What happens if I let the Absolute control the Netherbrain in Baldur's Gate 3?
If you choose to let the Absolute control the Netherbrain in Baldur's Gate 3, you are essentially siding with the Absolute, a powerful entity that seeks to dominate the world through the manipulation of the Mind Flayers and their tadpoles. This decision is one of the most significant choices in the game, as it drastically alters the ending and the fate of the world. Here is a detailed explanation of how to achieve this outcome, the mechanics involved, and the consequences of your choice.
To let the Absolute control the Netherbrain, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final act. This involves completing key quests such as infiltrating Moonrise Towers, dealing with the Githyanki Creche, and confronting the Elder Brain in the city of Baldur's Gate. Throughout these quests, you will encounter opportunities to embrace the power of the tadpole in your head, which is a central mechanic tied to the Absolute's influence. By consuming more tadpoles and using the Illithid powers they grant, you align yourself more closely with the Absolute's goals.
When you reach the final confrontation with the Netherbrain, you will have the option to either destroy it or allow the Absolute to take control. To choose the latter, you must have consistently made choices that favor the Absolute's influence. This includes using Illithid powers in dialogue and combat, siding with Mind Flayers or their allies when given the chance, and resisting the urge to remove the tadpole from your head. These choices build up your connection to the Absolute, making it possible to surrender control to it at the critical moment.
One important tip is to ensure that your character has a high Wisdom or Charisma score, as these attributes are often used in dialogue checks related to the Absolute and the tadpole. A high Wisdom score can help you resist the negative effects of the tadpole while still embracing its power, while a high Charisma score can make it easier to persuade others to follow your lead. Additionally, consider building your character with abilities that complement Illithid powers, such as spells or feats that enhance psychic damage or crowd control.
A common mistake to avoid is trying to balance both sides of the conflict. If you attempt to resist the Absolute's influence while still using Illithid powers, you may find yourself locked out of certain story paths, including the option to let the Absolute control the Netherbrain. Consistency is key, so commit to your choices and fully embrace the Absolute's agenda if this is the ending you want to achieve.
Advanced techniques involve optimizing your party composition to support this playstyle. For example, having a character with the "Detect Thoughts" spell can provide additional dialogue options that align with the Absolute's goals. Similarly, a character with high Perception or Insight can help you navigate the complex moral dilemmas presented by the Absolute's influence. Additionally, consider using items that boost your psychic abilities or provide resistance to psychic damage, as these can be invaluable in the final battles.
From a D&D rules perspective, the Absolute's control over the Netherbrain represents a form of domination magic, similar to the "Dominate Monster" spell. This aligns with the Mind Flayers' natural abilities to control others through psychic means. By allowing the Absolute to take control, you are essentially enabling a powerful form of enchantment magic to reshape the world according to its will.
In terms of specific examples, imagine a scenario where you are negotiating with a Mind Flayer ally. By using Illithid powers in the dialogue, you can convince them to trust you and further the Absolute's plans. Alternatively, in combat, you might use abilities like "Mind Blast" to incapacitate enemies, demonstrating your alignment with the Absolute's methods. These choices reinforce your connection to the Absolute and pave the way for the final decision.
Ultimately, letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain leads to a dark and oppressive ending where the world falls under the Absolute's dominion. This choice is not for players seeking a heroic or morally upright conclusion, but it offers a compelling narrative for those who wish to explore the darker side of the story. By understanding the mechanics, making consistent choices, and optimizing your character and party, you can achieve this ending and experience one of the most dramatic conclusions in Baldur's Gate 3.
To let the Absolute control the Netherbrain, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final act. This involves completing key quests such as infiltrating Moonrise Towers, dealing with the Githyanki Creche, and confronting the Elder Brain in the city of Baldur's Gate. Throughout these quests, you will encounter opportunities to embrace the power of the tadpole in your head, which is a central mechanic tied to the Absolute's influence. By consuming more tadpoles and using the Illithid powers they grant, you align yourself more closely with the Absolute's goals.
When you reach the final confrontation with the Netherbrain, you will have the option to either destroy it or allow the Absolute to take control. To choose the latter, you must have consistently made choices that favor the Absolute's influence. This includes using Illithid powers in dialogue and combat, siding with Mind Flayers or their allies when given the chance, and resisting the urge to remove the tadpole from your head. These choices build up your connection to the Absolute, making it possible to surrender control to it at the critical moment.
One important tip is to ensure that your character has a high Wisdom or Charisma score, as these attributes are often used in dialogue checks related to the Absolute and the tadpole. A high Wisdom score can help you resist the negative effects of the tadpole while still embracing its power, while a high Charisma score can make it easier to persuade others to follow your lead. Additionally, consider building your character with abilities that complement Illithid powers, such as spells or feats that enhance psychic damage or crowd control.
A common mistake to avoid is trying to balance both sides of the conflict. If you attempt to resist the Absolute's influence while still using Illithid powers, you may find yourself locked out of certain story paths, including the option to let the Absolute control the Netherbrain. Consistency is key, so commit to your choices and fully embrace the Absolute's agenda if this is the ending you want to achieve.
Advanced techniques involve optimizing your party composition to support this playstyle. For example, having a character with the "Detect Thoughts" spell can provide additional dialogue options that align with the Absolute's goals. Similarly, a character with high Perception or Insight can help you navigate the complex moral dilemmas presented by the Absolute's influence. Additionally, consider using items that boost your psychic abilities or provide resistance to psychic damage, as these can be invaluable in the final battles.
From a D&D rules perspective, the Absolute's control over the Netherbrain represents a form of domination magic, similar to the "Dominate Monster" spell. This aligns with the Mind Flayers' natural abilities to control others through psychic means. By allowing the Absolute to take control, you are essentially enabling a powerful form of enchantment magic to reshape the world according to its will.
In terms of specific examples, imagine a scenario where you are negotiating with a Mind Flayer ally. By using Illithid powers in the dialogue, you can convince them to trust you and further the Absolute's plans. Alternatively, in combat, you might use abilities like "Mind Blast" to incapacitate enemies, demonstrating your alignment with the Absolute's methods. These choices reinforce your connection to the Absolute and pave the way for the final decision.
Ultimately, letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain leads to a dark and oppressive ending where the world falls under the Absolute's dominion. This choice is not for players seeking a heroic or morally upright conclusion, but it offers a compelling narrative for those who wish to explore the darker side of the story. By understanding the mechanics, making consistent choices, and optimizing your character and party, you can achieve this ending and experience one of the most dramatic conclusions in Baldur's Gate 3.