What are the consequences of siding with the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3?
Siding with the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3 is a major story decision that significantly impacts the narrative, your relationships with companions, and the overall outcome of the game. The Absolute is a mysterious and powerful force that seeks to dominate the world, and aligning with it means embracing its dark influence. This choice is not straightforward and comes with profound consequences, both immediate and long-term. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of what siding with the Absolute entails, how to achieve it, and what to expect.
To side with the Absolute, you must make specific choices during key moments in the story. One of the most critical points occurs in Act 2, where you encounter the AbsoluteÔÇÖs forces and its leaders, such as Ketheric Thorm. To align with the Absolute, you must demonstrate loyalty to its cause, often by completing tasks that further its goals or by showing submission to its authority. For example, during the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm, you can choose to assist him rather than oppose him. This decision will set you on a path of collaboration with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs forces, leading to unique story developments and interactions.
Mechanically, siding with the Absolute involves making dialogue choices that reflect your allegiance. These choices often appear during conversations with key characters like Ketheric Thorm, Minthara, or other Absolute-aligned NPCs. You may also need to complete quests that benefit the Absolute, such as eliminating its enemies or securing powerful artifacts for its use. Your companions will react to these decisions, and some may strongly oppose your alignment with the Absolute, potentially leading to conflicts or even their departure from your party.
One important tip is to carefully consider your characterÔÇÖs motivations and alignment. If you are playing a character who values power, control, or survival at any cost, siding with the Absolute can be a compelling choice. However, if your character is morally opposed to tyranny or values freedom and individuality, this path may feel inconsistent with their personality. Roleplaying your characterÔÇÖs internal conflict can add depth to the story, but be prepared for the consequences of your choices.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the impact of your decisions on your companions. Characters like Shadowheart, LaeÔÇÖzel, and Wyll have strong moral convictions and may disapprove of your alignment with the Absolute. This can lead to tension within the party and may even result in them leaving or turning against you. To mitigate this, you can try to persuade them to see your perspective or focus on building strong relationships with companions who are more open to the AbsoluteÔÇÖs influence, such as Minthara.
Advanced techniques involve leveraging the AbsoluteÔÇÖs resources to your advantage. For example, by aligning with the Absolute, you gain access to powerful allies and unique abilities that can aid you in combat. However, this also means you may face opposition from factions that oppose the Absolute, such as the Harpers or the Druids. Balancing these alliances and conflicts requires strategic thinking and careful planning.
From a D&D rules perspective, siding with the Absolute can be seen as embracing an evil alignment, as the Absolute represents domination and control. This choice may limit your options for certain spells, abilities, or interactions that require a good or neutral alignment. However, it also opens up new opportunities for dark magic, forbidden knowledge, and alliances with powerful entities.
Specific examples of siding with the Absolute include the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm in Act 2. If you choose to assist him, you will gain his trust and access to his resources, but you will also alienate characters like Jaheira and the Harpers. Another example is the decision to spare or eliminate the Tiefling refugees in Act 1. Sparing them aligns you with the Druids and Harpers, while eliminating them aligns you with the Absolute and its followers.
In conclusion, siding with the Absolute is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that reshapes the story and your relationships with companions. It requires careful consideration of your characterÔÇÖs motivations, strategic planning to manage alliances and conflicts, and a willingness to embrace the darker aspects of the narrative. By understanding the mechanics and consequences of this choice, you can create a unique and compelling playthrough that explores the themes of power, control, and morality in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3.
To side with the Absolute, you must make specific choices during key moments in the story. One of the most critical points occurs in Act 2, where you encounter the AbsoluteÔÇÖs forces and its leaders, such as Ketheric Thorm. To align with the Absolute, you must demonstrate loyalty to its cause, often by completing tasks that further its goals or by showing submission to its authority. For example, during the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm, you can choose to assist him rather than oppose him. This decision will set you on a path of collaboration with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs forces, leading to unique story developments and interactions.
Mechanically, siding with the Absolute involves making dialogue choices that reflect your allegiance. These choices often appear during conversations with key characters like Ketheric Thorm, Minthara, or other Absolute-aligned NPCs. You may also need to complete quests that benefit the Absolute, such as eliminating its enemies or securing powerful artifacts for its use. Your companions will react to these decisions, and some may strongly oppose your alignment with the Absolute, potentially leading to conflicts or even their departure from your party.
One important tip is to carefully consider your characterÔÇÖs motivations and alignment. If you are playing a character who values power, control, or survival at any cost, siding with the Absolute can be a compelling choice. However, if your character is morally opposed to tyranny or values freedom and individuality, this path may feel inconsistent with their personality. Roleplaying your characterÔÇÖs internal conflict can add depth to the story, but be prepared for the consequences of your choices.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the impact of your decisions on your companions. Characters like Shadowheart, LaeÔÇÖzel, and Wyll have strong moral convictions and may disapprove of your alignment with the Absolute. This can lead to tension within the party and may even result in them leaving or turning against you. To mitigate this, you can try to persuade them to see your perspective or focus on building strong relationships with companions who are more open to the AbsoluteÔÇÖs influence, such as Minthara.
Advanced techniques involve leveraging the AbsoluteÔÇÖs resources to your advantage. For example, by aligning with the Absolute, you gain access to powerful allies and unique abilities that can aid you in combat. However, this also means you may face opposition from factions that oppose the Absolute, such as the Harpers or the Druids. Balancing these alliances and conflicts requires strategic thinking and careful planning.
From a D&D rules perspective, siding with the Absolute can be seen as embracing an evil alignment, as the Absolute represents domination and control. This choice may limit your options for certain spells, abilities, or interactions that require a good or neutral alignment. However, it also opens up new opportunities for dark magic, forbidden knowledge, and alliances with powerful entities.
Specific examples of siding with the Absolute include the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm in Act 2. If you choose to assist him, you will gain his trust and access to his resources, but you will also alienate characters like Jaheira and the Harpers. Another example is the decision to spare or eliminate the Tiefling refugees in Act 1. Sparing them aligns you with the Druids and Harpers, while eliminating them aligns you with the Absolute and its followers.
In conclusion, siding with the Absolute is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that reshapes the story and your relationships with companions. It requires careful consideration of your characterÔÇÖs motivations, strategic planning to manage alliances and conflicts, and a willingness to embrace the darker aspects of the narrative. By understanding the mechanics and consequences of this choice, you can create a unique and compelling playthrough that explores the themes of power, control, and morality in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3.