What are the consequences of siding with the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3?
Siding with the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3 is a major story decision that significantly impacts the narrative, your relationships with companions, and the overall outcome of the game. The Absolute is a mysterious and powerful force that seeks to dominate the world, and aligning with it means embracing its dark influence. This choice is not straightforward and comes with profound consequences, both immediate and long-term. Here is a detailed breakdown of what siding with the Absolute entails, how to achieve it, and what to expect.
To side with the Absolute, you must make specific choices during key moments in the story. One of the earliest opportunities occurs in Act 1, when you encounter the goblin camp and their leaders, who are fervent followers of the Absolute. To align with them, you must assist the goblins in their plans, such as helping them attack the Druid Grove. This decision requires you to betray the tieflings and druids, which will anger companions like Wyll and Karlach, who have strong moral objections to such actions. If you proceed with this path, you will gain the favor of the goblin leaders and the Absolute's followers, but you will lose the trust of several companions, potentially leading to them leaving your party permanently.
As you progress into Act 2, siding with the Absolute becomes more complex. You will encounter the cult of the Absolute in the Shadow-Cursed Lands, where their influence is even stronger. Here, you will face critical decisions, such as whether to aid the cult in their rituals or resist their control. To fully commit to the Absolute, you must embrace the tadpole powers granted by the Mind Flayer parasite. This involves using the Illithid Wisdom dialogue options and allowing the tadpole to grow stronger within you. These choices will unlock powerful abilities but will also alienate companions like Lae'zel and Shadowheart, who are wary of the parasite's influence.
In Act 3, the consequences of siding with the Absolute come to a head. You will confront the Absolute's true nature and its connection to the Mind Flayers. If you have consistently chosen to align with the Absolute, you will be given the opportunity to fully submit to its will, becoming a servant of its dark agenda. This path leads to a unique ending where you and your party become agents of the Absolute, spreading its influence across the world. However, this ending comes at a great cost, as you will lose your individuality and free will, becoming a pawn in the Absolute's grand design.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when choosing to side with the Absolute. First, be prepared for the moral and emotional weight of your decisions. Betraying allies and embracing dark powers will have a significant impact on your companions and the world around you. Second, consider the long-term consequences of your actions. While siding with the Absolute may grant you temporary power and advantages, it ultimately leads to a bleak and oppressive outcome. Third, be mindful of your party composition. Companions with strong moral convictions, such as Wyll, Karlach, and Halsin, will likely leave your party if you choose this path, so plan accordingly.
Common mistakes to avoid include failing to fully commit to the Absolute's agenda. If you waver in your allegiance or attempt to play both sides, you may miss out on the unique benefits and story outcomes associated with this path. Additionally, underestimating the impact on your companions can lead to a weakened party, as losing key allies can make combat encounters more challenging.
Advanced techniques for optimizing this path include leveraging the Illithid powers to their fullest potential. These abilities can give you a significant edge in combat, but they come with the risk of alienating your companions. To mitigate this, focus on building relationships with companions who are more open to the use of these powers, such as Astarion, who is less morally rigid. Additionally, consider multiclassing or respecing your character to take advantage of the unique abilities granted by the tadpole, such as enhanced psychic attacks and crowd control.
From a D&D rules perspective, the Illithid powers in Baldur's Gate 3 are a homebrew addition to the 5th Edition ruleset. They provide unique abilities that are not typically available to player characters, such as Mind Blast and Dominate Person. These powers are balanced by the narrative consequences of using them, as they reflect the growing influence of the Mind Flayer parasite. Understanding how these abilities interact with your character's class and build can help you maximize their effectiveness while minimizing the drawbacks.
Specific examples of siding with the Absolute include the raid on the Druid Grove in Act 1, where you must choose between defending the grove or aiding the goblins. Another example is the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm in Act 2, where you can choose to join forces with him and the Absolute rather than opposing him. These moments are pivotal in shaping your journey and determining the ultimate fate of your character and the world.
In conclusion, siding with the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3 is a morally complex and narratively rich path that offers unique gameplay experiences and story outcomes. By understanding the mechanics, making strategic choices, and considering the consequences, you can fully explore this dark and compelling storyline. However, be prepared for the sacrifices and challenges that come with embracing the Absolute's power, as they will shape your journey in profound and irreversible ways.
To side with the Absolute, you must make specific choices during key moments in the story. One of the earliest opportunities occurs in Act 1, when you encounter the goblin camp and their leaders, who are fervent followers of the Absolute. To align with them, you must assist the goblins in their plans, such as helping them attack the Druid Grove. This decision requires you to betray the tieflings and druids, which will anger companions like Wyll and Karlach, who have strong moral objections to such actions. If you proceed with this path, you will gain the favor of the goblin leaders and the Absolute's followers, but you will lose the trust of several companions, potentially leading to them leaving your party permanently.
As you progress into Act 2, siding with the Absolute becomes more complex. You will encounter the cult of the Absolute in the Shadow-Cursed Lands, where their influence is even stronger. Here, you will face critical decisions, such as whether to aid the cult in their rituals or resist their control. To fully commit to the Absolute, you must embrace the tadpole powers granted by the Mind Flayer parasite. This involves using the Illithid Wisdom dialogue options and allowing the tadpole to grow stronger within you. These choices will unlock powerful abilities but will also alienate companions like Lae'zel and Shadowheart, who are wary of the parasite's influence.
In Act 3, the consequences of siding with the Absolute come to a head. You will confront the Absolute's true nature and its connection to the Mind Flayers. If you have consistently chosen to align with the Absolute, you will be given the opportunity to fully submit to its will, becoming a servant of its dark agenda. This path leads to a unique ending where you and your party become agents of the Absolute, spreading its influence across the world. However, this ending comes at a great cost, as you will lose your individuality and free will, becoming a pawn in the Absolute's grand design.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when choosing to side with the Absolute. First, be prepared for the moral and emotional weight of your decisions. Betraying allies and embracing dark powers will have a significant impact on your companions and the world around you. Second, consider the long-term consequences of your actions. While siding with the Absolute may grant you temporary power and advantages, it ultimately leads to a bleak and oppressive outcome. Third, be mindful of your party composition. Companions with strong moral convictions, such as Wyll, Karlach, and Halsin, will likely leave your party if you choose this path, so plan accordingly.
Common mistakes to avoid include failing to fully commit to the Absolute's agenda. If you waver in your allegiance or attempt to play both sides, you may miss out on the unique benefits and story outcomes associated with this path. Additionally, underestimating the impact on your companions can lead to a weakened party, as losing key allies can make combat encounters more challenging.
Advanced techniques for optimizing this path include leveraging the Illithid powers to their fullest potential. These abilities can give you a significant edge in combat, but they come with the risk of alienating your companions. To mitigate this, focus on building relationships with companions who are more open to the use of these powers, such as Astarion, who is less morally rigid. Additionally, consider multiclassing or respecing your character to take advantage of the unique abilities granted by the tadpole, such as enhanced psychic attacks and crowd control.
From a D&D rules perspective, the Illithid powers in Baldur's Gate 3 are a homebrew addition to the 5th Edition ruleset. They provide unique abilities that are not typically available to player characters, such as Mind Blast and Dominate Person. These powers are balanced by the narrative consequences of using them, as they reflect the growing influence of the Mind Flayer parasite. Understanding how these abilities interact with your character's class and build can help you maximize their effectiveness while minimizing the drawbacks.
Specific examples of siding with the Absolute include the raid on the Druid Grove in Act 1, where you must choose between defending the grove or aiding the goblins. Another example is the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm in Act 2, where you can choose to join forces with him and the Absolute rather than opposing him. These moments are pivotal in shaping your journey and determining the ultimate fate of your character and the world.
In conclusion, siding with the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3 is a morally complex and narratively rich path that offers unique gameplay experiences and story outcomes. By understanding the mechanics, making strategic choices, and considering the consequences, you can fully explore this dark and compelling storyline. However, be prepared for the sacrifices and challenges that come with embracing the Absolute's power, as they will shape your journey in profound and irreversible ways.