Freeing Shadowheart on the Nautiloid
Shadowheart is a cleric with healing abilities and an intricate backstory, making her a versatile and valuable member of your adventuring party. Her journey intertwines deeply with the main narrative, and unlocking her pod early lets you explore her character arc right from the beginning.
You'll first encounter her trapped inside a strange Mind Flayer pod aboard the Nautiloid. Freeing her not only affords you a powerful companion but also provides early insight into the Illithid technology you’ll encounter throughout the game. Below is a quick guide to rescuing Shadowheart.
Step 1: Locate the Eldritch Rune
The most common way to release Shadowheart is by finding the Eldritch Rune, a key item required to activate the pod’s console. Follow these steps:
Exit the Pod Room: Leave the chamber where Shadowheart is trapped and head east into the next room. You’ll find several bodies and some scattered loot.
Search the Dead Thrall: Near the end of this room, you’ll come across a corpse labeled "Dead Thrall." Search it to find the Eldritch Rune in its possession.
Make sure to loot anything else that might come in handy while you’re there. For example, another nearby corpse carries the key to the gilded chest (called the “Elaborate Reliquary”) on the table across from Shadowheart's pod.
Step 2: Activate the Pod Console
Once you have the Eldritch Rune, return to the console next to Shadowheart’s pod.
Insert the Rune: Interact with the console and slot the Eldritch Rune into the available socket.
Use Illithid Wisdom: Choose the option to "Place your hand on the console." You’ll need to use the Illithid Wisdom dialogue option to will the pod open. This action does not require a skill check, but its narrative implications tie into the game’s dark themes of Illithid influence.
Alternative Methods to Free Shadowheart
If you don’t want to bother finding the Eldritch Rune, certain classes provide alternative ways to open the pod:
Wizard or Warlock: Arcane classes can interact with the console and perform an Arcana skill check to unlock the pod. Success frees Shadowheart without the need for the rune.
Barbarian: Use your sheer strength to pry open the pod. This requires a Strength-based skill check, and a successful roll will release her.
What Happens if You Fail?
Don't worry if you fail to free Shadowheart during the prologue. This isn’t your only chance to recruit her. She’ll appear later near the Ancient Door by the Dank Crypt, ready to join your party. However, freeing her early gives you access to her abilities much sooner and lets you build a stronger rapport from the start.