He Who Was Location BG3 And How To Find The Character
Exploring the shadow-cursed lands in Baldur's Gate 3 reveals numerous mysterious entities that challenge your moral compass and offer unique narrative paths. Among these memorable encounters is a striking Shadir-Kai elf known as He Who Was, an enigmatic NPC accompanied by a loyal white raven. Locating this peculiar character unlocks a compelling side quest that delves deep into themes of justice, vengeance, and the weight of past sins.
Navigating to the Ruined Battlefield
To pinpoint the exact coordinates of this elusive character, players must progress into Act 2 and venture into the gloomy wilderness. He Who Was establishes his temporary campsite within the northeastern sector of the Ruined Battlefield map. You can easily find him by traveling directly east from the safe haven of the Last Light Inn or heading north from the Shadowed Battlefield waypoint.
As you approach the designated coordinates, keep a close eye out for a glowing magical ritual circle illuminating the dense surrounding fog. The dark-eyed elf stands near the corpse of a deceased barmaid named Madeline, preparing a sinister necromantic interrogation. Finding this specific geographic crossroads early will grant you access to a highly rewarding narrative experience that impacts your companions.
Initiating the Punish the Wicked Quest
Interacting with the mysterious elf triggers an official request to act as a physical medium for the restless spirit of the dead woman. He explains that Madeline committed a terrible crime by reporting her friends to the ruthless Dark Justiciars, leading to their tragic executions. He tasks your adventuring party with tracking down a hidden ledger that contains the definitive proof of her cowardice.
Before you can proceed with the moral judgment, you must retrieve this missing document from a nearby drinking establishment. The critical evidence is safely kept inside the Waning Moon brewery, which sits to the southwest of your current camp position. Navigating this dangerous structure requires careful preparation as you will confront a formidable boss protecting the tavern secrets.
Securing Madeline's Ledger at the Waning Moon
Inside the decaying remains of the local tavern, players will encounter the grotesque bartender known as Thisobald Thorm. To bypass his aggressive guard and secure the prize, you must engage in a high-stakes drinking contest or rely on clever sleight of hand. Winning a succession of difficult saving rolls allows you to explore the backroom without triggering an immediate violent confrontation.
Once the massive bartender is dealt with, inspect the wooden floorboards situated behind the main bar counter area. Tucked beneath a loose plank is Madeline's ledger, which details her personal accounts and confessions. Safely pocketing this heavy book allows you to return to the ritual site and decide the ultimate fate of the wandering ghost.
Delivering Justice and Choosing Outcomes
Returning to the Shadir-Kai camp allows you to commence the formal interrogation by channeling the spirit into the lifeless corpse. You are given the narrative freedom to either forgive her actions due to extreme coercion or ruthlessly condemn her spirit for the betrayal. Your decision dramatically alters how your active party companions perceive your leadership and morality.
If you choose to maximize your tangible rewards, aligning with the elf's desire for cruel punishment yields the best results. Successfully completing his grim assignment rewards your team with a valuable magical scroll and unique gear pieces. Exploring alternative paths with unique characters provides immense replay value for dedicated role-playing enthusiasts.