The Caravan Strongbox Dilemma: To Zarys or Not To Zarys in Baldur’s Gate 3

The question of who to give the Caravan Strongbox to in Baldur’s Gate 3 boils down to this: Return it to Zarys in the Zhentarim Hideout below Waukeen’s Rest. While the temptation to crack it open and pocket the contents is understandable, the long-term benefits of siding with the Zhentarim and receiving your reward far outweigh the immediate gratification of looting the chest. Delivering it to Zarys unlocks the potent Harold heavy crossbow, which can inflict Bane on enemies. Furthermore, it grants access to Brem’s expanded inventory, offering a broader selection of valuable items. Choosing to open the box is a shortsighted decision that cuts you off from potential quests, valuable rewards, and a beneficial relationship with a powerful (though morally questionable) faction.

Understanding the Missing Shipment Quest

Before diving into the specifics, let’s briefly recap the Missing Shipment quest. You’ll encounter Rugan and Olly, two Zhentarim agents, near Waukeen’s Rest. They’ve lost their cargo – the Caravan Strongbox – and ask for your help in retrieving it. This quest is a branching point, leading you to either assist the Zhentarim or betray them. It is crucial to understand the consequences of each choice for an informed decision.

The Allure of the Strongbox: Why Players Consider Stealing It

The desire to open the Caravan Strongbox stems from a simple, primal urge: loot! Inside, you’ll find a seemingly innocuous item – the Iron Flask. This flask contains a Spectator, a miniature Beholder. Releasing the Spectator results in a challenging fight, but the real draw for players is often the “what if?” factor. What if there’s more inside? What if the Spectator is manageable? What if I can sell the flask for a fortune?

However, opening the strongbox cuts you off from the Zhentarim questline and its associated rewards. Is a gamble with a potentially deadly Spectator really worth sacrificing a guaranteed powerful weapon and access to a valuable merchant? The answer, for most players, is a resounding no.

Why Giving the Strongbox to Zarys is the Optimal Choice

The reasons for siding with Zarys are compelling:

• Harold, the Magic Heavy Crossbow: This is the primary reward and a significant upgrade for many characters. Harold can inflict Bane on a successful attack roll (assuming the target fails their saving throw) without using a spell slot, making it an excellent support weapon. Bane cripples enemies, reducing their attack rolls and saving throws, significantly increasing your party’s survivability.

• Access to Brem’s Expanded Inventory: Brem is the merchant in the Zhentarim Hideout. Returning the strongbox to Zarys greatly expands his inventory, providing access to rare and powerful items. This expanded inventory offers a range of equipment, consumables, and scrolls that can significantly enhance your party’s capabilities.

• Continued Zhentarim Questline: Siding with the Zhentarim opens up further quest opportunities, potentially leading to more rewards, experience, and insight into the workings of this shadowy organization. While they aren’t exactly paragons of virtue, aligning with the Zhentarim provides a different perspective on the power struggles within Baldur’s Gate 3.

The Moral Quandary: Are the Zhentarim Worth Supporting?

The Zhentarim are not good guys. They’re a network of smugglers, mercenaries, and information brokers with questionable ethics. Siding with them means condoning their actions, at least to some extent. This poses a moral dilemma for players pursuing a “good” or “neutral” playthrough.

However, even good-aligned characters can justify working with the Zhentarim. Sometimes, alliances of convenience are necessary to achieve a greater good. Furthermore, information and resources are invaluable tools for fighting against even greater threats.

Consequences of Opening the Caravan Strongbox

Opening the strongbox immediately aggros the Spectator inside. While you do get experience points for defeating it, you miss out on the quest rewards. Moreover, revealing the contents of the strongbox to the wrong people (such as the Flaming Fist) can lead to negative consequences and potentially jeopardize your standing in the region.

Ultimately, opening the strongbox is a gamble that rarely pays off. The potential rewards simply don’t justify the risks.

Handling the Iron Flask

Even if you decide to give the Caravan Strongbox to Zarys, you still end up with the Iron Flask. The flask is, in itself, a powerful item. Releasing the Spectator can be used strategically in combat, turning the tide against overwhelming odds. Keep it for emergencies or situations where causing chaos is beneficial. Just remember, the Spectator is hostile to everyone, including you.

Making the Most of the Zhentarim Alliance

Once you’ve returned the strongbox to Zarys, make sure to explore the Zhentarim Hideout thoroughly. Talk to Brem, browse his inventory, and inquire about further quests. Building a rapport with the Zhentarim can provide valuable advantages throughout your Baldur’s Gate 3 adventure.

Remember, the Zhentarim are a powerful faction with far-reaching influence. Aligning with them opens doors to new opportunities and challenges.

What Alignment Should You Be To Side With Zarys?

While any alignment can side with Zarys, it makes the most sense thematically for neutral or evil characters. Good characters can still justify it, but roleplaying considerations might make it feel dissonant. Ultimately, the choice is yours and depends on how you define your character’s goals and values. Remember that Baldur’s Gate 3 allows for nuanced roleplaying, and even good characters can make morally ambiguous decisions for the greater good.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the decision of who to give the Caravan Strongbox to:

1. Can I still get Harold later if I don’t give Zarys the strongbox?

No, Harold is exclusively a reward for completing the Missing Shipment quest by returning the Caravan Strongbox to Zarys. There’s no other way to obtain it.

2. What level should I be to fight the Spectator if I choose to open the strongbox?

Ideally, you should be at least level 4 before attempting to fight the Spectator. The Spectator is a challenging enemy, especially at lower levels.

3. Is the expanded inventory at Brem’s shop worth siding with the Zhentarim?

Yes, Brem’s expanded inventory includes rare and powerful items that can significantly enhance your party’s capabilities. Access to this inventory is a major advantage.

4. What other quests are available from the Zhentarim?

The Zhentarim offer several quests, including tasks related to smuggling, information gathering, and eliminating rivals. Completing these quests can provide valuable rewards and insights into the criminal underworld of Baldur’s Gate.

5. Can I betray the Zhentarim after getting Harold?

Yes, it is possible to betray the Zhentarim after receiving Harold. However, this will likely have consequences, such as losing access to Brem’s shop and potentially making them hostile.

6. Does opening the strongbox affect my relationship with other companions?

Yes, depending on your companions’ alignments, opening the strongbox may negatively affect their approval of you. Good-aligned companions will likely disapprove, while neutral or evil companions may approve.

7. What if I accidentally opened the strongbox?

If you accidentally opened the strongbox, you will have to fight the Spectator. If you defeat it, you will miss out on the Zhentarim questline and the reward of Harold.

8. Can I convince Zarys that I found the strongbox but didn’t open it if I actually did?

No, Zarys will know if you opened the strongbox. There’s no way to deceive her.

9. How does siding with the Zhentarim impact the overall story?

Siding with the Zhentarim can open up new narrative paths and perspectives, but it also involves associating with morally questionable characters. It adds depth and complexity to the game world but does not fundamentally alter the main storyline.

10. Can I sell the Iron Flask instead of opening it?

Yes, you can sell the Iron Flask to various merchants. However, it’s generally more useful to keep it for strategic purposes.

11. Are there any downsides to keeping the Iron Flask?

The only downside to keeping the Iron Flask is the inventory space it occupies. Otherwise, it’s a valuable tool to have on hand.

12. Can the Spectator from the Iron Flask be controlled?

No, the Spectator is always hostile and will attack everyone in sight. There is no way to control it.

13. Is Harold a good weapon for all classes?

Harold is a good weapon for classes proficient with heavy crossbows, particularly those that can benefit from the Bane effect. Rangers, Fighters, and Paladins can utilize this weapon effectively.

14. Does the Harold crossbow work well with feats?

Yes, Harold works well with feats like Crossbow Expert, which allows you to ignore the loading property of crossbows and make a bonus action attack with a hand crossbow.

15. How can I learn more about game strategy and design?

To delve deeper into the world of game strategy and design, check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for valuable resources and insights. Learning more about game mechanics and design choices can greatly enhance your overall gaming experience.