Encountering the Rats in Shar's Gauntlet
In Baldur's Gate 3, within Shar's Gauntlet, players will encounter a significant number of rats, particularly in the vicinity of the Orthon, Yurgir. These are not ordinary vermin; they are intrinsically linked to Yurgir's quest and predicament.
The Nature of the Rats
Through the use of a Speak with Animals spell or potion, players can communicate with these rats. Doing so reveals a crucial piece of lore: the rats are, in fact, the fragmented consciousness and followers of a Dark Justiciar named Lyrthindor. He and his legion were cursed, and Yurgir was tricked into a contract that binds him until the last of Lyrthindor's followers (and Lyrthindor himself, hidden among them as the "last Sharran") is eliminated.
The lead rat, which is Lyrthindor, will explain their plight and how Yurgir is hunting them. This interaction is key to understanding the options available for resolving Yurgir's contract.
Player Choices and Outcomes
Interacting with the rats and Yurgir presents several distinct paths and potential outcomes:
- Assisting Yurgir by Eliminating the Rats:
- The player can opt to help Yurgir fulfill his contract. This typically involves speaking to the rats with Speak with Animals and goading them into revealing Lyrthindor.
- A fight ensues where Lyrthindor transforms from a rat into his Dark Justiciar form, supported by a swarm of rats.
- Defeating Lyrthindor and the remaining rats satisfies Yurgir's contract. This can lead to Yurgir providing an Umbral Gem and potentially becoming an ally for a later encounter, depending on player choices.
- Tricking Yurgir or Siding with Lyrthindor:
- Alternatively, players can seek to break Yurgir's contract without necessarily killing all the rats. By thoroughly investigating Yurgir's surroundings and dialogue, or by speaking with Raphael, players can learn about the nature of his contract.
- With sufficient insight and successful dialogue checks (Persuasion), the player can convince Yurgir that the "song" he was taught by Raphael is, in fact, the last Sharran he seeks, tricking him into releasing himself from the contract (often resulting in his demise or departure).
- This path allows Lyrthindor and his rat followers to survive.
- Direct Combat with Yurgir:
- Players can choose to fight Yurgir directly. Defeating him will also resolve the situation, allowing access to the Umbral Gem he possesses and freeing the rats by default.
Key Considerations
The Speak with Animals ability is highly recommended for this encounter to unlock the full range of dialogue options and understand the nuanced situation with Lyrthindor and Yurgir. The resolution of Yurgir's contract is tied to obtaining an Umbral Gem, necessary for progressing through the Gauntlet of Shar. Furthermore, choices made here can impact Astarion's personal quest if he is in the party and seeks information from Raphael.
