What are the consequences of siding with the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3?
Siding with the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3 is a major story decision that significantly impacts the narrative, your relationships with companions, and the overall outcome of the game. The Absolute is a mysterious and powerful force that seeks to dominate the world, and aligning with it means embracing its dark influence. This choice is not made lightly, as it involves a series of key decisions and interactions throughout the game. Here is a detailed explanation of the mechanics, strategies, and consequences involved in siding with the Absolute.
To begin with, siding with the Absolute is not a single decision but a series of choices that align your character with the Absolute's goals. Early in the game, you will encounter the Mind Flayers and the tadpole in your brain, which is a central element of the story. The Absolute uses these tadpoles to control its followers, and by embracing the tadpole's powers, you can start down the path of aligning with the Absolute. This involves using the Illithid Powers granted by the tadpole, which can be accessed through dialogue options and combat abilities. Each time you use these powers, you strengthen your connection to the Absolute and the Mind Flayers.
One of the key moments where you can explicitly choose to side with the Absolute occurs during interactions with the Cult of the Absolute. This cult worships the Absolute and seeks to spread its influence. By aiding the cult and supporting their goals, you can align yourself with the Absolute. For example, during the Goblin Camp questline, you can choose to help the goblins and their leaders, who are followers of the Absolute. This involves completing tasks for them, such as infiltrating the Druid Grove and siding with them in conflicts. By doing so, you demonstrate your loyalty to the Absolute and its followers.
Another important aspect of siding with the Absolute is managing your relationships with your companions. Many of your companions have strong moral convictions and will disapprove of aligning with such a dark force. Characters like Wyll, Karlach, and Halsin are particularly opposed to the Absolute and may leave your party or even turn against you if you choose to side with it. On the other hand, characters like Astarion and Lae'zel may be more open to the idea, depending on how you handle their personal quests and dialogue. It is crucial to consider how your choices will affect your party dynamics and whether you are willing to risk losing certain companions.
Combat tactics also play a role in siding with the Absolute. As you progress, you will face enemies who oppose the Absolute, such as the Harpers, the Druids, and other factions. You will need to be prepared for challenging battles, as these groups will not take kindly to your allegiance. Utilizing the Illithid Powers in combat can give you an edge, but be mindful of the consequences. Overusing these powers can lead to negative effects on your character, such as increased susceptibility to the Absolute's control or even transformation into a Mind Flayer.
One common mistake to avoid is making hasty decisions without considering the long-term consequences. Siding with the Absolute locks you into a specific path and can limit your options later in the game. For example, certain quests and storylines may become unavailable if you align with the Absolute, as you will be seen as an enemy by many factions. It is important to weigh the benefits of gaining power and influence against the potential loss of allies and opportunities.
Advanced techniques for optimizing your alignment with the Absolute include carefully managing your Illithid Power usage and making strategic choices in dialogue and quests. For instance, you can use the Illithid Powers to manipulate NPCs and gain their support, but be cautious not to overdo it, as this can lead to unintended consequences. Additionally, focusing on building a party that is more tolerant of dark choices can help mitigate the risk of losing companions. Characters like Astarion and Minthara, who have their own dark agendas, may be more willing to follow you down this path.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the Illithid Powers and the influence of the Absolute are unique to Baldur's Gate 3 and are not directly tied to the standard D&D 5E rules. However, the concept of alignment and moral choices is a core aspect of D&D, and siding with the Absolute can be seen as an extreme shift toward an evil alignment. This can affect how NPCs and factions perceive you, as well as the types of abilities and powers you can access.
Specific examples of siding with the Absolute include the Goblin Camp questline, where you can choose to help the goblins raid the Druid Grove, and the Moonrise Towers storyline, where you can align with the Absolute's forces to achieve your goals. These choices have significant consequences, such as the destruction of the Druid Grove and the loss of key allies like Halsin and Wyll. However, they also open up new opportunities for power and influence within the Absolute's hierarchy.
In conclusion, siding with the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally challenging decision that requires careful consideration of the consequences. By embracing the Illithid Powers, aiding the Cult of the Absolute, and managing your relationships with companions, you can align yourself with this dark force. However, be prepared for the loss of allies, challenging battles, and a narrative that takes a darker turn. This path offers unique opportunities for power and influence but comes at a significant cost.
To begin with, siding with the Absolute is not a single decision but a series of choices that align your character with the Absolute's goals. Early in the game, you will encounter the Mind Flayers and the tadpole in your brain, which is a central element of the story. The Absolute uses these tadpoles to control its followers, and by embracing the tadpole's powers, you can start down the path of aligning with the Absolute. This involves using the Illithid Powers granted by the tadpole, which can be accessed through dialogue options and combat abilities. Each time you use these powers, you strengthen your connection to the Absolute and the Mind Flayers.
One of the key moments where you can explicitly choose to side with the Absolute occurs during interactions with the Cult of the Absolute. This cult worships the Absolute and seeks to spread its influence. By aiding the cult and supporting their goals, you can align yourself with the Absolute. For example, during the Goblin Camp questline, you can choose to help the goblins and their leaders, who are followers of the Absolute. This involves completing tasks for them, such as infiltrating the Druid Grove and siding with them in conflicts. By doing so, you demonstrate your loyalty to the Absolute and its followers.
Another important aspect of siding with the Absolute is managing your relationships with your companions. Many of your companions have strong moral convictions and will disapprove of aligning with such a dark force. Characters like Wyll, Karlach, and Halsin are particularly opposed to the Absolute and may leave your party or even turn against you if you choose to side with it. On the other hand, characters like Astarion and Lae'zel may be more open to the idea, depending on how you handle their personal quests and dialogue. It is crucial to consider how your choices will affect your party dynamics and whether you are willing to risk losing certain companions.
Combat tactics also play a role in siding with the Absolute. As you progress, you will face enemies who oppose the Absolute, such as the Harpers, the Druids, and other factions. You will need to be prepared for challenging battles, as these groups will not take kindly to your allegiance. Utilizing the Illithid Powers in combat can give you an edge, but be mindful of the consequences. Overusing these powers can lead to negative effects on your character, such as increased susceptibility to the Absolute's control or even transformation into a Mind Flayer.
One common mistake to avoid is making hasty decisions without considering the long-term consequences. Siding with the Absolute locks you into a specific path and can limit your options later in the game. For example, certain quests and storylines may become unavailable if you align with the Absolute, as you will be seen as an enemy by many factions. It is important to weigh the benefits of gaining power and influence against the potential loss of allies and opportunities.
Advanced techniques for optimizing your alignment with the Absolute include carefully managing your Illithid Power usage and making strategic choices in dialogue and quests. For instance, you can use the Illithid Powers to manipulate NPCs and gain their support, but be cautious not to overdo it, as this can lead to unintended consequences. Additionally, focusing on building a party that is more tolerant of dark choices can help mitigate the risk of losing companions. Characters like Astarion and Minthara, who have their own dark agendas, may be more willing to follow you down this path.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the Illithid Powers and the influence of the Absolute are unique to Baldur's Gate 3 and are not directly tied to the standard D&D 5E rules. However, the concept of alignment and moral choices is a core aspect of D&D, and siding with the Absolute can be seen as an extreme shift toward an evil alignment. This can affect how NPCs and factions perceive you, as well as the types of abilities and powers you can access.
Specific examples of siding with the Absolute include the Goblin Camp questline, where you can choose to help the goblins raid the Druid Grove, and the Moonrise Towers storyline, where you can align with the Absolute's forces to achieve your goals. These choices have significant consequences, such as the destruction of the Druid Grove and the loss of key allies like Halsin and Wyll. However, they also open up new opportunities for power and influence within the Absolute's hierarchy.
In conclusion, siding with the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally challenging decision that requires careful consideration of the consequences. By embracing the Illithid Powers, aiding the Cult of the Absolute, and managing your relationships with companions, you can align yourself with this dark force. However, be prepared for the loss of allies, challenging battles, and a narrative that takes a darker turn. This path offers unique opportunities for power and influence but comes at a significant cost.