Navigating the shadowed corridors of Act 2 in Baldur's Gate 3 presents players with complex challenges, among which the Thorm Mausoleum stands out as a major milestone. Located in the Shadow-Cursed Lands, this ancient tomb conceals the entry to the Gauntlet of Shar behind a crucial environmental puzzle. Understanding the mechanics of this chamber ensures smooth progression while keeping your party safe from hidden hazards.
Preparing Your Party for the Mausoleum Traps
Before attempting to interact with the mechanism, it is essential to prepare your party for hidden environmental danger. The primary tomb chamber is lined with numerous traps that can easily incapacitate your group if triggered accidentally. Using a high-dexterity companion like Astarion to disarm these vents beforehand prevents unnecessary damage.
Ungrouping your party members allows a single stealthy character to safely maneuver around the room. Disarming the gas vents ensures that failing a sequence or stepping out of bounds won't trigger massive obscuring clouds. Taking these precautionary measures turns a stressful encounter into a manageable tactical task.
Deciphering the Mural Sequence Clues
To solve the central puzzle, players must press buttons beneath three specific paintings depicting Ketheric Thorm's life. Clues scattered around the area, including notes near the altar, hint at a specific order: from splendour to tragedy, and finally to infamy. This narrative sequence directly correlates to the historical timeline of Ketheric's tragic fall.
The first button to press is situated beneath the painting depicting Moonrise Towers, representing his era of splendour. Next, players must press the button under the portrait depicting grief, where Thorm mourns over his fallen daughter. Finally, pressing the button under the depiction of General Thorm seated on a throne completes the puzzle.
Unlocking Access to the Gauntlet of Shar
Pressing the three buttons in the correct chronological order instantly disarms the mechanism and opens a secret doorway. The wall behind the final painting retracts to reveal a hidden elevator chamber. Descending via this platform grants entry to the expansive Gauntlet of Shar trials beneath the tomb.
It is highly recommended to bring Shadowheart along when stepping onto the elevator, as this location holds major relevance to her personal story arc. Entering the lower levels leads directly into encounters with Justiciar undead and intricate Shar trials. Successfully solving the mausoleum puzzle is the first vital step toward uncovering the true secrets behind Ketheric Thorm's immortality.