Defeat the Duergar Intruders

Defeat the Duergar Intruders is a Quest in Act One of Baldur's Gate 3. It can be initiated by approaching the Myconid Colony at Ebonlake Grotto peacefully, and speaking with Sovereign Spaw.

The duergar slaughtered many myconids.

Objectives

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

Kill the duergar by the lake.

• We agreed to help the Sovereign remove the duergar who threatened the myconid colony.
• We found the duergar in the ruins of an abandoned settlement.
• We fought the duergar.

Report back to the Myconid Sovereign.

• We defeated the duergar. The Sovereign will be pleased.

Reach the Sovereign's refuge.

• The Sovereign promised us a reward. The 'guardian gate' has been opened for us.

Quest Complete

• We reached the sovereign's refuge, where we found a long-dead drow scholar. Fortunately for us, he'd left plenty of valuables behind.
• The Sovereign died before we could fulfil its request.
• We left the region without helping the Sovereign.

Walkthrough

Sovereign Spaw begs the party for help.

Ebonlake Grotto is in the northeastern corner of the Underdark, and Sovereign Spaw is on a mushroom platform in the heart of the Grotto X: 78 Y: -102. As the party approaches the Grotto, a group of myconids approach and confront them on why they are in the Underdark. There are several options to enter the Grotto peacefully:

• Tell the truth of the parasite. You only seek safe passage in your search for treatment.
• [PERSUASION] I am a traveller seeking adventure. (DC 5)
• [INTIMIDATION] My purpose is private. Let me pass, and I will leave you unharmed. (DC 5)
• [INSIGHT] Seek understanding. Focus on the sovereign's song. (DC 5)
• I sense your fear. I've come to aid you. (if Insight check passed)
• [DROW HALF-ELF] [DROW] [DEEP GNOME] The Underdark is my home - I don't need your permission to pass.
• [OATH OF THE ANCIENTS] [PALADIN] I am nature's bulwark. Where good things grow, I lend my protection.
• [OATH OF DEVOTION] [PALADIN] To do what is right. To do my duty.
• [OATH OF VENGEANCE] [PALADIN] I seek retribution for those who cannot.
• [OATHBREAKER] [PALADIN] I have no 'purpose'. I simply am. That is enough.
• [GITHYANKI] [BARD] Mumble an ancient gith axiom in rhythm with the sovereign.
• [BARD] Hum a peaceful tune in harmony with the sovereign.
• [BARBARIAN] [INTIMIDATION] ROAR. (DC 5 )

If the origin character is a Duergar or has one as a companion, it is harder to convince the sovereign not to become hostile, but it's not impossible:

• [PERSUASION] Conjure tranquil memories in hopes of calming the sovereign. (DC 10)
• [INTIMIDATION] If I wanted you dead, you would be. Don't tempt me. (DC 10)
• [PERSUASION] Kneel in submission. I mean no harm to you. (DC 10)
• [PERSUASION] Kneel in submission. My duergar companion means no harm you no harm. (DC 10)
• [BARBARIAN] [INTIMIDATION] ROAR. (DC 10 )

Once things have been resolved peacefully with the sovereign, it explains that a group of Duergar slaughtered the myconids and greatly reduced their numbers. The duergar responsible are still lurking within the Underdark and the myconid circle is imperilled unless they are defeated. Spaw asks the party to deal with these duergar. Agreeing to help initiates the quest.

The duergar are in the Decrepit Village X: 11 Y: -195 to the south-west. If Thulla is cured in  Cure the Poisoned Gnome, she marks their location on the map. The duergars in question are led by Gekh Coal, who instantly becomes hostile if the party recruited Glut for  Avenge Glut's Circle. Gekh Coal is joined by several duergar allies - Lurgan, Holvik, and Novice Garmor. Several Reanimated Corpses are also controlled by the duergar.

Once the duergar are dealt with, return to Spaw. He thanks the party and tells them their reward is opened; the Guardian Gate X: 56 Y: -89 which holds the treasure is north of Spaw's location. Most of the important items are on the pale corpse of Xargrim, including a book needed for  The Adamantine Forge.

Spaw names the party Peacebringer, and tells them it has one more quest for them. There is a Drow called Nere in Grymforge who has also hurt the myconids. Spaw wants his head brought to it, starting  Deliver Nere's Head.

Quest rewards

•  Bliss Spores until next long rest.
• Access to the Guardian Gate room:
  • Flumph Mating Rituals (on the dead drow)
  • Icy Metal (on the dead drow)
  • Shadow of Menzoberranzan

Companion approval

• Reporting your success to Spaw; "The duergar are slain; the rot has been purged."  +1  +1

Notes

• This can be completed without combat by lying to the Sovereign about having already killed the duergar. (Tested with having met them before talking to the Sovereign) [Bard][Deception]DC20
  • Doing this will make it impossible to start  Avenge Glut's Circle
• Avenge Glut's Circle has the same goal and brings Glut along as an additional party member (attached to the origin character, so no party slot needed).
• Choosing "Sure, I can handle those duergar nearby." gains approval from Astarion.