Named after its creator and owner, Kangaxx, the Ring of Gaxx is a magical ring that bestows a number of beneficial effects on its wearer – like improved armor class, saving throws and magic resistance, immunity to diseases and poison, as well as regeneration – and, in addition, is enchanted with two spell-like abilities. It can be obtained from the undead creature in Shadows of Amn, as well as being a gift in The Black Pits II: Gladiators of Thay.
| “ | This ring is relatively unadorned, but the vile magic within radiates intense evil. Indeed, its creator, Kangaxx, was no less evil himself, even before millennia of undeath honed his power. It is said that a cadre of Netherese mages fought and imprisoned the demilich once, but being unable to truly destroy him, they became liches themselves to stand guard over his remains. The construction of the ring may have led to their enmity, as each of the gem's nine facets was supposedly empowered by sacrifice and death. | ” |
Gameplay[]
As most other magical rings, the Ring of Gaxx has no weight and can be worn by any character, except for the wizard slayer class.
Despite its origin, it is not cursed, but no merchant is willing to purchase it.
The Ring of Gaxx is marked as critical, meaning companions will give it back before leaving the party. It will also survive the Disintegrate effect and other things that could destroy items.
The ring bestows the wearer with the following bonuses and abilities while equipped:
- +2 armor class bonus
- +2 saving throw bonus
- +10% magic resistance
- Immunity to disease and poison. Additionally, 100% poison resistance in the Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition.
- Regenerate 1 Hit Point every 3 seconds
- Can be worn together with magical armor.[1]
Two spell-like abilities can be used each day:
- Invisibility
- Improved haste
Locations[]
Shadows of Amn[]
- The ring is worn by its creator, Kangaxx, who benefits from all the effects during the battle against both of its forms, lich and demilich, in his house at the Athkatla Docks.
In the original Shadows of Amn, it is possible to steal the ring before the fight from Kangaxx's lich form and obtain a second one later – which was a coding error but is now corrected in the Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition. In fact, in the EE version the ring cannot be stolen at all. It can only be obtained from the destroyed demilich form.
Gladiators of Thay[]
- Possible reward for "kickin' arse and spillin' entrails"[2] up to Tier 4 in the Black Pits, presented by Brodle.[3]
Bugs[]
Improved Haste via the Ring of Gaxx could not be dispelled. This issue is already identified and revised by The Enhanced Edition Fixpack (EEFP).
Trivia[]
The Ring of Gaxx is one of several items in the Baldur's Gate series that are inspired by the Book of Artifacts, a 2nd edition sourcebook for Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, which the Baldur's Gate series is based on. Its history, however, is altered – and adjusted to series' lore –, as are some of its properties.
Miscellaneous[]
Several enemies in The Black Pits II: Gladiators of Thay game will adjust their combat behavior if their target is equipped with the Ring of Gaxx.
References
- ↑
ITEMEXCL.2da - ↑
OHBBRODL.dlg; State 4
Brodle: "Your prematch appeal for material wealth paid off. Someone who wishes to remain anonymous wanted you to have this and asked that you continue "kickin' arse and spillin' entrails." Enjoy!" - ↑
OHBBRODL.dlg; Actions 35, 38, 41, 69, 72, 75