Deep within the Grymforge, True Soul Nere lies trapped behind a wall of collapsed rock. Time is running out as poisonous gas fills the chamber. Freeing him is a pivotal moment that can alter your journey through the Underdark, but the rubble blocking the path is stubborn and demands more than a simple shove. This guide covers every reliable method to clear the debris, from explosive force to arcane power, ensuring you can reach Nere before it is too late.
Whether you are playing as a muscle-bound barbarian or a clever spellcaster, there is a solution that fits your party. The challenge is not just about destroying the rubble but doing so quickly and efficiently, often while fending off hostile duergar or navigating a tense social scenario. Read on for a step-by-step breakdown of how to clear the rubble, what tools are at your disposal, and how to prepare for the consequences of your actions.
Preparing to Rescue Nere
Before you even approach the cave-in, take stock of your inventory and surroundings. The Grymforge area offers several resources that can make the task trivial, but you need to know where to look. First, speak with the various duergar and enslaved gnomes around the forge. A gnome named Thulla, if you helped her earlier, will gift you a vial of Runepowder, a highly volatile explosive that can instantly destroy the rubble. This is the most straightforward option, so prioritize it if you are on friendly terms with the gnomes.
If you lack Runepowder, search the area for Smokepowder bombs. There are several stashed in a chest near the collapsed tunnel, often in the room with the dead drow and the animated guardian. You can also find Smokepowder barrels scattered around the docks. These barrels can be picked up and thrown at the rubble, but they are heavy and require a character with decent Strength. Alternatively, you can shoot them with a fire spell or a flaming arrow from a safe distance to trigger their explosion. Make sure to clear any companions out of the blast radius before igniting anything.
Methods to Clear the Rubble
Using Explosives
Explosives are the most reliable and cinematic way to free Nere. The Runepowder vial, obtained from Thulla, is a one-shot solution. Simply throw it at the rubble, and after a brief countdown, it will erupt in a massive explosion that annihilates the barrier. Be warned: the blast radius is huge, and it can kill your own party if they are too close. Position everyone well back, and use a character with high Dexterity or the Throw action to ensure accuracy. If you miss, the vial may end up in a dangerous spot, so save your game beforehand.
Smokepowder bombs are more common. You typically need two bombs to destroy the rubble completely. One bomb can weaken it, but the debris requires a specific damage threshold to collapse. Place a bomb next to the rubble and detonate it with a fire spell, a torch, or by using an alchemist’s fire flask. Many players find that simply throwing a Smokepowder bomb does not always produce enough force, so combining it with a second bomb or a supporting spell is wise. The bombs you find in the chest are often enough; just toss one, wait for the explosion, then toss the second.
Smokepowder barrels are another option. Drag a barrel from the docks or the storage room near the forge and set it next to the rubble. Then, shoot it with a fire bolt or an arrow of fire. This method is free but requires careful positioning and the foresight to have collected a barrel earlier. If you did not grab one before the confrontation with the duergar, you might be forced to use other means.
Spellcasting Solutions
If your party leans on magic, you have several spells that can tear through the rock. Force damage is particularly effective. A high-level Eldritch Blast with the Repelling Blast invocation can chip away at the rubble’s health. Thunderwave works well, as its concussive force deals thunder damage and can be upcast for greater effect. Shatter is another excellent choice, especially for bards, sorcerers, wizards, or tempest clerics. A single casting of Shatter at second level may not be enough, but two casts or a combination with an explosive will finish the job.
Other damaging spells like Fireball or Burning Hands can contribute, but they are less efficient because the rubble is resistant to fire in some cases. For the fastest magical clear, have Gale or a sorcerer with Shatter prepared, and unleash it twice in succession. Do not forget that you can use scrolls if you have them. Scavenging scrolls during your journey through the Underdark often yields a Shatter scroll, so check your inventory.
Brute Force and Weapon Attacks
Surprisingly, you can destroy the rubble through sheer physical force, though it is tedious. Characters with bludgeoning weapons like mauls, warhammers, or even a monk’s fists can attack the rocks directly. The rubble has hit points and can be worn down over multiple turns. This method is slow and rarely practical given the time pressure of the poison gas, but it is a fallback if you have exhausted all other options. Great Weapon Master attacks or a raging barbarian can speed up the process. Just ensure you have a way to survive the gas while your party chips away at the stone.
What Happens After You Free Nere
Once the rubble collapses, Nere will emerge, and the story takes a critical turn. It is almost guaranteed that a fight will break out between Nere and the duergar who were exploiting him. You will have to choose sides, negotiate, or attempt to dominate via your tadpole connection. Whatever you decide, be prepared for a challenging battle. Nere is a formidable fighter, and the duergar are numerous. Position your party on the high ground near the collapsed entrance before triggering the rescue, and consider using crowd control spells to manage the chaos.
If you long rest more than twice after hearing Nere’s telepathic cry for help, he will die, and the quest will fail. The poisonous gas will eventually kill him, so do not delay. Once you start the rescue, commit to it fully and avoid wasting time exploring elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have any explosives or a strong caster?
You can search the immediate area for alternatives. The dead drow near the rubble often carry a Smokepowder bomb. Additionally, you can return to previous areas of the Grymforge, such as the docks or the storage rooms, to find barrels or bombs. If you truly have nothing, you can attempt to break the rubble with physical attacks, but this requires you to survive the gas. Casting Protection from Poison or using antidotes can buy you time. As a last resort, you can reload a save before entering the area and prepare better.
Can I save the gnomes and free Nere at the same time?
Yes. When you free Nere, he will immediately turn on the duergar. If you side with the gnomes or simply oppose Nere, you can save them. However, the gnomes are often caught in the crossfire. To maximize their survival, start the fight by incapacitating key threats with spells like Hold Person or by pushing enemies into lava. Make sure you have a healer ready to stabilize any gnome that falls. Your dialogue choices before the fight can also influence how the gnomes react and whether they join the fray.
Does clearing the rubble affect my relationship with companions?
Freeing Nere and your subsequent choices will impact companion approval. For example, Karlach will approve if you defend the gnomes, while Astarion might prefer a more self-serving approach. Lae’zel respects decisive action, but if you show mercy to the gnomes she may disapprove. The decision to allow Nere to live or die after the fight also carries weight. Think about which companions are in your party when the moment comes.
Is there any way to avoid fighting after freeing Nere?
Fighting is nearly inevitable unless you have extremely high persuasion and make a deal with Nere. Even then, the duergar might turn hostile. The most peaceful outcome involves convincing Nere to abandon the Absolute’s cause and then letting him leave, but this still results in combat with the duergar unless you have already eliminated them. You can also attempt to dominate Nere using your Illithid powers, which can turn him into a temporary ally. No matter what, expect bloodshed.
