Defeat Ketheric Thorm: Difference between revisions

Depending on the player's actions in [[Find Ketheric Thorm's Relic]] and [[Resolve the Abduction]]/[[Capture Isobel the Selûnite Cleric]], the party's state after going on the rooftop of [[Moonrise Towers]] is very different.

If the party worked with [[Balthazar]] and sent the [[Nightsong]] to [[Ketheric Thorm]] and [[Isobel]] was kidnapped or killed, then the party stands judgment before the Absolute and is taken to Balthazar's Necrotic Library after Ketheric realizes the party possesses the [[Astral Prism]]. When the party comes to, they are trapped in Profane Wombs and must escape before Balthazar can complete the ritual. After escaping, Balthazar must be defeated. He is joined by several undead servants. If the party killed [[Dror Ragzlin]] and [[Minthara]], then their undead corpses are among them.

If [[Us]] was recruited on and survived the [[Nautiloid]], they can be found in the Morgue, caged by a creature named [[Chop]]. The party can stealthily lockpick the cage's door (DC 14) or attempt to persuade Chop to free [[Us]]. The party can use an Illithid Wisdom check (DC 14), a Persuasion check (DC 14), or an Intimidation check (DC 18). Failing the check makes Chop hostile.

Additionally, the [[Dark Mind]] and [[Slave Mind]] from the [[Prologue]] can be used here.

Th Mind Puzzle is on the southern end of the [[Necrotic Laboratory]] {{coords|737|-112}}. Interact with the console to learn it yearns to connect, choose to connect with it to start the puzzle. The puzzle involves connecting the various senses on one side to the corresponding sense on the other side of the nodes. Completing the puzzle opens up a locked door which contains the Waking Mind and a [[Blade of Oppressed Souls]]. There is also a Desecrated Relief that sheds more light on the Grand Design.

Within the [[Tadpoling Centre]], a number of not yet infected prisoners can be set free, at the risk of also releasing a number of Mind Flayers. This is part of [[Find Zevlor]]. North of the prisoners is [[Zariel|Zariel's]] asset, who can be freed as part of [[Wyll|Wyll's]] companion quest, [[The Blade of Frontiers]].

[[Kressa Bonedaughter]] is in the Barracks, giving a speech to [[Hairy Henry]], [[Ironfinger]], and [[Maghtew Budj]]. If the party gets too close to her, she calls them out as most likely being intruders. She can be talked down with a Deception check (DC 21) or simply fought. For [[Dark Urge]] characters, there is unique dialogue with Kressa that reveals more about their past life, but a fight is unavoidable with her specifically for this origin.

Once the party has located the Neural Apparatus on the eastern end of the Colony, they must descend to face Thorm. Next to the Apparatus is a restoration chamber that grants the party all the benefits of a long rest in preparation for the final confrontation. After descending and opening the door, a scene plays which reveals that Thorm is joined by two collaborators - [[Gortash]] and [[Orin the Red]] - as well as a captive Grand Duke, [[Ulder Ravengard]]. The trio use Netherstones to control an [[The Netherbrain|Elder Brain]] using a Netherese crown. If Gale is in the party, he must be talked down from sacrificing himself by detonating his Netherese Orb, otherwise the game ends early with an ominous note that mass-ceremorphosis has occurred all over the Sword Coast.

Approach Thorm, who threatens the party. There is one last chance to speak to Thorm. Using a Persuasion check (DC 18), he can be talked down somewhat - skipping the first half of his fight. Otherwise, Ketheric fights the party to the death. If the Nightsong was captured or freed, they need to go to her and use the help action to free her. Additionally, if Isobel was kidnapped, she is there alongside Thorm and fights with him. After the first half of the fight, Thorm falls into a pit and transforms into the [[Apostle of Myrkul]]. Defeat it and Myrkul abandons Thorm, who finally dies for good. Take his Netherstone and go to the portal to return to the ground floor of Moonrise Towers. Thorm has been defeated and the party can move on to Baldur's Gate for [[Act Three]].