Baldur's Gate 3: Should You Kill Bernard in the Arcane Tower?
Trust is hard to come by in Baldur's Gate 3, especially after being betrayed by a vampire spawn early on in the game. As you progress through Act 1, you'll encounter multiple instances of betrayal, forcing you to choose where your loyalties lie and cut ties with those who don't align with your values. This is particularly true if you decide to take the Underdark route, where you'll encounter various hostile creatures.
The Encounter with Bernard in the Arcane Tower
As you navigate the Arcane Tower, you'll come across Bernard, a seemingly harmless robot designed to protect and keep the former resident company. However, the tower's arcane turrets may lead you to believe that Bernard is a threat. But should you kill him, or is there a better alternative?
Should You Kill Bernard in BG3?
There's no compelling reason to kill Bernard in Baldur's Gate 3. He's a poetry robot who means no harm and was created by Lenore De Hurst to keep her company. If you do kill Bernard, you'll receive the Light of Creation halberd, but it's not worth the trouble, as it stuns the wielder on each attack.
Instead, you can befriend Bernard by reading the book The Roads of Darkness on the top floor's desk. This will prompt Bernard to respond with the line, Or art thou friend, a rescue from my lonely wake? and become passive towards you.
Other Book Interactions with Bernard
Reading other books in the Arcane Tower can also trigger unique reactions from Bernard in Baldur's Gate 3. Here are some books you can read to get different responses from Bernard:
The Roads of Darkness (top floor's bedroom desk): Bernard becomes passive and responds with the line Or art thou friend, a rescue from my lonely wake?
Patched Parchment (table next to Bernard): Bernard gives you a Potion of Greater Healing and responds with the line The last of all the thoughtless gifts you gave.
Thedaybare Book (first floor's greenhouse): Bernard gives you the Guiding Light ring and responds with the line How can I show myself, my darkest me?
Torn-Out Paper (third floor's bedroom): Bernard gives you a comforting hug and responds with the line Please, can I hold your hands, for just a while?
Evil's Ascent (main entrance): Bernard becomes hostile and responds with the line It's crawling t'wards the surface to survive.
For more tips and strategies, check out our complete Baldur's Gate 3 guide, covering battle strategies, story tips, and gameplay breakdowns.