What happens if I let the Emperor control the Elder Brain in Baldur's Gate 3?
In Baldur's Gate 3, the decision to let the Emperor control the Elder Brain is one of the most significant choices you can make in the game. This choice occurs near the end of the story, during the climax of the main questline. The Emperor, a powerful Mind Flayer who has been guiding you throughout the game, offers you the chance to dominate the Elder Brain, a massive, sentient entity that controls the Mind Flayer hive mind. This decision has profound implications for the story, your companions, and the world of Baldur's Gate.
To achieve this outcome, you must first align yourself with the Emperor throughout the game. This means trusting his guidance and following his advice, even when it seems questionable. The Emperor will reveal his true nature as a Mind Flayer early in the story, and from that point on, you must choose to work with him rather than against him. This involves making choices that prioritize the destruction of the Absolute, the cult that worships the Elder Brain, and rejecting offers of alliance from other factions that oppose the Emperor.
As you progress through the game, you will encounter several key moments where your loyalty to the Emperor is tested. One such moment occurs when you reach the Astral Plane and confront the Githyanki prince Orpheus. Orpheus is a powerful being who has the potential to free the Githyanki from Mind Flayer control, but the Emperor will urge you to kill him or leave him imprisoned. If you choose to side with the Emperor and refuse to free Orpheus, you will solidify your alliance with him and set the stage for the final decision regarding the Elder Brain.
When you reach the final stages of the game, you will be faced with the choice of how to deal with the Elder Brain. The Emperor will present you with the option to use the Netherstones, powerful artifacts that can control the Elder Brain, to dominate it. If you agree to this plan, the Emperor will take control of the Elder Brain, effectively becoming its new master. This decision will lead to an ending where the Emperor rules over the Mind Flayers, and you and your companions are left to deal with the consequences of this new world order.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when pursuing this path. First, it is crucial to maintain a strong relationship with the Emperor. This means consistently choosing dialogue options that show trust and support for his plans. Additionally, you should avoid making decisions that could alienate him, such as freeing Orpheus or siding with factions that oppose him. It is also important to ensure that your party is well-prepared for the final battle, as the fight against the Elder Brain is one of the most challenging encounters in the game.
One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the complexity of the final decision. The choice to let the Emperor control the Elder Brain is not a simple one, and it requires careful consideration of the potential consequences. For example, while the Emperor may promise to use his newfound power for good, there is no guarantee that he will not become corrupted by the immense power of the Elder Brain. Additionally, this decision may have negative repercussions for your companions, particularly those who have strong moral objections to Mind Flayers and their methods.
Advanced techniques for optimizing this path include carefully managing your party composition and abilities to ensure that you are well-equipped to handle the final battle. This may involve respecing your characters to focus on abilities that are particularly effective against Mind Flayers and other high-level enemies. Additionally, you should make sure to gather as much information as possible about the Elder Brain and the Netherstones throughout the game, as this knowledge will be crucial in making an informed decision.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the concept of controlling a powerful entity like the Elder Brain is rooted in the idea of domination and mind control, which are common themes in the Mind Flayer lore. The Netherstones function as a form of magical artifact that can be used to exert control over the Elder Brain, similar to how certain spells and abilities in D&D allow players to dominate or influence the minds of others. This mechanic is a key part of the game's narrative and reflects the high-stakes, morally complex nature of the story.
Specific examples and scenarios that illustrate this path include the confrontation with Orpheus in the Astral Plane, where your decision to side with the Emperor will have a direct impact on the final outcome. Another key moment is the final battle against the Elder Brain, where you must use the Netherstones to allow the Emperor to take control. These moments are pivotal in shaping the story and determining the fate of the world.
In conclusion, the decision to let the Emperor control the Elder Brain is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that requires careful consideration and strategic planning. By aligning yourself with the Emperor, making informed decisions, and preparing your party for the final battle, you can achieve this outcome and explore one of the game's most intriguing endings. However, it is important to weigh the potential consequences and consider the impact on your companions and the world of Baldur's Gate.
To achieve this outcome, you must first align yourself with the Emperor throughout the game. This means trusting his guidance and following his advice, even when it seems questionable. The Emperor will reveal his true nature as a Mind Flayer early in the story, and from that point on, you must choose to work with him rather than against him. This involves making choices that prioritize the destruction of the Absolute, the cult that worships the Elder Brain, and rejecting offers of alliance from other factions that oppose the Emperor.
As you progress through the game, you will encounter several key moments where your loyalty to the Emperor is tested. One such moment occurs when you reach the Astral Plane and confront the Githyanki prince Orpheus. Orpheus is a powerful being who has the potential to free the Githyanki from Mind Flayer control, but the Emperor will urge you to kill him or leave him imprisoned. If you choose to side with the Emperor and refuse to free Orpheus, you will solidify your alliance with him and set the stage for the final decision regarding the Elder Brain.
When you reach the final stages of the game, you will be faced with the choice of how to deal with the Elder Brain. The Emperor will present you with the option to use the Netherstones, powerful artifacts that can control the Elder Brain, to dominate it. If you agree to this plan, the Emperor will take control of the Elder Brain, effectively becoming its new master. This decision will lead to an ending where the Emperor rules over the Mind Flayers, and you and your companions are left to deal with the consequences of this new world order.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when pursuing this path. First, it is crucial to maintain a strong relationship with the Emperor. This means consistently choosing dialogue options that show trust and support for his plans. Additionally, you should avoid making decisions that could alienate him, such as freeing Orpheus or siding with factions that oppose him. It is also important to ensure that your party is well-prepared for the final battle, as the fight against the Elder Brain is one of the most challenging encounters in the game.
One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the complexity of the final decision. The choice to let the Emperor control the Elder Brain is not a simple one, and it requires careful consideration of the potential consequences. For example, while the Emperor may promise to use his newfound power for good, there is no guarantee that he will not become corrupted by the immense power of the Elder Brain. Additionally, this decision may have negative repercussions for your companions, particularly those who have strong moral objections to Mind Flayers and their methods.
Advanced techniques for optimizing this path include carefully managing your party composition and abilities to ensure that you are well-equipped to handle the final battle. This may involve respecing your characters to focus on abilities that are particularly effective against Mind Flayers and other high-level enemies. Additionally, you should make sure to gather as much information as possible about the Elder Brain and the Netherstones throughout the game, as this knowledge will be crucial in making an informed decision.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the concept of controlling a powerful entity like the Elder Brain is rooted in the idea of domination and mind control, which are common themes in the Mind Flayer lore. The Netherstones function as a form of magical artifact that can be used to exert control over the Elder Brain, similar to how certain spells and abilities in D&D allow players to dominate or influence the minds of others. This mechanic is a key part of the game's narrative and reflects the high-stakes, morally complex nature of the story.
Specific examples and scenarios that illustrate this path include the confrontation with Orpheus in the Astral Plane, where your decision to side with the Emperor will have a direct impact on the final outcome. Another key moment is the final battle against the Elder Brain, where you must use the Netherstones to allow the Emperor to take control. These moments are pivotal in shaping the story and determining the fate of the world.
In conclusion, the decision to let the Emperor control the Elder Brain is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that requires careful consideration and strategic planning. By aligning yourself with the Emperor, making informed decisions, and preparing your party for the final battle, you can achieve this outcome and explore one of the game's most intriguing endings. However, it is important to weigh the potential consequences and consider the impact on your companions and the world of Baldur's Gate.