Where can I find the Cloak of the Eternal in Baldur's Gate 3?

The Cloak of the Eternal is a highly sought-after magical item in Baldur's Gate 3, known for its powerful defensive properties. This cloak provides a significant boost to your character's survivability, making it a valuable piece of equipment for any build. To obtain the Cloak of the Eternal, you will need to complete a specific questline and make certain choices that align with the item's acquisition. Here is a detailed guide on how to find and obtain the Cloak of the Eternal, along with important tips and considerations.

The Cloak of the Eternal is tied to the questline involving the Nightsong, a mysterious and powerful entity. This questline begins in Act 2, where you will encounter the Shadow-Cursed Lands. The primary objective is to locate the Nightsong, which is hidden within the Gauntlet of Shar. The Gauntlet of Shar is a dungeon filled with traps, puzzles, and powerful enemies, so preparation is key. Before entering the Gauntlet, ensure your party is well-equipped with healing potions, scrolls, and any necessary buffs. It is also advisable to have a character with high Perception to detect traps and hidden paths.

Upon entering the Gauntlet of Shar, you will need to navigate through a series of trials designed to test your resolve and cunning. These trials include the Soft-Step Trial, the Self-Same Trial, and the Faith-Leap Trial. Each trial requires a different approach, so be prepared to adapt your strategy. For example, the Soft-Step Trial involves sneaking past enemies without being detected, so having a character with high Stealth is beneficial. The Self-Same Trial requires you to defeat a mirror image of your party, so focus on taking down the most dangerous opponents first. The Faith-Leap Trial involves navigating an invisible path, so proceed carefully and use ranged attacks to test the path ahead.

Once you have completed the trials, you will gain access to the inner sanctum of the Gauntlet of Shar. Here, you will encounter Balthazar, a powerful necromancer who is also seeking the Nightsong. Depending on your choices, you may need to fight Balthazar or negotiate with him. If you choose to fight, be prepared for a challenging battle, as Balthazar can summon undead minions and cast powerful spells. Focus on taking down his minions first to reduce the number of threats, and use crowd control abilities to limit his effectiveness.

After dealing with Balthazar, you will finally reach the Nightsong. The Nightsong is revealed to be a powerful celestial being named Dame Aylin. At this point, you will need to make a critical decision that will affect the outcome of the questline. You can choose to free Dame Aylin, which will align you with her and the forces of good, or you can choose to side with the Absolute, which will align you with the forces of darkness. Your choice here will determine whether you can obtain the Cloak of the Eternal.

If you choose to free Dame Aylin, she will reward you with the Cloak of the Eternal as a token of her gratitude. The cloak provides a significant boost to your character's AC and grants resistance to necrotic damage, making it an excellent choice for tanky characters or those who frequently face undead enemies. Additionally, the cloak has a unique ability that allows you to cast the Sanctuary spell once per long rest, providing further protection in combat.

It is important to note that the Cloak of the Eternal is a rare and powerful item, so it is advisable to use it on a character who can fully benefit from its defensive properties. For example, a Paladin or Fighter with high AC and a focus on tanking would be an ideal candidate for this cloak. Additionally, consider the synergy between the cloak and other items in your inventory. For example, pairing the Cloak of the Eternal with a shield and heavy armor can create an almost impenetrable defense, allowing your character to withstand even the toughest encounters.

One common mistake to avoid is rushing through the Gauntlet of Shar without proper preparation. The trials and enemies within the Gauntlet are designed to challenge even the most experienced players, so take your time and ensure your party is ready for the challenges ahead. Additionally, be mindful of your choices during the questline, as they can have significant consequences on the story and your ability to obtain the Cloak of the Eternal.

In terms of advanced techniques, consider using spells and abilities that can enhance your party's survivability during the trials and battles within the Gauntlet. For example, using the Bless spell can provide a significant boost to your party's attack rolls and saving throws, while the Shield of Faith spell can further increase your character's AC. Additionally, using crowd control abilities like Hold Person or Sleep can help you manage the number of threats you face, making the encounters more manageable.

From a D&D rules perspective, the Cloak of the Eternal is a powerful magical item that aligns with the game's mechanics. The Sanctuary spell, which the cloak grants, is a 1st-level abjuration spell that prevents enemies from targeting the wearer unless they succeed on a Wisdom saving throw. This can be a game-changer in combat, allowing your character to avoid damage and focus on supporting the party or dealing damage without fear of retaliation.

In conclusion, obtaining the Cloak of the Eternal in Baldur's Gate 3 requires careful planning, strategic decision-making, and a willingness to face challenging encounters. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and strategies provided, you can successfully acquire this powerful item and enhance your character's effectiveness in combat. Remember to prepare your party, make thoughtful choices, and utilize advanced techniques to overcome the challenges within the Gauntlet of Shar and secure the Cloak of the Eternal.