Corrupt Magic Tower in the Underdark
We can access the corrupt magic tower in the Underdark either through the quest “Help Omeluum Investigate the Parasite” or simply by exploring the location.
At the very top of the wizard’s tower is the automaton Bernard, created not only for its protection but also for communication.
Should You Kill Bernard?
Deciding whether or not to kill Bernard in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a challenging choice, as each decision has different consequences.
Kill
If you choose to kill Bernard, which will be quite challenging due to the automaton’s high defense class, you will be rewarded with:
- Antique Key — simply opens the main door of the tower, which you’ve likely already opened.
- Rare Ring “Guiding Light” — grants the wearer the “Light” cantrip. It belonged to the tower’s owner.
- Halberd “Light of Creation” — the weapon “may stun the wielder unless they are a construct”.
This issue can be resolved using the artifact “Automaton Gloves”, which can make the wearer a construct-type creature. These gloves can be purchased from Bark Root at the “Last Light” tavern in Act 2, provided the dwarf has previously survived.
Spare
If you decide not to kill Bernard in Baldur’s Gate 3, he can perform five commands and offer rewards for some of them. You will need to find several books scattered throughout the wizard’s tower:
- “Worn Book” — on a shelf on the second floor, in the room with the giant mushrooms.
- “Dusty Book” — on a stone pedestal on the third floor, in the hall previously guarded by two mystical turrets.
- “Descent into Darkness” — on the fourth floor in the bedroom on a desk. There is also a spot in the bedroom to use the dog collar.
- Torn Paper — on the fourth floor in the bedroom near the elevator on a desk.
Make sure to read all these books and the torn paper, as this will unlock necessary dialogue options with the robot. Only then should you head to the top floor using the elevator, where Bernard and several animated armors are located.
For Bernard not to attack you when you exit the elevator, you must choose the phrase in the dialogue: “Friend or Foe? Came to dispel the dank twilight?” This phrase is found in one of the books.
After this phrase, Bernard will recognize you as his master, allowing you to look around peacefully. Inspect the table to the right of the automaton, as it contains the “Repaired Parchment” that will be useful in your conversation with the magic robot.
To receive a unique ring and healing potion from Bernard, as well as a hug, you need to say the following phrases:
- “I fear I might be crushed by the silence… / I am so lonely! (…)” — a touching moment with a hug.
- “Only clean pages from you remain (…) ” — Bernard will give 1 “Potion of Greater Healing”, a valuable early-game reward.
- “Where to find faith? How will I learn the truth? (…)” — Bernard will leave the unusual ring “Guiding Light” on the table, which you can then take.
If you choose the phrase: “Light lives in every earthly creature, / That calls its body a prison”, you will initiate combat.
How to Defeat Bernard
If you want to get the unique halberd, you must fight and defeat Bernard, which will not be easy. Besides his high defense class, he is also resistant to all types of damage.
1. Sussur Flower
To make the fight easier, you can use the sussur flower, found in the backyard of the Corrupt Tower. One was used to activate the elevator, and the second can be used against Bernard. Toss the flower at Bernard’s feet, first moving all your mages away from the “antimagic field” emitted by the flower.
2. Potions and Spells
In the fight, potions and spells for lightning damage resistance will be useful. Also effective is the “Tasha’s Hideous Laughter” spell, forcing Bernard to fall prone. A scroll with this spell can be found on a bookshelf on the same floor.
3. Knock Out of a Window
You can also try to knock Bernard out of a window. In “Valor” mode, he will likely survive the fall and try to return to the battlefield. Use his absence to deal with the animated armors and heal yourself.
4. Legendary Action
In “Valor” mode, Bernard has a legendary attack, “Chain Lightning”, dealing 3-24 lightning damage.
Act 3
Bernard’s head can be found on a table in the Steel Watch Foundry. A note nearby reveals that the automaton’s head was brought from the Corrupt Tower for study. This is especially tragic if you decided to spare Bernard.
