Rolan may initially come off as an imposing figure in Baldur’s Gate 3, but players end up learning, much to their annoyance, that this guy is basically a child you’re going to have to babysit throughout the entire game.
By that, of course, we’re referring to Rolan’s sudden and unexplained disappearance in the game’s second act. This also triggers the side quest dubbed “Find Rolan in the Shadows,” so here’s a comprehensive walkthrough of how you can complete it.
Who is Rolan?
Rolan is the Tiefling wizard you first meet in Emerald Grove. The character and his kin are planning to leave the Tiefling refugees to their own devices and head for Baldur’s Gate. Passing a Persuasion check will allow the player to keep Rolan in the encampment, but he’ll be killed alongside the rest of the Tieflings if you fail to stop the Goblins.
If Rolan makes it out alive, he can then be found during the game’s second act in the Shadow-Cursed Lands. You first reunite with the wizard at Last Light Inn, where he bemoans the loss of his siblings, Lia and Cal, who’ve been taken to Moonrise Towers.
The next time you visit the inn, Rolan will be nowhere to be found, and you can surmise that he’s headed out on his own to rescue Lia and Cal. This triggers “Find Rolan in the Shadows,” which you can complete before heading out to find the Nightsong.
Rolan can be found near the Ruined Battlefield at the coordinates X:-53 and Y: -112 but here’s a marking on the map in case you miss it:
How to rescue Rolan in Baldur’s Gate 3 Act 2
As you can see, finding Rolan should be easy enough. Just backtrack from the Tollhouse and its bridge and then make a right until you arrive at a mooring.
If you get too close to Rolan, several Shadow-wreathed creatures (from the Undead class) attack him. Defeating them before Rolan is killed will start a conversation with the character, where you can convince him to head back to the inn.
Note that Rolan may be killed if you complete this quest after “Find the Nightsong.”
How to save Nolan if he’s already possessed by the Shadows
If you find Rolan already possessed by one of the Undead, the man will keep attacking you and you’ll have no choice but to kill him. The easiest and most straightforward way of circumventing this is to use the Polymorph spell and turn Rolan into a sheep. Attacking the sheep will then break the spell, whereupon Rolan will automatically initiate a conversation with the party.
