While exploring the Sunlit Drylands, you will most likely be in search of Mayrina and will eventually stumble upon the Gnarled Teahouse.
Before you reach the Gnarled Teahouse, you may encounter a man named Gandrel, who turns out to be a hunter who is trying to find Astarion.
Many wonder if you should kill Gandrel and what may happen if you do or don’t, which seems to alter part of your journey but nothing too serious.
Where To Find Gandrel?
You can find Gandrel to the southeast of the Gnarled Teahouse and you may often find him if you explore the Sunlit Wetlands. (Also known as the Putrid Bog when revealed)
Gandrel can be found up a slope that has steps, where he is resting up after searching for a hag (Auntie Ethel) to make a deal with her.
Should You Kill Gandrel?
The only reasons that you might want to kill Gandrel would be to either protect Astarion or to take his belongings.
You can avoid the conflict by not exposing Astarion since Gandrel has no idea what he looks like and may simply walk away.
Killing Gandrel will allow you to loot him and one of the items he has is Gandrel’s Aspiration, which is a Heavy Crossbow that gives you an advantage against Monstrosity type enemies.
Gandrel may be knocked out if you wish to loot him and avoid killing him as his death will prevent you from meeting him later in Act III.
You see, Gandrel has children and if he survives the events of Act I, he will be reunited with them later and you can interact with them.
How To Defeat Gandrel?
Regardless of whether Gandrel is all by himself, this doesn’t mean that he is easy to defeat, and at lower levels, your whole party may suffer.
It is advised to attack him out of the cutscene to avoid giving him the first move and utilizing stealth to attack him will give you the upper hand.
Make sure that the members of your party are spread out or else Gandrel will be able to attack all of you and deal a lot of damage to multiple companions.
Gandrel Loot
If you happen to fight Gandrel and manage to kill him or knock him out, you will be able to loot his body to get the following items:
- Supply Pack (40 Camp Supplies)
- 2 Onyx
- Leather Armor
- Dagger
- Gandrel’s Aspiration (Uncommon Heavy Crossbow)
Verdict
Killing Gandrel is not necessary unless you want to take his items knocking him out will suffice but this will cost you Attitude points.
The fight with Gandrel may be a bit difficult if you have just started and have not progressed that much, making it best to strike first and not get in a fight through the cutscene.
Sparing Gandrel will allow you to find him later, it might feel like quite a relief to know that he has been reunited with his children.