What happens if I let the Absolute control the Netherbrain in Baldur's Gate 3?
Letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain in Baldur's Gate 3 is one of the most significant and morally complex decisions you can make in the game. This choice occurs near the end of the story, during the climactic moments of the final act. The Netherbrain is a powerful entity that serves as the central antagonist, and your decision to let the Absolute control it will have far-reaching consequences for the world, your companions, and the overall narrative. Here is a detailed explanation of how this choice unfolds, the mechanics involved, and the strategies to achieve it.
To let the Absolute control the Netherbrain, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final confrontation. This involves completing key quests, such as infiltrating the Absolute's stronghold, gathering allies, and making critical decisions about your party's allegiances. Throughout the game, you will encounter opportunities to align yourself with the Absolute, either through direct interactions with its followers or by making choices that favor its agenda. These decisions will influence your ability to let the Absolute take control of the Netherbrain later.
When you reach the final act, you will face a pivotal moment where you must decide the fate of the Netherbrain. At this point, you will have the option to either destroy it, take control of it yourself, or allow the Absolute to dominate it. To choose the latter, you must have consistently supported the Absolute's goals throughout the game. This means siding with its followers, such as the Chosen of the Absolute, and making choices that align with their vision of domination and control. If you have not done this, the option to let the Absolute control the Netherbrain may not be available to you.
Once you decide to let the Absolute control the Netherbrain, the game will enter its final sequence. The Absolute will seize control of the Netherbrain, using its immense power to reshape the world according to its will. This will result in a dark and oppressive ending, where the Absolute's influence spreads across the land, enslaving countless people and extinguishing freedom. Your companions will react to this choice based on their personalities and your relationship with them. Some may abandon you, while others may reluctantly follow you into this new world order.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when pursuing this path. First, you must carefully manage your relationships with your companions. Some characters, such as Shadowheart or Lae'zel, may have personal stakes in the conflict with the Absolute and could oppose your decision. Building trust with them through dialogue and quests can help mitigate their resistance. Second, you should focus on building a character who is capable of making morally ambiguous choices. A character with high Charisma and Persuasion skills will be better equipped to navigate the complex social dynamics of the Absolute's followers.
Common mistakes to avoid include failing to consistently support the Absolute's agenda throughout the game. If you waver in your allegiance or make choices that undermine the Absolute, you may lose the opportunity to let it control the Netherbrain. Additionally, neglecting your companions' personal quests can lead to conflicts that make it harder to achieve this ending. It is also important to avoid revealing your true intentions to characters who oppose the Absolute, as this could lead to betrayal or sabotage.
Advanced techniques for optimizing this path include leveraging the game's dialogue system to manipulate key characters. For example, you can use Persuasion or Deception checks to convince allies to support your decision, even if they initially oppose it. You can also use your knowledge of the game's mechanics to exploit weaknesses in the Absolute's enemies, ensuring that you have the upper hand in critical battles.
From a D&D rules perspective, the concept of letting a powerful entity like the Absolute control the Netherbrain aligns with the idea of making a pact with a higher power. In D&D 5E, this could be compared to a Warlock's pact with their patron, where the character gains power in exchange for serving the patron's will. The consequences of this choice reflect the moral and ethical dilemmas inherent in such pacts, as the character must grapple with the cost of their newfound power.
Specific examples of scenarios where this choice comes into play include interactions with the Chosen of the Absolute, such as Ketheric Thorm or Orin the Red. These characters will test your loyalty to the Absolute and may offer rewards or punishments based on your decisions. For instance, siding with Ketheric Thorm during his questline can strengthen your position within the Absolute's hierarchy, making it easier to let it control the Netherbrain later.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain is a complex and morally challenging decision that requires careful planning and strategic gameplay. By consistently supporting the Absolute's agenda, managing your relationships with companions, and leveraging the game's mechanics, you can achieve this ending and witness the profound impact it has on the world of Baldur's Gate 3.
To let the Absolute control the Netherbrain, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final confrontation. This involves completing key quests, such as infiltrating the Absolute's stronghold, gathering allies, and making critical decisions about your party's allegiances. Throughout the game, you will encounter opportunities to align yourself with the Absolute, either through direct interactions with its followers or by making choices that favor its agenda. These decisions will influence your ability to let the Absolute take control of the Netherbrain later.
When you reach the final act, you will face a pivotal moment where you must decide the fate of the Netherbrain. At this point, you will have the option to either destroy it, take control of it yourself, or allow the Absolute to dominate it. To choose the latter, you must have consistently supported the Absolute's goals throughout the game. This means siding with its followers, such as the Chosen of the Absolute, and making choices that align with their vision of domination and control. If you have not done this, the option to let the Absolute control the Netherbrain may not be available to you.
Once you decide to let the Absolute control the Netherbrain, the game will enter its final sequence. The Absolute will seize control of the Netherbrain, using its immense power to reshape the world according to its will. This will result in a dark and oppressive ending, where the Absolute's influence spreads across the land, enslaving countless people and extinguishing freedom. Your companions will react to this choice based on their personalities and your relationship with them. Some may abandon you, while others may reluctantly follow you into this new world order.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when pursuing this path. First, you must carefully manage your relationships with your companions. Some characters, such as Shadowheart or Lae'zel, may have personal stakes in the conflict with the Absolute and could oppose your decision. Building trust with them through dialogue and quests can help mitigate their resistance. Second, you should focus on building a character who is capable of making morally ambiguous choices. A character with high Charisma and Persuasion skills will be better equipped to navigate the complex social dynamics of the Absolute's followers.
Common mistakes to avoid include failing to consistently support the Absolute's agenda throughout the game. If you waver in your allegiance or make choices that undermine the Absolute, you may lose the opportunity to let it control the Netherbrain. Additionally, neglecting your companions' personal quests can lead to conflicts that make it harder to achieve this ending. It is also important to avoid revealing your true intentions to characters who oppose the Absolute, as this could lead to betrayal or sabotage.
Advanced techniques for optimizing this path include leveraging the game's dialogue system to manipulate key characters. For example, you can use Persuasion or Deception checks to convince allies to support your decision, even if they initially oppose it. You can also use your knowledge of the game's mechanics to exploit weaknesses in the Absolute's enemies, ensuring that you have the upper hand in critical battles.
From a D&D rules perspective, the concept of letting a powerful entity like the Absolute control the Netherbrain aligns with the idea of making a pact with a higher power. In D&D 5E, this could be compared to a Warlock's pact with their patron, where the character gains power in exchange for serving the patron's will. The consequences of this choice reflect the moral and ethical dilemmas inherent in such pacts, as the character must grapple with the cost of their newfound power.
Specific examples of scenarios where this choice comes into play include interactions with the Chosen of the Absolute, such as Ketheric Thorm or Orin the Red. These characters will test your loyalty to the Absolute and may offer rewards or punishments based on your decisions. For instance, siding with Ketheric Thorm during his questline can strengthen your position within the Absolute's hierarchy, making it easier to let it control the Netherbrain later.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain is a complex and morally challenging decision that requires careful planning and strategic gameplay. By consistently supporting the Absolute's agenda, managing your relationships with companions, and leveraging the game's mechanics, you can achieve this ending and witness the profound impact it has on the world of Baldur's Gate 3.