Navigating the mysterious Arcane Tower in the Underdark of Baldur's Gate 3 presents players with unique lore-driven encounters. At the peak of this magical structure stands Bernard, an animated construct guardian who responds exclusively to lines of poetry scattered throughout the building. Selecting the correct dialogue choices allows you to avoid a dangerous battle, receive valuable rewards, and unlock secret areas of the tower.

Where to Find the Arcane Tower Literature

Before speaking to Bernard on the top floor, you must search the lower levels to locate specific play texts and notes. Reading these items unlocks the exact dialogue options needed to command the construct. Make sure your character actually interacts with and reads each piece of literature rather than simply opening the inventory.

Key locations include the bedroom floor where you can discover The Roads to Darkness and a torn-out paper note. Additionally, check the greenhouse level for the Threadbare book and the main entrance level for the dusty book. Gathering these literary pieces ensures you have every peaceful and utility command available during the encounter.

Initial Pacification Dialogue Choice

When you first approach Bernard, the construct will address you with a line of poetry and wait for an appropriate response. To prevent Bernard and the nearby animated armors from turning hostile, you must select the phrase derived from The Roads to Darkness. Choosing "Or art thou friend, a rescue from my lonely wake?" convinces the automaton that you are its recognized master.

Successfully reciting this opening stanza grants your party immediate experience points and placates the constructs. This single line opens the door to further interactions without resorting to combat. If you fail to select this option, the entire room will attack you instantly.

Unlocking Secret Rewards and the Basement

Once Bernard is pacified, you can recite other stanzas to obtain specific items and interactions. Quoting the Threadbare book with the line "How can I trust? How will I ever know?" prompts Bernard to give you the Guiding Light ring. Equipping this magical ring reveals a hidden elevator button that provides access to the tower's secret basement.

For extra utility, reciting lines from the patched parchment will reward you with a potion or healing scroll. You can also choose the emotional line from the torn-out paper to receive a brief hug from the construct. Players interested in mastering complex encounters like this often check for comprehensive strategies across different roleplaying scenarios.

Avoiding the Hostile Command Line

While exploring the dialogue options, one specific response triggers an immediate battle regardless of your previous choices. Selecting the verse "There is a light in every living thing" causes Bernard to view your party as a threat. Use this line only if you intend to destroy the construct for its unique weapon drop.

Defeating Bernard in combat yields the Light of Creation, a powerful polearm weapon that deals additional lightning damage. However, peaceful completion provides enough rewards and lore context to satisfy most playthroughs. Managing these options carefully guarantees a smooth navigation through one of the Underdark's most intriguing side quests.