What happens if I let the Absolute control the Githyanki in Baldur's Gate 3?
In Baldur's Gate 3, the concept of the Absolute controlling the Githyanki is tied to the overarching narrative involving the Mind Flayers, the Githyanki, and the mysterious force known as the Absolute. The Absolute is a powerful entity that seeks to dominate and control various factions, including the Githyanki, through the use of Mind Flayer tadpoles and psychic manipulation. Allowing the Absolute to control the Githyanki is a significant story choice that can have far-reaching consequences for the game's plot, your companions, and the world at large.
To understand how this scenario unfolds, it's important to first grasp the mechanics of the Absolute's influence. The Absolute exerts control over individuals by implanting them with Mind Flayer tadpoles, which grant the host psychic powers but also make them susceptible to the Absolute's will. The Githyanki, a race of fierce warriors who traditionally oppose Mind Flayers, are particularly resistant to such control due to their strong will and cultural hatred of the Illithids. However, the Absolute's power is unique and can potentially override even the Githyanki's resistance.
To allow the Absolute to control the Githyanki, you must make specific choices throughout the game that align with the Absolute's goals. This typically involves siding with the Absolute or its agents at key moments in the story. For example, during the encounter with the Githyanki patrol in Act 1, you may choose to cooperate with the Absolute's forces rather than resist them. This decision can set the stage for the Absolute's eventual control over the Githyanki.
One of the most critical moments in this storyline occurs in Act 2, where you encounter the Githyanki creche. Here, you have the opportunity to either destroy the creche and weaken the Githyanki's resistance, or to allow the Absolute's influence to spread. If you choose the latter, you may need to engage in combat with the Githyanki who resist the Absolute's control, or use persuasion and deception to convince them to submit. The use of psychic powers granted by the tadpole can be particularly effective in these situations, as it allows you to manipulate the minds of the Githyanki and bend them to the Absolute's will.
It's important to note that allowing the Absolute to control the Githyanki will have significant consequences for your companions, particularly Lae'zel, who is a Githyanki herself. Lae'zel's personal questline is deeply tied to the fate of her people, and if you choose to side with the Absolute, it will likely lead to conflict with her. She may even leave your party or turn against you if she feels that you have betrayed her and her people. This is a crucial consideration, as Lae'zel is a powerful warrior and a valuable ally in combat.
In terms of combat tactics, allowing the Absolute to control the Githyanki can provide you with powerful allies in battle. The Githyanki are formidable fighters, and having them on your side can give you a significant advantage in difficult encounters. However, this also means that you may face resistance from other factions, such as the Harpers or the Druids, who oppose the Absolute's influence. You will need to carefully balance your alliances and be prepared for the consequences of your choices.
From a D&D rules perspective, the Absolute's control over the Githyanki can be seen as a form of Dominate Person or Dominate Monster spell, but on a much larger scale. The Absolute's psychic powers allow it to exert control over entire groups of individuals, overriding their free will and bending them to its purpose. This is a powerful and dangerous ability, and it reflects the high-level magic and psychic manipulation that are central to the game's narrative.
In conclusion, allowing the Absolute to control the Githyanki is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that can significantly impact the story and your relationships with your companions. It requires careful consideration of the consequences, as well as strategic use of your character's abilities and resources. By understanding the mechanics involved and making informed decisions, you can navigate this challenging aspect of the game and shape the fate of the Githyanki and the world of Baldur's Gate 3.
To understand how this scenario unfolds, it's important to first grasp the mechanics of the Absolute's influence. The Absolute exerts control over individuals by implanting them with Mind Flayer tadpoles, which grant the host psychic powers but also make them susceptible to the Absolute's will. The Githyanki, a race of fierce warriors who traditionally oppose Mind Flayers, are particularly resistant to such control due to their strong will and cultural hatred of the Illithids. However, the Absolute's power is unique and can potentially override even the Githyanki's resistance.
To allow the Absolute to control the Githyanki, you must make specific choices throughout the game that align with the Absolute's goals. This typically involves siding with the Absolute or its agents at key moments in the story. For example, during the encounter with the Githyanki patrol in Act 1, you may choose to cooperate with the Absolute's forces rather than resist them. This decision can set the stage for the Absolute's eventual control over the Githyanki.
One of the most critical moments in this storyline occurs in Act 2, where you encounter the Githyanki creche. Here, you have the opportunity to either destroy the creche and weaken the Githyanki's resistance, or to allow the Absolute's influence to spread. If you choose the latter, you may need to engage in combat with the Githyanki who resist the Absolute's control, or use persuasion and deception to convince them to submit. The use of psychic powers granted by the tadpole can be particularly effective in these situations, as it allows you to manipulate the minds of the Githyanki and bend them to the Absolute's will.
It's important to note that allowing the Absolute to control the Githyanki will have significant consequences for your companions, particularly Lae'zel, who is a Githyanki herself. Lae'zel's personal questline is deeply tied to the fate of her people, and if you choose to side with the Absolute, it will likely lead to conflict with her. She may even leave your party or turn against you if she feels that you have betrayed her and her people. This is a crucial consideration, as Lae'zel is a powerful warrior and a valuable ally in combat.
In terms of combat tactics, allowing the Absolute to control the Githyanki can provide you with powerful allies in battle. The Githyanki are formidable fighters, and having them on your side can give you a significant advantage in difficult encounters. However, this also means that you may face resistance from other factions, such as the Harpers or the Druids, who oppose the Absolute's influence. You will need to carefully balance your alliances and be prepared for the consequences of your choices.
From a D&D rules perspective, the Absolute's control over the Githyanki can be seen as a form of Dominate Person or Dominate Monster spell, but on a much larger scale. The Absolute's psychic powers allow it to exert control over entire groups of individuals, overriding their free will and bending them to its purpose. This is a powerful and dangerous ability, and it reflects the high-level magic and psychic manipulation that are central to the game's narrative.
In conclusion, allowing the Absolute to control the Githyanki is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that can significantly impact the story and your relationships with your companions. It requires careful consideration of the consequences, as well as strategic use of your character's abilities and resources. By understanding the mechanics involved and making informed decisions, you can navigate this challenging aspect of the game and shape the fate of the Githyanki and the world of Baldur's Gate 3.