Where can I find the hidden treasure in the Temple of Lathander in Baldur's Gate 3?

The hidden treasure in the Temple of Lathander in Baldur's Gate 3 is one of the more rewarding secrets you can uncover, but it requires careful exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat readiness. The temple is located in the Mountain Pass area, which you can access after completing certain story events in Act 1. The treasure is tied to the Dawnmaster's Crest, a key item that allows you to safely retrieve the powerful weapon known as the Blood of Lathander. Here's a detailed guide on how to find and secure this treasure.

First, you need to reach the Temple of Lathander. This area is accessible after youÔÇÖve dealt with the Goblin Camp and the Druid Grove situation in Act 1. Once youÔÇÖre in the Mountain Pass, head to the temple ruins. The temple is filled with traps, enemies, and environmental hazards, so proceed cautiously. YouÔÇÖll encounter Githyanki patrols and undead creatures, so make sure your party is well-prepared for combat. A balanced party with a mix of melee, ranged, and spellcasting abilities is ideal for handling the variety of threats youÔÇÖll face.

Once inside the temple, youÔÇÖll need to solve a puzzle to access the hidden treasure. The puzzle involves four ceremonial weapons: a mace, a spear, a warhammer, and a longsword. These weapons are scattered throughout the temple, and youÔÇÖll need to collect them and place them on the correct pedestals in the central chamber. The pedestals are marked with symbols that correspond to the weapons. The mace goes on the pedestal with the sun symbol, the spear on the crescent moon, the warhammer on the star, and the longsword on the dawn symbol. Placing the weapons correctly will open a hidden passage leading to the treasure.

Before attempting the puzzle, itÔÇÖs important to note that the temple is heavily trapped. Use a character with high Perception to detect and disarm traps, or cast spells like Detect Magic to identify magical traps. Rogues or characters with the Sleight of Hand skill are particularly useful here. Additionally, the temple is filled with environmental hazards like collapsing floors and falling debris, so move carefully and avoid rushing through areas.

Once the puzzle is solved and the hidden passage is open, youÔÇÖll find yourself in a chamber containing the Blood of Lathander, a legendary mace with powerful abilities. However, retrieving the weapon triggers a trap that causes the temple to collapse. To avoid this, you need the Dawnmaster's Crest, which can be found in the templeÔÇÖs inner sanctum. The crest is located in a locked room that requires a key or a successful lockpicking attempt. The key can be found on a nearby corpse or obtained by defeating certain enemies in the temple. Once you have the crest, place it in the slot near the Blood of Lathander before taking the weapon. This will deactivate the trap and prevent the temple from collapsing.

A common mistake players make is attempting to take the Blood of Lathander without the Dawnmaster's Crest, which results in the temple collapsing and potentially killing your party. Always ensure you have the crest before retrieving the weapon. Another mistake is not being prepared for the combat encounters in the temple. The Githyanki and undead enemies can be challenging, so make sure your party is well-equipped and has access to healing and crowd control abilities.

Advanced techniques include using stealth to avoid unnecessary combat and conserve resources. A character with high Stealth can sneak past enemies and traps, making the exploration process smoother. Additionally, using spells like Invisibility or Misty Step can help you bypass obstacles and reach the treasure more efficiently.

In terms of D&D mechanics, the templeÔÇÖs traps and puzzles are classic examples of dungeon design that challenge players to think critically and use their skills effectively. The Blood of Lathander itself is a powerful magical item that aligns with the D&D 5E rules, providing bonuses to attack rolls, damage, and healing. Its abilities make it a valuable asset for any party, especially for characters who rely on melee combat.

In summary, finding the hidden treasure in the Temple of Lathander requires careful exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat readiness. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully retrieve the Blood of Lathander and avoid the templeÔÇÖs deadly traps. Always ensure you have the Dawnmaster's Crest before taking the weapon, and be prepared for the challenges that await you in the temple. With the right strategy and preparation, youÔÇÖll be able to claim this powerful treasure and enhance your partyÔÇÖs capabilities for the adventures ahead.