In Baldur’s Gate 3, Art Cullagh is a mysterious character found at the Last Light Inn during Act 2. He is an unconscious man who wanders in from the Shadow-Cursed Lands but remains dazed and unresponsive, repeating a song instead of speaking coherently. Though he initially seems like an unimportant figure, waking him plays a crucial role in progressing a significant side quest called “Lift the Shadow Curse,” which is tied to the broader narrative of the Shadow-Cursed Lands and the cult of Shar.

Art Cullagh’s backstory is unveiled after you wake him. He was once a member of the Flaming Fist and was sent 100 years ago by Grand Duke Eltan to investigate Ketheric Thorm, who was suspected of harboring a Shar cult in Reithwin Town. However, before Art could complete his investigation, Ketheric unleashed the Shadow Curse, trapping Art in the Shadowfell.

To help everyone complete this task more easily, here is a detailed guide on How to Wake Art Cullagh. Players in need can visit Z2U to choose Cheap Baldur’s Gate 3 Accounts of different levels. This is a safe, fast, and highly trusted electronic game trading platform. It has popular game item trading services and the latest game information to help players upgrade quickly!

Locating Art Cullagh

You can find Art at the Last Light Inn, a refuge in the Shadow-Cursed Lands, where Harpers and other refugees seek shelter. The Last Light Inn is located northwest of the Ruined Battlefield, though you'll need to be protected from the curse’s darkness to navigate through the cursed area. Torches or the Radiant light from the Blood of Lathander can provide initial protection, but a Moonlantern offers a more effective defense against the shadows.

Once you arrive at the Last Light Inn, you must gain the trust of the Harper leader, Jaheira, before gaining access to the building. After entering, head to the right to find Art Cullagh lying in bed, seemingly unconscious. The first step is to speak with the person caring for him and try to wake him. He will respond by singing a repetitive song.

Waking Art Cullagh

To wake Art, you need to seek the help of Halsin, whom you should have saved in Act 1 (if you want to complete this quest fully). At your camp, discuss Art’s condition with Halsin, and he will suggest that Art’s mind may be roused with music from his lute. This will set you on a new path to find the lute.

The lute can be found in Reithwin Town, located southwest of the Last Light Inn. In the town’s central plaza, you’ll find a statue. From there, make your way northwest toward the House of Healing. Inside, you’ll encounter Malus Thorm and his deranged nurses. You can defeat Malus in combat, but the more efficient method is through dialogue. There are several ways to convince him to end his life, avoiding an extended battle:

An Investigation or Religion check (DC 14), or Persuasion check (DC 16)

A Persuasion check (DC 21)

A Persuasion or Deception check (DC 21)

Once Malus is dealt with, you can retrieve the Battered Lute from his corpse. Take it back to the Last Light Inn and play it for Art. This will cause him to wake, though he will immediately ask for Halsin.

Consequences of Waking Art Cullagh

Waking Art Cullagh unlocks the path to lifting the Shadow Curse, a vital step in the game’s larger questline. If Art dies before you can wake him, you can still gather the necessary information through the Speak with Dead spell, though you’ll miss out on his direct assistance.

To progress in lifting the curse, you’ll need Halsin with you, who must have been saved in Act 1. If he is, he will travel with you and offer further guidance after hearing Art’s story. Halsin will soon join your party as a full companion, and together, you will begin the steps to lift the curse.

The questline for lifting the Shadow Curse involves several key tasks. The first is to defend Halsin at a portal. From there, you’ll uncover the identity of Thaniel, the figure whose shadow holds the key to lifting the curse. The final step of the quest culminates in a climactic battle with Ketheric Thorm, whose defeat will bring Act 2 to a close.

Conclusion

Waking Art Cullagh is more than just a side quest in Baldur’s Gate 3—it’s a necessary step in lifting the Shadow Curse and unraveling the story behind Ketheric Thorm’s dark dealings. By Buy Baldur’s Gate 3 Accounts and following the steps to wake Art, you gain access to essential information and deepen your understanding of the larger narrative. With Halsin’s aid, you’ll be one step closer to breaking the curse and progressing toward a decisive confrontation with the forces of darkness.