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 how this decision plays out, itÔÇÖs important to first grasp the mechanics and context surrounding the Elder Brain and the Absolute.
The Elder Brain is a powerful entity that serves as the central intelligence for 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. When you reach the climax of the story, you are presented with the option to either destroy the Elder Brain or allow the Absolute to take control of it. Choosing the latter leads to a dark and oppressive ending where the Absolute's influence spreads unchecked.
To achieve this outcome, you must follow a specific path in the story. First, you need to align yourself with the Absolute or its agents at key moments. This often involves siding with characters like Ketheric Thorm, Orin the Red, or Gortash, who are the Chosen of the Absolute. These characters represent the Absolute's will and are instrumental in its plans. By supporting them, you pave the way for the Absolute to gain control over the Elder Brain.
One of the critical moments where you can influence this outcome is during the confrontation with the Elder Brain in the final act. Here, you are given the choice to either destroy the Elder Brain or use the Netherstones to dominate it. If you choose to dominate the Elder Brain, you effectively hand control over to the Absolute. This decision is irreversible and leads to a series of events where the Absolute's power grows exponentially, enslaving the world under its rule.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when pursuing this path. First, you need to ensure that your character is strong enough to survive the final battles. The endgame encounters are challenging, and you will face powerful enemies. Make sure your party is well-equipped and that you have a solid strategy for combat. This includes having a balanced party composition with a mix of damage dealers, healers, and support characters.
Another consideration is the impact this choice will have on your companions. Many of your party members have personal stakes in the fight against the Absolute, and allowing it to control the Elder Brain may lead to conflicts or even the loss of their loyalty. For example, characters like Shadowheart, who has a deep connection to Shar and her own moral struggles, may react negatively to this decision. ItÔÇÖs important to consider how your choices will affect your relationships with your companions and whether you are willing to risk losing their support.
Common mistakes to avoid include rushing through the final act without proper preparation. The battles leading up to the Elder Brain are intense, and you need to be ready for anything. Make sure to stock up on healing potions, scrolls, and other consumables. Additionally, avoid making hasty decisions during key dialogues. Take your time to understand the implications of your choices and how they will shape the story.
Advanced techniques for this path involve optimizing your character build and party composition for the final encounters. For example, a character with high Charisma and proficiency in Persuasion or Intimidation can influence key NPCs to support your cause. Additionally, having a character with strong crowd control abilities, such as a Wizard or Sorcerer, can help manage the large number of enemies you will face.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the Elder Brain is a formidable foe with high Intelligence and powerful psionic abilities. It can dominate the minds of your party members, making it crucial to have characters with high Wisdom saves or abilities that can counteract mind control. The Netherstones, which are central to the final decision, function as powerful artifacts that can either destroy or control the Elder Brain. Understanding how these items work and their role in the story is key to making an informed decision.
Specific examples of this path in action include siding with Gortash during the final act and using the Netherstones to dominate the Elder Brain. This leads to a cutscene where the Absolute's influence spreads across the land, and your character becomes a key figure in its new world order. The ending is dark and somber, reflecting the consequences of your choices.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a complex and morally ambiguous decision that significantly impacts the story and your companions. It requires careful planning, strong character builds, and a willingness to embrace the darker aspects of the narrative. By understanding the mechanics, preparing for the final battles, and considering the consequences, you can achieve this outcome and experience one of the gameÔÇÖs most dramatic endings.
The Elder Brain is a powerful entity that serves as the central intelligence for 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. When you reach the climax of the story, you are presented with the option to either destroy the Elder Brain or allow the Absolute to take control of it. Choosing the latter leads to a dark and oppressive ending where the Absolute's influence spreads unchecked.
To achieve this outcome, you must follow a specific path in the story. First, you need to align yourself with the Absolute or its agents at key moments. This often involves siding with characters like Ketheric Thorm, Orin the Red, or Gortash, who are the Chosen of the Absolute. These characters represent the Absolute's will and are instrumental in its plans. By supporting them, you pave the way for the Absolute to gain control over the Elder Brain.
One of the critical moments where you can influence this outcome is during the confrontation with the Elder Brain in the final act. Here, you are given the choice to either destroy the Elder Brain or use the Netherstones to dominate it. If you choose to dominate the Elder Brain, you effectively hand control over to the Absolute. This decision is irreversible and leads to a series of events where the Absolute's power grows exponentially, enslaving the world under its rule.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when pursuing this path. First, you need to ensure that your character is strong enough to survive the final battles. The endgame encounters are challenging, and you will face powerful enemies. Make sure your party is well-equipped and that you have a solid strategy for combat. This includes having a balanced party composition with a mix of damage dealers, healers, and support characters.
Another consideration is the impact this choice will have on your companions. Many of your party members have personal stakes in the fight against the Absolute, and allowing it to control the Elder Brain may lead to conflicts or even the loss of their loyalty. For example, characters like Shadowheart, who has a deep connection to Shar and her own moral struggles, may react negatively to this decision. ItÔÇÖs important to consider how your choices will affect your relationships with your companions and whether you are willing to risk losing their support.
Common mistakes to avoid include rushing through the final act without proper preparation. The battles leading up to the Elder Brain are intense, and you need to be ready for anything. Make sure to stock up on healing potions, scrolls, and other consumables. Additionally, avoid making hasty decisions during key dialogues. Take your time to understand the implications of your choices and how they will shape the story.
Advanced techniques for this path involve optimizing your character build and party composition for the final encounters. For example, a character with high Charisma and proficiency in Persuasion or Intimidation can influence key NPCs to support your cause. Additionally, having a character with strong crowd control abilities, such as a Wizard or Sorcerer, can help manage the large number of enemies you will face.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the Elder Brain is a formidable foe with high Intelligence and powerful psionic abilities. It can dominate the minds of your party members, making it crucial to have characters with high Wisdom saves or abilities that can counteract mind control. The Netherstones, which are central to the final decision, function as powerful artifacts that can either destroy or control the Elder Brain. Understanding how these items work and their role in the story is key to making an informed decision.
Specific examples of this path in action include siding with Gortash during the final act and using the Netherstones to dominate the Elder Brain. This leads to a cutscene where the Absolute's influence spreads across the land, and your character becomes a key figure in its new world order. The ending is dark and somber, reflecting the consequences of your choices.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a complex and morally ambiguous decision that significantly impacts the story and your companions. It requires careful planning, strong character builds, and a willingness to embrace the darker aspects of the narrative. By understanding the mechanics, preparing for the final battles, and considering the consequences, you can achieve this outcome and experience one of the gameÔÇÖs most dramatic endings.