How do I start Shadowheart's personal quest in Baldur's Gate 3?

To start Shadowheart's personal quest in Baldur's Gate 3, you need to focus on building a strong relationship with her and progressing through the main story until certain triggers occur. Shadowheart is a cleric of Shar, the goddess of darkness and loss, and her personal quest revolves around her devotion to Shar and the mysterious artifact she carries. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to start and progress her quest.

First, you need to recruit Shadowheart. She can be found early in the game, near the Nautiloid crash site. After the initial cutscene, youÔÇÖll find her trapped in a pod on the ship. If you free her, she will join your party. If you miss her on the ship, you can find her later near the Overgrown Ruins, where she will ask for your help to get inside. Recruiting her is straightforward, but make sure to interact with her and choose dialogue options that align with her values to gain her approval.

Once Shadowheart is in your party, her personal quest, "The Chosen of Shar," will begin to unfold as you progress through the game. The key to advancing her quest is to maintain a high approval rating with her. Shadowheart approves of pragmatic and cautious decisions, as well as actions that align with SharÔÇÖs teachings, such as valuing secrecy and avoiding unnecessary risks. She disapproves of reckless behavior and overt displays of heroism. Pay attention to her reactions during dialogue and make choices that she favors.

As you explore the world, youÔÇÖll come across locations and events that are tied to ShadowheartÔÇÖs quest. One of the first major triggers occurs when you reach the Goblin Camp. Inside the camp, youÔÇÖll find a group of goblins worshipping a statue of the Absolute. Shadowheart will express interest in the statue, and this is a good opportunity to learn more about her connection to Shar. Engage in dialogue with her and ask about her faith to deepen your understanding of her backstory.

Another important location for ShadowheartÔÇÖs quest is the Gauntlet of Shar, which youÔÇÖll encounter in Act 2. This area is central to her personal story and contains trials that test her devotion to Shar. To reach the Gauntlet, youÔÇÖll need to progress through the main story until you arrive at the Shadow-Cursed Lands. The Gauntlet is located in the western part of this region, and entering it will trigger significant developments in ShadowheartÔÇÖs quest.

When you enter the Gauntlet, Shadowheart will be eager to explore it, as it is a sacred place for followers of Shar. Inside, youÔÇÖll face several trials that are designed to test her faith and resolve. These trials involve solving puzzles and defeating enemies, and they provide insight into ShadowheartÔÇÖs character and her relationship with Shar. Completing the trials will bring you closer to the climax of her quest, where youÔÇÖll need to make critical decisions that will affect her fate.

One of the most important decisions in ShadowheartÔÇÖs quest comes at the end of the Gauntlet, where youÔÇÖll encounter a powerful artifact known as the Nightsong. This moment is pivotal for Shadowheart, and your choices here will determine the outcome of her story. YouÔÇÖll need to weigh the consequences of your actions carefully, as they will have a lasting impact on her character and your relationship with her.

Throughout the quest, itÔÇÖs important to keep Shadowheart in your party and involve her in key decisions. Her approval rating will influence how she reacts to your choices, and maintaining a high approval will make it easier to guide her through the challenges she faces. Additionally, make sure to equip her with gear that enhances her abilities as a cleric, such as items that boost her spellcasting or provide defensive bonuses.

In terms of combat tactics, Shadowheart is a versatile character who can fill multiple roles in your party. She excels at healing and support, but she can also deal significant damage with her spells. Make use of her Channel Divinity abilities, such as Turn Undead, to control the battlefield and protect your party. Her Sacred Flame cantrip is useful for dealing radiant damage, and her Guiding Bolt spell can provide both damage and advantage for your allies.

Avoid common mistakes such as neglecting her approval or making choices that go against her values. Shadowheart is a complex character with strong convictions, and failing to respect her beliefs can lead to conflicts and a breakdown in your relationship. Additionally, donÔÇÖt overlook the importance of the Gauntlet of Shar. This area is crucial for her quest, and skipping it will prevent you from experiencing the full depth of her story.

Advanced techniques for optimizing ShadowheartÔÇÖs effectiveness include multiclassing her with other classes that complement her abilities. For example, combining her cleric levels with a few levels in rogue can enhance her stealth and utility, making her even more versatile in combat. However, be mindful of how multiclassing affects her spell progression and overall effectiveness.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, ShadowheartÔÇÖs abilities are based on the Trickery Domain for clerics. This domain grants her access to spells and features that emphasize deception and stealth, such as Blessing of the Trickster and Invoke Duplicity. Understanding these mechanics can help you make the most of her abilities and tailor your strategies to suit her strengths.

In summary, starting and progressing ShadowheartÔÇÖs personal quest in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 involves recruiting her early, maintaining a high approval rating, and exploring key locations like the Gauntlet of Shar. Pay attention to her reactions and make choices that align with her values to deepen your relationship. Equip her with appropriate gear and use her abilities strategically in combat. Avoid common mistakes and consider advanced techniques like multiclassing to optimize her effectiveness. By following these steps, youÔÇÖll be able to fully experience ShadowheartÔÇÖs story and help her navigate the challenges she faces.