The Outer Worlds 2: Complete Cloister Excogitation Logs Guide – All Sojourner’s Log Locations

Complete Guide to Finding All Cloister Excogitation Logs in The Outer Worlds 2

Cloister might be one of the more mysterious regions in The Outer Worlds 2, but it’s also home to one of the game’s most rewarding collection quests: “Deviations Under Duress.” This mission tasks you with exploring hidden Excogitation Chapels scattered across the frozen landscape to recover four ancient Sojourner’s Logs.

Unlike the Golden Ridge mural collection quest that starts automatically, this one actually has a quest-giver—though you can technically bypass him if you stumble across a chapel first. The rewards are solid too: XP, a High Security Lockbox filled with valuable loot, and an achievement to boot.

What makes this collection quest interesting is that each chapel presents unique challenges. Some require combat skills, others demand specific character traits or engineering knowledge, and one is locked behind main story progression. Let me break down everything you need to know to find all four Excogitation Logs efficiently.

How to Start Deviations Under Duress

There are two ways to begin this collection quest:

Method 1: Talk to Oracle Laureate Lesley Beckett (Recommended)

Head to Laplace Garden, the Order of the Ascendant stronghold located down the main path from Cloister’s landing pad. It’s impossible to miss if you’re following the natural exploration flow.

Once inside, look for a balding man meditating near the left side of the stream running through the garden. This is Oracle Laureate Lesley Beckett. Speak with him, and he’ll ask if you’ve discovered any Excogitation Chapels or Logs during your exploration of Cloister. Accept his request to officially start the “Deviations Under Duress” mission.

Method 2: Find a Chapel First (Alternative)

You can also trigger this quest organically by discovering any Excogitation Chapel on your own and picking up the Sojourner’s Log inside. The mission will track your progress automatically, though you’ll still need to return to Laureate Beckett eventually to claim your final rewards.

Pro tip: I recommend talking to Beckett first. It gives you proper quest tracking from the start and adds context to what you’re actually searching for. Plus, you’ll be passing through Laplace Garden anyway if you’re following the main story missions.

All 4 Excogitation Chapel & Sojourner’s Log Locations

Here’s where to find each of the four chapels in Cloister. I’ve organized them in a logical exploration order, though chapel #4 requires story progression to access.

Log #1: East From Winter’s Grasp

Where to find it: Located on top of a cliff east of Winter’s Grasp.

How to reach it: This chapel tests your platforming skills. Look for a set of ropes leading up the cliffside just below the chapel’s location. You’ll need to carefully double-jump up the icy ledges to reach the summit.

The climbing section isn’t too difficult, but take your time—falling means starting over. If you’re struggling with the jumps, consider equipping gear that boosts your mobility or revisiting after you’ve unlocked better movement abilities through perks.

This is typically the first log most players find since Winter’s Grasp is an early Cloister landmark.

Log #2: Northeast of The Archive

Where to find it: Northeast from The Archive and Newton, beyond a Scrapper Camp.

How to access it: Here’s where things get interesting. The chapel door is locked, and you’ll need a key to get inside. That key is carried by Buckshot Bill, a named Scrapper enemy who guards the area.

You have two options:

• Combat approach: Kill Buckshot Bill and loot the chapel key from his body
• Stealth approach: Pickpocket the key if your Stealth skills are high enough

Once you have the key, enter the chapel and claim your second Sojourner’s Log. This encounter can be challenging if you’re under-leveled, so make sure you’ve got solid companion support or enough inhaler charges before engaging.

Log #3: Near The Far Northern Bridge

Where to find it: On top of a cliff just north of a bridge in the far northern section of Cloister. Head directly northwest from the previous chapel location.

How to access it: This chapel offers multiple entry methods depending on your character build:

• Engineering skill: Use Engineering to hack or repair the door mechanism • Brawny trait: If you selected the Brawny background trait, you can simply break the door down with brute force • Lockpicking: Use Mag-Picks to bypass the lock (requires sufficient Lockpicking skill) • Alternative entrances: Look for windows or side passages if you have high enough Perception

The Engineering or Brawny approaches are the easiest if you have them available. Otherwise, make sure you’ve stocked up on lockpicking tools before making the trip.

Log #4: The Underlands (via The Archive)

Where to find it: Accessible only after gaining entry to The Archive during main story progression.

How to reach it: This final log is locked behind narrative progression, so don’t stress if you can’t find it early. As you explore The Archive, you’ll eventually descend into an underground area called The Underlands beneath Cloister’s surface.

Navigate through The Underlands until you reach a series of lifts that return you to the surface. One of these lifts specifically leads to a chapel on top of a hill. Take that lift, exit to the surface, and you’ll find the fourth and final Excogitation Chapel waiting for you.

Since this ties into the story, you can’t miss it if you’re completing the main campaign. Just keep an eye out for that specific lift during your Underlands exploration.

Quest Rewards: What You Get For Finding All Logs

Completing “Deviations Under Duress” offers several worthwhile rewards:

1. Mission Completion XP

Standard experience points for finishing the quest. Not massive, but every bit helps on your journey to max level.

2. High Security Lockbox

The real prize here. Oracle Laureate Beckett rewards you with a High Security Lockbox containing valuable loot. However, there’s a catch: you need Advanced Decryption Keys to open it.

These keys can only be used aboard the Incognito ship at high security lockbox terminals. If you don’t have any keys yet, check out our Advanced Decryption Keys farming guide to learn the best methods for obtaining them.

The lockbox typically contains rare weapons, armor, consumables, or bits (currency)—making it well worth the effort to unlock.

3. Cloister Excogitation Logs “CEL-ebration” Achievement/Trophy

Completing this collection quest unlocks:

• Xbox: Achievement (Gamerscore value varies)
• PlayStation: Trophy (tier varies by platform)

Tips for Efficient Log Collection

Here are some strategies to streamline your Excogitation Chapel hunting:

• Prepare before tackling Log #2: Make sure you’re combat-ready before engaging Buckshot Bill. Bring companions with strong damage output and stock up on healing items.

• Build versatility matters: Having a mix of Engineering, Lockpicking, and combat skills makes accessing the chapels much easier. If you’re planning a specialized build, consider bringing companions who cover your weaknesses.

• Save Log #4 for story progression: Don’t waste time searching for the fourth chapel early. It’s literally inaccessible until The Archive section of the main quest. Focus on collecting the first three logs while exploring freely.

• Stock up on tools: Bring Mag-Picks and Bypass Shunts before your expedition. You never know which locks you’ll encounter.

• Combine with other activities: Cloister has plenty of side content and faction missions. Collecting logs while completing other objectives saves travel time.

• Mark locations on your map: If you spot a chapel but aren’t prepared to tackle it yet, place a custom marker so you can return later with proper equipment.

Comparing Cloister’s Collection Quest to Other Regions

The Outer Worlds 2 features four regional collection quests, each with unique mechanics:

• Paradise: Collect Science Magazines for permanent stat bonuses • Golden Ridge: Recover Tramicular Station murals for the Art Enthusiast XP perk • Cloister: Find Excogitation Logs for a High Security Lockbox reward • Praetor: Recalibrate Lightning Towers (coming in future guides)

The Cloister quest sits somewhere in the middle difficulty-wise. It’s more challenging than the Paradise magazines but less time-consuming than hunting down all five Golden Ridge murals. The High Security Lockbox reward is excellent for players who’ve been farming Advanced Decryption Keys.

Should You Prioritize This Collection Quest?

Yes, if you’re:

• A completionist who wants all achievements/trophies
• Looking for valuable loot from the High Security Lockbox
• Already exploring Cloister and passing by chapel locations naturally
• Building reputation with the Order of the Ascendant faction

Maybe later, if you’re:

• Rushing through the main story
• Under-leveled for combat encounters like Buckshot Bill
• Low on lockpicking supplies or lacking versatile skills
• Focused on other urgent mission chains

Honestly, the quest isn’t particularly difficult once you know where to look, and the rewards are solid. The High Security Lockbox alone makes it worthwhile, especially if you’ve been stockpiling Advanced Decryption Keys with nothing to spend them on.

Plus, the Excogitation Logs contain interesting lore about Cloister’s history and the Order of the Ascendant’s philosophical teachings. If you care about world-building in The Outer Worlds 2, reading these logs adds valuable context to the region’s mysteries.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Can’t find the ropes for Log #1? They’re on the cliffside directly below the chapel icon on your map. If you’re at the base and looking up, they should be visible. Walk along the cliff base until you spot them.

Buckshot Bill is too tough? Come back when you’re a few levels higher, or recruit better companions. You can also use stealth to avoid direct confrontation.

Can’t open the door at Log #3? Check your character sheet for Engineering skill level or see if you have the Brawny trait. If neither is available, invest in Lockpicking or bring more Mag-Picks.

Where exactly is The Underlands? You can’t access it until the main story takes you to The Archive. Just continue progressing the campaign—you’ll reach it naturally.

The High Security Lockbox won’t open? You need Advanced Decryption Keys, which are used at terminals aboard the Incognito. If you don’t have any, see our key farming guide or continue exploring to find more.

Final Thoughts

The “Deviations Under Duress” collection quest offers a nice balance of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving across Cloister’s frozen landscape. While it doesn’t provide the same permanent passive benefits as the Golden Ridge murals or Science Magazines, the High Security Lockbox reward makes it worth completing—especially for players who’ve invested in lockpicking and key collection.

The variety of access methods for each chapel also rewards diverse character builds. Whether you’re a smooth-talking diplomat, a brute-force warrior, or a sneaky engineer, you’ll find ways to tackle these challenges that suit your playstyle.

If you’re working through Cloister and making critical story decisions, definitely take time to collect these logs. The lore enriches your understanding of the region, and the rewards provide tangible gameplay benefits.

For more collection guides and tips for beginners, check out our full library of Outer Worlds 2 content. And if you’re still deciding on your character build, consider how your skill choices will impact accessing these chapels.

Happy log hunting, and may Oracle Laureate Beckett reward you generously!

Related Guides:

• Golden Ridge Mural Locations Guide
• Science Magazine Locations
• All Backgrounds & Traits Guide
• Best Traits Tier List

Official Resources:

• The Outer Worlds 2 Official Website
• Xbox Store Page
• Steam – The Outer Worlds
• Wikipedia: The Outer Worlds