Moonrise Towers

Moonrise Towers shrouded in magical shadow

Shadow-Cursed Lands
Reithwin Town
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		Moonrise Towers

Moonrise Towers is a Location within the Shadow-Cursed Lands in Act Two of Baldur's Gate 3.

Overview

Moonrise Towers has always been the main seat of the Thorm family and its head,  Ketheric Thorm. Under his lead, it has been a stronghold of ⁠Selûne, then of ⁠Shar, and (as of the game's events) as the base of operations for the Cult of the Absolute. It is one of the few locations in the Shadow-Cursed Lands unaffected by the Shadow Curse, the others being Last Light Inn and the Sharran Sanctuary.

If  Halsin or  Minthara are present, they must remain near another party member. Otherwise the guards turn hostile.

Main floor

Combined map of the Main floor

Entrance

The main entrance to the towers is at the end of the bridge from Reithwin Town. At the far end of the bridge, the Moonrise Towers Waypoint is located within the Shadow-Cursed area. There are no other Waypoints inside the stronghold proper. Upon the party's approaching the bridge, the  Dream Guardian cheers them on, confirming they are close to the heart of the Absolute.

Immediately after the bridge lies a small tower on the eastern side. It has a locked door which requires a  DC 14 Sleight of Hand Check to lockpick or can be opened by the  Moonrise Guard's Key, which is carried by most guards in Moonrise Towers and opens most doors in Moonrise. Inside the room is a wooden crate containing 3 sets of  Thieves' Tools.

The stairs to the entrance are guarded by  Zealot Malik and  Adept Merim. Upon visiting the Moonrise for the first time, Malik probes the player character's mind through his own tadpole, recognizing them as a True Soul. If the player character is the  Dark Urge, Malik welcomes them 'back' (but then calls it his own mistake). Unless the party choose to fight the guards, they invite the party to proceed inside and report to  Z'rell.

Provoking a fight with Malik and Merim earns  +1 and  +1 approval. Telling them that the party infiltrated the Harpers' hideout in the shadows gives  -1  -1  -1; this is only available if the party have already been to the Last Light Inn and obtained  Isobel's blessing.

Several  Ghouls amble about the entrance stairs. Unlike all other monsters of this kind, those at Moonrise Towers can be spoken to and express their devotion to the Absolute. (A random party member may comment on it.) To the east of the main stairway, a thick bunch of roots can be used to climb to the first floor of Moonrise Towers, bypassing the Main floor altogether.

Lobby

The lobby before the throne room

Between the entrance and the door to the throne room is a vast lobby connected to a small mess hall, a kitchen, the sanguine laboratory to the east, and dormitories and an antechamber with a stairway leading to the Moonrise Towers Prison to the west. Both wings have doors to the rear balconies, partly destroyed, but connected by wooden footways and roots, allowing the party to explore the Main floor in a circle. Two  Scrying Eyes float around the lobby and the throne room (see below), passing through the doors. The lobby is guarded by  Zealot Brinn,  Adept Dorikel and  Adept Furek.

In the western part of the lobby are several Absolutist pilgrims,  Farimorn,  Iong,  Nalira, and  Taima, along with  Acolyte Belub. The party can tell Belub to get rid of the four pilgrims, who he then orders to scout the perimeter of the war camp. The pilgrims, of course, do not survive the shadows and can later be found again as shadow-cursed zombies outside the House of Healing Morgue at X: 235 Y: 12.

Two traders are on the western side of the room:  Roah Moonglow and  Lann Tarv.

Lann Tarv is a bugbear merchant (or "bugbear quartermaster" as Z'rell calls him). Idling the time, he throws cleavers at a training dummy. He calls the party members "weaklings" and challenges whoever speaks to him to prove they are worthy. If convinced through dialogue options with skill checks, Lann Tarv provides a substantial discount while trading.

He sells a number of valuable items, including the  Halberd of Vigilance,  Gloves of The Duellist,  Fistbreaker Helm, and  Sentinel Shield. Also, additional stock is potentially unlockable after convincing  Z'rell to help the party.

If  Karlach is present, the bugbear recognizes her immediately. He offers her three  Soul Coins, left for her by Florenta the Garroter – a cambion and Karlach's acquaintance from Avernus – on the condition that Karlach first listens to the stories of the souls bound in the coins. If the player character agrees, Lann Tarv recites the stories one by one, then surrenders the coins as well as a  Sulphurous Note. Ultimately refusing to take the coins or choosing to trade instead results in  -5 approval.

Proving the party's worth to Lann Tarv through any available dialogue option earns the following inspirations:

• ⁠Notched Armour ( Soldier background)
• ⁠Uncommon Recognition ( Folk Hero background)

Roah Moonglow, a halfling merchant, can be found deeper in the western part of the lobby. Unlike Lann Tarv, she greets the player character warmly (if a bit ironically). The dialogue with her may vary depending on whether the party have already met her in the Goblin Camp and whether they know that Roah belongs to the Zhentarim. If the party are unaware of the latter, any character might uncover it by passing a  DC 10 History Check check when speaking to Roah. Regardless of the dialogue chosen, Roah turns the talk to trading with her.

Roah's stock in Moonrise differs from the one she might have had in the Goblin Camp. This time, she has several unique items to trade in addition to her previous assortment, like  Ne'er Misser, the  Drakethroat Glaive, and a  Ring of Spiteful Thunder.  Rogue characters can ask her for a discount through a special gesture.

Agreeing to trade with Roah Moonglow grants the ⁠War Profiteer inspiration for characters with the  Criminal background.

Dormitories

At the far western corner of the main floor is a dormitory, occupied by  Zealot Iogar,  Acolyte Kimmeral and an ogre named  Mig. If spoken to, Mig claims to hear "meat-things" moving in the walls (upon hearing this, a point called "Suspicious sounds" is marked on the map). If killed, she can be looted for  Argument Solver. This room also acts as an exit to the southern exterior of the tower.

Just past the dormitory's exterior door is a cracked wall at X: -183 Y: -206 containing a wooden chest. It is marked on the map if the party have taken on the side quest ⁠Investigate the Selûnite Resistance and found a  parchment in the basement of the Mason's Guild.

A small antechamber adjacent to the dormitories has a staircase leading down to the Moonrise Towers Prison, with bloody traces on the floor marking the way unmistakably.

Mess hall and kitchen

Mess hall next to the kitchen

The eastern part of the lobby is empty, save for three goblins:  Orik,  Weneg, and  Wim. Weneg might react to the party suspiciously, depending on their actions at the Emerald Grove, while Wim worries about some of his kin who were brought into the throne room and still have not come back. Occasionally, he approaches the closed Absolute's Door and tries to eavesdrop on what is happening inside.

At X: -139 Y: -162, a ladder can be used to access the rafters (see the section below), and nearby is a door leading to the mess hall, which has some free Camp Supplies. The wall breach across the door is curtained by a mucal mesh similar to the fleshy remnants at the Nautiloid wreckage in Act One. A successful  DC 16 Perception Check draws the player character's attention to it. If not added earlier, the check also adds a "Suspicious sounds" marker to the map.

At the far end of the mess hall, another door leads to the kitchen. There  Linsella, a True Soul, trains the gnoll  'Barnabus' with her mental influence, while two more gnolls,  'Tomelia' and  'Timothy', wait their turn in the far corner of the kitchen.

Linsella can be spoken with, where she boasts her ability to control Barnabus. However, her mental leash wavers while she is distracted by the conversation, which gives the player three options: help Linsella reassert control, sever the connection (requires a  DC 16 Wisdom Check), or do nothing. If Barnabus is freed, he kills Linsella. He must then be convinced not to attack the party through an ability check, with various options depending on the speaking character's class; the  Dark Urge can pacify Barnabus automatically. If the player character chooses to do nothing, Barnabus dies from mental strain.

Choosing to sever Linsella's control earns  +1  +1  +1  +1 and  +1 approval. Helping Linsella preserve control gives  -1  -1  +1.

Resolving the situation may grant one or more of the following inspirations:

• ⁠Danse Macabre ( Entertainer background)
• ⁠Gone Feral ( Urchin background)
• ⁠No Strings to Hold Them Back ( Folk Hero background)
• ⁠Pied Piper ( Charlatan background) – unlike the others, this one is earned merely for influencing the connection, regardless of the result
• ⁠Who Let the Gnolls Out ( Haunted One background)

Reinforcing Linsella's mental efforts to influence Barnabus is considered an Oath-breaking action for Paladin characters following the  Oath of Vengeance.

If Linsella dies, her body can be looted for a  Mind Flayer Parasite Specimen. If the gnolls are freed and successfully pacified, they join the party's side during the Harpers' assault on Moonrise Towers at the end of Act Two. The kitchen also has numerous Camp Supplies, marked red until the end of Act Two.

Sanguine laboratory

Araj in her laboratory

Near the door between the mess hall and the kitchen is an entrance to a sanguine laboratory where the drow alchemist  Araj Oblodra is performing experiments on blood.  Pilgrim Sul rummages around in sacks and barrels.

Araj Oblodra offers the player character a unique potion based on a sample of their own blood; its type and effects depend on the race (for  Dragonborn, on the particular subrace) of the character who interacts with her. If  Astarion is present, she pays extra attention to him , eventually turning the conversation to his vampiric nature. She asks Astarion to bite her in exchange for a unique  reward, but he expresses great reluctance to do so. The player character can take his side or ask him to appease the drow. Various dialogue options within this conversation can change approval with companions, Astarion in particular.

Donating blood to Araj awards the ⁠Blood, Sweat, and the Other Thing inspiration to all characters with the  Guild Artisan background.

After resolving both requests, Araj Oblodra can be interacted with as a regular trader. She sells several valuable items, including the  Circlet of Hunting,  Hat of Storm Scion's Power and  Ring of Free Action.

Chests and sacks around her small study contain a fair share of various alchemical ingredients, but are red-outlined to pick up while she is present. However, closer to the end of Act Two, Araj Oblodra flees Moonrise, leaving all these belongings behind, including a  Potion of Angelic Reprieve on her work table.

Behind the sanguine laboratory, on the outer balcony at X: -133 Y: -229 the cat  Steelclaw is either sleeping or playing with a dead Mind Flayer Tadpole. She can be conversed with via  Speak with Animals and fancies herself a ruthless predator keen on hunting the tadpoles.

Talking to her grants the following inspirations:

• ⁠Mutual Respect ( Outlander background)
• ⁠Alley Cats ( Urchin background – granted only if the party have already met His Majesty in Last Light Inn.

If the player character is the  Dark Urge, Steelclaw recognizes them with disgust. Trying to search through their memories for anything about this animal results in their Urge taking over and killing the cat.

Murdering Steelclaw while playing as the  Dark Urge is considered an Oath-breaking action for  Paladin characters of any Oath.

Rafters

Scheme of rafters above the main floor, with "suspicious sounds" (red) and roots to Isobel's room (blue)

Just to the east of the ladder in the lobby is a Cracked Wall, where the source of the "suspicious sounds" noted by Mig might be uncovered. A  DC 14 Arcana Check tells the player character that the essence inside the walls is close to the one felt on the Nautiloid.

If the player character interacts with this mass, they can reach inside, prompting a series of skill checks. If multiple checks are failed or they choose to submit, the party is pulled into the wall and dragged down to the Oubliette. Failing any check gives the interacting party member the  Dislocated Shoulder condition.

On the western side of the rafters (X: -179 Y: -198), above the room leading to the prison, are some roots which can be climbed to access  Isobel's room on the first floor.

Throne room

The throne room of Moonrise Towers

The throne room occupies the central part of the Main floor.

Upon the party's first visit to the stronghold, they see  Ketheric Thorm judging his subordinates from the Goblin Camp, accompanied by  Disciple Z'rell and guarded by several devotees of the Absolute:

•  Adept Mola
•  Adept Nola
•  Zealot Falla
•  Zealot Munish
•  Zealot Niram
•  Zealot Rylveth

If  Minthara survives in Act One (regardless of the fate of the Emerald Grove and the Goblin Camp), she is accused of failure as their leader. If she died, the main subjects are three goblins; the one speaking on their behalf might be  Sazza or  Fezzerk if either survived, or  Drenn who replaces them otherwise.

On the party's approach, a cutscene is triggered involving Ketheric, the accused, and Z'rell.

In the Dark Urge's case, Ketheric first greets the player character cryptically, resulting in yet another attempt to remember their true self (but without any flare-ups of their Urge this time). Ketheric may then ask the player character for their opinion on the matter before he delivers his judgment.

Otherwise, he condemns Minthara (if present) and the goblins to death, and kills Drenn with his bare hands after she attacks him. Afterwards, he commands Z'rell to deal with the remaining goblins before suggesting she have the player character do it, and then leaves the scene. The conversation continues between all remaining participants, and the player character is presented with dialogue options to kill or spare the goblins, with variants depending on the character's class; the Dark Urge has several options if they choose to kill the goblins.

Both decisions can change approval with certain companions. Also, depending on the outcome, the following inspirations can be earned:

• ⁠A Velvet Glove ( Noble background) – if the goblins are spared
• ⁠An Iron Fist ( Noble background) – if the goblins are killed by the party
• ⁠Newly Downtrodden ( Urchin background) – if the goblins are spared
• ⁠Too Easy ( Haunted One background) – if the goblins are killed by the party

If  Sazza is one of the judged goblins, setting her free after the trial earns the following achievement:

She Cannot Be Caged!

Rescue Sazza from the Emerald Grove, Goblin Camp and Moonrise Towers in one playthrough.

Killing the goblins through Illithid mind-control is considered an Oath-breaking action for  Paladin characters following the  Oath of Vengeance and  Oath of the Crown.

The door on the east side of the throne room leads out to the sanguine laboratory, and the west door leads to the prison antechamber. Behind the throne is a double staircase leading up to the first floor of Moonrise Towers.

First floor

First floor of Moonrise Towers, with the adjacent balconies

The first floor of Moonrise Towers begins with a small corridor. An archway to the east leads to a large ornate door, and a door to the west leads to the library. A smaller door at the end of the corridor leads to the hall between the personal chambers of Ketheric, his necromancer  Balthazar, and  Isobel. This door is locked and off-limits to the party (it remains red-outlined even after defeating Ketheric). The hall is patrolled by  Zealot Klen and a Scrying Eye.

The ornate door leads up to the roof and is guarded by  Radija, her necromites, and  Glourik the ogre. One way the party can get through this door before assaulting Moonrise Towers is by helping Balthazar retrieve  Ketheric's relic and then resolving Isobel's fate . The party can also simply sneak past the guards  invisibly to access the rooftop early.

Upon reaching the first floor for the first time, after Ketheric's trial, Z'rell also stands here talking to Radija. Dialogue with her starts automatically when the party approach her, and the half-orc probes the player character's mind twice: first to find out the goblins' fate, then to measure their devotion to the Absolute. She also boasts the power acquired from the Absolute and might kill Glourik if the player character asks her to demonstrate this power.

If the player character chose to spare the goblins, Z'rell demands an explanation. Successfully vindicating themselves requires passing a  DC 16 Deception or Persuasion Check and earns  +1  +1  +1.

When searching the player character's mind for proof of devotion, Z'rell can be distracted by using other emotions. The particular options depend on the character's class and whether they are currently romancing any companions. Appealing to romantic feelings towards any of them brings minor approval from the companion in question, if they are in the party.

Z'rell orders the party to aid the general's necromancer, Balthazar, in retrieving a 'relic' crucial for Ketheric's plans. To help the party, she tells the player character to take a  Moonlantern from Balthazar's chambers and gives them a key to the room. Succeeding a passive  DC 14 Insight Check throughout the dialogue allows the party to convince Z'rell ( DC 18 Persuasion Check) to grant access to her secret stash of goods while trading with Lann Tarv. If the check is failed, another party member can talk to her, ask her about the prominence of the relic, and try to pass the check, too. This can be repeated for every party member. Upon ending the conversation, she moves to the study in front of Balthazar's room.

While the party speak with Z'rell, they can gain the following inspirations:

• ⁠Clear Conscience ( Charlatan background) – for deceiving Z'rell that the goblins suffered
• ⁠Know thy Clientele ( Charlatan background) – for goading her into killing Glourik
• ⁠No Peeking! ( Urchin background) – for blocking out Z'rell from reading the player character's intentions.

After receiving the key to Balthazar's chambers, the party can search his room freely despite Z'rell's warning. Neither the guards nor the Scrying Eye normally enter it. The room can also be reached by a system of wooden footways and roots clinging to the tower's outside walls, leading up to the balcony behind the necromancer's chambers. There are a few opportunities to gain inspiration for exploring the off-limits parts of the first floor:

• ⁠Enter Nostalgia ( Criminal background) – for trespassing into both Ketheric's and Isobel's rooms
• ⁠Never Liked Stairs ( Outlander background) – for entering any of the three restricted rooms from the outside

Z'rell's study

Z'rell's desk and bookshelves

The party can freely explore this area. After the player character reports to Z'rell about their judgment passed on the goblins, she returns to her study and remains seated there until Moonrise Towers is assaulted (or until retrieving the  Nightsong for Ketheric). On another desk nearby is an undelivered  Missive from Ketheric. The door across from Z'rell's desk leads to a balcony guarded by  Zealot Bennel and  Acolyte Daine. A Heavy Chest on the balcony contains some gold and valuables. If Glourik is not killed by Z'rell through the earlier dialogue, she patrols this part of the first floor between the Ornate door and the entrance to Balthazar's room.

Balthazar's chambers

Balthazar's room on the first floor

Balthazar's room occupies the northeastern corner of the floor. It would have much resembled a library, if not for the number of corpses and gory remains littering the corners and hanging from the ceiling.

The central part of the room is a dais with several desks, where the party can take the promised functional  Moonlantern. The  Derivation Cloak is in a locked Heavy Chest nearby ( DC 14 Sleight of Hand Check to lockpick).

In the bookcase near the room entrance is a  Clasped Book, which sheds some light on the story of the  Dark Urge, as well as the  final title in the three part series on Orpheus – the githyanki legend.

Near a torture rack is a book case with several "Protruding Books", spotted with a  DC 10 Perception Check. Among the rows of regular books, several rare and very rare scrolls like  Cloudkill or  Blight might be found. There are also four labelled shelves, all of which are trapped except for the top-right one ("Musty Tomes"). The other three trigger the following traps:

• "Galvanic Interrogations" triggers the two gargoyle heads above the bookcase, which turn the two corpses on the floor into zombies.
• "Conventional Medicine" activates two spike traps from the floor in front of the bookcase.
• "Poisons and Venoms" fills the room with a poison cloud, closing and locking the doors until it dissipates.

Hints on which labels activate traps can be found in the books  Balthazar Personal Notes: 2 and  Attention Acolytes, which can be picked up around the room.

Interacting with the "Musty Tomes" row allows access to an Ancient Altar next to the shelves. The altar is interactive, allowing insertion of certain items. Ostensibly, a  Heart is meant to be placed in the altar, of which several lie around the room. However, any severed head found throughout the game will also suffice, including those of  Nere and  Karlach.

Successfully inserting a head or heart into the altar unlocks Balthazar's secret room beyond the bookcase. Inside is a  Coldbrim Hat in a locked Opulent Chest ( DC 14 Sleight of Hand Check to lockpick), a goblet with dead mind flayer tadpoles, and a book with the  necromancer's research notes. From the book, the party can discover that the long-searched-for 'Nightsong' is actually the very relic sought by Ketheric, and the source of his invulnerability.

There is also a small work table covered in dead pixies and broken Moonlanterns from Balthazar's experiments. If Gale is present, he can use the ritual circle to create a  Shadow Lantern or destroy it and gain  Mystra's Benevolence, which lasts until the next long rest.

Unlocking Balthazar's secret study may grant the following inspirations for the  Sage background:

• ⁠A Little Too Familiar with the Grotesque... – for solving Balthazar's secret study puzzle without mistakes
• ⁠Secrets of the Necromancer – for solving Balthazar's secret study puzzle with mistakes

The metal door at the far end of the room is locked and requires a  DC 30 Sleight of Hand Check to lockpick, but can be opened with a lever just beside it. Two Traveller's Chests nearby contain some alchemical ingredients. The door leads onto a small balcony, where a  Charred Prayer Book lies in a makeshift pyre. It contains prayers addressed to Shar and was seemingly discarded by Ketheric Thorm upon devoting himself to another god. If the party manage to get up to the wooden perch at X: -159 Y: -153, they can, through a series of climbs and jumps, reach an upper walkway of the tower. There, three  Winged Horrors wait, prattling on about their fear of Steelclaw the cat. The party can pacify them via dialogue (which is started automatically upon approaching the creatures and requires a  DC 18 Persuasion or Intimidation Check) or fight them. Afterwards, the party can continue to a small balcony, where an Opulent Chest at X: -149 Y: -224 contains several rare alchemical ingredients.

Isobel's room

Isobel's room, abandoned and unused

This room belonged to Isobel sometime in the past and is accessible either through the first floor's patrolled centre hall, or from Ketheric's neighbouring chambers, or by climbing up the roots from the rafters above the Main floor at X: -179 Y: -198. Inside the chests and cabinets are several items related to Selûne: a  Selûnite Robe, a  Selûnite Brooch, a  Crescent Moon Earring, and a  Selûnite Amulet. A bust of  Melodia Thorm, Ketheric's deceased wife and Isobel's mother, stands at the far wall.

The chest at the foot of the bed is actually a  Mimic, spotted with a  DC 20 Perception Check. It holds the  Spineshudder Amulet and a  farewell letter from Melodia Thorm.

The balcony from Isobel's room features a stone throne in the centre, adorned with the symbol of the Absolute. To the north of it is a Heavy chest with  Thieves' Tools, some gold, and some valuables.

Ketheric's chambers

Ketheric's bed next to stained glass windows

This room can also be entered in several ways: through the first floor's patrolled centre hall, through Isobel's room ( DC 14 Sleight of Hand Check to lockpick the door), or through a metal door on the balcony. The balcony is accessible either from Balthazar's room or by using vines and wooden footways from outside; the balcony door requires a  DC 30 Sleight of Hand Check to lockpick.

 Squire, Ketheric's undead warhound, guards this room. Once spotted, a dialogue with her begins. The interacting party member can pass one of various ability checks to have Squire stand down; among them,  Scratch's Ball can be used. If spoken with via  Speak with Animals, Squire can tell the party member some facts about her master's past. If the party received Isobel's blessing in the Last Light Inn, Squire recognizes it immediately, calling it "a scent of Selûnite magic", and adds that her master smelled the same when she was alive, but now the tower has a different, wrong odour.

Once placated, Squire allows the party to explore and loot the room freely, not paying any attention to lockpicking the red-outlined doors or even fighting the Mimic in the adjacent room. Speaking with her again using  Speak with Animals gives the option to pet her, which grants  +1  +1  +1  +1 and  +1 approval.

There are several items of interest within Ketheric's room. Beneath loose planks near the bed (visible with a  DC 15 Perception Check) is the book  Elder Brain Domination, which reveals that Ketheric planned to eventually take sole control of the Cult of the Absolute. This is also the first proof of  Enver Gortash's involvement in the cult's rise that is available to the party and the first mention of the illithid  Elder Brain as the source of the cult's deific power.

In the Opulent Chest at the foot of the bed ( DC 14 Sleight of Hand Check to lockpick) is the  Cloak of Elemental Absorption and a  Letter to Ketheric. (All companions comment on reading the letter.) Taking and reading the letter is advised, as it can help deal with Ketheric during both battles with him.

In the western corner of the room is a ⁠Myrkulite ritual circle. On the table nearby is a scroll titled  Apostle Diary. A  DC 15 Religion Check is required to decipher its meaning. In a wooden desk nearby, is a book titled  Attracting Drow Exiles, which sheds light on how  Minthara was lured into serving the cult. The party can also find a missive from Gortash concerning the search for the  Astral Prism, and an  Unsent Letter from Ketheric to Balthazar.

Unlocking sorrowful facts of Ketheric Thorm's past grants the following inspirational events:

• ⁠Ketheric's Loss ( Noble background) – granted only if the party have also read the plaque on Isobel's tomb in the Thorm Mausoleum
• ⁠To Have Loved and Lost ( Sage background) – upon reading  Melodia's letter

Moonrise Towers Prison

The corridor along prison cells, and the door to the Warden's office

Moonrise Towers Prison can be accessed from inside the towers, as well as from outside, from the Docks (see below). Both ways lead to a large square antechamber with open pathways on each side: one leading to Heavy Oak Doors to the Docks, one to the torture room, and the last to the prison proper. At the bottom the stairs is guarded by  Adept Ghulen.

If  Minthara survived in Act One and is condemned to death by Ketheric Thorm, she is moved to the torture room where questioners  Jasin and  Sumera are erasing her mind. Regardless of whether her execution takes place or not, the torture room can be looted for several Uncommon scrolls.

Heavy Oak Doors leading to the Docks are guarded by  Zealot Soreni and  Zealot Zira. If the party choose to save Minthara, they must find a way to defeat or bypass these guards and / or Ghulen by use of force or check-based options to placate them (depending on who spots the party first).

From inside of Moonrise Towers, the prison can be accessed following the stairway down from a room on the southwestern side of the main floor. Several imprisoned tiefling refugees and deep gnomes are held in its cells, guarded by  The Warden,  Adept Keris and  Zealot Nadi. Also, two  Scrying Eyes constantly patrol the main corridor of the prison.

The prison has five cells and an inner tower (the Warden's office) in the centre. Behind the fifth cell is a rocky cliff which leads to a vast cave behind the prison proper, with a speleal opening to the river where a chained boat is docked. A side tunnel starting at X: 560 Y: -603 can be used to descend into the Oubliette (or to come up out of it).

Exploring the Moonrise Towers Prison and its adjancies, as well as fulfilling the quests related to this location may grant the following inspirations:

• Exploring the prison and interacting/fighting with the prison guards:
  • ⁠A Bone To Pick ( Soldier background)
  • ⁠Can't Bribe 'Em All ( Noble background)
  • ⁠Delving into the Deep ( Outlander background)
  • ⁠Not to Worry, I Have a Permit ( Charlatan background)
  • ⁠Will Not Be Forgotten ( Urchin background)

• Dealing with tortured Minthara:
  • ⁠Nobleborn as Below, so Above ( Noble background)
  • ⁠Soulful Lobotomy ( Haunted One background)
  • ⁠Twice Scorned, Twice Abandoned ( Urchin background)

• Helping the other captives escape:
  • ⁠Always a Way Out ( Criminal background)
  • ⁠Breakout! ( Folk Hero background)
  • ⁠Bugging Out ( Urchin background)
  • ⁠Escape Artisan ( Criminal background)
  • ⁠Simple Tools, Great Works ( Guild Artisan background)

Rescuing all the imprisoned tiefling refugees and deep gnomes grants the following achievement:

Under Lock and Key

Rescue all the prisoners from the depths of Moonrise Towers in one playthrough.

Notably, saving  Cal,  Danis,  Lakrissa and  Lia from the prison is one of several necessary conditions for acquiring another achievement:

Leave No One Behind

Save every tiefling refugee you can throughout the game in a single playthrough.

Moonrise Towers Rooftop

Aerial view of the rooftop

The way to Moonrise Towers Rooftop is past the Ornate Door on the first floor, guarded by  Radija,  Necromites (4x) and, possibly,  Glourik.

After holding the trial in the throne room, Ketheric Thorm moves here, leaving to Z'rell orders not to disturb him under any circumstances. The general's retinue is also on the rooftop, consisting of  Susdera and several more Necromites.

However, the party can sneak through the door and past Ketheric's guards to explore the area. A variety of methods can be used to get to the rooftop early, primarily among them  invisibility or  greater invisibility. In addition, if the party sneak  invisibly past  Ketheric Thorm before the trial cutscene with members of the Absolute's forces from the Goblin Camp is enacted, they can explore and deal with those on the rooftop without Ketheric there, making combat with him later on considerably easier.

• If the party chose to side with the forces of the Absolute and both helped to retrieve  Aylin from the Gauntlet of Shar and resolved  Isobel's fate, they are granted a personal audience with the Absolute in Ketheric's presence. There they can finally find out the truth behind the new-sprung 'goddess', but this knowledge leads to an unfortunate result: the party is still protected by the  Astral Prism, and, as the Absolute is unable to overcome its power, Ketheric orders the party be taken to the Necrotic Laboratory deep beneath the Moonrise Towers for further scrutiny at Balthazar's hands.

• If the party decided to save or kill Aylin, Ketheric must be confronted here (for the first time). He is accompanied by  Susdera, Squire and a pack Necromites (8x). However, he does not take chances and, after losing approximately two-thirds health, retreats to the Mind Flayer Colony underneath his stronghold, either taking the knocked-out Aylin with him or alone.

If Ketheric is spoken with here without saving or killing Aylin (regardless of the current state of ⁠Resolve the Abduction quest), he is furious with the player character who either did not wait or do as instructed. He turns hostile, and cannot be defeated, as he is still immortal.

Behind the overstory where Ketheric stands initially, from the locked Heavy Chest, a  Ring of Exalted Marrow can be looted.

Meeting Ketheric on the rooftop grants the inspirational event ⁠Top of the Ladder for party members with the  Noble background.

Docks

The docks, east of the towers

The docks are accessed through Heavy Oak Doors in the prison. Also, if the party approach from the Shadow-Cursed Lands, they can walk under the bridge to Moonrise and then to the east, jumping over a destroyed bridge at X: -100 Y: -149.

If the party choose this way to access to Moonrise Towers for the first time, they are greeted by  Zealot Krizt near the bridge. The dialogue with her is mostly the same as with  Zealot Malik at the main entrance (see above), but, unlike him, talking to Krizt does not result in approval changes from any companions. After the party got inside Moonrise Towers proper, Krizt disappears from the docks (her corpse can be found in the Oubliette after the next long rest).

From the entrance to the prison, the stone-paved sideways run along the Moonrise Towers' walls to both sides. Along them are several crates with Zhentarim sigils (on which some of the companions comment). At cat hole at X: -122 Y: -215, used by Steelclaw to hunt down her most favourite prey, leads to the balcony behind the sanguine laboratory.

Map of the pier and side pavements, with ruined bridge to the Reithwin Town

Ships are loaded with mysterious cargo here, and their cargo on the docks can be investigated. Several followers of the Absolute guard this area:  Acolyte Marls and  Adept Bel as well as Zealots  Arden and  Renan.

Renan and Bel patrol the pavements, also walking down the wooden berth along the pier approximately to a half of its length, while Arden patrols the far end of the docks, near the unused, ruined lighthouse. Marls stands in the middle of the dock, guarding the special cargo with Zhentarim symbols on it.

When the party first visit the docks, the party see a ship there. This very vessel can be seen later near the smugglers' cave in Rivington.

Talking to  Acolyte Marls can have him realize that the actual contents of the cargo have "worms all over" and may result in him jumping to his death in the water (to "wash them off", as might be suggested by the player character). Taking this course of action grants ⁠Swimming with the Shadows inspirational event for the  Dark Urge, as well as changes in approval with certain companions:  +1  -1  -1  -1  +1  +1  -1

Provoking Marls to commit suicide is considered an an Oath-breaking action for the Paladin characters with  Oath of the Ancients,  Oath of the Crown and  Oath of Devotion subclasses, but not  Vengeance Paladins.

Of all crates in the docks and around the side pavements only those marked with Zhentarim sigil may contain some useful items. Also, a total of three  Mind Flayer Parasite Specimens can be collected in this area: two from the  Zhentarim Shipping Crate and one from the lifeless body of Zealot Krizt if she is killed on the docks.

History

Originally, Moonrise Towers was a symbol of devotion to the goddess ⁠Selûne, the Moonmaiden. It was built on command of Ketheric Thorm by  Morfred, the head of local Masons' Guild in nearby Reithwin Town. After construction was finished, Ketheric moved there with his wife Melodia and his daughter  Isobel.

After both Melodia and Isobel's deaths, Ketheric turned to ⁠Shar, the Lady of Loss. In her name, he recovered and reconsecrated a subterranean Temple to Shar, where he raised an army of Dark Justiciars to set his new goddess' influence upon the surrounding lands, and conquer territories far beyond to please her. Most of his subjects in Reithwin Town and nearby converted to worshipping Shar, following their leader or being intimidated into reporting on other people. Some, however, offered the Lady of Loss the lip-service only, while secretly remaining loyal to Selûne. Morfred together with his brother Halfred, led a Selûnite resistance within Reithwin Town.

Eventually, Morfred let slip in a drunken stupor what he thought, revealing his true attitudes before  Thisobald Thorm, and thus was exposed to Ketheric. But shortly before being judged and brutally executed, he met "a man who was no man" and struck a deal with him: In exchange for Morfred's soul, the devil set the mighty orthon  Yurgir upon the army of the Dark Justiciars mustered by Ketheric in the depths of the Gauntlet of Shar.

Those of Ketheric's forces who survived the resulting massacre in the Gauntlet of Shar (except  Lyrthindor), were eventually defeated by the allied army of Harpers and Emerald Grove druids, whose combined might and ultimate victory is detailed upon the frescoes in the Inner Sanctum of the Emerald Grove.

However, before Ketheric could be brought to justice, he unleashed the Shadow Curse based on Shar's ⁠Shadow Weave, which encompassed his own stronghold, Reithwin Town and the vast region around – warping most every thing and inhabitant within. The powerful curse caused immense death and destrcution as it corrupted and transformed the land; it has persisted for over a century.

At the same time, not long after Isobel's death the necromancer  Balthazar steadily crept his way into earning Ketheric's trust, seducing him with the promise of returning his daughter to life with the help of his art. Following Balthazar's preachings, Ketheric changed his devotion once more, this time turning to worship ⁠Myrkul, the Lord of Bones.

During the fifteenth century, Myrkul himself finally appeared before Ketheric, finally fulfilling Balthazar's promise to grant his greatest desire: to return his beloved Isobel. For this, Ketheric sacrificed his body and soul, and became Myrkul's Chosen. He joined  Enver Gortash and  The Dark Urge (and later  Orin the Red instead of the latter) in the Dead Three's plot to acquire ultimate power over the Sword Coast through the Cult of the Absolute.

Waypoints

This location contains the following Waypoint:

•  Moonrise Towers at X: -158 Y: -99

Related locations

• ⁠Moonrise Towers Prison
• ⁠Moonrise Towers Rooftop

Related quests

• ⁠Defeat Ketheric Thorm
• ⁠Decide Minthara's Fate
• ⁠Discover the History of Prince Orpheus
• ⁠Find Mol
• ⁠Find Zevlor
• ⁠Find the Nightsong
• ⁠Infiltrate Moonrise Towers
  • ⁠Find Ketheric Thorm's Relic
• ⁠Rescue the Grand Duke
• ⁠Rescue the Tieflings
• ⁠Rescue Wulbren
• ⁠The Wizard of Waterdeep
  • ⁠Balthazar's Experiment

Characters

•  Barnabus
•  Drenn
•  Fezzerk – optional
•  Glourik
•  Ketheric Thorm
•  Linsella
•  Mig
•  Minthara – optional
•  Radija
•  Sazza – optional
•  Squire
•  Steelclaw
•  Timothy
•  Tomelia
•  The Warden
•  Z'rell

Traders

•  Araj Oblodra
•  Lann Tarv
•  Roah Moonglow

Loot

Looted or obtained as a quest rewards

• Absolute's Protector – wielded by Z'rell
• Cloak of Elemental Absorption – in Ketheric Thorm's room
• Coldbrim Hat – in a locked chest in Balthazar's hidden room
• Derivation Cloak – in Balthazar's chambers
• Moonlantern – in Balthazar's chambers
• Myrkulite Scourge – wielded by Radija
• Potion of Everlasting Vigour
• Ring of Exalted Marrow – in a Heavy Chest on the rooftop
• Shadow Lantern – can be created in Balthazar's hidden room
• Spineshudder Amulet – on a Mimic in Melodia Thorm's room

Lann Tarv's shop

• Bigboy's Chew Toy
• Dagger +2
• Enraging Heart Garb
• Fistbreaker Helm
• Gloves of The Duellist
• Halberd of Vigilance
• Sentinel Shield
• Slicing Shortsword

If convincing Disciple Z'rell to help, Lann Tarv also sells:

• Dwarven Splintmail
• Gauntlets of Surging Accuracy
• Render of Mind and Body

Roah Moonglow's shop

• Armour of Devotion
• Drakethroat Glaive
• Gloves of Crushing
• Marksmanship Hat
• Ne'er Misser
• Poisoner's Ring
• Ring of Spiteful Thunder
• Sharpened Snare Cuirass

Araj Oblodra's shop

• Boots of Arcane Bolstering
• Circlet of Hunting
• Hat of Storm Scion's Power
• Purple Worm Toxin
• Ring of Free Action
• Risky Ring
• Robe of Exquisite Focus
• Thunderskin Cloak

Related literature

Books and notes found in other parts of Moonrise Towers are listed on corresponding pages

Main Floor

• On Weapon Coatings – in Araj Oblodra's lab
• Orcs of the Trielta Hills
• Recruiting Gnolls
• Taking the Groves Off the Table
• The Blood War – in Araj Oblodra's lab

First Floor

Balthazar's Chambers

• Attention Acolytes
• A Swift and Sudden Death
• Balthazar Personal Notes: 2
• Balthazar Personal Notes: 3
• Clasped Book (Moonrise Towers)
• Charred Prayer Book – on the adjacent balcony
• Goblins: The Maglubiyet Gambit
• Orpheus, Prince of the Comet, Part Three: Resurrection
• Research Notes (Balthazar) – in the secret section

Isobel's Room

• Death & Divinity: A Godly Guide
• Selûne's Devotee
• Stained Letter – looted from Mimic

Ketheric's Chambers

• Apostle Diary
• Attracting Drow Exiles
• Elder Brain Domination – under the loose planks near the bed
• Letter to Ketheric – in the Opulent Chest
• Missive from Gortash
• Suelto's Ethics of War
• Unsent Letter (Ketheric Thorm)

Z'rell's Study and elsewhere

• A Little Gift
• Beheading the Bitterroots
• Glory of the Absolute – on the altar across the Ornate Door
• Missive from Ketheric
• No Word from Balthazar
• The Leadership of the Zhentarim
• The Scroll of Her Glory – on the altar on the roof
• Traveller's Guide to the Sword Coast Vol. IV: The Risen Road
• Z'rell's Personal Reminder – looted from Glourik

External links

• ⁠Moonrise Towers on the Forgotten Realms Wiki