Durlag's Tower Level 4 Walkthrough
Durlag's Tower Level 4 is a cRPG dungeon in BioWare's cRPG of 1998-99, Baldur's Gate. Durlag's Tower Level 4 is the Labyrinth of Durlag's Ghost. Players who reach this point have delved to the utmost depths of Durlag's Tower - and better be ready to explore the final labyrinth hosted by the best dungeon crawl in cRPG history.
This labyrinth is visually unique in that the dwarf-worked stone is contrasted with "natural" caverns, oozing with toxic pools of sludge that inflict continual damage when walked upon. It is replete with the deadliest of traps, secret passageways, impregnable vaults and hasted hostiles as standard. BioWare could easily have gone overboard with cRPG Itemization, but no: far from the Monty Haul that characterizes the sequel, they exercised restraint.
Durlag Trollkiller: Phantom
The player begins smack dab in the center of the labyrinth, a stone hall in which the shimmering phantom of Durlag Trollkiller awaits. The phantom reveals that "three paths" must be understood in order for "the way" to become clear.
It also alludes to a New Evil, one not of the tower, that must be expelled: the Demon Knight, a fell servant of the abyss briefly glimpsed by the party when they first stepped foot into the tower (Recap image.)
The object of the labyrinth is to explore three main sections, perform a task in each, and answer an evocative riddle in the compass chamber when you are teleported there, each time. Then, and only then, Durlag's phantom will grant you access to the lair of the Demon Knight, whom you must vanquish in order to procure the Soultaker.
Section order does not matter, however I am going to proceed in the order I have deemed most effective.
Durlag's Tower Riddles: First Path
First up, the door to the immediate south opens to a bridge over a molten lake, that in turn leads to a passage ending at a spiders nest in the far west; home to an astral phase spider and two each or phase spider, sword spider and ettercap. These foes will pierce and poison an unprepared party in the blink of an eye, but it would have been more challenging if Web was used for disablement.
Below right: It seems there are fathomless depths below.
Below right: It seems there are fathomless depths below.
Stone Golem Riddle Answers
Standing in an alcove is an inanimate stone golem who poses riddles about Durlag's family. Then, the stone golem teleports the party to an entirely separate area: the compass chamber.
The riddles posed by the stone golem are semi-random. The answers to the riddles are:
- Answer 1: Islanne
- Answer 2: Thunderaxe
- The other answers are Troll Killer and Fuernebol
There is an important hint here pertaining to the second path (above right).
Compass Chamber
Here in the compass chamber the first riddle is posed by a stone golem in the north (below right) and one hint is given by each of the three others in the east, south and west (below left).
The north golem represents Durlag, the east and south his craftsmen and Clan, and the west the Doppelgangers.
The player must choose the one correct answer (below right) from a pool of six options: an exercise in comprehension.
If the wrong option is chosen the party is punished by an arcane bombardment; if the right answer is chosen they are whisked away to the phantom of Durlag in preparation for the next path.
Once the three paths have been understood - well, you will see what happens..
Stone Golem Riddle 1
From the west it came, and then the south. The east held it next, and now it rests in the north.
Second Path
Next up, a bone wardstone must be recovered in the northwest forge and inserted into a machine in the central west in order to bypass the deadly "rune carpet" rolled out along the floor in the adjacent storage room.
Wardstones are not identified as in previous labyrinths, and the runes are trapped with unavoidable Lightning Bolt and Cloudkill which cannot be survived.
Oddly, the party member who looted the rune needs to be the one to insert it into the machine; they will insert it even if it's in possession of another.
Bone Wardstone item code: MISC2L.
Islanne Phantom
En route to this section the party will encounter the phantom of Durlag's wife, Islanne, whose only purpose is to instantly transport them to the drawbridge outside of the tower, should they request it. No doubt this service was added to relieve parties of having to backtrack through vast areas of dungeon in the case of inventory overload or party decimation; however, there is no "fast travel" back, so you would have to be desperate or be done with the tower (i.e, have vanquished the Demon Knight and recovered the Soultaker).
Trapped and locked chests in the storage room may be looted for the best shield in the campaign (Large Shield +2), Arla's - Dragonbane (Sling +3), Krotan's Skullcrusher (Mace +2), Leather Armor +3 and over 5,000 GP.
Rune Carpet
Once the wardstone is inserted into the machine, the carpet may safely be crossed and the outstretched leather "clicked on" to trigger teleportation into the compass chamber, where the second riddle is posed.
Stone Golem Riddle 2
It began with you and your need for a home. It grew with your clan, as you feared losing them. It manifested in the invaders that came, but you feared their coming already. It became your home, where it keeps you safe.
The correct answer is given and the party is again whisked away to the entry hall.
Third Path
Two secret doors lead to "natural" caverns that sprawl out to the south, teeming with greater ghouls (x16) and crypt crawlers.
A toxic substance oozes over parts of its surface, inflicting continual damage when walked upon. This will also damage enemies.
Mushroom colonies and ooze pools hold various treasures.
Below left: A trio of wizards contemplate the nature of the sludge and how to negotiate it.
Below right: The stealthy Coran conducts recon deep within a passageway, revealing a pack of foes that are not to be trifled with. But where are my Gelatinous Cubes?
Grael
In the far south awaits Grael, a super-ghoul backed up by a pair each of greater ghoul and crypt crawler sporting on-hit paralysis and disease.
Compass Wardstone
All approaches to dialogue will fail with Grael, including the empathic... it is too far gone, and must be slain for the compass wardstone.
Below: Grael hints at the tanar'ri encased by Durlag, warning of its petrification gaze. Ignore him at your peril!
This wardstone is used to break into the eastern vault to access the Throne, the third teleport to the compass chamber.
Compass Wardstone item code: MISC2K.
Durlag's Vault & Treasure
Players will feel they have hit the jackpot in two chambers of this section: the vault glittering with 14,000 GP and gems of every kind, up to the legendary Rogue Stone; the gold-gilded chest en route to the vault holding Flametongue and the Staff of Striking - the latter a wicked backstabbing weapon:
Staff of Striking (quarterstaff +3, 1d6 +9, limited charges)
Flametongue (longsword +1, +2 vs. regenerating, +3 vs. cold-using, +4 vs. undead)
This is one of the most rewarding treasure-hauls I've seen in a cRPG, yet BioWare didn't go overboard to make it feel this way: it's almost perfectly-balanced itemization.
Below left: One can just imagine Durlag seated in this vault, not basking in the golden glory of his plunder but wondering if he should beef up the security..
Stone Golem Riddle 3
The blame begins with the invaders, but they attacked with supposed good reason. It could be on your people, but they were in the shelter of your confidence. The craftsmen only did their jobs as directed. In your eyes, you are the one to blame for all that has happened.
The third and final riddle.
The Way is Clear
With the paths understood the phantom of Durlag trundles north and removes a solid stone wall, clearing the way to the last chamber where entry to the lair of the Demon Knight is granted.
Clair De'lain
Here is Clair De'lain, a survivor of the adventuring party that was wiped out by the Demon Knight and its Mirror of Opposition (explained below).
.If there is evil to be fought, I will defeat it. - Charname.
There is always evil to be fought... within and without... - Durlag's Ghost.
There is always evil to be fought... within and without... - Durlag's Ghost.
Demon Knight: Fell Servant of the Abyss
Standing on the central platform of the circular lair is the Demon Knight, his Mirror of Opposition beside him and draped in blood-velvet. His plan? To have adventurers clean out the tower and then reshape it into his own stronghold.
Death welcomes you!
Demon Knight Stats
The Demon Knight is a 15th level Fighter-Mage. Offensively, he has a THAC0 of -5 and inflicts an average of 21.5 slashing damage at a rate of 3½ ApR, wielding a +5 two-handed sword as Grandmaster.
In addition, the Demon Knight's arcane repertoire consists of Fireball, Dispel Magic, all Symbols and all high-level Power Words -- spells the player won't have access to until the sequel.
Below right: As a result, the seven mirror fiends surround him!
How to Beat the Demon Knight
The first is to simply send in your tank / damage dealer (cf. warrior companions) to whale away upon the Demon Knight as your archers fire a hail of arrows down from the ledge. For veteran players who know how to equip such a tank against the Demon Knight's spells and melee attacks, this is the simplest and most reliable tactic.
Mirror of Opposition
The second is to send in your stealthy scout to shatter the mirror and immediately retreat to the safety of the ledge as seven "mirror fiends" manifest (most notably, a flesh golem, two greater doppelgangers and a second "Demon Knight") - all of which are hostile to both the Demon Knight and party. Then just "wait it out", concealed by the fog of war, until the Demon Knight falls under their sustained assault. You will have to mop up any left-over mirror fiends, though.
Monstrous Backstab
Yet another way (depicted below-left) is to have a Fighter Thief dual-class backstab the Demon Knight for 90 damage, and then chunk him with follow-up attacks. This foe wears a helm and is therefore immune to the double damage of crits. The 90 dmg was inflicted by the (hitherto unused) Staff of Striking [STAF05], which then dissipated in my hands after the huge opening blow and then switched to Flametongue [SW1H24], the next weapon in my quickslot.
Note: The Demon Knight's Dispel Magic does not dispel buffs from potions.
So! The Demon Knight has been vanquished - Durlag's Tower has been cleansed!
Soultaker Dagger
The soultaker dagger is taken from the corpse of the Demon Knight (above right), to be delivered to Hurgan Stoneblade in Ulgoth's Beard.
Dalton was cowering on the ledge as the battle raged around him. It's a nice touch that we get to say goodbye to both he and the astonished Clair. Dalton is part of a very minor quest in Ulgoth's Beard.
As mentioned earlier, the phantom of Islanne grants instant passage to the surface. This barren wasteland is like a breath of fresh air after such a lengthy delve under the tower...
And that is Durlag's Tower covered in its entirety; a wonderful dungeon crawl that doubles as a thoughtful allegory on the emotion of fear - but this part of Tales of the Sword Coast has not yet concluded... a greater foe has been hinted at, one to whom the Demon Knight was answerable!
With the Soultaker artifact in hand the heroic dungeon delvers embark on the two day march back to the sea-side village of Ulgoth's Beard.
Soultaker Dagger item code: DAGG10.
Ulgoth's Beard
Your soul shall be fodder! - Cultist.
Upon arrival the party is confronted by fanatical cultists led by a wizard who demands they hand over Soultaker. In true BioWare style, the choice to comply or not is illusory: either way, the wizard simply takes the artifact and casts Dimension Door to flee the scene - leaving the party to battle a throng that includes two assassins with a triple backstab modifier.
Below right: Watch the chickens with those magic missiles! One could be Melicamp!
Hurgan Stoneblade
Inside Ulgoth's Inn Hurgan Stoneblade comes clean (recap image) after being informed of the party's loss of Soultaker to the cultists: it is revealed the essence of a tanar'ri (nabassu) is encased in Soultaker! And the worst part is? The cult - who worshiped the tanar'ri as a god centuries ago - are determined to once again release the demon into the world!
The object is to explore Ulgoth's Beard in search of the cultist base; then, cut a swathe through throngs of them in order to find and slay the tanar'ri.
Cultists
A conspicuous cultist is taunted and skull-bombed outside a house (below left); inside, the Wizard who stole the Soultaker is zapped by lightning bolts along with his brethren (below right). However, the artifact was not on his corpse so the party heads downstairs to track it down.
Cultist Ritual Chamber: The Beast Unleashed
Welcome to the awakening... your soul shall feed the beast that comes! - Tracea.
To the party's dismay Tracea Carol breaks the Soultaker to complete their demonic ritual and draw forth the tanar'ri! Named Aec'Letec, this nabassu stands over a summoning circle inscribed in the center of the chamber and is encircled by six cultists from whose souls it respawns upon being vanquished. Therefore, the soul-fodder must first be slain so that Aec'Lectic need only be bested once - which is no mean feat, as is.
By all that is right and holy, you will not succeed! - Charname.
By all that is loud and windy, will you please shut up! - Tracea.
Next up: The finale: Aec'Letec Baldur's Gate!
| 1. Durlag's Tower Walkthrough | 2. Durlag's Tower Level 1 | 3. Durlag's Tower Level 2 |
| 4. Durlag's Tower Level 3 | 5. Durlag's Tower Level 4 | 6. Aec'Letec Baldur's Gate |
| Werewolf Island Walkthrough | Baldur's Gate Walkthrough | Baldur's Gate 1 (Index) |
Durlag's Tower Review
Durlag's Tower Presentation
Polished & motivating. Ike's sensational theatrics and the scripted tour succeed in drawing the player in. If the player inadvertently bypasses that and discovers the tower on their own - well, that's one hell of a discovery they will never forget. The FMV on approach is about as foreboding as it gets..
Durlag's Tower Exploration
Vast & varied. A barren approach, walkable battlements, a multi-level tower hosting many rooms (some opulent, others spartan), external staircases leading to the roof, and four sprawling labyrinths beneath. What more do you want?
Durlag's Tower Atmosphere
Intense & brooding. It's a pity pitch-black darkness was not implemented to necessitate the use of a hand-held or wall-mounted torches and Infravision (the group infravision option in the menu would need to be removed). Ambiance is of a high standard as per other areas of the campaign.
Durlag's Tower Writing
Evocative & meaningful. Read the riddles, read the rhymes; the lore, the history. The allegory on fear is brilliant and shows this dungeon is about more than just killing monsters and taking their stuff. Even some of the item descriptions will surprise; consider the bottle of wine, fermented for Love:
When you breathe the wine deeply, memories of lost loves come rushing back and you find your eyes filling with tears.
That is a nice touch. In general BG1 has superior writing to BG2, anyway. BG2's riddles were pathetic: the ones in Spellhold were merely Tolkien ones, rearranged.
Durlag's Tower Area Design
Navigation relies on solving puzzles, teleportation and wardstones. Tricks, traps and secret doors permeate. Narrow corridors connect chambers. Subsequent IE dungeons did away with them due to pathing concerns and lost something in the process: claustrophobia and realism. Wide corridors that you can drive a truck through just don't do it for me. Structures and terrain are rarely used to tactical effect (IWD series' dungeons are superior here).
Durlag's Tower Itemization
Sensible & useful. It feels rewarding without going Monty Haul. Enchantment is capped at +3, but mostly +2. There are no uber-weapons, obscenely OP items or spell scrolls thrown about like confetti (the fifth circle scrolls are rare finds). Utility potions and ammo are perhaps too common and Erdane's vendor inventory is too generous with regard to ammo.
Durlag's Tower Encounter Design
The highlights are the Dwarven Warders (Pride, Avarice, Fear & Love), the Phoenix Guard challenge, the Chessboard and the Demon Knight. Timed respawns are welcome (and not seen in other IE RPGs) but default and on-rest spawns are perhaps not punishing enough.
Durlag's Tower Demands
At least a party of four at max-level, or near to it. While soloable for veterans at low level, the crawl demands a balanced party composition for new or average players. Thieves are paramount in order to deal with locks and traps; one divine spell-caster (Druid or Cleric) is necessary for healing/(de)buffing; and one each of tank, archer and arcane buffer / bombardier is advisable. I would also recommend a Bard for EZ ID. It's good to see that Durlag's Tower (and BG in general) did not relegate Thieves and Clerics to fifth wheels, as the sequel foolishly did. Healing spells aside, Dispel Magic is the most useful utility spell and Web disablement and Skull Trap bombings are highly effective.
Durlag's Tower Legacy
Icewind Dale and Icewind Dale 2 dungeons were impressive, but they lack the focus on atmosphere and the extra dimension of allegory for which Durlag's Tower is famous.
Below: A nice little flavor convo we can have with a nobleman enjoying the weather at Ulgoth's docks.
Below: A nice little flavor convo we can have with a nobleman enjoying the weather at Ulgoth's docks.
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