What happens if I let the Emperor consume Orpheus in Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, the decision to let the Emperor consume Orpheus is a pivotal moment in the game's narrative, with significant consequences for the story and the characters involved. This choice occurs during the late stages of the game, specifically in the climax of the main questline, where the player must decide the fate of Orpheus, a powerful githyanki prince, and the Emperor, a mind flayer who has been guiding the player throughout the journey. Here is a detailed explanation of the mechanics, strategies, and considerations involved in making this choice.

To reach the point where you can decide whether to let the Emperor consume Orpheus, you must first progress through the main story. This involves completing key quests such as infiltrating Moonrise Towers, dealing with the Absolute, and navigating the complex relationships with your companions. As you approach the endgame, you will find yourself in the Astral Plane, where Orpheus is imprisoned. The Emperor, who has been a mysterious and somewhat manipulative ally, will reveal his true intentions and ask you to make a critical decision.

The mechanics of this choice are straightforward but carry heavy narrative weight. When the Emperor presents the option to consume Orpheus, you must choose between allowing him to do so or refusing. If you choose to let the Emperor consume Orpheus, he will absorb the prince's power, which is necessary to combat the Absolute. This decision aligns you more closely with the Emperor and his goals, but it also means betraying the githyanki and potentially alienating Lae'zel, a githyanki companion who is deeply invested in freeing Orpheus.

Step-by-step, here is how you can achieve this outcome. First, ensure that you have progressed far enough in the story to reach the Astral Plane. This involves completing the necessary quests and making choices that align with the Emperor's guidance. When you arrive in the Astral Plane, you will encounter Orpheus, who is bound by chains. The Emperor will then reveal his plan to consume Orpheus to gain the power needed to defeat the Absolute. At this point, you must choose to support the Emperor's plan. This decision will lead to a cutscene where the Emperor consumes Orpheus, and the story will progress accordingly.

Important tips and considerations include understanding the consequences of your choice. Allowing the Emperor to consume Orpheus will strengthen your alliance with him, but it will also have significant repercussions for your relationship with Lae'zel and the githyanki. If you have been building a strong bond with Lae'zel, this decision could lead to her leaving the party or even turning against you. Additionally, this choice may affect the ending of the game, as it influences the balance of power and the fate of the githyanki people.

Common mistakes to avoid include making this decision without considering the long-term consequences. It is easy to focus on the immediate benefits of aligning with the Emperor, but you should also think about how this choice will impact your companions and the overall story. Another mistake is not preparing for the potential fallout with Lae'zel. If you want to maintain a positive relationship with her, you may need to find alternative solutions or make different choices earlier in the game.

Advanced techniques or optimizations involve planning your character build and party composition to handle the potential consequences of this decision. For example, if you anticipate conflict with Lae'zel, you may want to ensure that your party is strong enough to handle combat without her. Additionally, you can explore dialogue options and quest outcomes that might mitigate the negative effects of this choice. For instance, if you have built a strong rapport with other companions, they may be more understanding of your decision, even if Lae'zel is not.

Related D&D rules and mechanics come into play when considering the nature of mind flayers and githyanki. In Dungeons & Dragons lore, mind flayers are powerful psionic creatures that often manipulate others to achieve their goals. The Emperor's request to consume Orpheus is consistent with this lore, as it reflects his desire for power and control. On the other hand, githyanki are a proud and warlike race, and Orpheus is a key figure in their culture. Consuming him would be seen as a grave betrayal by the githyanki, which is why Lae'zel reacts so strongly to this decision.

Specific examples and scenarios include the potential for conflict with Lae'zel if you choose to let the Emperor consume Orpheus. In one scenario, Lae'zel may confront you and demand an explanation for your actions. Depending on your dialogue choices, this confrontation could escalate into a fight, or you might be able to persuade her to stay with the party. Another scenario involves the githyanki as a whole, who may view your decision as an act of war and seek revenge against you.

In conclusion, the decision to let the Emperor consume Orpheus in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and impactful choice that requires careful consideration of the narrative and mechanical consequences. By understanding the mechanics involved, following the step-by-step instructions, and considering the tips and strategies provided, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your character's goals and the story you want to experience. Whether you choose to support the Emperor or find another path, this choice will shape the outcome of your journey in significant ways.