The Mysterious Ruddy artifact is a fictional object that appears in the video game Baldur's Gate 3, which is based on the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game.
The artifact is a circular metal device with a red gem in the center and four smaller gems around it.
It is found by the character Shadowheart, a cleric of the goddess Shar, who claims that the artifact is a holy relic of her faith.
However, the artifact seems to have a mysterious connection to the main plot of the game, which involves a mind flayer invasion and a parasitic tadpole implanted in the player's character and their companions.
The artifact's origin and purpose are not fully revealed in the game, as it is still in early access and the story is not complete.
However, there are some clues and theories that suggest that the artifact may be related to the ancient Netherese civilization, a powerful empire of mages that collapsed thousands of years ago.
The Netherese were known for creating flying cities and powerful artifacts using magic, and some of their ruins can be found in the game world.
The artifact may also have something to do with the Shadowfell, a dark and gloomy plane of existence that is the source of Shar's power and the domain of the Shadar-kai, a race of elves that serve her.
The artifact has some interesting effects and interactions in the game, such as:
It can be used to unlock a hidden vault in the Underdark, where the player can find a powerful weapon and a mysterious creature.
It can trigger a cutscene in the Goblin Camp, where the player and their companions are attacked by mind flayers and the artifact activates to protect them.
It can be used to communicate with a mysterious voice that claims to be the "True Soul" and offers guidance and power to the player.
It can influence the player's dreams and visions, sometimes showing glimpses of the past or the future.
It can affect the player's relationship with Shadowheart, who may become more trusting or suspicious of the player depending on their choices and actions regarding the artifact.
The Mysterious Ruddy artifact is one of the most intriguing and mysterious objects in the game, and it may hold the key to the fate of the player and the world.
However, it may also have a dark and dangerous side, and the player should be careful not to fall under its influence or misuse its power.