Rolan is a conditional quest character in Baldur’s Gate 3 who can appear across the game’s several Acts, but the player needs to make the right choices and visit the right locations.
There’s a big quest revolving around him in Act Two as well, so here is how you can find Rolan and go about resolving the Rolan in the Shadows quest in the game’s second part.
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How to find Rolan in Act Two of BG3
For the “Find Rolan in the Shadows” quest, the player needs to first visit the Last Light Inn, specifically the X: -77, Y: 146 coordinates, where Rolan can be found indulging in drink and speaking to Tiefling children. Keep in mind that Rolan will be at this location if you played your cards right in Act One, which we will take a look at further down.
After you speak with him, Rolan will reveal that he had apparently sacrificed his siblings to save other Tieflings during an ambush, which has caused him great sorrow that eventually pushes him to venture out into the Shadow.
How to complete the Find Rolan in the Shadows quest in BG3
Rolan can then be found near the Ruined Battlefield region, at the X: -54, Y: -111 coordinates. Nearing the location the player should hear shouting, and venturing further will initiate combat between your party, Rolan, and the hostile shadows. You can get here heading slightly south of the Tollhouse bridge. Saving Rolan is pivotal here and after the fight ends, he will return to the Last Light Inn.
Keep in mind that leaving combat at any point after it is initiated will kill Roland, and so will entering Shadowfell and freeing Nightsong, rendering the quest unavailable. If you wish to save him, do so before venturing into the Temple of Shar via the Mausoleum.
Where to Find Rolan in Act One of BG3
Rolan will not be available in the second Act if you don’t meet him in the first one. Rolan can be initially sighted arguing with his siblings in the Emerald Grove during Act One of BG3. He does not want to help the Tiefling Refugees and wants to leave for Baldur’s Gate to safety. You can interact with Rolan and his siblings to persuade them to stay or, if failing the Persuasion check of a 10, they will all leave the Grove unless offered money.
Rolan can die in Act One once the Goblins attack. This battle can end his story, so make sure to protect him and his siblings, Cal and Lia, and they will attend the celebration after Defeating the Goblins.
Where to Find Rolan in Act Three in BG3
Rolan can be found in Sorcerous Sundries at the front desk in Act Three. He will possess a stiff behavior as there is something wrong. You guessed it, you are going to have to do some more saving.
During the Nightsong battle, he has a pivotal change in his story. If his siblings were saved, Rolan will side against his wizard master, Lorroakan. If his siblings were not saved, he will side with Lorroakan against you. When the battle concludes with Rolan on your side, he will pledge to help you in the final battle against the Netherbrain.
Rolan is an exceptional wizard acquaintance and it is in your best interest to keep him alive throughout the story of BG3 so that you have a powerful ally at your side in the endgame.