Baldur's Gate 3 Runepowder Vial: Where to find Philomeen

Obtain the explosive Runepowder Vial in Baldur's Gate 3 by calming Philomeen. Follow steps, navigate dialogue, and embrace its crucial role in clearing obstacles.

by Ayisha

Updated Aug 19, 2023

Baldur's Gate 3 Runepowder Vial: Where to find Philomeen
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Baldur's Gate 3 Runepowder Vial

The Runepowder Vial in Baldur's Gate 3 is a crucial quest item with explosive properties. When ignited, it creates a devastating 6-meter radius explosion, forcing targeted creatures to make a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw, failing which they suffer 5d4 + 18 force damage, with half damage on a successful save.

This item can be obtained in various ways while interacting with Philomeen during the "Free True Soul Nere" quest and is instrumental in clearing the Rubble during "The Adamantine Forge" quest. It holds a weight of 0.3 Kg and a significant value of 920 Gp. The lore behind the Runepowder Vial traces its invention to Gaerdal Ironhand, the protector god of gnomes, who reputedly used a mere 23 vials of it to repel an assault led by Kurtulmak and his Kobold Delvers.

To acquire the Runepowder Vial in the game, players must navigate through a series of interactions and dialogue choices with Philomeen. Successfully calming her down using persuasive dialogue options is key to obtaining this explosive item. The Runepowder Vial plays a pivotal role in the game's narrative, particularly in scenarios where players need to clear obstructions and advance the storyline, making it a sought-after and valuable asset in Baldur's Gate 3.

Where to find Philomeen?

To find Philomeen in Baldur's Gate 3, follow these steps:

  • Return to the Docks in Grymforge: Start by returning to the docks in Grymforge's eastern section.
  • Encounter Duergars and Deep Gnome Corpses: At the docks, you'll come across Duergars and Deep Gnome corpses. Be prepared for an encounter.
  • Pass a Perception Check: To avoid a battle with the Duergars, you'll need to pass a Perception check and inspect the Deep Gnome corpses. This is a crucial step to progress without confrontation.
  • Unlock the Large Iron Door: After the Duergars depart, unlock the large iron door located next to the gnome corpses. You'll need lockpicking skills to open it.
  • Discover the Hidden Button: Inside the room, search for a hidden button. You'll need to pass another Perception Check to reveal it.
  • Reveal the Secret Passage: Press the hidden button, and a secret passage will be unveiled within the room.
  • Ascend the Stairs: Go up the revealed stairs while being prepared to deal with Ochre Jelly enemies along the way.
  • Encounter Philomeen: At the top of the stairs, you'll finally encounter Philomeen, who possesses the Runepowder Vial.

Remember that engaging in dialogue with Philomeen and using persuasive dialogue options to calm her down is essential to obtaining the Runepowder Vial from her successfully. 

How can one obtain the Runepowder Vial in Baldur's Gate 3?

Obtaining the Runepowder Vial in Baldur's Gate 3 involves a crucial dialogue sequence that holds significant importance for our objectives. If this conversation doesn't go as planned, it's advisable to save your game at this point. Philomeen, driven by fear, has fled, and your task now is to soothe her apprehensions, coaxing her into surrendering the coveted Runepowder Vial. Failing to calm her down can have adverse consequences for both her and your party.

When engaging in conversation with Philomeen, the goal is to employ dialogue options that will effectively pacify her:

  • "Let's calm down and discuss this."
  • "[Persuasion] Laridda sent me. The gnomes need your help."
  • "Calm down. Beldron's trapped in a cave-in, and I need the smokepowder."
  • "Let's make a deal."

Successfully persuading Philomeen to see reason and calming her nerves will lead to her relinquishing the Runepowder Vial that you require. She may also request that you convey false information to Laridda, claiming her demise. Following this encounter, you have the choice to either leave her be or take more drastic actions. Once in possession of the Runepowder Vial, you can swiftly return to the cave-in and proceed with the mission to rescue the Grymforge Gnomes.

Baldur's Gate 3 Overview

Baldur's Gate 3, developed and published by Larian Studios, stands as the third installment in the Baldur's Gate series, drawing its inspiration from the Dungeons & Dragons tabletop role-playing system. Initially, a partial version of the game was introduced in early access on October 6, 2020, available for macOS, Windows, and the Stadia streaming platform.

The game continued in this early access format until its complete release on Windows on August 3, 2023, with planned releases for macOS and PlayStation 5 set for September 6, 2023. Notably, the Stadia version was canceled due to Stadia's cessation. Baldur's Gate 3 garnered critical acclaim, with reviewers commending its gameplay, immersive narrative, extensive content, and substantial impact of player choices. However, the game faced criticism for technical issues that were prevalent at its initial launch.

Baldur's Gate 3 Gameplay

Baldur's Gate 3 stands as a multifaceted role-playing video game experience, offering both a solo-player adventure and an engaging cooperative multiplayer component. Within this immersive world, players are afforded the creative freedom to craft one or multiple characters, building a diverse party that can include computer-generated companions to embark on a journey through the game's rich narrative.

Furthermore, for those seeking collaborative adventures, the game extends an opportunity to select one of their characters and venture into the virtual realm to join forces with other players, creating a unified party. A notable departure from its predecessors in the Baldur's Gate series, Baldur's Gate 3 introduces a turn-based combat system, a distinctive feature reminiscent of Larian Studios' earlier works such as Divinity: Original Sin and Divinity: Original Sin II.

This combat approach adheres closely to the D&D 5th Edition rule set, providing players with a strategic and tactical battle environment where every move and decision is grounded in the intricate rules and mechanics of this celebrated tabletop role-playing system. This shift in combat mechanics marks a departure from the series' past and adds a fresh layer of depth and strategy to the game, aligning it with the established excellence of Larian Studios' RPG creations.

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Baldur's Gate 3 Runepowder Vial: Where to find Philomeen - FAQs

1. What is the Runepowder Vial in Baldur's Gate 3 used for?  

The Runepowder Vial creates a powerful explosion when ignited, helpful for clearing obstacles and dealing damage.

2. How can I obtain the Runepowder Vial in the game?  

To get the Runepowder Vial, you must engage with Philomeen during the "Free True Soul Nere" quest and employ persuasive dialogue choices.

3. Where can I find Philomeen in Baldur's Gate 3?  

Philomeen can be found by returning to the Docks in Grymforge and following a specific set of steps, as detailed in the provided information.

4. What happens if I fail to calm Philomeen down during the dialogue?  

Failing to calm her down may result in adverse consequences for both Philomeen and your party.

5. What role does the Runepowder Vial play in Baldur's Gate 3's storyline?  

The Runepowder Vial is essential for clearing obstructions and advancing the game's narrative.

 

6. Is Baldur's Gate 3 single-player or multiplayer?  

Baldur's Gate 3 offers both single-player and cooperative multiplayer modes.