In Baldur's Gate 3, navigating Act 2 involves crucial decision-making points that shape your party members' fates and overarching narrative arcs. One of the most significant encounters in the Gauntlet of Shar forces players to resolve a bargain made with the devil Raphael regarding Yurgir the Orthon. Understanding the paths available during the Kill Raphael's Old Enemy quest ensures you make informed decisions aligned with your moral alignment and gameplay goals.
Meeting Raphael and Discovering the Bargain
Before entering the shadows of the Gauntlet of Shar, Raphael approaches your party outside the Last Light Inn or near the Mausoleum entrance. He offers a deal to translate the infernal runes carved into Astarion's back in exchange for eliminating his rival inside the temple. This sets the stage for a tense confrontation with Yurgir, a powerful Orthon bound by a contract he cannot break on his own.
Confronting Yurgir in the Gauntlet of Shar
Locating Yurgir requires careful exploration of the east wing within the Gauntlet of Shar, where he resides with a contingent of Merregons and his Displacer Beast companion. Initiating dialogue allows players to either attack immediately, attempt to talk their way through the encounter, or discover the loophole keeping Yurgir trapped. Siding against Yurgir leads to a challenging battle against heavy explosive damage and invisibility mechanics.
Helping Yurgir Break His Contract
Alternatively, players can pass high Wisdom and Charisma checks to trick Yurgir into killing his minions and himself, fulfilling the contract without direct combat. You can also agree to help him solve the mystery of his remaining contract by finding the last Dark Justiciar hiding in the temple as a swarm of rats. Breaking the contract allows Yurgir to escape to the House of Hope, altering future interactions with Raphael and impacting Astarion's personal quest progression.
Long-Term Consequences and Narrative Impact
Fulfilling Raphael's task satisfies his agreement, prompting him to reveal the secrets behind Astarion's scars during the next long rest. However, betraying or saving Yurgir comes full circle in Act 3 when exploring Raphael's domain in the House of Hope. Depending on past choices, Yurgir can become either a formidable boss minion or a surprisingly loyal ally during the final confrontation against the fiend.