How do I access the hidden area in the House of Healing in Baldur's Gate 3?

To access the hidden area in the House of Healing in Baldur's Gate 3, you need to follow a series of steps that involve exploration, dialogue, and sometimes combat. The House of Healing is located in the Shadow-Cursed Lands, and it is a place filled with dark secrets and hidden areas that can be easily missed if you are not paying close attention. The hidden area in question is a secret room that contains valuable loot and important story elements. Here is a detailed guide on how to access it.

First, you need to enter the House of Healing. This building is located in the western part of the Shadow-Cursed Lands, near the Last Light Inn. Once inside, you will encounter several NPCs, including Sister Lidwin, who is one of the main characters in this area. The House of Healing is a place where the Sisters of Sel├╗ne conduct their dark experiments, and the atmosphere is quite eerie. You will notice that the building is filled with beds and medical equipment, but there is something off about the place.

To find the hidden area, you need to explore the building thoroughly. Start by talking to Sister Lidwin. She will give you some information about the experiments being conducted in the House of Healing. Pay close attention to her dialogue, as it contains hints about the hidden area. After speaking with her, you should explore the rooms on the ground floor. Look for any suspicious objects or areas that might indicate a hidden passage. One of the rooms has a bookshelf that can be moved to reveal a hidden door. This is the entrance to the secret area.

Moving the bookshelf requires a successful Strength check. If you have a character with high Strength, such as a Barbarian or a Fighter, you can attempt to move the bookshelf yourself. If not, you can use a spell like "Enhance Ability" to increase your Strength temporarily. Alternatively, you can use a character with the "Mage Hand" spell to move the bookshelf from a distance. Once the bookshelf is moved, you will see a hidden door that leads to a secret room.

Inside the secret room, you will find several valuable items, including potions, scrolls, and a unique piece of armor. There is also a journal that provides more information about the experiments conducted in the House of Healing. This journal is important for understanding the story and can be used to make informed decisions later in the game. Additionally, there is a hidden chest that contains rare loot. To open the chest, you need to pass a Perception check to find the hidden latch. If you fail the check, you can use the "Knock" spell to open the chest without needing to find the latch.

One common mistake players make is rushing through the House of Healing without thoroughly exploring each room. This can cause you to miss the hidden area entirely. Another mistake is not paying attention to the dialogue with Sister Lidwin, which contains important hints about the hidden area. It is also important to have a character with high Perception or the "Guidance" spell to help with finding hidden objects and traps.

Advanced techniques for accessing the hidden area include using the "Invisibility" spell to avoid combat with the NPCs in the House of Healing. This allows you to explore the building without being detected. You can also use the "Detect Thoughts" spell to gain more information from Sister Lidwin, which can help you find the hidden area more easily. Additionally, having a character with the "Thieves' Tools" proficiency can help you unlock any locked doors or chests you encounter.

In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the hidden area in the House of Healing is a good example of how the game uses skill checks and spells to create a sense of exploration and discovery. The Strength check to move the bookshelf and the Perception check to find the hidden latch are both based on the D&D 5E rules. The game also uses the "Knock" spell and "Mage Hand" spell in ways that are consistent with the D&D rules, allowing players to use their creativity to solve problems.

In conclusion, accessing the hidden area in the House of Healing requires careful exploration, attention to dialogue, and the use of skill checks and spells. By following the steps outlined above, you can uncover the secrets of the House of Healing and gain valuable loot and story information. Remember to take your time, use your abilities wisely, and pay attention to the details to ensure you do not miss anything important.