What are the consequences of letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain in Baldur's Gate 3?
Letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain in Baldur's Gate 3 is one of the most significant and morally complex decisions you can make in the game. This choice occurs near the end of the story and has profound consequences for the world, your companions, and the overall narrative. To understand the mechanics and implications of this decision, itÔÇÖs important to first grasp the context and the steps required to reach this point.
The Elder Brain is a central antagonist in the game, serving as the source of the AbsoluteÔÇÖs power and the driving force behind the mind flayer threat. Throughout the story, you learn that the Absolute is a false deity created by the Chosen of the Dead ThreeÔÇöKetheric Thorm, Orin the Red, and Enver GortashÔÇöwho used the Elder Brain to manipulate and control the masses. As you progress, you are faced with the choice of either destroying the Elder Brain or allowing the Absolute to dominate it, effectively cementing the AbsoluteÔÇÖs rule over Faer├╗n.
To reach this decision, you must first complete the main questline, which involves defeating the Chosen of the Dead Three and gathering the Netherstones. These stones are key to controlling the Elder Brain. Once you have all three Netherstones, you will confront the Elder Brain in the final act of the game. At this point, you are presented with a critical choice: use the Netherstones to destroy the Elder Brain or allow the Absolute to take control of it.
If you choose to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, the consequences are dire. The AbsoluteÔÇÖs influence will spread unchecked, enslaving countless people and plunging the world into darkness. Your companions will react strongly to this decision, with many expressing horror and betrayal. Characters like Shadowheart, LaeÔÇÖzel, and Wyll, who have personal stakes in the fight against the Absolute, may turn against you or leave your party entirely. This choice also locks you into one of the gameÔÇÖs darker endings, where the AbsoluteÔÇÖs tyranny becomes absolute, and your character becomes a pawn in its grand design.
From a mechanical standpoint, this decision is irreversible and significantly alters the gameÔÇÖs ending. It is important to consider the role-playing implications of this choice. If your character is power-hungry or aligned with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals, this might be a fitting conclusion to their story. However, if your character is driven by a desire to protect the innocent or uphold justice, this choice will likely feel out of character and unsatisfying.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the weight of this decision. ItÔÇÖs easy to get caught up in the moment and make a choice without fully considering the long-term consequences. To avoid this, take the time to reflect on your characterÔÇÖs motivations and the relationships youÔÇÖve built with your companions. Discussing the decision with your party members can provide valuable insight and help you make a more informed choice.
Advanced players may explore the narrative depth of this decision by role-playing a character who initially opposes the Absolute but is gradually corrupted by its power. This can lead to a compelling character arc where the protagonistÔÇÖs descent into villainy feels earned and tragic. Alternatively, you might choose to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain as part of a larger strategy, believing that you can eventually overthrow it from within. While the game does not explicitly support this outcome, it can add an interesting layer of complexity to your role-playing experience.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, the Elder Brain is a powerful entity with abilities that reflect its dominance over mind flayers and other creatures. Its control over the Absolute is a narrative device that aligns with the lore of mind flayers and their hive mind. The Netherstones function as a unique mechanic within the game, representing the culmination of your efforts to confront the Elder Brain. Their use in the final confrontation is a key example of how BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 integrates D&D mechanics into its storytelling.
Specific examples of this choiceÔÇÖs impact can be seen in the reactions of your companions. For instance, LaeÔÇÖzel, who is deeply committed to freeing her people from the AbsoluteÔÇÖs influence, will be devastated by your decision to let the Absolute prevail. Similarly, Shadowheart, who has struggled with her faith and identity, may see this as a betrayal of her newfound purpose. These moments highlight the emotional weight of your choices and the importance of considering their impact on the people around you.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a pivotal decision that shapes the ending of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3. It requires careful consideration of your characterÔÇÖs motivations, the relationships youÔÇÖve built, and the broader implications for the world. By understanding the mechanics and consequences of this choice, you can make a decision that feels true to your character and provides a satisfying conclusion to your journey.
The Elder Brain is a central antagonist in the game, serving as the source of the AbsoluteÔÇÖs power and the driving force behind the mind flayer threat. Throughout the story, you learn that the Absolute is a false deity created by the Chosen of the Dead ThreeÔÇöKetheric Thorm, Orin the Red, and Enver GortashÔÇöwho used the Elder Brain to manipulate and control the masses. As you progress, you are faced with the choice of either destroying the Elder Brain or allowing the Absolute to dominate it, effectively cementing the AbsoluteÔÇÖs rule over Faer├╗n.
To reach this decision, you must first complete the main questline, which involves defeating the Chosen of the Dead Three and gathering the Netherstones. These stones are key to controlling the Elder Brain. Once you have all three Netherstones, you will confront the Elder Brain in the final act of the game. At this point, you are presented with a critical choice: use the Netherstones to destroy the Elder Brain or allow the Absolute to take control of it.
If you choose to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, the consequences are dire. The AbsoluteÔÇÖs influence will spread unchecked, enslaving countless people and plunging the world into darkness. Your companions will react strongly to this decision, with many expressing horror and betrayal. Characters like Shadowheart, LaeÔÇÖzel, and Wyll, who have personal stakes in the fight against the Absolute, may turn against you or leave your party entirely. This choice also locks you into one of the gameÔÇÖs darker endings, where the AbsoluteÔÇÖs tyranny becomes absolute, and your character becomes a pawn in its grand design.
From a mechanical standpoint, this decision is irreversible and significantly alters the gameÔÇÖs ending. It is important to consider the role-playing implications of this choice. If your character is power-hungry or aligned with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals, this might be a fitting conclusion to their story. However, if your character is driven by a desire to protect the innocent or uphold justice, this choice will likely feel out of character and unsatisfying.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the weight of this decision. ItÔÇÖs easy to get caught up in the moment and make a choice without fully considering the long-term consequences. To avoid this, take the time to reflect on your characterÔÇÖs motivations and the relationships youÔÇÖve built with your companions. Discussing the decision with your party members can provide valuable insight and help you make a more informed choice.
Advanced players may explore the narrative depth of this decision by role-playing a character who initially opposes the Absolute but is gradually corrupted by its power. This can lead to a compelling character arc where the protagonistÔÇÖs descent into villainy feels earned and tragic. Alternatively, you might choose to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain as part of a larger strategy, believing that you can eventually overthrow it from within. While the game does not explicitly support this outcome, it can add an interesting layer of complexity to your role-playing experience.
In terms of D&D 5E rules, the Elder Brain is a powerful entity with abilities that reflect its dominance over mind flayers and other creatures. Its control over the Absolute is a narrative device that aligns with the lore of mind flayers and their hive mind. The Netherstones function as a unique mechanic within the game, representing the culmination of your efforts to confront the Elder Brain. Their use in the final confrontation is a key example of how BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 integrates D&D mechanics into its storytelling.
Specific examples of this choiceÔÇÖs impact can be seen in the reactions of your companions. For instance, LaeÔÇÖzel, who is deeply committed to freeing her people from the AbsoluteÔÇÖs influence, will be devastated by your decision to let the Absolute prevail. Similarly, Shadowheart, who has struggled with her faith and identity, may see this as a betrayal of her newfound purpose. These moments highlight the emotional weight of your choices and the importance of considering their impact on the people around you.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a pivotal decision that shapes the ending of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3. It requires careful consideration of your characterÔÇÖs motivations, the relationships youÔÇÖve built, and the broader implications for the world. By understanding the mechanics and consequences of this choice, you can make a decision that feels true to your character and provides a satisfying conclusion to your journey.