The Murder Tribunal in Baldur’s Gate 3 presents a pivotal moral dilemma in Act 3. This new update to our guide will walk you through navigating the Canduhallow Tombstones, impressing Sarevok Anchev, and deciding whether to embrace or reject the path of Bhaal. Prepare yourself for a descent into darkness, difficult choices, and a potentially devastating boss fight. Warning: Major spoilers ahead.
Entering the Canduhallow Tombstones: A Secret Lair of Death
Before facing the Murder Tribunal, you must complete several quests: the Open Hand Temple Murders, Investigate the Murders, and optionally, Find Dribbles the Clown. These investigations lead you to Dolor, whose defeat grants you a gruesome key: four severed hands.
With these grim trophies, head to the Canduhallow Tombstones, nestled in the alley between Elfsong Tavern and the Basilisk Gate waypoint (X: 88; Y: 14). Inside the office, a small room holds the secret to the lair. A note found on Dolor’s body reveals a cryptic clue: “If entry down below’s your aim, seek trigger hidden by a frame.” This refers to the “Butterfly on Skull” painting. Press the hidden button behind it to reveal a concealed door. The password, “Sicarius,” grants you passage.
A Death Knight guards the entrance to the Bhaalist Crypt. Declare, “I killed to be here – and took the victim’s hand as proof,” to gain entry.
alt: Canduhallow Tombstones entrance in Baldur's Gate 3
alt: Death Knight guarding the Bhaalist Crypt entrance in Baldur's Gate 3
Impressing Sarevok and the Bhaalspawn Echoes
Within the throne room, you confront Sarevok Anchev, the infamous antagonist of the original Baldur’s Gate. He is accompanied by three Bhaalspawn echoes: Amelyssan, Sendai, and Illasera, tormented spirits bound to his will.
Your primary objective is to convince Sarevok of your dedication to Bhaal’s murderous creed. A randomly selected victim’s hand will summon their spirit. You must pass a dialogue check to describe the kill with convincing relish.
If Jaheira accompanies you, Sarevok brands her a heretic. You can either deceive him with a DC20 Intimidation or Performance check, portraying Jaheira as your subservient, or offer her as a sacrifice, triggering a challenging battle. Alternatively, you can attack Sarevok immediately, initiating the boss fight.
alt: Sarevok Anchev and the Bhaalspawn echoes in Baldur's Gate 3
alt: Convincing the Murder Tribunal of your devotion to Bhaal in Baldur's Gate 3
The Choice: Embrace or Reject Bhaal
Successfully impressing or deceiving Sarevok leads you to the inner sanctum, where Inspector Valeria awaits her fate. Your decision here carries significant consequences.
Four dialogue choices result in Valeria’s murder, initiating your transformation into a Bhaal worshiper. This involves bathing in a pool of blood, a chilling commitment to the Lord of Murder.
The remaining option pits you against Sarevok and his entourage in a difficult fight, but spares Valeria and prevents your descent into Bhaal worship.
alt: The choice to sacrifice Valeria in Baldur's Gate 3
The Sarevok Boss Fight: A Trial by Combat
Rejecting Bhaal triggers a challenging encounter against Sarevok. His arsenal includes Legendary Resistance, granting him advantage on saving throws; Murderous Strikes, leading to the devastating Deathbringer Assault; and Bhaalspawn Essence, providing buffs as his echoes fall.
Prepare meticulously for this fight. Pre-buff your party before confronting Sarevok, and prioritize eliminating the weaker enemies with area-of-effect spells. The battle will test your tactical prowess and resilience.
alt: Battling Sarevok and his followers in Baldur's Gate 3
Rewards and Consequences: Choosing Your Path
Both paths offer unique rewards and consequences. The Amulet of Bhaal, causing bleeding on the first hit against a full-health enemy, can be obtained either as a gift from Sarevok or looted from his corpse. The Inspiration “Forgotten, Bloodied Halls (Acolyte)” is earned by discovering the Temple of Bhaal, automatically granted to worshipers and obtained upon reaching the temple in the Undercity Ruins for those who oppose Sarevok.
Embracing Bhaal grants further Inspirations, access to a Bhaalspawn vendor named Abazigal, but results in Jaheira’s departure, and potentially Minsc’s as well.
Rejecting Bhaal and defeating Sarevok yields the powerful Sword of Chaos, Sarevok’s Horned Helmet, the Inspiration “A Step Too Far (Haunted One),” and secures the City Watch’s assistance in the final battle by sparing Valeria.
The Path Ahead: Orin the Red Awaits
After the Murder Tribunal, your journey leads you to Orin the Red, another formidable adversary. Your choices at the Tribunal will impact your character’s development and the unfolding narrative.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment in Baldur’s Gate 3
The Murder Tribunal is a significant turning point in Baldur’s Gate 3, offering a profound exploration of morality and consequence. Whether you choose to embrace the dark allure of Bhaal or uphold your principles against overwhelming odds, your decision will shape the fate of your character and the world around them. Choose wisely.
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