The Vicious Battleaxe is a rare martial melee weapon in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3), and you can get them from a special trader in Act 3.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is a highly acclaimed CRPG from the renowned developer Larian Studios. Released in the summer of 2023 on all major platforms, it features an engaging storyline, memorable companions, and tactical turn-based combat. Additionally, there are many pieces of unique armour, weapons, accessories, and other items to find as you explore the world of Faerun. Some of these items require conquering difficult boss fights, solving intricate puzzles, or looting treasure chests.
In this guide, we’ll explore the Vicious Battleaxe, how to acquire it, and tips for using it effectively in Baldur’s Gate 3.
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What is the Vicious Battleaxe in BG3?
In Baldur’s Gate 3, the Vicious Battleaxe is a rare weapon that any class or companion can use to deal additional damage on Critical Hits. The Dolor Amarus bonus states that when you land a critical hit while using the Vicious Battleaxe, you will deal an additional 7 points of damage.
Moreover, the Dolor Amarus bonus is not entirely unique to the game as two other items also have it. The Dolor Amarus dagger and the Vicious Shortbow also have the Dolor Amarus trait. Moreover, the effect of the bonus will stack. Therefore, you can equip either hand weapon, along with the Vicious Shortbow, and get +14 additional damage on all Critical Hits.
Vicious Battleaxe Abilities and Effects
Below are all the features, abilities, and effects of Vicious Battleaxe in Baldur’s Gate 3:
- Weapon Type: Battleaxe, Versatile
- Damage: 1d10 (1d8) +1 Slashing
- Requirements: Martial Weapons Proficiency
- Rarity: Rare
- Weight: 1.8 kg
- Value: 527
- Location: Sold by Echo of Abazigal in the Murder Tribunal after you become an Unholy Assassin of Bhaal, Act 3.
- Bonuses:
- Dolor Amarus: When you land a Critical Hit with a weapon or unarmed attack, it deals an additional 7 damage.
- Classes with Martial Weapons Proficiency: Cleric(Tempest Domain, War Domain), Fighter, Ranger, Paladin, Barbarian, Bard (College of Valour)
- Companions Who Can Use This Weapon: Lae’zel, Minthara, Karlach, Minsc
How to Get the Vicious Battleaxe in BG3?
You can only get the Vicious Battleaxe in Baldur’s Gate 3 by discovering the Murder Tribunal and choosing to become an Unholy Assassin. Doing so will unlock a merchant named Echo of Abazigal, who will have the battleaxe and other unique items for sale.
Additionally, discovering the Murder Tribunal is part of the quest line you follow to confront Orin and gain her Netherstone. Orin herself also drops some good loot, including Bloodthirst and Crimson Mischief.
Step 1- How to Find Orin
First, you can start the search for Orin in one of two ways. If you choose to defeat Gortash first, then she’ll give you the location and password for discovering the Tribunal. The second option is to complete a quest called Investigate the Murders. You will start that quest by visiting the Open Hand Temple in Rivington. Afterward, the end of Investigate the Murders will provide you with the same location and password you need.
Step 2- Murder Tribunal and Candulhallow’s Tombstones
Head to Candulhallow’s Tombstones in the Lower City to find the entrance to the Murder Tribunal. This empty shop is located to the northeast of Elfsong Tavern. You can easily lock-pick the front door to get inside.
Next, move into the back office. You’ll see a ‘Butterfly on Skull’ painting hanging on the wall. Remove it to find a button underneath. Pressing it will reveal a secret door. Then, interact with the door and provide the password.
Ignore the sign beyond this door and keep to the brick path on the right, which will reveal the door to the Murder Tribunal and the way to the Vicious Battleaxe in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Step X- Becoming an Unholy Assassin of Bhaal
Present the guards you find with a dismembered hand you should have picked up along the way as proof you have killed. If you can’t, they will become hostile and you’ll have to fight.
Next, head on inside to the Murder Tribunal audience hall. You’ll have to make some critical story and character decisions here. Certain choices may instigate combat with members of the Tribunal.
However, if you want the battleaxe you need to agree to be judged by Bhaal. Sarevok will summon the shade of someone you killed and ask you how it was done. Your response must provide details and confirm you killed someone in cold blood.
Finally, you will be led into a chamber where Investigator Valeria is being held prisoner. Killing her is the final test. When you have done so, you will be anointed in the nearby pool of blood as an Unholy Assassin of Bhaal.
Step 4- Echo of Abazigal Trader
Now that you are an Unholy Assassin, return to the main chamber of the Murder Tribunal. A new Echo will appear, just to the north. The Echo of Abazigal is a Dragonborn Bhaalspawn and he will have several items for sale meant to “aid in enacting your foul whims.”
You can find the Vicious Battleaxe in his store, but purchasing it will cost you 493 gold.
How to use Vicious Battleaxe in BG3?
The best way to use the Craterflesh Gloves in BG3 is by equipping them to a build with a high chance of Critical Hits. Thief Rogues and Assassin Rogues are two of the best subclasses for these types of builds. There are several great end-game gear items that these builds can use to boost the frequency of their critical hits. These include the Bloodthirst dagger Orin drops and the Killer’s Sweetheart accessory. Additionally, you can also use an Elixir of Viciousness consumable to reduce the number needed to roll a Critical Hit by 1.
Additionally, you should also equip the Vicious Shortbow and the Craterflesh Gloves, both of which are also sold by the Echo of Abazigal. The Vicious Shortbow also has the Dolor Amarus trait and this will stack with the Vicious Battleaxe for +14 points of damage on a Critical Hit. The trait on the Craterflesh Gloves is not the same, but will provide you will an additional 1-6 points of Force damage on any Critical Hit.
FAQs about Vicious Battleaxe in BG3
Q1: Where can I find Vicious Battleaxe in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Answer: You can find the Vicious Battleaxe in BG3 by finding the Murder Tribunal and becoming an Unholy Assassin of Bhaal, which unlocks the secret merchant Echo of Abazigal.
Q2: Which classes or builds benefit most from Vicious Battleaxe?
Answer: A Thief or Assassin Rogue that has a build centered around boosting critical hit chance will get the most benefit out of using the Vicious Battleaxe in BG3.
Q3: Can the Dolor Amarus effect stack in BG3?
Answer: Yes, you can stack the Dolor Amarus effect at least twice in Baldur’s Gate 3. The Dolor Amarus dagger and the Vicious Shortbow also have the Dolor Amarus trait. Equip the Vicious Shortbow with one or the other hand weapon, you can get a +14 bonus on weapon attacks.
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