What happens if I let the Absolute control the Elder Brain in Baldur's Gate 3?
In Baldur's Gate 3, the decision to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain is one of the most significant and morally complex choices you can make in the game. This choice occurs near the end of the story, during the climactic moments of the main questline. It represents a pivotal moment where you decide the fate of the world, your companions, and yourself. To achieve this outcome, you must follow a specific path that aligns with the Absolute's goals, which involves manipulating the Elder Brain and embracing the power of the Mind Flayers. Here is a detailed explanation of how to achieve this outcome, along with tips, strategies, and considerations.
To let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final act in Baldur's Gate. This involves completing key quests such as infiltrating Moonrise Towers, dealing with the Nightsong, and confronting the Chosen of the Absolute. Throughout these quests, you will encounter opportunities to align yourself with the Absolute or resist its influence. To achieve the desired outcome, you must consistently make choices that favor the Absolute and its goals. This includes siding with the Chosen, such as Ketheric Thorm, Orin, and Gortash, and supporting their plans to dominate the Elder Brain.
One of the critical moments in this path occurs when you reach the Elder Brain itself. At this point, you will have the option to either destroy the Elder Brain or take control of it. To let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you must choose the latter option. This requires you to have a deep understanding of the Mind Flayer powers and the Netherstones, which are key artifacts tied to the Elder Brain's control. You will need to gather all three Netherstones by defeating or allying with the Chosen of the Absolute. Once you have the Netherstones, you can use them to dominate the Elder Brain and allow the Absolute to take full control.
A key mechanic in this process is the use of Illithid powers. Throughout the game, you will have opportunities to embrace or reject these powers. To successfully let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you must fully embrace the Illithid powers and use them to your advantage. This includes consuming Tadpoles to enhance your abilities and making dialogue choices that reflect your alignment with the Mind Flayers. The more you embrace these powers, the easier it will be to dominate the Elder Brain and achieve the desired outcome.
When you reach the final confrontation with the Elder Brain, you will need to make a series of skill checks and strategic decisions. These include using the Netherstones to assert control over the Elder Brain and resisting its attempts to break free. It is crucial to have a high Wisdom and Intelligence score, as these will help you succeed in the necessary skill checks. Additionally, having a strong party composition with characters who can support you in combat and provide buffs will be essential. For example, having a Cleric or Paladin in your party can provide healing and protection, while a Wizard or Sorcerer can offer powerful spells to weaken the Elder Brain.
One common mistake to avoid is failing to fully embrace the Illithid powers. If you have resisted using Tadpoles or rejected the Mind Flayer influence throughout the game, it will be much harder to dominate the Elder Brain. Similarly, failing to gather all three Netherstones will prevent you from achieving this outcome. It is also important to avoid making choices that alienate your companions, as they may turn against you if they disagree with your decision to side with the Absolute.
Advanced techniques for this path include optimizing your character build to maximize your chances of success. For example, choosing a class that benefits from high Wisdom and Intelligence, such as a Wizard or Cleric, can make the final skill checks easier. Additionally, equipping items that boost these stats or provide resistance to psychic damage can be beneficial. You should also consider the moral implications of your choices, as letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain will have significant consequences for the world and your companions. Some companions may leave your party or even try to stop you if they disagree with your decision.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, the mechanics of dominating the Elder Brain are tied to the concept of mind control and psychic manipulation. The Netherstones function as powerful artifacts that allow you to exert control over the Elder Brain, similar to how a Dominate Monster spell works in the tabletop game. The skill checks involved in this process are based on your character's abilities and the choices you have made throughout the game. This reflects the importance of role-playing and character development in shaping the outcome of the story.
A specific example of this path in action is when you confront the Elder Brain in the final act. If you have aligned with the Absolute and gathered the Netherstones, you will have the option to use them to dominate the Elder Brain. This will trigger a series of skill checks and dialogue options that determine whether you succeed. If you pass these checks, the Absolute will take control of the Elder Brain, and you will achieve the desired outcome. This will lead to a unique ending where the Absolute's influence spreads across the world, and your character becomes a powerful figure within its hierarchy.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally challenging path that requires careful planning and strategic decision-making. By embracing the Illithid powers, gathering the Netherstones, and making choices that align with the Absolute's goals, you can achieve this outcome. However, it is important to consider the consequences of your actions and the impact they will have on the world and your companions. With the right approach, you can shape the fate of the world and experience one of the most dramatic endings in the game.
To let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final act in Baldur's Gate. This involves completing key quests such as infiltrating Moonrise Towers, dealing with the Nightsong, and confronting the Chosen of the Absolute. Throughout these quests, you will encounter opportunities to align yourself with the Absolute or resist its influence. To achieve the desired outcome, you must consistently make choices that favor the Absolute and its goals. This includes siding with the Chosen, such as Ketheric Thorm, Orin, and Gortash, and supporting their plans to dominate the Elder Brain.
One of the critical moments in this path occurs when you reach the Elder Brain itself. At this point, you will have the option to either destroy the Elder Brain or take control of it. To let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you must choose the latter option. This requires you to have a deep understanding of the Mind Flayer powers and the Netherstones, which are key artifacts tied to the Elder Brain's control. You will need to gather all three Netherstones by defeating or allying with the Chosen of the Absolute. Once you have the Netherstones, you can use them to dominate the Elder Brain and allow the Absolute to take full control.
A key mechanic in this process is the use of Illithid powers. Throughout the game, you will have opportunities to embrace or reject these powers. To successfully let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you must fully embrace the Illithid powers and use them to your advantage. This includes consuming Tadpoles to enhance your abilities and making dialogue choices that reflect your alignment with the Mind Flayers. The more you embrace these powers, the easier it will be to dominate the Elder Brain and achieve the desired outcome.
When you reach the final confrontation with the Elder Brain, you will need to make a series of skill checks and strategic decisions. These include using the Netherstones to assert control over the Elder Brain and resisting its attempts to break free. It is crucial to have a high Wisdom and Intelligence score, as these will help you succeed in the necessary skill checks. Additionally, having a strong party composition with characters who can support you in combat and provide buffs will be essential. For example, having a Cleric or Paladin in your party can provide healing and protection, while a Wizard or Sorcerer can offer powerful spells to weaken the Elder Brain.
One common mistake to avoid is failing to fully embrace the Illithid powers. If you have resisted using Tadpoles or rejected the Mind Flayer influence throughout the game, it will be much harder to dominate the Elder Brain. Similarly, failing to gather all three Netherstones will prevent you from achieving this outcome. It is also important to avoid making choices that alienate your companions, as they may turn against you if they disagree with your decision to side with the Absolute.
Advanced techniques for this path include optimizing your character build to maximize your chances of success. For example, choosing a class that benefits from high Wisdom and Intelligence, such as a Wizard or Cleric, can make the final skill checks easier. Additionally, equipping items that boost these stats or provide resistance to psychic damage can be beneficial. You should also consider the moral implications of your choices, as letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain will have significant consequences for the world and your companions. Some companions may leave your party or even try to stop you if they disagree with your decision.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, the mechanics of dominating the Elder Brain are tied to the concept of mind control and psychic manipulation. The Netherstones function as powerful artifacts that allow you to exert control over the Elder Brain, similar to how a Dominate Monster spell works in the tabletop game. The skill checks involved in this process are based on your character's abilities and the choices you have made throughout the game. This reflects the importance of role-playing and character development in shaping the outcome of the story.
A specific example of this path in action is when you confront the Elder Brain in the final act. If you have aligned with the Absolute and gathered the Netherstones, you will have the option to use them to dominate the Elder Brain. This will trigger a series of skill checks and dialogue options that determine whether you succeed. If you pass these checks, the Absolute will take control of the Elder Brain, and you will achieve the desired outcome. This will lead to a unique ending where the Absolute's influence spreads across the world, and your character becomes a powerful figure within its hierarchy.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally challenging path that requires careful planning and strategic decision-making. By embracing the Illithid powers, gathering the Netherstones, and making choices that align with the Absolute's goals, you can achieve this outcome. However, it is important to consider the consequences of your actions and the impact they will have on the world and your companions. With the right approach, you can shape the fate of the world and experience one of the most dramatic endings in the game.