Should You Keep Or Return Glitterbeard's Gold In Baldur’s Gate 3?

When playing Baldur's Gate 3, players often face morally complex decisions that shape their journey. One such dilemma arises during Jaheira’s companion quest when players must decide whether to return a significant sum of gold to Rakath Glitterbeard, the head banker, or keep it for themselves. This choice not only affects the storyline but also has implications for game mechanics and character development.

As you delve deeper into the game's narrative, you may wonder: is it worth returning Glitterbeard's gold? The consequences of your choice can lead to various outcomes, influencing your game's progression and the relationships you build with other characters. Understanding the stakes involved in this decision will enhance your experience in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Throughout this article, we will explore the intricacies of the "Return Rakath’s Gold" quest, detailing how to initiate it, where to find the stolen gold, and the potential consequences of your actions. Whether you are a newcomer or a seasoned player, this analysis will provide valuable insights into one of the pivotal moments in Baldur's Gate 3.

Table of Contents

• How to Start the Return Rakath’s Gold Quest
• Where is Glitterbeard’s Gold?
• Should You Keep or Return the Counting House Money?
• What Happens if You Return the Money to Glitterbeard?
• What Happens if You Keep the 10,000 Gold?
• Summarized Options for Glitterbeard’s Gold

How to Start the Return Rakath’s Gold Quest

To embark on the quest, players must follow Jaheira’s The High Harper questline. This leads them to the Counting House in Act 3's southern Lower City, where they become entangled in an elaborate scheme involving the Stone Lord and the Guild. Unfortunately, chaos ensues, resulting in the Stone Lord fleeing with a substantial amount of gold—about 10,000 pieces!

Despite its seemingly formidable security, the Counting House is not as secure as it appears. Players are tasked with finding and returning Glitterbeard’s gold, thus initiating the side quest known as Return Rakath’s Gold. The emotional weight of this decision will weigh heavily on your character's integrity and moral compass.

Where is Glitterbeard’s Gold?

Glitterbeard’s gold is handed off by the Stone Lord, Minsc, to a Zhentarim trader named Roah Moonglow, or Friol if Roah has already met an unfortunate end. Players will encounter this pivotal exchange during their pursuit of Minsc at the Abandoned Cistern in the western City Sewers. To access this area, players must solve a sluice gate puzzle, which adds an exciting challenge to the quest.

Upon entering the scene, a battle ensues where the player must confront Roah/Friol. These characters will attempt to escape, but players have a limited number of turns to either defeat them or successfully loot Glitterbeard’s gold from their bodies. This confrontation is not just about combat; it’s also a chance to recruit Minsc, adding another layer to your party dynamics.

Should You Keep or Return the Counting House Money?

After reclaiming Glitterbeard’s money from Minsc and his companions, players face a critical choice: should they keep the gold for themselves? The consensus among many players is that it’s advisable to keep Glitterbeard’s gold for yourself. The total amount is a whopping 10,000 gold pieces, a significant sum that could greatly enhance your character's resources.

No one will come after you for the gold, thanks to the unwritten rules of thieves’ honor. This makes keeping the gold an enticing option, especially since the game rewards players for making bold decisions that align with their character's personal motivations.

What Happens if You Return the Money to Glitterbeard?

Should you choose to return the gold in full to Glitterbeard, he will reward you with 2,635 gold and the Number Nine Vault Key. However, this comes with a caveat—the key can be easily picked by Astarion, provided you have a high enough Lockpick roll. Additionally, if you opt to pickpocket Glitterbeard, you can still obtain the vault key and receive the Elegant Studded Leather armor as a reward.

This choice reflects the game’s complex moral framework, where players must weigh immediate rewards against long-term benefits. While returning the gold grants a quick financial boost, the option to keep it may pave the way for future advantages during your journey.

What Happens if You Keep the 10,000 Gold?

By choosing to keep the 10,000 gold, players gain a substantial financial advantage. The freedom to use this wealth allows for greater flexibility in upgrading equipment, purchasing essential supplies, or even investing in character development. Overall, it’s a tempting choice that adds to the game's allure.

Moreover, keeping the gold aligns with the game's themes of moral ambiguity and personal gain, posing significant questions about loyalty and ethics within the game’s narrative. Players are often rewarded for decisions that reflect their character’s unique journey.

Summarized Options for Glitterbeard’s Gold

Ultimately, players are presented with several options regarding Glitterbeard's gold:

• Keep Glitterbeard’s gold for a total of 10,000 pieces.
• Return Glitterbeard’s gold for 2,635 gold and the No.9 Vault Key, which unlocks valuable rewards.
• Persuade Glitterbeard to cover half of the missing gold, leading to a lesser reward but still a significant gain.

Deciding how to handle Glitterbeard’s gold encapsulates the essence of Baldur’s Gate 3—a game rich in choices that challenge players to reflect on their values and priorities. As players navigate this intriguing quest, they will undoubtedly find themselves pondering the broader implications of their actions within the game world.