In the sprawling world of Baldur’s Gate 3, whispers of a powerful artifact known as the Nightsong echo throughout your journey.
This cryptic quest, spanning all three acts of the game, offers intrigue, challenging puzzles, and impactful decisions that influence the narrative.
For adventurers seeking to unravel the Nightsong’s secrets, this guide delves into everything you need to know.
What is the Nightsong?
The Nightsong isn’t a physical object, but rather a person – Dame Aylin, a follower of the moon goddess Selune. Centuries ago, she was sent to Moonrise Towers to safeguard the faithful.
However, tragedy struck when her grief over a personal loss led her father, Ketheric Tharaphas, to abandon Selune in favor of the shadowy Shar.
To prevent further influence from Selune, Ketheric trapped Aylin within a soulcage, a magical construct, and hid her away in the Shadowfell, a realm far removed from the moon goddess’s light.
Intriguing Encounters: How the Quest Begins
The first hints of the Nightsong can be found in Act One at the Druid’s Grove. Here, you’ll encounter Aradin, a grumpy tiefling.
Depending on your actions, you might witness his argument with Zevlor, a tiefling druid, or simply stumble upon him later.
During your conversation, Aradin reveals his past involvement in an expedition searching for the Nightsong within a goblin-infested temple. This kicks off the “Find the Nightsong” quest.
Throughout Act One, you can discover additional clues about the Nightsong. You might find a dead adventurer named Brian clutching a map leading to the Nightsong, or stumble upon a journal detailing another failed expedition.
These fragments paint a picture of the Nightsong’s importance and the dangers associated with retrieving it.
The Hunt for the Nightsong: A Multi-Act Journey
Act Two: The Shattered Sanctum and the Gauntlet of Shar
Your pursuit of the Nightsong resumes in Act Two within the Underdark, a vast network of subterranean tunnels.
Here, you’ll locate the goblin camp known as the Shattered Sanctum. Within the camp lies a hidden temple, the key to finding the Nightsong.
Accessing the temple requires navigating Priestess Gut’s chambers and potentially overcoming her formidable ogre bodyguard.
Once inside, you’ll face the Gauntlet of Shar, a series of puzzles that test your intellect and combat prowess. These puzzles involve manipulating moon phase symbols to unlock further passage.
Solving them requires keen observation and referencing moon phase murals scattered throughout the Shattered Sanctum.
Act Three: The Shadowfell and a Crucial Choice
Act Three takes you to the Shadowfell, a desolate realm mirroring the Material Plane. Here, you’ll finally confront the source of the Nightsong whispers – the soulcage containing Dame Aylin. However, a critical decision awaits: will you free Aylin, or deliver her to the clutches of the manipulative wizard, Halsin, who seeks to exploit the Nightsong’s power for his own gain?
Consequences of Your Choice: Light or Shadow?
The decision to free Aylin or turn her over to Halsin has significant story implications. Here’s a breakdown of the potential outcomes:
- Freeing Aylin: This path aligns with characters who value good and redemption. Aylin returns to Selune’s service, potentially bolstering the moon goddess’s influence. As a reward, you’ll receive a powerful amulet blessed by Selune.
- Surrendering Aylin to Halsin: This choice aligns with characters who prioritize personal gain or a chaotic path. Halsin utilizes Aylin’s power to empower himself, potentially changing the balance between Share and Selune. The reward for this path is a collection of powerful, yet corrupt, magic items.
The impact of your decision extends beyond immediate rewards. Freeing Aylin can influence the fate of characters like Halsin and may even play a role in the game’s overall ending.
Beyond the Choice: Additional Rewards and Considerations
While the choice to free or surrender Aylin is central, the Nightsong quest offers other valuable rewards:
- Experience Points: Completing various quest stages grants significant experience points, aiding character progression.
- Equipment: You’ll encounter valuable equipment and loot throughout the quest, including magical items and powerful weapons.
- Unveiling Lore: The Nightsong quest delves into the lore of Baldur’s Gate 3, particularly the relationship between Shar and Selune, adding depth to the game’s world-building.
This concludes the tale of the Nightsong. Remember, while this guide provides a comprehensive overview, the specifics of the Nightsong quest, including dialogue options and puzzle solutions, may vary depending on your choices throughout the game.
So, prepare to face the challenges, make your choice wisely, and witness the consequences of your actions in the world of Baldur’s Gate 3.
FAQs
What is the Nightsong?
The Nightsong isn’t an object, but a person – Dame Aylin, a follower of the moon goddess Selune. Centuries ago, she was imprisoned within a soulcage by her father, Ketheric Tharaphas, to prevent her devotion to Selune.
How do I start the Nightsong quest?
In Act One at the Druid’s Grove, speak with Aradin, a tiefling, who mentions searching for the Nightsong in a goblin-infested temple. You might also find clues like a map or a journal from other failed expeditions.
Where do I find the Nightsong?
The hunt intensifies in Act Two within the Underdark’s Shattered Sanctum, a goblin camp. Inside a hidden temple, you’ll face the Gauntlet of Shar – puzzles involving moon phase symbols that unlock the path to the Nightsong.
What is the Gauntlet of Shar?
A series of puzzles in the hidden temple that test your observation and puzzle-solving skills. Look for moon phase murals within the Shattered Sanctum to decipher the symbols needed to progress.
What happens in Act Three?
Act Three takes you to the Shadowfell, where you finally confront the soulcage containing Dame Aylin. Here, you make a critical choice: free her or surrender her to Halsin, a manipulative wizard.
Who is Halsin, and why does he want the Nightsong?
Halsin seeks to exploit Aylin’s power for his own gain, potentially tipping the balance between the moon goddess Selune and the shadowy Shar.
What are the consequences of my choice?
Freeing Aylin aligns with good and redemption, strengthening Selune’s influence. You’ll receive a blessed amulet. Surrendering her to Halsin aligns with chaos or personal gain, empowering Halsin with corrupt magic items.
What are the other rewards for completing the Nightsong quest?
Beyond the main choice, you’ll gain experience points, valuable equipment, and delve deeper into the lore of Baldur’s Gate 3, particularly the rivalry between Shar and Selune.
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