What happens if I let the Absolute control the Githyanki in Baldur's Gate 3?
In Baldur's Gate 3, the concept of the Absolute controlling the Githyanki is tied to the game's overarching narrative and the choices you make regarding the Mind Flayer tadpole in your head. The Absolute is a mysterious force that seeks to dominate the world, and it has a particular interest in the Githyanki due to their connection to the Mind Flayers and their powerful psionic abilities. Allowing the Absolute to control the Githyanki is a significant story choice that can have far-reaching consequences for the game's plot, your companions, and the world at large.
To understand how this choice unfolds, you need to first grasp the mechanics of the Mind Flayer tadpole and the Absolute's influence. Early in the game, you and your companions are infected with Mind Flayer tadpoles, which grant you access to psionic powers but also make you vulnerable to the Absolute's control. As you progress through the story, you will encounter opportunities to either resist the Absolute's influence or embrace it. The Githyanki, a race of warrior-psions, are deeply connected to the Mind Flayers due to their history of enslavement by them. This makes them a prime target for the Absolute's manipulation.
To allow the Absolute to control the Githyanki, you must make specific choices that align with the Absolute's goals. This typically involves siding with the Absolute or its agents at key moments in the story. For example, when you encounter the Githyanki patrol in Act 1, you can choose to cooperate with them and later use your psionic powers to influence their actions. If you have been using the tadpole powers and embracing the Absolute's influence, you may be able to persuade the Githyanki to submit to the Absolute's will. This requires high Charisma and successful Persuasion or Intimidation checks, so building a character with strong social skills is important.
One of the most critical moments for this choice occurs in Act 2, when you encounter the Githyanki creche. Here, you will have the opportunity to either destroy the creche and resist the Absolute or allow the Absolute to take control of the Githyanki. If you choose the latter, you will need to use your psionic powers to dominate the Githyanki leaders and convince them to serve the Absolute. This is a high-stakes decision that can lead to significant changes in the story, including the Githyanki becoming a powerful force under the Absolute's control.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when pursuing this path. First, you should invest in abilities and items that enhance your psionic powers and social skills. This includes taking feats like Actor or Skill Expert to boost your Charisma and Persuasion, as well as equipping items that grant bonuses to social interactions. Second, you should carefully manage your relationships with your companions, as some may disapprove of your decision to embrace the Absolute. For example, Lae'zel, a Githyanki companion, may turn against you if you allow the Absolute to control her people. To avoid this, you may need to use dialogue options to persuade her to see the benefits of the Absolute's control.
Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting your psionic powers or failing to build a character with strong social skills. Without these, you may find it difficult to persuade the Githyanki to submit to the Absolute. Additionally, you should be cautious about how you use your tadpole powers, as overusing them can lead to negative consequences, such as losing control of your character or alienating your companions.
Advanced techniques for this path include using the Illithid Wisdom ability to gain insight into the Githyanki's thoughts and motivations, which can help you make more informed decisions during key moments. You can also use the tadpole powers to manipulate other characters and factions, creating a network of allies who support the Absolute's goals. This can give you a significant advantage in later acts of the game.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, the mechanics of psionic powers and social interactions are based on the game's core systems. Psionic powers function similarly to spells, requiring concentration and often involving saving throws. Social interactions are governed by the Persuasion, Intimidation, and Deception skills, which are influenced by your Charisma score and any relevant bonuses.
A specific example of this choice in action is the encounter with the Githyanki patrol in Act 1. If you have been using your tadpole powers and building a relationship with the Absolute, you can use your psionic abilities to influence the Githyanki's behavior. For instance, you might use the Illithid Persuasion option to convince them to stand down or even join your cause. This sets the stage for later encounters, where you can further solidify the Absolute's control over the Githyanki.
In conclusion, allowing the Absolute to control the Githyanki is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that requires careful planning and strategic use of your character's abilities. By investing in psionic powers, social skills, and companion relationships, you can navigate this path and shape the story in a way that aligns with the Absolute's goals. However, you must also be prepared for the consequences of your actions, as this choice can have a profound impact on the game's narrative and your relationships with key characters.
To understand how this choice unfolds, you need to first grasp the mechanics of the Mind Flayer tadpole and the Absolute's influence. Early in the game, you and your companions are infected with Mind Flayer tadpoles, which grant you access to psionic powers but also make you vulnerable to the Absolute's control. As you progress through the story, you will encounter opportunities to either resist the Absolute's influence or embrace it. The Githyanki, a race of warrior-psions, are deeply connected to the Mind Flayers due to their history of enslavement by them. This makes them a prime target for the Absolute's manipulation.
To allow the Absolute to control the Githyanki, you must make specific choices that align with the Absolute's goals. This typically involves siding with the Absolute or its agents at key moments in the story. For example, when you encounter the Githyanki patrol in Act 1, you can choose to cooperate with them and later use your psionic powers to influence their actions. If you have been using the tadpole powers and embracing the Absolute's influence, you may be able to persuade the Githyanki to submit to the Absolute's will. This requires high Charisma and successful Persuasion or Intimidation checks, so building a character with strong social skills is important.
One of the most critical moments for this choice occurs in Act 2, when you encounter the Githyanki creche. Here, you will have the opportunity to either destroy the creche and resist the Absolute or allow the Absolute to take control of the Githyanki. If you choose the latter, you will need to use your psionic powers to dominate the Githyanki leaders and convince them to serve the Absolute. This is a high-stakes decision that can lead to significant changes in the story, including the Githyanki becoming a powerful force under the Absolute's control.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when pursuing this path. First, you should invest in abilities and items that enhance your psionic powers and social skills. This includes taking feats like Actor or Skill Expert to boost your Charisma and Persuasion, as well as equipping items that grant bonuses to social interactions. Second, you should carefully manage your relationships with your companions, as some may disapprove of your decision to embrace the Absolute. For example, Lae'zel, a Githyanki companion, may turn against you if you allow the Absolute to control her people. To avoid this, you may need to use dialogue options to persuade her to see the benefits of the Absolute's control.
Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting your psionic powers or failing to build a character with strong social skills. Without these, you may find it difficult to persuade the Githyanki to submit to the Absolute. Additionally, you should be cautious about how you use your tadpole powers, as overusing them can lead to negative consequences, such as losing control of your character or alienating your companions.
Advanced techniques for this path include using the Illithid Wisdom ability to gain insight into the Githyanki's thoughts and motivations, which can help you make more informed decisions during key moments. You can also use the tadpole powers to manipulate other characters and factions, creating a network of allies who support the Absolute's goals. This can give you a significant advantage in later acts of the game.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, the mechanics of psionic powers and social interactions are based on the game's core systems. Psionic powers function similarly to spells, requiring concentration and often involving saving throws. Social interactions are governed by the Persuasion, Intimidation, and Deception skills, which are influenced by your Charisma score and any relevant bonuses.
A specific example of this choice in action is the encounter with the Githyanki patrol in Act 1. If you have been using your tadpole powers and building a relationship with the Absolute, you can use your psionic abilities to influence the Githyanki's behavior. For instance, you might use the Illithid Persuasion option to convince them to stand down or even join your cause. This sets the stage for later encounters, where you can further solidify the Absolute's control over the Githyanki.
In conclusion, allowing the Absolute to control the Githyanki is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that requires careful planning and strategic use of your character's abilities. By investing in psionic powers, social skills, and companion relationships, you can navigate this path and shape the story in a way that aligns with the Absolute's goals. However, you must also be prepared for the consequences of your actions, as this choice can have a profound impact on the game's narrative and your relationships with key characters.