Where is the hidden stash in the Zhentarim Hideout in Baldur's Gate 3?

The hidden stash in the Zhentarim Hideout in Baldur's Gate 3 is a well-concealed treasure that requires careful exploration and interaction with the environment to uncover. The Zhentarim Hideout is located in the Goblin Camp, and accessing the stash involves navigating through the hideout, dealing with its inhabitants, and solving a puzzle to unlock the treasure. Here is a detailed guide on how to find and access the hidden stash.

To begin, you need to reach the Zhentarim Hideout, which is situated in the Goblin Camp. The Goblin Camp is a dangerous area filled with hostile goblins, so it is advisable to prepare your party for combat. Ensure your characters are well-equipped with weapons, armor, and spells. Stealth can be a valuable tool here, allowing you to avoid unnecessary fights and conserve resources. Once inside the Goblin Camp, look for a wooden door leading to the Zhentarim Hideout. This door is usually guarded by goblins, so you may need to defeat them or use stealth to slip past.

Upon entering the hideout, you will encounter members of the Zhentarim, a secretive and dangerous organization. They are initially hostile, but you can choose to negotiate with them or fight your way through. If you decide to negotiate, having a character with high Charisma and proficiency in Persuasion or Deception can be beneficial. Convincing the Zhentarim that you are not a threat will allow you to explore the hideout without engaging in combat.

The hidden stash is located in a room with a locked iron door. To open this door, you need to find a key or pick the lock. The key is held by Brem, one of the Zhentarim members. You can obtain the key by pickpocketing Brem, persuading him to hand it over, or defeating him in combat. If you choose to pick the lock, ensure you have a character with high Dexterity and proficiency in Sleight of Hand. Thieves' Tools are required for this task, so make sure you have some in your inventory.

Once you have access to the room, you will find a chest containing the hidden stash. However, the chest is trapped, and opening it without disarming the trap will trigger a harmful effect. To disarm the trap, you need to pass a Perception check to detect it and then a Sleight of Hand check to disarm it. Failing the Perception check means you will not notice the trap, and failing the Sleight of Hand check will result in the trap being triggered. It is advisable to save your game before attempting to disarm the trap to avoid losing progress if things go wrong.

The hidden stash contains valuable items, including gold, potions, and rare equipment. One of the notable items is the Gloves of Thievery, which grant a bonus to Sleight of Hand checks. These gloves can be particularly useful for characters who rely on stealth and thievery. Additionally, you may find scrolls, gems, and other consumables that can aid you in your journey.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when attempting to access the hidden stash. First, ensure your party is well-prepared for combat, as the Zhentarim Hideout is a dangerous place. Second, consider using stealth and dialogue options to avoid unnecessary fights and conserve resources. Third, always check for traps when looting chests, as failing to do so can result in significant damage or even death. Fourth, save your game frequently to avoid losing progress if things go wrong.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing into the hideout without proper preparation, failing to detect and disarm traps, and engaging in combat when it can be avoided. Taking your time to explore the environment, interact with NPCs, and use your skills effectively will increase your chances of success.

Advanced techniques and optimizations include using spells like Invisibility or Pass Without Trace to enhance your stealth capabilities, using Guidance or Enhance Ability to boost your skill checks, and positioning your party strategically to gain an advantage in combat. Additionally, having a character with high Perception and Sleight of Hand can make it easier to detect and disarm traps.

In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, the process of finding and accessing the hidden stash involves several skill checks, including Perception, Sleight of Hand, Persuasion, and Deception. These checks are based on your character's abilities and proficiencies, so building your character with these skills in mind can be beneficial. The use of Thieves' Tools to pick locks and disarm traps is also a key mechanic, requiring proficiency in Sleight of Hand.

Specific examples and scenarios include using a Rogue with high Dexterity and proficiency in Sleight of Hand to pick locks and disarm traps, using a Bard with high Charisma and proficiency in Persuasion to negotiate with the Zhentarim, and using a Wizard with the Invisibility spell to sneak past enemies. Each of these approaches has its advantages and can be tailored to your party's strengths and playstyle.

In conclusion, finding and accessing the hidden stash in the Zhentarim Hideout requires careful exploration, strategic thinking, and effective use of your character's skills and abilities. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and techniques provided, you can successfully uncover the hidden treasure and gain valuable rewards for your party.