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 significant benefits to the wearer, making it a valuable piece of equipment for any character, especially those who rely on survivability in combat. 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 that plays a crucial role in the game's story. The questline begins in Act 2, where you will encounter the Shadow-Cursed Lands. Your journey to obtain the cloak will require you to navigate through dangerous areas, make critical decisions, and face challenging enemies. The cloak itself is a reward for making specific choices during the questline, so it is important to pay attention to the narrative and dialogue options.

To start the questline, you need to interact with the character Dame Aylin, also known as the Nightsong. She is located in the Shadowfell, a dark and foreboding area within the Shadow-Cursed Lands. To reach her, you must first complete the Gauntlet of Shar, a series of trials that test your character's abilities and resolve. The Gauntlet of Shar is located in the Thorm Mausoleum, and it involves solving puzzles, defeating enemies, and making moral choices that will impact the outcome of the quest.

Once you have completed the Gauntlet of Shar, you will gain access to the Shadowfell. Here, you will encounter Dame Aylin, who is being held captive by the dark forces of Shar. To free her, you must defeat the enemies guarding her and make the choice to side with her against Shar's followers. This decision is crucial, as it will determine whether you receive the Cloak of the Eternal as a reward. If you choose to side with Dame Aylin and help her escape, she will reward you with the cloak as a token of her gratitude.

The Cloak of the Eternal provides several powerful benefits. It grants the wearer resistance to necrotic damage, which is particularly useful in the Shadow-Cursed Lands where necrotic damage is prevalent. Additionally, the cloak allows the wearer to cast the spell "Sanctuary" once per long rest, providing a significant defensive advantage in combat. This spell prevents enemies from targeting the wearer with attacks or harmful spells, making it an invaluable tool for protecting key party members.

When equipping the Cloak of the Eternal, it is important to consider your character's role in the party. This cloak is especially beneficial for characters who are often targeted by enemies, such as front-line fighters or support characters. By providing resistance to necrotic damage and the ability to cast Sanctuary, the cloak enhances the survivability of these characters, allowing them to fulfill their roles more effectively.

One common mistake to avoid is rushing through the Gauntlet of Shar without fully exploring the area. The Gauntlet contains several hidden treasures and optional encounters that can provide valuable experience and loot. Taking the time to thoroughly explore the Gauntlet will not only prepare you for the challenges ahead but also ensure that you do not miss out on any important items or story elements.

Advanced techniques for optimizing the use of the Cloak of the Eternal include combining it with other defensive items and abilities. For example, pairing the cloak with a character who has high Dexterity and proficiency in saving throws can create a nearly untouchable defensive powerhouse. Additionally, using the Sanctuary spell strategically can protect key party members during critical moments in combat, such as when they are low on health or concentrating on an important spell.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, the Cloak of the Eternal aligns with the mechanics of magical items that provide resistance to specific damage types and grant the ability to cast spells. Resistance to necrotic damage reduces the damage taken from necrotic sources by half, while the Sanctuary spell imposes a Wisdom saving throw on enemies who attempt to target the wearer. These mechanics are faithfully implemented in Baldur's Gate 3, making the cloak a powerful and versatile item.

Specific examples of scenarios where the Cloak of the Eternal shines include battles against undead enemies, who often deal necrotic damage, and encounters with powerful spellcasters who rely on targeted attacks. In these situations, the cloak's resistance and Sanctuary spell can turn the tide of battle in your favor, allowing your party to emerge victorious.

In conclusion, obtaining the Cloak of the Eternal in Baldur's Gate 3 requires careful navigation of the Gauntlet of Shar and making the right choices during the Nightsong questline. The cloak's defensive benefits make it a valuable addition to any character's equipment, particularly for those who need extra protection in combat. By following the steps outlined in this guide and considering the tips and strategies provided, you can successfully acquire the Cloak of the Eternal and enhance your party's effectiveness in the game.