How do I get the Sussur Shortsword in Baldur's Gate 3?

To obtain the Sussur Shortsword in Baldur's Gate 3, you need to complete a specific quest called "Finish the Masterwork Weapon." This quest involves crafting a weapon using Sussur Bark, a rare material found in the Underdark. The Sussur Shortsword is one of three possible weapons you can create, and it is particularly useful for its ability to silence enemies on hit, making it a valuable tool for disrupting spellcasters. Here is a detailed guide on how to acquire this weapon.

First, you need to start the quest by finding the "Finish the Masterwork Weapon" blueprint. This blueprint is located in the Blighted Village, specifically in the Blacksmith's House. The house is in the southeastern part of the village, and you can identify it by the anvil and forge inside. The blueprint is on a table near the forge. Once you have the blueprint, read it to learn that you need Sussur Bark and a weapon to craft a masterwork weapon.

Next, you must travel to the Underdark to find Sussur Bark. The Underdark is a vast and dangerous area, so make sure your party is well-prepared. You can enter the Underdark through several routes, such as the Whispering Depths or the Zhentarim Hideout. Once in the Underdark, head to the Sussur Tree. The tree is located in the western part of the Underdark, near the Myconid Colony. The area around the tree is filled with dangerous creatures, so proceed with caution.

When you reach the Sussur Tree, you will notice that it emits a magical aura that suppresses all magic within its vicinity. This means that spells and magical abilities will not work near the tree. To harvest the Sussur Bark, you need to interact with the tree. However, the tree is guarded by Hook Horrors and other hostile creatures. You can either fight these creatures or use stealth to avoid them. Once you have the Sussur Bark, return to the Blighted Village.

Back at the Blacksmith's House, use the forge to craft the Sussur Shortsword. Place the Sussur Bark and a regular shortsword into the forge. The game will prompt you to combine these items, resulting in the Sussur Shortsword. This weapon has the unique ability to silence enemies on hit, which can be incredibly useful in combat, especially against spellcasters.

There are a few important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, make sure your party is well-equipped and leveled before venturing into the Underdark. The area is filled with tough enemies, and being underprepared can lead to a quick defeat. Second, consider the type of weapon you want to craft. The Sussur Shortsword is a great choice for rogues or characters who rely on finesse weapons, but you can also craft a Sussur Dagger or Sussur Greatsword depending on your needs. Third, be aware of the magical suppression aura around the Sussur Tree. This can make combat more challenging, so plan your approach carefully.

Common mistakes to avoid include not preparing adequately for the Underdark and not having a suitable weapon to combine with the Sussur Bark. Make sure you have a shortsword, dagger, or greatsword ready before starting the crafting process. Additionally, do not underestimate the enemies guarding the Sussur Tree. They can be tough, so use crowd control abilities and focus fire to take them down efficiently.

Advanced techniques involve optimizing your party composition and abilities for the Underdark. Characters with darkvision or abilities that enhance stealth can be particularly useful. Additionally, using spells and abilities that do not rely on magic, such as physical attacks or non-magical buffs, can help you navigate the Sussur Tree's suppression aura.

In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the Sussur Shortsword's silencing effect is based on the Silence spell, which prevents the casting of spells with verbal components. This makes it a powerful tool against spellcasters, as it can shut down their abilities and give you a significant advantage in combat.

In summary, obtaining the Sussur Shortsword involves starting the "Finish the Masterwork Weapon" quest, finding the blueprint in the Blighted Village, venturing into the Underdark to harvest Sussur Bark, and crafting the weapon at the forge. Prepare your party well, choose the right weapon type, and be cautious of the magical suppression aura around the Sussur Tree. With careful planning and execution, you can add this powerful weapon to your arsenal and gain a significant edge in combat.