Save the Grymforge Gnomes is a side quest in Baldur's Gate 3 (BG3) and involves freeing True Soul Nere from a cave-in. See the objectives of this side quest, how to clear the cave-in, as well as how to free the Grymforge Gnomes.

Side Quest Details

Journal Entry
Steal the Sacred Idol
Reward	2x Mind Flayer Parasite Specimen Disintegrating Night Walkers Sword of Screams
Related Quest	Free True Soul Nere
Location
Grymforge

How to Save the Grymforge Gnomes

Safe the Grymforge Gnomes Summary
Side with the Duergar Mercenaries Clear the Cave-In to Free True Soul Nere Defeat True Soul Nere Persuade Elder Brithvar to Release the Gnomes

Side With the Duergar Mercenaries

Before freeing True Soul Nere, it's a good idea to have some Duergar Mercenaries on your side when confronting him. You can do so by speaking with Elder Brithvar about what you'll do when True Soul Nere is free.

Otherwise, you'll have to fight True Soul Nere, his followers, and the mercenaries. This step is optional but it will make the fight later easier.

Clear the Cave-In to Free True Soul Nere

In the southern part of Grymforge, you'll find some Duergar and Gnomes trying to clear the cave-in and get to Nere. You'll need to help out the Gnomes with their job.

Aside from high-rolling attacks, a reliable way of clearing the cave-in is to use explosives. You can use Smokepowder Bombs if you have some lying in your inventory, or get a Runepowder Vial from Philomeen.

Use Smokepowder Bombs

If you have two Smokepowder Bombs in hand, you can drop them beside the cave-in and detonate them with a fire spell or an arrow from a distance. Don't worry about the Gnomes because they will run away as soon as they see the Smokepowder Bombs.

Do not throw the Smokepowder Bombs directly into the cave-in as the Gnomes will get caught in the explosion and everyone will think you are going to massacre everyone.

Use Runepowder Vial from Philomeen

If you don't have Smokepowder Bombs, you'll need to get a Runepowder Vial from Philomeen. It acts like any other explosive but the difference is it does not explode when thrown. Simply toss it on the cave-in, wait for the Gnomes to run away, and detonate with a ranged attack.

Where to Find Philomeen and Get the Runepowder Vial

#	How to Get the Runepowder Vial
1	If you sailed on the boat from the Decrepit Village, get to the opposite side of the docks from where you arrived. You will see a couple of Duergar and some Gnome corpses. Get them to leave and open the double iron doors with a lockpick.
2	Enter the room you just unlocked and in the corner is a hidden button on the wall. You'll need to succeed a Perception check to find it. Press the button and proceed through the linear path.
3	Along the way you will encounter three Ochre Jellies. Be wary of the acid they leave on the ground when fighting. After eliminating them, continue going deeper until you find an intricate door. Move past it and enter through the broken wall to find Philomeen inside. Try to save your spell slots for the fight with Nere after as you won't be able to Long Rest.
4	Persuade or intimidate Philomeen to make her stand down. She will offer you a single Runepowder Vial and it's all you need to clear the cave-in. Do not try to take all of her Runepowder as she won't give it up and detonate it all instead, dealing heavy damage to everyone in the room.

Defeat True Soul Nere

After clearing the cave-in and freeing True Soul Nere, choose to side with the Duergar rebels so you have some assistance in battle. Make sure to choose the dialogue option: Side with Brithvar and the rebels, then get ready for battle.

You may choose not to choose sides but you'll have to fight everyone.

Persuade Elder Brithvar to Release the Gnomes

If you let him assist in the previous battle, speak with Elder Brithvar then ask him about their Gnome slaves. Persuade or intimidate Elder Brithvar to release the Gnomes. Failing to do so will result in another battle, this time against Elder Brithvar.

Either way, after you've dealt with Elder Brithvar, tell the Gnomes they are free. They will mention that their leader is in Moonrise Towers and they might rescue him.

Save the Grymforge Gnomes Rewards

Up to Two Illithid Specimens

You can obtain two Illithid Specimens during this side quest. The first one is given by True Soul Nere if you agree to inform General Thorm about his predicament. The second specimen is from True Soul Nere's head when you eliminate him.

True Soul Nere's Gold and Loot

After eliminating True Soul Nere, you may take his Gold and equipment. Some notable gear you can take are a pair of very rare boots, the Disintegrating Night Walkers, and a Sword of Screams.

Baldur's Gate 3 Related Guides

List of All Side Quests

Prologue Side Quests

Act 1 Side Quests

Druid's Grove Quests

The Risen Road Quests

Blighted Village Quests

Goblin Camp Quests

Nautiloid Crash Region Quests

Underdark Quests

Mountain Pass Quests

This section is currently under construction. Check back later for updates!

Act 2 Side Quests

Last Light Inn Quests

Gauntlet of Shar Quests

Mind Flayer Colony Quests

Act 3 Side Quests

Rivington Quests

Lower City Quests