Uncover the Enigmatic Secrets of Baldur's Gate 3: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Circus of the Last Days

Once players reach act three of Baldur's Gate 3, they still have a long way to go before gaining entry into the city itself. However, they need not worry as there is an abundance of entertainment available in the surrounding areas, notably the Circus of the Last Days located at the Open Hand Temple.

According to the hawker, this circus is unique as it is an interdimensional troupe, boasting an exceptionally diverse group of performers and staff. Paying homage to the previous Baldur's Gate games, which always featured a circus, the one in Baldur's Gate 3 upholds this tradition. By paying a visit, players can embark on an intriguing side quest unlike any other.

How to Enter the Circus of the Last Days

Players must overcome the initial challenge of gaining access to the circus grounds in Baldur's Gate. Due to the dangers present in the city, including murders inspired by the deity Bhaal and conflicts related to Bane, the hawker named Klaus employs a ghoul named Benjamin to detect potential killers.

Benjamin is averse to the scent of the mysterious tadpole in the protagonist's mind, causing Klaus to hesitate in granting entry to the party. To gain access, players have the option to utilize Persuasion, Deception, or Intimidation, needing to achieve a roll of 15 or higher to convince Klaus. Alternatively, they can offer a bribe of 200 gold to Klaus.

Another possibility is to gain access to the circus surreptitiously by entering through the rear. At the back of the circus area, there are two gates that grant entry to the grounds of the Open Hand Temple, and both of them are accessible. Additionally, players can utilize spells such as Fly or Dimension Door to circumvent Klaus and the secured doors.

Zara the Face Painter

Located on the left side of the entrance, you will find Zara the Mummy's booth. Zara, whose immobile lips pose a communication challenge, specializes in selling an array of face paints and associated products. To uncover more about her offerings and services, players can engage in a skillful Insight or Detect Thoughts check.

Specifically, Zara offers a range of apparel dyes available in various colors, disguise kits, scrolls of Color Spray and Disguise Self, as well as an exclusive Face-Painting Kit. Unlike a standard disguise kit that allows individuals to alter their appearance to resemble different humanoids, the Face-Painting Kit provides users with clown makeup.

Akabi the Huckster

Right after Zara's booth, you will find the booth of a crimson genie named Akabi. Akabi is in charge of operating the Wheel of Fortune, where each spin costs 500 gold. It is said that the wheel has the potential to grant a jackpot, although players may also receive smaller prizes from other outcomes.

Unfortunately, much like numerous real-life carnival games, the Wheel of Fortune is fixed. Players can never attain the jackpot, and all the lesser prizes are either worthless or pose a danger. These include an ineffective Boot of Elvenkind without its counterpart, an expired voucher for Sharess' Caress, a Bag of Molding that causes any food stored inside to decay, and "The Other Hand of Vecna."

One course of action available to the party is to uncover Akabi's cheating. This necessitates the active speaker successfully passing a challenging Perception check. The speaker can then accuse Akabi of cheating. However, if they persist, Akabi will transform them into a wheel of cheese for a duration of two minutes. Once they revert to their original form, that character is prohibited from spinning the wheel again, although other party members are still permitted to do so.

Stoney and Boney the Sculptors

Stoney and Boney's Bespoke Creations is the proud owner of this corner booth, inhabited by a married earth mephit and earth elemental. Boney, the mephit, takes charge of all sales transactions. Players have the opportunity to engage in conversation with him and gain access to a shop where they can purchase exquisite gemstones, alchemical minerals, as well as a limited selection of spell scrolls centered around the themes of stone and earth.

Players have the option of requesting the pair to construct a statue of the main character that will be present in the camp for the remainder of the game, including the outskirts camp, the Baldur's Gate docks camp, and the Elfsong Tavern room. In order to purchase the statue, players will need to pay 5,000 gold and ensure that they select the appropriate moment and equipment when speaking to Boney. Be mindful of these details before finalizing the purchase.

Popper the Scavenger

The booth at the rear lacks the same level of grandeur as the others. It is occupied by Popper, a kobold sporting a top hat, who offers a peculiar assortment of goods for sale. He proudly boasts that all his items were acquired from deceased individuals, although he remains secretive about the means through which he obtains such a large collection.

Popper sells a range of interesting items such as potions, magical arrows, and alchemical ingredients. However, the most valuable item he offers is the Dark Displacement Gloves. These gloves allow the wearer to switch positions with a target when they successfully hit them with a thrown weapon. While this item can be incredibly useful for certain character builds, it holds no value for anyone else.

Lucretious the Ringmaster

Continue your clockwise journey from Popper's stall to encounter Lucretious, a talented necromancer engaged in instructing a trio of skeletons in a synchronized dance routine. Serving as the mastermind behind the captivating Circus of the Last Days, unfortunately, Lucretious is preoccupied and unable to engage the party with any activities or merchandise. Nevertheless, it would be worthwhile to take a moment and extend greetings during your visit.

Zethino the Matchmaker

The stall positioned beside the colossal tree at the heart of the circus is owned by Zethino, an infatuated dryad. If the protagonist is in a romantic relationship with at least one member of their party, Zethino offers to examine their devotion towards each other for a fee of 100 gold. Players have the option to select any active party member to undertake this assessment, although only a member engaged in a romantic relationship with the protagonist will agree.

Subsequently, Zethino transports the protagonist and their beloved companion to a picturesque waterfall, where they are presented with three distinct queries. These questions are tailored to each individual lover, and if players have been attentive to their companion's quest, correctly answering them should not pose much difficulty. Although resolving all questions correctly or incorrectly will not impact the nature of their relationship, it has the potential to influence the approving sentiments the character holds towards the protagonist.

After the questions, players will get a surprise. This surprise doesn't involve any combat, though, so just sit back and watch it play out.

Dribbles the Clown

Dribbles the Clown takes center stage as the highlight of the Circus of the Last Days. When players approach the audience, a cutscene will trigger instantly. However, this encounter will conclude with a thrilling fight, so be sure to prepare yourself.

Following some weak jokes, Dribbles extends an invitation to the protagonist to participate in his next act as a volunteer. Players have the option to either accept, have another party member take part, or decline and allow someone else to volunteer. If players refuse, Dribbles will attack the NPC volunteer and kill them. Additionally, the two animal tamers situated on the left side of the stage will unleash their animals to attack the rest of the party.

Subsequently, it becomes apparent that both Dribbles and the animal tamers are actually impostors, doppelgangers, and devotees of Orin. Once the battle concludes, players should proceed to Lucretious to initiate the quest entitled "Find Dribbles the Clown." This quest entails traversing Rivington, the Lower City, and the Undercity. Remember to commence this journey by picking up the hand from the plate next to Popper.

Baldur's Gate 3 is available now on macOS, PC, and PS5.