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 will alter the course of the story and lead to unique consequences. Here is a detailed explanation of what siding with the Absolute entails, how to achieve it, and the implications of this decision.
To side with the Absolute, you must first progress through the main story until you encounter the Cult of the Absolute. This cult worships the Absolute and seeks to spread its influence across the land. Early in the game, you will encounter members of the cult, such as the goblins and their leaders, who are actively working to further the Absolute's goals. To align with the Absolute, you will need to cooperate with these cultists and make choices that support their agenda. This often involves betraying other factions, such as the druids of the Emerald Grove or the tiefling refugees, who oppose the Absolute's influence.
One of the key moments where you can choose to side with the Absolute occurs during the goblin camp questline. After infiltrating the goblin camp, you will have the opportunity to speak with their leaders, including Priestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and Minthara. These leaders will offer you the chance to join the Absolute and help them in their mission. To fully commit to this path, you will need to assist them in their plans, which may involve attacking the Emerald Grove and eliminating those who oppose the cult. This decision will have immediate consequences, as it will turn your companions against you if they do not share your allegiance to the Absolute.
Siding with the Absolute also means embracing the tadpole in your head, which is connected to the Absolute's power. Throughout the game, you will have opportunities to use the tadpole's abilities, such as Illithid Powers, which grant you unique and powerful skills. However, using these powers comes at a cost, as it further binds you to the Absolute's will. The more you rely on these abilities, the more you risk losing your sense of self and becoming a pawn of the Absolute. This is a key mechanic to consider when deciding to side with the Absolute, as it affects your character's development and the story's progression.
One important tip when siding with the Absolute is to carefully manage your relationships with your companions. Some companions, such as Lae'zel and Astarion, may be more open to the idea of embracing power and aligning with the Absolute, while others, like Wyll and Karlach, will strongly oppose this path. If you want to maintain a cohesive party, you will need to navigate these differing opinions and potentially make difficult choices about who stays in your group. Additionally, romancing certain companions may become more challenging if they disapprove of your allegiance to the Absolute.
A common mistake to avoid when siding with the Absolute is underestimating the long-term consequences of your actions. While the immediate benefits of aligning with the Absolute, such as gaining powerful allies and abilities, may seem appealing, the long-term effects can be devastating. The Absolute's influence is corrupting, and by the end of the game, you may find yourself in a position where you have lost control over your own destiny. It is important to weigh the short-term gains against the potential loss of your character's autonomy and the moral implications of your choices.
Advanced techniques for siding with the Absolute involve optimizing your character build to take full advantage of the Illithid Powers. For example, focusing on a character with high Wisdom and Charisma can make it easier to resist the negative effects of the tadpole while still benefiting from its abilities. Additionally, choosing a class that complements the Illithid Powers, such as a Sorcerer or Warlock, can enhance your effectiveness in combat and dialogue. It is also worth considering the role of your party composition, as having companions who are aligned with your goals can make it easier to navigate the challenges of siding with the Absolute.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the concept of siding with the Absolute ties into the broader theme of alignment and moral choices. In Dungeons & Dragons, alignment represents a character's ethical and moral perspective, ranging from lawful good to chaotic evil. Siding with the Absolute is a clear shift toward an evil alignment, as it involves embracing a force that seeks to dominate and control others. This decision will affect your character's alignment and how they are perceived by others in the game world.
Specific examples of siding with the Absolute include the attack on the Emerald Grove, where you must choose between defending the druids and tieflings or assisting the goblins in their assault. Another example is the confrontation with the Absolute's chosen, where you must decide whether to challenge their authority or submit to their will. These moments are pivotal in shaping the story and determining the ultimate fate of your character and the world around them.
In conclusion, siding with the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally fraught decision that has far-reaching consequences. It requires careful consideration of your character's goals, your relationships with companions, and the long-term impact of your choices. By understanding the mechanics involved, managing your party dynamics, and optimizing your character build, you can navigate this path and explore the darker side of the game's narrative. However, be prepared for the challenges and sacrifices that come with aligning yourself with such a powerful and corrupting force.
To side with the Absolute, you must first progress through the main story until you encounter the Cult of the Absolute. This cult worships the Absolute and seeks to spread its influence across the land. Early in the game, you will encounter members of the cult, such as the goblins and their leaders, who are actively working to further the Absolute's goals. To align with the Absolute, you will need to cooperate with these cultists and make choices that support their agenda. This often involves betraying other factions, such as the druids of the Emerald Grove or the tiefling refugees, who oppose the Absolute's influence.
One of the key moments where you can choose to side with the Absolute occurs during the goblin camp questline. After infiltrating the goblin camp, you will have the opportunity to speak with their leaders, including Priestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and Minthara. These leaders will offer you the chance to join the Absolute and help them in their mission. To fully commit to this path, you will need to assist them in their plans, which may involve attacking the Emerald Grove and eliminating those who oppose the cult. This decision will have immediate consequences, as it will turn your companions against you if they do not share your allegiance to the Absolute.
Siding with the Absolute also means embracing the tadpole in your head, which is connected to the Absolute's power. Throughout the game, you will have opportunities to use the tadpole's abilities, such as Illithid Powers, which grant you unique and powerful skills. However, using these powers comes at a cost, as it further binds you to the Absolute's will. The more you rely on these abilities, the more you risk losing your sense of self and becoming a pawn of the Absolute. This is a key mechanic to consider when deciding to side with the Absolute, as it affects your character's development and the story's progression.
One important tip when siding with the Absolute is to carefully manage your relationships with your companions. Some companions, such as Lae'zel and Astarion, may be more open to the idea of embracing power and aligning with the Absolute, while others, like Wyll and Karlach, will strongly oppose this path. If you want to maintain a cohesive party, you will need to navigate these differing opinions and potentially make difficult choices about who stays in your group. Additionally, romancing certain companions may become more challenging if they disapprove of your allegiance to the Absolute.
A common mistake to avoid when siding with the Absolute is underestimating the long-term consequences of your actions. While the immediate benefits of aligning with the Absolute, such as gaining powerful allies and abilities, may seem appealing, the long-term effects can be devastating. The Absolute's influence is corrupting, and by the end of the game, you may find yourself in a position where you have lost control over your own destiny. It is important to weigh the short-term gains against the potential loss of your character's autonomy and the moral implications of your choices.
Advanced techniques for siding with the Absolute involve optimizing your character build to take full advantage of the Illithid Powers. For example, focusing on a character with high Wisdom and Charisma can make it easier to resist the negative effects of the tadpole while still benefiting from its abilities. Additionally, choosing a class that complements the Illithid Powers, such as a Sorcerer or Warlock, can enhance your effectiveness in combat and dialogue. It is also worth considering the role of your party composition, as having companions who are aligned with your goals can make it easier to navigate the challenges of siding with the Absolute.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the concept of siding with the Absolute ties into the broader theme of alignment and moral choices. In Dungeons & Dragons, alignment represents a character's ethical and moral perspective, ranging from lawful good to chaotic evil. Siding with the Absolute is a clear shift toward an evil alignment, as it involves embracing a force that seeks to dominate and control others. This decision will affect your character's alignment and how they are perceived by others in the game world.
Specific examples of siding with the Absolute include the attack on the Emerald Grove, where you must choose between defending the druids and tieflings or assisting the goblins in their assault. Another example is the confrontation with the Absolute's chosen, where you must decide whether to challenge their authority or submit to their will. These moments are pivotal in shaping the story and determining the ultimate fate of your character and the world around them.
In conclusion, siding with the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally fraught decision that has far-reaching consequences. It requires careful consideration of your character's goals, your relationships with companions, and the long-term impact of your choices. By understanding the mechanics involved, managing your party dynamics, and optimizing your character build, you can navigate this path and explore the darker side of the game's narrative. However, be prepared for the challenges and sacrifices that come with aligning yourself with such a powerful and corrupting force.