In the expansive universe of Baldur’s Gate 3, players encounter a treasure trove of items that enhance their characters’ abilities during the epic quest to liberate Faerûn from the influence of the Absolute. Among these objects, some feature brief lore, while others offer profound narratives that enrich the gaming experience. Notably, two such items can be discovered in the haunting Shadow-Cursed Lands, where their unsettling yet poignant backstories stand out, showcasing the game’s remarkable storytelling capabilities.
As players progress through Act 2, they leave behind the verdant Emerald Grove and venture into the dark and oppressive atmosphere of the Shadow-Cursed Lands. Here, while assisting the Harpers and Halsin in their struggle against the pervasive Shadow Curse, players will uncover some of the game’s most compelling environmental storytelling, particularly the narrative of the Reithwin. Amidst the lurking shadows and the undead, two powerful rings await discovery, each accompanied by a twisted backstory that ties deeply into the rich lore of the game.
The Tragic Tale Behind Two Enigmatic Rings
Casting a Powerful Spell with a Disturbing Twist
Nestled in two distinct locations during Act 2 are a pair of rings, each conferring the ability for one wearer to cast Warding Bond on another. This spell proves invaluable—especially for more vulnerable characters—enabling players to save precious spell slots by utilizing hirelings back at camp. Warding Bond not only grants a +1 bonus to both Armor Class and saving throws but, more importantly, it provides resistance to all damage types.
Enhancing characters with feats like Tough or Durable can further bolster their hit points, increasing their potential to withstand damage. However, it’s essential to recognize the significant drawback associated with Warding Bond: while the recipient enjoys the benefits, any damage they sustain is also mirrored back to the spell’s caster. Thus, players must skillfully manage their resources to ensure the survival of their team.
Discovering the Rings’ Locations
The Rings and Diaries Held by Skeletons
Both rings are hidden in the western portion of the Shadow-Cursed Lands, particularly in Reithwin Town, which lies southwest of the Last Light Inn. One of the rings, known as True Love’s Embrace, can be located in the Reithwin Graveyard, close to where players may encounter Arabella. Here, leaning against a tree, players will find the remains of Miranda, alongside her diary. Intriguingly, this diary remains silent regarding the troubling dynamics of her marriage, with Miranda expressing only her unbreakable devotion to her husband.
Meanwhile, her husband’s ring, True Love’s Caress, is located on his skeleton within Reithwin’s House of Healing. Situated between two beds and positioned behind Sister Sinda, the remains of her husband can be found on a mattress, allowing players to retrieve both the ring and his diary. These rings grant the ability to cast Warding Bond once per long rest; yet, the diary of the husband harbors a troubling revelation.
Unraveling the Disturbing Narrative Within the Diary
Sharrans’ Unique Perspective on Love
The diary of the unnamed husband chronicles his relationship with Miranda, a cleric of Shar, and highlights the looming danger posed by the impending conflict with the Harpers. His second entry reveals his elation upon receiving Miranda’s marriage proposal, during which she blesses their rings as part of the ceremony. However, given the spell intricately woven into the rings, it becomes evident that Miranda was activating Warding Bond to ensure her own safety during combat.
Subsequent entries depict a heartbreaking tale; the husband’s condition deteriorates as Miranda secures victory after victory in battles. A particularly harrowing moment occurs when he defies her warning by speaking with a nurse at the House of Healing. It becomes clear that the nurse recognizes the implications of the rings yet refrains from opposing a cleric of Shar.
This narrative and the objects associated with it expertly demonstrate how Baldur’s Gate 3 highlights the Sharrans’ indifference towards the lives of others in their relentless pursuit of power. Although Miranda may have cherished her husband, her ambition for Shar’s favor through combat triumphs took precedence over their affection, reducing her spouse to a mere pawn in her quest for strength.