What happens if I let the Absolute control the Elder Brain in Baldur's Gate 3?
If you choose to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain in Baldur's Gate 3, you are essentially aligning yourself with the game's primary antagonistic force, the Absolute, and its followers. This decision has significant consequences for the story, your companions, and the world of Baldur's Gate. Here is a detailed explanation of how this choice unfolds, the mechanics involved, and what you need to consider.
To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the climax in Act 3. The Elder Brain is a central element of the Absolute's plan, and your interactions with it will determine the fate of the world. The key moment comes when you confront the Elder Brain in the final stages of the game. At this point, you will have the option to either resist the Absolute's influence or submit to it. Choosing to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain means you are siding with the villains, and this will lead to a specific ending where the Absolute's power becomes absolute, dominating the world and enslaving its inhabitants.
The mechanics of this choice are tied to the dialogue and decision-making system in Baldur's Gate 3. When you reach the Elder Brain, you will be presented with a series of dialogue options. To let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you must select the options that indicate your willingness to submit to its will. This is not a straightforward choice, as the game will often present you with opportunities to resist or challenge the Absolute's influence. You must consistently choose the path of submission throughout the final encounters to achieve this outcome.
One important tip is to ensure that your character is aligned with the Absolute's goals from earlier in the game. This means making choices that favor the Absolute's followers, such as the Cult of the Absolute, and avoiding actions that undermine their plans. For example, if you have been working against the Absolute throughout the game, it may be more difficult to convince the Elder Brain that you are sincere in your submission. Building a character who is morally ambiguous or outright evil can make this path more accessible.
A common mistake to avoid is making inconsistent choices. If you have been resisting the Absolute up until the final confrontation, suddenly choosing to submit may not have the desired effect. The game tracks your decisions and actions, and your alignment with the Absolute's goals will influence the outcome. It is important to maintain a consistent narrative for your character if you want to achieve this ending.
Advanced techniques involve optimizing your character build and party composition to align with the Absolute's goals. For example, choosing a class that benefits from dark or evil powers, such as a Warlock with a Fiend patron or a Necromancer Wizard, can enhance your role-playing experience. Additionally, selecting companions who are more likely to support your decision, such as Minthara or Astarion, can make the final confrontation easier. These characters have their own motivations that align with the Absolute's goals, and their support can be crucial in achieving the desired outcome.
From a D&D rules perspective, the concept of submitting to a powerful entity like the Absolute is rooted in the idea of alignment and moral choices. In Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition, alignment represents a character's ethical and moral perspective. Choosing to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain is an inherently evil act, as it involves the subjugation of free will and the domination of others. This choice aligns with the chaotic evil or neutral evil alignments, depending on your character's motivations.
Specific examples of this choice in action include the final dialogue with the Elder Brain, where you must explicitly state your desire to submit to the Absolute. This moment is a culmination of all your previous decisions, and the game will reflect your character's journey up to this point. If you have consistently supported the Absolute, the Elder Brain will accept your submission, and the game will transition to the ending where the Absolute's power is unchallenged.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a significant and morally complex choice in Baldur's Gate 3. It requires careful planning, consistent decision-making, and a character build that aligns with the Absolute's goals. By understanding the mechanics involved, avoiding common mistakes, and optimizing your character and party, you can achieve this unique and impactful ending.
To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the climax in Act 3. The Elder Brain is a central element of the Absolute's plan, and your interactions with it will determine the fate of the world. The key moment comes when you confront the Elder Brain in the final stages of the game. At this point, you will have the option to either resist the Absolute's influence or submit to it. Choosing to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain means you are siding with the villains, and this will lead to a specific ending where the Absolute's power becomes absolute, dominating the world and enslaving its inhabitants.
The mechanics of this choice are tied to the dialogue and decision-making system in Baldur's Gate 3. When you reach the Elder Brain, you will be presented with a series of dialogue options. To let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you must select the options that indicate your willingness to submit to its will. This is not a straightforward choice, as the game will often present you with opportunities to resist or challenge the Absolute's influence. You must consistently choose the path of submission throughout the final encounters to achieve this outcome.
One important tip is to ensure that your character is aligned with the Absolute's goals from earlier in the game. This means making choices that favor the Absolute's followers, such as the Cult of the Absolute, and avoiding actions that undermine their plans. For example, if you have been working against the Absolute throughout the game, it may be more difficult to convince the Elder Brain that you are sincere in your submission. Building a character who is morally ambiguous or outright evil can make this path more accessible.
A common mistake to avoid is making inconsistent choices. If you have been resisting the Absolute up until the final confrontation, suddenly choosing to submit may not have the desired effect. The game tracks your decisions and actions, and your alignment with the Absolute's goals will influence the outcome. It is important to maintain a consistent narrative for your character if you want to achieve this ending.
Advanced techniques involve optimizing your character build and party composition to align with the Absolute's goals. For example, choosing a class that benefits from dark or evil powers, such as a Warlock with a Fiend patron or a Necromancer Wizard, can enhance your role-playing experience. Additionally, selecting companions who are more likely to support your decision, such as Minthara or Astarion, can make the final confrontation easier. These characters have their own motivations that align with the Absolute's goals, and their support can be crucial in achieving the desired outcome.
From a D&D rules perspective, the concept of submitting to a powerful entity like the Absolute is rooted in the idea of alignment and moral choices. In Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition, alignment represents a character's ethical and moral perspective. Choosing to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain is an inherently evil act, as it involves the subjugation of free will and the domination of others. This choice aligns with the chaotic evil or neutral evil alignments, depending on your character's motivations.
Specific examples of this choice in action include the final dialogue with the Elder Brain, where you must explicitly state your desire to submit to the Absolute. This moment is a culmination of all your previous decisions, and the game will reflect your character's journey up to this point. If you have consistently supported the Absolute, the Elder Brain will accept your submission, and the game will transition to the ending where the Absolute's power is unchallenged.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a significant and morally complex choice in Baldur's Gate 3. It requires careful planning, consistent decision-making, and a character build that aligns with the Absolute's goals. By understanding the mechanics involved, avoiding common mistakes, and optimizing your character and party, you can achieve this unique and impactful ending.