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 and powerful entity that seeks to dominate the world, and it has a particular interest in the Githyanki due to their strong connection to the Mind Flayers and their 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 plays out, 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, being a race with a deep hatred for Mind Flayers, are particularly resistant to this control, but the Absolute's power is strong enough to potentially override their will.
To let the Absolute control the Githyanki, you need to make specific choices that align with the Absolute's goals. This typically involves siding with the Absolute's followers, such as the Cult of the Absolute, and using the powers granted by the tadpole to dominate others. One key moment where this choice becomes relevant is during interactions with the Githyanki leader, Vlaakith, and her followers. Vlaakith is a powerful Lich Queen who commands the Githyanki, and she is deeply suspicious of the Absolute's influence. If you choose to align with the Absolute, you may be able to use your psionic powers to sway the Githyanki to the Absolute's side, effectively turning them into pawns of the Absolute.
Step-by-step, here is how you can achieve this outcome. First, you need to embrace the powers of the tadpole by using the Illithid Wisdom dialogue options and making choices that favor the Absolute. This will increase your connection to the Absolute and make it easier to influence others. When you encounter the Githyanki, particularly in the Creche Y'llek area, you will have opportunities to use your psionic powers to manipulate them. For example, during conversations with Githyanki leaders like Kith'rak Voss, you can use your Illithid powers to persuade them to submit to the Absolute's will. This requires passing certain skill checks, so it's important to have a high Charisma score and proficiency in Persuasion or Intimidation.
Important tips and considerations include being mindful of your companions' reactions. Some companions, like Lae'zel, who is a Githyanki herself, may strongly oppose this choice and could leave your party if you side with the Absolute. Additionally, embracing the Absolute's control can lock you into a specific story path, so it's important to consider the long-term consequences of your actions. You should also be prepared for increased difficulty in certain encounters, as the Githyanki are formidable opponents and turning them against you could lead to challenging battles.
Common mistakes to avoid include failing to build up your Illithid powers early in the game. If you neglect to use the tadpole's abilities, you may not have the necessary influence to sway the Githyanki later on. Another mistake is not considering the impact on your party dynamics. If you have companions who are opposed to the Absolute, they may turn against you, leaving you with fewer allies in critical moments.
Advanced techniques involve optimizing your character build to maximize your chances of success in Illithid-related skill checks. This could include choosing a class with high Charisma, such as a Sorcerer or Bard, and taking feats or abilities that enhance your Persuasion or Intimidation skills. You can also use items and equipment that boost your Charisma or provide bonuses to social interactions.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the concept of psionic influence and mind control is rooted in the game's lore. The Mind Flayer tadpole grants you access to abilities like Detect Thoughts and Dominate Person, which are key to manipulating others. These abilities are based on the 5th Edition rules, where psionics and mind-affecting spells play a significant role in controlling and influencing NPCs.
Specific examples and scenarios include the encounter with Kith'rak Voss in Creche Y'llek. Here, you can use your Illithid powers to persuade him to submit to the Absolute, potentially turning the entire Githyanki creche to your side. Another example is the confrontation with Vlaakith, where you can use your psionic abilities to challenge her authority and assert the Absolute's dominance over the Githyanki.
In conclusion, allowing the Absolute to control the Githyanki is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that requires careful planning and consideration. By embracing the powers of the Mind Flayer tadpole and making strategic decisions, you can sway the Githyanki to the Absolute's side, but be prepared for the consequences that come with this path.
To understand how this choice plays out, 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, being a race with a deep hatred for Mind Flayers, are particularly resistant to this control, but the Absolute's power is strong enough to potentially override their will.
To let the Absolute control the Githyanki, you need to make specific choices that align with the Absolute's goals. This typically involves siding with the Absolute's followers, such as the Cult of the Absolute, and using the powers granted by the tadpole to dominate others. One key moment where this choice becomes relevant is during interactions with the Githyanki leader, Vlaakith, and her followers. Vlaakith is a powerful Lich Queen who commands the Githyanki, and she is deeply suspicious of the Absolute's influence. If you choose to align with the Absolute, you may be able to use your psionic powers to sway the Githyanki to the Absolute's side, effectively turning them into pawns of the Absolute.
Step-by-step, here is how you can achieve this outcome. First, you need to embrace the powers of the tadpole by using the Illithid Wisdom dialogue options and making choices that favor the Absolute. This will increase your connection to the Absolute and make it easier to influence others. When you encounter the Githyanki, particularly in the Creche Y'llek area, you will have opportunities to use your psionic powers to manipulate them. For example, during conversations with Githyanki leaders like Kith'rak Voss, you can use your Illithid powers to persuade them to submit to the Absolute's will. This requires passing certain skill checks, so it's important to have a high Charisma score and proficiency in Persuasion or Intimidation.
Important tips and considerations include being mindful of your companions' reactions. Some companions, like Lae'zel, who is a Githyanki herself, may strongly oppose this choice and could leave your party if you side with the Absolute. Additionally, embracing the Absolute's control can lock you into a specific story path, so it's important to consider the long-term consequences of your actions. You should also be prepared for increased difficulty in certain encounters, as the Githyanki are formidable opponents and turning them against you could lead to challenging battles.
Common mistakes to avoid include failing to build up your Illithid powers early in the game. If you neglect to use the tadpole's abilities, you may not have the necessary influence to sway the Githyanki later on. Another mistake is not considering the impact on your party dynamics. If you have companions who are opposed to the Absolute, they may turn against you, leaving you with fewer allies in critical moments.
Advanced techniques involve optimizing your character build to maximize your chances of success in Illithid-related skill checks. This could include choosing a class with high Charisma, such as a Sorcerer or Bard, and taking feats or abilities that enhance your Persuasion or Intimidation skills. You can also use items and equipment that boost your Charisma or provide bonuses to social interactions.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the concept of psionic influence and mind control is rooted in the game's lore. The Mind Flayer tadpole grants you access to abilities like Detect Thoughts and Dominate Person, which are key to manipulating others. These abilities are based on the 5th Edition rules, where psionics and mind-affecting spells play a significant role in controlling and influencing NPCs.
Specific examples and scenarios include the encounter with Kith'rak Voss in Creche Y'llek. Here, you can use your Illithid powers to persuade him to submit to the Absolute, potentially turning the entire Githyanki creche to your side. Another example is the confrontation with Vlaakith, where you can use your psionic abilities to challenge her authority and assert the Absolute's dominance over the Githyanki.
In conclusion, allowing the Absolute to control the Githyanki is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that requires careful planning and consideration. By embracing the powers of the Mind Flayer tadpole and making strategic decisions, you can sway the Githyanki to the Absolute's side, but be prepared for the consequences that come with this path.