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{{ up to date | 2023-09-12 }} <!-- Date format is YEAR-MONTH-DAY, like 2023-08-07. -->
{{PageSeo
[[File:Nere Poison Room Quest.jpg|thumb|Nere is trapped in a poisonous room.]]
| description = Free True Soul Nere is a Quest in Act One of Baldur's Gate 3. It can be started when the player arrives at Grymforge and talks to Sergeant Thrinn.
| image = Nere Poison Room Quest.jpg
}}
[[File:Nere Poison Room Quest.jpg|thumb|{{noexcerpt|Nere is trapped in a poisonous room.}}]]
'''Free True Soul Nere''' is a [[Quest]] in [[Act One]] of Baldur's Gate 3. It can be started when the party arrives at [[Grymforge]] and talks to {{CharLink|Elenna Thrinn|Sergeant Thrinn}} or after making a deal with Elder Brithvar.


'''Free True Soul Nere''' is a [[quest]] in [[Act One]] of Baldur's Gate 3. It can be started when the player arrives at [[Grymforge]] and talks to [[Sergeant Thrinn]].
{{SpoilerWarning}}
==Objectives==
==Objectives==
''Objectives and journal entries may vary pending player decisions and outcomes.''
''Objectives and journal entries may vary pending story decisions and outcomes.''
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
{{Quest objective|Clear the cave-in.|
<div style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.6;">Clear the cave-in.</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
* Sergeant Thrinn said the True-Soul leading them is trapped behind the cave-in. She wants us to clear it.
* Sergeant Thrinn said the True-Soul leading them is trapped behind the cave-in. She wants us to clear it.
* The deep gnomes are worried about Beldron. He's trapped with True Soul Nere behind the cave-in.
* The deep gnomes are worried about Beldron. He's trapped with True Soul Nere behind the cave-in.
* We discovered several duergar who are plotting against Nere. They asked us to free him, and offered a cut of the prize if we help.
* We discovered several duergar who are plotting against Nere. They asked us to free him, and offered a cut of the prize if we help.
* We found some explosives. Let's see if it's enough to clear the cave-in.
* We found some explosives. Let's see if it's enough to clear the cave-in.
* We found some rubble and were able to clear it. We should do the same for the cave-in.
* We managed to clear some but not all of the rubble.
* We managed to clear some but not all of the rubble.
* We used other methods to clear the rubble. Perhaps this could come in handy again.
* We used other methods to clear the rubble. Perhaps this could come in handy again.
* True Soul Nere warned us about the poisonous gas behind the cave-in. He'll die soon - we can't afford to rest.
* True Soul Nere warned us about the poisonous gas behind the cave-in. He'll die soon - we can't afford to rest.
</div></div>
}}
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border-top: none;">
{{Quest objective|Speak to Nere.|
<div style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.6;">Speak to Nere.</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
* We managed to clear the cave-in. Let's see what Nere has to say for himself.
* We managed to clear the cave-in. Let's see what Nere has to say for himself.
</div></div>
}}
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border-top: none;">
{{Quest objective|Defeat the mutinous duergar.|
<div style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.6;">Defeat the mutinous duergar.</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
* The duergar turned on Nere. We need to protect him.
* The duergar turned on Nere. We need to protect him.
</div></div>
}}
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border-top: none;">
{{Quest objective|Speak to Nere.|
<div style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.6;">Speak to Nere.</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
* The duergar were defeated. We should check on Nere.
* The duergar were defeated. We should check on Nere.
</div></div>
}}
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border-top: none;">
{{Quest objective|Quest Complete|
<div style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.6;">Quest Complete</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
* The cave-in was cleared without our help.
* The cave-in was cleared without our help.
* Nere mentioned that he's planning to go to the temple where he'll pick up the trail of Balthazar, the General's advisor.
* Nere mentioned that he's planning to go to the temple where he'll pick up the trail of Balthazar, the General's advisor.
Line 43: Line 35:
* We left Grymforge without clearing the cave-in.
* We left Grymforge without clearing the cave-in.
* We left Grymforge - leaving Nere to his fate.
* We left Grymforge - leaving Nere to his fate.
</div></div>
}}


== Walkthrough ==
== Walkthrough ==
This quest is on a "timer", tracked by long-rests and/or fast travels. The player receives a warning in the form of a cutscene with [[Nere]] the first time they arrive in camp after entering Grymforge, and can fail if they fast travel or long-rests twice after the quest originally started.   
This quest is on a "timer", tracked by long-rests and/or fast travels. The timer starts when the party speaks with Sergeant Thrinn, makes a deal with Elder Brithvar or interacts with the rubble. The party receives a warning in the form of a cutscene with {{CharLink|Nere}} the first time they arrive in camp after entering Grymforge, and can fail if they fast travel or long-rest after the quest starts.   


=== Arriving at Grymforge ===
=== Arriving at Grymforge ===
Free True Soul Nere is initiated the first time the party takes the boat in the [[Decrepit Village]] to Grymforge. During the trip over, a group of duergars on another boat led by [[Corsair Greymon]] questions the party on what they're doing on Coal's boat:
Free True Soul Nere is initiated the first time the party takes the boat in the [[Decrepit Village]] to Grymforge. During the trip over, a group of [[Duergar]] on another boat led by {{CharLink|Greymon|Corsair Greymon}} questions the party on what they're doing on Coal's boat:
* [DECEPTION] I saw a body left by the myconids - your 'Gekh' must be dead. (DC 10)
* {{Dialogue option|I saw a body left by the myconids - your 'Gekh' must be dead.|roll=Deception|dc=10}} (if Gekh Coal unmet)
* I work on Gekh's behalf. I'm after his sergeant's stolen boots.
* {{Dialogue option|I'm afraid Gekh is dead - he fell fighting the myconids|roll=Deception|dc=10}} (if Gekh Coal was met)
* I seek the sergeant - I believe she's keen to get these boots back.
* {{Dialogue option|Just let me cross - I have the brand, see?|tags=Branded|roll=Persuasion|dc=5}}
* [INTIMIDATION] In the name of the Absolute - you will let me pass. (DC 10)
* {{Dialogue option|I work on Gekh's behalf. I'm after his sergeant's stolen boots.}}
* [ATHLETICS] Just push him into the water. (DC 15)
* {{Dialogue option|I seek the sergeant - I believe she's keen to get these boots back.}}
* {{Dialogue option|MOVE YOUR BOAT, OR SINK. '''MAKE THE CHOICE.'''|tags=Barbarian|roll=Intimidation|dc=10|advantage=y}}
* {{Dialogue option|In the name of the Absolute - you ''will'' let me pass.|roll=Intimidation|dc=10}}
* {{Dialogue option|''Push the duergar into the water.''|roll=Athletics|dc=15}}


Succeed the check and Corsair stands down, telling the party to speak with the sergeant. If he was pushed into the water a fight will break out (Astorian approves). Once docked, another duergar, [[Morghul]] tries to extort money from the party. Tell her "I’m not giving you a single coin" and she backs off immediately. Follow the path south to come across a cave-in, where a group of enslaved gnomes are being forced to chip away at the rocks (X:-635, Y:311). Speak to Sergeant Thrinn who explains that a [[True Soul]] drow named Nere is trapped by a cave-in.
Succeed the check and Corsair stands down, telling the party to speak with the sergeant. If he was pushed into the water a fight will break out (Lae'zel and Astarion approve). Note that the corpses of any characters killed by being shoved off of the boats can be found washed up on the beach at the [[Decrepit Village]] afterward.
 
Once docked, another duergar, {{CharLink|Morghal}}, tries to extort money from the party. Telling her "I’m not giving you a single coin" results in her backing off immediately. Follow the path south to come across a cave-in, where a group of enslaved gnomes are being forced to chip away at the rocks (X:-635, Y:311). Speak to Sergeant Thrinn who explains that a [[Drow]] [[True Soul]] named Nere is trapped by a cave-in.


=== Communing with Nere ===
=== Communing with Nere ===
If the party interacts with the cave-in, Nere telepathically connects with them and shows them what he sees. The party can perform a Perception check (DC 10) to try to focus on what he can see. There are two gnomes on his side of the cave-in who are trying to remove rocks, as well as two dead gnomes who were killed by a magical trap. The party senses Nere's frustration and rage before the connection fades.
If the party interacts with the cave-in, Nere telepathically connects with them and shows them what he sees. The party can perform a Perception check (DC 10) to try to focus on what he can see. There are two gnomes on his side of the cave-in who are trying to remove rocks, as well as two dead gnomes who were killed by a magical trap. The party senses Nere's frustration and rage before the connection fades.


=== The Cave-In ===
Be aware that interacting with the cave-in starts a timer: if Nere is not subsequently rescued after two long rests, he will die.
 
=== The cave-in ===
[[File:Cave-in.jpg|thumb|The cave-in at Grymforge trapping Nere.]]
[[File:Cave-in.jpg|thumb|The cave-in at Grymforge trapping Nere.]]
The primary objective of this quest is destroy the "cave-in" trapping Nere at Grymforge.   
The primary objective of this quest is to destroy the "cave-in" trapping Nere at Grymforge.   


* The cave-in is an interactable object that has 44 [[Hit Points]] and is immune to all types of [[Damage Types|damage]] except for force (vulnerable) and piercing (resistant).  
* The cave-in is an interactable object that has 44 [[Hit Points]] and is immune to all types of [[Damage Types|damage]] except for force (vulnerable), piercing (resistant) and bludgeoning.
* It also has the {{SmIconLink|Medium Toughness Condition Icon.webp|Medium Toughness (Condition)|Medium Toughness}} condition - a hit must deal 22 or more damage in order to damage it.
* It also has the {{cond|Medium Toughness}} condition - a hit must deal 22 or more damage in order to damage it.
* Due to its vulnerability to force, explosives such as [[Smokepowder Satchel]] or [[Smokepowder Bomb|Bombs]] are the player's best bet. However, sufficient force or piercing damage from player abilities can also work - such as high rolls on a [[Warlock|Warlock's]] [[Eldritch Blast]] combining with the cave-in's force vulnerability.  
* Due to its vulnerability to force, explosives such as {{SmRarityItem|Smokepowder Satchel}} or {{SmRarityItem|Smokepowder Bomb}} are the best bet. However, sufficient force, or bludgeoning damage from abilities can also work - such as high rolls on a [[Warlock|Warlock's]] {{SAI|Eldritch Blast}} combined with the cave-in's force vulnerability, or melee attacks with high strength, [[Great Weapon Master: All In]] using a [[Maul]].  
** Beware of friendly fire against the gnomes digging away at the cave-in. Placing any explosive object onto the floor (i.e. dropping it) should make all the gnomes to scramble away.
* Beware of friendly fire against the gnomes digging away at the cave-in. Placing any explosive object onto the floor (i.e. dropping it) should make all the gnomes scramble away.
** The player can obtain enough explosives required to complete this quest by doing the [[Find the Explosives]] quest also located at Grymforge.
* The party can obtain enough explosives to complete this quest by solving the {{Quest|Find the Explosives}} quest, also located at Grymforge.


[[File:Nere Freed Quest.jpg|thumb|Nere is freed from the cave-in.]]
[[File:Nere Freed Quest.jpg|thumb|Nere is freed from the cave-in.]]
The player can also choose to let the timer run out and have Nere die prior to freeing him as an alternative way to approach the quest [[Deliver Nere's Head]].     
The party can also choose to let the timer run out and have Nere die prior to freeing him as an alternative way to solve the quest {{Quest|Deliver Nere's Head}}.     


Successfully removing the "cave-in" initiates a cutscene/conversation with Nere, which directly affects the quest [[Save the Grymforge Gnomes]].
Successfully removing the "cave-in" initiates a cutscene/conversation with Nere, which directly affects the quest {{Quest|Save the Grymforge Gnomes}}.


=== The Mutiny ===     
=== The mutiny ===     
After Nere is freed, he is furious at being trapped and immediately takes it out on [[Meerna]] who he throws into the lava.
After Nere is freed, he is furious at being trapped and immediately takes it out on {{CharLink|Meerna}} who he throws into the lava.


If the party choose to say nothing or "Finish the slaves, True Soul. For the Absolute," then Nere massacres all the gnomes. If the party tells Nere not to kill innocents, Nere tells Thrinn to rip out their hearts and feed it to the rothe. At this point, if the party made a deal with Brithvar to kill Nere, he interjects and says Nere owes the duergar money and he's going to get it from his corpse. Nere says he's changed his mind - he'll spare the party if the defeat Brithvar and the other mutineers.  
If the party choose to say nothing or "Finish the slaves, True Soul. For the Absolute," then Nere massacres all the gnomes. If the party tells Nere not to kill innocents, he tells Thrinn to rip out their hearts and feed them to the rothé. At this point, if the party made a deal with Brithvar to kill Nere, he interjects and says Nere owes the duergar money and he's going to get it from his corpse. Nere says he's changed his mind - he'll spare the party if they defeat Brithvar and the other mutineers.  


If the party sides with Nere, they'll need to fight Brithvar, Kur, Corsair Greymon, Morghal, Stone Guard [[Orgarth]], [[Danna]], and [[Thudd]]. If the party sides with Brithvar, they'll fight Nere, Thrinn, Corsair Greymon, [[Dalthar]], [[Drar]], Mind Master [[Fonmara]], and Mind Master [[Dunnol]].
If the party sides with Nere, they'll need to fight against:
{{div col}}
* {{MdCharLink|Brithvar|Elder Brithvar}}
* {{MdCharLink|Kur|Stone Guard Kur}}
* {{MdCharLink|Morghal|Cleric of Laduguer Morghal}}
* {{MdCharLink|Orgarth|Stone Guard Orgath}}
* {{MdCharLink|Mirthis}}
* {{MdCharLink|Danna}}
* {{MdCharLink|Thudd}}
{{div col end}}
 
If the party sides with Brithvar, they'll fight against
{{div col}}
* {{MdCharLink|Nere}}
* {{MdCharLink|Elenna Thrinn|Sergeant Thrinn}}
* {{MdCharLink|Dalthar}}
* {{MdCharLink|Drar}}
* {{MdCharLink|Greymon|Corsair Greymon}}
* {{MdCharLink|Fonmara|Mind Master Fonmara}}
* {{MdCharLink|Dunnol|Min Master Dunnol}}
{{div col end}}


=== Siding with Nere ===
=== Siding with Nere ===
If Nere is sided with, there are two distinct paths he can follow. One is that Nere tells the party to go see the general, [[Ketheric Thorm]] at [[Moonrise Towers]]. The other is that Nere is informed the Absolute are a front for Mind Flayers and he abandons the cult entirely.
If Nere is sided with, there are two distinct paths that can be followed. One is that Nere tells the party to go see the general, {{CharLink|Ketheric Thorm}} at [[Moonrise Towers]]. The other is that Nere is informed the Absolute are a front for Mind Flayers and he abandons the cult entirely.


After the battle, Nere says the Absolute's business is unfinished. Select either "And what business is that, exactly?" or "And what business is that, exactly?" He bids the party to tell the General that he did what he could, but that the route through Grymforge is impassable. Select "I'll do it. Where can I find the General?" and Nere explains they must go through the [[Shadow-Cursed Lands]]. He had a Moonlantern that could ward off the shadow curse, but it was destroyed in the cave-in. Ask "If that's the case, how do I reach it safely?" and Nere says there is a guide. Play the [[Spider's Lyre]] he provides, and a guide will appear.
After the battle, Nere says the Absolute's business is unfinished. Select either "Unfortunate - but how does this concern me?" or "And what business is that, exactly?" He bids the party to tell the General that he did what he could, but that the route through Grymforge is impassable. Select "I'll do it. Where can I find the General?" and Nere explains they must go through the [[Shadow-Cursed Lands]]. He had a Moonlantern that could ward off the shadow curse, but it was destroyed in the cave-in. Ask "If that's the case, how do I reach it safely?" and Nere says there is a guide. Play the {{SmRarityItem|Spider's Lyre}} he provides, and a guide will appear.


The divergence occurs based on what the party says next. If the party says "I'd rather make my own way than rely on your help." Nere says the Absolute should be demanding he take their head for insolence like that, but he can't hear Her voice. Choose "Explain that the Absolute is a front for mind flayers - you're protected from them." to start Nere on the pathway to faltering from the Absolute:
The divergence occurs based on what the party says next. If saying "I'd rather make my own way than rely on your help." Nere says the Absolute should be demanding he take their head for insolence like that, but he can't hear Her voice. Choosing "Explain that the Absolute is a front for mind flayers - you're protected from them." starts Nere on the pathway to faltering from the Absolute:


* [DECEPTION] It's true - it's a shadowy conspiracy headed by mind flayers and... tax collectors. (DC 10)
* {{Dialogue option|It's true - it's a shadowy conspiracy headed by mind flayers and... tax collectors.|roll=Deception|dc=10}}
* [PERSUASION] I was abducted by mind flayers. That was when I began to hear the Absolute. (DC 10)
* {{Dialogue option|I was abducted by mind flayers. That was when I began to hear the Absolute.|roll=Persuasion|dc=10}}


Nere needs one more push to abandon the cult:
Nere needs one more push to abandon the cult:
* [PERSUASION] You don't have to. Run - abandon the Absolute. (DC 10)
* {{Dialogue option|Your faith in Lolth faltered. It is not too late to reclaim it.|tags=Lolth-sworn}}
* [HISTORY] People have followed cults for a long time. You're just another victim. (DC 10)
* {{Dialogue option|You don't have to. Run - abandon the Absolute.|roll=Persuasion|dc=10}}
* Cast Detect Thoughts (DC 11)
* {{Dialogue option|People have followed cults for a long time. You're just another victim.|roll=History|dc=10}}
* Your faith in Lolth faltered. It is not too late to reclaim it.
* {{Dialogue option|''Cast Detect Thoughts''|roll=Wisdom}}
* {{Dialogue option|Your faith in Lolth faltered. It is not too late to reclaim it.}} (if mind was read)


If Nere is convinced, he says dying for mind flayer filth isn't worth it. He thanks the party for saving him from something worse than the duergar. After rewarding the party, he leaves and prays he doesn't meet the party again.
If Nere is convinced, he says dying for mind flayer filth isn't worth it. He thanks the party for saving him from something worse than the duergar. After rewarding the party, he leaves and prays he doesn't meet the party again.


== Related Quests ==
== Related quests ==
* [[Save the Grymforge Gnomes]]
* {{Quest|Blind the Absolute}}
* [[Rescue Wulbren]]
* {{Quest|Deliver Nere's Head}}
* [[Find Explosives]]
* {{Quest|Find Explosives}}
* [[Blind the Absolute]]
* {{Quest|Rescue Wulbren}}
* [[Deliver Nere's Head]]
* {{Quest|Save the Grymforge Gnomes}}


== Quest Rewards ==
== Quest rewards ==
* [[Gift from the Absolute]] - If Nere is sided with and remains in the cult.
* {{MdRarityItem|Dagger +1}} - If Nere is sided with and abandons the cult.
* {{SmallIcon|Dagger PlusOne Icon.png}} [[Dagger +1]] - If Nere is sided with and abandons the cult.
* {{MdRarityItem|Gift from the Absolute}} - If Nere is sided with and remains in the cult.
* 400 gold - If Brithvar is sided with
* 400 gold - If Brithvar is sided with
* {{SmallIcon|Rapier PlusOne Icon.png}} [[Sword of Screams]], {{SmallIcon|Neres Head Icon.png}} [[Nere's Head]], {{SmallIcon|Broken Moonlantern Icon.png}} [[Broken Moonlantern]], {{SmallIcon|Disintegrating Nightwalkers Icon.png}} [[Disintegrating Night Walkers]], {{SmallIcon|Dagger PlusOne Icon.png}} [[Dagger +1]] - Looted from Nere's corpse
 
Looted from Nere if he is killed:
* 1000 gold
* {{MdRarityItem|Broken Moonlantern}}
* {{MdRarityItem|Disintegrating Night Walkers}}
* {{MdRarityItem|Mind Flayer Parasite Specimen}}
* {{MdRarityItem|Nere's Head}}
* {{MdRarityItem|Sword of Screams}}
 
It's possible to get both {{MdRarityItem|Gift from the Absolute}} and {{MdRarityItem|Mind Flayer Parasite Specimen}} by first completing the quest then killing Nere later.
 
== Companion approval ==
 
* Stand up for the deep gnome slaves after Nere is freed {{Approval|Karlach|+1}} {{Approval|Wyll|+1}} {{Approval|Gale|+1}}  {{Approval|Astarion|-1}}
* After rescuing Nere, tell him to finish the slaves, or choose to say nothing {{Approval|Astarion|+1}} {{Approval|Lae'zel|+1}}
* Side with Elder Brithvar when confronting Nere {{Approval|Laezel|+1}}{{Approval|Karlach|-1}}
* Side with Nere against Elder Brithvar  {{Approval|Karlach|-5}} {{Approval|Laezel|-1}}
* Let Elder Brithvar take the deep gnomes {{Approval|Karlach|-1}}
 
== Bugs ==
* When siding with Nere, just after the fight against Elder Brithvar, a conversation is supposed to begin automatically with Nere. However, a bug can occur during the fight, which causes the conversation to not trigger. You can confirm that the bug is happening if the quest asks you to talk with Nere, but in doing so, his response is "Leave me be. You've done enough." and nothing happens. As of patch 6, the bug is still present in the game. There is no solution other than loading a save before the fight and redo the fight.
 


{{NavQuests}}
{{NavQuests}}

Latest revision as of 22:30, 23 October 2024

Nere is trapped in a poisonous room.

Free True Soul Nere is a Quest in Act One of Baldur's Gate 3. It can be started when the party arrives at Grymforge and talks to Elenna Thrinn Sergeant Thrinn or after making a deal with Elder Brithvar.

Objectives[edit | edit source]

Objectives and journal entries may vary pending story decisions and outcomes.

Clear the cave-in.
  • Sergeant Thrinn said the True-Soul leading them is trapped behind the cave-in. She wants us to clear it.
  • The deep gnomes are worried about Beldron. He's trapped with True Soul Nere behind the cave-in.
  • We discovered several duergar who are plotting against Nere. They asked us to free him, and offered a cut of the prize if we help.
  • We found some explosives. Let's see if it's enough to clear the cave-in.
  • We found some rubble and were able to clear it. We should do the same for the cave-in.
  • We managed to clear some but not all of the rubble.
  • We used other methods to clear the rubble. Perhaps this could come in handy again.
  • True Soul Nere warned us about the poisonous gas behind the cave-in. He'll die soon - we can't afford to rest.
Speak to Nere.
  • We managed to clear the cave-in. Let's see what Nere has to say for himself.
Defeat the mutinous duergar.
  • The duergar turned on Nere. We need to protect him.
Speak to Nere.
  • The duergar were defeated. We should check on Nere.
Quest Complete
  • The cave-in was cleared without our help.
  • Nere mentioned that he's planning to go to the temple where he'll pick up the trail of Balthazar, the General's advisor.
  • We revealed the truth to Nere - that the Absolute is a front for mind flayers. He gave us a token of his thanks.
  • We turned on Nere.
  • Nere is dead.
  • We left Grymforge without clearing the cave-in.
  • We left Grymforge - leaving Nere to his fate.

Walkthrough[edit | edit source]

This quest is on a "timer", tracked by long-rests and/or fast travels. The timer starts when the party speaks with Sergeant Thrinn, makes a deal with Elder Brithvar or interacts with the rubble. The party receives a warning in the form of a cutscene with Nere Nere the first time they arrive in camp after entering Grymforge, and can fail if they fast travel or long-rest after the quest starts.

Arriving at Grymforge[edit | edit source]

Free True Soul Nere is initiated the first time the party takes the boat in the Decrepit Village to Grymforge. During the trip over, a group of Duergar on another boat led by Greymon Corsair Greymon questions the party on what they're doing on Coal's boat:

  • [DECEPTION] I saw a body left by the myconids - your 'Gekh' must be dead. (DC 10) (if Gekh Coal unmet)
  • [DECEPTION] I'm afraid Gekh is dead - he fell fighting the myconids (DC 10) (if Gekh Coal was met)
  • [BRANDED] [PERSUASION] Just let me cross - I have the brand, see? (DC 5)
  • I work on Gekh's behalf. I'm after his sergeant's stolen boots.
  • I seek the sergeant - I believe she's keen to get these boots back.
  • [BARBARIAN] [INTIMIDATION] MOVE YOUR BOAT, OR SINK. MAKE THE CHOICE. (DC 10 Advantage Icon.png)
  • [INTIMIDATION] In the name of the Absolute - you will let me pass. (DC 10)
  • [ATHLETICS] Push the duergar into the water. (DC 15)

Succeed the check and Corsair stands down, telling the party to speak with the sergeant. If he was pushed into the water a fight will break out (Lae'zel and Astarion approve). Note that the corpses of any characters killed by being shoved off of the boats can be found washed up on the beach at the Decrepit Village afterward.

Once docked, another duergar, Morghal Morghal, tries to extort money from the party. Telling her "I’m not giving you a single coin" results in her backing off immediately. Follow the path south to come across a cave-in, where a group of enslaved gnomes are being forced to chip away at the rocks (X:-635, Y:311). Speak to Sergeant Thrinn who explains that a Drow True Soul named Nere is trapped by a cave-in.

Communing with Nere[edit | edit source]

If the party interacts with the cave-in, Nere telepathically connects with them and shows them what he sees. The party can perform a Perception check (DC 10) to try to focus on what he can see. There are two gnomes on his side of the cave-in who are trying to remove rocks, as well as two dead gnomes who were killed by a magical trap. The party senses Nere's frustration and rage before the connection fades.

Be aware that interacting with the cave-in starts a timer: if Nere is not subsequently rescued after two long rests, he will die.

The cave-in[edit | edit source]

The cave-in at Grymforge trapping Nere.

The primary objective of this quest is to destroy the "cave-in" trapping Nere at Grymforge.

  • The cave-in is an interactable object that has 44 Hit Points and is immune to all types of damage except for force (vulnerable), piercing (resistant) and bludgeoning.
  • It also has the Medium Toughness Medium Toughness condition - a hit must deal 22 or more damage in order to damage it.
  • Due to its vulnerability to force, explosives such as Smokepowder Satchel or Smokepowder Bomb are the best bet. However, sufficient force, or bludgeoning damage from abilities can also work - such as high rolls on a Warlock's Eldritch Blast Eldritch Blast combined with the cave-in's force vulnerability, or melee attacks with high strength, Great Weapon Master: All In using a Maul.
  • Beware of friendly fire against the gnomes digging away at the cave-in. Placing any explosive object onto the floor (i.e. dropping it) should make all the gnomes scramble away.
  • The party can obtain enough explosives to complete this quest by solving the Find the Explosives Find the Explosives quest, also located at Grymforge.
Nere is freed from the cave-in.

The party can also choose to let the timer run out and have Nere die prior to freeing him as an alternative way to solve the quest Deliver Nere's Head Deliver Nere's Head.

Successfully removing the "cave-in" initiates a cutscene/conversation with Nere, which directly affects the quest Save the Grymforge Gnomes Save the Grymforge Gnomes.

The mutiny[edit | edit source]

After Nere is freed, he is furious at being trapped and immediately takes it out on Meerna Meerna who he throws into the lava.

If the party choose to say nothing or "Finish the slaves, True Soul. For the Absolute," then Nere massacres all the gnomes. If the party tells Nere not to kill innocents, he tells Thrinn to rip out their hearts and feed them to the rothé. At this point, if the party made a deal with Brithvar to kill Nere, he interjects and says Nere owes the duergar money and he's going to get it from his corpse. Nere says he's changed his mind - he'll spare the party if they defeat Brithvar and the other mutineers.

If the party sides with Nere, they'll need to fight against:

If the party sides with Brithvar, they'll fight against

Siding with Nere[edit | edit source]

If Nere is sided with, there are two distinct paths that can be followed. One is that Nere tells the party to go see the general, Ketheric Thorm Ketheric Thorm at Moonrise Towers. The other is that Nere is informed the Absolute are a front for Mind Flayers and he abandons the cult entirely.

After the battle, Nere says the Absolute's business is unfinished. Select either "Unfortunate - but how does this concern me?" or "And what business is that, exactly?" He bids the party to tell the General that he did what he could, but that the route through Grymforge is impassable. Select "I'll do it. Where can I find the General?" and Nere explains they must go through the Shadow-Cursed Lands. He had a Moonlantern that could ward off the shadow curse, but it was destroyed in the cave-in. Ask "If that's the case, how do I reach it safely?" and Nere says there is a guide. Play the Spider's Lyre he provides, and a guide will appear.

The divergence occurs based on what the party says next. If saying "I'd rather make my own way than rely on your help." Nere says the Absolute should be demanding he take their head for insolence like that, but he can't hear Her voice. Choosing "Explain that the Absolute is a front for mind flayers - you're protected from them." starts Nere on the pathway to faltering from the Absolute:

  • [DECEPTION] It's true - it's a shadowy conspiracy headed by mind flayers and... tax collectors. (DC 10)
  • [PERSUASION] I was abducted by mind flayers. That was when I began to hear the Absolute. (DC 10)

Nere needs one more push to abandon the cult:

  • [LOLTH-SWORN] Your faith in Lolth faltered. It is not too late to reclaim it.
  • [PERSUASION] You don't have to. Run - abandon the Absolute. (DC 10)
  • [HISTORY] People have followed cults for a long time. You're just another victim. (DC 10)
  • [WISDOM] Cast Detect Thoughts
  • Your faith in Lolth faltered. It is not too late to reclaim it. (if mind was read)

If Nere is convinced, he says dying for mind flayer filth isn't worth it. He thanks the party for saving him from something worse than the duergar. After rewarding the party, he leaves and prays he doesn't meet the party again.

Related quests[edit | edit source]

Quest rewards[edit | edit source]

  • Dagger +1 - If Nere is sided with and abandons the cult.
  • Gift from the Absolute - If Nere is sided with and remains in the cult.
  • 400 gold - If Brithvar is sided with

Looted from Nere if he is killed:

It's possible to get both Gift from the Absolute and Mind Flayer Parasite Specimen by first completing the quest then killing Nere later.

Companion approval[edit | edit source]

  • Stand up for the deep gnome slaves after Nere is freed Karlach approves +1 Wyll approves +1 Gale approves +1 Astarion disapproves -1
  • After rescuing Nere, tell him to finish the slaves, or choose to say nothing Astarion approves +1 Lae'zel approves +1
  • Side with Elder Brithvar when confronting Nere Laezel approves +1Karlach disapproves -1
  • Side with Nere against Elder Brithvar  Karlach disapproves -5 Laezel disapproves -1
  • Let Elder Brithvar take the deep gnomes Karlach disapproves -1

Bugs[edit | edit source]

  • When siding with Nere, just after the fight against Elder Brithvar, a conversation is supposed to begin automatically with Nere. However, a bug can occur during the fight, which causes the conversation to not trigger. You can confirm that the bug is happening if the quest asks you to talk with Nere, but in doing so, his response is "Leave me be. You've done enough." and nothing happens. As of patch 6, the bug is still present in the game. There is no solution other than loading a save before the fight and redo the fight.


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