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{{ up to date | 2023-08-09 }} <!-- Date format is YEAR-MONTH-DAY, like 2023-08-07. -->{{PageSeo
{{PageSeo
|title = Chapter Two
|title = Act Two
|description = Chapter Two of Baldur's Gate 3 is the second act of the game.
|description = Act Two of Baldur's Gate 3 is the second act of the game.
}}
}}
[[File:Chapter 2.webp|right|400px]]'''Chapter Two''' of [[Baldur's Gate 3]] (sometimes referred to as '''Act 2''') takes place after [[Chapter One]] as the player enters the [[Shadow-Cursed Lands]] to reach [[Moonrise Towers]].
{{nav act|img=Chapter 2.webp|img alt=A low angle shot of Moonrise Towers, framed with cursed roots and story clouds}}
'''Act Two''' of [[Baldur's Gate 3]] takes place after [[Act One]], as the player enters the [[Shadow-Cursed Lands]] to reach [[Moonrise Towers]] and find the heart of the [[Cult of the Absolute]].


== Point of No Return ==
Leaving the Wilderness, the party discovers the devastating impact of the [[shadow curse]], twisting the land and turning any who linger in it into shadow-cursed beings and shadows. While searching for Moonrise Towers, they can find help from either a caravan of Absolutists, a group of [[Harpers]], or simply brave the curse alone.
The exact delineation between [[Chapter One]] and Chapter Two can be somewhat confusing for new players as entering the [[Shadow-Cursed Lands]] from either the [[Mountain Pass]] or the [[Underdark]] will trigger an alert reminding the player to tie up any loose ends before proceeding. Despite this, the player will still able to return to the [[Wilderness]] and complete the majority of lingering quests at any point. The point of no return in Chapter Two takes place much later, inside the [[Temple of Shar]]. Another alert will trigger, and after this point it becomes impossible to return to the [[Wilderness]], all of the Wilderness [[Waypoint|waypoints]] will be inaccessible, and all incomplete quests from the [[Wilderness]] will automatically close.


==Locations==
== Companions ==
* [[Ruined Battlefield]]
Three additional companions can be recruited in Act Two, if they survived the events of Act One and the player completes their requisite quests.
* [[Last Light Inn]]
*{{CharLink|Minthara}} ([[Decide Minthara's Fate]])
* [[Reithwin Town]]
*{{CharLink|Halsin}} ([[Lift the Shadow Curse]])
** [[Sharran Sanctuary]]
*{{CharLink|Jaheira}} (must survive the assault on Moonrise)
* [[Graveyard]]
 
* [[Mason's Guild]]
== Summary ==
** [[Mason's Guild Basement]]
Act Two continues the party's quest to rid themselves of their illithid tadpoles. Their search leads them to Moonrise Towers, located somewhere in the Shadow-Cursed Lands, and the Cult of the Absolute whose activities are based there.
* [[House of Healing Morgue|House of Healing]]
 
* [[House of Healing Morgue]]
To first reach the Shadow-Cursed Lands, the party must find an entrance; by [[Travel through the Mountain Pass|travelling through the Mountain Pass]] or [[Travel through the Underdark|through the Underdark]]. Once there, they discover the scope of the cult's plans, and the considerable danger they pose.
* [[Moonrise Towers]]
 
** [[Moonrise Towers Prison]]
The party will also find a small resistance gathered at the [[Last Light Inn]], protected by the Selûnite cleric [[Isobel]], and led by a group of Harpers and [[Flaming Fist]]s.
*** [[Oubliette]]
 
**** [[Mind Flayer Colony]]
After the Absolute's presence departs from the Shadow-Cursed Lands, the party's travels will lead them towards [[Baldur's Gate]], beginning [[Act Three]].
** [[Moonrise Towers Rooftop]]
 
* [[Grand Mausoleum]]
== Point of no return ==
* [[Gauntlet of Shar]]
Travelling to the Shadow-Cursed Lands or [[Rosymorn Monastery Trail]] from Act One before resolving the [[Rite of Thorns]] will cause it to be completed, automatically ending most quests involving the tiefling refugees, and the goblin/druid conflict. Otherwise, the player will still be able to return to the [[Wilderness]] and [[Underdark]] and complete the majority of lingering quests at any point.
** [[Shadowfell]]
 
The point of no return in Act Two takes place much later, inside the [[Gauntlet of Shar]]. Another alert will trigger, and after this point it becomes impossible to return to the Wilderness; all of its [[Waypoint|waypoints]] will be inaccessible, and all incomplete quests will automatically end.


== Companions ==
== Quests ==
Three additional companions can be recruited in Chapter Two if they survived the events of Chapter One and the player completes their requisite quests.
{{hatnote|Main article: [[Quests#Act Two|Act Two quests]].}}
*[[Minthara]] ([[Decide Minthara's Fate]])
*[[Halsin]] ([[Lift the Shadow Curse]])
*[[Jaheira]]


==Main Quest==
=== Main quests ===
{{Stub|section}}
The main quest of Act Two is [[Infiltrate Moonrise Towers]]. This quest serves as a wrapper and is composed of multiple sub-quests, which will become available to the player once they begin interacting with the world and various [[Non-player characters|characters]].
The main quest of '''Chapter Two''' is [[Infiltrate Moonrise Towers]]. This main quest serves as a wrapper and is comprised of multiple sub-quests, which will become available to the Player Character once they begin interacting with the world and various [[Non-Player Characters]].


{{SpoilerBox|act=2|
* [[Seek Protection from the Shadow Curse]]
* [[Seek Protection from the Shadow Curse]]
* [[Follow the Convoy]]
* [[Follow the Convoy]]
Line 44: Line 42:
* [[Find the Nightsong]]
* [[Find the Nightsong]]
* [[Defeat Ketheric Thorm]]
* [[Defeat Ketheric Thorm]]
}}


==Side Quests==
=== Side quests ===
 
{{SpoilerBox|act=2|
* [[Lift the Shadow Curse]]
* [[Lift the Shadow Curse]]
* [[Wake up Art Cullagh]]
* [[Wake up Art Cullagh]]
Line 61: Line 60:
* [[Rescue the Grand Duke]]
* [[Rescue the Grand Duke]]
* [[Decide Minthara's Fate]]
* [[Decide Minthara's Fate]]
}}
==Locations==
===Ruined Battlefield===
[[File:Ruined Battlefield.webp|200px|thumb|An aerial view of a portion of the Ruined Battlefield.]]
{{main|Ruined Battlefield}}
The '''Ruined Battlefield''' is the entry point and first [[List of Locations|location]] visited in the Shadow-Cursed Lands. This huge, devastated area is the aftermath of a war that took place more that a century ago, fought by [[Dark Justiciar]]s against Selûnites, Harpers and druids from the [[Emerald Grove]].
{{clear}}
===Last Light Inn===
[[File:Last Light Inn.webp|200px|thumb|Bird's-eye view of the inn.]]
{{main|Last Light Inn}}
The '''Last Light Inn''' is an old, somewhat rundown building which operated as an inn in its heyday. Found by Isobel, she now protects the inn, and it's current occupants of Harpers and Flaming Fists, from the curse with a Selûnite moon shield.
If the [[tiefling refugees]] survived the attack on Emerald Grove, some will have found shelter here.
{{clear}}
===Reithwin Town===
[[File:Reithwin Town.webp|200px|thumb|The statue of Ketheric Thorm in the square of Reithwin Town.]]
{{main|Reithwin Town}}
Reithwin Town is an old Selûnite town that straddles the [[River Chionthar]], the through-road leading towards [[Baldur's Gate]]. It was a wealthy town, as evidenced by its extensive stonework and elaborate architecture, now home only to cursed creatures and shadows.
Exploring the town reveals the influential presence the Thorm family had during it's day; from their expansive [[Grand Mausoleum]] to the remnant [[Thisobald Thorm|Thisobald]], [[Gerringothe Thorm|Gerringothe]] and [[Malus Thorm]] still performing their jobs in the town's empty buildings.
{{clear}}
===Moonrise Towers===
[[File:Moonrise Towers Overview.jpg|200px|thumb|alt=Moonrise Towers rises in the eternal mist of the Shadow-Cursed Lands.|Moonrise Towers shrouded in magical shadow.]]
{{main|Moonrise Towers}}
'''Moonrise Towers''' is one of the main locations in Act Two, and the centre-point of many quests. In the distant past, the Towers used to be a temple to [[Selûne]], a monument for the Selûnites of Reithwin Town.
All traces of Selûne now gone, and Shar's dark curse covering the land, Moonrise now acts as the base of operations for the [[Cult of the Absolute]], lead by the immortal [[Ketheric Thorm]].
{{clear}}
===Grand Mausoleum===
[[File:Grand Mausoleum Vestibule.jpg|200px|thumb|Entrance to the Grand Mausoleum.]]
{{main|Grand Mausoleum}}
The Grand Mausoleum is a location north-west of [[Reithwin Town]], found just beyond the graveyard in the northern part of town. It is the Thorm family mausoleum, and final resting place of [[Ketheric Thorm|Ketheric Thorm's]] late wife, Melodia.
{{clear}}
===Gauntlet of Shar===
[[File:Gauntlet of Shar Lobby.jpg|200px|thumb|The entrance to the Gauntlet of Shar.]]
{{main|Gauntlet of Shar}}
The '''Gauntlet of Shar''' is the major dungeon of Act Two, featuring many puzzles and combat encounters. It also acts as a major step in the quest [[Find the Nightsong]], and has great significance to [[Shadowheart]] and her personal quest.
Completing the gauntlet leads the party into the final stages of Act Two, locking off areas from Act One.
{{clear}}
==Notes==
{{notebegin}}
* Act Two was not available during [[Early Access]].
{{noteend}}

Latest revision as of 16:26, 9 March 2024

Act Two of Baldur's Gate 3 takes place after Act One, as the player enters the Shadow-Cursed Lands to reach Moonrise Towers and find the heart of the Cult of the Absolute.

Leaving the Wilderness, the party discovers the devastating impact of the shadow curse, twisting the land and turning any who linger in it into shadow-cursed beings and shadows. While searching for Moonrise Towers, they can find help from either a caravan of Absolutists, a group of Harpers, or simply brave the curse alone.

Companions[edit | edit source]

Three additional companions can be recruited in Act Two, if they survived the events of Act One and the player completes their requisite quests.

Summary[edit | edit source]

Act Two continues the party's quest to rid themselves of their illithid tadpoles. Their search leads them to Moonrise Towers, located somewhere in the Shadow-Cursed Lands, and the Cult of the Absolute whose activities are based there.

To first reach the Shadow-Cursed Lands, the party must find an entrance; by travelling through the Mountain Pass or through the Underdark. Once there, they discover the scope of the cult's plans, and the considerable danger they pose.

The party will also find a small resistance gathered at the Last Light Inn, protected by the Selûnite cleric Isobel, and led by a group of Harpers and Flaming Fists.

After the Absolute's presence departs from the Shadow-Cursed Lands, the party's travels will lead them towards Baldur's Gate, beginning Act Three.

Point of no return[edit | edit source]

Travelling to the Shadow-Cursed Lands or Rosymorn Monastery Trail from Act One before resolving the Rite of Thorns will cause it to be completed, automatically ending most quests involving the tiefling refugees, and the goblin/druid conflict. Otherwise, the player will still be able to return to the Wilderness and Underdark and complete the majority of lingering quests at any point.

The point of no return in Act Two takes place much later, inside the Gauntlet of Shar. Another alert will trigger, and after this point it becomes impossible to return to the Wilderness; all of its waypoints will be inaccessible, and all incomplete quests will automatically end.

Quests[edit | edit source]

Main article: Act Two quests.

Main quests[edit | edit source]

The main quest of Act Two is Infiltrate Moonrise Towers. This quest serves as a wrapper and is composed of multiple sub-quests, which will become available to the player once they begin interacting with the world and various characters.

Side quests[edit | edit source]

Locations[edit | edit source]

Ruined Battlefield[edit | edit source]

An aerial view of a portion of the Ruined Battlefield.
Main article: Ruined Battlefield

The Ruined Battlefield is the entry point and first location visited in the Shadow-Cursed Lands. This huge, devastated area is the aftermath of a war that took place more that a century ago, fought by Dark Justiciars against Selûnites, Harpers and druids from the Emerald Grove.

Last Light Inn[edit | edit source]

Bird's-eye view of the inn.
Main article: Last Light Inn

The Last Light Inn is an old, somewhat rundown building which operated as an inn in its heyday. Found by Isobel, she now protects the inn, and it's current occupants of Harpers and Flaming Fists, from the curse with a Selûnite moon shield.

If the tiefling refugees survived the attack on Emerald Grove, some will have found shelter here.

Reithwin Town[edit | edit source]

The statue of Ketheric Thorm in the square of Reithwin Town.
Main article: Reithwin Town

Reithwin Town is an old Selûnite town that straddles the River Chionthar, the through-road leading towards Baldur's Gate. It was a wealthy town, as evidenced by its extensive stonework and elaborate architecture, now home only to cursed creatures and shadows.

Exploring the town reveals the influential presence the Thorm family had during it's day; from their expansive Grand Mausoleum to the remnant Thisobald, Gerringothe and Malus Thorm still performing their jobs in the town's empty buildings.

Moonrise Towers[edit | edit source]

Moonrise Towers rises in the eternal mist of the Shadow-Cursed Lands.
Moonrise Towers shrouded in magical shadow.
Main article: Moonrise Towers

Moonrise Towers is one of the main locations in Act Two, and the centre-point of many quests. In the distant past, the Towers used to be a temple to Selûne, a monument for the Selûnites of Reithwin Town.

All traces of Selûne now gone, and Shar's dark curse covering the land, Moonrise now acts as the base of operations for the Cult of the Absolute, lead by the immortal Ketheric Thorm.

Grand Mausoleum[edit | edit source]

Entrance to the Grand Mausoleum.
Main article: Grand Mausoleum

The Grand Mausoleum is a location north-west of Reithwin Town, found just beyond the graveyard in the northern part of town. It is the Thorm family mausoleum, and final resting place of Ketheric Thorm's late wife, Melodia.

Gauntlet of Shar[edit | edit source]

The entrance to the Gauntlet of Shar.
Main article: Gauntlet of Shar

The Gauntlet of Shar is the major dungeon of Act Two, featuring many puzzles and combat encounters. It also acts as a major step in the quest Find the Nightsong, and has great significance to Shadowheart and her personal quest.

Completing the gauntlet leads the party into the final stages of Act Two, locking off areas from Act One.

Notes[edit | edit source]