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 choices you can make in the game. This choice occurs near the end of the story, during the climax of the main questline. 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 entity that controls the Mind Flayer hive mind. This decision has far-reaching consequences for the story, your companions, and the world of Baldur's Gate.
To achieve this outcome, you must first align yourself with the Emperor throughout the game. This means trusting his guidance and following his advice, even when it may seem questionable. The Emperor will often present you with choices that test your loyalty to him, and it is crucial to side with him in these moments. For example, when the Emperor reveals his true nature as a Mind Flayer, you must choose to continue working with him rather than turning against him. This builds the trust necessary for him to offer you the chance to control the Elder Brain later in the game.
As you progress through the story, you will encounter the Elder Brain in the final act. The Emperor will propose a plan to dominate the Elder Brain, effectively taking control of the Mind Flayer hive mind. To proceed with this plan, you must have a high level of trust with the Emperor. This trust is built through dialogue choices and actions that align with his goals. If you have consistently supported the Emperor, he will offer you the option to use the Netherstones to dominate the Elder Brain.
The mechanics of this choice involve using the Netherstones, powerful artifacts that you have collected throughout the game. These stones are key to controlling the Elder Brain. When the time comes, the Emperor will guide you through the process of using the Netherstones to establish dominance over the Elder Brain. This involves a series of skill checks and dialogue choices that determine the success of the attempt. It is important to have a character with high Charisma and Intelligence, as these stats will influence your ability to persuade the Emperor and successfully control the Elder Brain.
One important tip is to ensure that your party is well-prepared for the final confrontation. This includes having a balanced team with strong combat abilities and support spells. The final battle can be challenging, and having a well-rounded party will increase your chances of success. Additionally, make sure to save your game before making the final decision, as this will allow you to explore different outcomes without losing progress.
A common mistake to avoid is failing to build trust with the Emperor. If you have been inconsistent in your support for him, he may not offer you the chance to control the Elder Brain. This can lead to a different ending where the Elder Brain remains free, and the consequences for the world of Baldur's Gate are dire. To avoid this, always choose dialogue options that align with the Emperor's goals and avoid actions that undermine his trust.
Advanced techniques involve optimizing your character build to maximize your chances of success. This includes selecting feats and abilities that enhance your Charisma and Intelligence, as these stats are crucial for the skill checks involved in controlling the Elder Brain. Additionally, consider using items and equipment that boost these stats, such as the Amulet of Greater Health or the Headband of Intellect.
In terms of D&D rules, the mechanics of controlling the Elder Brain are based on the concept of domination and mind control. In D&D 5E, domination spells like Dominate Monster allow a caster to take control of a creature's actions. The process of using the Netherstones to control the Elder Brain is a more advanced and powerful version of this concept, requiring a high level of skill and concentration.
Specific examples of scenarios where this choice comes into play include the final confrontation with the Elder Brain in the Mind Flayer colony. Here, the Emperor will guide you through the process of using the Netherstones to establish dominance. The success of this attempt depends on your previous choices and your ability to pass the necessary skill checks. If successful, you will take control of the Elder Brain, effectively ending the threat of the Mind Flayers and shaping the future of Baldur's Gate.
In conclusion, letting the Emperor control the Elder Brain is a complex and impactful decision in Baldur's Gate 3. It requires careful planning, consistent support for the Emperor, and a well-prepared party. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can achieve this outcome and experience one of the most dramatic endings in the game.
To achieve this outcome, you must first align yourself with the Emperor throughout the game. This means trusting his guidance and following his advice, even when it may seem questionable. The Emperor will often present you with choices that test your loyalty to him, and it is crucial to side with him in these moments. For example, when the Emperor reveals his true nature as a Mind Flayer, you must choose to continue working with him rather than turning against him. This builds the trust necessary for him to offer you the chance to control the Elder Brain later in the game.
As you progress through the story, you will encounter the Elder Brain in the final act. The Emperor will propose a plan to dominate the Elder Brain, effectively taking control of the Mind Flayer hive mind. To proceed with this plan, you must have a high level of trust with the Emperor. This trust is built through dialogue choices and actions that align with his goals. If you have consistently supported the Emperor, he will offer you the option to use the Netherstones to dominate the Elder Brain.
The mechanics of this choice involve using the Netherstones, powerful artifacts that you have collected throughout the game. These stones are key to controlling the Elder Brain. When the time comes, the Emperor will guide you through the process of using the Netherstones to establish dominance over the Elder Brain. This involves a series of skill checks and dialogue choices that determine the success of the attempt. It is important to have a character with high Charisma and Intelligence, as these stats will influence your ability to persuade the Emperor and successfully control the Elder Brain.
One important tip is to ensure that your party is well-prepared for the final confrontation. This includes having a balanced team with strong combat abilities and support spells. The final battle can be challenging, and having a well-rounded party will increase your chances of success. Additionally, make sure to save your game before making the final decision, as this will allow you to explore different outcomes without losing progress.
A common mistake to avoid is failing to build trust with the Emperor. If you have been inconsistent in your support for him, he may not offer you the chance to control the Elder Brain. This can lead to a different ending where the Elder Brain remains free, and the consequences for the world of Baldur's Gate are dire. To avoid this, always choose dialogue options that align with the Emperor's goals and avoid actions that undermine his trust.
Advanced techniques involve optimizing your character build to maximize your chances of success. This includes selecting feats and abilities that enhance your Charisma and Intelligence, as these stats are crucial for the skill checks involved in controlling the Elder Brain. Additionally, consider using items and equipment that boost these stats, such as the Amulet of Greater Health or the Headband of Intellect.
In terms of D&D rules, the mechanics of controlling the Elder Brain are based on the concept of domination and mind control. In D&D 5E, domination spells like Dominate Monster allow a caster to take control of a creature's actions. The process of using the Netherstones to control the Elder Brain is a more advanced and powerful version of this concept, requiring a high level of skill and concentration.
Specific examples of scenarios where this choice comes into play include the final confrontation with the Elder Brain in the Mind Flayer colony. Here, the Emperor will guide you through the process of using the Netherstones to establish dominance. The success of this attempt depends on your previous choices and your ability to pass the necessary skill checks. If successful, you will take control of the Elder Brain, effectively ending the threat of the Mind Flayers and shaping the future of Baldur's Gate.
In conclusion, letting the Emperor control the Elder Brain is a complex and impactful decision in Baldur's Gate 3. It requires careful planning, consistent support for the Emperor, and a well-prepared party. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can achieve this outcome and experience one of the most dramatic endings in the game.