What happens if I let the Emperor control the Elder Brain in Baldur's Gate 3?
In Baldur's Gate 3, the decision to let the Emperor control the Elder Brain is one of the most significant and morally complex choices you can make in the game. This choice occurs near the end of the story, during the climactic moments of the final act. The Emperor, a powerful Mind Flayer who has been guiding you throughout the game, offers you the chance to dominate the Elder Brain, a massive, sentient entity that controls the Mind Flayer hive mind. By allowing the Emperor to take control, you essentially grant him immense power, which can lead to a specific ending where he becomes the dominant force in the world. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of how this choice unfolds, the mechanics involved, and the consequences of your decision.
To reach this point in the story, you must first progress through the main questline, which involves gathering allies, uncovering the truth about the Mind Flayer tadpoles, and confronting the Absolute. As you approach the final act, you will encounter the Emperor in the Astral Plane, where he reveals his true nature as a Mind Flayer. He explains that the only way to stop the Elder Brain is to use the Netherstones, powerful artifacts that can control it. The Emperor proposes that he should be the one to wield this power, as he believes he can use it to bring order and stability to the world.
The mechanics of this choice are tied to your interactions with the Emperor throughout the game. Your relationship with him is influenced by your dialogue choices, whether you trust him, and whether you consume the tadpoles he offers to enhance your powers. If you have consistently sided with the Emperor and trusted his guidance, he will be more likely to propose this plan. However, if you have been skeptical or hostile toward him, he may not offer this option, or you may be more inclined to reject it.
When the moment comes to make the decision, you will be presented with a dialogue option to either allow the Emperor to control the Elder Brain or to reject his proposal. If you choose to let him take control, the Emperor will use the Netherstones to dominate the Elder Brain, effectively becoming the new ruler of the Mind Flayer hive mind. This leads to an ending where the Emperor asserts his dominance over the world, and you and your companions are left to live under his rule. The exact outcome depends on your previous choices and relationships with your companions, but generally, this ending is seen as a darker, more authoritarian conclusion to the story.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when making this choice. First, consider the moral implications of allowing the Emperor to take control. While he may claim to have good intentions, his methods and ultimate goals are questionable. Allowing him to dominate the Elder Brain could lead to a world where free will is suppressed, and the Mind Flayers reign supreme. On the other hand, rejecting his proposal may lead to a more chaotic outcome, but it could also preserve the freedom of the worldÔÇÖs inhabitants.
Another consideration is the impact this choice will have on your companions. Some companions, like LaeÔÇÖzel, may support the idea of using the Netherstones to control the Elder Brain, as it aligns with their goals of defeating the Absolute. Others, like Shadowheart or Wyll, may be more skeptical and urge you to reject the EmperorÔÇÖs plan. Your relationships with these characters will influence their reactions, and their approval or disapproval can affect the final outcome of the story.
Common mistakes to avoid include making this decision without fully understanding the consequences. The game does not always spell out the long-term effects of your choices, so itÔÇÖs important to consider the broader implications of allowing the Emperor to take control. Additionally, be mindful of how your previous choices have shaped your relationship with the Emperor. If you have consistently distrusted him, it may be more difficult to justify allowing him to wield such immense power.
Advanced techniques and optimizations involve carefully managing your interactions with the Emperor throughout the game. If you want to explore this ending, itÔÇÖs important to build a strong relationship with him by trusting his guidance and consuming the tadpoles he offers. This will make him more likely to propose the plan and increase the chances of a successful outcome. Additionally, consider the role-playing aspect of your character. If you are playing as a morally ambiguous or power-hungry character, this ending may align with your goals. However, if you are playing as a hero who values freedom and justice, you may want to reject the EmperorÔÇÖs proposal.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the concept of dominating a powerful entity like the Elder Brain is rooted in the lore of Mind Flayers and their ability to control others through psionic powers. The Netherstones function as a plot device that allows the Emperor to exert this control, but the exact mechanics are unique to BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3. The game simplifies the complex rules of D&D to make the story more accessible, but the underlying themes of power, control, and morality are consistent with the tabletop game.
Specific examples and scenarios include the final confrontation with the Elder Brain, where you must decide whether to trust the Emperor or take a different path. If you choose to let him control the Elder Brain, you will witness a cutscene where he uses the Netherstones to assert his dominance. This leads to a world where the EmperorÔÇÖs influence is felt everywhere, and the fate of your companions is determined by their relationship with you and their own personal goals.
In conclusion, the decision to let the Emperor control the Elder Brain is a pivotal moment in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 that has far-reaching consequences. It requires careful consideration of the moral implications, the impact on your companions, and the broader narrative. By understanding the mechanics involved, managing your relationship with the Emperor, and considering the role-playing aspects of your character, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your vision for the story. Whether you choose to embrace the EmperorÔÇÖs plan or reject it, the outcome will shape the world of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate in profound ways.
To reach this point in the story, you must first progress through the main questline, which involves gathering allies, uncovering the truth about the Mind Flayer tadpoles, and confronting the Absolute. As you approach the final act, you will encounter the Emperor in the Astral Plane, where he reveals his true nature as a Mind Flayer. He explains that the only way to stop the Elder Brain is to use the Netherstones, powerful artifacts that can control it. The Emperor proposes that he should be the one to wield this power, as he believes he can use it to bring order and stability to the world.
The mechanics of this choice are tied to your interactions with the Emperor throughout the game. Your relationship with him is influenced by your dialogue choices, whether you trust him, and whether you consume the tadpoles he offers to enhance your powers. If you have consistently sided with the Emperor and trusted his guidance, he will be more likely to propose this plan. However, if you have been skeptical or hostile toward him, he may not offer this option, or you may be more inclined to reject it.
When the moment comes to make the decision, you will be presented with a dialogue option to either allow the Emperor to control the Elder Brain or to reject his proposal. If you choose to let him take control, the Emperor will use the Netherstones to dominate the Elder Brain, effectively becoming the new ruler of the Mind Flayer hive mind. This leads to an ending where the Emperor asserts his dominance over the world, and you and your companions are left to live under his rule. The exact outcome depends on your previous choices and relationships with your companions, but generally, this ending is seen as a darker, more authoritarian conclusion to the story.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when making this choice. First, consider the moral implications of allowing the Emperor to take control. While he may claim to have good intentions, his methods and ultimate goals are questionable. Allowing him to dominate the Elder Brain could lead to a world where free will is suppressed, and the Mind Flayers reign supreme. On the other hand, rejecting his proposal may lead to a more chaotic outcome, but it could also preserve the freedom of the worldÔÇÖs inhabitants.
Another consideration is the impact this choice will have on your companions. Some companions, like LaeÔÇÖzel, may support the idea of using the Netherstones to control the Elder Brain, as it aligns with their goals of defeating the Absolute. Others, like Shadowheart or Wyll, may be more skeptical and urge you to reject the EmperorÔÇÖs plan. Your relationships with these characters will influence their reactions, and their approval or disapproval can affect the final outcome of the story.
Common mistakes to avoid include making this decision without fully understanding the consequences. The game does not always spell out the long-term effects of your choices, so itÔÇÖs important to consider the broader implications of allowing the Emperor to take control. Additionally, be mindful of how your previous choices have shaped your relationship with the Emperor. If you have consistently distrusted him, it may be more difficult to justify allowing him to wield such immense power.
Advanced techniques and optimizations involve carefully managing your interactions with the Emperor throughout the game. If you want to explore this ending, itÔÇÖs important to build a strong relationship with him by trusting his guidance and consuming the tadpoles he offers. This will make him more likely to propose the plan and increase the chances of a successful outcome. Additionally, consider the role-playing aspect of your character. If you are playing as a morally ambiguous or power-hungry character, this ending may align with your goals. However, if you are playing as a hero who values freedom and justice, you may want to reject the EmperorÔÇÖs proposal.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the concept of dominating a powerful entity like the Elder Brain is rooted in the lore of Mind Flayers and their ability to control others through psionic powers. The Netherstones function as a plot device that allows the Emperor to exert this control, but the exact mechanics are unique to BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3. The game simplifies the complex rules of D&D to make the story more accessible, but the underlying themes of power, control, and morality are consistent with the tabletop game.
Specific examples and scenarios include the final confrontation with the Elder Brain, where you must decide whether to trust the Emperor or take a different path. If you choose to let him control the Elder Brain, you will witness a cutscene where he uses the Netherstones to assert his dominance. This leads to a world where the EmperorÔÇÖs influence is felt everywhere, and the fate of your companions is determined by their relationship with you and their own personal goals.
In conclusion, the decision to let the Emperor control the Elder Brain is a pivotal moment in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 that has far-reaching consequences. It requires careful consideration of the moral implications, the impact on your companions, and the broader narrative. By understanding the mechanics involved, managing your relationship with the Emperor, and considering the role-playing aspects of your character, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your vision for the story. Whether you choose to embrace the EmperorÔÇÖs plan or reject it, the outcome will shape the world of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate in profound ways.