The Underdark holds many mysteries and secrets, and while most of the time these just turn out to be some slavering predator or eldritch horror, sometimes fortunate adventurers may stumble across a hidden cache or lost, forgotten relic. As an example of the latter, you can find the proverbial sword in the stone in the Underdark, and this page will provide a walkthrough for locating this sword, 
Phalar Aluve, including details about freeing the sword from its stony prison and what properties it has.
You can find Phalar Aluve glowing golden in the dark just west of the Selunite Outpost.
Where to Find The Sword in the Stone in Baldur’s Gate 3¶
Along the southeastern corner of the 
Underdark map you’ll find the Selunite Outpost, which is where you’ll emerge if you entered the Underdark via the 
Shattered Sanctum. Given that this location has a nearby waypoint and it’s close to our destination, it’s the ideal way to begin your hunt for this sword in the stone. Just let the gate defenses kill an encroaching Minotaur, destroy the Moonstone powering said defenses so you don’t fall victim to them yourself, and pick the locked gate [Sleight of Hand 20].
Once outside, cross a bridge to the north and once you’re in the wilds of the Underdark turn left (west) until you reach a fork. Respond how you wish when a Cryptic Voice interrupts you, then head up the northern fork (if you stay level and take the southern fork you’ll find a ramp leading downhill under the route you were told to take - this leads to a Bulette’s hunting grounds). At the end of this path you’ll spot the sword in the stone, Phalar Aluve, glowing golden in defiance of the Underdark’s perpetual gloom.
(1 of 2) To free the sword, you can either use brute strength,
To free the sword, you can either use brute strength, (left), or use your understanding of its religious significance to make an appropriate offering. (right)
How to Free The Sword in the Stone Phalar Aluve¶
Interact with the sword and you’ll get two options, a [Strength 15] check is sufficient to muscle the blade out, and a high Strength character like 
Karlach or 
Lae’zel can, with the assistance of a 
Guidance cantrip, manage this a bit more than half the time. Failing that you’ll need to pass a [Religion 15] check - ideal for characters with more brains than brawn. Once you understand the ritual, pick the option Shed a few drops of blood onto the stone. and the sword will part from the stone’s embrace with ease. This will also give 
Shadowheart the Last Rites of the Dark Dancer Inspiration.
(1 of 2) Phalar Aluve is a Longsword +1 with the Finesse trait, a +1 bonus to Performance checks and the ability to sing or shriek.
Phalar Aluve is a Longsword +1 with the Finesse trait, a +1 bonus to Performance checks and the ability to sing or shriek. (left), When singing the sword grants a buff similar to Bless, and while shrieking it inflicts a debuff similar to Bane. (right)
Phalar Aluve Stats and Abilities¶
Phalar Aluve is a 
Longsword +1 with the Finesse and Versatile properties, allowing it to be wielded two-handed (1d10 damage) or one-handed (1d8 damage). In either case, the wielder can apply their Strength or Dexterity bonus to Attack and Damage rolls, whichever is higher. It has the 
Pommel Strike, 
Lacerate and 
Rush Attack Weapon Actions and it gives its possessor a +1 bonus to Performance checks.
The bonus to Performance checks makes this an attractive weapon for a Bard, who should be proficient in its use, and likely to be more inclined to Dexterity. If that’s not enough, it also has the Phalar Aluve: Melody ability, which allows the wielder to use the “Sing” or “Shriek” commands once per Short Rest. These function like an altered form of 
Bless and 
Bane, respectively, except they require no Concentration checks, only last five turns (instead of the usual ten turns) and the only boost/reduce Intelligence, Wisdom and Charisma Saving Throws. Instead of picking three targets, these spells affect all allies or enemies within six meters of the user. Using this ability consumes an Action. Anybody can make use of these abilities, but it sure is in keeping with a !Bard, lore-wise, and it’s a pretty solid buff, all things considered. Best of all, its effects stack with Bless and Bane, potentially making it a very useful buff or debuff, but you must keep the sword equipped to enjoy the effect.
For other mysteries to uncover in the Underdark - for good or ill - check out the following pages:
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