Balthazar is a boss in Act 2 of Baldur's Gate 3. Recognized as a level 8 necromancer, he is classified under the undead Enemy Type. Your choices throughout the Gauntlet of Shar can lead you to confront Balthazar either in his initial enclosure (X:-852, Y:-786) or in the Shadowfell, marking the climax of the Find Ketheric Thorm's Relic quest.
In Shadowfell, surprising him with a sneak attack and casting Counterspell as he attempts to summon his undead can lead to a fast victory. You can also push him off the edge for an instant kill, but this will result in no loot. If you want to push him off the edge and still want the loot, you can bring him back using Telekinesis and loot his body.
What Does Balthazar Drop?
Balthazar will drop 4 loots including Soul Cage Research, Circle of Bones, a dagger, and 3x Scroll of Speak with Dead. The main loot Circle of Bones is good not overly powerful. It comes with the "animate dead" feature, but it's not a significant upgrade.
- Soul Cage Research: This book is redolent with the enticing smell of paper and ink. The pages are filled with erratic, spider-like scribbles.
- Circle of Bones: This circlet offers a level 3 Necromancy spell "Undead Ward" ability. Allied undead within 6m are Resistant to Bludgeoning, Slashing, and Piercing damage.
- Dagger: A rogue's favorite toy that does 5~8 Damage.
- Scroll of Speak with Dead: Grant a semblance of life to a humanoid corpse, allowing it to answer up to 5 questions.
Related: Baldur’s Gate 3: How to Reach the Pedestal of Reckoning