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Near one of the entrances to the Ebonlake Grotto (the Myconid Colony) in the Underdark of Baldur’s Gate 3, you may come across a frantic woman who asks if you’ve seen her husband, Baelen, during your travels through the Underdark. This interaction starts the “Mushroom Picker” quest.
So where is he, and how do we rescue him in Baldur’s Gate 3? We have compiled a quick guide to help you track down Baelen and solve this mystery once and for all.
How to Start the Mushroom Picker Quest
To start the quest, seek out Derryth Bonecloak within the Myconid Colony. This is a vendor you can find in the western area of Ebonlake Grotto.
Derryth is Baelen’s wife, who is looking for her wayward husband. While she may not exude an overwhelming sense of urgency, your commitment to aiding her in this quest will surely be remembered. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, would be to rescue Baelen and bring back the Noblestalk mushroom(s) he set out to pick.
The Story of Baelen
Baelen, it appears, has ventured deep into a sprawling mushroom field, seemingly oblivious to the danger that lurks within. If you approach him, he warns you with a single word, “Bibberbang.” These are no ordinary mushrooms; they possess a volatile secret and will release a cloud of noxious and flammable fumes, and to make matters worse, there’s a lit torch in sight and within range.
With Baelen unwittingly ensnared within this hazardous botanical tapestry, rescuing him is of utmost importance. Only then can he reunite with his anxious wife and continue his existence within the Myconid Colony. However, the path to his salvation is riddled with challenges, demanding strategic moves at every step.
Finding Baelen’s Location on the Map
Baelen is directly northwest of the Myconid Colony waypoint and northeast of the Sussur Tree waypoint. Its coordinates are X: -23 and Y: -62.
If you start this quest while inside Myconid Colony, there is a convenient route to Baelen’s rescue. Start venturing westward, and you’ll encounter an intriguing sight: a series of mushrooms that double as stepping stones. Cross these fungi to access a new road, which will lead you further northward until you reach a critical intersection.
As you follow this route, keep a watchful eye on your map, which will graciously mark Baelen’s approximate location to the west of the Myconid Colony.
While on this path, you might even encounter a patrolling monster. Should this intimidating presence cross your path, exercise caution and patience. Wait for the opportune moment to proceed, ensuring a safer journey towards your goal.
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Saving Baelen in Baldur’s Gate 3
To help him out, you need to bring him his bag. It contains a couple of Scrolls of Misty Step that will make your quest easier.
There are various ways to save Baelen. With the Bibberbang-infested field presenting a fiery threat, adventurers must employ ingenuity and resourcefulness to secure Baelen’s safety. Here, we delve into clever tactics to save Baelen while preserving your spells and reaping potential rewards.
Flying Summons and Mage Hand
Flying summons, such as a Warlock’s Conjured Imp, come in handy while rescuing Baelen. These ethereal companions can soar above the treacherous Bibberbang field, retrieve Baelen’s bag, and bring it to him.
Once his bag is within reach, Baelen can utilize the Scroll of Misty Step to teleport to safety autonomously. Alternatively, you can use the Mage Hand cantrip, usable (by default) by companions Gale and Lae’zel, which can serve a similar purpose. This way, you can conserve your spell slots for more climatic moments.
The Scroll of Misty Step Approach
You can attempt to toss a Scroll of Misty Step over the Bibberbang field to him. However, be aware that this method carries a degree of uncertainty, and your attempt might fail. Nevertheless, it can be a valuable option if executed successfully.
Misty Step: A Direct Intervention
For those who have Misty Step spell at their disposal, you can intervene directly by teleporting to Baelen’s bag, located near the far western well of the field.
From this vantage point, you can retrieve his bag and toss it to Baelen. If your character lacks the strength for this task, you can just throw this Scroll of Misty Step to Baelen. With two Scrolls of Misty Step in the bag, you can opt to keep one for yourself to use later. Doing so allows you to return to safety after Baelen is rescued.
Speak to him to initiate his departure, and as a reward, Baelen will generously bestow upon you a Scroll of Invisibility before making his way back to the Myconid Colony.
Don’t Forget the Noblestalk
As you navigate the Bibberbang field on the eastern side, take note of the precious Noblestalk, which was Baelen’s intended target and mission. While it may face destruction if the field erupts in flames, gathering it using one of the following methods discussed can be a wise move. Once you’ve secured the Noblestalk, return to Derryth and Baelen at the Myconid Colony, potentially unlocking further rewards or benefits for your resourcefulness.
The Takeaway
In conclusion, the quest to rescue Baelen is an intricate puzzle within Baldur’s Gate 3, demanding clever tactics and strategic thinking. With these tactics in mind, you can navigate the challenges of the Bibberbang field and emerge as the hero who ensured Baelen’s safe return to the Myconid Colony!
