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 overarching narrative involving the Mind Flayers, the Githyanki, and the mysterious force known as the Absolute. The Absolute is a powerful entity that seeks to dominate and control various factions, including the Githyanki, through the use of Mind Flayer tadpoles and psychic manipulation. 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, it's important to first grasp the mechanics of the Absolute's influence. The Absolute exerts control over individuals by implanting them with Mind Flayer tadpoles, which grant the host enhanced abilities but also make them susceptible to the Absolute's will. This is a central theme in Baldur's Gate 3, as your character and your companions are all infected with these tadpoles, giving you the potential to either resist or embrace the Absolute's power.

The Githyanki, a race of fierce warriors from the Astral Plane, are traditionally enemies of the Mind Flayers. However, the Absolute's influence can override their natural resistance to psychic domination. If you choose to let the Absolute control the Githyanki, you are essentially siding with the Absolute and allowing it to expand its dominion over one of the most powerful factions in the game. This decision is typically made during key story moments, such as when you encounter Githyanki patrols or interact with their leaders, like Vlaakith or Lae'zel, a Githyanki companion.

To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through the main story until you reach a point where you have the opportunity to influence the Githyanki's fate. This usually involves making choices that align with the Absolute's goals, such as using your tadpole powers to manipulate or dominate Githyanki characters. For example, during interactions with Lae'zel, you might encourage her to embrace the tadpole's power, which could lead her to fall under the Absolute's control. Similarly, when dealing with Githyanki leaders, you might choose dialogue options that suggest submission to the Absolute or use your tadpole abilities to force compliance.

One important tip is to carefully consider the consequences of your actions. Allowing the Absolute to control the Githyanki can lead to significant changes in the game's narrative, including the potential loss of Lae'zel as a companion if she becomes fully dominated. Additionally, this choice can affect your relationships with other companions, particularly those who are wary of the Absolute's influence, such as Shadowheart or Gale. It's also worth noting that this decision can lock you into a specific story path, potentially limiting your options for resolving the main conflict in the game.

A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the long-term impact of your choices. While it might seem advantageous to gain the Absolute's favor in the short term, doing so can have dire consequences later in the game. For example, if the Githyanki become fully controlled by the Absolute, they may turn against you or become a greater threat to the world. It's important to weigh the potential benefits against the risks before making this choice.

Advanced techniques for navigating this storyline include leveraging your character's abilities and class features to maximize your influence over the Githyanki. For instance, a character with high Charisma and proficiency in Persuasion or Intimidation may have an easier time convincing Githyanki characters to submit to the Absolute. Similarly, a character with strong psychic abilities, such as a Sorcerer or Wizard, might be able to use their tadpole powers more effectively to dominate Githyanki minds.

From a D&D rules perspective, the mechanics of the Absolute's control over the Githyanki are rooted in the concept of psychic domination and mind control. In D&D 5E, this is typically represented by spells like Dominate Person or abilities that allow a creature to exert control over another's actions. In Baldur's Gate 3, the tadpole serves as a narrative device that enables these mechanics, allowing the Absolute to bypass traditional resistances and exert its will over powerful beings like the Githyanki.

Specific examples of this choice in action include encounters with Githyanki patrols in the Mountain Pass or the Creche. During these encounters, you may have the option to use your tadpole powers to influence the Githyanki's behavior, potentially leading them to submit to the Absolute. Additionally, key story moments involving Lae'zel, such as her personal quest to seek purification from the Githyanki queen, can be influenced by your decisions regarding the Absolute. If you encourage her to embrace the tadpole's power, she may become a pawn of the Absolute, altering her character arc and the overall story.

In conclusion, allowing the Absolute to control the Githyanki is a major story choice in Baldur's Gate 3 that can significantly impact the game's narrative and your relationships with companions. To achieve this outcome, you must make decisions that align with the Absolute's goals and use your tadpole powers to influence Githyanki characters. However, it's important to carefully consider the consequences of this choice, as it can lead to significant changes in the story and potentially limit your options for resolving the main conflict. By leveraging your character's abilities and understanding the underlying D&D mechanics, you can navigate this complex storyline and shape the fate of the Githyanki in the world of Baldur's Gate 3.