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{{PageSeo|description = There are many different permanent character enhancements that can be obtained in Baldur's Gate 3. See below for these bonuses and how to obtain them.}}
{{PageSeo
There are many different permanent character enhancements or bonuses that can be obtained throughout [[Baldur's Gate 3]]. See below for details on these bonuses and how they can be obtained.
| title = Permanent bonuses
| description = There are many different permanent character enhancements that can be obtained in Baldur's Gate 3. See below for these bonuses and how to obtain them.}}
'''Permanent bonuses''' are special [[conditions]], character enhancements, or other abilities, which will generally remain permanently after obtaining them. Some permanent bonuses will, however, be removed if the character dies.


{{NoExcerpt|''See also: [[Illithid Powers]], another form of permanent bonuses that can be obtained.''
There are many different permanent character enhancements or bonuses that can be obtained throughout ''[[Baldur's Gate 3]]''. See below for details on these bonuses and how they can be obtained.
{{SpoilerWarning}}
}}


{{ up to date | 2023-08-11 }} <!-- Date format is YEAR-MONTH-DAY, like 2023-08-07. -->
{{TOC|limit=3}}
== Act One ==
The following permanent character bonuses can be obtained in [[Act One]] of the game.  


== Chapter One ==
===Auntie Ethel's Hair===
* The following permanent character bonuses can be obtained in [[Chapter One]] of the game's story.
{{RarityItem|Auntie Ethel's Hair}} - gain +1 to an [[abilities|ability score]] of choice. Can be raised above 20.
{| class="wikitable"
! Name !! Effect !! How to Obtain !! Notes
|-
| [[BOOOAL's Benediction (Condition)|BOOOAL's Benediction]] || Gain {{Advantage}} on [[Attack Roll]]s against [[Conditions#Bleeding|Bleeding]] targets. || Sacrifice a companion to [[BOOOAL]] in [[The Festering Cove]]. || Effect stops working if all Kua-Toa are killed. {{Verify}} <br>
This buff is given to all present party members, and is also removed upon death. <br>
You can not use [[hirelings]] for it.
|-
| [[Paid the Price (Condition)|Paid the Price]] || You have a +1 bonus to [[Intimidation]] checks, but {{Disadvantage}} on [[Perception]] checks. Additionally, you have {{Disadvantage}} when attacking Hags. Changes the chosen eye's appearance. || Accept [[Auntie Ethel]]'s deal to remove the parasite at the [[Riverside Teahouse]]. ||
|-
| [[Auntie Ethel's Hair]] || Gain +1 to an [[Ability Scores|Ability Score]] of choice. || Defeat [[Auntie Ethel]] during [[Save Mayrina]] and take her deal to spare her life. ||Can be raised above 20
|-
| [[Volo's Ersatz Eye (Condition)|Volo's Ersatz Eye]] || Grants a permanent {{IconLink|See_Invisibility_Icon.png|See Invisibility|size=25}} effect. Changes the right eye's appearance. || Rescue [[Volo]] from the [[Goblin Camp]]. When speaking to him in the [[Campsite]] afterwards, tell him about your Tadpole infection and agree to his experimental surgery. ||Effect is lost if the character dies and is revived.
{{Verify}}
|-
| [[Brand of the Absolute]] || Allows the benefits from [[:Category:Absolute_Equipment|Absolute Equipment]]. || Agree to let a character be branded by [[Gut]] in the [[Goblin Camp]]. || Multiple characters can receive the brand.
|-
| [[Proficiency#Instrument Proficiency|Instrument Proficiency]] || You know how to play a variety of musical instruments and are able to entertain a crowd with them. || Pass two Charisma checks while helping [[Alfira]] with her song in the [[Druid Grove]]. ||
|-
| [[Loviatar's Love (Condition)|Loviatar's Love]] || When you have 30% Hit Points or less, you gain a +2 bonus to Attack Rolls and [[Wisdom]] saving throws. || Submit to [[Abdirak]] and put on a good performance for him in the [[Shattered Sanctum]].
|Effect is lost if the character dies and is revived.
|-
| [[Survival Instinct]] || Gain the additional [[Illithid Powers|Illithid Power]] {{Icon|Cleric Tadpole Survival Instinct.png|30|link=Survival Instinct}}[[Survival Instinct]]. || [[Help Omeluum investigate the parasite]]. || Any class can receive this additional power.
|-
| [[Necromancy of Thay]] || Gain the {{IconLink|Passive Feature Generic Icon.png|Forbidden Knowledge|size=25}} passive feature and {{Icon|Speak with Dead Icon.png|25|link=Speak with Dead}} [[Speak with Dead]] spell once per long rest. || Turn all three pages while reading [[Necromancy of Thay]], a [[Books|book]] found in a hidden area in the [[Apothecary's Cellar]] beneath the [[Blighted Village]]. Turning only 1 page will grant only [[Speak with Dead]]. The reader does not need to succeed on the Saving Throws associated with turning the pages.
|
|-
|Find Familiar: Scratch
|Summon the best boy. Scratch's keen nose can discover many things hidden around the world.
|Leave Scratch with your scent so he joins your camp, then later when he offers you a ball, throw it to play fetch with him.
|
|-
|Find Familiar: Shovel
|Summon Shovel, the Cheeky Quasit. Pact of the Chain unnecessary.
|Find the unique scroll of find familiar in one of the coffins of the hidden area in the [[Apothecary's Cellar]] beneath the [[Blighted Village]]. Instead of using the scroll, have Gale (or any wizard) learn the spell to gain a permanent Quasit familiar.
|
|}


== Chapter Two ==
==== How to unlock ====
* The following permanent character bonuses can be obtained in [[Chapter Two]] of the game's story.
Defeat [[Auntie Ethel]] during [[Save Mayrina]] and take her deal to spare her life.  
{| class="wikitable"
! Name !! Effect !! How to Obtain !! Notes
|-
| [[Potion of Everlasting Vigour]]|| Gain +2 Strength || Convince [[Astarion]] to bite [[Araj Oblodra]] in Moonrise Towers || Can be raised above 20
|-
| [[Awakened]]|| You can use all of your Illithid Powers as a Bonus Action || Make the Zaith'Isk in the githyanki infirmary explode and succeed at all three saving throws. The saves are significantly easier if you are in the device rather than Lae'zel. The person that gets the buff is always the player character. || Failing any of the saving throws for the Zaith'isk inflicts permanent, stacking penalties to your [[Ability Score]]s:
* 1 failed save: -2 {{Ability|Constitution}}
* 2+ failed saves: -2 {{Ability|Intelligence}}
|-
| [[Arabella's Shadow Entangle]]|| Entangle an undead or shadow creature  || Tell Arabella about her parents' fate after [[Save Arabella]] ||
|-
| [[Githzerai Mind Barrier]]|| {{Advantage}} on [[Intelligence]] [[Saving Throws]]  || Take the Waking Brain (found after the brain connect puzzle in the [[Illithid Colony]]) to the Mind-Archive Interface, and agree to purge the mind when talking to the Slack-Skinned Head ||Effect is lost if the character dies and is revived.
|}


== Chapter Three ==
===Awakened===
* The following permanent character bonuses can be obtained in [[Chapter Three]] of the game's story.
{{SAI|Awakened}} - use all illithid powers as a [[bonus action]].
{| class="wikitable"
! Name !! Effect !! How to Obtain !! Notes
|-
| Partial Ceremorphosis|| Gain access to tier 3 Illithid Powers, and automatically unlock all tier 1 Illithid Powers and the Fly tier 3 Illithid Power || Consume the Astral-Touched Tadpole offered by the Emperor ||
|-
|The Tharchiate Codex: Blessing
|Once per long rest, gain temporary hit points
|Read The Tharchiate Codex (found at the end of the Vault puzzle in Ramazith's Tower)
|Remains active if The Tharchiate Codex is also used to obtain Danse Macabre
|-
| [[Danse Macabre]]|| Create 6 ghouls that fight alongside you || Read The Tharchiate Codex (found at the end of the Vault puzzle in Ramazith's Tower), then read the last page of the Necromancy of Thay (from Act 1) and pass a 20 Wisdom Saving Throw || Comes with a curse that lowers Constitution by 5, but can be removed with the [[Remove Curse]] spell while keeping Danse Macabre
|-
| [[Mirror of Loss]]|| Gain +2 to an [[Ability Score]] of choice  || Sacrifice the knowledge of the Necromancy of Thay to the Mirror of Loss in the House of Grief.
Alternatively, offer a prayer (25 Religion Check), then sacrifice your memories (-2 to an Ability Score of choice which can be cured with Curse Removal) for a +1 stat to the Mirror of Loss in the House of Grief.
| Can be raised above 20 (up to 24)
If no prayer is offered to the mirror prior to sacrificing memories, no bonus is received, only the penalty.


As of Hotfix #2.1, all the bonuses from the Necromancy of Thay are retained when you sacrifice its knowledge, along with the Ability Score increase - this is likely a bug.
==== How to unlock ====
Make the Zaith'isk in the infirmary of [[Crèche Y'llek]] explode and succeed at all three saving throws. The saves are significantly easier if you are in the device rather than Lae'zel.


Penalty is called 'Stolen Vigour' and is classified as a curse. Can be removed with Remove Curse. When removed bonus seems to stay. No side-effects of removing it was observed.
Failing any of the saving throws for the Zaith'isk inflicts permanent, stacking penalties to the ability scores of the character inside it: each failure will, respectively, give -2 to Intelligence, Wisdom, and Constitution. [[Partial-illithid|Partial ceremorphosis]] or consuming additional illithid parasites will remove the ability debuff.


If you pass both the religion and arcana checks and sacrifice a memory to get the +1, you can still get the +2 afterwards for a combined +3 - this doesn't work if you sacrifice the necromancy of Thay knowledge first
===BOOOAL's Blessing===
|-
{{Cond|BOOOAL's Blessing}} - gain advantage on [[attack rolls]] against [[Bleeding (Condition)|Bleeding]] targets.
| [[Unstable Blood]]|| Your blood is now highly flammable and will explode on contact with fire || Give your blood to Araj Oblodra in Moonrise Towers in Act 2, then meet her again east of The Blushing Mermaid in Act 3 and help her again. She will give you a potion that grants this feature once drunk. ||  
 
[[Category:Gameplay Mechanics]]
==== How to unlock ====
|}
Sacrifice a companion to [[BOOOAL]] in [[The Festering Cove]] ([[hirelings]] cannot be sacrificed). The effect is granted to all present party members and will stop working if all [[Kuo-toa]] in the Cove are killed.
 
Alternatively, have someone pickpocket the [[Sickle of BOOOAL]] from [[Pooldripp]] while someone else is in the conversation. Then, either say that you have a better offer when asked to be a sacrifice, then pass a Persuasion check; or shake the Kuo-toa's faith in BOOOAL, then agree to BOOOAL's offer to become his Chosen.
 
===Brand of the Absolute===
[[Brand of the Absolute]] - allows the benefits from [[:Category:Absolute_Equipment|Absolute equipment]] and unlocks unique dialogue options when speaking to followers of the Absolute.
 
==== How to unlock ====
Agree to let a character be branded by [[Gut]] in the [[Goblin Camp]].
 
Multiple characters can receive the brand after the first character has been branded by Gut by controlling them and speaking to [[Warlock Greez]].
 
===Find Familiar: Scratch===
{{SAI|Find Familiar: Scratch}} - gain the ability to summon [[Scratch]] as a familiar while outside of camp. While summoned, Scratch will be able to uncover buried treasure.
 
==== How to unlock ====
Leave Scratch with your scent so he joins your camp, then later when he offers you a ball, throw it to play fetch with him. Having [[Scratch's Ball]] in your inventory allows you to use [[Find Familiar: Scratch]].
 
===Find Familiar: Cheeky Quasit===
{{SAI|Find Familiar: Cheeky Quasit}} - summon [[Shovel (familiar)|Shovel]] (or Basket, or Fork), the Cheeky Quasit.
 
==== How to unlock ====
Find the unique [[Scroll of Summon Quasit]] in one of the coffins of the hidden area in the [[Apothecary's Cellar]] beneath the [[Blighted Village]]. Wizards can scribe this spell, or other spellcasting classes (Sorcerer, Wizard, or Warlock) can permanently acquire her through the [[Shovel_(familiar)#Permanently_acquiring_Shovel|correct dialogue options]].
 
===Instrument proficiency===
[[Instrument proficiency]] - know how to play a variety of musical instruments and be able to entertain a crowd with them.
 
==== How to unlock ====
Pass one of two Charisma (Performance) checks while helping [[Alfira]] with her song in the [[Emerald Grove]].
 
[[Bard]]s have this automatically and this provides no additional benefit to them.
 
===Loviatar's Love===
{{Cond|Loviatar's Love}} - gain a +2 bonus to attack rolls and [[Wisdom]] saving throws if having 30% Hit Points or less.
 
==== How to unlock ====
Submit to [[Abdirak]] and put on a good performance for him in the [[Shattered Sanctum]].
 
Effect is permanently lost upon death.
 
===Necromancy of Thay===
{{RarityItem|Necromancy of Thay}} - gain the passive feature [[Forbidden Knowledge]], which grants a +1 to Wisdom saving throws and ability checks. You can also cast [[Speak with Dead]] once per long rest.
 
==== How to unlock ====
Turn all three pages while reading ''[[Necromancy of Thay]]'', a book found in a hidden area in the [[Apothecary's Cellar]] beneath the [[Blighted Village]].
 
Turning only 1 page will grant only Speak with Dead. The reader does not need to succeed on the saving throws associated with turning the pages.
 
===Paid the Price===
{{Cond|Paid the Price}} - gain a +1 bonus to [[Intimidation]] checks, but also a disadvantage on [[Perception]] checks. Additionally, gain a disadvantage when attacking Hags. Changes the chosen eye's appearance. Mutually exclusive with Volo’s Ersatz Eye.
 
==== How to unlock ====
Accept [[Auntie Ethel]]'s deal to remove the parasite at the [[Riverside Teahouse]].
 
===Survival Instinct===
{{SAI|Survival Instinct}} - gain the additional [[illithid power]] [[Survival Instinct]], which allows the user to infuse a creature with psionic force, healing them if they reach 0 hit points.
 
==== How to unlock ====
Complete the quest [[Help Omeluum investigate the parasite]] with [[Omeluum]] in the [[Underdark]].
 
This is a unique illithid power not obtainable through regular illithid power progression.
 
===Volo's Ersatz Eye===
{{RarityItem|Volo's Ersatz Eye}} - gain a permanent [[See Invisibility (Condition)|See Invisibility]] effect. Changes the right eye's appearance. The right eye's colour is changed to "Blue 3". This {{em|cannot}} be reversed using the [[Magic Mirror]]. Mutually exclusive with Paid the Price.
 
==== How to unlock ====
Rescue [[Volo]] from the [[Goblin Camp]]. When speaking to him in the [[campsite]] afterwards, tell him about your Tadpole infection and agree to his experimental surgery.
 
== Act Two ==
The following permanent character bonuses can be obtained in [[Act Two]] of the game's story.
 
===Arabella's Shadow Entangle===
{{SAI|Arabella's Shadow Entangle}} - entangle an Undead or Shadow Creature until Long Rest.
 
====How to unlock====
Tell [[Arabella]] about her parents' fate during the quest [[Find Arabella's Parents]].
 
===Bardic Inspiration===
{{SAI|Bardic Inspiration}} - gain a charge of Bardic Inspiration that is stronger than usual (1d12). Usable once per long rest, and does not consume Bardic Inspiration charges.
 
This bonus does not strengthen existing Bardic Inspiration uses (if any); they will remain at the appropriate strength for the character's Bard level.
 
====How to unlock====
At the end of Act Two, if [[Alfira]] is still alive, she can be found at [[Moonrise Towers]]. Talking with her reveals that she wants to use music to cheer up the tiefling children in the room with her. If the active character is a [[Bard]], you can speak with her again to gain the bonus (you do not need to perform the song).
 
===Githzerai Mind Barrier===
{{Cond|Githzerai Mind Barrier}} - gain advantage on [[Intelligence]] [[saving throw]]s.
 
====How to unlock====
Insert the [[Waking Mind]] (found at {{coords|750|-139}} after the brain connect puzzle in the [[Mind Flayer Colony]]) into the nearby Mind-Archive Interface. Speak to the Slack-Skinned Head, and agree to purge or consume its mind.
 
Effect is permanently lost if the character dies and is revived (as of Hotfix #6).
 
===Consumed Shadow Weave===
[[Consumed Shadow Weave|Level 3 Shadow Spell Slot]] - [[Gale]] gains an additional level three spell slot, separate from normal spell slots. Recharges per long rest.
 
==== How to unlock ====
Only available to Gale while playing his [[Origins|origin]], and {{em|not}} as a companion.
 
Consume the Shadow Weave from the corpse of [[Gerringothe Thorm]], [[Malus Thorm]] or [[Thisobald Thorm]] after slaying them in combat. Cleansing the Shadow Weave grants [[Mystra's_Blessing_(Condition)|Mystra's Blessing]] until Long rest instead.
 
Defeating Malus or Thisobald via dialogue won't grant the option of consuming or cleansing the Shadow Weave (Bug as of Hotfix #16)
 
===Potion of Everlasting Vigour===
{{RarityItem|Potion of Everlasting Vigour}} - gain +2 [[Strength]]. Can be used to raise Strength above 20, and will remain after respecing character.
 
====How to unlock====
Convince [[Astarion]] to bite [[Araj Oblodra]] in Moonrise Towers.
 
===Slayer Form===
{{SAI|Slayer (class action)|Slayer Form}} - gain the ability to transform into the [[Slayer]] once per long rest.
 
==== How to unlock ====
Only available while playing the [[Dark Urge]] Origin.
 
Kill either [[Isobel Thorm|Isobel]], or your lover, or the companion with the highest approval toward you, as part of [[The Urge]] quest. Alternatively, it can be acquired alongside the one-time-use spell [[Power Word Kill]] by accepting to become [[Bhaal|Bhaal's]] Chosen after defeating [[Orin]] in Act Three.
 
Refusing to become Bhaal's Chosen will result in the permanent loss of the Slayer Form.
 
===Summon Us===
{{RarityItem|Summon Us}} - summon [[Us]], an intellect devourer, as a familiar.
 
==== How to unlock ====
Free Us and prevent it from dying on the Nautiloid during the [[Prologue]], then free it from its cage in the [[Mind Flayer Colony]] towards the end of Act Two.
 
== Act Three ==
The following permanent character bonuses can be obtained in [[Act Three]] of the game's story.
 
===Anointed in Splendour===
{{Cond|Anointed in Splendour}} - gain +2 bonus to all {{SavingThrow}}s.
 
==== How to unlock ====
Offer enough gold to one of the [[deities]] in the [[Stormshore Tabernacle]] to gain the right to ask for a blessing. The exact amount of gold required depends on the [[character level|character's level]] and the [[difficulty]] settings. This can be done for every character but an offering will need to be made for each one.
 
Alternatively, [[Gale]] can get this permanent bonus through dialogue. If Gale chooses to ask for [[Mystra|Mystra's]] forgiveness during their meeting at the [[Stormshore Tabernacle]] in the [[Lower City]], she will grant him {{cond|Anointed in Splendour}}.
 
===Partial Ceremorphosis===
{{RarityItem|Astral-Touched Tadpole}} - gain access to [[Illithid_powers#Elite_powers|tier 3 illithid powers]], and automatically unlock all tier 1 illithid powers and the tier 3 illithid power Fly. This will cause a cosmetic change in the character. Any tadpoles used in the granted tier 1 illithid powers will be refunded when this bonus is obtained.
 
==== How to unlock ====
Consume the [[Astral-Touched Tadpole]] offered by [[the Emperor]].
 
===Danse Macabre===
{{SAI|Danse Macabre}} - create 4 ghouls that fight alongside you. Comes with a curse that lowers Constitution by 5, but can be removed with the [[Remove Curse]] spell while keeping Danse Macabre
 
==== How to unlock ====
Read The ''Tharchiate Codex'' (found at the end of the Vault puzzle in Ramazith's Tower), then read the last page of the ''[[Necromancy of Thay]]'' (from Act 1) and pass a DC 20 Wisdom Saving Throw.
 
===Tasha's Hideous Laughter|Monk's Hideous Laughter===
{{SAI|Tasha's Hideous Laughter|Monk's Hideous Laughter}} - gain the ability to cast [[Tasha's Hideous Laughter]] once per long rest.
 
==== How to unlock ====
Carry the [[Sentient Amulet]] from [[Grymforge]] to a casket under the [[Open Hand Temple]] in [[Wyrm's Crossing]], completing [[Help the Cursed Monk]]. Must choose to accept the curse yourself.
 
Possible wisdom loss if you fail Constitution/Wisdom saves. The {{MdRarityItem|Sentient Amulet (Rare)}} loses all of its abilities if you choose to accept the curse yourself.
 
=== Mirror of Loss ===
[[Mirror of Loss]] - gain +2 to an [[abilities|ability score]] of your choice (and optionally +1 to Charisma).
 
==== How to unlock ====
Successfully offer a prayer ({{Ability check|Religion|25}}) to the Mirror of Loss in the [[House of Grief]], then sacrifice one or more of your ability scores. You may receive the option to choose a permanent +2 bonus to any ability, and/or a +1 bonus to CHA. If you do not succeed on the DC 25 Religion check, the +2 buff is not available as a random reward. You can alternatively sacrifice your knowledge of the ''[[Necromancy of Thay]]'' to receive a guaranteed +2 of your choice, even without offering a prayer.
 
For each ability you sacrifice, you'll receive the ''Stolen Vigour'' curse, giving -2 to that Ability. This can be cured via [[Remove Curse]], or (as of v4.1.1.4251417) performing a long rest. Either method of removing the curse allows you to retain the stat buff(s) you may have received.
 
Buffs granted by the Mirror can raise the affected ability score up to 24.
 
As of v4.1.1.4811634, the bonuses from the Necromancy of Thay are properly lost when sacrificing its knowledge.
 
You will receive the ''Patriar's Memory'' (+1 CHA) if the Narrator tells you the following after sacrificing an ability score: "Disappointment floods your mind. You were sure to succeed Stelmane, but Lord Enver Gortash has stolen your support. All that charming and cajoling in the parlous of the Upper City, Wasted." You can continue to reload until you receive this specific memory, though be aware that this outcome becomes significantly less likely to occur for characters who have completed the DC 25 Religion check, due to the mechanics of how the various outcomes are chosen (described in detail on the Mirror of Loss page).
 
===Slayer Knowledge===
{{RarityItem|Regarding the Slayer}} - gain advantage against Slayer abilities.
 
When playing as the [[Dark Urge]] with the [[Slayer]] form unlocked, it also grants the [[Piercing Growl]] skill.
 
==== How to unlock ====
Rescue [[Volo]] while he is tied up to explosives near the [[Steel Watch Foundry]]. Talk to him after the fight that ensues, and he will return to your camp.
 
Back at the camp, talk to him again and he will explain that he was targeted by the Lord of Murder [[Bhaal]] and his Chosen. You can then ask him about the [[Slayer]] and he will offer you a [[Regarding the Slayer|guidebook]] written by the wizard Irenicus. Read this book and you will gain the passive feature.
 
===Sweet Stone Features===
{{Cond|Sweet Stone Features}} - gain a +1d4 bonus to attack rolls and saving throws.
 
==== How to unlock ====
Pay [[Boney]] in the [[Circus of the Last Days]] 5000 gold for Stoney to construct a statue of yourself or a companion. The effect goes to whoever is depicted. Stony can only construct a statue for a single character. The effect begins once you long rest.
 
Prior to Patch 7, this effect was overwritten if the character was affected by [[Bless]] or healed by a character wearing [[The Whispering Promise]]. Once the Bless effect expired, they did not regain Sweet Stone Features until completing another long rest.
 
==== Astarion: Special interaction ====
If Astarion is the one depicted as a statue, the Sweet Stone Features condition overrules the {{Cond|Curse of the Sired}} condition that he would otherwise acquire in the [[Szarr Palace]]. The Curse of the Sired status gives Astarion disadvantage on all saving throws while in a place of trauma. With a statue of himself at camp, Astarion does not suffer that penalty and gets to keep the effect of the Sweet Stone Features condition instead, even while in the palace.
 
===The Tharchiate Codex: Blessing===
{{SAI|The Tharchiate Codex: Blessing}} - gain 20 temporary hit points after a Long Rest. Remains active if ''[[The Tharchiate Codex]]'' is also used to obtain Danse Macabre.
 
==== How to unlock ====
Read ''The Tharchiate Codex'' (found at the end of the Vault puzzle in [[Ramazith's Tower]]). Only available to the first character who reads the Codex.
 
===Unstable Blood===
{{SAI|Unstable Blood}} - the player character's blood is now highly flammable; if bleeding and creating a blood surface, it will explode on contact with fire.
 
==== How to unlock ====
Give the player character's blood to [[Araj Oblodra]] in [[Moonrise Towers]] in Act 2, then meet her again east of [[The Blushing Mermaid]] in Act 3 and help her again. She will give a potion that grants this feature once drunk.
 
===Vampire Ascendant===
{{SAI|Vampire Ascendant}} - [[Astarion]] gains class actions {{SAI|Ascendant Bite}} and {{SAI|Misty Escape (Vampire Ascendant)|Misty Escape}}, as well as an extra {{DamageType|Necrotic|1d10}} necrotic damage on his weapon and unarmed attacks.
 
==== How to unlock ====
Only available to Astarion (companion or origin).
 
Defeat [[Cazador]] without killing any of his [[vampire spawn|spawn]] whilst having [[Astarion]] in your party. Afterward, allow Astarion to complete the ascension ritual.
 
==See Also==
* [[Temporary bonuses]]
 
 
{{gameplay}}
[[Category:Gameplay mechanics]]

Latest revision as of 16:43, 11 October 2024

Permanent bonuses are special conditions, character enhancements, or other abilities, which will generally remain permanently after obtaining them. Some permanent bonuses will, however, be removed if the character dies.

There are many different permanent character enhancements or bonuses that can be obtained throughout Baldur's Gate 3. See below for details on these bonuses and how they can be obtained.

Act One[edit | edit source]

The following permanent character bonuses can be obtained in Act One of the game.

Auntie Ethel's Hair[edit | edit source]

Auntie Ethel's Hair - gain +1 to an ability score of choice. Can be raised above 20.

How to unlock[edit | edit source]

Defeat Auntie Ethel during Save Mayrina and take her deal to spare her life.

Awakened[edit | edit source]

Awakened Awakened - use all illithid powers as a bonus action.

How to unlock[edit | edit source]

Make the Zaith'isk in the infirmary of Crèche Y'llek explode and succeed at all three saving throws. The saves are significantly easier if you are in the device rather than Lae'zel.

Failing any of the saving throws for the Zaith'isk inflicts permanent, stacking penalties to the ability scores of the character inside it: each failure will, respectively, give -2 to Intelligence, Wisdom, and Constitution. Partial ceremorphosis or consuming additional illithid parasites will remove the ability debuff.

BOOOAL's Blessing[edit | edit source]

BOOOAL's Blessing BOOOAL's Blessing - gain advantage on attack rolls against Bleeding targets.

How to unlock[edit | edit source]

Sacrifice a companion to BOOOAL in The Festering Cove (hirelings cannot be sacrificed). The effect is granted to all present party members and will stop working if all Kuo-toa in the Cove are killed.

Alternatively, have someone pickpocket the Sickle of BOOOAL from Pooldripp while someone else is in the conversation. Then, either say that you have a better offer when asked to be a sacrifice, then pass a Persuasion check; or shake the Kuo-toa's faith in BOOOAL, then agree to BOOOAL's offer to become his Chosen.

Brand of the Absolute[edit | edit source]

Brand of the Absolute - allows the benefits from Absolute equipment and unlocks unique dialogue options when speaking to followers of the Absolute.

How to unlock[edit | edit source]

Agree to let a character be branded by Gut in the Goblin Camp.

Multiple characters can receive the brand after the first character has been branded by Gut by controlling them and speaking to Warlock Greez.

Find Familiar: Scratch[edit | edit source]

Find Familiar: Scratch Find Familiar: Scratch - gain the ability to summon Scratch as a familiar while outside of camp. While summoned, Scratch will be able to uncover buried treasure.

How to unlock[edit | edit source]

Leave Scratch with your scent so he joins your camp, then later when he offers you a ball, throw it to play fetch with him. Having Scratch's Ball in your inventory allows you to use Find Familiar: Scratch.

Find Familiar: Cheeky Quasit[edit | edit source]

Find Familiar: Cheeky Quasit Find Familiar: Cheeky Quasit - summon Shovel (or Basket, or Fork), the Cheeky Quasit.

How to unlock[edit | edit source]

Find the unique Scroll of Summon Quasit in one of the coffins of the hidden area in the Apothecary's Cellar beneath the Blighted Village. Wizards can scribe this spell, or other spellcasting classes (Sorcerer, Wizard, or Warlock) can permanently acquire her through the correct dialogue options.

Instrument proficiency[edit | edit source]

Instrument proficiency - know how to play a variety of musical instruments and be able to entertain a crowd with them.

How to unlock[edit | edit source]

Pass one of two Charisma (Performance) checks while helping Alfira with her song in the Emerald Grove.

Bards have this automatically and this provides no additional benefit to them.

Loviatar's Love[edit | edit source]

Loviatar's Love Loviatar's Love - gain a +2 bonus to attack rolls and Wisdom saving throws if having 30% Hit Points or less.

How to unlock[edit | edit source]

Submit to Abdirak and put on a good performance for him in the Shattered Sanctum.

Effect is permanently lost upon death.

Necromancy of Thay[edit | edit source]

Necromancy of Thay - gain the passive feature Forbidden Knowledge, which grants a +1 to Wisdom saving throws and ability checks. You can also cast Speak with Dead once per long rest.

How to unlock[edit | edit source]

Turn all three pages while reading Necromancy of Thay, a book found in a hidden area in the Apothecary's Cellar beneath the Blighted Village.

Turning only 1 page will grant only Speak with Dead. The reader does not need to succeed on the saving throws associated with turning the pages.

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Paid the Price Paid the Price - gain a +1 bonus to Intimidation checks, but also a disadvantage on Perception checks. Additionally, gain a disadvantage when attacking Hags. Changes the chosen eye's appearance. Mutually exclusive with Volo’s Ersatz Eye.

How to unlock[edit | edit source]

Accept Auntie Ethel's deal to remove the parasite at the Riverside Teahouse.

Survival Instinct[edit | edit source]

Survival Instinct Survival Instinct - gain the additional illithid power Survival Instinct, which allows the user to infuse a creature with psionic force, healing them if they reach 0 hit points.

How to unlock[edit | edit source]

Complete the quest Help Omeluum investigate the parasite with Omeluum in the Underdark.

This is a unique illithid power not obtainable through regular illithid power progression.

Volo's Ersatz Eye[edit | edit source]

Volo's Ersatz Eye - gain a permanent See Invisibility effect. Changes the right eye's appearance. The right eye's colour is changed to "Blue 3". This cannot be reversed using the Magic Mirror. Mutually exclusive with Paid the Price.

How to unlock[edit | edit source]

Rescue Volo from the Goblin Camp. When speaking to him in the campsite afterwards, tell him about your Tadpole infection and agree to his experimental surgery.

Act Two[edit | edit source]

The following permanent character bonuses can be obtained in Act Two of the game's story.

Arabella's Shadow Entangle[edit | edit source]

Arabella's Shadow Entangle Arabella's Shadow Entangle - entangle an Undead or Shadow Creature until Long Rest.

How to unlock[edit | edit source]

Tell Arabella about her parents' fate during the quest Find Arabella's Parents.

Bardic Inspiration[edit | edit source]

Bardic Inspiration Bardic Inspiration - gain a charge of Bardic Inspiration that is stronger than usual (1d12). Usable once per long rest, and does not consume Bardic Inspiration charges.

This bonus does not strengthen existing Bardic Inspiration uses (if any); they will remain at the appropriate strength for the character's Bard level.

How to unlock[edit | edit source]

At the end of Act Two, if Alfira is still alive, she can be found at Moonrise Towers. Talking with her reveals that she wants to use music to cheer up the tiefling children in the room with her. If the active character is a Bard, you can speak with her again to gain the bonus (you do not need to perform the song).

Githzerai Mind Barrier[edit | edit source]

Githzerai Mind Barrier Githzerai Mind Barrier - gain advantage on Intelligence saving throws.

How to unlock[edit | edit source]

Insert the Waking Mind (found at X: 750 Y: -139 after the brain connect puzzle in the Mind Flayer Colony) into the nearby Mind-Archive Interface. Speak to the Slack-Skinned Head, and agree to purge or consume its mind.

Effect is permanently lost if the character dies and is revived (as of Hotfix #6).

Consumed Shadow Weave[edit | edit source]

Level 3 Shadow Spell Slot - Gale gains an additional level three spell slot, separate from normal spell slots. Recharges per long rest.

How to unlock[edit | edit source]

Only available to Gale while playing his origin, and not as a companion.

Consume the Shadow Weave from the corpse of Gerringothe Thorm, Malus Thorm or Thisobald Thorm after slaying them in combat. Cleansing the Shadow Weave grants Mystra's Blessing until Long rest instead.

Defeating Malus or Thisobald via dialogue won't grant the option of consuming or cleansing the Shadow Weave (Bug as of Hotfix #16)

Potion of Everlasting Vigour[edit | edit source]

Potion of Everlasting Vigour - gain +2 Strength. Can be used to raise Strength above 20, and will remain after respecing character.

How to unlock[edit | edit source]

Convince Astarion to bite Araj Oblodra in Moonrise Towers.

Slayer Form[edit | edit source]

Slayer Form Slayer Form - gain the ability to transform into the Slayer once per long rest.

How to unlock[edit | edit source]

Only available while playing the Dark Urge Origin.

Kill either Isobel, or your lover, or the companion with the highest approval toward you, as part of The Urge quest. Alternatively, it can be acquired alongside the one-time-use spell Power Word Kill by accepting to become Bhaal's Chosen after defeating Orin in Act Three.

Refusing to become Bhaal's Chosen will result in the permanent loss of the Slayer Form.

Summon Us[edit | edit source]

Summon Us - summon Us, an intellect devourer, as a familiar.

How to unlock[edit | edit source]

Free Us and prevent it from dying on the Nautiloid during the Prologue, then free it from its cage in the Mind Flayer Colony towards the end of Act Two.

Act Three[edit | edit source]

The following permanent character bonuses can be obtained in Act Three of the game's story.

Anointed in Splendour[edit | edit source]

Anointed in Splendour Anointed in Splendour - gain +2 bonus to all Saving throws.

How to unlock[edit | edit source]

Offer enough gold to one of the deities in the Stormshore Tabernacle to gain the right to ask for a blessing. The exact amount of gold required depends on the character's level and the difficulty settings. This can be done for every character but an offering will need to be made for each one.

Alternatively, Gale can get this permanent bonus through dialogue. If Gale chooses to ask for Mystra's forgiveness during their meeting at the Stormshore Tabernacle in the Lower City, she will grant him Anointed in Splendour Anointed in Splendour.

Partial Ceremorphosis[edit | edit source]

Astral-Touched Tadpole - gain access to tier 3 illithid powers, and automatically unlock all tier 1 illithid powers and the tier 3 illithid power Fly. This will cause a cosmetic change in the character. Any tadpoles used in the granted tier 1 illithid powers will be refunded when this bonus is obtained.

How to unlock[edit | edit source]

Consume the Astral-Touched Tadpole offered by the Emperor.

Danse Macabre[edit | edit source]

Danse Macabre Danse Macabre - create 4 ghouls that fight alongside you. Comes with a curse that lowers Constitution by 5, but can be removed with the Remove Curse spell while keeping Danse Macabre

How to unlock[edit | edit source]

Read The Tharchiate Codex (found at the end of the Vault puzzle in Ramazith's Tower), then read the last page of the Necromancy of Thay (from Act 1) and pass a DC 20 Wisdom Saving Throw.

Tasha's Hideous Laughter|Monk's Hideous Laughter[edit | edit source]

Monk's Hideous Laughter Monk's Hideous Laughter - gain the ability to cast Tasha's Hideous Laughter once per long rest.

How to unlock[edit | edit source]

Carry the Sentient Amulet from Grymforge to a casket under the Open Hand Temple in Wyrm's Crossing, completing Help the Cursed Monk. Must choose to accept the curse yourself.

Possible wisdom loss if you fail Constitution/Wisdom saves. The Sentient Amulet (Rare) loses all of its abilities if you choose to accept the curse yourself.

Mirror of Loss[edit | edit source]

Mirror of Loss - gain +2 to an ability score of your choice (and optionally +1 to Charisma).

How to unlock[edit | edit source]

Successfully offer a prayer ( DC 25 Religion check) to the Mirror of Loss in the House of Grief, then sacrifice one or more of your ability scores. You may receive the option to choose a permanent +2 bonus to any ability, and/or a +1 bonus to CHA. If you do not succeed on the DC 25 Religion check, the +2 buff is not available as a random reward. You can alternatively sacrifice your knowledge of the Necromancy of Thay to receive a guaranteed +2 of your choice, even without offering a prayer.

For each ability you sacrifice, you'll receive the Stolen Vigour curse, giving -2 to that Ability. This can be cured via Remove Curse, or (as of v4.1.1.4251417) performing a long rest. Either method of removing the curse allows you to retain the stat buff(s) you may have received.

Buffs granted by the Mirror can raise the affected ability score up to 24.

As of v4.1.1.4811634, the bonuses from the Necromancy of Thay are properly lost when sacrificing its knowledge.

You will receive the Patriar's Memory (+1 CHA) if the Narrator tells you the following after sacrificing an ability score: "Disappointment floods your mind. You were sure to succeed Stelmane, but Lord Enver Gortash has stolen your support. All that charming and cajoling in the parlous of the Upper City, Wasted." You can continue to reload until you receive this specific memory, though be aware that this outcome becomes significantly less likely to occur for characters who have completed the DC 25 Religion check, due to the mechanics of how the various outcomes are chosen (described in detail on the Mirror of Loss page).

Slayer Knowledge[edit | edit source]

Regarding the Slayer - gain advantage against Slayer abilities.

When playing as the Dark Urge with the Slayer form unlocked, it also grants the Piercing Growl skill.

How to unlock[edit | edit source]

Rescue Volo while he is tied up to explosives near the Steel Watch Foundry. Talk to him after the fight that ensues, and he will return to your camp.

Back at the camp, talk to him again and he will explain that he was targeted by the Lord of Murder Bhaal and his Chosen. You can then ask him about the Slayer and he will offer you a guidebook written by the wizard Irenicus. Read this book and you will gain the passive feature.

Sweet Stone Features[edit | edit source]

Sweet Stone Features Sweet Stone Features - gain a +1d4 bonus to attack rolls and saving throws.

How to unlock[edit | edit source]

Pay Boney in the Circus of the Last Days 5000 gold for Stoney to construct a statue of yourself or a companion. The effect goes to whoever is depicted. Stony can only construct a statue for a single character. The effect begins once you long rest.

Prior to Patch 7, this effect was overwritten if the character was affected by Bless or healed by a character wearing The Whispering Promise. Once the Bless effect expired, they did not regain Sweet Stone Features until completing another long rest.

Astarion: Special interaction[edit | edit source]

If Astarion is the one depicted as a statue, the Sweet Stone Features condition overrules the Curse of the Sired Curse of the Sired condition that he would otherwise acquire in the Szarr Palace. The Curse of the Sired status gives Astarion disadvantage on all saving throws while in a place of trauma. With a statue of himself at camp, Astarion does not suffer that penalty and gets to keep the effect of the Sweet Stone Features condition instead, even while in the palace.

The Tharchiate Codex: Blessing[edit | edit source]

The Tharchiate Codex: Blessing The Tharchiate Codex: Blessing - gain 20 temporary hit points after a Long Rest. Remains active if The Tharchiate Codex is also used to obtain Danse Macabre.

How to unlock[edit | edit source]

Read The Tharchiate Codex (found at the end of the Vault puzzle in Ramazith's Tower). Only available to the first character who reads the Codex.

Unstable Blood[edit | edit source]

Unstable Blood Unstable Blood - the player character's blood is now highly flammable; if bleeding and creating a blood surface, it will explode on contact with fire.

How to unlock[edit | edit source]

Give the player character's blood to Araj Oblodra in Moonrise Towers in Act 2, then meet her again east of The Blushing Mermaid in Act 3 and help her again. She will give a potion that grants this feature once drunk.

Vampire Ascendant[edit | edit source]

Vampire Ascendant Vampire Ascendant - Astarion gains class actions Ascendant Bite Ascendant Bite and Misty Escape Misty Escape, as well as an extra Damage Types1d10 necrotic damage on his weapon and unarmed attacks.

How to unlock[edit | edit source]

Only available to Astarion (companion or origin).

Defeat Cazador without killing any of his spawn whilst having Astarion in your party. Afterward, allow Astarion to complete the ascension ritual.

See Also[edit | edit source]


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