Your journey through the sprawling world of Baldur’s Gate 3 is fraught with peril and pivotal decisions. One such crossroads emerges in Act Three, presenting a chilling choice: to embrace the worship of a malevolent god or defy a formidable foe. This in-depth analysis delves into the Murder Tribunal questline, exploring how to infiltrate the Canduhallow Tombstones, navigate the challenges within, and ultimately confront the resurrected Sarevok Anchev. Be warned, this investigation contains major spoilers.
Entering the Shadowy Lair of Canduhallow Tombstones
The Murder Tribunal quest begins in the Lower City after completing the Open Hand Temple Murders, Investigate the Murders, and optionally, Find Dribbles the Clown quests. These investigations lead you to Dolor, a ruthless killer whose demise grants you a grim trophy: four severed hands.
With these macabre tokens in hand, navigate to the Canduhallow Tombstones, tucked away in the alley between Elfsong Tavern and the Basilisk Gate waypoint (X: 88; Y: 14). Inside the office, a small room at the back holds the key to the secret lair. Dolor’s note reveals a cryptic clue: “If entry down below’s your aim, seek trigger hidden by a frame.”
Examine the “Butterfly on Skull” painting and activate the hidden button to reveal a concealed door. Utter the password “Sicarius” to gain passage. A Death Knight guards the temple entrance. Declare, “I killed to be here – and took the victim’s hand as proof,” to enter the Bhaalist Crypt.
Alt: The entrance to Canduhallow Tombstones, a seemingly innocuous building hiding a dark secret.
Alt: A Death Knight stands guard at the entrance to the Bhaalist Crypt, testing the resolve of those who seek entry.
Confronting Sarevok and the Murder Tribunal
Within the throne room, you face Sarevok Anchev, the infamous antagonist of the original Baldur’s Gate. He is accompanied by three spectral echoes: Amelyssan, Sendai, and Illasera, Bhaalspawn bound to his will.
Alt: Sarevok Anchev, flanked by three Bhaalspawn echoes, sits upon his throne in the Bhaalist Crypt.
Your objective is to convince Sarevok of your devotion to Bhaal’s murderous creed. The spirit of one of your victims will appear, requiring a successful dialogue check to recount the details of their demise.
If Jaheira accompanies you, Sarevok recognizes her as a heretic from his past. You must then deceive him with a DC20 Intimidation or Performance check, portraying Jaheira as a mere servant. Alternatively, you can offer Jaheira as a sacrifice, forcing a difficult battle against your former ally. Finally, you can choose to attack Sarevok directly, initiating the challenging boss fight.
The Bloody Dilemma: Embrace or Defy Bhaal
If Sarevok is satisfied with your performance, he leads you to the inner sanctum where Inspector Valeria awaits her fate, chained beside a blood pool. Here, you face the ultimate decision. Four dialogue options lead to Valeria’s murder and your initiation into the cult of Bhaal. A single response allows you to defy Sarevok, triggering a grueling confrontation.
Alt: The player character faces a grim choice: sacrifice Inspector Valeria and embrace Bhaal or defy Sarevok and his cult.
The Reckoning: The Sarevok Boss Fight and its Aftermath
The battle against Sarevok is a demanding encounter. He possesses Legendary Resistance, granting him advantage on saving throws. His Murderous Strikes culminate in Deathbringer Assault, a devastating multi-hit attack. The deaths of his Bhaalspawn echoes further empower him.
Alt: The Sarevok boss fight is a challenging encounter, requiring careful strategy and powerful abilities.
Pre-buffing and utilizing area-of-effect spells are crucial for success. Defeating Sarevok yields the Sword of Chaos, Sarevok’s Horned Helmet, the inspiration “A Step Too Far,” and secures the City Watch’s aid in the final battle. Choosing to worship Bhaal grants the Amulet of Bhaal, various inspirations, and access to a Bhaalspawn vendor named Abazigal, but may lead to Jaheira’s departure.
The Path Ahead
The Murder Tribunal quest presents a significant moral dilemma with far-reaching consequences. Your choice shapes not only your character’s destiny but also the fate of others and the outcome of the overarching narrative. Whether you embrace the darkness or fight for redemption, the consequences of your actions will resonate throughout the remainder of your Baldur’s Gate 3 adventure.
