In Baldur’s Gate 3, deep in the Underdark, stands an abandoned Arcane Tower guarded by a construct called Bernard. Created by Lenore, Bernard is programmed to respond to specific poetic phrases. You can ask Bernard five unique questions, with four of them rewarding you with items — and one turning him hostile.

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To unlock these questions in your dialogue with Bernard, you must first discover the five corresponding pieces of writing scattered across the various floors of the Arcane Tower. Here’s how to find all five books in the Arcane Tower, along with the questions you can ask Bernard and the rewards associated with each.
All Bernard Poetry Books & Their Locations In The Arcane Tower
The abandoned Arcane Tower hides many magical secrets, including rings, scrolls, and consumables awaiting your discovery. Among the rows of books and magical trinkets, you can also find five poetry pieces, each unlocking a unique dialogue with Bernard. Below is a list of all poetry books and their locations in the Arcane Tower:
- Floor 3: This floor is guarded by two Arcane Turrets. The book Evil’s Ascent can be found on the northern pedestal. This book unlocks the hostile dialogue option with Bernard, so avoid selecting it until you’ve received all possible rewards, or if you wish to initiate combat with a surprise round.
- Floor 2: On the northern bookshelf, you’ll find the Threadbare Book, which unlocks another dialogue option with Bernard.
- Floor 4: A torn-out piece of paper etched with some poetry can be found on a table southeast of the elevator.
- Floor 4: Another book, The Road to Darkness, is located in the southeastern corner of the floor, unlocking yet another dialogue with Bernard.
- Top Floor: The final poem can be read from the Patched Parchment, found on a southeastern table in the room where Bernard and other constructs await.
All Bernard Questions, Responses, & Rewards In The Arcane Tower
As you reach the top floor, Bernard will greet you with a question, which is essentially a stanza from one of the books you read earlier. To avoid Bernard turning hostile, you must choose the following response:
- “Or art thou friend, a rescue from my lonely wake?“
Once Bernard accepts you as Lenore, you can interact with him and select the following dialogue choices to receive their associated rewards or turn the construct hostile:
Dialogue |
Reward/Result |
---|---|
“How can I trust? How will I ever know? /How can I show myself, my darkest me?” |
Guiding Light Ring |
“These empty sheets are all that’s left of you. /It’s crawling t’wards the surface to survive” |
Potion of Greater Healing |
“The silence stretches on – I’m all alone. / Please, can I hold your hands, for just a while?” |
Bernard hugs you (no buffs) |
“There is a light in every living thing. / It’s crawling t’wards the surface to survive.” |
Bernard and nearby constructs turn hostile |
Equipping the Guiding Light Ring reveals a new button on the elevator, unlocking access to the basement of the Arcane Tower.
What Does Bernard Drop When Killed?
Bernard is a level 5 construct and can be fairly challenging if you’re under-leveled. Enemies at this level gain an extra attack each round, which can make short work of an ill-prepared party.
Regardless, you can acquire the following rewards upon defeating Bernard:
-
Light of Creation
: An uncommon glaive with a chance to stun its wielder when attacking anything other than constructs.
-
Guiding Light
: An uncommon ring that lets the wearer cast the Light cantrip. Equipping the ring also reveals a hidden elevator button in the Arcane Tower, granting access to the basement.
- Antique Key: Unlocks the front gate of the Arcane Tower.
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