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 when making this decision.
To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the climax in Act 3. The Elder Brain is the central threat in the game, and your journey will lead you to confront it. Along the way, you will encounter key figures like the Chosen of the AbsoluteÔÇöOrin the Red, Ketheric Thorm, and Gortash. These characters are instrumental in the Absolute's plans, and your interactions with them will shape your path. To let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you must side with Gortash, who represents the Absolute's political and military power in Baldur's Gate. This means cooperating with him rather than opposing him.
The mechanics of this choice involve navigating dialogue and story decisions carefully. When you meet Gortash, he will propose an alliance, offering you a share of power if you help him maintain control over the Elder Brain. To accept his offer, you must agree to his terms during key conversations. This will lock you into a path where you work with him to stabilize the Absolute's dominance. You will also need to deal with Orin, as she poses a threat to Gortash's plans. Depending on your choices, you may need to confront her or find a way to neutralize her influence.
One important tip is to ensure your character has high Charisma and proficiency in Persuasion or Deception. These skills will help you navigate the complex negotiations with Gortash and other key characters. If you fail to convince Gortash of your loyalty, he may turn against you, making it harder to achieve this outcome. Additionally, consider the alignment of your party members. Some companions, like Shadowheart or Lae'zel, may have strong opinions about siding with the Absolute, and their loyalty could be tested. Be prepared to manage their reactions through dialogue or by making choices that align with their values.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the consequences of this decision. Letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain means embracing a darker path, and it will alienate some of your companions. For example, characters like Wyll or Karlach, who have strong moral convictions, may leave your party or even turn against you. This can significantly impact your combat effectiveness and the overall dynamics of your group. To mitigate this, consider recruiting companions who are more morally flexible, such as Astarion or Minthara, who may be more accepting of your choices.
Advanced techniques involve optimizing your character build and party composition for the challenges ahead. If you are playing as a spellcaster, focus on spells that enhance your ability to control or manipulate others, such as Dominate Person or Suggestion. These can be useful in key story moments where persuasion or coercion is required. For martial characters, prioritize abilities that allow you to intimidate or overpower opponents, as this can help you assert dominance in critical situations. Additionally, ensure your party is well-equipped with gear that boosts your social skills or provides resistance to mind-affecting effects, as the Elder Brain and its minions often use psychic attacks.
From a D&D rules perspective, this choice reflects the concept of alignment and moral decision-making. By siding with the Absolute, you are embracing a Lawful Evil or Neutral Evil alignment, depending on your motivations. This can influence how NPCs perceive and interact with you, as well as the types of quests and rewards available. The game's implementation of these rules is flexible, allowing for a wide range of role-playing possibilities, but it is important to stay consistent with your character's choices to maintain narrative coherence.
In specific scenarios, such as the final confrontation with the Elder Brain, your decision to let the Absolute control it will lead to a unique ending. The Elder Brain will become a tool of the Absolute's will, and you will be complicit in its domination of the world. This ending is darker and more oppressive, reflecting the consequences of your choices. It is a stark contrast to other possible endings where you might destroy the Elder Brain or free it from control, leading to a more hopeful outcome.
In summary, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that requires careful planning and consideration. By aligning with Gortash, managing your companions, and optimizing your character build, you can achieve this outcome. However, be prepared for the far-reaching consequences of your decision, as it will shape the fate of Baldur's Gate and its inhabitants.
To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the climax in Act 3. The Elder Brain is the central threat in the game, and your journey will lead you to confront it. Along the way, you will encounter key figures like the Chosen of the AbsoluteÔÇöOrin the Red, Ketheric Thorm, and Gortash. These characters are instrumental in the Absolute's plans, and your interactions with them will shape your path. To let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you must side with Gortash, who represents the Absolute's political and military power in Baldur's Gate. This means cooperating with him rather than opposing him.
The mechanics of this choice involve navigating dialogue and story decisions carefully. When you meet Gortash, he will propose an alliance, offering you a share of power if you help him maintain control over the Elder Brain. To accept his offer, you must agree to his terms during key conversations. This will lock you into a path where you work with him to stabilize the Absolute's dominance. You will also need to deal with Orin, as she poses a threat to Gortash's plans. Depending on your choices, you may need to confront her or find a way to neutralize her influence.
One important tip is to ensure your character has high Charisma and proficiency in Persuasion or Deception. These skills will help you navigate the complex negotiations with Gortash and other key characters. If you fail to convince Gortash of your loyalty, he may turn against you, making it harder to achieve this outcome. Additionally, consider the alignment of your party members. Some companions, like Shadowheart or Lae'zel, may have strong opinions about siding with the Absolute, and their loyalty could be tested. Be prepared to manage their reactions through dialogue or by making choices that align with their values.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the consequences of this decision. Letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain means embracing a darker path, and it will alienate some of your companions. For example, characters like Wyll or Karlach, who have strong moral convictions, may leave your party or even turn against you. This can significantly impact your combat effectiveness and the overall dynamics of your group. To mitigate this, consider recruiting companions who are more morally flexible, such as Astarion or Minthara, who may be more accepting of your choices.
Advanced techniques involve optimizing your character build and party composition for the challenges ahead. If you are playing as a spellcaster, focus on spells that enhance your ability to control or manipulate others, such as Dominate Person or Suggestion. These can be useful in key story moments where persuasion or coercion is required. For martial characters, prioritize abilities that allow you to intimidate or overpower opponents, as this can help you assert dominance in critical situations. Additionally, ensure your party is well-equipped with gear that boosts your social skills or provides resistance to mind-affecting effects, as the Elder Brain and its minions often use psychic attacks.
From a D&D rules perspective, this choice reflects the concept of alignment and moral decision-making. By siding with the Absolute, you are embracing a Lawful Evil or Neutral Evil alignment, depending on your motivations. This can influence how NPCs perceive and interact with you, as well as the types of quests and rewards available. The game's implementation of these rules is flexible, allowing for a wide range of role-playing possibilities, but it is important to stay consistent with your character's choices to maintain narrative coherence.
In specific scenarios, such as the final confrontation with the Elder Brain, your decision to let the Absolute control it will lead to a unique ending. The Elder Brain will become a tool of the Absolute's will, and you will be complicit in its domination of the world. This ending is darker and more oppressive, reflecting the consequences of your choices. It is a stark contrast to other possible endings where you might destroy the Elder Brain or free it from control, leading to a more hopeful outcome.
In summary, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that requires careful planning and consideration. By aligning with Gortash, managing your companions, and optimizing your character build, you can achieve this outcome. However, be prepared for the far-reaching consequences of your decision, as it will shape the fate of Baldur's Gate and its inhabitants.