Screenshot by PC Invasion

By the end of your adventure in Baldur’s Gate 3, you will gain more knowledge about the Absolute and the Emperor’s ability to protect you from its influence. In a bid to suppress the Absolute, the Emperor has trapped Orpheus, the githyanki prince, in the Astral Plane. However, you have the opportunity to free Orpheus from his chains which can help in the battle against the Elder Brain and aid Lae’zel’s quest. Here’s how you can achieve this in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Quest Guide: ‘Free Orpheus’ in Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3 does not provide exact directions on how to rescue the githyanki prince. You can choose between two paths: one that keeps him alive and another that involves harnessing his power. To free Orpheus in Baldur’s Gate 3, you must use the Orphic Hammer to break the chains. If you prefer not to keep him alive, you can allow either the Emperor or one of the party members who has been turned into an Illithid to consume his brain and absorb his power.

Acquiring the Orphic Hammer in Baldur’s Gate 3

If you decide to follow the path of keeping Orpheus alive, you’ll need to interact with Raphael. This cambion devil possesses the Orphic Hammer, and you can find him at Sharess’ Caress in Wyrm’s Crossing. Speak to the woman at the front desk to get information about visiting a devil, which turns out to be Raphael himself.

If you agree to a deal with Raphael, he will give you the Orphic Hammer and assist in curing your parasite problem in exchange for the Crown of Karsus. The crown is a powerful artifact used by the Elder Brain. Keep in mind that accepting this deal is risky as you do not know Raphael’s true intentions with the crown.

Stealing the Orphic Hammer in Baldur’s Gate 3

If you are not interested in making a deal with Raphael, there is an alternative way to steal the Orphic Hammer. Visit the Devil’s Fee in the Lower City. Inside the building, you will need to find some ritual items located upstairs in order to access a portal leading to the House of Hope. The items can be purchased from the lady at the front desk, but they come at a high price.

• Diamond: Locked in a medium-sized chest.
• Incense: Sitting on a table.
• Skull: Inside a wooden box.
• Infernal Marble: Locked in a large chest.
• Coin of Mammon: Locked in a small chest beside the bed.

All five items are located throughout the upstairs room, but ensure you have Thieves’ Tools with you. Once you have the items, place each one on the ritual circle as shown in the image above. This will open a portal to the House of Hope in Avernus.

Once you are in Raphael’s abode, locate the Archive. The Orphic Hammer will be there, but some tasks must be completed before you can steal it. Firstly, you need to deactivate the protective shield surrounding the hammer. Below a painting in the Boudoir, you will find a button. To gain access to the Boudoir, either convince the Archivist in the Archive to provide a pass or pickpocket it from him.

Next, you will need to defeat the Haarleep who is lying in the bed in the Boudoir. Retrieve the Safe Key from his body, then press the button below the painting of Raphael and open the safe. By reading the notes, you will uncover the secret words needed to deactivate the barrier.

However, be prepared to engage in a fight with Raphael if you choose to steal the Orphic Hammer. Once you have the hammer, the next time you find yourself in the Astral Plane, break the chains holding Orpheus and set him free!

Baldur’s Gate 3 is available on Steam.