What are the consequences of letting the Emperor control the Githyanki in Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, the Emperor is a mysterious and powerful entity tied to the Mind Flayer colony and the Illithid powers that play a significant role in the story. Allowing the Emperor to control the Githyanki is a major narrative choice that can have far-reaching consequences for the story, your companions, and the world at large. This decision is deeply tied to the themes of power, control, and morality, and it requires careful consideration of the mechanics, story implications, and potential outcomes.

To understand the consequences of letting the Emperor control the Githyanki, you must first grasp the context of this choice. The Emperor is a Mind Flayer who has been manipulating events behind the scenes, and he offers you the opportunity to use his powers to dominate the Githyanki, a race of fierce warriors who are traditionally enemies of the Mind Flayers. This choice typically arises during key moments in the story, particularly when dealing with the Githyanki leader, Vlaakith, or when confronting the Githyanki creche. The decision to let the Emperor control the Githyanki is not just a narrative one but also a mechanical one, as it involves the use of Illithid powers and the potential for corruption.

The mechanics of this choice revolve around the Illithid powers system in Baldur's Gate 3. As you progress through the game, you gain access to Illithid abilities by consuming Tadpoles, which grant you psychic powers but also increase your connection to the Mind Flayers. The more you use these powers, the more you risk losing control of your character to the Illithid influence. Letting the Emperor control the Githyanki is a significant step in this process, as it requires you to fully embrace the Illithid powers and trust the Emperor's intentions. This choice is irreversible and will lock you into a specific path in the story, affecting your relationships with companions and the overall outcome of the game.

To achieve this outcome, you must first build a strong relationship with the Emperor. This involves making choices that align with his goals, such as using Illithid powers frequently and siding with him in key decisions. You should also avoid actions that undermine his authority or reveal his true nature to your companions. When the opportunity arises to let the Emperor control the Githyanki, you must choose the dialogue options that express trust in his abilities and a willingness to use his powers for your benefit. This will trigger a sequence where the Emperor takes control of the Githyanki, bending them to his will and altering the course of the story.

Important tips and considerations include understanding the moral implications of this choice. Letting the Emperor control the Githyanki means sacrificing their free will and potentially dooming them to a fate worse than death. This decision will alienate certain companions, particularly Lae'zel, who is a Githyanki herself and may turn against you if you betray her people. Additionally, this choice will increase your connection to the Illithid powers, making it harder to resist the Emperor's influence in the future. You should weigh these consequences carefully before making your decision.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the impact of this choice on your companions and the story. Some players may be tempted to use the Emperor's powers without considering the long-term effects, only to find themselves locked into a path they did not intend. It is also important to avoid revealing the Emperor's true nature to your companions too early, as this can lead to conflict and make it harder to achieve this outcome. Finally, do not neglect the importance of building a strong relationship with the Emperor, as this is key to unlocking this choice.

Advanced techniques and optimizations involve carefully managing your Illithid powers and balancing their use with your other abilities. You should also consider the role of your companions in this decision, as their reactions can significantly impact the outcome. For example, having a high approval rating with Lae'zel may give you more options to persuade her to accept the Emperor's control, while a low approval rating may lead to her leaving the party. Additionally, you can use the Illithid powers to gain an advantage in combat, making it easier to achieve your goals and strengthen your position in the story.

Related D&D rules and mechanics include the concept of mind control and domination, which are common themes in the game. The Emperor's ability to control the Githyanki is based on the Dominate Person spell, which allows a caster to take control of a humanoid creature's actions. This spell is a powerful tool in D&D, but it comes with significant ethical and moral implications, as it removes the target's free will and forces them to act against their nature. Understanding these rules can help you appreciate the complexity of this choice and its impact on the story.

Specific examples and scenarios include the confrontation with Vlaakith at the Githyanki creche. If you choose to let the Emperor control the Githyanki during this encounter, he will use his powers to dominate Vlaakith and her followers, turning them into his servants. This will drastically alter the course of the story, as the Githyanki will no longer be a threat to you or your party. However, this choice will also have consequences for your relationship with Lae'zel, who may see this as a betrayal of her people and her values. Another example is the final confrontation with the Absolute, where the Emperor's control over the Githyanki can give you a significant advantage in the battle, but at the cost of your own humanity and the trust of your companions.

In conclusion, letting the Emperor control the Githyanki is a major decision in Baldur's Gate 3 that requires careful consideration of the mechanics, story implications, and potential outcomes. By understanding the Illithid powers system, building a strong relationship with the Emperor, and weighing the moral implications of this choice, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your goals and values. However, be prepared for the consequences, as this choice will have a lasting impact on the story, your companions, and the world of Baldur's Gate.