Baldur's Gate 3: Unveiling the Unseen - Complete Parasite Quest Guide (Unlocking the Secrets of Tongue of Madness & Timmask Spores)

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Approaching the Arcane Tower

Navigating the Tower

Exploring the depths of the Underdark in Baldur's Gate 3 can induce a sense of overwhelm. This extensive underground network of caverns harbors numerous perilous creatures concealed within the shadows. If the party lacks sufficient strength, the battles can prove challenging to conquer.

Starting the 'Investigate The Parasite' Quest

However, not all creatures in the Underdark are hostile. In fact, some have valid reasons for their hostility. Take the Myconid colony located at the north end of the map, for instance. If players approach them peacefully and engage in honest conversation, the Myconids will warmly welcome the party into their colony. By doing so, players will have the opportunity to encounter an intriguing being known as Omeluum and potentially initiate the main quest of Baldur's Gate 3, titled "Help Omeluum Investigate the Parasite."

To start off, players are required to go to the Ebonlake Grotto, which serves as the home for the Myconid colony. In the northeastern part of the colony, there is a hobgoblin trader named Blurg. If the players decide to engage in combat with the Myconids, Blurg will not become hostile. However, it is more convenient to converse with him when the Myconids are on amicable terms.

Blurg will summon Omeluum, a member of the Society of Brilliance, if the players are honest about their condition. Omeluum, a mind flayer who broke free from his people's control, can be either attacked or asked for assistance by the players. If the players choose to seek his help, Omeluum will propose connecting to the parasite to gather more information, but on the condition that the party locates two rare mushrooms: the Tongue of Madness and Timmak Spores. These mushrooms can only be found in the Arcane Tower, which is the residence of Lenore, a secluded cleric of Mystra.

Approaching the Arcane Tower

The Arcane Tower is positioned to the south of the Decrepit Village and to the west of the Selunite Outpost. Caution must be exercised when approaching the tower as numerous arcane turrets stand before the entrance. Initial contact with the tower in Baldur's Gate 3 triggers the game to switch to turn-based mode automatically, but subsequent activation of this mode is left to the players.

Utilizing turn-based mode proves advantageous as the turrets solely engage the party if they possess a clear line of sight. Various stone pillars and ledges obstruct this line, allowing players to navigate around the turrets. Despite the turrets having hit points like any other object, they are incredibly resilient, making their destruction unlikely.

To bypass the turrets effectively, it is recommended to send a single party member. Astarion is an excellent choice due to his ability to dash twice per round through Cunning Action. Alternatively, Lae'zel is also a viable option with her superior long jumping distance and the innate Githyanki Psionics ability: Jump, coupled with her sufficient hit points to withstand a few turret hits if caution is not exercised. Additionally, utilizing spells like Misty Step and items such as the Potion of Speed can grant extra movement speed.

To overcome the initial turret, the selected party member should sprint towards the stalagmite located between the entrance and the first turret. Then, proceed to run towards the base of the ledge situated to the right of the stalagmite. The party member can commence climbing the ledge by jumping, but it is recommended to remain low initially to avoid detection by the turret positioned on the stairs. The next advantageous hiding spot is behind the statue located behind the second turret.

Navigating the Tower

Players now have two choices available. The first option involves swiftly bypassing the second turret and leaping onto a series of shelf mushrooms that will lead them down to the tower's base. However, it is important to note that the selected party member must possess a sufficient jumping ability to reach the mushrooms.

Alternatively, players can choose to ascend the stairs and enter the tower directly. Although the door is closed and locked, there is an open window to the left of it, through which the party member can jump to gain access. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that two additional turrets are present on this floor.

To avoid the turrets, players can take cover behind a nearby pillar. Once concealed, they should make their way towards the left balcony. Adjacent to the tower, there exists a cluster of shelf mushrooms that can be utilized for traversal. These mushrooms serve as a bridge to the lower floor. Upon reaching the subsequent level, players will find a supply of both required mushrooms: tongues of madness within a planter to the right, and timmak spores on a shelf along the far wall.

Returning back up the same shelf mushrooms may pose a challenge, especially for party members with average strength. In such instances, it is advisable for players to enlist the aid of a physically strong character or one equipped with abilities like Misty Step or Jump.

Players have the option to rescue their party member from this level even if they don't possess any of these abilities. However, they will need to leap down to different shelf mushrooms, potentially resulting in damage, and devise a way to reactivate the tower to activate the mystic elevator and deactivate the turrets.

At this point, the party can proceed back to Omeluum and consume the potion. In the subsequent conversation, multiple saving throws for Intelligence or Wisdom are required. Failing these throws will cause damage and impose conditions on the speaking character. Luckily, this damage will always leave the character with a minimum of one hit point.

Despite being unable to remove the tadpole, Omeluum compensates by offering a Ring of Mind Shielding. Players who previously informed him about the squid ship they were aboard can receive the ring at no cost by providing a thorough description. Otherwise, the ring can be purchased from Omeluum for 140 gold.

Baldur's Gate 3 is currently released for PC, macOS, and Stadia, with the PS5 version set to launch in September.