Ad placeholder

Gauntlet of Shar: Difference between revisions

Jump to navigation Jump to search
1,288 bytes added ,  11 December 2023
→‎Walkthrough: de-second-personizing
(Walkthrough previously stated that north and west doors opened after touching the umbral gem. It is actually the *east* and west doors.)
(→‎Walkthrough: de-second-personizing)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{UnderConstruction|1}}
{{UnderConstruction|1}}{{Relative location|south=Grand Mausoleum|west=Shadowfell|PAGENAME=Gauntlet of Shar|region=Shadow-Cursed Lands}}[[File:Gauntlet of Shar Lobby.jpg|thumb|The entrance to the Gauntlet of Shar.]]


[[File:Gauntlet of Shar Lobby.jpg|thumb|The entrance to the Gauntlet of Shar.]]
The '''Gauntlet of Shar''' is a [[List of Locations|Location]] found within the [[Grand Mausoleum]] in the [[Shadow-Cursed Lands]]. It is the major dungeon of [[Act Two]], featuring many puzzles and combat encounters, while its completion leads to pivotal developments in multiple questlines.


The '''Gauntlet of Shar''' is a [[List of Locations|Location]] found in the [[Grand Mausoleum]] in [[Chapter Two]].  
This location plays a central role in [[Shadowheart]]'s personal quest [[Daughter of Darkness]].  


== Walkthrough ==
== Walkthrough ==
This location plays an important part in [[Shadowheart]]'s personal quest. There are 4 [[Umbral Gems]] in Gauntlet of Shar, you need to collect in order to progress through the dungeon and the quests [[Daughter of Darkness]] and [[The Chosen of Shar]]. In order to find the four gems you need to solve a number of problems / trials. You can do these trials in any order you want.
There are 4 [[Umbral Gems]] in Gauntlet of Shar that are needed in order to progress through the dungeon. In order to find the four gems, the player needs to solve a number of puzzles and encounters. The layout of the dungeon is fairly open-ended past the entry chamber and can be completed in a variety of approaches.  


<section begin="walkthrough"/>
<section begin="walkthrough"/>
=== Entrance ===
=== Entrance ===
[[File:Gauntlet of Shar Statue Puzzle.png|thumb|The statue and its (non-takeable) Umbral Gem.]]
[[File:Gauntlet of Shar Statue Puzzle.png|thumb|The statue and its Umbral Gem.]]


Just inside the entrance is a statue with an Umbral Gem. Shar speaks to you through the statue, inviting you to take on her trials and prove yourselves worthy. Approaching the statue will repel you. In order to continue, you party must extinguish eight Mystic Thuribles around the room. There are two side hallways to the east and west of the room, and levers located in alcoves to the north and south of each hallway. each side of the room. The alcoves are protected by pressure plates, which can be disarmed ({{SkillCheck|Sleight of Hand|10}}) as well as vents that are activated by the pressure plates and produce a cloud similar to [[Darkness]]{{verify}}. Activate the levers to lower the Thuribles, then interact with them to snuff out their lights. Any [[Moonlantern]]s or other sources of light must also be unequipped. Once the room is shrouded in darkness, purple glyphs are revealed around the statue. Follow the gaps in the glyphs to touch the Umbral Gem. This opens the way north.
Just inside the entrance is a statue with an unobtainable Umbral Gem. Shar speaks directly through the statue, inviting the party to take on her trials and prove themselves worthy. However, directly approaching the statue will trigger a hidden forcefield, repelling the player.  


Alternatively, you can also bypass the puzzle entirely by teleporting to the gem via [[Misty Step]], [[Dimension Door]], or other means.
In order to continue, the party must extinguish eight Mystic Thuribles around the room. There are two side hallways to the east and west of the room, and levers located in alcoves to the north and south of each hallway.The alcoves are protected by pressure plates, which can be disarmed ({{SkillCheck|Sleight of Hand|10}}) as well as vents that are activated by the pressure plates and produce a cloud similar to [[Darkness]]{{verify}}. Activate the levers to lower the Thuribles, then interact with them to snuff out their lights. Any [[Moonlantern]]s or other sources of light must also be unequipped. Once the room is shrouded in darkness, purple glyphs are revealed around the statue. Follow the gaps in the glyphs to touch the Umbral Gem. This opens the way north.


=== Meet with Balthazar ===
Alternatively, the player can bypass the puzzle entirely by teleporting to the gem via [[Misty Step]], [[Dimension Door]], or other means. The gaps in the barriers do not change between playthroughs, allowing the puzzle to be skipped on repeat plays through rote memorization.
After the riddle in the entrance room, you can go either east or west. You will encounter [[Reconstituted Duelist]]s which attempt to warn you away before leaving to address tremors. A group of undead [[Dark Justiciar]]s will attack you, and [[Umbral Tremor]]s will spawn that continuously summon more Dark Justiciars until they are destroyed. The Reconstituted undead fight against the undead with you.
 
=== Mushroom cave ===
West of the entrance, the temple walls degrade an open into a large natural cave overgrown with giant mushrooms, similar in appearance to the [[Underdark]]. A [[Cloaker]] lies in wait to ambush players at {{Coords|-819|-867}}. Cutting through this cave leads to a kitchen and feasting hall. In an adjoining room at {{Coords|-809|-816}}, five [[Rat|Rats]] encircle an '''Altar to Shar'''; each character in the player's party can pass a {{Ability check|Religion|14}} to pray at this altar and obtain {{Cond|Nightsinger's Favour}} until next long rest.
 
Pulling the lever at {{Coords|-825|-810}}opens the way to the vast antechamber abutting [[Balthazar|Balthazar's]] room.
 
=== Meeting with Balthazar ===
Alternatively, heading north from the entrance room, the player can go either east or west. [[Reconstituted Duelist]]s will attempt to warn the player away before leaving to address tremors. A group of undead [[Dark Justiciar]]s will attack, and [[Umbral Tremor]]s will spawn that continuously summon more Dark Justiciars until they are destroyed. The skeletal undead fight alongside the player against the Sharran shades.


The tremors persist until the party moves west and encounters more Reconstituted Duelists. The tremors begin in earnest as more Umbral Tremors and Justiciars are summoned to attack the party. Several waves appear, until finally a [[Justiciar Crusader]] appears. Defeat it and its minions and the path opens, revealing [[Balthazar]] at {{Coords|-852|-786}} along with [[Flesh]], a flesh golem, and three [[Ghoul Medic]]s. Balthazar assumes you are a [[True Soul]] and tells the party to go and complete the trials for him, as the Justiciars have been making it impossible for them to move forward. The party can either agree to help him or attack him outright. Balthazar can be convinced to offer help in the form of a bell that summons his brother, [[Flesh]].
The tremors persist until the party moves west and encounters more Reconstituted Duelists. The tremors begin in earnest as more Umbral Tremors and Justiciars are summoned to attack the party. Several waves appear, until finally a [[Justiciar Crusader]] appears. Defeat it and its minions and the path opens, revealing [[Balthazar]] at {{Coords|-852|-786}} along with [[Flesh]], a flesh golem, and three [[Ghoul Medic]]s. Balthazar assumes you are a [[True Soul]] and tells the party to go and complete the trials for him, as the Justiciars have been making it impossible for them to move forward. The party can either agree to help him or attack him outright. Balthazar can be convinced to offer help in the form of a bell that summons his brother, [[Flesh]].


=== Trials of Shar ===
=== Trials of Shar ===
In order to reach the [[Nightsong]], you must find four {{RarityItem|Umbral Gem}}s to access the heart of the Gauntlet.
In order to reach the [[Nightsong]], the player must find four {{RarityItem|Umbral Gem}}s to access the heart of the Gauntlet.


Each trial must be started by interacting with the sacrificial bowl at the trial's entrance. If [[Shadowheart]] is in the party, she will volunteer each time, gaining {{Approval|Shadowheart|+5}} if she is allowed to give blood and losing {{Approval|Shadowheart|-1}} if she is not. Whoever gives blood to begin the trial receives a single turn of [[Bleeding (Condition)]].
Each trial must be started by interacting with the sacrificial bowl at the trial's entrance. If [[Shadowheart]] is in the party, she will volunteer each time, gaining {{Approval|Shadowheart|+5}} if she is allowed to give blood and losing {{Approval|Shadowheart|-1}} if she is not. Whoever gives blood to begin the trial receives a single turn of [[Bleeding (Condition)]].
Line 32: Line 39:
The first trial room is on the left as you enter the Trial Hall, with a plaque that says "''Her Most Vaunted Treasure''" in front of the door.
The first trial room is on the left as you enter the Trial Hall, with a plaque that says "''Her Most Vaunted Treasure''" in front of the door.


The Soft-Step Trial is a stealth trial. There are two [[Shadow]]s patrolling a small maze, which you must sneak past to get to the Umbral Gem. Only one character needs to successfully reach the end of the room to complete the trial. If a character is detected, all characters are teleported back to the start of the maze. You can either use normal [[Stealth]] mechanics or some form of [[Invisibility]]. There is a [[Scroll of Invisibility]] on a skeleton on a bench nearby.
The Soft-Step Trial is a stealth trial. There are two [[Shadow]]s patrolling a small maze, which must be stealthily navigated to get to the Umbral Gem. Only one character needs to successfully reach the end of the room to complete the trial. If a character is detected, all characters are teleported back to the start of the maze. The player can either use normal [[Stealth]] mechanics or some form of [[Invisibility]]. There is a [[Scroll of Invisibility]] on a skeleton on a bench nearby.


A gate blocks your way to the Umbral Gem. You can open the gate with the [[Soft-Step Key]] in a hidden room of the maze. There is a button on the wall to the right that, when pushed, will rearrange the maze and allow access to the key. You can also lockpick the door {{SkillCheck|Sleight of Hand|10}}, or use teleportation such as [[Misty Step]] to bypass the gate entirely.
A gate blocks the way to the Umbral Gem. The gate guarding the gem can be unlocked with the [[Soft-Step Key]] in a hidden room of the maze.{{Verify}} There is a button on the wall to the right that, when pushed, will rearrange the maze and allow access to the key. The gate can also lockpicked with a {{SkillCheck|Sleight of Hand|10}}, or use teleportation such as [[Misty Step]] to bypass the gate entirely.


Once you pick up the Gem, a transporter will appear that can be interacted with to teleport any characters to the beginning of the room.
Once the party has the Gem, a transporter will appear that can be interacted with to teleport any characters to the beginning of the room.


==== Self-Same Trial ====
==== Self-Same Trial ====
Line 48: Line 55:
[[File:Faith Step Path Quest.jpg|thumb|The dimly lit path in the Faith-Step Trial.]]
[[File:Faith Step Path Quest.jpg|thumb|The dimly lit path in the Faith-Step Trial.]]


From the Self-same Trial, head north and down the stairs. At the bottom, you’ll find a door to the '''Faith-step Trial'''. There is a plaque on the outside of the door that reads "''Her Most Sacred Path''".
From the Self-Same Trial, head north and down the stairs. At the bottom, the party comes across a door to the '''Faith-step Trial'''. There is a plaque on the outside of the door that reads "''Her Most Sacred Path''".


In order to complete this trial, you must follow an invisible path, as marked on the mosaic floor in front of the sacrificial bowl. Straying from the path will return you to the start of the trial or to the nearest platform, but only up to three times; failures after the third will instead instantly kill the character and ''then'' teleport them to the nearest platform.
In order to complete this trial, a character must follow an invisible path, as marked on the mosaic floor in front of the sacrificial bowl. Straying from the path will return the character to the start of the trial or to the nearest platform, but only up to three times; failures after the third will instead instantly kill the character and ''then'' teleport them to the nearest platform.


Similarly to the Soft-Step Trial, this trial is most easily completed with a single character. It is possible to jump across gaps in the path or between platforms, or to use spells such as [[Misty Step]] to skip the trial and go directly to the Umbral Gem. In some instances, the path may be visible, though it is unclear what triggers this to be the case.
Similarly to the Soft-Step Trial, this trial is most easily completed with a single character. It is possible to jump across gaps in the path or between platforms, or to use spells such as [[Misty Step]] to skip the trial and go directly to the Umbral Gem. In some instances, the path may be visible, though it is unclear what triggers this to be the case.{{Verify}}


Once the final platform is reached (however you choose to do it), looting the Umbral Gem will trigger another teleporter that can bring characters back to the entrance quickly.
Once the final platform is reached, looting the Umbral Gem will trigger another teleporter that can bring characters back to the entrance quickly.


==== Yurgir's Tribulation ====
==== Yurgir's Tribulation ====
The fourth and final Umbral Gem is in the possession of the orthon [[Yurgir]] in the northern branch of the Gauntlet at {{coords|-652|-776}}, lying near his bed of corpses. You can fight him or help him resolve his contract with Raphael, which starts the quest [[Break Yurgir's Contract]]. It may also be possible to steal the gem and get out safely.
The fourth and final Umbral Gem is in the possession of the orthon [[Yurgir]] in the northern branch of the Gauntlet at {{coords|-652|-776}}, lying near his bed of corpses. The party can fight him or help him resolve his contract with Raphael, which starts the quest [[Break Yurgir's Contract]]. It is also possible to steal the gem and get out unnoticed with sufficient [[stealth]] or [[Invisibility]].


=== The Silent Library ===
=== The Silent Library ===
Line 66: Line 73:
One of the trapped ({{SkillCheck|Sleight of Hand|15}}) bookshelves in the north east of the library contains a book called {{SmItemIcon|Teachings of Loss: The Nightsinger}}.
One of the trapped ({{SkillCheck|Sleight of Hand|15}}) bookshelves in the north east of the library contains a book called {{SmItemIcon|Teachings of Loss: The Nightsinger}}.


If you succeed on a passive {{SkillCheck|Perception}} you can discover a hidden button at {{Coords|-784|-747}}. Alternatively, you can pick the door ({{SkillCheck|Sleight of Hand|21}}). The chamber behind it contains a pedestal named '''The Riddle of the Night'''{{anchor|riddle-of-the-night}}, which accepts [[Teachings of Loss: The Nightsinger]] and produces the {{RarityItem|Spear of Night}}, {{RarityItem|Dark Justiciar Half-Plate (Rare)|alias=Dark Justiciar Half-Plate}}, and a {{RarityItem|Dark Justiciar Helmet}}.
A hidden button at{{Coords|-784|-747}} can be revealed with a passive  {{SkillCheck|Perception}}, unlocking the door to the next chamber . Alternatively, the door can be lockpicked ({{SkillCheck|Sleight of Hand|21}}). The chamber contains a pedestal named '''The Riddle of the Night'''{{anchor|riddle-of-the-night}}, which accepts [[Teachings of Loss: The Nightsinger]] and produces the {{RarityItem|Spear of Night}}, {{RarityItem|Dark Justiciar Half-Plate (Rare)|alias=Dark Justiciar Half-Plate}}, and a {{RarityItem|Dark Justiciar Helmet}}.


=== Find the Nightsong ===
=== Find the Nightsong ===
Return to the Pedestal of Reckoning to the north of the entrance hall. You can place an Umbral Gem on the altar to unlock a platform that will take you downwards.
Return to the Pedestal of Reckoning to the north of the entrance hall. Placing an Umbral Gem on the altar unlocks a platform that will take the party downwards.


At the bottom, you will find another altar. Place the remaining three Umbral Gems on the altar, and a door will open. Inside, you’ll find the '''Verge of the Shadows''' [[waypoint]] and a pool of water that serves as a portal to the [[Shadowfell]]. If [[Shadowheart]] is in your party she will want to pray.
At the bottom is another altar. Place the remaining three Umbral Gems on the altar, opening the final massive doors. Inside lies the '''Verge of the Shadows''' [[waypoint]] and a pool of water that serves as a portal to the [[Shadowfell]]. If [[Shadowheart]] is in the party she will want to pray.


Entering the portal will take the party to the [[Nightsong]]'s chamber.
Entering the portal will take the party to the [[Nightsong]]'s chamber.


'''NOTE:''' Entering the portal serves as the 'cut-off' point for Act 2, after which it will no longer be possible to return to any Act 1 areas (including the [[Rosymorn Monastery Trail]] and [[Creche Y'llek]], and which will cause several quests to fail if they have not yet been completed. Before proceeding, make ''absolutely sure'' you have finished all that you wanted to do.
'''''Entering the portal serves as the 'cut-off' point for Act 2, after which it will no longer be possible to return to any Act 1 areas (including the [[Rosymorn Monastery Trail]] and [[Creche Y'llek]]), and which will cause several quests to fail if they have not yet been completed.'''''


The following sequence completes the quest [[The Chosen of Shar]].
The following sequence within the [[Shadowfell]] completes the quest [[The Chosen of Shar]].
<section end="walkthrough"/>
<section end="walkthrough"/>


Navigation menu