In Path of Exile (PoE), "The Caged Brute" quest is a pivotal moment in Act 1, where you must face Brutus, the Warden of Axiom Prison. Brutus, once a feared enforcer of the Eternal Empire, has become a monstrous figure who now blockades the path forward. Your task is to venture into Axiom Prison, confront Brutus in the Warden’s Chambers, and defeat him to gain access to the Prisoner’s Gate and continue your journey. Completing this quest rewards you with powerful skill gems that will significantly enhance your combat capabilities.
Quest Overview
Quest Name: The Caged Brute
NPCs: Tarkleigh, Nessa, Bestel
Objective: Kill Brutus, the Warden of Axiom Prison
Act: 1 (Main quest that progresses the story)
Final Reward: Skill Gems to enhance your character’s abilities
Step 1: Talk to NPCs for Information
Before heading into Axiom Prison, speak with the NPCs in Lioneye’s Watch to gather more information about Brutus. Each character provides background details that help you understand the magnitude of the threat you’re about to face.
Tarkleigh’s Advice:
Brutus: "There’s a fine line between man and monster. Brutus, the Warden of Axiom Prison… he crossed that line long ago. A big lad, and as you know from Hillock, big lads are slow. Hit and run, that’s the way to cut them down to size. Unless there’s thaumaturgy involved. Then forget the ‘hitting’ bit. Just run."
Nessa’s Perspective:
Brutus: "The tale of Brutus was a popular one in the schools of Theopolis, taught in the hopes of deterring students from ambitions not condoned by the Templar. Brutus was Warden of Axiom Prison and one of the most feared men in the Eternal Empire. But there the histories end… and the myth begins, with Brutus commissioning a witch to transform him, in a mad attempt at immortality. A moment of hubris that didn’t end well… for anyone."
Bestel’s Reflection:
Brutus: "Brutus, Warden of Axiom Prison. The way I heard it, albeit from ale-soaked sailors, fear unmanned the great Brutus. Not fear of man, nor beast… fear of death. Life is like wine, best enjoyed in moderation. I don’t envy Brutus’ hangover."
Step 2: Explore the Axiom Prison
Make your way through the Axiom Prison, battling your way past prisoners and various undead creatures. The prison is a dark and maze-like area, so be prepared for close-quarter combat as you make your way to the Warden’s Chambers.
Objective:
Explore the Axiom Prison and find Brutus in the Warden’s Chambers.
Area:
The Prison: A labyrinth filled with dangerous enemies and traps. Look out for strongboxes and locked doors that may contain valuable loot.
Step 3: Kill Brutus, the Warden of Axiom Prison
Once you reach the Warden’s Chambers in the Upper Prison, you will confront Brutus. This fight is one of the first major boss battles in Path of Exile and serves as a test of your combat skills and strategy.
Objective:
Kill Brutus in the Warden’s Chambers.
Tips for Fighting Brutus:
Stay Mobile: Brutus has powerful melee attacks that can deal significant damage if they hit. Use hit-and-run tactics to avoid his strikes.
Watch for Ground Slam: Brutus’s Ground Slam attack can hit a large area and knock you back. Stay out of its range by keeping your distance.
Beware of Chains: Brutus can pull you toward him with his chain attack. If he catches you, be ready to quickly move away to avoid his follow-up attacks.
Bring Healing Flasks: Ensure your flasks are filled before the fight. You may need to heal multiple times during this battle.
Step 4: Find the Exit to Prisoner’s Gate
After defeating Brutus, the exit to the Prisoner’s Gate will unlock. Search the Warden’s Chambers to find this exit and proceed to the next area. This marks your progression to the next stage of Act 1.
Objective:
Find the exit from the Prison.
Area:
Prisoner’s Gate: The area beyond Axiom Prison, leading further into Wraeclast.
Step 5: Return to Tarkleigh for Your Reward
With Brutus defeated and the exit opened, return to Tarkleigh in Lioneye’s Watch to claim your reward. Tarkleigh will offer you a selection of skill gems that are tailored to your character class, allowing you to further customize your build and enhance your abilities.
Objective:
Talk to Tarkleigh for your reward.
Tarkleigh’s Dialogue:
Brutus: "The Warden’s free of his own prison? Well, since you’re so bloody determined to cheat the britches off death, you’d better have one of these… for luck. And when they write the song about you, just be sure to mention that it was Tarkleigh who taught you everything you know."
Step 6: Choose Your Reward
After speaking with Tarkleigh, you’ll be given a choice of skill gems as your reward. These gems will help you enhance your combat effectiveness, allowing you to adapt your playstyle to the challenges ahead.
After choosing your skill gem and equipping it, "The Caged Brute" quest is complete. You have slain Brutus, freed the path forward, and received powerful new abilities to aid you in your journey through Wraeclast.
Objective:
Quest Complete – You have slain Brutus and have received a reward from Tarkleigh.
Final Thoughts
"The Caged Brute" is one of the defining moments in Act 1 of Path of Exile. By defeating Brutus, you overcome a major obstacle and unlock new opportunities for your character’s growth. The skill gems you receive as a reward are crucial for customizing your build and ensuring you’re prepared for the challenges ahead. As you continue your journey, remember that each victory brings you closer to uncovering the secrets of Wraeclast and mastering the power within you.
Good luck, Exile, and may your battle against Brutus be the first of many victories in your quest for power!