In the immersive world of *Baldur’s Gate 3*, players encounter a wide variety of side quests that blend narrative depth with exploration and puzzle-solving. One such quest, titled Plus Rien Ne Cloche (loosely translated from French as Nothing Rings Anymore or Everything’s Wrong), stands out for its mysterious tone and involvement with one of the game’s most atmospheric regions. Players must uncover a strange disturbance involving bells, time, and magical interference. The quest’s narrative, objectives, and mechanics make it a fan-favorite for those who enjoy lore-driven storytelling with a touch of magical intrigue.
Where to Find the Quest
Location and Trigger
The Plus Rien Ne Cloche quest begins when players explore the town of Last Light Inn during Act 2. This region is enveloped in shadow and tied closely to the Curse of the Shadowlands. A strange bell tower near the inn catches your party’s attention when an NPC, usually a guard or a priest, mentions that something is wrong with the bell’s toll either it no longer rings, or it emits a sound that causes confusion or fear.
To start the quest formally, players need to approach the bell tower or speak to a relevant NPC. A successful Perception check may reveal more about the magic interfering with the bell. From this point, the journal updates to reflect the new quest: ‘Plus Rien Ne Cloche.’
Objectives and Progression
Initial Clues and Investigation
Once the quest is active, players are tasked with identifying why the bell has stopped functioning properly. Through investigation, several leads emerge:
- Examining the bell and its mechanism reveals strange etchings and glowing runes.
- Speaking with a scholar or spellcaster NPC yields the idea that temporal magic might be involved.
- Nearby villagers speak of hearing the bell toll at odd hours, even when it hasn’t rung visibly.
This part of the quest sets the tone for a mystery that blends arcane lore with player decision-making. A successful Arcana or Insight check can give more detailed information about the nature of the spellwork involved.
Solving the Puzzle
The main puzzle centers around realigning magical resonance nodes located throughout the tower. These are enchanted bells of varying sizes, each attuned to a different school of magic (e.g., Abjuration, Illusion, Transmutation). To fix the central bell, players must ring the auxiliary bells in a specific order to synchronize the magic and remove the temporal distortion.
The solution can be discovered in several ways:
- Finding an old journal or blueprint in the tower’s upper level that lists a sequence.
- Using the Detect Magic or Speak with Dead spells to gain extra hints from nearby spirits.
- Trial-and-error, though mistakes may cause minor enemy spawns or temporal disorientation effects.
Restoring the Bell
Once the correct sequence is used, the bell rings true, causing a wave of temporal energy to flush through the area. Shadows flee, and a hidden door at the base of the tower unlocks. Inside is a relic a magical timepiece or hourglass linked to a forgotten deity of time or order.
This relic can be claimed as a reward or offered to one of your companions, depending on your alignment and goals. The quest concludes with the area restored to its normal state, and the inn residents expressing relief or awe at the restored sound of the bell.
Consequences and Rewards
Mechanical Rewards
Upon completing the quest, players receive experience points and possibly one of the following:
- Clockwork Amulet: Grants +1 to initiative rolls and resistance to slow-based effects.
- Bell of Temporal Echoes: A usable item that casts Haste or Time Stop once per long rest.
- Scroll of Chronomancy: Unlocks a unique dialogue option or future quest trigger with time mages.
Narrative Impact
The restored bell has larger implications on the game world. For instance:
- Nearby NPCs speak of dreams involving the bell or a figure in white robes.
- Restoring the bell weakens the Shadow Curse slightly, making travel safer at night in that area.
- If you return later in the game, an NPC may reference your actions here and offer unique assistance or items.
Companion Reactions
Dialogue and Approval
Depending on your party composition, companions may offer unique dialogue during the quest. Characters like Gale or Shadowheart, who are attuned to magic and religious symbolism, provide insight or commentary. Lae’zel might express frustration with the lack of physical enemies, while Astarion may sarcastically comment on the bell’s ‘uselessness.’
Completing the quest by solving the puzzle diplomatically and avoiding violence might earn approval from Wyll or Karlach, while brute-forcing through magical traps may displease others.
Related Quests and Lore Threads
Links to Greater Mysteries
Plus Rien Ne Cloche isn’t just a self-contained adventure. It hints at deeper lore about forgotten gods, the flow of time, and the fabric of the Shadow Realm. Some theories suggest the bell was once used to mark transitions between planes, or that its tone suppresses some ancient curse that could return later in the game.
In Act 3, players might encounter a time mage or historian who recognizes the bell’s resonance and opens up a new questline, adding continuity and payoff for those who completed this earlier side quest.
Plus Rien Ne Cloche is a shining example of *Baldur’s Gate 3*’s rich side quest design. It rewards curiosity, magical knowledge, and attention to detail. From mysterious audio cues to layered magical puzzles, the quest invites players to step beyond combat and dive into the arcane mysteries of the world. Whether you’re roleplaying a time-warped sorcerer or a pragmatic warrior, restoring the bell offers a deeply satisfying experience both mechanically and narratively.