Among the host of impressive NPCs you encounter in Baldur’s Gate 3, Elder Brithvar stands out as a Duergar leader with his fascinating character. He can be found in the Grymforge as early as Act 1 and is associated with four major quests in the game. Elder Brithvar embodies your typical battle-hardened Dwarven warrior who is looking out for what is best for his people.
The gruff no-nonsense exterior aside, Elder Brithvar is an effective leader and a worthy ally for any venture. He has strong feelings about a lot of things but none greater than his hate for the wicked True Soul Nere with whom he has a score to settle. Fascinating persona aside, what really makes Brithvar worth observing is the fact that he is still in his 30s and yet considered an elder in his community. This is a realistic representation of the life expectancy of the Deurgar and their constant strife with the various beings especially in Grymforge.
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Baldur’s Gate 3 Quests Associated With Elder Brithvar
The quests ‘Blind the Absolute’, ‘Find the Explosives’, and ‘Free True Souls Nere’ revolve around Elder Brithvar and require his participation to progress and conclude. Furthermore, he also plays a major role in the quest ‘Save the Grymforge Gnomes‘, provided he hasn’t died in any of the preceding quests. Following these quests and the interactions with Brithvar creates some memorable moments in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Elder Brithvar Location
Elder Brithvar is first encountered in Act 1 deep within the Grymforge. He can be found on the south side of the Grymforge Dock. When you meet him for the first time, he is seen having a discussion with his lieutenant Stone Guard Kur. He does not take kindly to you listening in on their conversation. He is a key part of the quest ‘Free True Souls Nere’ where you ultimately have to choose between Nere and Elder Brithvar.
Elder Brithvar Loot
As important as Elder Brithvar is for some of the crucial quests in Baldur’s Gate 3, it is possible to kill him at any point in the playthrough with some major repercussions of course. If you manage to kill him, you gain access to his inventory. His greatest possession is an ancestral weapon called the Deep Delver which has been passed on through the ages by his Dwarven kin. This unique war pick is an uncommon magic weapon and can deal quite a bit of damage. Elder Brithvar is also in possession of a vial of basic poison.
Also Read: Baldur’s Gate 3 Alfira NPC Guide – Interactions, Choices & Outcomes
Elder Brithvar Stats & Features
For a level 5 NPC, Elder Brithvar has some impressive stats with some useful passive features that complement his Dwarven lifestyle. Brithvar is a seasoned warrior who is accustomed to fighting in dungeons and deep crevices where there is very little light and room to move around. Given the hazardous nature of his underground abode, he is also immune to Poison.
Abilities Scores
- Strength: 18
- Dexterity: 12
- Constitution: 14
- Intelligence: 10
- Wisdom: 12
- Charisma: 12
He also gets a +3 Proficiency Bonus and a +1 to Initiative at the start of each battle.
Passive Features
Superior Darvision: This allows him to see in the dark up to 24 meters.
Dwarven Resilience: The tough Dwarven way of life has given all beings of this race including Dreurgar resilience to the effects of poison. This passive feature also offers Brithvar an advantage saving throw against poison damage.
Dreurgar Resilience: He also gains advantage on saving throws against illusion, charm, and paralysis spells. He is not completely immune to these attacks though.
Sunlight Sensitivity: The long years spent in the dark have made Elder Brithvar weak in broad daylight. He has a disadvantage on attack rolls and perception that rely on his sense of sight.
Extra Attack: Brithvar can deal an additional round of attack after exhausting his main attack.
All in all, Elder Brithvar is a unique NPC that brings Baldur’s Gate 3 to life. He adds some much-needed element of realism into the quests that he is associated with, along with a sense of purpose if you decide to side with him when required.
