Of course. You can either play as a drow (the easiest option) or use the tadpole when you meet the goblins at the camp and they will let you pass, thus won't be hostile. I've never needed Sazza to join Minthara personally.
That is good to know. Though if you're not a drow and are trying to not use the tadpole's powers it seems a bit limiting.
It'd be great if we learned more about the Absolute sooner. Or at least learned that our tadpoles weren't a death sentence so we might be more encouraged to explore wielding the tadpole's power more.
