Making the right call can make all the difference in Baldur's Gate 3. Players can never know what will happen if they choose the wrong dialogue option or do something morally questionable. These sometimes lead to fame and fortune, but it's not always sunshine and rainbows on the other end.
Early on in Act One, Baldur's Gate 3 players may stumble upon a highway littered with blood and bodies. Somewhere in the vicinity, two men are fighting for their lives as they try to protect a suspicious strongbox of questionable value. Here's what happens if players decide to relieve these men from their jobs.
Baldur's Gate 3: What's In The Caravan Strongbox?
The two caravaneers in the cave are actually members of the Zhentarim, an organized crime syndicate, and they are attempting to deliver the contents of the Caravan Strongbox to their client. If players decide to open it, they'll find a suspicious Iron Flask as well as some loose valuables. Opening the strongbox implies the men have died in one way or another and that the player passed the DC 20 Sleight of Hand check needed to pick the lock.
Players can claim all this loot for themselves for bartering at a later time, or they can open the Iron Flask for a real sight to see. However, keep in mind that opening the Caravan Strongbox will lock players out from receiving rewards from the Zhentarim operatives hiding out near the coast.
If the caravaneers in the cave bite the dust, players can instead take the Caravan Strongbox and bring it to the wine cellar in Waukeen's Rest. The roadside inn won't be in the best of shape once the party arrives there, but they'll be able to head to the cellar regardless. Speak with the lookout and convince him to let the party in to reach the Zhentarim Hideout.
Inside, players can give the Caravan Strongbox to the group's leader, Zarys, to receive the magic heavy crossbow called Harold. This ranged weapon is capable of inflicting Bane on a successful attack roll (assuming the target fails their saving throw) without using a Spell Slot, making it a great support weapon. Successful delivery of the shipment will also earn players the favor of the Zhentarim, giving them access to their resident trader and safe passage within the base.
Bringing an open strongbox to Zarys will immediately make all the criminals in the cave hostile. Additionally, popping the Iron Flask open will lead to negative relations with a certain character later on in the game.
Baldur's Gate 3 is available now on PC with a PS5 version coming soon.