Ceremorphosis in BG3 means becoming a Mind Flayer whereas Partial Ceremorphosis happens if the process of Ceremorphosis is interrupted.
This rare phenomenon arises when an individual experiences the effects of Ceremorphosis yet manages to resist complete transformation into the dreaded Mind Flayers.
If you’re curious about their whereabouts, read on to discover where to find Partial Ceremorphosis in Baldur’s Gate 3.
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What Is Partial Ceremorphosis In Baldur’s Gate 3?
Partial Ceremorphosis is a rare and mysterious condition that can occur when an individual is exposed to the effects of Ceremorphosis but does not fully transform.
Ceremorphosis itself is a magical transformation that turns its victims into mindless, violent creatures called Mind Flayers.
However, in some rare cases, an individual’s mind can resist the full transformation, resulting in Partial Ceremorphosis.
Those afflicted with partial Ceremorphosis take on some of the physical characteristics of Mind Flayers.
Such effects include tentacles growing from their face and head but they retain most of their mental faculties and free will.
They can think and reason, though their minds are warped and corrupted by the Ceremorphosis.
Partial Ceremorphs, as they are called, live in a constant state of pain and madness as their bodies and minds battle the effects of the Ceremorphosis magic.
Where To Find Partial Ceremorphosis In BG3?
You can find Partial Ceremorphs in locations connected to Mind Flayers and Ceremorphosis.
One such location is the Nautiloid crash site in the Misty Forest region of Baldur’s Gate 3.
A Nautiloid spacecraft belonging to the Illithid Mind Flayers crashed centuries ago.
The residual ceremorphosis magic lingering in the crash site has caused at least two individuals—the druid Gale and the myconid Spore—to develop partial ceremorphosis.
Getting To The Nautiloid Crash Site
To reach the Nautiloid crash site, first travel to the Misty Forest region just northwest of Druid Grove.
From the grove, head west into the dense forest.
After about 10 minutes of hiking, you will come upon a large clearing with the remains of the crashed Nautiloid spacecraft in the center.
The Ceremorphosis magic has twisted feral creatures and warped plants.
Keep an eye out for ambushes by twisted creatures like Ceremorphic blights.
Stick to the path and watch your flank which may take some combat to fight your way to the crash site itself.
Once at the crash site, you will find the remains of the Illithid spacecraft partially buried in the earth.
Furthermore, Glowing myconid spores cover parts of the crashed hull.
Search the area carefully – you may find clues, loot or even encounter Gale or Spore themselves in their warped states.
Proceed with caution, as the partial ceremorphs may not be friendly.
Encountering Gale And Spore
Two known Partial Ceremorphs can be encountered at the Nautiloid crash site – Gale the Druid, and Spore the myconid.
Gale has taken on a hunched, pained appearance with tentacles growing from his face and hands.
He is lucid but in deep anguish over his condition. Gale may attack out of madness or flee in a panic.
Therefore, you must try to calm him with a high Persuasion or check his mental state with an Intelligence (Medicine) check.
The spore appears as a towering myconid covered in glowing spores and writhing tendrils.
However, it is far more feral and violent than Gale, attacking any intruders in sight.
You may need a high Strength or Dexterity check to avoid Spore’s attacks so killing it is the safest option.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Partial Ceremorphosis
While an unenviable condition, partial ceremorphosis does provide some benefits over full ceremorphosis:
Advantages
- Retention of higher mental functions and free will, unlike the mindless illithids. Partial ceremorphs can still think and reason.
- Potential resistance to further ceremorphosis. Their minds have already resisted full transformation once.
Disadvantages
However, there are also some disadvantages of partial ceremorphosis:
- Constant physical pain and mental anguish from fighting the ceremorphosis.
- Warped and unstable mental state. Sanity is difficult to maintain against the corrupting influence.
- Social isolation. Most see them as abominations too far gone to save. Trust is difficult.
- The eventual fate is full ceremorphosis or death. The condition will likely progress without a cure.
The Bottom Line
Partial ceremorphosis grants some agency but at the cost of a tortured existence caught between two horrific fates.
It is truly one of the Misty Forest’s greatest curses.
