What are the consequences of letting the Emperor control the Netherbrain in Baldur's Gate 3?
Letting the Emperor 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 climax of the main questline, and it has profound consequences for the world, your companions, and the overall narrative. To understand the mechanics and implications of this decision, itÔÇÖs important to first grasp the context and the steps leading up to it.
The Emperor is a powerful mind flayer who has been guiding you throughout the game, often presenting himself as an ally. However, his true intentions are ambiguous, and his methods are manipulative. The Netherbrain, on the other hand, is the ultimate antagonist of the story, a hyper-intelligent elder brain that seeks to dominate all life. The Emperor proposes that he can control the Netherbrain, using its power to bring order to the world. This choice is presented as an alternative to destroying the Netherbrain outright, which is the more traditional heroic path.
To reach this decision point, you must progress through the main questline, which involves gathering allies, uncovering the truth about the Absolute, and confronting the Netherbrain in the final act. Along the way, you will encounter key moments where the EmperorÔÇÖs influence and motives are revealed. Pay close attention to these moments, as they will shape your understanding of his character and whether you trust him enough to let him control the Netherbrain.
When you finally confront the Netherbrain, you will have the option to either destroy it or allow the Emperor to take control. If you choose the latter, the Emperor will use his psionic abilities to dominate the Netherbrain, effectively becoming the new ruler of the mind flayer empire. This decision has several immediate and long-term consequences. First, the EmperorÔÇÖs control over the Netherbrain ensures that the mind flayers will no longer pose a direct threat to the world, as they will be under his command. However, this also means that the Emperor now wields immense power, and his intentions are not entirely clear. While he claims to want order and stability, his methods are authoritarian, and his rule could lead to a new form of tyranny.
One of the key considerations when making this choice is the impact it will have on your companions. Some companions, like LaeÔÇÖzel and Shadowheart, may have strong reactions to this decision. LaeÔÇÖzel, for example, is deeply opposed to mind flayers and may view the EmperorÔÇÖs ascension as a betrayal. Shadowheart, on the other hand, may be more pragmatic, depending on her personal questline and how youÔÇÖve influenced her. ItÔÇÖs important to consider how this decision aligns with your companionsÔÇÖ values and how it will affect your relationships with them.
Another important factor is the moral implications of this choice. Allowing the Emperor to control the Netherbrain is a utilitarian decision, prioritizing the greater good over individual freedom. While it may prevent immediate destruction, it also raises questions about the cost of such power and the potential for abuse. This choice is a classic example of the gameÔÇÖs moral complexity, forcing players to weigh the benefits of stability against the risks of authoritarianism.
In terms of gameplay mechanics, this choice does not require any specific character build or combat strategy. However, it does require careful consideration of the story and your role-playing goals. If you are playing a character who values order and stability above all else, this choice may align with your characterÔÇÖs motivations. On the other hand, if you are playing a more traditional hero who values freedom and self-determination, you may find this choice morally objectionable.
One common mistake to avoid is making this decision without fully understanding the EmperorÔÇÖs character and motivations. Throughout the game, the Emperor presents himself as a benevolent guide, but his actions often reveal a more manipulative and self-serving nature. ItÔÇÖs important to critically evaluate his claims and consider whether his control over the Netherbrain is truly in the best interest of the world.
In conclusion, letting the Emperor control the Netherbrain is a complex and morally ambiguous decision that has far-reaching consequences for the story and your companions. It requires careful consideration of the EmperorÔÇÖs character, the moral implications of his rule, and the impact on your relationships with your companions. By understanding the context and weighing the pros and cons, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your characterÔÇÖs values and the story you want to tell.
The Emperor is a powerful mind flayer who has been guiding you throughout the game, often presenting himself as an ally. However, his true intentions are ambiguous, and his methods are manipulative. The Netherbrain, on the other hand, is the ultimate antagonist of the story, a hyper-intelligent elder brain that seeks to dominate all life. The Emperor proposes that he can control the Netherbrain, using its power to bring order to the world. This choice is presented as an alternative to destroying the Netherbrain outright, which is the more traditional heroic path.
To reach this decision point, you must progress through the main questline, which involves gathering allies, uncovering the truth about the Absolute, and confronting the Netherbrain in the final act. Along the way, you will encounter key moments where the EmperorÔÇÖs influence and motives are revealed. Pay close attention to these moments, as they will shape your understanding of his character and whether you trust him enough to let him control the Netherbrain.
When you finally confront the Netherbrain, you will have the option to either destroy it or allow the Emperor to take control. If you choose the latter, the Emperor will use his psionic abilities to dominate the Netherbrain, effectively becoming the new ruler of the mind flayer empire. This decision has several immediate and long-term consequences. First, the EmperorÔÇÖs control over the Netherbrain ensures that the mind flayers will no longer pose a direct threat to the world, as they will be under his command. However, this also means that the Emperor now wields immense power, and his intentions are not entirely clear. While he claims to want order and stability, his methods are authoritarian, and his rule could lead to a new form of tyranny.
One of the key considerations when making this choice is the impact it will have on your companions. Some companions, like LaeÔÇÖzel and Shadowheart, may have strong reactions to this decision. LaeÔÇÖzel, for example, is deeply opposed to mind flayers and may view the EmperorÔÇÖs ascension as a betrayal. Shadowheart, on the other hand, may be more pragmatic, depending on her personal questline and how youÔÇÖve influenced her. ItÔÇÖs important to consider how this decision aligns with your companionsÔÇÖ values and how it will affect your relationships with them.
Another important factor is the moral implications of this choice. Allowing the Emperor to control the Netherbrain is a utilitarian decision, prioritizing the greater good over individual freedom. While it may prevent immediate destruction, it also raises questions about the cost of such power and the potential for abuse. This choice is a classic example of the gameÔÇÖs moral complexity, forcing players to weigh the benefits of stability against the risks of authoritarianism.
In terms of gameplay mechanics, this choice does not require any specific character build or combat strategy. However, it does require careful consideration of the story and your role-playing goals. If you are playing a character who values order and stability above all else, this choice may align with your characterÔÇÖs motivations. On the other hand, if you are playing a more traditional hero who values freedom and self-determination, you may find this choice morally objectionable.
One common mistake to avoid is making this decision without fully understanding the EmperorÔÇÖs character and motivations. Throughout the game, the Emperor presents himself as a benevolent guide, but his actions often reveal a more manipulative and self-serving nature. ItÔÇÖs important to critically evaluate his claims and consider whether his control over the Netherbrain is truly in the best interest of the world.
In conclusion, letting the Emperor control the Netherbrain is a complex and morally ambiguous decision that has far-reaching consequences for the story and your companions. It requires careful consideration of the EmperorÔÇÖs character, the moral implications of his rule, and the impact on your relationships with your companions. By understanding the context and weighing the pros and cons, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your characterÔÇÖs values and the story you want to tell.