Baldur's Gate 3: Unveiling the Ultimate Guide to Rescuing the Mushroom Picker
Rescue Baelen Bonecloak from imminent peril in Baldur's Gate 3 by navigating the treacherous Mushroom Patch Discover proven strategies and techniques to successfully save his life
In the Underdark of Baldur's Gate 3, players can visit the myconid colony of Ebonlake Grotto. During their visit, they may come across a dwarf trader called Derryth Bonecloak. Derryth is interested in buying and selling the player's items, but she is also searching for her missing husband. He went out to gather mushrooms some time ago and has not returned.
Though Derryth does not offer a reward for her husband's safety, the quest "Find the Mushroom Picker" will appear in the quest log of Baldur's Gate 3. While finding Baelen, her husband, does not greatly impact the storyline, players will not have to venture too far to locate him. However, rescuing him will prove to be a challenging task.
The Mushroom Patch
To locate Baelen, follow these steps: Exit Ebonlake Grotto from the southwest and take a right. This will lead you to a root bridge with numerous bibberbang mushrooms at the opposite end. It is advisable to use ranged weapons or cantrips to safely destroy these mushrooms from a distance, as they have a tendency to explode when characters are in close proximity.
Proceeding north from the bibberbang mushrooms, you will encounter a set of twisted roots that descend to a lower level. Thereafter, a root bridge will lead you northward, directly into a cave swarming with bibberbangs. However, it is crucial to refrain from triggering their explosion in this case. Baelen can be found towards the back of the cave, and his survival depends on preventing the mushrooms from detonating.
How to Save Baelen
Instead, players are advised to approach the northern section of the root bridge. It is at this juncture that Baelen will caution the party against proceeding any further, yet he also inquires whether they would be willing to retrieve his pack. Subsequently, players are now faced with a decision: should they assist Baelen, and if so, how should they go about it?
The final action players must avoid is venturing into the bibberbang cave. Any attempt to do so will inevitably result in a destructive explosion, causing harm to both the brave party member who enters and the loyal Baelen.
In order to simplify the solution, it is recommended to enter the bibberbang cave with a readily available scroll of Misty Step. Players can easily pass a simple DC 10 Strength check to toss it over to Baelen, who will then use it to teleport out of the cave.
Alternatively, a more challenging approach involves delivering the pack to Baelen without entering the cave. This can be achieved by utilizing the spell Mage Hand. By summoning this non-physical creature, players can avoid triggering the bibberbangs. Although the Mage Hand cannot physically interact with objects, it can still throw them. Thus, players can use it to throw Baelen's highlighted pack (as seen in the image) until it reaches him. In case players fail the Strength check, Mage Hand can also throw the scroll of Misty Step.
Make sure to keep the pack at a safe distance from the mushrooms as Baelen will trigger them if he gets too close. Once he has the pack (or the scroll), he will pick it up and use Misty Step to reach the cave entrance. Players can then talk to Baelen and receive a scroll of Invisibility as a reward.
With the mushroom cave now empty, players can detonate the bibberbangs, wait for the fire to subside, and proceed with exploration. A Survival check uncovers a dirt mound on the right side of the cave, inside of which lies a buried chest containing gold, an arrow of lightning, and an acid vial. Additionally, players can find some rare Lolth's candle crystals in an alcove. If players haven't returned Baelen's bag, its contents will remain intact after the explosions. This includes various food items, two scrolls of Misty Step, and a scroll of Feather Fall.
Finally, it is recommended for players to speak to Derryth once again, now that her husband has returned. Despite her lack of gratitude and assurance for a reward, she will still generously reward the party with the Gloves of the Uninhibited Kushigo, a valuable magical item that enhances throw attacks and improvised weapons by adding an additional 1d4 damage. Additionally, players have the opportunity to inquire about their presence in the Underdark, and based on Derryth's response, it may be connected to Baelen's ailment. Baldur's Gate 3 is currently accessible on macOS and PC platforms.
