What happens if I let the Absolute control the Netherbrain in Baldur's Gate
In Baldur's Gate 3, the decision to let the Absolute control the Netherbrain 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. To achieve this outcome, you must navigate a series of critical decisions and interactions that align with the Absolute's goals. Here is a detailed explanation of how to achieve this ending, including mechanics, strategies, and considerations.
First, it is important to understand the context of the Netherbrain and the Absolute. The Netherbrain is a powerful entity that serves as the central control point for the Mind Flayer colony. The Absolute is a deity-like figure worshipped by the Cult of the Absolute, and it is revealed to be a construct of the Mind Flayers designed to manipulate and control the masses. By allowing the Absolute to control the Netherbrain, you are essentially handing over ultimate power to the Mind Flayers, which has far-reaching consequences for the world of Baldur's Gate.
To reach this ending, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final act. This involves completing key quests such as infiltrating Moonrise Towers, confronting Ketheric Thorm, and dealing with the Elder Brain. Along the way, you will encounter the Emperor, a Mind Flayer who plays a crucial role in the story. The Emperor will offer you the choice to become a Mind Flayer yourself, which is a pivotal moment in determining the fate of the Netherbrain.
When you reach the final confrontation with the Netherbrain, you will have several options. To let the Absolute control the Netherbrain, you must side with the Emperor and reject the influence of other factions, such as the Githyanki or the Harpers. The Emperor will guide you through the process of using the Netherstones to dominate the Netherbrain. This involves a series of skill checks and dialogue choices that test your resolve and alignment with the Absolute's goals.
One key strategy is to ensure that your character has high Charisma and Wisdom scores, as these will be crucial for passing the necessary skill checks. Additionally, having a strong relationship with the Emperor can make it easier to persuade him to follow your lead. It is also important to avoid actions that would alienate the Emperor, such as siding with Orpheus or openly defying the Mind Flayers.
A common mistake to avoid is failing to secure the Netherstones. These powerful artifacts are essential for controlling the Netherbrain, and losing them at any point can prevent you from achieving this ending. Make sure to carefully manage your inventory and prioritize quests that involve obtaining the Netherstones.
Advanced techniques include using spells and abilities that enhance your persuasion and intimidation skills. For example, the Friends cantrip can temporarily boost your Charisma, making it easier to pass dialogue checks. Additionally, having a party member with the Guidance spell can provide a bonus to your skill rolls, increasing your chances of success.
From a D&D rules perspective, the mechanics of controlling the Netherbrain involve a combination of skill checks, saving throws, and strategic decision-making. The game uses the 5th Edition ruleset, so understanding how these mechanics work can give you an edge. For example, knowing when to use Inspiration points to reroll failed checks can be crucial in high-stakes situations.
Specific examples of scenarios where this choice comes into play include the final dialogue with the Emperor, where you must convince him to trust your judgment. Another key moment is the confrontation with the Netherbrain, where you must use the Netherstones to assert control. Each of these moments requires careful consideration and strategic use of your character's abilities.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that requires careful planning and strategic decision-making. By understanding the mechanics, avoiding common mistakes, and using advanced techniques, you can achieve this ending and explore one of the most dramatic conclusions in Baldur's Gate 3.
First, it is important to understand the context of the Netherbrain and the Absolute. The Netherbrain is a powerful entity that serves as the central control point for the Mind Flayer colony. The Absolute is a deity-like figure worshipped by the Cult of the Absolute, and it is revealed to be a construct of the Mind Flayers designed to manipulate and control the masses. By allowing the Absolute to control the Netherbrain, you are essentially handing over ultimate power to the Mind Flayers, which has far-reaching consequences for the world of Baldur's Gate.
To reach this ending, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final act. This involves completing key quests such as infiltrating Moonrise Towers, confronting Ketheric Thorm, and dealing with the Elder Brain. Along the way, you will encounter the Emperor, a Mind Flayer who plays a crucial role in the story. The Emperor will offer you the choice to become a Mind Flayer yourself, which is a pivotal moment in determining the fate of the Netherbrain.
When you reach the final confrontation with the Netherbrain, you will have several options. To let the Absolute control the Netherbrain, you must side with the Emperor and reject the influence of other factions, such as the Githyanki or the Harpers. The Emperor will guide you through the process of using the Netherstones to dominate the Netherbrain. This involves a series of skill checks and dialogue choices that test your resolve and alignment with the Absolute's goals.
One key strategy is to ensure that your character has high Charisma and Wisdom scores, as these will be crucial for passing the necessary skill checks. Additionally, having a strong relationship with the Emperor can make it easier to persuade him to follow your lead. It is also important to avoid actions that would alienate the Emperor, such as siding with Orpheus or openly defying the Mind Flayers.
A common mistake to avoid is failing to secure the Netherstones. These powerful artifacts are essential for controlling the Netherbrain, and losing them at any point can prevent you from achieving this ending. Make sure to carefully manage your inventory and prioritize quests that involve obtaining the Netherstones.
Advanced techniques include using spells and abilities that enhance your persuasion and intimidation skills. For example, the Friends cantrip can temporarily boost your Charisma, making it easier to pass dialogue checks. Additionally, having a party member with the Guidance spell can provide a bonus to your skill rolls, increasing your chances of success.
From a D&D rules perspective, the mechanics of controlling the Netherbrain involve a combination of skill checks, saving throws, and strategic decision-making. The game uses the 5th Edition ruleset, so understanding how these mechanics work can give you an edge. For example, knowing when to use Inspiration points to reroll failed checks can be crucial in high-stakes situations.
Specific examples of scenarios where this choice comes into play include the final dialogue with the Emperor, where you must convince him to trust your judgment. Another key moment is the confrontation with the Netherbrain, where you must use the Netherstones to assert control. Each of these moments requires careful consideration and strategic use of your character's abilities.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that requires careful planning and strategic decision-making. By understanding the mechanics, avoiding common mistakes, and using advanced techniques, you can achieve this ending and explore one of the most dramatic conclusions in Baldur's Gate 3.