The rats in the Gauntlet of Shar aren’t pleasant vermin, but who can blame them? Although the rat offers you treasure in BG3, why would you want a rat’s treasure in BG3? Should you accept the rat’s treasure in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Should You Accept the Rat’s Bargain in the Gauntlet of Shar in Baldur’s Gate 3? – Answered
You should not accept the Rat’s bargain in Baldur’s Gate 3. By declining the rat’s offer, you face the rat horde and eventually confront Lyrthindor, the Last Justiciar. This route yields better rewards, including the rare Justiciar’s Scimitar and Justiciar’s Greatshield. Although they are not legendary weapons, they are amazing magic items nonetheless. So, it’s advisable to skip the rat’s treasure in BG3 and take the more rewarding path.
If you do accept the rat’s bargain in Baldur’s Gate 3, you gain access to the tile where the rats have hidden their treasure. However, the treasure isn’t particularly impressive, consisting of 93 Gold, 1 Sylvan Stone (used to create Essence of Sylvan Stone), and 1 Pegasus Feather (used to create Elixir of Heroism). While the Sylvan Stone is rare, the alternative path—declining the rat’s bargain—offers better rewards.
How to Find the Gauntlet of Shar
Before we get to the rats, you might wonder where the Gauntlet of Shar is. While you’re in the Shadow Cursed Lands, head to the very north end of Reithwin, past the hospital where you’ll encounter the good doctor Malus Thorm. Head up the hill past the graveyard, and you’ll encounter Raphael, who will then offer you a deal outside of the Gauntlet of Shar’s gates.
Now, getting back to the rats and their treasure. If you’re wondering if you should take the rat’s treasure, you should be aware that the treasure isn’t that good. You’ll have to accept the rat’s bargain to access the tile where the rats have hidden their treasure. And behind that tile is the meager reward of
- 93 Gold.
- 1 Sylvan Stone – Combine three Sylvan Stone to create Essence of Sylvan Stone, which us used to make Oil of Diminution. This is a rare ingredient, otherwise only found in the Underdark.
- 1 Pegasus Feather – Combine three Pegasus Feathers to create a Sublimate of Pegasus Feathers, which can be used to make Elixir of Heroism—a common ingredient.
Despite the rarity of the Sylvan Stone, the Oil of Diminution isn’t that great of a reward. And if Astarion’s in your party, he’ll disapprove of your choice. But that makes sense, as he really wants you to kill Yurgir.
If this prize does sound worthwhile to you, you can find the treasure right before the jump that leads down to Shar’s feet. You’ll likely need Misty Step, Dimension Door, or an otherwise very strong character to make the jump to the broken ledge that will lead to the tile.
Once there, go to the left of Shar’s altar and approach the column for the tile to highlight itself. It won’t highlight or be interactable unless you accept the rat’s bargain.
If you opt not to accept the rat’s bargain, you’ll have to defeat the rat horde. And doing so will eventually have you fighting Lyrthindor, the Last Justiciar. Once you defeat him, you’ll get the Justiciar’s Scimitar and Justiciar’s Greatshield.
Both are significantly better than what Lyrthindor squirreled away behind that tile.
Justiciar’s Scimitar Stats in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3)
Justiciar’s Scimitar, which you’ll get for refusing the rat’s offer in Baldur’s Gate 3, is a very rare slashing weapon that can afflict blind if you attack with advantage. The Justiciar’s Scimitar’s stats are:
- Shadow-Blinding: If you attack with Advantage, you have a chance to blinded condition Blind your target.
- Weapon Enchantment +2
- 3~8 Damage
- 1d6+2
Justiciar’s Greatshield Stats in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3)
If you refuse the rat’s offer in the Gauntlet of Shar, you can also get a rare shield that can only be obtained by defeating the rat horde. The Justiciar’s Greatshield’s stats are:
- Shield Bash: When a foe hits you with a melee attack, you can use your reaction to knock it Prone unless they succeed a Dexterity Saving Throw.
- Darkness Cloak: Action. Create a cloud of magical darkness and immediately attempt to Hide.
- Armor Class +2
When you combine the Justiciar’s Scimitar’s ability Shadow-Blind and the Justiciar’s Greatshield’s ability Darkness Cloak, you have a powerful combination that will long outlast the effect of the Oil of Diminution you can make with the Rat’s treasure.
Strategies for Defeating the Rats in Shar’s Gauntlet
If you so choose to fight them, they could prove a somewhat menacing foe. However, there are a few surefire strategies to take care of them quickly. Put Shadowheart directly in front of everyone else, turn on Spirit Guardians, and watch those rats die. This ability pretty much kills them instantly. Nobody will get hurt as long as everyone’s grouped up by Shadowheart.
Rats can be pesky sometimes in the world of Baldur’s Gate 3, but they won’t be the worst foe you encounter. We recommend taking full advantage of custom mode if the game’s difficulty starts to get you down.
