How do I get the Gloves of Swimming and Climbing in Baldur's Gate 3?

The Gloves of Swimming and Climbing in Baldur's Gate 3 are a valuable piece of equipment that can significantly enhance your character's mobility and utility in both exploration and combat. These gloves grant a +1 bonus to Strength saving throws and checks, as well as the ability to swim and climb without expending extra movement. This makes them particularly useful for characters who need to navigate difficult terrain or engage in physical tasks. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to obtain them, along with tips and strategies to make the process easier.

To get the Gloves of Swimming and Climbing, you need to complete a specific quest involving the Zhentarim faction. The Zhentarim are a shadowy organization involved in smuggling and other illicit activities. The gloves are part of their inventory, and obtaining them requires you to interact with their members in a particular way. The quest begins in Act 1, in the area known as the Shattered Sanctum, which is part of the Goblin Camp. HereÔÇÖs a step-by-step breakdown of how to proceed.

First, you need to locate the Zhentarim hideout. This is found in the Shattered Sanctum, which is accessible after youÔÇÖve dealt with the goblin leaders. Once inside, youÔÇÖll encounter a group of Zhentarim agents led by a character named Brem. Brem is the key to obtaining the gloves, as he is the one who sells them. However, simply buying the gloves from him is not straightforward. You need to gain his trust or find a way to persuade him to part with the gloves.

One way to gain BremÔÇÖs trust is by completing a quest for the Zhentarim. This involves retrieving a shipment of goods that was stolen by a group of gnolls. The gnolls are located in the Risen Road area, and youÔÇÖll need to defeat them to recover the shipment. Once youÔÇÖve done this, return to Brem and hand over the goods. This will improve your standing with the Zhentarim and make Brem more willing to trade with you.

Alternatively, if you prefer a more direct approach, you can try to pickpocket the gloves from Brem. This requires a high Dexterity score and proficiency in Sleight of Hand. Be aware that if youÔÇÖre caught, the Zhentarim will turn hostile, and youÔÇÖll have to fight your way out. This can be risky, especially if youÔÇÖre not prepared for combat. To increase your chances of success, consider using spells or abilities that enhance your stealth, such as Invisibility or Pass Without Trace.

Once you have the gloves, itÔÇÖs important to consider how they fit into your characterÔÇÖs build. The +1 bonus to Strength saving throws and checks makes them particularly useful for characters who rely on physical strength, such as Fighters, Barbarians, and Paladins. The ability to swim and climb without expending extra movement is also beneficial for characters who need to navigate difficult terrain, such as Rogues or Rangers. Keep in mind that the gloves do not stack with other items that provide similar bonuses, so youÔÇÖll need to choose carefully when equipping them.

A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the importance of gaining the ZhentarimÔÇÖs trust. If you try to take the gloves by force or through theft without proper preparation, you may find yourself in a difficult situation. ItÔÇÖs also important to consider the consequences of your actions. Aligning yourself with the Zhentarim can have long-term effects on the story, so think carefully about whether this is the path you want to take.

Advanced techniques for obtaining the gloves include using spells or abilities to manipulate the situation in your favor. For example, you can use Charm Person or Friends to improve your chances of persuading Brem to part with the gloves. You can also use Disguise Self to avoid detection if you choose to steal them. Additionally, having a high Charisma score can make it easier to negotiate with Brem and other Zhentarim members.

In terms of D&D rules, the Gloves of Swimming and Climbing function similarly to their tabletop counterparts. They provide a bonus to Strength checks and saving throws, which can be crucial in situations where physical prowess is required. The ability to swim and climb without expending extra movement is also a significant advantage, as it allows you to navigate the environment more efficiently.

In conclusion, obtaining the Gloves of Swimming and Climbing in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 requires careful planning and consideration. Whether you choose to gain the ZhentarimÔÇÖs trust or take a more direct approach, itÔÇÖs important to be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and strategies provided, you can successfully acquire this valuable piece of equipment and enhance your characterÔÇÖs capabilities in the game.