Learn more about the Caravan Strongbox and the Iron Flask held within in Baldur’s Gate 3
Want to know what’s inside the Caravan Strongbox in Baldur’s Gate 3?Upon arriving at the Risen Road inBaldur’s Gate 3, you’ll find a note about a Missing Shipment. This shipment turns out to be a locked Caravan Strongbox, which is hidden in a nearby cave and under the protection of some nearby guards. The note has one instrution: Do Not Open. That’s incredibly tempting, so it’s no surprise if you’re desperate to know what’s inside.
In this guide, we’ll break down what’s inside the Caravan Strongbox, and explain what you should do with the Iron Flask contained within.
Where is the Caravan Strongbox in Baldur’s Gate 3?
TheCaravan Strongboxis located on the Risen Road, in a cave that’s currently under siege by a pack ofGnolls. You’ll find it directly North of the Blighted Village.
After defeating the Gnolls, approach the two guards who are protecting the Caravan Strongbox. They’ll thank you, and this is where the quest can spiral in a bunch of different directions.
If you threaten them with anIntimidation check, they’ll either hand over the Caravan Strongbox or fight you to protect it.
If you instead pass apassive History checkduring the conversation, you’ll learn that the two men areZhentarim, mercenaries for hire. You can then use this information to attempt a Persuasion check. If you pass, the guards will agree to ditch their employers and accept your help in selling the cargo, agreeing to split the profits once it’s gone.
If you simply leave the conversation after accepting their thanks, then the Zhentarim will invite you back to their hideout. There, you’ll be rewarded for successfully saving the guards and not opening the Strongbox.
If you decide to open the Caravan Strongbox, you’ll need to pass aDC20 Sleight of Hand checkto pick the lock. Once you’re in, you’ll find two items:
Upon inspecting theIron Flask, you can attempt aDC10 Arcana checkto learn more about the flask. Passing this check reveals that it is a strong magical item that contains some kind of mysterious creature.
If that piques your curiosity, you can interact with the Iron Flask again to pop the cork and unleash the monster trapped within: aSpectator! The Spectator is immediately hostile, plunging you into battle.
The Spectator is level 5 and has 136 hit points, which might sound tough if you’re a low level. However, we found that the lack of other enemies in the fight gives you a significant advantage, and it’s easy to overwhelm the monster in just a turn or two.
However, the fight ultimately isn’t worth it. Upon killing the Spectator, we discovered that itdidn’t drop any loot, making the battle itself is your only reward for opening the Caravan Strongbox. At least you’ll get some extra XP for killing it!
If you’re interested in loot,we’d recommend not opening the Caravan Strongbox. Instead, agree to meet the guards back at theZhentarim Hideout in Waukeen’s Restand speak with their leader, Zarys, for a reward.
Zarys will give youHarold, a rare Heavy Crossbow with the uniqueHaroldish Doom ability: When you deal damage to a target with a ranged weapon, it must succeed a Charisma Saving Throw or be Baned for 2 turns. This is a powerful weapon for any Fighter or Ranger in your party, and it’s much better than getting no reward from the Spectator fight.
This also keeps the Zhentarim friendly, allowing you to purchase more items from their traders.
The other options available to you - fighting the Spectator or agreeing to sell it yourself and cut the profits - aren’t as rewarding. As we mentioned above, the Spectator fight drops no loot, and it might leave your party looking rough if you take too much damage. If you agree to sell the box and cut the profits, the Zhentarim leader will actually discover that the guards agreed to this. She’ll kill Olly and imprison Rugan, leaving you once again without any loot.
That wraps up our guide on whether to open the Caravan Strongbox inBaldur’s Gate 3. If you’re struggling to get into the Caravan Strongbox and are consideringmulticlassingorrespeccing your character, check out our list ofBaldur’s Gate 3 classesto find something more sneaky. If you’re more focused on getting some of those infamous sex scenes (the bear, of course), then check out ourBaldur’s Gate 3 romance guide.
Disclosure: Former RPS deputy editor Adam Smith (RPS in peace) now works at Larian and is the lead writer for Baldur’s Gate 3. Former contributor Emily Gera also works on it.
