In the dim taverns and dark alleys of Baldur‘s Gate 3, mysterious rings pass between hands unseen, granting stealthy boons to light-fingered rogues and smooth-talking bards. One such ring is the Smuggler‘s Ring, a subtle but potent artifact for those who dwell in the shadows. This guide will illuminate everything you need to know to uncover the Smuggler‘s Ring and unlock its full potential in your adventures across the Forgotten Realms.
What Makes the Smuggler‘s Ring Special?
At first glance, the Smuggler‘s Ring may seem like an unassuming trinket, but don‘t let appearances fool you. This ring has appeared in tales and legends across the realms, granting luck and cunning to thieves, spies, and pirates over the ages. Its known magical properties make it highly coveted:
- +2 bonus to Stealth skill checks
- +2 bonus to Sleight of Hand skill checks
- -1 penalty to Charisma
Beyond the numbers, the ring‘s name alone marks the wearer as a "friend of the shadows" with connections in the smuggling trade and black markets. This underworld status can open doors that would otherwise be closed to outsiders.
For rogues, bards, rangers, and other adventurers who rely on quick wits and faster fingers, the Smuggler‘s Ring is an unparalleled asset. The stealth and sleight of hand bonuses increase your chances of picking pockets, skulking unseen, and landing devastating sneak attacks. And while the Charisma penalty may hurt when trying to charm or Fast Talk your way out of trouble, that‘s a small price to pay for dexterity worthy of the most infamous burglars and cutpurses in the realms.
Finding the Smuggler‘s Ring‘s Secret Hideout
Now that you know the power of the Smuggler‘s Ring, you‘re surely eager to claim it for your own. Luckily, its location is well-known to those in the know:
You can find the Smuggler‘s Ring tucked away under a bridge north of the Blighted Village, at coordinates X:58, Y:510 on the map.
Specifically, head north from the village through the winding back trails, past the Crumbling Keep and ruined farmhouses. The ring awaits in a skeleton‘s bony fingers beneath the overpass known as The Risen Road.
This low, covered bridge hides many secrets in its shadows, located along a path you‘re likely to travel anyway during your early adventures. As you approach, keep an eye out for the rubble and ramshackle state of the bridge. The creeping moss and fungi growing along the stones signal you‘re in the right area. Check within the alcoves and structural openings of the bridge to discover the skeleton and swipe the ring for yourself.
With its stealthy location and connection to the deceased previous owner, acquiring the Smuggler‘s Ring makes you feel part of a legacy stretching back through the ages. This secret steeped in dust and mystery now rests in your hands alone.
Mastering the Smuggler‘s Ring‘s Abilities
Once you‘ve claimed the Smuggler‘s Ring, you gain access to its formidable abilities. Here are some tips for mastering this artifact and using it to its full potential:
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Pick the perfect wielder – Make sure the ring ends up on the fingers of a Rogue or Bard to take advantage of the dexterity boosts. Rangers, Warlocks, and Arcane Tricksters also synergize well.
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Sneak more successfully – That +2 to Stealth checks makes a huge difference. You‘ll now succeed much more consistently when sneaking, allowing for ambushes and covert operations.
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Pilfer with precision – The +2 to Sleight of Hand transforms you into a master pickpocket. Line your pockets with coin purses, potions, and quest items.
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Adapt your dialogue – When speaking with NPCs face-to-face, switch the ring temporarily to avoid the Charisma penalty. You want your full charm for persuasion.
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Lean into your anonymity – With boosted stealth and sleight of hand, you can fade into a crowd and move unseen. Make the ring‘s reputation work for you.
As your proficiency with stealth, larceny, and deception expands, so too will your legend across the realms. Uncover the Smuggler‘s Ring to begin walking the secret paths of rogues and bards who came before you. The world of shadows awaits!
