Unraveling the Open Hand Temple Murders in Baldur's Gate 3

In Baldur’s Gate 3, Act 3 intensifies the stakes, with the city of Baldur's Gate itself becoming the setting for a cascade of murders. Among these, the mystifying case at the Open Hand Temple stands out. From the moment players step into Rivington, they're thrust into a community reeling from the death of a beloved figure, Father Lorgan. The official story pins the tragedy on Brilgor, a refugee, but things are not as they seem.

The Open Hand Temple Murder Investigation

Upon arriving at the Open Hand Temple, players are met with a scene of commotion and suspicion. This temple, known for its generosity towards refugees, is currently in turmoil due to the murder that occurred. Sister Yannis becomes the player's initial touchpoint in this investigation, suggesting various leads to explore.

1. Investigating Father Lorgan's corpse is the first critical step. Players should utilize the "speak with the dead" spell here to get direct information from the deceased father.
2. Next, players should examine Brilgor's corpse for more clues.
3. The final crucial phase involves uncovering the true crime scene beneath the temple.

Speak with the Dead proves invaluable in this quest. Through this spell, Father Lorgan reveals that his murderer was a “dwarf dressed in red,” clearing Brilgor’s name.

Exploring the Temple Grounds

After talking to Father Lorgan, the investigation leads to Brilgor's gravesite. Players must find and dig out his casket to employ the "speak with the dead" spell once again. Brilgor’s corpse lies buried near a mausoleum in the temple graveyard.

Brilgor’s spirit divulges additional details that make it clear: he wasn't involved in the murders and was another of the killer's victims. Armed with this vital information, players need to explore a secret passage in the temple's kitchen. This is accessible through a hatch that leads to a concealed cellar.

The hidden corridor in this cellar opens up an armory of details that will further the investigation.

Uncovering the Murder Scene

In the temple's cellar, players encounter a locked pathway marked by statues and plaques named "Heraldic Signs." Interacting with these plaques opens a hidden passage that leads to yet another perilous room where combat is inevitable.

After dispatching the attackers, the player can search the surrounding area to unearth significant clues. One notable item here is the "Stillmaker," the murder weapon found in a hole near a wooden platform. A key item to grab is the "flower key," held by one of the attacked victims. This key turns out to be essential for the next stage of the investigation.

Getting Past the Checkpoint

The flower key leads the players to Fraygo's Flophouse, an inn just past the South Span Checkpoint. The checkpoint is heavily guarded, so players may need to employ stealth, combat, or persuasion to pass.

Once in the Flophouse, players must navigate to the attic using the upstairs ladder. There, they uncover a pristine wardrobe disguised as a secret entrance, which the flower key unlocks. Inside, they find a journal documenting Bhaalist cult plots and a hit list targeting other individuals.

Completing the Quest

With the new evidence in hand, players report back to Valeria, the Hollyphant investigator. Those who can't find Valeria at Sharess' Caress, across the Flophouse, may progress the main storyline further to trigger her reappearance.

Upon presenting the evidence, Valeria confirms Brilgor’s innocence. Players are then directed to new quests involving the Bhaalist cult and their murder plots. The investigation doesn't end here; it unspools into more complex interactions involving a notorious serial killer targeting citizens of Baldur’s Gate City.

Hunting the Bhaalist Killer

With the help of the hit list found earlier, marks appear on the players' map indicating intended victims' locations. The first location involves a wine-tasting party where players attempt to save Cora from Dolor Meztli, who reveals himself as the Bhaalist killer.

The party swiftly turns into combat, requiring players to defeat Dolor and his doppelgangers. However, Dolor escapes, leading players to their next target, Figaro Pennygood. At the Facemaker's Boutique, players must confront Dolor to save Figaro from a similar fate.

Successfully rescuing Figaro will yield significant rewards, including shop discounts and loot from Dolor’s body, which contains grim souvenirs from his victims and more critical evidence.

Wrapping Up the Investigation

Solving the murders at the Open Hand Temple in Baldur’s Gate 3 provides a richly layered narrative that not only clears Brilgor’s name but also exposes a dreadful cult’s nefarious activities. Through skill, combat, and a bit of grim detective work, players will help restore a semblance of peace to the temple and curtail the Bhaalist threat. As they progress, further layers of Baldur's Gate's lore and secrets will continue to unravel.