Baldur’s Gate 3 – Deal With The Devil Guide

TL;DR

  • Raphael offers the Orphic Hammer in exchange for the Crown of Karsus during Act 3
  • Find him at Sharress Caress while investigating Open Hand Temple Murders
  • Three choices: accept pact, reject outright, or delay decision strategically
  • Requires collecting all three Netherstones from major antagonists
  • Decision significantly impacts endgame narrative and character outcomes

Navigating infernal agreements requires understanding the manipulative nature of devils in Baldur’s Gate 3’s rich narrative landscape.

Raphael emerges as a pivotal figure whose charming exterior masks calculated ambition. As an archdevil, he specializes in crafting irresistible offers that initially seem beneficial but carry devastating long-term consequences. His proposition represents one of the most morally complex decisions players face, blending immediate tactical advantages against profound narrative repercussions. This guide examines the intricate Deal With the Devil quest mechanics and Raphael’s strategic objectives. Critical spoiler alert – proceed with caution as major plot developments will be discussed.

The pivotal Deal With the Devil encounter activates during Baldur’s Gate 3’s third act progression, specifically upon reaching Rivington’s outskirts. While pursuing the Open Hand Temple Murders investigation chain, attentive explorers will discover the distinctive Sharress Caress establishment. Raphael occupies a private chamber on the upper level, accessible once you’ve progressed sufficiently through main story objectives.

Pro Tip: Ensure your party is well-rested and properly equipped before this meeting, as the conversation options can lead to unexpected combat scenarios if handled poorly.

Raphael’s proposition follows a classic devil bargain structure: immediate power exchange for future sovereignty. He offers the legendary Orphic Hammer, the sole artifact capable of freeing Orpheus from eternal imprisonment. In return, you must surrender the Crown of Karsus upon securing all Netherstones, granting him dominion over the Nine Hells’ hierarchy.

Your strategic responses include:

  • Acceptance: Binding your soul through an infernal pact that cannot be broken without catastrophic consequences
  • Outright Refusal: Closing diplomatic channels but potentially complicating Orpheus’ liberation
  • Strategic Delay: Maintaining negotiation options while pursuing alternative solutions – experienced players often choose this to explore all narrative branches

Common Mistake: Many players underestimate the permanence of devil contracts, assuming later gameplay opportunities to renegotiate terms that don’t exist.

Securing the Crown of Karsus represents an endgame objective requiring substantial campaign progression. You’ll need to acquire all three Netherstones from the primary antagonists:

  • You’ve already obtained Ketheric Thorm’s stone through the Moonrise Towers sequence
  • The remaining stones are possessed by Orin the Red and Lord Gortash, each presenting unique combat and diplomatic challenges
  • Their rivalrous relationship creates opportunities for strategic manipulation, as both will attempt to recruit you against their counterpart

Optimization Insight: Advanced players can leverage the Gortash-Orin conflict to acquire intelligence and resources before committing to either faction.

The Crown’s significance extends beyond Raphael’s ambitions, affecting multiple endgame scenarios and companion story resolutions. Time Estimate: Completing the Netherstone collection typically requires 8-12 hours of gameplay from the Rivington point, depending on your completionist tendencies and difficulty setting.

Action Checklist

  • Progress to Act 3 and locate Sharress Caress during Open Hand Temple investigation
  • Prepare your party with restoration items and save before the meeting
  • Carefully evaluate all dialogue options – consider delaying decision to explore alternatives
  • Collect remaining Netherstones from Orin and Gortash (8-12 hours)
  • Make final decision based on desired narrative outcome and character alignment

No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » Baldur’s Gate 3 – Deal With The Devil Guide Master Raphael's devilish bargain in Baldur's Gate 3 Act 3 with strategic choices and consequences explained