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 during the final stages of the main story, where you must decide the fate of the Netherbrain, a powerful entity that threatens the world. The Emperor, a mind flayer who has been both an ally and a manipulative force throughout the story, offers to dominate the Netherbrain to bring order and stability. However, this decision has far-reaching consequences for the story, your companions, and the world at large.
To achieve this outcome, you must first align yourself with the Emperor throughout the game. This means trusting his guidance and following his plans, even when they seem questionable. The Emperor will often present you with choices that test your loyalty, such as whether to consume tadpoles to gain power or to resist his influence. To ensure he remains an ally, you should generally agree to his suggestions, though you can still question his motives without fully opposing him. This builds a relationship where he sees you as a valuable partner rather than a threat.
As you progress through the game, you will reach the final confrontation with the Netherbrain. At this point, the Emperor will propose a plan to dominate the Netherbrain using the power of the Astral Prism. To proceed, you must agree to his plan and allow him to take control. This involves a series of dialogue choices where you express your trust in him and your willingness to let him wield this immense power. If you have built a strong enough relationship with him, he will proceed with the plan.
The mechanics of this choice involve a combination of dialogue decisions and narrative consequences. There are no specific skill checks or combat challenges tied directly to this decision, but your previous actions and choices will influence whether the Emperor trusts you enough to proceed. If you have consistently supported him, he will see you as a reliable ally and move forward with the plan. If you have opposed him or shown distrust, he may abandon the idea or even turn against you.
One important tip is to carefully consider the implications of this choice. Letting the Emperor control the Netherbrain means granting immense power to a being who has shown a willingness to manipulate and deceive. While he claims to want order and stability, his true intentions are ambiguous, and this decision could lead to unforeseen consequences. It is also worth noting that this choice may alienate some of your companions, particularly those who distrust the Emperor or have strong moral objections to mind flayers.
A common mistake to avoid is making this decision without fully understanding the consequences. The game does not always spell out the long-term effects of your choices, so it is important to think critically about what you are agreeing to. Additionally, failing to build a strong relationship with the Emperor earlier in the game can make it difficult to achieve this outcome, as he may not trust you enough to proceed.
Advanced techniques involve role-playing your character's motivations and beliefs. If your character is pragmatic and willing to make morally gray decisions for the greater good, this choice may align with their worldview. However, if your character values freedom and distrusts authority, they may be more inclined to reject the Emperor's plan. This adds depth to the narrative and allows you to explore different aspects of your character's personality.
From a D&D rules perspective, the concept of mind flayers and their ability to dominate others is rooted in the lore of the Forgotten Realms. Mind flayers, or illithids, are known for their psionic abilities and their desire to control other beings. The Emperor's plan to dominate the Netherbrain is consistent with this lore, as it reflects the illithid tendency to seek power and control. The game's implementation of these rules is faithful to the source material, making the decision feel grounded in the world of Dungeons and Dragons.
Specific examples of this choice in action include the reactions of your companions. Characters like Lae'zel, who have a deep hatred for mind flayers, may vehemently oppose this decision, while others like Astarion, who is more pragmatic, may see it as a necessary evil. The game's branching narrative ensures that your choice has a meaningful impact on the story and the relationships you have built.
In conclusion, letting the Emperor control the Netherbrain is a complex and impactful decision that requires careful consideration. By aligning yourself with the Emperor, understanding the consequences, and role-playing your character's motivations, you can navigate this choice in a way that feels true to your playthrough. Whether you see it as a necessary sacrifice or a dangerous gamble, this decision will shape the fate of the world and the legacy of your character.
To achieve this outcome, you must first align yourself with the Emperor throughout the game. This means trusting his guidance and following his plans, even when they seem questionable. The Emperor will often present you with choices that test your loyalty, such as whether to consume tadpoles to gain power or to resist his influence. To ensure he remains an ally, you should generally agree to his suggestions, though you can still question his motives without fully opposing him. This builds a relationship where he sees you as a valuable partner rather than a threat.
As you progress through the game, you will reach the final confrontation with the Netherbrain. At this point, the Emperor will propose a plan to dominate the Netherbrain using the power of the Astral Prism. To proceed, you must agree to his plan and allow him to take control. This involves a series of dialogue choices where you express your trust in him and your willingness to let him wield this immense power. If you have built a strong enough relationship with him, he will proceed with the plan.
The mechanics of this choice involve a combination of dialogue decisions and narrative consequences. There are no specific skill checks or combat challenges tied directly to this decision, but your previous actions and choices will influence whether the Emperor trusts you enough to proceed. If you have consistently supported him, he will see you as a reliable ally and move forward with the plan. If you have opposed him or shown distrust, he may abandon the idea or even turn against you.
One important tip is to carefully consider the implications of this choice. Letting the Emperor control the Netherbrain means granting immense power to a being who has shown a willingness to manipulate and deceive. While he claims to want order and stability, his true intentions are ambiguous, and this decision could lead to unforeseen consequences. It is also worth noting that this choice may alienate some of your companions, particularly those who distrust the Emperor or have strong moral objections to mind flayers.
A common mistake to avoid is making this decision without fully understanding the consequences. The game does not always spell out the long-term effects of your choices, so it is important to think critically about what you are agreeing to. Additionally, failing to build a strong relationship with the Emperor earlier in the game can make it difficult to achieve this outcome, as he may not trust you enough to proceed.
Advanced techniques involve role-playing your character's motivations and beliefs. If your character is pragmatic and willing to make morally gray decisions for the greater good, this choice may align with their worldview. However, if your character values freedom and distrusts authority, they may be more inclined to reject the Emperor's plan. This adds depth to the narrative and allows you to explore different aspects of your character's personality.
From a D&D rules perspective, the concept of mind flayers and their ability to dominate others is rooted in the lore of the Forgotten Realms. Mind flayers, or illithids, are known for their psionic abilities and their desire to control other beings. The Emperor's plan to dominate the Netherbrain is consistent with this lore, as it reflects the illithid tendency to seek power and control. The game's implementation of these rules is faithful to the source material, making the decision feel grounded in the world of Dungeons and Dragons.
Specific examples of this choice in action include the reactions of your companions. Characters like Lae'zel, who have a deep hatred for mind flayers, may vehemently oppose this decision, while others like Astarion, who is more pragmatic, may see it as a necessary evil. The game's branching narrative ensures that your choice has a meaningful impact on the story and the relationships you have built.
In conclusion, letting the Emperor control the Netherbrain is a complex and impactful decision that requires careful consideration. By aligning yourself with the Emperor, understanding the consequences, and role-playing your character's motivations, you can navigate this choice in a way that feels true to your playthrough. Whether you see it as a necessary sacrifice or a dangerous gamble, this decision will shape the fate of the world and the legacy of your character.