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 far-reaching 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 of the Elder Brain and the Absolute.
The Elder Brain is a powerful entity that serves as the central intelligence of the Mind Flayer colony. It is the source of the Mind Flayers' hive mind and controls their actions. The Absolute, on the other hand, is a mysterious force that has been manipulating events throughout the game, often through the use of the Mind Flayers and their tadpoles. By the time you reach the final stages of the game, you will have learned that the Absolute is not just a religious concept but a tangible force with its own agenda.
To let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you must align yourself with the forces of the Absolute. This typically involves siding with characters like Ketheric Thorm, Orin the Red, and Gortash, who are the Chosen of the Absolute. These characters represent the three main factions of the Absolute's influence, and your interactions with them will shape your path toward this ending. Throughout the game, you will have opportunities to either resist or embrace the Absolute's influence. Embracing it often involves using the tadpole powers granted to you and making choices that prioritize power over morality.
The mechanics of this decision are tied to the game's dialogue and story progression. As you progress through the main quest, you will encounter key moments where you can choose to support the Absolute's goals. For example, during the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm in Act 2, you can choose to side with him rather than oppose him. Similarly, in Act 3, you can ally with Gortash and Orin, further solidifying your allegiance to the Absolute. These choices will culminate in the final act, where you will face the Elder Brain and have the option to let the Absolute take control.
One important tip is to carefully consider the consequences of your actions. Letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain will lead to a dark ending where the world is dominated by the Mind Flayers and their hive mind. This outcome will have a profound impact on your companions, many of whom will either turn against you or be consumed by the Absolute's influence. For example, characters like Shadowheart and Lae'zel, who have their own personal quests tied to resisting external control, will likely reject this path. On the other hand, characters like Astarion, who may be more inclined toward power and self-interest, might support your decision.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the moral weight of this choice. While the game allows you to pursue power at any cost, itÔÇÖs important to remember that your decisions will shape the world and the lives of those around you. If you are playing a character who values freedom and individuality, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain may feel like a betrayal of your core principles. Conversely, if you are role-playing a character who seeks power above all else, this ending may align with your goals.
Advanced techniques for achieving this ending involve optimizing your character build and party composition to align with the Absolute's goals. For example, focusing on abilities that enhance mind control, such as the Dominate Person spell, can be thematically appropriate. Additionally, choosing dialogue options that emphasize loyalty to the Absolute and its Chosen will help solidify your path toward this ending. ItÔÇÖs also worth noting that using the tadpole powers granted to you throughout the game can make this ending feel more cohesive, as it demonstrates your willingness to embrace the Absolute's influence.
From a D&D rules perspective, the concept of the Elder Brain and the Absolute draws heavily from the lore of Mind Flayers and their ilithid empire. In Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition, Mind Flayers are known for their psychic abilities and their desire to dominate other creatures. The Elder Brain is a central figure in their society, serving as both a repository of knowledge and a source of control. The Absolute, while unique to Baldur's Gate 3, can be seen as an extension of this lore, representing a new and more insidious form of Mind Flayer influence.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a complex and morally charged decision that will shape the ending of Baldur's Gate 3. To achieve this outcome, you must align yourself with the Absolute's Chosen, embrace the tadpole powers, and make choices that prioritize power over morality. This path will lead to a dark and oppressive ending, but it offers a unique and compelling narrative experience for those willing to explore the darker side of the game's story.
The Elder Brain is a powerful entity that serves as the central intelligence of the Mind Flayer colony. It is the source of the Mind Flayers' hive mind and controls their actions. The Absolute, on the other hand, is a mysterious force that has been manipulating events throughout the game, often through the use of the Mind Flayers and their tadpoles. By the time you reach the final stages of the game, you will have learned that the Absolute is not just a religious concept but a tangible force with its own agenda.
To let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you must align yourself with the forces of the Absolute. This typically involves siding with characters like Ketheric Thorm, Orin the Red, and Gortash, who are the Chosen of the Absolute. These characters represent the three main factions of the Absolute's influence, and your interactions with them will shape your path toward this ending. Throughout the game, you will have opportunities to either resist or embrace the Absolute's influence. Embracing it often involves using the tadpole powers granted to you and making choices that prioritize power over morality.
The mechanics of this decision are tied to the game's dialogue and story progression. As you progress through the main quest, you will encounter key moments where you can choose to support the Absolute's goals. For example, during the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm in Act 2, you can choose to side with him rather than oppose him. Similarly, in Act 3, you can ally with Gortash and Orin, further solidifying your allegiance to the Absolute. These choices will culminate in the final act, where you will face the Elder Brain and have the option to let the Absolute take control.
One important tip is to carefully consider the consequences of your actions. Letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain will lead to a dark ending where the world is dominated by the Mind Flayers and their hive mind. This outcome will have a profound impact on your companions, many of whom will either turn against you or be consumed by the Absolute's influence. For example, characters like Shadowheart and Lae'zel, who have their own personal quests tied to resisting external control, will likely reject this path. On the other hand, characters like Astarion, who may be more inclined toward power and self-interest, might support your decision.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the moral weight of this choice. While the game allows you to pursue power at any cost, itÔÇÖs important to remember that your decisions will shape the world and the lives of those around you. If you are playing a character who values freedom and individuality, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain may feel like a betrayal of your core principles. Conversely, if you are role-playing a character who seeks power above all else, this ending may align with your goals.
Advanced techniques for achieving this ending involve optimizing your character build and party composition to align with the Absolute's goals. For example, focusing on abilities that enhance mind control, such as the Dominate Person spell, can be thematically appropriate. Additionally, choosing dialogue options that emphasize loyalty to the Absolute and its Chosen will help solidify your path toward this ending. ItÔÇÖs also worth noting that using the tadpole powers granted to you throughout the game can make this ending feel more cohesive, as it demonstrates your willingness to embrace the Absolute's influence.
From a D&D rules perspective, the concept of the Elder Brain and the Absolute draws heavily from the lore of Mind Flayers and their ilithid empire. In Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition, Mind Flayers are known for their psychic abilities and their desire to dominate other creatures. The Elder Brain is a central figure in their society, serving as both a repository of knowledge and a source of control. The Absolute, while unique to Baldur's Gate 3, can be seen as an extension of this lore, representing a new and more insidious form of Mind Flayer influence.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a complex and morally charged decision that will shape the ending of Baldur's Gate 3. To achieve this outcome, you must align yourself with the Absolute's Chosen, embrace the tadpole powers, and make choices that prioritize power over morality. This path will lead to a dark and oppressive ending, but it offers a unique and compelling narrative experience for those willing to explore the darker side of the game's story.