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Circus Tent
Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn

Circus Tent

Complete walkthrough for the Circus Tent in Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn. Solve riddles, defeat illusions, and rescue Aerie to earn experience and rewards.

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Complete walkthrough for the Circus Tent in Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn. Solve riddles, defeat illusions, and rescue Aerie to earn experience and rewards.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Return to Waukeen's Promenade. Consider purchasing items like the Girdle of Hill Giant Strength and Bracers of Defense from Ribald if affordable.
  2. 2
    Enter the Circus Tent. Note that leaving is not possible once inside.
  3. 3
    As you cross the bridge, a Genie will challenge you with a riddle. Answering correctly yields 19500XP. The solution involves understanding the age difference between the prince and princess; the correct answer is "The prince is 30 and the princess is 40".
  4. 4
    Explore the perimeter of the dome to encounter Werewolves (illusions) and Shadows (real). The Thief's Detect Illusion ability can dispel the Werewolves.
  5. 5
    Enter the dome. An Ogre named Aerie will speak, explaining an illusionist named Kalah created this pocket universe. Ask how to release her; she will direct you to two commoners on the north side who hold the key to her chains.
  6. 6
    On the western side, you will find Hannah trapped in monster form.
  7. 7
    Follow the path and two "peasants" will attack. You must force attack them to engage in combat.
  8. 8
    After defeating the peasants, retrieve the Ogre's Sword from their remains.
  9. 9
    Return to Aerie and give her the sword. She will revert to her original form, earning you 18500XP. Aerie can then be recruited into your party.
  10. 10
    A "Pleasure Slave" will speak to you near the level exit, but has no significant information.
  11. 11
    On Level 2, you will encounter more illusionary Werewolves and real Shadows. Vases at the base of the stairs leading up contain Mage scrolls: Protection From Petrification, Web, and Dispel Magic. Speak to the Genie on the stairs to proceed.
  12. 12
    On Level 3, you will confront Kalah, the illusionist responsible. He is accompanied by two Shadows, an illusionary Werewolf, and a Mustard Jelly (which should not be attacked).
  13. 13
    Defeat Kalah quickly; he is a weak opponent. Upon his defeat, the dome disappears, revealing a regular circus tent.
  14. 14
    Kalah is revealed to be a gnome Illusionist. Quayle will ask you to take Aerie into your care if she is not already in your party. Completing this sidequest earns 25000XP.
  15. 15
    Loot Kalah's remains for scrolls, a Girdle of Piercing, and the Ring of Human Influence, which sets Charisma to 18.
  16. 16
    Speak to Hannah for an additional 500XP.
  17. 17
    Exit the tent and speak to Giran for another 2500XP.
  18. 18
    Speaking to the Amnian Soldier will increase your Reputation by +1. It is advised to avoid this interaction if Reputation Management is a concern.
  19. 19
    Be mindful of pending sidequests for companions like Nalia, as their associated quests have time-sensitive elements.
  20. 20
    Exit the district via the City Gates to proceed.

New Companion: Aerie

ClassLevelHPSTRINTWISDEXCONCHAAlignProficiencies
Cleric / Mage6/62610161617914LGMace +, Quarterstaff +, Sling +

Aerie is a frail companion who can fulfill dual roles but may be outperformed by dedicated specialists later in the game.

Tips
  • The riddle puzzle can be solved by understanding the age difference between the prince and princess. The key is that the age difference remains constant.
  • The Werewolves encountered are illusions and can be dispelled or ignored. Focus on the real threats like Shadows.
  • Aerie can be recruited after she is freed. Consider her dual-classing potential but also her lower survivability.
  • The Ring of Human Influence can be very useful for characters who rely on high Charisma.
  • Avoid speaking to the Amnian Soldier if you wish to maintain a neutral Reputation.
  • 19500XP for solving the Genie's riddle.
  • 18500XP for rescuing Aerie.
  • 25000XP for defeating Kalah and completing the Circus Tent sidequest.
  • 500XP for speaking to Hannah after her rescue.
  • 2500XP for speaking to Giran after exiting the tent.
  • Girdle of Piercing.
  • Ring of Human Influence (sets Charisma to 18).
  • +1 Reputation (optional, by speaking to the Amnian Soldier).

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