Rats In Gauntlet Of Shar BG3 Locations And Quest Guide

The Gauntlet of Shar in Baldur's Gate 3 is filled with dark secrets, environmental puzzles, and unusual encounters that significantly impact your party's journey. Among the most curious mysteries within this Shadow-Cursed temple is the persistent swarm of rats scurrying across its stone floors. Players who take the time to investigate these rodents will uncover a hidden questline that ties directly into the fate of the Orthon Yurgir and the history of the Dark Justiciars.

Finding the Rats in the Gauntlet of Shar

You will first notice the rats acting unusually throughout various chambers of the temple, often warning your party to stay away. By using the Speak with Animals spell or potion, you can interact directly with them to learn more about their presence. To trigger the core questline, navigate down to the base of the massive Shar statue located near the central plaza.

Deciphering the Ritual Circle and the Swarm Secret

At the bottom of the statue, you will discover a mysterious ritual circle surrounded by candles and old notes. Reading the lore reveals that the last surviving Dark Justiciar, Lyrthindor, transformed himself into a swarm of rats to evade Yurgir's contract. Interacting with the single rat at this altar gives you the choice to make peace or initiate a battle against the horde.

Choosing Between the Bargain and the Battle

If you choose to make peace, the rat will reveal a small, hidden stash of loot elsewhere in the temple. However, choosing to fight triggers continuous waves of rats attacking your party all at once. Utilizing area-of-effect spells like Spirit Guardians makes short work of the rodents, drawing out the final true form of Lyrthindor.

Rewards and Narrative Consequences

Defeating the final Justiciar breaks Yurgir's contract, allowing you to resolve the Orthon encounter peacefully without a massive fight. Upon victory, you can claim valuable gear including the Justiciar's Scimitar and the Justiciar's Greatshield. While this outcome benefits your standing with Yurgir, be mindful that certain companions like Astarion may disapprove of how the situation unfolds.