What happens if I let the Absolute control the Elder Brain in Baldur's Gate 3?
If you choose to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain in Baldur's Gate 3, you are essentially aligning yourself with the game's primary antagonistic force, the Absolute, and its followers. 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 when making this decision.
To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the climax in Act 3. The Elder Brain is the central threat in the game, and your journey will lead you to confront it. Along the way, you will encounter key figures like the Chosen of the AbsoluteÔÇöKetheric Thorm, Orin the Red, and Enver Gortash. These characters are instrumental in the Absolute's plans, and your interactions with them will shape your path. To let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you must side with the Chosen and support their goals rather than opposing them.
The mechanics of this choice involve several key story moments. First, you must avoid destroying the Netherstones, which are powerful artifacts tied to the Elder Brain. These stones are held by the Chosen, and you will need to either retrieve them or ensure they remain intact. If you destroy the Netherstones, you lose the ability to control the Elder Brain. Second, you must make decisions that align with the Absolute's agenda. This includes sparing the Chosen when possible, supporting their plans, and avoiding actions that undermine their authority. For example, if you kill Orin or Gortash early in Act 3, you may lose the opportunity to side with the Absolute later.
Step-by-step, here is how you can achieve this outcome. In Act 1, focus on building alliances with the Absolute's followers. This means avoiding conflict with the goblins and their leaders, such as Priestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and Minthara. If you side with the goblins and raid the Emerald Grove, you will strengthen your ties to the Absolute. In Act 2, work with Ketheric Thorm and avoid undermining his plans. When you reach Moonrise Towers, do not openly oppose him. Instead, play along with his schemes and ensure he remains in power. In Act 3, align yourself with Gortash and Orin. Avoid killing them unless absolutely necessary, as their survival is key to maintaining the Absolute's control over the Elder Brain.
Important tips and considerations include understanding the moral implications of your choices. Letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain means embracing a darker path, which may alienate some of your companions. Characters like Wyll, Karlach, and Jaheira are likely to oppose this decision, and their loyalty may waver. Additionally, this choice locks you into a specific ending where the Absolute dominates the world, leading to widespread suffering and oppression. Be prepared for the consequences of your actions, as this path is irreversible once chosen.
Common mistakes to avoid include making decisions that inadvertently undermine the Absolute's control. For example, killing the Chosen too early or destroying the Netherstones will prevent you from achieving this outcome. Additionally, failing to build alliances with the Absolute's followers in Acts 1 and 2 can make it difficult to align with them later. Pay close attention to dialogue options and quest outcomes to ensure you remain on the right path.
Advanced techniques involve optimizing your character build and party composition to support this playstyle. A character with high Charisma and proficiency in Deception or Persuasion can help you navigate conversations with the Chosen and their followers. Additionally, having companions who are morally flexible, such as Astarion or Minthara, can make it easier to maintain party cohesion. In combat, focus on strategies that prioritize control and manipulation, as these align with the Absolute's themes.
From a D&D rules perspective, this choice reflects the concept of alignment and moral decision-making. By siding with the Absolute, you are embracing a Lawful Evil or Neutral Evil alignment, depending on your motivations. The game's implementation of these rules allows for complex moral dilemmas and consequences, making your choices feel impactful.
Specific examples and scenarios include the raid on the Emerald Grove in Act 1. If you side with the goblins and help them destroy the grove, you strengthen your ties to the Absolute and set the stage for future alliances. In Act 2, sparing Ketheric Thorm and supporting his plans at Moonrise Towers is crucial. In Act 3, working with Gortash and Orin to maintain control over the Netherstones ensures the Absolute's dominance.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a morally complex and consequential decision in Baldur's Gate 3. It requires careful planning, strategic alliances, and a willingness to embrace a darker path. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and mechanics involved, you can achieve this outcome and experience one of the game's most dramatic endings.
To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the climax in Act 3. The Elder Brain is the central threat in the game, and your journey will lead you to confront it. Along the way, you will encounter key figures like the Chosen of the AbsoluteÔÇöKetheric Thorm, Orin the Red, and Enver Gortash. These characters are instrumental in the Absolute's plans, and your interactions with them will shape your path. To let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you must side with the Chosen and support their goals rather than opposing them.
The mechanics of this choice involve several key story moments. First, you must avoid destroying the Netherstones, which are powerful artifacts tied to the Elder Brain. These stones are held by the Chosen, and you will need to either retrieve them or ensure they remain intact. If you destroy the Netherstones, you lose the ability to control the Elder Brain. Second, you must make decisions that align with the Absolute's agenda. This includes sparing the Chosen when possible, supporting their plans, and avoiding actions that undermine their authority. For example, if you kill Orin or Gortash early in Act 3, you may lose the opportunity to side with the Absolute later.
Step-by-step, here is how you can achieve this outcome. In Act 1, focus on building alliances with the Absolute's followers. This means avoiding conflict with the goblins and their leaders, such as Priestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and Minthara. If you side with the goblins and raid the Emerald Grove, you will strengthen your ties to the Absolute. In Act 2, work with Ketheric Thorm and avoid undermining his plans. When you reach Moonrise Towers, do not openly oppose him. Instead, play along with his schemes and ensure he remains in power. In Act 3, align yourself with Gortash and Orin. Avoid killing them unless absolutely necessary, as their survival is key to maintaining the Absolute's control over the Elder Brain.
Important tips and considerations include understanding the moral implications of your choices. Letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain means embracing a darker path, which may alienate some of your companions. Characters like Wyll, Karlach, and Jaheira are likely to oppose this decision, and their loyalty may waver. Additionally, this choice locks you into a specific ending where the Absolute dominates the world, leading to widespread suffering and oppression. Be prepared for the consequences of your actions, as this path is irreversible once chosen.
Common mistakes to avoid include making decisions that inadvertently undermine the Absolute's control. For example, killing the Chosen too early or destroying the Netherstones will prevent you from achieving this outcome. Additionally, failing to build alliances with the Absolute's followers in Acts 1 and 2 can make it difficult to align with them later. Pay close attention to dialogue options and quest outcomes to ensure you remain on the right path.
Advanced techniques involve optimizing your character build and party composition to support this playstyle. A character with high Charisma and proficiency in Deception or Persuasion can help you navigate conversations with the Chosen and their followers. Additionally, having companions who are morally flexible, such as Astarion or Minthara, can make it easier to maintain party cohesion. In combat, focus on strategies that prioritize control and manipulation, as these align with the Absolute's themes.
From a D&D rules perspective, this choice reflects the concept of alignment and moral decision-making. By siding with the Absolute, you are embracing a Lawful Evil or Neutral Evil alignment, depending on your motivations. The game's implementation of these rules allows for complex moral dilemmas and consequences, making your choices feel impactful.
Specific examples and scenarios include the raid on the Emerald Grove in Act 1. If you side with the goblins and help them destroy the grove, you strengthen your ties to the Absolute and set the stage for future alliances. In Act 2, sparing Ketheric Thorm and supporting his plans at Moonrise Towers is crucial. In Act 3, working with Gortash and Orin to maintain control over the Netherstones ensures the Absolute's dominance.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a morally complex and consequential decision in Baldur's Gate 3. It requires careful planning, strategic alliances, and a willingness to embrace a darker path. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and mechanics involved, you can achieve this outcome and experience one of the game's most dramatic endings.