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 plays out, 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 final act, where the fate of the Elder Brain is decided. Throughout the game, you will encounter various factions and characters who are either aligned with or opposed to the Absolute. Your choices in these interactions will influence your ability to control the Elder Brain. Specifically, you need to gain the trust of the Absolute's followers, such as the Cult of the Absolute, and make decisions that align with their goals. This often involves siding with them in key moments, such as during the assault on Moonrise Towers or when dealing with the Githyanki Creche.
One of the most critical steps is to ensure that you have the Netherstones, which are powerful artifacts required to control the Elder Brain. These stones are held by key antagonists, such as Ketheric Thorm, Orin the Red, and Gortash. You must defeat these characters and claim their Netherstones. Once you have all three, you will have the power to dominate the Elder Brain. However, instead of using this power to destroy the Absolute, you can choose to let the Absolute take control. This decision is made during the final confrontation with the Elder Brain, where you will have the option to either destroy it or allow the Absolute to dominate it.
When you choose to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, the game's ending will reflect this choice. The Absolute will use the Elder Brain to spread its influence across the world, enslaving countless people and plunging the realm into darkness. Your companions will react to this decision based on their personalities and your relationship with them. Some may abandon you, while others might reluctantly follow you into this dark future. The game's epilogue will show the consequences of your choice, with the world suffering under the Absolute's rule.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when pursuing this path. First, you need to carefully manage your relationships with your companions. Some companions, like Shadowheart or Lae'zel, may have strong objections to siding with the Absolute, and their loyalty will be tested. You may need to make specific dialogue choices or complete certain quests to keep them on your side. Additionally, you should be prepared for the moral implications of this choice. Letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is an inherently evil act, and it will lock you into a darker version of the story.
Common mistakes to avoid include failing to secure all three Netherstones or making choices that alienate key allies. If you do not have all three Netherstones, you will not be able to control the Elder Brain, and the Absolute will not be able to dominate it. Similarly, if you lose the support of your companions, you may find yourself isolated and unable to complete the final battle. It is also important to avoid revealing your true intentions to characters who oppose the Absolute, as this could lead to betrayal or conflict.
Advanced techniques for this path involve optimizing your character build and combat tactics to ensure you can defeat the game's toughest enemies. Since you will need to face powerful foes like Ketheric Thorm, Orin the Red, and Gortash, having a well-rounded party with strong abilities is crucial. Consider building a character with high Charisma and Persuasion to manipulate others into supporting your goals. Additionally, focus on acquiring powerful gear and spells that can give you an edge in combat.
From a D&D rules perspective, the mechanics of controlling the Elder Brain involve the use of the Netherstones, which function as powerful magical artifacts. In D&D 5E, artifacts are rare and potent items that can have world-altering effects. The Netherstones are no exception, and their use in the game reflects their immense power. The Elder Brain itself is a creature from the D&D Monster Manual, known for its psionic abilities and control over other creatures. By allowing the Absolute to control the Elder Brain, you are essentially giving it access to these abilities on a massive scale.
In specific scenarios, this choice can lead to unique interactions and outcomes. For example, if you have a strong relationship with a companion like Astarion, who has a more morally ambiguous outlook, they may support your decision to side with the Absolute. Conversely, a character like Wyll, who is more heroic, may vehemently oppose this choice and leave your party. The game's branching narrative ensures that your decisions have meaningful consequences, and letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is one of the most impactful choices you can make.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a complex and morally fraught decision that requires careful planning and consideration. By following the steps outlined above, you can achieve this outcome and experience one of the game's darker endings. However, be prepared for the consequences, as this choice will shape the fate of the world and your companions in profound ways.
To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final act, where the fate of the Elder Brain is decided. Throughout the game, you will encounter various factions and characters who are either aligned with or opposed to the Absolute. Your choices in these interactions will influence your ability to control the Elder Brain. Specifically, you need to gain the trust of the Absolute's followers, such as the Cult of the Absolute, and make decisions that align with their goals. This often involves siding with them in key moments, such as during the assault on Moonrise Towers or when dealing with the Githyanki Creche.
One of the most critical steps is to ensure that you have the Netherstones, which are powerful artifacts required to control the Elder Brain. These stones are held by key antagonists, such as Ketheric Thorm, Orin the Red, and Gortash. You must defeat these characters and claim their Netherstones. Once you have all three, you will have the power to dominate the Elder Brain. However, instead of using this power to destroy the Absolute, you can choose to let the Absolute take control. This decision is made during the final confrontation with the Elder Brain, where you will have the option to either destroy it or allow the Absolute to dominate it.
When you choose to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, the game's ending will reflect this choice. The Absolute will use the Elder Brain to spread its influence across the world, enslaving countless people and plunging the realm into darkness. Your companions will react to this decision based on their personalities and your relationship with them. Some may abandon you, while others might reluctantly follow you into this dark future. The game's epilogue will show the consequences of your choice, with the world suffering under the Absolute's rule.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when pursuing this path. First, you need to carefully manage your relationships with your companions. Some companions, like Shadowheart or Lae'zel, may have strong objections to siding with the Absolute, and their loyalty will be tested. You may need to make specific dialogue choices or complete certain quests to keep them on your side. Additionally, you should be prepared for the moral implications of this choice. Letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is an inherently evil act, and it will lock you into a darker version of the story.
Common mistakes to avoid include failing to secure all three Netherstones or making choices that alienate key allies. If you do not have all three Netherstones, you will not be able to control the Elder Brain, and the Absolute will not be able to dominate it. Similarly, if you lose the support of your companions, you may find yourself isolated and unable to complete the final battle. It is also important to avoid revealing your true intentions to characters who oppose the Absolute, as this could lead to betrayal or conflict.
Advanced techniques for this path involve optimizing your character build and combat tactics to ensure you can defeat the game's toughest enemies. Since you will need to face powerful foes like Ketheric Thorm, Orin the Red, and Gortash, having a well-rounded party with strong abilities is crucial. Consider building a character with high Charisma and Persuasion to manipulate others into supporting your goals. Additionally, focus on acquiring powerful gear and spells that can give you an edge in combat.
From a D&D rules perspective, the mechanics of controlling the Elder Brain involve the use of the Netherstones, which function as powerful magical artifacts. In D&D 5E, artifacts are rare and potent items that can have world-altering effects. The Netherstones are no exception, and their use in the game reflects their immense power. The Elder Brain itself is a creature from the D&D Monster Manual, known for its psionic abilities and control over other creatures. By allowing the Absolute to control the Elder Brain, you are essentially giving it access to these abilities on a massive scale.
In specific scenarios, this choice can lead to unique interactions and outcomes. For example, if you have a strong relationship with a companion like Astarion, who has a more morally ambiguous outlook, they may support your decision to side with the Absolute. Conversely, a character like Wyll, who is more heroic, may vehemently oppose this choice and leave your party. The game's branching narrative ensures that your decisions have meaningful consequences, and letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is one of the most impactful choices you can make.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a complex and morally fraught decision that requires careful planning and consideration. By following the steps outlined above, you can achieve this outcome and experience one of the game's darker endings. However, be prepared for the consequences, as this choice will shape the fate of the world and your companions in profound ways.