Curious about unleashing debilitating effects upon your foes with just a single touch or incantation in Baldur’s Gate 3? You’re in luck! There exists a fascinating way to inflict sickness on your enemies—without having to deplete your precious spell slots.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is replete with unique artifacts suitable for various classes, be it a wise Wizard or a valiant Fighter. Among these intriguing tools is the Staff of Crones, an artifact you can encounter early in your adventure, crafted specifically for the purpose of weakening your adversaries.
What is the Staff of Crones?
The Staff of Crones is classified as an uncommon magical item within Baldur’s Gate 3, available during Act One of the game. Unlike many other magical artifacts, the Staff does not provide passive bonuses.
Instead, this staff equips you with the capability to cast Ray of Sickness, which can be utilized once per short rest while wielding the staff. Thus, you can unleash Ray of Sickness up to three times before needing to take a long rest.
The Ray of Sickness is a ranged attack spell that inflicts 2d8 poison damage, possessing a chance to poison your target. This poison effects the target, imposing disadvantage on their subsequent rolls—a crucial advantage in battle.
While the Staff of Crones is exceptionally beneficial for Wizards, Druids, and Sorcerers during the early stages, it may soon be eclipsed by other potent weapons as you progress through the game.
Where to Locate the Staff of Crones
To obtain the Staff of Crones, you must venture to the Overgrown Tunnel, located beneath the Teahouse in the swamp, during Act One. This area is often referred to as the Hag’s Abode or Auntie Ethel’s lair.
Upon arrival, you will encounter Auntie Ethel alongside Mayrina inside the house. Following a brief dialogue, Auntie Ethel will unveil her true nature as a hag and retreat to the basement.
To access the basement and the Overgrown Tunnel, interact with the fireplace to discover a concealed staircase leading downwards.
As you navigate through the tunnels, expect to encounter various traps and adversaries obstructing your path. At the end of your journey, a confrontation with Auntie Ethel awaits. It is advisable to tackle this segment typically after reaching level 4, as the enemies can be quite formidable.
Upon defeating Auntie Ethel, you have the opportunity to explore the Acrid Workshop, also termed the Hag’s Treasure Room, which lies at the base of the area where you battled her, adjacent to the yellow control orb.
The Acrid Workshop is brimming with various items, including unpredictable potions and, most importantly, the Staff of Crones, which can be spotted nestled against tree roots in proximity to a mushroom circle.
Once you secure the Staff of Crones, utilize the mushroom circle for a swift exit back to the swamp. If you successfully rescue Mayrina, she will be waiting nearby at the location where the mushroom circle teleports you, to continue her quest.
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