How to Successfully Navigate the Ornate Mirror in Baldur’s Gate 3

Completing every Baldur’s Gate 3 side quest can be daunting, but don’t let the Ornate Mirror and its challenging Balsam Ointment question throw you off track. Passing its test is crucial to maintaining access to the Necromancy of Thay questline.

While the conversation isn’t particularly difficult, the Ornate Mirror reacts swiftly. Here’s a comprehensive guide to all of BG3’s Ornate Mirror answers for those eager to succeed in its checks.

Where to Find the Ornate Mirror in Baldur’s Gate 3

To locate the Ornate Mirror, head to Act One’s Blighted Village. Enter the building adjacent to the glowing Waypoint and search for a wooden hatch behind the bar. Climb down into the cellar and proceed toward the back northern wall to find a lever concealed behind some crates.

Follow the winding tunnel along the right wall, and you’ll soon encounter the Ornate Mirror. It’s relatively easy to find in this small space, so take a moment to explore and collect additional items.

Interacting with the Ornate Mirror initiates Skill Checks, so it’s advisable to save first. A wrong answer could lock you out of the secrets it guards.

Complete List of BG3 Ornate Mirror Answers

Here are all of the Ornate Mirror’s answers in BG3:

• “Tell it your name” or “Yes, an ally! I’m an ally of your master’s.”
• “Szass Tam is a foul, wretched creature” or “A foul lich. May he die a thousand more deaths.”
• “To clean a wound?”
• Any answer except “I’d see the ones I love.”

The BG3 Ornate Mirror is not an ordinary mirror; it’s a mysterious spectral gateway blocking your path. In my playthrough as a half-drow, half-elf warlock, the prompts reflected my character’s background. However, we’ll focus on answers applicable to any class or character.

Before you start, you might also bypass Baldur’s Gate 3’s Ornate Mirror question section if you have a high Charisma or Strength. You can attempt to pass DC 15 checks by threatening to destroy the mirror. Additionally, you can read the Dark Journal, which we’ll explore later, and impersonate Ilyn Toth with a DC 15 Persuasion Check.

Depending on your character class, the answers may be phrased differently but lead to the same correct outcome. Players of Origin characters like Gale or Lae’zel will find that certain answers regarding the Balsam Ointment and additional questions fit their profiles. Similarly, classes like wizard, ranger, or bard will also have class-specific responses that can be utilized.

Once you complete the Ornate Mirror’s quiz, you’ll gain access to the laboratory and uncover the room’s main secret: the Necromancy of Thay. After this, feel free to head northwest to take on another quest, Rescue the Trapped Man.

How to Discover the Answers to the Ornate Mirror Questions

In BG3, you can explore various books around the Apothecary’s house and cellar to delve into more about Szass Tam, Balsam Ointment, and other lore pieces. While many of these texts provide flavor, a few contain critical details, including the answers to the Ornate Mirror questions:

• The Apothecary’s Ledger found within the house reveals the cellar’s existence.
• The Healer’s Log located in the cellar notes that Balsam Ointment was used to clean a wound.
• The Dark Journal located in the casket at coordinates (X-667, Y: -316) tells the tale of someone fleeing from the Zulkirs.

You’ll also find various alchemical ingredients and potions, along with notes and books, scattered throughout the Apothecary’s residence. The cellar prominently features items like a Potion of Healing recipe book, Elixir of Poison Resistance, and other components to aid your alchemical pursuits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happens if I fail the Ornate Mirror test in Baldur’s Gate 3?

If you answer incorrectly, you risk being locked out of certain questlines, including the Necromancy of Thay.

Can I bypass the Ornate Mirror questions?

Yes, with high Charisma or Strength, you can attempt DC 15 checks to either threaten the mirror or use a Persuasion check based on your character’s abilities.

Where can I find useful books to help with the Ornate Mirror?

Books are located throughout the Apothecary’s house and cellar, offering insights into characters and lore that can guide you through the Ornate Mirror’s questions.

Are the Ornate Mirror answers the same for every character?

While the phrasing may vary, all characters can find suitable answers that lead to the same outcomes in the Ornate Mirror’s quiz.