How do I get the Absolute's Warboard in Baldur's Gate 3?

To obtain the Absolute's Warboard in Baldur's Gate 3, you need to follow a specific sequence of events and make certain choices during the game. The Absolute's Warboard is a powerful shield tied to the story of the Absolute, a central force in the game's narrative. This item is not something you can simply find lying around; it requires engaging with the game's main questline and making decisions that align with or challenge the Absolute's influence.

First, you need to progress through the main story until you reach the Goblin Camp. This is a key location where you will encounter several important characters, including Priestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and Minthara. These characters are leaders of the goblin forces and are deeply connected to the Absolute. To get the Absolute's Warboard, you will need to interact with these characters and make choices that either align with their goals or manipulate them to your advantage.

One of the most straightforward ways to obtain the Warboard is by siding with Minthara, the drow paladin who serves the Absolute. If you choose to help her raid the Druid Grove, you will gain her trust and potentially receive the Warboard as a reward. However, this path requires you to make morally questionable decisions, such as betraying the tieflings and druids who are seeking refuge in the grove. This choice will have significant consequences for the story and your relationships with certain companions, so it's important to consider the long-term impact of your actions.

If you prefer not to side with Minthara, there are other ways to obtain the Warboard. One strategy involves infiltrating the Goblin Camp and eliminating the leaders without openly declaring your allegiance to the Absolute. This requires careful planning and stealth, as you will need to take out Priestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and Minthara without alerting the entire camp. Once the leaders are defeated, you can loot their bodies for valuable items, including the Absolute's Warboard. This approach allows you to maintain a more heroic stance in the story, but it is also more challenging and requires a well-coordinated party.

Another method involves using deception and persuasion to manipulate the goblin leaders. By passing certain dialogue checks, you can convince them that you are a loyal servant of the Absolute, gaining access to their inner circle and eventually obtaining the Warboard. This approach relies heavily on your character's Charisma and proficiency in skills like Deception and Persuasion, so it's important to build your character accordingly if you plan to take this route.

When attempting to obtain the Absolute's Warboard, there are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, make sure your party is well-prepared for combat, as the Goblin Camp is filled with enemies who will not hesitate to attack if they suspect your true intentions. Equip your characters with strong weapons and armor, and consider bringing along companions who excel in stealth or combat, such as Astarion or Lae'zel.

Additionally, be mindful of the consequences of your actions. Siding with the goblins and the Absolute will alienate certain companions, such as Wyll and Karlach, who have strong moral convictions. On the other hand, taking a more heroic path may limit your access to certain rewards and storylines tied to the Absolute. It's important to weigh these factors and decide which path aligns best with your character's goals and playstyle.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing into the Goblin Camp without a clear plan or underestimating the strength of the goblin leaders. Each leader has unique abilities and can pose a significant threat if not handled carefully. For example, Priestess Gut can cast powerful spells, Dror Ragzlin is a formidable melee fighter, and Minthara is a skilled paladin with access to divine smites. Make sure to use crowd control abilities, such as Sleep or Hold Person, to neutralize these threats and give your party the upper hand in combat.

Advanced techniques for obtaining the Absolute's Warboard include using environmental hazards to your advantage. The Goblin Camp has several areas where you can trigger traps or use explosive barrels to deal massive damage to groups of enemies. Positioning your party strategically and using the environment to your benefit can make the fight much easier.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, the Absolute's Warboard is a magical shield that provides a significant boost to your Armor Class (AC) and may have additional properties, such as resistance to certain types of damage or bonuses to saving throws. These properties make it a valuable piece of equipment for any character who relies on defense, such as a fighter, paladin, or cleric. When equipping the Warboard, consider how it synergizes with your character's abilities and overall build. For example, a paladin with high AC and access to spells like Shield of Faith can become nearly untouchable in combat.

Specific examples and scenarios include using the Absolute's Warboard in conjunction with other defensive items, such as the Adamantine Shield or the Cloak of Protection, to further enhance your character's survivability. Additionally, pairing the Warboard with abilities that allow you to protect your allies, such as the Protection or Interception fighting styles, can make you a valuable asset to your party in both offensive and defensive situations.

In conclusion, obtaining the Absolute's Warboard in Baldur's Gate 3 requires careful planning, strategic decision-making, and a clear understanding of the game's mechanics and story. Whether you choose to side with the Absolute or take a more heroic path, the Warboard is a powerful item that can significantly enhance your character's effectiveness in combat. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and strategies provided, you can successfully acquire this legendary shield and use it to your advantage throughout your journey in Baldur's Gate 3.