Few weapons in Baldur’s Gate 3 inspire as much awe — and caution — as the Blood of Lathander. Glowing with divine radiance and steeped in Forgotten Realms lore, this legendary mace is one of the most powerful items you can obtain early in the game. But while its location is accessible in Act 1, claiming it safely requires careful exploration, puzzle-solving, and attention to detail.
This is not a weapon you can brute-force your way toward. One wrong choice can permanently lock you out — or wipe your entire party.
This in-depth guide explains where to find the Blood of Lathander, how to solve the monastery puzzle correctly, and how to secure the weapon without triggering disaster.
Why the Blood of Lathander Is So Important
The Blood of Lathander is not just another strong weapon — it’s a game-changing artifact that can shape your entire playthrough.
What Makes This Weapon Legendary?
The mace is infused with the power of Lathander, the Morninglord, god of dawn, renewal, and vitality. Its abilities reflect that divine origin, making it especially devastating against undead and shadow-aligned enemies.
Key Benefits of the Blood of Lathander
- Radiant damage that melts undead foes
- A powerful light aura that blinds nearby enemies
- A unique passive ability that revives the wielder once per long rest
- Exceptional synergy with clerics, paladins, and faith-based builds
- Strong utility even deep into the late game
Because it’s available relatively early, the Blood of Lathander can carry your party through some of the toughest encounters in Acts 1 and 2.
When You Can Get the Blood of Lathander
The Blood of Lathander becomes accessible in Act 1, but only after progressing far enough to reach the Mountain Pass region.
You do not need to complete Act 1 before attempting this, but you should:
- Be comfortable with exploration
- Have decent survivability
- Be ready for puzzles and environmental storytelling
Combat difficulty is moderate — the real challenge lies in understanding the monastery’s secrets.
Where to Find the Blood of Lathander
The weapon is hidden beneath the Rosymorn Monastery, a ruined structure located near the Mountain Pass.
How to Reach Rosymorn Monastery
- Exit the Wilderness region
- Travel toward the Mountain Pass
- Follow the path leading uphill toward the monastery ruins
- Enter the monastery complex and begin exploring inside
The exterior may look abandoned, but the area is filled with traps, puzzles, and lore-rich clues hinting at the power sealed below.
The Deadly Trap You Must Avoid
Before going further, it’s critical to understand this:
You cannot safely take the Blood of Lathander without preparation.
The mace is protected by a divine failsafe mechanism. If you attempt to remove it incorrectly:
- A catastrophic countdown begins
- The monastery is destroyed
- Your party is likely killed
- The weapon can be permanently lost
The game gives subtle warnings, but it does not explicitly explain the correct solution — making this a classic Baldur’s Gate puzzle.
The Dawnmaster’s Crest: The Key to Everything
To claim the Blood of Lathander safely, you must obtain a special item called the Dawnmaster’s Crest.
This crest:
- Deactivates the divine trap
- Allows the mace to be removed safely
- Preserves the monastery structure
- Prevents party wipes
Without the crest, there is no safe way to take the weapon.
How to Get the Dawnmaster’s Crest
The Dawnmaster’s Crest is earned by solving a ceremonial weapon puzzle hidden within the monastery.
This puzzle revolves around four ceremonial weapons that represent the teachings and virtues of Lathander.
The Four Required Ceremonial Weapons
To complete the puzzle, you must locate and place the following items:
- Ceremonial Warhammer
- Ceremonial Battleaxe
- Ceremonial Mace
- Ceremonial Longsword
Each weapon belongs on a specific pedestal connected to a stained-glass window depicting an aspect of the Morninglord.
Exploring the Monastery for the Weapons
The ceremonial weapons are scattered across different areas of the monastery ruins.
Tips While Searching:
- Examine every room carefully
- Read inscriptions and environmental clues
- Expect light combat encounters
- Loot thoroughly — some weapons are easy to miss
The game rewards curiosity here. Rushing through can cause you to overlook critical items.
Understanding the Stained Glass Puzzle
Once all four weapons are collected, return to the ceremonial chamber inside the monastery.
This room contains:
- Multiple pedestals
- Stained glass windows showing religious imagery
- Visual hints about which weapon goes where
There is no quest marker or explicit instruction. Instead, Baldur’s Gate 3 relies on:
- Symbol interpretation
- Logical deduction
- Observation of iconography
Each stained-glass panel aligns with a specific weapon type.
Placing the Weapons Correctly
When placing weapons:
- Match the weapon type to the imagery behind the pedestal
- Ensure each pedestal has only one weapon
- Incorrect placement will not trigger the reward
Once all four ceremonial weapons are placed correctly, a hidden mechanism activates.
Receiving the Dawnmaster’s Crest
If the puzzle is solved properly:
- A concealed compartment opens
- The Dawnmaster’s Crest is revealed
- You can safely add it to your inventory
⚠️ Important Warning:
Do not sell, drop, or store this item elsewhere. Keep it on your character until you obtain the Blood of Lathander.
Can You Use Substitute Weapons?
In some cases, non-ceremonial versions of the same weapon types can work as substitutes.
However:
- This approach can be inconsistent
- Requires precise placement
- Is more prone to errors
For a stress-free experience, it’s strongly recommended to find and use the original ceremonial weapons.
Returning to the Blood of Lathander Chamber
With the Dawnmaster’s Crest secured, head back to the chamber beneath the monastery where the mace is displayed.
You’ll see:
- The Blood of Lathander suspended in radiant energy
- A mechanism or socket near the weapon
- Visual indicators of divine protection
This is the moment where preparation pays off.
How to Safely Take the Blood of Lathander
- Interact with the mechanism near the mace
- When prompted, insert the Dawnmaster’s Crest
- Wait for the system to deactivate
- Remove the Blood of Lathander safely
What Happens When You Do It Right
- The trap is fully disabled
- No countdown begins
- The monastery remains intact
- The weapon is yours permanently
Your journal updates, and your party avoids catastrophe.
What Happens If You Ignore the Crest?
If you remove the mace without inserting the crest:
- A destruction timer begins
- Explosions ripple through the monastery
- You must escape immediately
- Party members can easily die
- The outcome is chaotic and risky
While escape is technically possible, it’s not recommended — especially for first-time players.
Best Characters to Use the Blood of Lathander
The mace shines brightest in the hands of characters aligned with light, faith, and frontline combat.
Ideal Classes:
- Cleric
- Paladin
- Fighter with radiant synergy
- Any melee build fighting undead-heavy content
Its passive revive effect alone can save runs during difficult encounters.
Why This Weapon Stays Relevant Late Game
Unlike many early-game items, the Blood of Lathander does not lose relevance quickly.
Its:
- Radiant damage
- Crowd-control light effects
- Survivability bonuses
Make it especially powerful during shadow-heavy sections of the story.
Lore Significance of the Blood of Lathander
From a storytelling perspective, the weapon is deeply tied to the themes of rebirth and hope.
The monastery, the puzzles, and the consequences of greed versus reverence all reinforce Baldur’s Gate 3’s approach to:
- Environmental storytelling
- Moral choice
- Rewarding thoughtful players
This is not just loot — it’s a narrative experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Grabbing the mace immediately
- Skipping monastery exploration
- Ignoring stained-glass clues
- Selling the Dawnmaster’s Crest
- Rushing the puzzle
Patience is the real requirement here.
Final Thoughts: A Legendary Reward for Careful Players
The Blood of Lathander is one of Baldur’s Gate 3’s most memorable rewards — not because it’s hard to fight for, but because it challenges players to slow down, observe, and think.
By following the correct steps, respecting the monastery’s design, and using the Dawnmaster’s Crest properly, you can secure one of the game’s best weapons without risk or frustration.
For players who value exploration, lore, and meaningful rewards, the Blood of Lathander stands as a perfect example of why Baldur’s Gate 3 is so special.