What happens if I let the Absolute control the Netherbrain in Baldur's Gate 3?
Letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain 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, during the climactic moments of the final act. The Netherbrain is a powerful entity that serves as the central antagonist, and your decision to let the Absolute control it will have profound consequences for the world, your companions, and the overall narrative. Here is a detailed explanation of how this choice unfolds, the mechanics involved, and the strategies to achieve it.
To let the Absolute control the Netherbrain, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final confrontation. This involves completing key quests, such as infiltrating Moonrise Towers, defeating Ketheric Thorm, and navigating the challenges of the Shadow-Cursed Lands. Along the way, you will encounter the Absolute, a malevolent force that seeks to dominate the world through the Netherbrain. Your interactions with the Absolute and its followers will shape your understanding of its goals and the potential consequences of allowing it to take control.
When you reach the final act, you will face a critical decision point. The game will present you with the option to either destroy the Netherbrain or let the Absolute control it. Choosing the latter requires you to align yourself with the Absolute's goals, which may involve betraying your companions or making morally questionable decisions. This choice is not straightforward and requires careful consideration of the narrative implications.
To achieve this outcome, you must ensure that you have built a strong relationship with the Absolute and its followers. This may involve siding with the Absolute in key story moments, such as when you encounter the Chosen of the Absolute or when you are given the opportunity to resist or embrace its influence. Your dialogue choices and actions throughout the game will influence your ability to make this decision. For example, if you have consistently supported the Absolute and its agenda, you will have an easier time convincing your companions to go along with your plan.
One important tip is to pay close attention to your companions' reactions and motivations. Some companions, such as Lae'zel or Shadowheart, may have personal stakes in the outcome and could resist your decision to let the Absolute control the Netherbrain. You may need to persuade them or make compromises to keep them on your side. Additionally, consider the long-term consequences of your choice. Letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain will lead to a world dominated by its will, with your character and companions potentially becoming its pawns.
Common mistakes to avoid include making this decision without fully understanding the implications or failing to prepare for the potential backlash from your companions. It is also important to ensure that your character is strong enough to handle the challenges of the final act, as the combat encounters leading up to this decision can be difficult. Make sure to optimize your character build and equip powerful items to increase your chances of success.
Advanced techniques involve leveraging your knowledge of D&D 5E rules and mechanics to gain an advantage in combat and dialogue. For example, using spells like Dominate Person or Charm Person can help you influence key NPCs and sway their opinions in your favor. Additionally, understanding the alignment system and how it affects your interactions with the Absolute can provide valuable insights into the best way to approach this decision.
In terms of related D&D rules, the concept of letting a powerful entity like the Absolute control the Netherbrain ties into the idea of alignment and moral choices. In D&D, alignment represents a character's ethical and moral perspective, and choosing to let the Absolute control the Netherbrain would likely align your character with an evil or chaotic alignment. This decision reflects the broader themes of power, control, and the consequences of one's actions that are central to the D&D experience.
Specific examples and scenarios include moments where you must choose between resisting the Absolute's influence or embracing it. For instance, during the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm, you may be given the option to join forces with him and the Absolute, setting the stage for your eventual decision to let the Absolute control the Netherbrain. Another example is the dialogue with the Emperor, a key character who may try to persuade you to destroy the Netherbrain. Your ability to resist his influence and stay true to your goal of letting the Absolute take control will be crucial.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain is a complex and morally challenging decision that requires careful planning and consideration. By understanding the mechanics involved, making strategic choices, and preparing for the consequences, you can achieve this outcome and experience one of the most dramatic endings in Baldur's Gate 3.
To let the Absolute control the Netherbrain, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final confrontation. This involves completing key quests, such as infiltrating Moonrise Towers, defeating Ketheric Thorm, and navigating the challenges of the Shadow-Cursed Lands. Along the way, you will encounter the Absolute, a malevolent force that seeks to dominate the world through the Netherbrain. Your interactions with the Absolute and its followers will shape your understanding of its goals and the potential consequences of allowing it to take control.
When you reach the final act, you will face a critical decision point. The game will present you with the option to either destroy the Netherbrain or let the Absolute control it. Choosing the latter requires you to align yourself with the Absolute's goals, which may involve betraying your companions or making morally questionable decisions. This choice is not straightforward and requires careful consideration of the narrative implications.
To achieve this outcome, you must ensure that you have built a strong relationship with the Absolute and its followers. This may involve siding with the Absolute in key story moments, such as when you encounter the Chosen of the Absolute or when you are given the opportunity to resist or embrace its influence. Your dialogue choices and actions throughout the game will influence your ability to make this decision. For example, if you have consistently supported the Absolute and its agenda, you will have an easier time convincing your companions to go along with your plan.
One important tip is to pay close attention to your companions' reactions and motivations. Some companions, such as Lae'zel or Shadowheart, may have personal stakes in the outcome and could resist your decision to let the Absolute control the Netherbrain. You may need to persuade them or make compromises to keep them on your side. Additionally, consider the long-term consequences of your choice. Letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain will lead to a world dominated by its will, with your character and companions potentially becoming its pawns.
Common mistakes to avoid include making this decision without fully understanding the implications or failing to prepare for the potential backlash from your companions. It is also important to ensure that your character is strong enough to handle the challenges of the final act, as the combat encounters leading up to this decision can be difficult. Make sure to optimize your character build and equip powerful items to increase your chances of success.
Advanced techniques involve leveraging your knowledge of D&D 5E rules and mechanics to gain an advantage in combat and dialogue. For example, using spells like Dominate Person or Charm Person can help you influence key NPCs and sway their opinions in your favor. Additionally, understanding the alignment system and how it affects your interactions with the Absolute can provide valuable insights into the best way to approach this decision.
In terms of related D&D rules, the concept of letting a powerful entity like the Absolute control the Netherbrain ties into the idea of alignment and moral choices. In D&D, alignment represents a character's ethical and moral perspective, and choosing to let the Absolute control the Netherbrain would likely align your character with an evil or chaotic alignment. This decision reflects the broader themes of power, control, and the consequences of one's actions that are central to the D&D experience.
Specific examples and scenarios include moments where you must choose between resisting the Absolute's influence or embracing it. For instance, during the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm, you may be given the option to join forces with him and the Absolute, setting the stage for your eventual decision to let the Absolute control the Netherbrain. Another example is the dialogue with the Emperor, a key character who may try to persuade you to destroy the Netherbrain. Your ability to resist his influence and stay true to your goal of letting the Absolute take control will be crucial.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain is a complex and morally challenging decision that requires careful planning and consideration. By understanding the mechanics involved, making strategic choices, and preparing for the consequences, you can achieve this outcome and experience one of the most dramatic endings in Baldur's Gate 3.