The Shadow-Cursed Lands in Baldur’s Gate 3 Act 2 pose a significant threat. The encroaching darkness inflicts substantial damage, rendering even torches ineffective. Players seeking safe passage to Moonrise Towers face a critical decision: should they trust Kar’niss, the Drider, to guide them? This article explores the implications of accepting Kar’niss’s guidance and provides insights into navigating this perilous region.
The primary objective in the Shadow-Cursed Lands is reaching Moonrise Towers. One method ensures a direct route: posing as True Souls, expected by the Absolute’s cultists. By leveraging their tadpoles, players can impersonate these newcomers, securing a safe escort and easing infiltration into the cult’s ranks upon arrival. The choice is yours: navigate the dangers alone or accept the seemingly convenient path offered by Kar’niss.
Locating Kansif’s Camp
To embark on the guided journey, players must first locate Kansif’s camp, the designated meeting point for new True Souls.
Kansif’s camp resides in the eastern region of the Shadow-Cursed Lands, easily accessible for those arriving from the Mountain Pass. Upon entering the area, a goblin brawler will inquire about your True Soul status, directing you to Kansif.
Kansif awaits in a nearby hollow, surrounded by goblin and half-orc cultist guards. He will greet you as True Souls upon arrival. Players who sided with Minthara will already know the purpose of meeting Kansif. Others might need to bluff to get past the initial introductions to be guided across the Shadow-Cursed Lands by Kar’niss.
Summoning Kar’niss
Having established your True Soul credentials with Kansif, you’ll be tasked with summoning the guide, Kar’niss. This requires the Spider’s Lyre, acquired either from Minthara or her corpse. The Lyre can be easily missed, so if misplaced, follow these steps:
- Revisit the Goblin Camp and thoroughly examine Minthara’s body.
- Check your personal chests at camp.
- Inspect vendors you may have traded with. Note that vendors among the Tiefling refugees are unavailable if they’ve left the Emerald Grove.
A character holding the Spider’s Lyre can play it upon speaking to Kansif, summoning Kar’niss. The performance requires a Performance check, but Kar’niss will answer regardless of the roll’s outcome.
A failed check will elicit Kar’niss’s displeasure, while a successful one will see him eager to escort the new True Souls. During the conversation, hints will suggest that the Moon Lantern, and not Kar’niss himself, provides protection against the shadow curse. While you can ask to examine the Moon Lantern, Kar’niss will deny your request.
Traversing the Shadow-Cursed Lands Under Kar’niss’s Watch
Once you’ve accepted Kar’niss’s assistance, remaining within the Moon Lantern’s protective radius is crucial. Staying close to the Drider can be challenging, as his large body obstructs narrow pathways. Falling behind triggers Turn-Based Mode, allowing characters to catch up before succumbing to the curse. Maintaining proximity is essential for survival.
En route to Moonrise Towers, Kar’niss and his group face an ambush by Harpers from the Last Light Inn. Players can either defend Kar’niss to maintain their True Soul disguise or seize the opportunity to attack him and potentially seize his Moon Lantern. Siding with the Harpers may complicate your entry into Moonrise Towers as a True Soul. Choosing to defend Kar’niss ensures an uneventful journey to Moonrise Towers, where you’ll be admitted as expected with the guide.
Players seeking to maintain their cover while intending to side with the Last Light Inn can use non-lethal attacks during the ambush, though the consequences of this action are unknown.
Baldur’s Gate 3 offers complex choices with lasting consequences. Whether or not you “should I let Kar’niss guide me” depends on your allegiance and desired outcomes. Weigh the risks and rewards carefully before committing to a path.
