Unlocking the secrets of Baldur’s Gate 3 often leads players into the depths of cunning puzzles, and the Gnarled Door to the witch’s hideout is no exception. Nestled beneath the enigmatic Teahouse, this door presents a tantalizing challenge that tests your skills in Arcana and strategy. As you delve into Auntie Ethel’s lair, you’ll discover that this door isn’t just a barrier; it’s an illusion, a riddle waiting to be unraveled. Will you find the right approach to slip past its magical defenses, or will you fall prey to the witch’s tricks? Prepare for a journey filled with intrigue and danger as you seek to rescue Mayrina and confront the dark forces at play.
Location of the witch’s hideout
The witch’s hideout in Baldur’s Gate 3 is located beneath the Teahouse, situated in the southwest part of the main map. This area becomes significant during the quest involving Auntie Ethel, where players must navigate through her lair to rescue Mayrina. To access the hideout, players can interact with a fireplace in Ethel’s cabin, revealing a secret passage that leads to the first chamber of her lair. Here, they encounter the gnarled door, which is an illusion that can be bypassed through an Arcana skill check or by using a Whispering Mask found nearby.
The witch’s hideout is linked to the Teahouse quest, which involves meeting Auntie Ethel in her cabin. The Teahouse is located in the southwest part of the main map.
During this encounter, it turns out Ethel is a witch and you need to rescue Mayrina held by Auntie.
Gnarled Door is located in the first Chamber of the witch’s lair. You can reach them by interacting with the fireplace in Ethel’s cabin – the flames will be extinguished and a secret passage will be revealed.
How do you open the gnarled door?
To open the gnarled door in Baldur’s Gate 3, players have two primary methods at their disposal. The first involves engaging in a “conversation” with the door, during which you must successfully pass an Arcana skill check. If successful, you’ll discover that the door is merely an illusion, allowing your party to walk through it without resistance. If you fail the check, don’t worry; you can try again or switch to the second method. This alternative requires using a Whispering Mask found on a nearby table. One character should don the mask to gain access through the door, but be cautious—while wearing it, there’s a risk of being controlled by Auntie Ethel, the witch associated with this puzzle. It’s advisable to save your game before attempting either method to mitigate any potential setbacks.
The option of using a thief’s tools won’t work on large doors. You can’t open them that way, even if you use the services of a trained rogue thief.
The first way is to interact with the door and start a “conversation” with them. During this sequence, you have to pass an Arcana skill test. If you pass it (example in picture), the protagonist will determine that the door is an illusion. If you fail the test, you can load the last save file and repeat the test, preferably as a character with a highly developed intelligence ability.
Turn the camera so you can see the path behind the door. Click on it and the whole team will walk through the door-illusion.
The second way is recommended only if you fail the Arcana test and, despite possible further attempts, you fail to successfully complete it. Take a look at the Whispering Masks lying on the table. All you have to do is to make one of your characters put on the mask, and the rest will be able to proceed.
You can wear the mask in the same way as any other headgear. There are two very important features associated with it:
- The mask allows you to pass through a gnarled door. Act in the same way as in the first option, so turn the camera and click on the path behind the door.
- Once the mask is put on, there is a risk that the team member will fall under the control of the witch. A roll of the dice is performed in each round. If you succeed in defending, you keep control of the hero, and if you fail the roll, the hero will turn on his companions. The best tactic is to save the game before each mask is put on, going through the illusion as quickly as possible, and removing the mask after being on the other side.
What are the best strategies to pass the Arcana skill test
To successfully pass the Arcana skill test in Baldur’s Gate 3, consider the following strategies:
Preparation and Knowledge
- Familiarize with Magic: Understanding the types of magic relevant to the situation can significantly improve your chances. Characters who have studied magic or have backgrounds related to arcane knowledge will have an advantage.
- Use Background Features: Leverage character backgrounds that provide bonuses to Arcana checks, such as Sage or Acolyte, which can enhance your proficiency in identifying magical effects.
In-Game Techniques
- Save Before Key Moments: Before interacting with magical objects or doors, save your game. This allows you to reload if you fail the Arcana check, giving you another chance without losing progress.
- Investigate Thoroughly: Take time to explore the environment and gather information. Look for clues or items that might assist in your Arcana check, such as scrolls or books that could provide context.
Utilizing Game Mechanics
- Roll with Advantage: If possible, use abilities or items that grant advantage on Arcana checks. This could include spells or features from allies that enhance your performance.
- Partial Successes: Work with your DM to establish a system for partial successes on Arcana checks. This can allow you to gain useful information even if you don’t meet the full DC.
Specific Actions
- Identify Magical Items: When examining magical items, describe your character’s actions clearly to the DM. This can help them determine what additional information you might glean from your check.
- Engage with NPCs: Use Arcana checks in conversations with knowledgeable NPCs to gain insights about magic and its effects, potentially lowering the DC for subsequent checks.
Implementing these strategies will enhance your ability to navigate the challenges posed by Arcana skill tests in Baldur’s Gate 3, leading to more successful outcomes in your adventures.
How can I improve my Arcana skill checks quickly
To quickly improve your Arcana skill checks in Baldur’s Gate 3, consider the following strategies:
Character Optimization
- Increase Intelligence: Since Arcana checks rely on your Intelligence modifier, prioritize increasing this stat during character creation or through leveling up.
- Choose the Right Background: Select a background that provides proficiency in Arcana, such as Sage or Acolyte. This grants you a bonus to your checks.
Equipment and Items
- Equip Arcana-Boosting Items: Look for magical items that enhance your Arcana skill. Items like the Ring of Wizardry (+3) or Mirror of Secrets (variable bonus) can provide significant boosts to your checks.
- Use Potions or Spells: If available, use potions or spells that temporarily increase your Intelligence or grant advantage on skill checks.
Gameplay Techniques
- Leverage Advantage Mechanics: Use abilities or features that allow you to roll with advantage on Arcana checks. This can greatly increase your chances of success.
- Collaborate with Party Members: If someone in your party has a higher Arcana skill, have them assist you. This can sometimes allow for advantageous rolls or shared knowledge.
Practice and Knowledge
- Study Magic Lore: Engage with books, scrolls, or NPCs that provide information about magic. This not only enhances your character’s lore but can also lead to opportunities for Arcana checks.
- Participate in Relevant Quests: Focus on quests that involve magical elements or items. These often provide opportunities to make Arcana checks and gain experience.
By implementing these strategies, you can enhance your proficiency in Arcana checks and navigate the magical challenges of Baldur’s Gate 3 more effectively.
