What happens if I let the Shadow Curse consume Last Light Inn in Baldur's Gate 3?

If you allow the Shadow Curse to consume Last Light Inn in Baldur's Gate 3, the consequences are severe and will significantly alter the course of the game. Last Light Inn is a critical location in Act 2, serving as a sanctuary for the Harpers and other survivors against the Shadow Curse. The inn is protected by a magical barrier created by Isobel, a cleric of Sel├╗ne. If this barrier falls, the Shadow Curse will engulf the area, leading to the death or transformation of most characters present, including key NPCs and potentially your companions. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of what happens and how to achieve this outcome.

To let the Shadow Curse consume Last Light Inn, you must allow or cause the protective barrier to fail. This can happen in several ways, but the most direct method is to either kill Isobel or fail to protect her during an attack by Marcus, a winged horror sent by Ketheric Thorm. If Isobel dies, the barrier collapses, and the Shadow Curse immediately takes hold. The innÔÇÖs inhabitants, including Jaheira and other Harpers, will either perish or become shadow-cursed undead. This event triggers a major shift in the story, as you lose access to important allies and resources.

HereÔÇÖs a step-by-step guide to achieving this outcome. First, ensure you are in Act 2 and have reached Last Light Inn. Speak with Isobel to learn about the barrier and her role in maintaining it. Shortly after this conversation, Marcus will attack the inn, targeting Isobel. To let the Shadow Curse consume the inn, you can either refuse to help defend Isobel or actively assist Marcus in killing her. If you choose to defend her, you must fail in doing so, either by letting Marcus defeat her or by attacking her yourself. Once Isobel is dead, the barrier will fall, and the Shadow Curse will take over.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, allowing the Shadow Curse to consume Last Light Inn will lock you out of certain quests and storylines. For example, you will lose access to Jaheira as a potential companion, and the Harpers will no longer be able to assist you in your fight against Ketheric Thorm. Additionally, the loss of the innÔÇÖs resources, such as vendors and safe resting areas, will make Act 2 more challenging. If you are playing a morally ambiguous or evil character, this outcome may align with your roleplay, but it will have significant consequences for the rest of the game.

Common mistakes to avoid include accidentally saving Isobel during the attack. If you are trying to let the Shadow Curse consume the inn, be careful not to intervene too effectively in the fight against Marcus. Additionally, be aware that some companions may disapprove of your actions, particularly if they have a moral alignment that conflicts with allowing innocent people to die. For example, characters like Wyll or Karlach may react negatively to your choices, potentially leading to tension or even leaving your party.

Advanced techniques or optimizations for this scenario involve planning your character build and party composition to handle the increased difficulty of Act 2 without the support of the Harpers. Consider focusing on self-sufficiency, such as stocking up on healing items and ensuring your party has strong combat capabilities. You may also want to explore alternative paths to progress the story, such as aligning with other factions or finding other ways to weaken Ketheric Thorm.

From a D&D rules perspective, the Shadow Curse functions similarly to environmental hazards in the tabletop game. It represents a pervasive, corrupting force that can transform or kill those exposed to it without protection. The mechanics of the barrier and its collapse are unique to BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3, but they draw on the concept of magical wards and the consequences of their failure. Understanding these rules can help you anticipate the challenges of navigating the Shadow-Cursed Lands without the safety of Last Light Inn.

Specific examples and scenarios include the immediate aftermath of the barrierÔÇÖs collapse. Once the Shadow Curse takes hold, you will need to navigate a hostile environment filled with shadow-cursed undead and other dangers. The loss of key NPCs like Jaheira will also impact your ability to gather information and allies for the final confrontation with Ketheric Thorm. If you are playing a character who thrives on chaos or seeks to embrace darker powers, this outcome can provide a unique and challenging experience, but it will require careful planning and adaptability to overcome the obstacles it creates.