Baldur's Gate 3: Uncover the Necromantic Secrets of Thay - The Ultimate Cellar Search Guide

"Search the Cellar" may sound deceptively simple, but it's anything but. While this cellar may appear unremarkable at first, gamers shouldn't expect an exciting encounter to unfold on its own. Instead, they'll find themselves exploring a miniature dungeon filled with puzzles, traps, riddles, and the highly intriguing Necromancy of Thay, one of Baldur's Gate 3's prized treasures. Without a clear understanding of what needs to be done, it's easy to become stuck and give up. However, due to the rich lore and valuable rewards, it's worth the effort to unravel this quest.

Completing The Search The Cellar Quest

This article uncovers the implications within the game and unveils undisclosed details that players' avatars might not be aware of. Dedicated role-players are advised to refrain from further reading in order to personally discover these hidden aspects.

Enter the cellar door in the house south of the Blighted Village waypoint.

Move the wooden crates to the left of the bookcase to reveal a lever.

Pull the lever and pass through the bookcase opening.

(Optional) Defeat the Agile Guardians in the Mouldering Caskets and use the Scroll of Summon Quasit.

Pass the Mirror's Quiz.Choose 'Tell it your name.'

Choose 'Yes, I'm an ally! I'm an ally of your master's.'

Choose 'Szass Tam is a foul, wretched creature.'

Choose 'To clean a wound?'

Choose 'I'd look for whatever spell would rid me of this worm in my head.'

Disable the two pressure plates, one on the floor in front of the cage door and the other directly underneath the Necromancy of Thay.

The first "puzzle" is just a bunch of crates hiding a lever.

If players don't know to highlight items and then throw them, they might never know what these crates hide. Use this lever and the bookcase will move out of the way.

After passing through the bookcase opening, players have the option to engage in a battle. Inside the Mouldering Caskets, valuable treasures can be found, but players should be alert as awakening enemies in other caskets may occur. Fortunately, the battle is not overly challenging. By looting these caskets, players will stumble upon a Scroll of Summon Quasit. However, there is no need to save it as the Quasit does not offer any noteworthy information outside of this particular area. Utilize the scroll to acquire some intriguing lore knowledge about the surrounding region.

For those well-versed in the eccentricities of Dungeons and Dragons, particularly in the lore of the Red Wizards of Thay and their formidable leader, Szass Tam, conversing with the mirror can prove to be an immensely fulfilling experience. However, for those less familiar with the intricacies of this beloved tabletop roleplaying game, a handy guide is indispensable for unraveling the mysteries within the mirror's quiz.

Upon entering, observe a plate positioned in front of a door leading to a secured cage, alongside the caged enclosure itself, and a plate beneath the legendary Necromany of Thay. Swap party members to someone proficient in unlocking doors and deactivating traps. Once obtaining the esteemed tome, proceed to the depths of the Underdark in search of the elusive Dark Amethyst required for the book.

Baldur's Gate 3 is available now for PC. The PlayStation 5 version will be available on September 6th, 2023. A version for Xbox Series X/S is still in development.