Let me give you an overview of how those early choices really ripple through the story. The factions you deal with in that first area around the grove, especially the stuff with the Druids and refugees actually make a pretty big difference later on. I've seen how helping out those Tiefling refugees pays off when you get to the city, since they remember what you did and Dammon ends up being super important if youre trying to help Karlach out.

Something interesting to keep in mind is that wiping out entire groups can really come back to bite you. Like if you destroy the grove, you'll miss out on having Halsin join up and theres a bunch of quests that just vanish. The whole thing with the Goblins is particularly neat because siding with them actually opens up some different paths with the cultists later, and after the latest patch you can even get Minthara to join your team.

The cool thing is that the game doesnt use some boring number system to track all this. Instead it remembers the big choices you make and weaves them into the story naturally. Those Tieflings will recognize you in the city, certain quest options might disappear, and your companions might even leave if they really hate what youre doing with the refugees. Its more about how the story changes based on your choices instead of watching some reputation bar go up and down which honestly feels way more natural when youre playing through it all.