In the sprawling world of Baldur’s Gate 3, a cryptic quest named “Find the Nightsong” unravels as a complex and consequential journey. 

This seemingly simple task of retrieving a mysterious artifact blossoms into a narrative thread that intertwines with the fate of a key character and delves into the deeper lore of the Forgotten Realms.

This article delves into the Nightsong saga within Baldur’s Gate 3, exploring its various aspects:

The Allure of the Nightsong: Unveiling the Mystery

The story surrounding Aylin is shrouded in mystery.  She was sent to the Moonrise Towers by her mother, the goddess Selune, to watch over the faithful.  \

However, tragedy struck when Ketheric Thorm, the High Elf founder of the Moonrise Towers, fell in love with Aylin.  Grief-stricken after her disappearance, Ketheric abandoned Selune in favor of her sister, Shar, the goddess of darkness.

A Labyrinthine Quest: Following the Trail of the Nightsong

The quest to find the Nightsong spans all three Acts of Baldur’s Gate 3 and can be quite challenging. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps involved:

Act 1:  

You can first encounter clues about the Nightsong by speaking with Aradin in the Druid Grove.  He mentions his failed expedition to retrieve the artifact from a goblin temple.  Alternatively, you might stumble upon the corpses of his fallen companions, further hinting at the quest.

The Defiled Temple:  

The next stage involves venturing into the Defiled Temple located within the Shattered Sanctum, a goblin camp.  Here, you’ll need to solve a series of puzzles involving stone discs and moon phases to access the Nightsong’s prison.

Balthazar’s Bargain:  

Reaching the Nightsong reveals she is trapped in a soulcage.  To free her, you need to confront a powerful Necromancer named Balthazar, who guards the prison.  You can either defeat him in combat or strike a bargain to release the Nightsong in exchange for retrieving an artifact for him.

The Gauntlet of Shar:  

Balthazar’s request leads you to the Gauntlet of Shar, a series of trials testing your faith and allegiance.  The choices you make here can influence the future of the Nightsong and your relationship with Shadowheart, another companion with ties to Shar.

Choices and Consequences: The Impact of the Nightsong

The fate of the Nightsong hinges on the choices you make during the quest.  Here are some important decisions and their potential consequences:

Freeing the Nightsong:  

If you choose to free the Nightsong by defeating Balthazar or completing the Gauntlet of Shar, she expresses gratitude and offers cryptic advice related to Shadowheart’s destiny.  This decision also grants Shadowheart a unique power related to her goddess.

Aiding Balthazar:  

If you side with Balthazar and retrieve the artifact for him, the Nightsong remains imprisoned, and Shadowheart gains a power aligned with Shar’s darker influence.

These decisions not only impact the Nightsong’s fate but also play a role in Shadowheart’s character development and her relationship with the party.

Deeper Connections: The Nightsong’s Ties to the Forgotten Realms

The Nightsong quest isn’t simply a standalone adventure; it connects to the broader lore of the Forgotten Realms. Here’s how:

The Moonrise Towers:  

The Moonrise Towers, once a symbol of Selune’s influence, were corrupted after Ketheric Thorm’s betrayal.  The Nightsong’s imprisonment reflects this shift in power and foreshadows potential consequences in the ongoing celestial conflict.

The Shar Conflict:  

Shar, the goddess of darkness, seeks to expand her influence.  The Nightsong’s imprisonment and Shadowheart’s connection to Shar add another layer to this ongoing struggle between the deities.

FAQs

Who is the Nightsong?

The Nightsong’s true identity is a mystery you can unravel during Act 3.  The prevailing theories suggest she’s either a celestial being or a powerful magic item.

What quest is connected to the Nightsong?

The quest to find the Nightsong is called “Find the Nightsong.” You can initiate it by speaking with Aradin in the Druids’ Grove.

When can I complete the Nightsong quest?

This quest can only be completed in Act 3 of Baldur’s Gate 3.

What are the different choices I can make regarding the Nightsong?

In Act 3, you’ll encounter Lorroakan, a powerful wizard seeking the Nightsong. You can either help him capture her or try to protect her. This decision has significant consequences.

What happens if I help Lorroakan capture the Nightsong?

If you assist Lorroakan, you gain no new allies, but the Nightsong is safe (for now). However, the Last Light Inn is negatively affected.

What happens if I protect the Nightsong from Lorroakan?

The Nightsong, revealed as an Aasimar, joins your party. However, this action angers Shar and disrupts the protective dome around the Last Light Inn.

Does siding with the Nightsong affect Ketheric Thorm?

Yes. Ketheric loses his invulnerability when the Last Light Inn’s dome falls, making him easier to defeat. However, this comes at the cost of many innocent lives.

Are there any other consequences to my Nightsong choices?

Depending on your choices, certain questlines in Act 2, like rescuing the Tieflings or Gnomes, might become unavailable.

How is the Nightsong connected to the Shadowfell?

The exact connection remains unclear, but the Nightsong is likely either trapped within the Shadowfell or possesses some power related to that realm.

Will the Nightsong play a bigger role in future Baldur’s Gate 3 content?

The developers haven’t confirmed anything, but the Nightsong’s potential as a powerful ally or antagonist leaves room for future involvement.

Who is Shar, and how is she connected to the Nightsong?

Shar is the goddess of darkness and secrets.  She may be seeking the Nightsong’s power or fearing her potential to disrupt her plans.

What happens if I side with Shar through my Nightsong choices?

Shadowheart gains a promotion to Dark Justiciar and vows to cleanse the corruption within Shar’s church.

Does siding with Shar have any lasting effects on the game?

Yes. The protective dome around the Last Light Inn shatters, endangering its inhabitants.

Is the Gauntlet of Shar required to find the Nightsong?

No, but you’ll encounter the Nightsong within the Gauntlet during your search for a way to confront the source of the corruption plaguing the Underdark.

What items are important for finding the Nightsong in the Gauntlet of Shar?

Obtaining the four Umbral Gems and using them on a specific device is crucial to accessing the Nightsong’s location.

Is Shadowheart essential for completing the Nightsong questline?

While not strictly required, Shadowheart’s presence and connection to Shar can influence certain events and dialogue options during the quest.

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