What are the consequences of siding with the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3?
Siding with the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3 is a major story decision that significantly impacts the narrative, your relationships with companions, and the overall outcome of the game. The Absolute is a mysterious and powerful force that seeks to dominate the world, and aligning with it means embracing its dark influence. This choice is not made lightly, as it involves betraying many of your allies and embracing a path of tyranny and control. Here is a detailed explanation of the mechanics, strategies, and consequences involved in siding with the Absolute.
To side with the Absolute, you must first progress through the main story until you encounter key moments where you can choose to align with its forces. One of the earliest opportunities occurs when you meet the True Soul Nere in the Underdark. Nere is a servant of the Absolute, and you can choose to assist him in his mission, which involves eliminating the duergar rebels. By helping Nere, you begin to align yourself with the Absolute's agenda. Another critical moment comes when you reach Moonrise Towers, the stronghold of the Absolute's forces. Here, you can choose to infiltrate the tower under the guise of serving the Absolute, or you can openly declare your allegiance to its leaders, such as Ketheric Thorm.
The mechanics of siding with the Absolute involve making specific dialogue choices and completing quests that further its goals. For example, during the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm, you can choose to join him instead of fighting against him. This decision will lead to a series of events where you must prove your loyalty to the Absolute by carrying out its orders, such as eliminating resistance groups or capturing key figures. Your companions will react strongly to these choices, and some may even leave your party if they disagree with your alignment. For instance, characters like Wyll and Karlach, who have strong moral convictions, are likely to abandon you if you side with the Absolute.
One important tip when siding with the Absolute is to carefully manage your relationships with your companions. Some companions, like Astarion and Lae'zel, may be more willing to support your decision, especially if they see it as a path to power. However, others, like Shadowheart and Gale, may require more persuasion or manipulation to keep them in your party. You can use dialogue options and story choices to influence their opinions, but be prepared for potential conflicts and betrayals. Additionally, consider the long-term consequences of your actions. Siding with the Absolute may grant you access to powerful allies and resources, but it also means sacrificing many of the game's more heroic and altruistic outcomes.
A common mistake to avoid when siding with the Absolute is underestimating the impact of your choices on the game's ending. The Absolute's path leads to a darker, more oppressive world, and many of the game's more hopeful and redemptive storylines will be closed off. For example, saving the tiefling refugees or helping the druids of the Emerald Grove will no longer be possible if you fully commit to the Absolute's agenda. Additionally, some quests and characters will become unavailable, as they are tied to opposing the Absolute. Therefore, it is crucial to weigh the benefits of power and control against the loss of these narrative opportunities.
Advanced techniques for siding with the Absolute involve optimizing your character build and combat tactics to align with the Absolute's goals. For example, choosing a class that excels in manipulation and control, such as a Sorcerer or Warlock, can be advantageous. Spells like Dominate Person and Command can help you bend others to your will, reflecting the Absolute's influence. Additionally, focusing on abilities that enhance your charisma and persuasion skills will make it easier to convince others to follow your lead. In combat, prioritize strategies that emphasize domination and intimidation, such as using fear effects or summoning minions to overwhelm your enemies.
From a D&D rules perspective, siding with the Absolute aligns with the concept of an evil alignment, where the pursuit of power and control takes precedence over moral considerations. This path reflects the darker aspects of the D&D alignment system, where characters may embrace chaos or tyranny to achieve their goals. The game's implementation of these rules allows for a deep and immersive role-playing experience, where your choices have meaningful and lasting consequences.
Specific examples of siding with the Absolute include the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm at Moonrise Towers. If you choose to join him, you will participate in a series of events that culminate in the Absolute's rise to power. This includes betraying your former allies, such as the Harpers and the tiefling refugees, and carrying out the Absolute's orders to eliminate resistance. Another example is the final confrontation with the Elder Brain, where you can choose to seize control of the Absolute's power for yourself, leading to a dark and tyrannical ending.
In conclusion, siding with the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally challenging decision that significantly impacts the game's narrative and outcomes. It requires careful consideration of your character's motivations, relationships with companions, and the long-term consequences of your actions. By understanding the mechanics, strategies, and implications of this choice, you can navigate the path of the Absolute and experience one of the game's darker and more compelling storylines.
To side with the Absolute, you must first progress through the main story until you encounter key moments where you can choose to align with its forces. One of the earliest opportunities occurs when you meet the True Soul Nere in the Underdark. Nere is a servant of the Absolute, and you can choose to assist him in his mission, which involves eliminating the duergar rebels. By helping Nere, you begin to align yourself with the Absolute's agenda. Another critical moment comes when you reach Moonrise Towers, the stronghold of the Absolute's forces. Here, you can choose to infiltrate the tower under the guise of serving the Absolute, or you can openly declare your allegiance to its leaders, such as Ketheric Thorm.
The mechanics of siding with the Absolute involve making specific dialogue choices and completing quests that further its goals. For example, during the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm, you can choose to join him instead of fighting against him. This decision will lead to a series of events where you must prove your loyalty to the Absolute by carrying out its orders, such as eliminating resistance groups or capturing key figures. Your companions will react strongly to these choices, and some may even leave your party if they disagree with your alignment. For instance, characters like Wyll and Karlach, who have strong moral convictions, are likely to abandon you if you side with the Absolute.
One important tip when siding with the Absolute is to carefully manage your relationships with your companions. Some companions, like Astarion and Lae'zel, may be more willing to support your decision, especially if they see it as a path to power. However, others, like Shadowheart and Gale, may require more persuasion or manipulation to keep them in your party. You can use dialogue options and story choices to influence their opinions, but be prepared for potential conflicts and betrayals. Additionally, consider the long-term consequences of your actions. Siding with the Absolute may grant you access to powerful allies and resources, but it also means sacrificing many of the game's more heroic and altruistic outcomes.
A common mistake to avoid when siding with the Absolute is underestimating the impact of your choices on the game's ending. The Absolute's path leads to a darker, more oppressive world, and many of the game's more hopeful and redemptive storylines will be closed off. For example, saving the tiefling refugees or helping the druids of the Emerald Grove will no longer be possible if you fully commit to the Absolute's agenda. Additionally, some quests and characters will become unavailable, as they are tied to opposing the Absolute. Therefore, it is crucial to weigh the benefits of power and control against the loss of these narrative opportunities.
Advanced techniques for siding with the Absolute involve optimizing your character build and combat tactics to align with the Absolute's goals. For example, choosing a class that excels in manipulation and control, such as a Sorcerer or Warlock, can be advantageous. Spells like Dominate Person and Command can help you bend others to your will, reflecting the Absolute's influence. Additionally, focusing on abilities that enhance your charisma and persuasion skills will make it easier to convince others to follow your lead. In combat, prioritize strategies that emphasize domination and intimidation, such as using fear effects or summoning minions to overwhelm your enemies.
From a D&D rules perspective, siding with the Absolute aligns with the concept of an evil alignment, where the pursuit of power and control takes precedence over moral considerations. This path reflects the darker aspects of the D&D alignment system, where characters may embrace chaos or tyranny to achieve their goals. The game's implementation of these rules allows for a deep and immersive role-playing experience, where your choices have meaningful and lasting consequences.
Specific examples of siding with the Absolute include the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm at Moonrise Towers. If you choose to join him, you will participate in a series of events that culminate in the Absolute's rise to power. This includes betraying your former allies, such as the Harpers and the tiefling refugees, and carrying out the Absolute's orders to eliminate resistance. Another example is the final confrontation with the Elder Brain, where you can choose to seize control of the Absolute's power for yourself, leading to a dark and tyrannical ending.
In conclusion, siding with the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally challenging decision that significantly impacts the game's narrative and outcomes. It requires careful consideration of your character's motivations, relationships with companions, and the long-term consequences of your actions. By understanding the mechanics, strategies, and implications of this choice, you can navigate the path of the Absolute and experience one of the game's darker and more compelling storylines.