What happens if I let the Absolute control the Netherbrain in Baldur's Gate 3?
If you choose to let the Absolute control the Netherbrain in Baldur's Gate 3, you are essentially aligning yourself with the game's primary antagonist, the Absolute, and its forces. This decision has significant consequences for the story, your companions, and the world of Baldur's Gate. Here is a detailed explanation of how this choice plays out, the mechanics involved, and what you need to consider.
To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final act, where the fate of the Netherbrain is decided. The Netherbrain is a powerful entity that has been manipulated by the Absolute, and your choices at this critical juncture will determine the future of the world. To let the Absolute control the Netherbrain, you need to side with the Absolute's forces, which may involve betraying your companions and other factions you have allied with throughout the game.
The mechanics of this choice are tied to the dialogue and decision-making system in Baldur's Gate 3. When you reach the final confrontation with the Netherbrain, you will be presented with several options. One of these options will allow you to surrender control to the Absolute. This choice is not immediately obvious, and you may need to navigate through several dialogue trees to reach it. You will need to convince the Absolute that you are willing to serve its will, which may require passing persuasion or deception checks. These checks are influenced by your character's charisma and any bonuses you have from skills or items.
Step-by-step, here is how you can achieve this outcome. First, ensure that your character has a high charisma score or is proficient in persuasion and deception. This will make it easier to pass the necessary checks. Second, during the final confrontation, choose dialogue options that express your willingness to serve the Absolute. Be cautious, as some options may lead to combat or other unintended consequences. Third, if you are given the opportunity to make a persuasion or deception check, use your highest bonuses to increase your chances of success. Finally, once you have successfully convinced the Absolute, the Netherbrain will be under its control, and the game will proceed to the ending sequence.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, this choice will likely alienate your companions, especially those who have strong moral convictions or personal stakes in defeating the Absolute. Be prepared for potential conflicts or even losing some companions as a result of your decision. Second, this choice will have far-reaching consequences for the world of Baldur's Gate. The Absolute's control over the Netherbrain will lead to a darker, more oppressive future, and many of the factions and characters you have encountered will suffer as a result. Third, consider the role-playing implications of this choice. If your character has been leaning towards evil or self-serving decisions throughout the game, this choice may align with their motivations. However, if your character has been more heroic or altruistic, this choice may feel out of character.
Common mistakes to avoid include failing to prepare for the necessary skill checks, choosing dialogue options that lead to combat instead of negotiation, and not considering the long-term consequences of your decision. It is also important to save your game before making this choice, as it is irreversible and will lock you into a specific ending.
Advanced techniques or optimizations include using items or spells that boost your charisma or persuasion skills, such as the Friends cantrip or the Guidance spell. You can also recruit companions who have high charisma or persuasion skills to assist you in the final confrontation. Additionally, consider the role of your character's background and class in this decision. For example, a warlock with a pact to a powerful patron may have an easier time convincing the Absolute of their loyalty.
In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, the persuasion and deception checks are based on the 5th Edition rules. Your character's charisma modifier, proficiency bonus, and any relevant skill bonuses will determine the outcome of these checks. The difficulty class (DC) for these checks will be set by the game based on the situation and the stakes involved.
Specific examples and scenarios include a situation where your character is a charismatic rogue who has been manipulating events to their advantage throughout the game. In this case, choosing to let the Absolute control the Netherbrain may be the culmination of their scheming and self-serving nature. Alternatively, if your character is a paladin who has been struggling with their oath and moral convictions, this choice may represent a tragic fall from grace.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain is a significant and consequential choice in Baldur's Gate 3. It requires careful consideration of your character's motivations, preparation for the necessary skill checks, and an understanding of the long-term consequences. By following the steps and tips outlined above, you can achieve this outcome and experience one of the game's darker endings.
To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final act, where the fate of the Netherbrain is decided. The Netherbrain is a powerful entity that has been manipulated by the Absolute, and your choices at this critical juncture will determine the future of the world. To let the Absolute control the Netherbrain, you need to side with the Absolute's forces, which may involve betraying your companions and other factions you have allied with throughout the game.
The mechanics of this choice are tied to the dialogue and decision-making system in Baldur's Gate 3. When you reach the final confrontation with the Netherbrain, you will be presented with several options. One of these options will allow you to surrender control to the Absolute. This choice is not immediately obvious, and you may need to navigate through several dialogue trees to reach it. You will need to convince the Absolute that you are willing to serve its will, which may require passing persuasion or deception checks. These checks are influenced by your character's charisma and any bonuses you have from skills or items.
Step-by-step, here is how you can achieve this outcome. First, ensure that your character has a high charisma score or is proficient in persuasion and deception. This will make it easier to pass the necessary checks. Second, during the final confrontation, choose dialogue options that express your willingness to serve the Absolute. Be cautious, as some options may lead to combat or other unintended consequences. Third, if you are given the opportunity to make a persuasion or deception check, use your highest bonuses to increase your chances of success. Finally, once you have successfully convinced the Absolute, the Netherbrain will be under its control, and the game will proceed to the ending sequence.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, this choice will likely alienate your companions, especially those who have strong moral convictions or personal stakes in defeating the Absolute. Be prepared for potential conflicts or even losing some companions as a result of your decision. Second, this choice will have far-reaching consequences for the world of Baldur's Gate. The Absolute's control over the Netherbrain will lead to a darker, more oppressive future, and many of the factions and characters you have encountered will suffer as a result. Third, consider the role-playing implications of this choice. If your character has been leaning towards evil or self-serving decisions throughout the game, this choice may align with their motivations. However, if your character has been more heroic or altruistic, this choice may feel out of character.
Common mistakes to avoid include failing to prepare for the necessary skill checks, choosing dialogue options that lead to combat instead of negotiation, and not considering the long-term consequences of your decision. It is also important to save your game before making this choice, as it is irreversible and will lock you into a specific ending.
Advanced techniques or optimizations include using items or spells that boost your charisma or persuasion skills, such as the Friends cantrip or the Guidance spell. You can also recruit companions who have high charisma or persuasion skills to assist you in the final confrontation. Additionally, consider the role of your character's background and class in this decision. For example, a warlock with a pact to a powerful patron may have an easier time convincing the Absolute of their loyalty.
In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, the persuasion and deception checks are based on the 5th Edition rules. Your character's charisma modifier, proficiency bonus, and any relevant skill bonuses will determine the outcome of these checks. The difficulty class (DC) for these checks will be set by the game based on the situation and the stakes involved.
Specific examples and scenarios include a situation where your character is a charismatic rogue who has been manipulating events to their advantage throughout the game. In this case, choosing to let the Absolute control the Netherbrain may be the culmination of their scheming and self-serving nature. Alternatively, if your character is a paladin who has been struggling with their oath and moral convictions, this choice may represent a tragic fall from grace.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain is a significant and consequential choice in Baldur's Gate 3. It requires careful consideration of your character's motivations, preparation for the necessary skill checks, and an understanding of the long-term consequences. By following the steps and tips outlined above, you can achieve this outcome and experience one of the game's darker endings.