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 will alter the course of the story and lead to unique consequences that differ from other paths.
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 to show allegiance to the Absolute occurs during interactions with the goblin leaders in Act 1. By aiding the goblins and their leadersÔÇöPriestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and MintharaÔÇöyou can begin to establish yourself as an ally of the Absolute. This involves completing quests that further their goals, such as raiding the Emerald Grove, which is a pivotal moment in the game. Choosing to attack the grove and side with the goblins will lead to the destruction of the druids and tieflings, and it will also alienate certain companions who oppose the Absolute, such as Wyll and Karlach.
As you progress into Act 2, the influence of the Absolute becomes more pronounced. You will encounter the cult of the Absolute in the Shadow-Cursed Lands, where you can further solidify your allegiance by working with their leaders, such as Ketheric Thorm. Ketheric is a key figure in the Absolute's hierarchy, and aiding him in his plans will bring you closer to the Absolute's inner circle. This may involve completing tasks that strengthen the cult's hold over the region, such as retrieving powerful artifacts or eliminating their enemies.
One of the most significant consequences of siding with the Absolute is the impact on your companions. Characters like Shadowheart, who has her own connection to the Absolute through her worship of Shar, may be more inclined to support your decision. However, others, such as Gale or Lae'zel, may struggle with this choice, leading to tension or even their departure from the party. It is important to manage these relationships carefully, as losing key allies can make the game more challenging.
In Act 3, your allegiance to the Absolute will come to a head as you approach the climax of the story. The Absolute's true nature and goals will be revealed, and you will face critical decisions that determine the fate of the world. Siding with the Absolute may grant you immense power, but it also means sacrificing your freedom and potentially becoming a pawn in its grand design. The ending you receive will reflect your choices, with the Absolute's victory leading to a darker, more oppressive world.
When considering this path, it is important to think about your character's motivations and alignment. A character who is power-hungry, morally ambiguous, or outright evil may find the Absolute's promises appealing. However, a good-aligned character may struggle with the moral implications of this choice. Additionally, your class and abilities can influence how you navigate this path. For example, a Charisma-based character like a Bard or Sorcerer may find it easier to manipulate the Absolute's followers and gain their trust, while a stealthy Rogue or Ranger might excel at completing covert missions for the cult.
One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the consequences of your actions. Siding with the Absolute will lock you out of certain quests and storylines, particularly those involving the druids, tieflings, and other factions that oppose the Absolute. It is also important to consider the long-term impact on your party dynamics, as losing companions can leave you underpowered in later battles. To mitigate this, ensure that your remaining party members are well-equipped and that you have a balanced team composition.
Advanced techniques for this path include leveraging the Absolute's resources to your advantage. For example, you can use the cult's influence to gain access to powerful items, allies, and information that can aid you in your journey. Additionally, you can exploit the Absolute's weaknesses by playing both sides, though this requires careful planning and deception.
In terms of D&D mechanics, siding with the Absolute aligns with the concept of serving a powerful, malevolent force, which is a common trope in the game. The Absolute's influence can be seen as a form of divine or arcane power, and your character's actions may reflect the alignment shifts associated with such choices. For example, a character who starts as Neutral or Good may gradually shift towards Evil as they embrace the Absolute's ideology.
Specific examples of this path include the raid on the Emerald Grove, where you must choose between the druids and the goblins, and the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm in Act 2, where you can either oppose him or join his cause. These moments are critical in shaping your journey and determining the ultimate outcome of the game.
In conclusion, siding with the Absolute is a complex and morally challenging path that offers a unique narrative experience. It requires careful consideration of your character's motivations, the impact on your companions, and the long-term consequences of your actions. By understanding the mechanics, managing your party dynamics, and leveraging the Absolute's resources, you can navigate this path successfully and experience a darker, more oppressive version of the story.
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 to show allegiance to the Absolute occurs during interactions with the goblin leaders in Act 1. By aiding the goblins and their leadersÔÇöPriestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and MintharaÔÇöyou can begin to establish yourself as an ally of the Absolute. This involves completing quests that further their goals, such as raiding the Emerald Grove, which is a pivotal moment in the game. Choosing to attack the grove and side with the goblins will lead to the destruction of the druids and tieflings, and it will also alienate certain companions who oppose the Absolute, such as Wyll and Karlach.
As you progress into Act 2, the influence of the Absolute becomes more pronounced. You will encounter the cult of the Absolute in the Shadow-Cursed Lands, where you can further solidify your allegiance by working with their leaders, such as Ketheric Thorm. Ketheric is a key figure in the Absolute's hierarchy, and aiding him in his plans will bring you closer to the Absolute's inner circle. This may involve completing tasks that strengthen the cult's hold over the region, such as retrieving powerful artifacts or eliminating their enemies.
One of the most significant consequences of siding with the Absolute is the impact on your companions. Characters like Shadowheart, who has her own connection to the Absolute through her worship of Shar, may be more inclined to support your decision. However, others, such as Gale or Lae'zel, may struggle with this choice, leading to tension or even their departure from the party. It is important to manage these relationships carefully, as losing key allies can make the game more challenging.
In Act 3, your allegiance to the Absolute will come to a head as you approach the climax of the story. The Absolute's true nature and goals will be revealed, and you will face critical decisions that determine the fate of the world. Siding with the Absolute may grant you immense power, but it also means sacrificing your freedom and potentially becoming a pawn in its grand design. The ending you receive will reflect your choices, with the Absolute's victory leading to a darker, more oppressive world.
When considering this path, it is important to think about your character's motivations and alignment. A character who is power-hungry, morally ambiguous, or outright evil may find the Absolute's promises appealing. However, a good-aligned character may struggle with the moral implications of this choice. Additionally, your class and abilities can influence how you navigate this path. For example, a Charisma-based character like a Bard or Sorcerer may find it easier to manipulate the Absolute's followers and gain their trust, while a stealthy Rogue or Ranger might excel at completing covert missions for the cult.
One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the consequences of your actions. Siding with the Absolute will lock you out of certain quests and storylines, particularly those involving the druids, tieflings, and other factions that oppose the Absolute. It is also important to consider the long-term impact on your party dynamics, as losing companions can leave you underpowered in later battles. To mitigate this, ensure that your remaining party members are well-equipped and that you have a balanced team composition.
Advanced techniques for this path include leveraging the Absolute's resources to your advantage. For example, you can use the cult's influence to gain access to powerful items, allies, and information that can aid you in your journey. Additionally, you can exploit the Absolute's weaknesses by playing both sides, though this requires careful planning and deception.
In terms of D&D mechanics, siding with the Absolute aligns with the concept of serving a powerful, malevolent force, which is a common trope in the game. The Absolute's influence can be seen as a form of divine or arcane power, and your character's actions may reflect the alignment shifts associated with such choices. For example, a character who starts as Neutral or Good may gradually shift towards Evil as they embrace the Absolute's ideology.
Specific examples of this path include the raid on the Emerald Grove, where you must choose between the druids and the goblins, and the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm in Act 2, where you can either oppose him or join his cause. These moments are critical in shaping your journey and determining the ultimate outcome of the game.
In conclusion, siding with the Absolute is a complex and morally challenging path that offers a unique narrative experience. It requires careful consideration of your character's motivations, the impact on your companions, and the long-term consequences of your actions. By understanding the mechanics, managing your party dynamics, and leveraging the Absolute's resources, you can navigate this path successfully and experience a darker, more oppressive version of the story.