Baldur’s Gate 3: How to speak with the dead in BG3

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In the mystical realms of Baldur’s Gate 3, the dead hold secrets that can alter the course of your adventure. With the spell Speak with Dead, players can temporarily resurrect fallen foes and allies alike, allowing them to ask five crucial questions before they slip back into silence. This guide unveils the methods to harness this necromantic power, whether through spell scrolls, enchanted amulets, or by mastering the art of necromancy itself. Discover how to navigate the delicate balance of life and death, and learn which corpses are willing to share their final whispers.

Speak with Dead spell

The Speak with Dead spell in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a powerful Level 3 Necromancy spell that allows players to communicate with the deceased. Available primarily to Clerics and Bards, this spell grants a semblance of life to a corpse, enabling it to answer up to five questions posed by the caster. To utilize this spell effectively, players must be mindful of certain restrictions: it cannot be cast on undead creatures or corpses severely damaged by specific types of elemental damage. Additionally, the corpse must have a mouth to respond; otherwise, it will remain silent. Players can acquire the spell through various means, including finding the Necromancy of Thay book or obtaining the Amulet of Lost Voices, which allows its wearer to cast the spell without expending spell slots until their next long rest. This spell not only serves as a unique gameplay mechanic but also offers valuable insights and quest assistance throughout the game.

  1. The Speak with Dead spell can be used to talk with the souls of the deceased. It’s a Level 3 Necromancy spell. It’s available to Clerics and Bards.
  2. Once used, it must be recovered. If only one of your party members can talk to the dead, set up camp to rest.

The Amulet of Lost Voices

The Amulet of Lost Voices is a crucial artifact in Baldur’s Gate 3 that grants players the ability to communicate with the deceased. Found within the Dank Crypt, near Ravaged Beach, this amulet allows any character who possesses it to cast the Speak with Dead spell, enabling them to ask five questions of a corpse before it returns to its eternal silence. This spell can be particularly useful for uncovering hidden truths or gaining insights into past events, making it an essential tool for players eager to explore the game’s rich narrative and lore. The amulet not only enhances gameplay by providing unique interactions but also adds depth to the necromantic elements within the story.

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  1. The second way to talk to the dead is a unique amulet, acquirable in Act 1. You need to explore the Dank Crypt located by the beach. We’ve described how to find the entrance on the Dank Crypt page.
  2. You must find a secret room in the crypt. Reach the place pictured above. You need to pass a Perception check, which will reveal a button opening the secret room. Unfortunately, pressing it triggers a battle against the undead scribes. Deal with them – you can hide in the secret room and kill them one by one as they squeeze through the entrance.

  1. The secret chamber contains a sarcophagus (an attempt to open it initiates a conversation with a hooded skeleton) and a number of chests. Look inside the heavy chest, which holds The Amulet of Lost Voices.
  2. All party members can equip it. This will grant the character access to the Speak with Dead spell – the spell icon will appear on their action bar.

How to make contact with the dead?

In Baldur’s Gate 3, making contact with the dead is primarily achieved through the Speak with Dead spell, a level 3 necromancy ability. This spell allows players to temporarily revive a corpse, enabling them to ask up to five questions before the spirit returns to rest. To utilize this spell, characters must either belong to specific classes such as Clerics or Bards, or acquire certain items like the Amulet of Lost Voices or the Necromancy of Thay book. It’s important to note that not all corpses are suitable for questioning; those that have suffered significant damage or are undead cannot be revived for conversation. Additionally, a corpse may refuse to answer if the player dealt the fatal blow, adding an intriguing layer of strategy and narrative depth to interactions with the deceased in the game.

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  1. You can’t use the spell or the amulet on every corpse, as there are restrictions. You can’t talk to the undead, only inanimate corpses. The corpse must also have a mouth to speak with. Valid corpses are highlighted in green (you must be controlling the character who can speak with the dead).
  2. When trying to make contact, the corpse will either not respond or trigger a conversation. You can ask up to five questions. These can be standard questions (who are you, what happened to you, where are your savings, etc.) and some more detailed ones, often tied to quests. This may let you complete a quest in an alternate or simpler way.

What secrets can the dead reveal in Baldur’s Gate 3

In Baldur’s Gate 3, the dead can reveal a wealth of secrets that can significantly impact your journey. Using the Speak with Dead spell, players can temporarily resurrect deceased NPCs to ask them five questions, gaining insights that may unlock new quests or provide critical information about their demise.

Types of Secrets Revealed

  • Murder Mysteries: In quests like the Open Hand Temple Murders, players can interrogate corpses to uncover details about their killers and the circumstances surrounding their deaths. For instance, asking Father Lorgan about his murder reveals crucial clues about the true perpetrator.
  • Personal Connections: Characters like Karlach can interact with the graves of loved ones, unlocking unique dialogues that deepen character backstories and emotional connections. This adds layers to the narrative, enriching player experience through personal stakes.
  • Hidden Lore: Exploring locations such as mausoleums often leads to discovering lore-rich items and references to previous games in the series. These interactions not only provide context but also enhance the overall storytelling by linking past events to current gameplay.

Methods to Speak with the Dead

Players can utilize various methods to cast the Speak with Dead spell:

  • Spellcasting: Available primarily to classes like Clerics and Wizards.
  • Scrolls and Items: Players can find scrolls throughout the game or acquire items like the Amulet of Lost Voices, which allows any character to cast the spell once equipped.
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Limitations

Not all corpses are eligible for questioning; bodies severely damaged by magic or previously resurrected cannot be revived for inquiries. Additionally, undead creatures like zombies or skeletons are also off-limits for this spell.
By tapping into these secrets, players can navigate the intricate web of narratives woven throughout Baldur’s Gate 3, making every encounter with the dead a potential turning point in their adventure.

What unique interactions can you have with party members in the graveyard

In the graveyard of Baldur’s Gate 3, players can engage in several unique interactions with party members, each revealing personal connections and emotional backstories. Here are some notable interactions:

Unique Interactions with Party Members

  • Karlach’s Parents: When Karlach is present, she can be found at the graves of her parents, Pluck and Caerlack Cliffgate. This interaction triggers a heartfelt cutscene where she expresses her love for them using the phrase “Taters,” a family term of endearment. This moment deepens the player’s understanding of Karlach’s character and her familial ties .
  • Astarion’s Gravestone: If Astarion is in the party and has been romanced, players can visit his gravestone. This interaction is significant as it reveals more about his past and his feelings regarding his undead nature, providing insight into his character development .
  • Shadowheart’s Recognition: Players can place a night orchid on a specific grave that Shadowheart recognizes. This act not only showcases her personal history but also strengthens her bond with the player character, highlighting her emotional depth .
  • Exploring Hidden Graves: The graveyard contains various tombstones that reference characters from the original Baldur’s Gate games. Interacting with these graves can elicit unique dialogues from party members, particularly those who have connections to these historical figures, enriching the narrative experience .

These interactions not only enhance character development but also encourage players to explore the graveyard thoroughly, uncovering layers of storytelling that contribute to the overall richness of Baldur’s Gate 3.

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Jason Venter

Jason Venter has been a professional video game writer since 2005. When he’s not immersed in gaming, he’s either reading, crafting engaging stories, or publishing captivating fantasy novels. Occasionally, he even manages to squeeze in some sleep.

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