What are the consequences of siding with the Absolute in Act 1 of Baldur's Gate 3?
Siding with the Absolute in Act 1 of Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant story choice that can have far-reaching consequences for your playthrough. This decision involves aligning yourself with the cult of the Absolute, a mysterious and malevolent force that seeks to dominate the world. The Absolute is tied to the Mind Flayers, who have infected you and your companions with tadpoles, setting the stage for the game's central conflict. Choosing to side with the Absolute means embracing the power of the tadpole and the influence of the Mind Flayers, which can lead to unique story developments, altered relationships with companions, and different outcomes in the game's narrative.
To side with the Absolute in Act 1, you will need to make specific choices during key moments in the story. One of the earliest opportunities to align with the Absolute occurs during your interactions with the Goblin Camp. The Goblin Camp is located in the Shattered Sanctum, and it is here that you will encounter leaders of the Absolute's cult, including Priestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and Minthara. These characters are central to the Absolute's influence in the region, and siding with them will require you to assist in their plans and potentially betray other factions, such as the Druids of the Emerald Grove.
The first step in siding with the Absolute is to gain the trust of the Goblin leaders. This can be done by completing tasks for them, such as infiltrating the Emerald Grove and sabotaging the Druids' efforts to protect it. You may also need to engage in combat with the Tieflings and Druids, depending on how you approach the situation. It is important to note that siding with the Absolute will likely result in the deaths of many innocent characters, including the Tiefling refugees and the Druids. This will have a significant impact on your relationships with certain companions, particularly those who value justice and morality, such as Wyll and Karlach.
Once you have gained the trust of the Goblin leaders, you will be given the opportunity to participate in a ritual that further aligns you with the Absolute. This ritual involves using the power of the tadpole to enhance your abilities, but it also deepens your connection to the Mind Flayers. As you progress through the game, this connection will become more pronounced, and you will be faced with additional choices that test your loyalty to the Absolute. These choices can lead to unique story developments, such as gaining access to powerful abilities or unlocking new dialogue options with certain characters.
One important consideration when siding with the Absolute is the impact it will have on your companions. Some companions, such as Astarion and Lae'zel, may be more willing to embrace the power of the tadpole and the influence of the Absolute. Others, like Wyll and Karlach, may strongly oppose your decision and could potentially leave your party or even turn against you. It is important to carefully manage your relationships with your companions and consider how your choices will affect their loyalty and trust.
Another key aspect of siding with the Absolute is the potential for unique combat encounters and story developments. By aligning yourself with the Absolute, you may gain access to powerful allies and resources that can aid you in your journey. However, you will also face new challenges, such as increased hostility from other factions and the need to navigate the complex politics of the Absolute's cult. This can lead to unique and rewarding gameplay experiences, but it also requires careful planning and strategy.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, siding with the Absolute can be seen as embracing a darker path, similar to choosing an evil alignment in traditional Dungeons & Dragons. This can affect your character's alignment and the way they are perceived by others in the game world. Additionally, the use of the tadpole's power can be likened to gaining access to new abilities or spells, but at the cost of your character's autonomy and morality. This trade-off is a central theme in Baldur's Gate 3, and it is important to consider the long-term consequences of your choices.
In conclusion, siding with the Absolute in Act 1 of Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally ambiguous decision that can lead to unique story developments and gameplay experiences. It requires careful consideration of the consequences, both for your character and your companions, and it can significantly alter the course of the game's narrative. By understanding the mechanics involved, managing your relationships with your companions, and making strategic choices, you can navigate this path and explore the darker side of Baldur's Gate 3's story.
To side with the Absolute in Act 1, you will need to make specific choices during key moments in the story. One of the earliest opportunities to align with the Absolute occurs during your interactions with the Goblin Camp. The Goblin Camp is located in the Shattered Sanctum, and it is here that you will encounter leaders of the Absolute's cult, including Priestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and Minthara. These characters are central to the Absolute's influence in the region, and siding with them will require you to assist in their plans and potentially betray other factions, such as the Druids of the Emerald Grove.
The first step in siding with the Absolute is to gain the trust of the Goblin leaders. This can be done by completing tasks for them, such as infiltrating the Emerald Grove and sabotaging the Druids' efforts to protect it. You may also need to engage in combat with the Tieflings and Druids, depending on how you approach the situation. It is important to note that siding with the Absolute will likely result in the deaths of many innocent characters, including the Tiefling refugees and the Druids. This will have a significant impact on your relationships with certain companions, particularly those who value justice and morality, such as Wyll and Karlach.
Once you have gained the trust of the Goblin leaders, you will be given the opportunity to participate in a ritual that further aligns you with the Absolute. This ritual involves using the power of the tadpole to enhance your abilities, but it also deepens your connection to the Mind Flayers. As you progress through the game, this connection will become more pronounced, and you will be faced with additional choices that test your loyalty to the Absolute. These choices can lead to unique story developments, such as gaining access to powerful abilities or unlocking new dialogue options with certain characters.
One important consideration when siding with the Absolute is the impact it will have on your companions. Some companions, such as Astarion and Lae'zel, may be more willing to embrace the power of the tadpole and the influence of the Absolute. Others, like Wyll and Karlach, may strongly oppose your decision and could potentially leave your party or even turn against you. It is important to carefully manage your relationships with your companions and consider how your choices will affect their loyalty and trust.
Another key aspect of siding with the Absolute is the potential for unique combat encounters and story developments. By aligning yourself with the Absolute, you may gain access to powerful allies and resources that can aid you in your journey. However, you will also face new challenges, such as increased hostility from other factions and the need to navigate the complex politics of the Absolute's cult. This can lead to unique and rewarding gameplay experiences, but it also requires careful planning and strategy.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, siding with the Absolute can be seen as embracing a darker path, similar to choosing an evil alignment in traditional Dungeons & Dragons. This can affect your character's alignment and the way they are perceived by others in the game world. Additionally, the use of the tadpole's power can be likened to gaining access to new abilities or spells, but at the cost of your character's autonomy and morality. This trade-off is a central theme in Baldur's Gate 3, and it is important to consider the long-term consequences of your choices.
In conclusion, siding with the Absolute in Act 1 of Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally ambiguous decision that can lead to unique story developments and gameplay experiences. It requires careful consideration of the consequences, both for your character and your companions, and it can significantly alter the course of the game's narrative. By understanding the mechanics involved, managing your relationships with your companions, and making strategic choices, you can navigate this path and explore the darker side of Baldur's Gate 3's story.