What happens if I let the Emperor control the Netherbrain in Baldur's Gate 3?
In Baldur's Gate 3, the decision to let the Emperor control the Netherbrain is one of the most significant choices you can make in the game. This choice occurs near the end of the story, during the climax of the main questline. The Netherbrain is a powerful entity that has been manipulating events throughout the game, and the Emperor, a mind flayer who has been both an ally and a source of tension, offers a solution to control it. However, this decision has far-reaching consequences for the story, your companions, and the world of Baldur's Gate.
To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the point where you confront the Netherbrain. This involves completing key quests such as infiltrating Moonrise Towers, dealing with the Absolute, and gathering allies for the final battle. Along the way, you will have numerous interactions with the Emperor, who will reveal more about his true nature and his plans. It is crucial to maintain a cooperative relationship with the Emperor, as this will influence his willingness to work with you and your ability to trust him.
When you finally reach the Netherbrain, you will be presented with a choice: destroy the Netherbrain, dominate it yourself, or allow the Emperor to control it. To let the Emperor take control, you must choose the dialogue option that supports his plan. This decision is not made lightly, as it involves trusting a mind flayer with immense power. The Emperor will then use his abilities to dominate the Netherbrain, effectively ending the threat it poses but also placing him in a position of ultimate authority.
There are several important considerations to keep in mind when making this choice. First, the Emperor's control over the Netherbrain will have significant implications for the world. While it may bring an end to the immediate crisis, it also raises questions about the long-term consequences of allowing a mind flayer to wield such power. Your companions may have strong reactions to this decision, and their approval or disapproval will depend on their individual personalities and your relationship with them. For example, characters like Lae'zel, who are deeply opposed to mind flayers, may react negatively, while others, like Gale, who value pragmatism, may see the logic in the decision.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the importance of their relationship with the Emperor. Throughout the game, your interactions with him will shape his trust in you and your willingness to trust him. If you have been antagonistic or dismissive of his advice, he may be less inclined to cooperate with you, making it harder to achieve this outcome. It is essential to build a rapport with the Emperor by supporting his plans and showing understanding of his perspective.
Advanced techniques for this choice involve considering the broader implications of the Emperor's control. In Dungeons & Dragons lore, mind flayers are typically portrayed as malevolent beings who seek to dominate and enslave other creatures. Allowing the Emperor to control the Netherbrain could be seen as a necessary evil, but it also opens the door to potential future conflicts. Players who are well-versed in D&D lore may recognize the risks of giving a mind flayer such power and may choose to explore alternative solutions, such as destroying the Netherbrain or finding a way to dominate it themselves.
Specific examples of how this choice plays out can be seen in the reactions of your companions and the ending sequences. If you allow the Emperor to control the Netherbrain, you may see a world where order is restored, but at the cost of freedom. The Emperor's rule may be benevolent, but it is still a form of domination. Alternatively, if you choose to destroy the Netherbrain, you may face a more chaotic but free world. The choice ultimately depends on your character's values and the kind of story you want to tell.
In conclusion, letting the Emperor control the Netherbrain is a complex and morally ambiguous decision that requires careful consideration of the game's mechanics, your relationship with the Emperor, and the potential consequences for the world. By understanding the implications of this choice and building a strong rapport with the Emperor, you can navigate this pivotal moment in the story and shape the fate of Baldur's Gate.
To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the point where you confront the Netherbrain. This involves completing key quests such as infiltrating Moonrise Towers, dealing with the Absolute, and gathering allies for the final battle. Along the way, you will have numerous interactions with the Emperor, who will reveal more about his true nature and his plans. It is crucial to maintain a cooperative relationship with the Emperor, as this will influence his willingness to work with you and your ability to trust him.
When you finally reach the Netherbrain, you will be presented with a choice: destroy the Netherbrain, dominate it yourself, or allow the Emperor to control it. To let the Emperor take control, you must choose the dialogue option that supports his plan. This decision is not made lightly, as it involves trusting a mind flayer with immense power. The Emperor will then use his abilities to dominate the Netherbrain, effectively ending the threat it poses but also placing him in a position of ultimate authority.
There are several important considerations to keep in mind when making this choice. First, the Emperor's control over the Netherbrain will have significant implications for the world. While it may bring an end to the immediate crisis, it also raises questions about the long-term consequences of allowing a mind flayer to wield such power. Your companions may have strong reactions to this decision, and their approval or disapproval will depend on their individual personalities and your relationship with them. For example, characters like Lae'zel, who are deeply opposed to mind flayers, may react negatively, while others, like Gale, who value pragmatism, may see the logic in the decision.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the importance of their relationship with the Emperor. Throughout the game, your interactions with him will shape his trust in you and your willingness to trust him. If you have been antagonistic or dismissive of his advice, he may be less inclined to cooperate with you, making it harder to achieve this outcome. It is essential to build a rapport with the Emperor by supporting his plans and showing understanding of his perspective.
Advanced techniques for this choice involve considering the broader implications of the Emperor's control. In Dungeons & Dragons lore, mind flayers are typically portrayed as malevolent beings who seek to dominate and enslave other creatures. Allowing the Emperor to control the Netherbrain could be seen as a necessary evil, but it also opens the door to potential future conflicts. Players who are well-versed in D&D lore may recognize the risks of giving a mind flayer such power and may choose to explore alternative solutions, such as destroying the Netherbrain or finding a way to dominate it themselves.
Specific examples of how this choice plays out can be seen in the reactions of your companions and the ending sequences. If you allow the Emperor to control the Netherbrain, you may see a world where order is restored, but at the cost of freedom. The Emperor's rule may be benevolent, but it is still a form of domination. Alternatively, if you choose to destroy the Netherbrain, you may face a more chaotic but free world. The choice ultimately depends on your character's values and the kind of story you want to tell.
In conclusion, letting the Emperor control the Netherbrain is a complex and morally ambiguous decision that requires careful consideration of the game's mechanics, your relationship with the Emperor, and the potential consequences for the world. By understanding the implications of this choice and building a strong rapport with the Emperor, you can navigate this pivotal moment in the story and shape the fate of Baldur's Gate.