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 scenario unfolds, 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 psychic powers but also make them susceptible to the Absolute's will. The Githyanki, a race of fierce warriors who traditionally oppose Mind Flayers, are particularly resistant to such control due to their strong will and cultural hatred of the Illithids. However, the Absolute's power is unique and can potentially override even the Githyanki's natural resistance.
To allow the Absolute to control the Githyanki, you must make specific choices throughout the game that align with the Absolute's goals. This typically involves siding with the Absolute or its agents at key moments in the story. For example, during the encounter with the Githyanki patrol in Act 1, you may choose to cooperate with the Absolute's forces rather than resist them. This decision can set the stage for further collaboration with the Absolute later in the game.
As you progress through the story, you will encounter more opportunities to align with the Absolute. In Act 2, you may come across the Githyanki creche, a stronghold where Githyanki warriors are trained and indoctrinated. Here, you can choose to either destroy the creche or allow the Absolute's influence to spread within it. If you choose the latter, you may need to engage in combat with Githyanki who resist the Absolute's control, or you may use persuasion and deception to convince them to submit.
One important tip is to carefully manage your relationships with your companions, as some may strongly oppose the idea of siding with the Absolute. Characters like Lae'zel, a Githyanki companion, will likely resist any attempt to allow the Absolute to control her people. To mitigate this, you may need to invest in dialogue options that persuade her to see the benefits of such an alliance, or you may need to make choices that isolate her from the decision-making process.
Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the resistance of the Githyanki to the Absolute's control. Even if you make choices that align with the Absolute, the Githyanki's natural resistance means that not all of them will submit easily. You may need to use advanced techniques such as leveraging your own psychic powers, gained from the Mind Flayer tadpole, to strengthen the Absolute's influence. Additionally, failing to consider the long-term consequences of your actions can lead to unintended outcomes, such as losing key allies or triggering conflicts that could have been avoided.
From a D&D rules perspective, the Absolute's control over the Githyanki can be seen as a form of Domination, a spell or effect that allows one creature to control another. In the context of Baldur's Gate 3, this is represented through narrative choices rather than direct spellcasting, but the underlying mechanics are similar. The Absolute's influence is a powerful form of psychic domination that overrides the target's free will, at least temporarily.
Specific examples of how this plays out in the game include the confrontation with the Githyanki leader, Vlaakith, in Act 3. If you have allowed the Absolute's influence to spread among the Githyanki, Vlaakith may be more willing to negotiate or even submit to the Absolute's control. This can lead to a unique ending where the Githyanki become a subjugated force under the Absolute's command, altering the balance of power in the game's world.
In summary, allowing the Absolute to control the Githyanki in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that requires careful consideration of the game's narrative and mechanics. By making specific story choices, managing companion relationships, and understanding the underlying D&D rules, you can shape the fate of the Githyanki and the world around you. However, be prepared for the consequences of your actions, as this path can lead to significant changes in the game's story and ending.
To understand how this scenario unfolds, 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 psychic powers but also make them susceptible to the Absolute's will. The Githyanki, a race of fierce warriors who traditionally oppose Mind Flayers, are particularly resistant to such control due to their strong will and cultural hatred of the Illithids. However, the Absolute's power is unique and can potentially override even the Githyanki's natural resistance.
To allow the Absolute to control the Githyanki, you must make specific choices throughout the game that align with the Absolute's goals. This typically involves siding with the Absolute or its agents at key moments in the story. For example, during the encounter with the Githyanki patrol in Act 1, you may choose to cooperate with the Absolute's forces rather than resist them. This decision can set the stage for further collaboration with the Absolute later in the game.
As you progress through the story, you will encounter more opportunities to align with the Absolute. In Act 2, you may come across the Githyanki creche, a stronghold where Githyanki warriors are trained and indoctrinated. Here, you can choose to either destroy the creche or allow the Absolute's influence to spread within it. If you choose the latter, you may need to engage in combat with Githyanki who resist the Absolute's control, or you may use persuasion and deception to convince them to submit.
One important tip is to carefully manage your relationships with your companions, as some may strongly oppose the idea of siding with the Absolute. Characters like Lae'zel, a Githyanki companion, will likely resist any attempt to allow the Absolute to control her people. To mitigate this, you may need to invest in dialogue options that persuade her to see the benefits of such an alliance, or you may need to make choices that isolate her from the decision-making process.
Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the resistance of the Githyanki to the Absolute's control. Even if you make choices that align with the Absolute, the Githyanki's natural resistance means that not all of them will submit easily. You may need to use advanced techniques such as leveraging your own psychic powers, gained from the Mind Flayer tadpole, to strengthen the Absolute's influence. Additionally, failing to consider the long-term consequences of your actions can lead to unintended outcomes, such as losing key allies or triggering conflicts that could have been avoided.
From a D&D rules perspective, the Absolute's control over the Githyanki can be seen as a form of Domination, a spell or effect that allows one creature to control another. In the context of Baldur's Gate 3, this is represented through narrative choices rather than direct spellcasting, but the underlying mechanics are similar. The Absolute's influence is a powerful form of psychic domination that overrides the target's free will, at least temporarily.
Specific examples of how this plays out in the game include the confrontation with the Githyanki leader, Vlaakith, in Act 3. If you have allowed the Absolute's influence to spread among the Githyanki, Vlaakith may be more willing to negotiate or even submit to the Absolute's control. This can lead to a unique ending where the Githyanki become a subjugated force under the Absolute's command, altering the balance of power in the game's world.
In summary, allowing the Absolute to control the Githyanki in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that requires careful consideration of the game's narrative and mechanics. By making specific story choices, managing companion relationships, and understanding the underlying D&D rules, you can shape the fate of the Githyanki and the world around you. However, be prepared for the consequences of your actions, as this path can lead to significant changes in the game's story and ending.