What happens if I let the Absolute take over in Baldur's Gate 3?
In Baldur's Gate 3, the concept of letting the Absolute take over is tied to the game's central narrative and the choices you make throughout the story. The Absolute is a powerful entity that seeks to dominate the world, and your character's decisions can either resist or embrace its influence. Letting the Absolute take over is not a straightforward path but rather a series of choices that align your character with the Absolute's goals. This path is morally complex and has significant consequences for the story, your companions, and the world of Baldur's Gate.
To let the Absolute take over, you must first understand the mechanics of the game's narrative structure. The Absolute is introduced early in the game as a mysterious force controlling the Mind Flayers and other creatures. As you progress, you will encounter key moments where you can choose to align with the Absolute or resist it. These moments are often tied to major story decisions, such as whether to side with certain factions or characters who serve the Absolute. For example, in Act 1, you may encounter the Goblin Camp, where leaders like Priestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and Minthara are serving the Absolute. Choosing to side with them and help them achieve their goals is an early step toward letting the Absolute take over.
One of the most critical moments comes in Act 2, where you will face a pivotal decision involving the Nightsong and the Shadow Curse. If you choose to align with the Absolute, you may need to make choices that prioritize the Absolute's agenda over the well-being of others. For instance, you might decide to hand over the Nightsong to Ketheric Thorm, a key servant of the Absolute, rather than freeing her. This decision strengthens the Absolute's power and moves you closer to its ultimate goal of domination.
In Act 3, the final act of the game, your choices will culminate in the ultimate fate of the Absolute. If you have consistently aligned with the Absolute throughout the game, you may have the opportunity to fully embrace its power. This could involve siding with the Absolute's forces in the final battle, using the Netherstones to control the Elder Brain, or even becoming a vessel for the Absolute's will. These choices will lead to an ending where the Absolute's influence spreads unchecked, reshaping the world in its image.
To achieve this outcome, it is important to consider your character's alignment and motivations. A character who is power-hungry, morally ambiguous, or outright evil may find it easier to justify aligning with the Absolute. Role-playing such a character can make the choices feel more natural and immersive. Additionally, building a character with high Charisma and Persuasion skills can help you navigate dialogue options that favor the Absolute's agenda.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when pursuing this path. First, be aware that aligning with the Absolute will likely alienate some of your companions, particularly those who have strong moral convictions, such as Wyll or Karlach. These companions may leave your party or even turn against you if they feel you have betrayed their trust. Second, consider the long-term consequences of your actions. Letting the Absolute take over may lead to a darker, more oppressive world, and you should be prepared for the narrative and emotional weight of such an ending.
Common mistakes to avoid include making inconsistent choices that undermine your alignment with the Absolute. For example, if you side with the Goblins in Act 1 but then resist the Absolute's influence in Act 2, you may find it difficult to fully embrace the Absolute's agenda later in the game. Consistency is key to achieving this outcome. Additionally, avoid underestimating the difficulty of certain encounters. Aligning with the Absolute may put you at odds with powerful enemies, so ensure your party is well-prepared for combat.
Advanced techniques for optimizing this path include leveraging the game's mechanics to your advantage. For example, using Illithid Powers gained from the Tadpole can enhance your abilities and make it easier to dominate your enemies. Additionally, forming alliances with characters like Minthara, who is a devoted servant of the Absolute, can provide valuable support and resources. In terms of combat tactics, focus on controlling the battlefield with spells and abilities that disrupt your enemies' plans, such as Hold Person or Fear.
From a D&D rules perspective, the Absolute's influence can be seen as a form of domination or mind control, which are common themes in the game. The mechanics of the Tadpole and Illithid Powers are rooted in the Mind Flayer lore of Dungeons and Dragons, where psionic abilities and mental manipulation play a significant role. Understanding these rules can help you make informed decisions about how to use these powers to further the Absolute's goals.
Specific examples of scenarios where you can align with the Absolute include the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm in Act 2. If you choose to side with him and support his plans, you will strengthen the Absolute's hold over the region. Another example is the final confrontation with the Elder Brain in Act 3, where you can choose to use the Netherstones to control the Brain and spread the Absolute's influence.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute take over in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally challenging path that requires careful consideration of your choices and their consequences. By consistently aligning with the Absolute's agenda, making strategic decisions, and preparing for the challenges ahead, you can achieve an ending where the Absolute's power reigns supreme. This path offers a unique and dark narrative experience, but it also comes with significant sacrifices and moral dilemmas that will shape your journey through the game.
To let the Absolute take over, you must first understand the mechanics of the game's narrative structure. The Absolute is introduced early in the game as a mysterious force controlling the Mind Flayers and other creatures. As you progress, you will encounter key moments where you can choose to align with the Absolute or resist it. These moments are often tied to major story decisions, such as whether to side with certain factions or characters who serve the Absolute. For example, in Act 1, you may encounter the Goblin Camp, where leaders like Priestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and Minthara are serving the Absolute. Choosing to side with them and help them achieve their goals is an early step toward letting the Absolute take over.
One of the most critical moments comes in Act 2, where you will face a pivotal decision involving the Nightsong and the Shadow Curse. If you choose to align with the Absolute, you may need to make choices that prioritize the Absolute's agenda over the well-being of others. For instance, you might decide to hand over the Nightsong to Ketheric Thorm, a key servant of the Absolute, rather than freeing her. This decision strengthens the Absolute's power and moves you closer to its ultimate goal of domination.
In Act 3, the final act of the game, your choices will culminate in the ultimate fate of the Absolute. If you have consistently aligned with the Absolute throughout the game, you may have the opportunity to fully embrace its power. This could involve siding with the Absolute's forces in the final battle, using the Netherstones to control the Elder Brain, or even becoming a vessel for the Absolute's will. These choices will lead to an ending where the Absolute's influence spreads unchecked, reshaping the world in its image.
To achieve this outcome, it is important to consider your character's alignment and motivations. A character who is power-hungry, morally ambiguous, or outright evil may find it easier to justify aligning with the Absolute. Role-playing such a character can make the choices feel more natural and immersive. Additionally, building a character with high Charisma and Persuasion skills can help you navigate dialogue options that favor the Absolute's agenda.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when pursuing this path. First, be aware that aligning with the Absolute will likely alienate some of your companions, particularly those who have strong moral convictions, such as Wyll or Karlach. These companions may leave your party or even turn against you if they feel you have betrayed their trust. Second, consider the long-term consequences of your actions. Letting the Absolute take over may lead to a darker, more oppressive world, and you should be prepared for the narrative and emotional weight of such an ending.
Common mistakes to avoid include making inconsistent choices that undermine your alignment with the Absolute. For example, if you side with the Goblins in Act 1 but then resist the Absolute's influence in Act 2, you may find it difficult to fully embrace the Absolute's agenda later in the game. Consistency is key to achieving this outcome. Additionally, avoid underestimating the difficulty of certain encounters. Aligning with the Absolute may put you at odds with powerful enemies, so ensure your party is well-prepared for combat.
Advanced techniques for optimizing this path include leveraging the game's mechanics to your advantage. For example, using Illithid Powers gained from the Tadpole can enhance your abilities and make it easier to dominate your enemies. Additionally, forming alliances with characters like Minthara, who is a devoted servant of the Absolute, can provide valuable support and resources. In terms of combat tactics, focus on controlling the battlefield with spells and abilities that disrupt your enemies' plans, such as Hold Person or Fear.
From a D&D rules perspective, the Absolute's influence can be seen as a form of domination or mind control, which are common themes in the game. The mechanics of the Tadpole and Illithid Powers are rooted in the Mind Flayer lore of Dungeons and Dragons, where psionic abilities and mental manipulation play a significant role. Understanding these rules can help you make informed decisions about how to use these powers to further the Absolute's goals.
Specific examples of scenarios where you can align with the Absolute include the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm in Act 2. If you choose to side with him and support his plans, you will strengthen the Absolute's hold over the region. Another example is the final confrontation with the Elder Brain in Act 3, where you can choose to use the Netherstones to control the Brain and spread the Absolute's influence.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute take over in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally challenging path that requires careful consideration of your choices and their consequences. By consistently aligning with the Absolute's agenda, making strategic decisions, and preparing for the challenges ahead, you can achieve an ending where the Absolute's power reigns supreme. This path offers a unique and dark narrative experience, but it also comes with significant sacrifices and moral dilemmas that will shape your journey through the game.