Gauntlet of Shar Rats: Overview
Rats within the Gauntlet of Shar represent a specific and important encounter. They are predominantly located in the western area of the Gauntlet, near the large statue of Shar and in close proximity to Yurgir the Orthon. These rats are central to the resolution of Yurgir's quest.
Identity and Interaction
Interaction with these rats necessitates the Speak with Animals ability, whether through spells, potions, or inherent racial traits. The rats are not initially hostile. Through dialogue with them, or by discovering associated lore (such as texts found near Yurgir), their true nature is revealed: the swarm collectively embodies Lyrthindor, a former Dark Justiciar. Lyrthindor transformed into this multitude of rats to evade Yurgir, who is contractually bound to eliminate all Dark Justiciars in the Shar's sanctum. This concealment is the primary reason Yurgir's contract remains unfulfilled.
Resolution Pathways and Implications
The player's approach to the Lyrthindor-rat situation directly influences Yurgir's fate and the progression of his associated quest. The main pathways are:
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Option 1: Assist Yurgir by Eliminating Lyrthindor
The player can inform Yurgir of the rats' true identity as Lyrthindor. Yurgir will then task the player with their extermination. After most rats are defeated, the final surviving rat will prompt Lyrthindor to coalesce into his original form. The player must then defeat Lyrthindor. This action directly advances Yurgir's objective of killing the last Justiciar.
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Option 2: Neutralize Yurgir, then Confront Lyrthindor
Alternatively, players can remove Yurgir as a threat before dealing with Lyrthindor. This can be achieved via two primary methods:
- Engaging Yurgir in direct combat and defeating him.
- Discovering the verses of a song scattered near Yurgir. These verses expose a loophole in his infernal contract. Presenting this to Yurgir can persuade him to effectively nullify his pact, often resulting in his own demise or departure.
Once Yurgir is no longer an obstacle, the player can interact with the remaining rats. This will cause Lyrthindor to reform, typically leading to a hostile encounter where Lyrthindor must be defeated.
Each chosen path has distinct narrative consequences, impacts any potential future interactions with Yurgir (if he survives), and yields different quest rewards and experience.
