Solve the Open Hand Temple Murders in Baldur’s Gate 3 is an Act 3 side quest that drops you into the middle of a tense murder investigation in Rivington. Father Lorgan, the temple’s well-respected leader, has been killed, and the Flaming Fist’s Investigator Valeria is convinced a refugee named Brilgor is to blame. Case closed, or so she claims. But if you’ve played Baldur’s Gate long enough, you know things are never that simple in this RPG.
The same is the scenario here; there is something suspicious about the case. By following leads, questioning the dead, and exploring a few very well-hidden city corners, you’ll uncover a conspiracy that stretches far beyond the temple walls. Our Baldur’s Gate 3 guide about “Solve the Open Hand Temple Murders” will explain everything to find the real killer and clear Brilgor’s name.
How to Start Solve the Open Hand Temple Murders in Baldur’s Gate 3
On your first arrival in Rivington at the beginning of Act 3, go to the Open Hand Temple. Entering the temple reveals a heated discussion between Investigator Valeria and many temple members. Valeria, a Hollyphant disguised in humanoid form, insists that the murder is already solved and claims a refugee named Brilgor allegedly killed Father Lorgan in a fit of rage, then took his own life.
Speak to Sister Yannis, who expresses doubt about this theory. She points out inconsistencies like the absence of motive and strange details surrounding the crime scene. She’ll tell you more about the temple’s inner tensions, how not everyone adored Father Lorgan as much as his sermons suggested. When you offer to help investigate, Solve the Open Hand Temple Murders quest starts.
Investigate the Temple and Father Lorgan’s Body
You first should go to Father Lorgan’s chamber, located in the southwest corner of the temple. Talk to Sister Rose the Penitent first, who is standing close to Lorgan’s bed. She is in a very angry mood about the leader’s murder and delivers her thoughts. His body is on the bed; using Speak with Dead (spell, scroll, or potion) allows you to ask him who killed him and why. Lorgan will deny Brilgor’s guilt and speak cryptically about his killer, but the details are vague.
Before leaving the temple, search the novice quarters. A false-bottom chest contains a journal that hints at Lorgan’s involvement in activities that could have made him a target. Though not definitive, this further gives strength to doubt considering the official story.
Find Brilgor’s Grave and Talk to Him
As Lorgan hasn’t provided a clear picture of the killer. You have to head to Brilgor’s grave to talk to him, which is behind the temple. Use a shovel to dig it up, then open the coffin. Brilgor’s corpse shows no signs of suicide, so it’s another red flag. Cast Speak with Dead to question Brilgor, he says he was murdered in the tunnels beneath the temple by a red-clad dwarf. It’s the first big crack in the Flaming Fist’s version of events, and it points you toward somewhere the investigation hasn’t yet gone: the underground.
Locate and Visit the Hidden Tunnels Beneath the Temple
There are two main ways to slip into the network of tunnels beneath the temple. The first one is from inside the temple, go to the kitchen and open the hatch (which Sister Yannis mentioned) to the basement.
In the cellar, look for two decorative wall crests, which a Perception check will highlight. Press both hidden buttons to open a concealed stone door into the tunnels.
To go through the path leading from outside the temple, there is a stone well across from the temple that you can climb into. Follow the ledges down with a careful down jump until you find a metal locked gate. Shoot the winch through the bars to open it and proceed inside. Both routes lead to the same network of dark stone passages.
What You’ll Find in the Tunnels
The tunnels are home to a group of doppelgangers. They attack on sight, and some use shapeshifting during combat to confuse your party. Defeating them rewards you with:
- Stillmaker – a dagger identified as the murder weapon.
- Flower Key #10 – used to open a locked location elsewhere in Act 3.
- Part of Dribbles the Clown’s torso – part of the Find Dribbles the Clown questline.
Near a crane, a Perception check reveals a small animal-sized hole. This and the state of the room suggest the doppelgangers have been moving bodies and evidence through hidden routes. Loot the area thoroughly before leaving, there’s a mix of gold, weapons, and notes with more flavor but aren’t quest-critical.
Get to Fraygo’s Flophouse
The next step takes you beyond the South Span Checkpoint in Wyrm’s Crossing, leading toward the Lower City. You will encounter Fist units and a Steel Watcher around the checkpoint area. They will stop you unless you pass a DC 15–20 Persuasion or Deception check, pay a bribe (amount varies by dialogue choice), or fight them, though this can escalate Rivington’s hostility.
Once past the checkpoint in whatever way, look for Fraygo’s Flophouse. The building has a few regular rooms, but your target is in the attic. Climb to the top floor and into the attic, where a wardrobe hides a secret passage — pass a Perception check to notice it or simply open it to reveal a hidden room.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Another Flower Key (#5).
- Second corpse, another victim of the same assassin.
- Bloodstained Parchment listing assassination targets.
This list is the biggest piece of evidence connecting Lorgan’s death to a coordinated killing spree in Baldur’s Gate.
Bring the Evidence to Valeria
With the dagger, the assassination list, and Brilgor’s testimony, head to Sharess’ Caress, a pleasure house directly across from the Flophouse. Go upstairs to meet Valeria is upstairs, present your findings and confront her with the proof that Brilgor could not have committed the murder. She will admit the truth, clear Brilgor’s name, and reward you with a Lower City Pass, through which your party will have open access to move freely deep into Baldur’s Gate City.
Quest Rewards
- Stillmaker – dagger, rare finesse weapon
- Flower Keys #5 and #10 – open locked doors in Act 3
- Lower City Pass – mandatory for progression without alternate entry methods
- XP
- Progress in Find Dribbles the Clown if the quest is started
Additional Notes and Branches
Skipping Brilgor’s grave is possible, but you’ll need to find the tunnels through other means, which slows the investigation. Killing Valeria is doable but it will lock you out of the peaceful resolution and Lower City Pass reward. If you arrive at the Flophouse without clearing the tunnels, you can still find the assassination list, but Valeria may not be convinced without the Stillmaker dagger. The Flower Keys remain useful well into Act 3 for hidden treasure stashes.
