Uncover the Deadly Murders in Baldur's Gate 3: An Essential Quest Guide

When players reach Act 3 of Baldur's Gate 3, the remaining two champions of the Dead Three will approach the party and propose a collaboration. They offer to join forces in exchange for eliminating their rival. Players have the option to align themselves with Orin, Gortash, or neither. However, they will be required to find a way to infiltrate at least one of their formidable strongholds.

In order to reach Orin and the Temple of Bhaal, which is hidden deep in the Undercity, players must delve into a series of mysterious murders occurring in Baldur's Gate and its surrounding areas. This investigation can commence as early as the encounters with Rivington and the Open Hand Temple, located in the region where Act 3 of Baldur's Gate 3 begins.

How to Start "Investigate the Murders"

Upon entering the Open Hand Temple, players will be met with a scene of mourning as the priests grieve the loss of their leader. Valeria, a hollyphant, is actively investigating the unfortunate incident and has determined that a refugee is the suspect. Valeria proceeds to make her way to the Sharess' Caress located on the South Span Bridge.

To gather more clues about the murder, players can explore the lower level of the temple. However, the crucial evidence needed by the party is actually found across the street from the Sharess' Caress. By entering Fraygo's Flophouse, climbing to the second floor using the stairs, and ascending further to the third floor via a ladder positioned on the street-facing wall, players will find themselves in a room with a large wardrobe. Although locked, the wardrobe holds a secret passage leading to a concealed room. Upon opening or destroying the lock, players will uncover another victim of the murderer hidden beneath the bed. Additionally, a quest item known as the Bloodstained Parchment can be found on the table.

Where to Find Devella

Once you obtain the Bloodstained Parchment, make your way to Valeria and present it to her. Upon receiving it, Valeria will acknowledge that the investigation is far from over and suggest seeking assistance from her associate, Devella Fountainhead. To facilitate your passage through Wyrm's Rock Fortress, Valeria will provide you with a Lower City Pass.

Currently, Devella is immersed in a fresh crime scene, delving into the mysterious demise of Duke Stelmane at the Elfsong Tavern. Situated a stone's throw away to the west from where adventurers set foot into the Lower City through Basilisk Gate, this establishment finds itself under the watchful eye of the Flaming Fist. As a result of the heinous murder, access to the upper floor of the tavern has been restricted, albeit Valeria's mention will grant the party clearance.

Devella strongly suspects that the cult of Bhaal has resurfaced in Baldur's Gate. Consequently, she will express satisfaction upon seeing the Bloodstained Parchment if players choose to present it to her. Nonetheless, she will inform the party that she must prioritize attending to the nobility residing in the Upper City. It becomes the party's responsibility to track down and warn the individuals in the Lower City who are potential targets. Ultimately, engaging in conversation with Devella at the Elfsong Tavern will not have any significant impact on either branch of this particular quest.

How to Find the Serial Killer

Upon examining the map in Baldur's Gate (whether before or after conversing with Devella), players will come across a series of objective markers indicating the various targets outlined on the Bloodstained Parchment. These targets can be categorized into three groups: those who have already met their demise, those who continue to lead their daily lives, and those who are presently being pursued by the murderer.

The deceased targets in this quest are Alexander Rainforest and Franc Peartree. They were both killed in their own homes, but their murders do not provide any relevant clues. However, players can search their houses to find parts of Dribbles the Clown and uncover the reasons behind the Cult of Bhaal targeting them. It is revealed that Franc was smuggling weapons for Gortash, while Alexander was investigating the cult's disguised building.

Furthermore, both Alexander and Franc offer alternative ways to initiate the "Investigate the Murders" quest. In both of their homes, a Bloodstained Parchment can be found, and acquiring any copy of it will trigger the quest. Additionally, if a party member possesses the ability to communicate with animals, they can obtain a description of the killer from a rat residing in Alexander's house. Alexander's house is a locked two-story residence located to the north of the Counting House, while Franc's house is situated just south of Feolgyr's Fireworks.

Players have the option to visit and caution Nesha Leesha, Chef Roveer, and Figaro Pennygood. Out of the trio, only Nesha takes the caution seriously. However, these visits do not impact the quest in any way. Instead, these characters prove more valuable for the alternate branch of this quest. If players aim to apprehend the serial killer, they must converse with Cora Highberry.

How to Stop the Serial Killer

Presently, Cora finds herself basking in the delightful atmosphere of a wine-tasting soiree taking place on the charming patio adjoining her abode. In the company of her husband and the esteemed Dolor Meztli, the esteemed provider of the exquisite wine selection, she revels in this merry gathering. Inviting participants are presented with an array of choices: they may choose to promptly alert Cora of something concerning, opt to savor some of the flavorsome wines, or simply observe from a distance the revelry unfolding before them.

If the party takes no action, Cora and her husband will be affected by the paralysis poison in the wine. In this scenario, Dolor will fatally stab Cora and escape. However, if the speaker warns Cora, Dolor will become angry with the party for interrupting the planned kill and attack them instead. Multiple doppelgängers resembling Dolor will join the real one in the attack while he makes his getaway. Nevertheless, Cora should survive the confrontation. On the other hand, if the speaker consumes the wine, Dolor will murder Cora, leaving the speaker paralyzed, and the doppelgängers will assail the party.

As Dolor is following a specific order, the next individual the players should approach is Figaro. Once the party enters the back rooms of Figaro's clothing store, a cutscene will ensue. Regardless of whether Figaro has been previously warned or if the players have spoken to Devella, the content of this cutscene remains unchanged.

Players can exploit Dolor's tendency to indulge in monologues to quietly reposition themselves, but this grants Dolor the opportunity to eliminate Figaro. Players who wish to spare Figaro's life should immediately make their presence known. Regardless, Dolor and approximately six more doppelgängers will launch an attack on the party. Some of these adversaries will specifically target the incapacitated Devella, so if the players want to save her, they should assign a party member to divert their attention.

Following the battle, Devella will express gratitude towards the party and, if they have not previously met, introduce herself. She will then propose that they search Dolor's corpse for any instructions he may have received from the Cult of Bhaal, as well as examine the bag of severed hands he is carrying. Additionally, Dolor possesses several valuable magical items, including a dagger bearing his own name. If Figaro survives, he will extend a discount on his clothing to the party.

How to Kill for the Cult of Bhaal

In the alternate branch of the quest, the party disregards the serial killer and opts to personally obtain a few victims' hands. Nesha Leesha and Chef Roveer play vital roles in this endeavor, while players can also focus on targeting Figaro Pennygood while Dolor accompanies Cora.

All three potential victims are situated in relatively public areas, hence players must create their own opportunities to eliminate them without getting caught. A highly effective spell combination involves using Silence and Darkness - casting these spells in the same location ensures that the murder remains unseen and unheard. By the time the spells dissipate and onlookers discover the body, the party will have made a clean getaway. Alternatively, players can designate a single party member as the assassin, grant them Greater Invisibility, and send them alone to execute the target.

Alternatively, the party can inform the victim that their presence is intended to eliminate them, prompting them to launch an assault on the party, along with nearby non-playable characters (NPCs) who wish to aid them. Intriguingly, utilizing this strategy will not result in any repercussions from the Flaming Fist, as technically, the party did not initiate the altercation.

Regardless of how it unfolds, once the intended target perishes and the party acquires their severed hand, they will be approached by an individual named Olfaith Olumssdottir. Olfaith will extend congratulations to the party and proceed to request their assistance in eliminating another individual from a specified list. Upon completion of this task, Olfaith will once again approach the party, instructing them to proceed to the location known as Candulhallow's Tombstones. Situated just east of the cemetery at the northern border of the town.

Where to Find the Secret Entrance in Candulhallow's Tombstones

Regardless of whether players receive instructions from Olfaith or find them on Dolor's corpse, both paths of this quest lead to Candulhallow's Tombstones. Upon entering the building, players should proceed to the office on the opposite side, where they can either acquire or move the painting on the wall to reveal a hidden button. Pressing this button will cause a shelf on the opposite wall to shift, unveiling a concealed door.

Players have the option to roll a History or Investigation check in order to learn more about the symbol on the door. However, the only way to unlock it is by knowing the password, which is "Sicarius." This password can only be obtained by fulfilling Olfaith's request of killing two individuals or by reading the Dirge of the Unholy Assassin, which can be found on Dolor's body.

The Murder Tribunal

Upon entering, players will immediately encounter a sign prominently displaying the message, "Proceed in the direction of Flaming Fists!" Should the party choose to follow this directive, they will unknowingly trigger a perilous chain of events wherein grease-filled barrels shall descend upon them, swiftly followed by a triggering of a fire trap.

Alternatively, a more advisable course of action would be to navigate towards the Tribunal Antechamber and engage in conversation with the entity known as That Which Guards. At this point, players can opt for a direct confrontation with the guards (and subsequently challenge the tribunal) or, alternatively, present a hand to the guard. By undertaking the latter approach, the party can gain entry without resorting to violence or undergoing any assessments of skill.

The next event is the Murder Tribunal, led by the notorious Sarevok, the antagonist from Baldur's Gate 1. Sarevok was resurrected in the "Throne of Bhaal" expansion of Baldur's Gate 2, and players have the opportunity to inquire about his activities since the previous game. Players can choose to either confront the Tribunal or proceed with the ritual by presenting a severed hand.

If players have obtained a hand from Dolor, they must successfully deceive Sarevok through a Deception check. The speaker has three options available, but the difficulty check always remains at 20. The chances of impressing the Murder Tribunal are significantly higher if the party has successfully eliminated their targets.

If players successfully pass the test, Sarevok will proceed towards a concealed door on the southern wall. Inside the room, Valeria awaits, and Sarevok instructs the party to eliminate her as the final challenge in becoming an Unholy Assassin. Should players agree, a battle will ensue between the party and Valeria, resulting in her swift defeat. Afterward, speaking to Sarevok will initiate a baptism of blood, granting the Amulet of Bhaal and access to the Temple of Bhaal in the Undercity.

Alternatively, players have the option to refuse to kill Valeria or even attack Sarevok during the initial trial. By doing so, the party can still obtain the Amulet of Bhaal from Sarevok's body and rescue Valeria by locating the secret door and using the key obtained from Sarevok. Fighting Sarevok and the Murder Tribunal proves to be a much more challenging encounter, as he possesses the ability to perform four attacks per round as a level 16 Fighter. However, defeating him allows players to claim his armor, helmet, and sword as valuable loot, and furthermore, Valeria can serve as an ally for the "Gather Your Allies" quest.

If Sarevok dies, Orin will eventually discover what occurred. When she does, she will retaliate by killing the party member that she has held captive. The game does not provide clear information on how time is tracked for this quest. However, players can rest for a week without any issues if they immediately head to the Temple of Bhaal. If players choose to become Unholy Assassins, they do not need to worry about this time limit. Additionally, they can gain favor with Orin by defeating Gortash before entering the temple. Regardless of the chosen path, the "Investigate the Murders" quest concludes at this point.

Baldur's Gate 3 is currently available on macOS and PC, with a release date for PS5 set on September 6.