mummy, say you don't understand her, and then mime her grunting  +1

Dealing with Akabi the djinni:

• Tell him that he is VERY LOUD.  +1
• Play the game and accuse the djinni of rigging the wheel  +1
  • If successful, play again and try to distract Akabi, letting out a loud fart  +1
  • OR, Playing as a Bard, ask him about his adventures  +1
  • OR Provoke him to transform you  +1
• After returning from jungle, talk to the djinni again and say you have had much fun OR promise he will pay for it  +1 (either option)
  
• Talking to Boney the mephit, call his wife Stoney magnificent  +1
  • OR Note that she's a lot bigger than himself  +1
  • OR, Playing as a Druid, say they both are magnificent  +1
  • OR Say she's not your type  +1

Dealing with Popper the kobold trader:

• Grab Dribbles's' hand from his counter, and then:
  • Persuade him to give you the hand for free  +1
  • Intimidate him to let you go with the hand  +1
  • Use Deception to make him lower the price  +1

▶ Note: Class-based Deception lines for Wizard, Warlock or Sorcerer do not give approval ^{[Needs Verification]}

• Playing as a Paladin or a Cleric, tell him that graverobbing is a profane act  +1
• If talking to Popper after defeating false Dribbles, say that offering 'treatoes' now is a bit callous.  +1
  

Dealing with caged beasts:

• Talking to Shadow-Whiskers, break the lock on her cage.  +1 (works with or without  Speak with Animals)
• Talking to Crimson, give him some meat OR promise to bring it later (if you don't have any in inventory)  +1 (either option)
  • After defeating false Dribbles, talk to Crimson again and scold the circus staff for starving him OR propose to open his cage up. +1 (either option)
  • OR, Say you'd have killed him before he hurts anyone else  +1

Watching Dribbles's show:

• Say "What a corny joke."  +1
  • OR, Playing as a Bard, interrupt him with your own pun  +1
• Volunteer any companion to the stage as Dribbles's assistant, except Minsc himself and Astarion  +1
  • Then insist on your choice and cheer them  +1 (including unique lines for Minthara and Jaheira)

▶ Note: If you volunteer Astarion to the stage, you'll get  +2  instead of  [+1]  each time

• If going on stage yourself, suggest any available explanation on why you're special, except "something about my brain" and unique line for The Dark Urge  +1

Talking to Lucretious:

• When she's training up skeletons (before fighting doppelgangers), tell her that she is being a little harsh  +1
• After defeating false Dribbles, tell her that killing clowns is a rare treat  +1
• When Lucretious asks you to find real Dribbles, answer that you are expensive  +1
• When you deliver her Dribbles's remains, say it was pleasure to meet her  +1
  • OR Ask whether she is hiring personnel  +1

Dealing with Orin's guises:

• If Orin is impersonating Gyldro Angleiron, tell her you would never kill someone you cared about.  +1

▶ Note: When playing as Karlach or Wyll origin, this option will have an unique formulation, but still take its place (line 3)

• • OR, Playing as The Dark Urge, tell her you do all you can to keep your loved ones safe from your blade  +1
• If Orin is impersonating Fist Rowan, tell her that one can't just kill innocent people  +1

▶ Note: This line goes for the Custom origin (Tav). If playing as any other Origin, except Dark Urge, it might have unique formulation

• • OR Tell her that you're going to report to the commanding officer  +1
  • OR, Playing as The Dark Urge, tell her that mindless slaughter is not the answer  +1
• If Orin is impersonating Dying Stone Lord Thug, succeed a passive DC 20 Perception check, and then:
• Say you'll stay with him until the end  +2
  • OR Say you'll make it quick  +2
  • OR, Playing as The Dark Urge, resist the urge to torment him  +2

In the Angleiron's Cellar:

• Talking to Wulbren, refuse to take Runepowder Bomb but promise you'll destroy the Steel Watch Foundry your way.  +1
  • OR Refuse, saying that the real enemy is Gortash, not the Gondians, and you'll find another way  +1
  • OR Suggest to contact the Gondians first, so that they might see reason.  +1
  • OR, if Barcus Wroot is nearby and butts in, agree and say it sounds like a mass murder  +2

Open Hand Temple

• Playing as a Barbarian, when Sister Yannis curses Valeria in the back, say you'd join a church if more priests spoke muck like her  +1
  • Then offer Yannis help with investigating the double murder and proving Brilgor's innocence  +1
• In the Open Hand Temple, talk to Brother Bill and Brother Clements and say that their god would be proud of Father Lorgan  +1
  • OR, Playing as a Monk, say that offering alms to those in need is a sign of a noble soul  +1
• Agree to bear Monk Manifestation's curse  +1 and then withstand its madness.  +3
• Get Tara to stop eating the messenger pigeons.  +1
  • OR (Requires Gale in party) Tell Gale to ask Tara to stop killing the messenger pigeons during the quest Find the Missing Letters.

Wyrm's Crossing

• At the entrance gate, consent to be arrested by the Steel Watcher  +1
• At Fraygo's Flophouse, tell Adventurer Drim that the word "adventurer" means nothing anymore.  +1
• At Carm's Garm, when Naaber pretends to be a dog, choose "nobody likes Naaber" line.  +1

▶ Note: It may take several sequential attempts to speak with Naaber to get to this dialogue.

• At The Velveteen Elixir, talking to Stylin' Horst, choose lines about "heady top notes" OR "burning rothé shit"  +1 (either option)
• At Sharess' Caress, speaking to Valeria, say you're here just to have a drink, and then propose a toast to ADVENTURE!  +1 (The option is available only after you've started Solve the Open Hand Temple Murders quest)

Wyrm's Rock Fortress

• Get access into Wyrm's Rock Fortress by either: showing the Admission Pass, showing Lower City Pass obtained from Valeria, using Nashkellan's report, bribing Blaze Elin, or passing any of class-based checks.  +1

At the Flaming Fist barracks:

• Convince the Flaming Fist quartermaster Arkleia Oloril to trade with you.  +1

When you spot Fist Reynash trying to open a chest:

• Wake other guards  +1

▶ Note: Waking guards gains approval only after discovering by any available means that Reynash was stealing from others.

• OR Give Reynash 300 gold to take the ferry  +1

Speaking to Manip Bakshi (regardless of whether you succeeded a check to discover Reynash's thievery or not):

• Successfully use  Detect Thoughts on him and pretend to be a new recruit  +1
  • OR Tell him you've spotted another guard on stealing  +1
• Then leave barracks (or let him escort you out)  +1

At the Audience Hall:

• Speaking to Lord Amber's Bodyguard and attendants of Lady Durinbold and Lord Shattershield about the Steel Watch, say that the Steel Watchers will eventually turn on everyone.  +1
  • OR, Playing as a Druid, say that there's nothing natural about him  +1
• Pass the Steel Watcher that confronts you at the coronation  +1

▶ Note: This dialogue appears only if Karlach is not in the party

• Playing as The Dark Urge, when Gortash explains your previous dealings, answer that you've come to end this evil plot  +1
• Refuse to make an alliance with him and confirm your decision  +1
  • OR Threaten to "end this here"  +1 (Immediately starts a combat with Gortash and all the guards and Steel Watchers)
• Tell Gortash that you have no interest in this sham of a coronation  +1
  • At the climax of the ceremony, prepare to object, and then do declare that Gortash and Ravengard are with the Absolute  +1 (Immediately starts a combat with Gortash and all the guards and Steel Watchers)
• After killing Orin, speak to Gortash and surrender two your Netherstones to him, then fight when he attacks afterwards  +1

Talking to Duke Ravengard after the coronation:

• Ask him whether the "new dawn" is what they call tyranny now  +1
  • OR Tell the Duke that Florrick sent you, then probe Ravengard's mind to discover councellor's location, and tell him that Gortash is a tyrant  +1
  • OR Ask Ravengard whether he knows that he is infected  +1
• As a Baldurian character, ask what has happened to the city's great hero  +1

Lower City

• X: -166 Y: -75 Play with the children.
  • Requires Perception Check DC 7, spot Cinnamon's "Spy Candy".  +1
  • Allow Punkins to scan you.  +1
• Give the strange beggar Sacrum north of Beehive General Goods 5 gold.  +1, then give another 100 gold.  +1
• Pay the Captain at the Grey Harbour Docks to keep the Brislen family together or Persuade or Intimidate him to bring the father along.  +1
• Say "Don't be rude to your dog. He's doing a great job running" when you speak with Albert at the western entrance to Bloomridge Park.  +1
• Tell Bhaal you would rather die than be his servant.
• Speaking to Araj Oblodra at Crimson Draughts, ask Astarion if he wishes to leave.

The Blushing Mermaid

• Tell Auntie Ethel to release Vanra immediately.
• Say "That's it - cough her up, hag."

Cazador's Dungeon

• When Sebastian asks what happens to us, say "We'll set you free" or "That depends on you".  +1

Chromatic Scale

• As a bard, ask Thomas C. Quirkilious at the Chromatic Scale about worg hair instruments.  +1

The Counting House

• Give the beggar in front of the Counting House a handful of coins.
• When speaking to Rakath Glitterbeard about losing innocent people's money, intimidate him, "I'd listen to him. Before his hamster has to give him a head rub."  +1

Elerrathin's Home

• When speaking with Rion for the first time, tell her "Not in this lifetime."  +1
• (Requires Jaheira in the party) Tell Rion that "There are refugees outside. They'll need protection." when asked what to do.  +1

Elfsong Tavern

• Agree to help Devella Fountainhead warn the victims.  +1

Facemaker's Boutique

• As a ranger, tell Dolor that there's only one way to treat rabid animals.
• After dispatching Dolor, tell Devella Fountainhead that you have a hand and that you'll investigate the Murder Tribunal.

Guildhall

• When talking to Roah Moonglow as the Zhentarim are trying to seize control of the guild, reply to her that "You're mistaken. Minsc of Rashamen always knows the right thing to do."  +10
• When talking to Minsc in Guildhall after resolving the Guildhall conflict, reply to him that "Everyone has the potential for good." or "I'm just trying not to die."  +10
• When talking to Minsc about the meaning of 'nydeshka', successfully persuade him.  +10

House of Grief

• After defeating Viconia speak to her, then kill her.  +1

House of Hope

• When outside of Raphael's Archive, tell Hope that you will get her out before the jailor kills her.  +1
• Tell Haarlep that you are there to kill him when he asks why you're there.  +1
• Free Hope.  +1

The Lodge

• Tell Havkelaag that his experiment with the githyanki egg is barbaric and refuse to sell the egg.  +1
• Tell Blurg bravery is no bad thing and this research might be helpful after rescuing Omeluum.  +1

Murder Tribunal

• Say "We'll find a third way. Would you two like to kill the old man, Minsc, or shall I?"  +5
• When speaking to the Echo of Illasera, tell her "Can't be that quick if someone cut you down."  +1

Sorcerous Sundries

• Tell Aradin to forget about turning in the Nightsong for a reward.  +1
• As a bard, tell Lorroakan that his plan to enslave the Nightsong is unoriginal.
• Tell Lorroakan that you'll bring the Nightsong to rip him to shreds.
• When Lorroakan attempts to turn you against Dame Aylin, tell him you came there to stop him.
• Tell Lorroakan that the last person to try stealing the Nightsong's immortality is dead.  +1
• Tell Yafeu the Djinni to release your companion, please.  +1
  • Then say release your 'companion' or die.  +1

Steel Watch Foundry

• Ask Zanner Toobin if he will fight back if the Gondian families were freed.  +1

Water Queen's House

• Offer a tribute or a positive prayer for the death of Holli Dylford to Allandra Grey.  +1

Camp/Conversation

• Tell him that wychlaran to him is the same as a friend.  +5

Disapproval

The following story and dialogue choices will cause Minsc to lose approval.

Act 3 Spoilers! This section reveals details about the story of Baldur's Gate 3.

Act Three

Rivington

• Leave Scratch with Angry Mar'hyah.  -1
• If you let Angry Mar'hyah take Scratch back, speak to him and ask to be a good boy  -1
  • OR Tell him to stop whining  -1
• Talk to Fist Broadhorn inside the barn and say you were just looking for anything worth stealing  -1
  • OR, Playing as a Rogue, if you are caught inside the Requisitioned Barn by Fist Madigan, tell him this is the only place around worth stealing from  -1
• Playing as Astarion origin, at the Gur Camp tell Ulma you won't sacfirice yourself for her cause  -1
  • OR Attack Ulma.  -1

Circus of the Last Days:

• At the entrance, convince Klaus to let you in, pretending to be a friend of Gortash's (class-based Deception check)  -1
• Talking to Shadow-Whiskers with  Speak with Animals, note that her cage looks comfy.  -1
  • Then tell her to murder whoever she wants OR say "Sure thing, pussycat". -1 (either option)
  • Without  Speak with Animals, choose the line "Kill them all, kitty".  -1
• Talking to Crimson, refuse to feed him via  Speak with Animals or mock him for being hungry (without the spell)  -1 (either option)
• Dealing with Akabi, successfully catch him on rigging the wheel, but apologise and say you were mistaken  -1

Watching Dribbles's show:

• Yell "Boo! Get off the stage!"  -1
• When false Dribbles asks for an assistant, choose to cross your arms and glare  -1
  • OR Just answer "No."  -1
• Talk to Lucretious after defeating false Dribbles, and when she asks you to find real clown, say that he is probably dead now  -1

Dealing with Orin's guises:

• If Orin is impersonating Gyldro Angleiron, say you would kill someone close to you without hesitation. -1

▶ Note: When playing as Lae'zel origin, this option will have an unique formulation, but still take its place (line 4)

• OR, Playing as The Dark Urge, say that you have already done it  -1 (This option is available if you have killed either Isobel or your partner in Act Two on demand of your Urge)

• If Orin is impersonating Fist Rowan, tell her that both sides need a lesson  -1

▶ Note: This line goes for the Custom origin (Tav). If playing as any other Origin, except Dark Urge, it might have unique formulation

• OR, Playing as The Dark Urge, propose to kill and kill again  -1

• If Orin is impersonating Dying Stone Lord Thug:
• Playing as an Evil Cleric, choose to make him suffer  -1
  • OR, Playing as The Dark Urge, choose to prod his wound OR to spin the blade  -1 (either option)
• If you succeeded a passive DC 20 Perception check, choose to make him scream  -1
  • OR, Playing as The Dark Urge, say that you'll enjoy watching him die slowly  -1

In the Angleiron's Cellar:

• Agree to Wulbren's proposal to blow up the Steel Watch Foundry and take the Runepowder Bomb  -1

▶Note: Druid, Rogue and Sorcerer characters will have unique lines for this option

• OR Tell him that you'll take the bomb but use it only as a last resort.  -1
• OR Refuse, saying that his plan is too messy and you're out. -1

Wyrm's Crossing:

• At the entrance gate, refuse to be arrested by the Steel Watcher and prepare to fight. -1
  • OR Threaten Gauntlet Edwynna  -1
  • OR Attack Edwynna  -1
• Agree to deliver the gnome leader's head to Manip Falcäo  -1
  • After killing Wulbren, provide his head to Falcäo  -3

Wyrm's Rock Fortress

• • Trying to get access into Wyrm's Rock Fortress, choose to leave when Blaze Elin stops you  -1

At the Flaming Fist barracks:

• If failed to convince Arkleia Oloril to trade, attack her  -1

When you spot Fist Reynash trying to open a chest:

• Intimidate OR blackmail him into giving you his stash  -1 (either option)
  • OR Fail the Intimidation check to make him surrender his stash  -1 (makes him hostile)
  • OR Attack Reynash straightaway  -1
• Speaking to Manip Bakshi afterwards (regardless of whether you succeeded a check to discover Reynash's thievery or not), let him arrest you  -1
  • OR Attack him straightaway or after speaking with him  -1

At the Audience Hall:

• Speaking to Lord Amber's Bodyguard and attendants of Lady Durinbold and Lord Shattershield about the Steel Watch, say that you couldn't feel safer  -1
  • OR, Playing as a Drow or a Half-Orc, say that you feel safer than with some  -1
• Playing as The Dark Urge, when Gortash explains your previous dealings:
  • Say that you'll make Orin pay for taking your place  -1
  • OR Reply that you don't remember a thing, but the plan sounds brilliant  -1
• Speaking to Gortash after killing Orin, surrender two your Netherstones to him  -1
  • OR Say you two can be allies, but you'll keep Ketheric's and Orin's stones  -1

In the Wyrm's Rock Prison:

• Talking to Counsellor Florrick, when she sinks into despair, say you don't need her  -1

Murder Tribunal

• Convince Sarevok Anchev that Minsc is your servant and then choose him as your offering to the Murder Tribunal in Investigate the Murders.  -50

Flymm Cargo

• Hand Redhammer over to Flood Tide Allandra Grey.  -1

Grey Harbour Docks

• Intimidate Big Huido at the Grey Harbour Docks into giving you both the Guild shipment as well as his money.  -1

House of Hope

• When outside of Raphael's Archive, tell Hope that she's "as helpful as a blunt dagger."  -1
• Vow your body to Haarlep.  -1

Steel Watch Foundry

• Tell Zanner Toobin that "killing you all may be a good thing."  -1

Dark Urge

• Accept your Father's gift.  -∞ Leaves the party and becomes hostile.