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Discover how to wake Art Cullagh and the larger consequences for the Shadow-Cursed Lands in Baldur’s Gate 3.
In Baldur’s Gate 3, players are immersed in a richly detailed world full of secrets, quests, and characters with mysterious origins. One such example is the unconscious man you can find under the care of the Harper’s at Last Light Inn during Act 2 of Baldur’s Gate 3. He wandered in out of the Shadow-Curse, but hasn’t been able to speak to anyone since. If you can wake him, it’s possible that he may have useful information about Ketheric Thorm, the Sharran cult, and what happened 100 years ago.
The following guide will cover all of the steps you need to take to wake Art Cullagh, the consequences of doing so, and the possibilities it can open for the world at large.
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Everything About Art Cullagh in Baldur’s Gate 3
Not much is known about Art Cullagh the first time you discover him in Baldur’s Gate 3. This is because he’s not in a state where he can speak to anyone. His mind is believed to be muddled by the Shadow-Curse. Moreover, when he does speak it’s only to repeatedly sing a song.
There may not seem like much to Art Cullagh at first. With many other pressing quests on your plate, it can be easy to neglect him. However, waking Art Cullagh is crucial to advancing a much larger side quest called ‘Lift the Shadow Curse’. Significantly, you will also need to have saved Halsin in Act 1 to fully complete Lift the Shadow Curse. While Halsin isn’t strictly necessary to Wake Art Cullagh, he can also help you with suggestions on how to do so.
Finally, after waking him, Art will tell you some of his history. It turns out that he is an original member of the Flaming Fist, and 100 years ago he was sent by Grand Duke Eltan to investigate the Thorm family. It was suspected that Ketheric Thorm might be allowing a Sharran cult to establish a foothold in Reithwin Town. Before Art could start his investigation, however, Ketheric unleashed the Shadow-Curse, and Art became trapped in the Shadowfell.
Where to Find Art Cullagh in Baldur’s Gate 3
You can find Art Cullagh in Baldur’s Gate 3 by first discovering the location of the Last Light Inn during Act 2. The Last Light Inn is a haven protected by a Cleric of Selune and occupied mostly by Harpers and refugees.
Once you reach the Shadow-Cursed Lands you’ll first need some protection in a source of light. Torches may work early on, and even the Radiant light from The Blood of Lathander will provide you the protection you need from the shadows. Additionally, another method is to acquire a Moonlantern, which is powerful enough to protect you from the deepest dark.
The Last Light Inn can be found to the northwest of the Ruined Battlefield, and you will need to convince the Harper leader, Jaheira that you mean the refuge no harm. Once you are past the guards and free to move around, head inside the Inn building and head through the door on the right. Inside you’ll find Art Cullagh resting fitfully on a bed.
How to Wake Art Cullagh in Baldur’s Gate 3
Speak to the person caring for Art, make your first attempt to wake him up, and listen to his song. Then, the next time you are at camp, speak to Halsin. Tell him about this information, then return with Halsin to Art’s bedside. Halsin will recognize the name Thaniel and will suggest that you might be able to wake Art up with music from his lute.
To find Art’s lute, you will need to make your way down to Reithwin Town, which is southwest of the Last Light Inn. After you cross the bridge into town walk forward into a central plaza with a statue in the center. From there, head northwest to the House of Healing. Here you will find Malus Thorm and his twisted nurses in the surgery theater.
Malus Thorm can be felled in combat, though the fight can be complicated by the nurses coming to his aid. A more efficient way to beat him is through dialogue. With the right choices and lucky dice rolls you can actually convince Malus to end himself. Here are the dialogue options and difficulty checks you must pass to defeat Malus Thorm:
- Investigation or Religion check at 14 DC, or Persuasion at 16 DC.
- Persuasion at 21 DC.
- Persuasion or Deception at 21 DC.
Afterward, you can take a Battered Lute from his corpse. Return to the Last Light Inn and play it for Art Cullagh. He will wake, and almost immediately as for Halsin. If you saved Halsin and the Druid Grove in Act 1, then Halsin will learn how to Lift the Shadow Curse.
Consequences of Waking Art Cullagh in BG3
The most significant consequence after you wake Art Cullagh in Baldur’s Gate 3, is that this opens up an avenue to successfully life the Shadow Curse. Alternatively, if Art dies before you wake him, you can also use the Speak With Dead spell. By asking Art’s corpse questions, you can still get the necessary information that you need.
However, to make any more progress on Lift the Shadow Curse, you will have to have Halsin with you. While he won’t be a full companion yet, if you saved him and the Druid Grove in Act 1, then he will be traveling with you in camp. After hearing Art’s information about Thaniel, Halsin will see a path forward for lifting the curse. Continue to help him, and Halsin will finally join your party as a full companion.
To fully lift the Shadow-Curse you must follow all of the steps from defending Halsin at the portal to discovering Thaniel’s Shadow. The final step will be to kill Ketheric Thorm, which will be the climactic battle that concludes Act 2.
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FAQs About Art Cullagh in Baldur’s Gate 3
Can you wake Art Cullagh without help from Halsin?
Yes, you can wake Art Cullagh in Baldur’s Gate 3 so long as you have the Battered Lute and play it next to his bed. Malus Thorm will always have the Lute in his possession after you defeat him at the House of Healing. Halsin is the one who gives you clues as to its significance, but you can use it regardless.
Can you Lift the Shadow-Curse without waking Art Cullagh?
No, you must wake Art Cullagh to start the process by which you banish the Shadow-Curse in BG3. While there are small hints you can find separately, he is the only one who can tell you about Thaniel directly. Without this knowledge, Halsin will not know how to proceed.
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