Unveiling the Secrets: Accessing Ketheric Thorm's Private Rooms in Moonrise Towers

Players who reach Moonrise Towers in Act 2 of Baldur's Gate 3 have the opportunity to delve into the mystery behind Ketheric Thorm's immortality. Within Thorm's private quarters lies crucial information pertaining to the conspiracy he is involved in.

However, gaining access to this valuable information is no simple task. The private quarters, located on the upper floor of the tower, are heavily guarded and the doors to these rooms are locked. Additionally, constant surveillance by the Scrying Eyes and other loyal members of the Absolutist faction adds further difficulty. While one option is to confront the guards head-on, players can also explore alternative, covert routes that lead to these forbidden rooms.

How to Enter Balthazar's Chamber

Upon arrival at the chapel in Moonrise Towers, engage in a conversation with Ketheric Thorm before proceeding to the third floor of the tower via the stairs located behind the altar. Adjacent to the stairs, there is a sizable door leading to the roof, with Disciple Z'rell, a half-orc, positioned in front of it. The speaker must successfully persuade Z'rell that they are a True Soul, provided that the party did not align with them in the initial stage. Following this, Z'rell will instruct the group to assist Balthazar in acquiring a sacred artifact for Thorm.

It is advisable for the players to refrain from disclosing any previous encounter with Balthazar, as failure to do so will prompt Z'rell to assume that the party requires a moonlantern. Consequently, Z'rell will provide a key to Balthazar's room, thus facilitating exploration of this specific floor. The entrance to Balthazar's room can be found to the right of the staircase, on the opposite side of the library room.

Players who possess the key can effortlessly enter Balthazar's room, bypassing the guards and the need to pick the lock. Within the room, a moonlantern sits beside the desk at its center, which players may take if they do not already possess one. The room is also adorned with valuable items and intriguing notes, and is equipped with a bookshelf that conceals a hidden chamber.

The bookshelf boasts four prominent books, each with its own unique effect. One book triggers the spikes beneath the bookshelf, causing harm to anyone in close proximity. Another book emits a poisonous gas, afflicting those in the room. One of the books brings the two lifeless bodies in the room to an animated state, leading them to attack the group. Finally, the remaining book (illustrated in the image below) activates the altar situated to the right of the shelves.

Once the altar is activated, players have the ability to put an item on it. Select one of the hearts available in the chamber (obtained either from a corpse or the one resting on the blood-covered table) and carefully position it onto the altar. This action will unveil a concealed passage leading to a secret room. Inside the hidden chamber, players will discover a chest containing the coveted Coldbrim Hat along with an Elixir of Necrotic Resistance. Additionally, a book found in this room will reveal the name "Nightsong," thus progressing the quest to unveil the artifact safeguarding Thorm's everlasting life.

Entering Ketheric Thorm's Room

Option 1: Pick Open the Door

The most straightforward way is to unlock the other door located on the balcony behind Balthazar's room. However, picking the lock of this door requires a difficulty class (DC) of 30, and the metal door is indestructible. A Rogue with expertise in Sleight of Hand can achieve this level of skill, although the players should anticipate a few unsuccessful attempts before successfully unlocking the door. Fortunately, for parties that lack a Rogue or an abundance of thieves' tools, there are alternate, easier options.

Option 2: Jump Across

Adjacent to the entrance to Ketheric's chamber, players may observe a wooden platform. A regular leap is insufficient to reach this platform, requiring the aid of a character possessing the ability to triple jump, whether through a class skill, spell, or potion. Once atop the platform, a party member can navigate along the tower's side and execute a horizontal jump towards a balcony positioned opposite the tower. Accessible through an unlocked door, this balcony grants entry to the bedchamber once occupied by Ketheric's deceased wife, Melodia.

A locked door connects Ketheric's room and Melodia's, and fortunately the lock on this one is much easier to crack. Party members have the option to attack the lock multiple times, destroying it and gaining access. To allow the rest of the party inside, they simply need to pull a lever positioned next to the metal door. Ketheric's room is guarded by an undead guard dog; however, players can utilize various skills to persuade the canine to leave the party undisturbed.

Option 3: Climb Up

In the event that players are unable to acquire the key to Balthazar's room, they still have an opportunity to access Thorm's bedroom without drawing the attention of the guards. There are a couple of ladders positioned on the main floor of the tower that ascend to the rafters. Within these rafters, players will discover a series of vines that lead up to Melodia's bedroom. To be more precise, players ought to make their way towards the rafters situated above the staircase leading to the prison. One particular section of the rafters is segregated, and the vines in this particular area provide a direct path to Melodia's chamber.

By reaching these rooms, players can obtain an array of rewards. In Melodia's room, it is crucial to attack the chest at the foot of her bed first, as it is actually a mimic. Defeating it will yield a collection of gems and a Stained Letter from Melodia to her daughter.

As for Ketheric's room, the chest situated at the bed's base contains a valuable Cloak of Elemental Absorption, along with a Letter to Ketheric from his wife. Reading these letters will greatly enhance the chances of convincing Ketheric to withdraw during the final Act 2 boss battle. Additionally, players can gain insights into Thorm and his allies' plans by discovering a hidden book under loose planks near his bed, as well as by perusing various letters and books scattered throughout the room.

Baldur's Gate 3 is available now on macOS and PC. It's coming to PS5 on August 31, 2023.