Baldur’s Gate 3 Dolly Dolly Dolly the Pixie – should you free Dolly in BG3?

In Baldur’s Gate 3 Dolly the Pixie is an NPC you’ll encounter as you reach Act 2 of the game. You’ll find her trapped within a Moonlantern and be given a dilemma – free her or leave her trapped inside. But fae, fairies, and similar creatures are not beings to be taken lightly in the Dungeons and Dragons universe in which Larian Studios’ RPG is set.

In this guide, we’ll answer whether or not you should free Dolly the Pixie in Baldur’s Gate 3, or whether leaving her trapped might be the smarter option. If this isn’t the only dilemma you’re facing in the game, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with loads more guides. Whether you’re trying to get the owlbear cub in Baldur’s Gate 3, or need to learn more about the Baldur’s Gate 3 Necromancy of Thay, we can help.

Should you free Dolly in Baldur’s Gate 3?

We would recommend freeing Dolly Dolly Dolly the Pixie in Baldur’s Gate 3 (Dolly for short), as there is no danger in doing so, and a lot to be gained. Unlike some of the mystical creatures you’ll encounter in your adventures across the Forgotten Realms, or even many others of her species, Dolly isn’t hostile or dangerous. You get a quest regarding a convoy from Harper Branthos outside Last Light Inn.

When you find Dolly trapped inside the Moonlantern, you’ll have access to a few different dialogue options. Choosing to release the pixie will actually help you. When released, Dolly will be grateful and ask if there’s anything she can do to repay you. Mention that you’d like a way to traverse the Shadow-Cursed realm safely, and she’ll grant you a permanent boon called Pixie’s Blessing. The blessing will protect you and your party from the Shadow Curse, making it a hugely worthwhile tradeoff. It’ll make your journey to Moonrise Towers quite a bit easier.

Where can you find Dolly?

To find Dolly, agree to follow the Harpers when they set out to ambush a convoy of Ketheric Thorm’s men. This will happen after you save Isobel at Last Light Inn and meet Jaheira. To get to the Last Light Inn you’ll need to reach the Act 2 map. There’s a few ways to do this, but the fastest is to go through the Underdark and take the elevator up through the Grymforge in BG3.

Once you ambush the party, make sure to kill their leader Kar’Niss – a half-spider monstrosity – who is carrying the Moonlantern which holds Dolly inside. If you’re good at persuasion checks, you can even convince him to hand over the lantern to you before combat starts.

How to beat Kar’Niss in Baldur’s Gate 3?

If you choose to engage this drider being in combat, you’re in for a tough fight. Here’s how to beat Kar’Niss in BG3:

• Kar’Niss will try to use Sanctuary on himself so it’s a good idea to bring a character along with the Counterspell or Silence abilities. You can use the forged weapons from the Baldur’s Gate 3 Sussur Tree Bark quest to silence him.
• Keep track of the enemy goblins too. While you have Harpers helping you out, the enemies have powerful spells like Cloud of Daggers and Rage: Wolf Heart.
• And if you’re looking for a height advantage, use the ladder on the left side of the building. This helps archers and spellcasters gain an advantage.
• Positioning is key. The enemies can use AoE attacks and toss flaming potions at you so split up your party members. Keep a tank near Kar’Niss and the others should keep goblins away from the building. If the ladder is burnt, you’ll lose HP as you descent if you don’t have Misty Step or Dimension Door.
• Beating Kar’Niss gives you the Cruel Sting sword in addition to the Moonlantern.

Here are the features that make the drider Kar’Niss a tough opponent in Baldur’s Gate 3:

• Spindleweb Fanaticism – Kar’Niss and its allies deal an additional 1d6 Psychic damage. Kar’Niss’s movement is increased by 3m.
• Dark Devotion – Advantage on saving throws against being Charmed or Frightened.
• Dual Wielder – Can use two weapons in dual-wielding even if they aren’t Light.
• Alert – +5 to initiative and cannot be surprised.
• Improved Critical Hit – Kar’Niss can make Critical Hits on a natural 20 and 19.
• Multi-Attack (Wounded Target) – Kar’Niss can make another attack against a creature that has less than its maximum HP.
• Sting the Helpless – When a drow wields this weapon (like Kar’Niss), deal an additional 1d4 Poison damage against Restrained targets.
• Sunlight Sensitivity – While in sunlight, Kar’niss has a disadvantage on attack and perception rolls that rely on sight.
• Web Walker – Isn’t slowed by Web surfaces and cannot be Enwebbed.
• Spellcaster – Kar’Niss is known to cast Sanctuary.

What happens if you don’t free Dolly?

Not freeing Dolly won’t have any direct consequences. You’ll be able to change your mind and free her at a later time. It will mean that you can use the Moon Lantern to its full effect, illuminating the Shadow-Cursed Lands as you explore them. However, it means that you won’t have the Pixie’s Blessing. You’ll also need a character to carry it in their hand the whole time, leaving you one weapon short during encounters. While you can keep Moonlantern, it’s not the ideal solution.

If you’re playing as the Dark Urge, you will have an option to quickly kill Dolly.

Where to find the Moonlantern in Moonrise Towers?

Disciple Z’rell on the first floor of Moonrise Towers mentions Balthazar’s Room. From the throne where you found General Ketheric Thorm, head to the right staircase. Next, take a left and head to the stairs to your right. Cross the doorway and then take the door to the right once more. Here, you’ll find a locked door.

Use a Rogue like Astarion to clear this Sleight of Hand check. Alternatively, you can get it from an enemy in Moonrise Towers. Inside this room, you’ll find a Moonlantern leaning against a desk.

You can get a broken Moonlantern from Nere in the Grymforge before you enter the Shadow-Cursed Lands. You can’t use it but it’s a good hint at what’s to come in Act 2 of the game.

That covers everything you need to know about Dolly Dolly Dolly, and whether or not it’s worth rescuing her in Baldur’s Gate 3. While Baldur’s Gate 3 expects you to make pretty difficult choices, this isn’t one of them. Beware that whatever you choose to do the Shadow-Cursed Lands is a dangerous, volatile place to explore.

Make sure you’ve optimized your characters and got the best Baldur’s Gate 3 sorcerer build and best Baldur’s Gate 3 bard build equipped if you’re running any in your party. Baldur’s Gate 3 released on PC in August 2023 and on PlayStation 5 in September 2023.