What are the consequences of letting the Emperor control the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3?
Letting the Emperor control the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant story choice that has far-reaching consequences for the game's narrative, your companions, and the world of Faer├╗n. This decision occurs late in the game, during the climax of the main storyline, and it involves aligning with the Emperor, a powerful Mind Flayer who has been guiding you throughout your journey. To understand the mechanics and consequences of this choice, itÔÇÖs important to first grasp the context and the steps required to reach this point.
The Emperor is a key figure in the story, revealed to be the one who has been protecting you from the AbsoluteÔÇÖs influence by using the Astral Prism. As the story progresses, you learn that the Emperor is a Mind Flayer who has retained his individuality and free will, unlike most of his kind. He offers you a choice: join him in controlling the Absolute, a powerful entity that has been manipulating the minds of countless people, or reject his plan and pursue your own path. If you choose to let the Emperor control the Absolute, you are essentially siding with him in his quest to dominate the AbsoluteÔÇÖs power for his own purposes.
To reach this decision point, you must first progress through the main story, completing key quests such as infiltrating Moonrise Towers, defeating Ketheric Thorm, and uncovering the secrets of the Absolute. Along the way, you will encounter the Emperor in the Astral Prism, where he reveals his true nature and his plans. You must also navigate the complex relationship with your companions, as their trust in you and their own moral compasses will influence how they react to your decision. Some companions, like LaeÔÇÖzel, may strongly oppose the idea of working with a Mind Flayer, while others, like Astarion, may be more pragmatic and supportive.
When the moment comes to decide whether to let the Emperor control the Absolute, you will need to weigh the potential benefits and risks. On one hand, the Emperor promises to use the AbsoluteÔÇÖs power to bring order and stability to the world, potentially ending the chaos and destruction caused by the Mind Flayers and their cult. On the other hand, trusting a Mind Flayer with such immense power is inherently risky, as it could lead to even greater tyranny and oppression. The EmperorÔÇÖs motives are not entirely clear, and there is always the possibility that he could betray you or become corrupted by the AbsoluteÔÇÖs influence.
If you choose to let the Emperor control the Absolute, the immediate consequence is that he will use the Astral Prism to dominate the AbsoluteÔÇÖs mind, effectively taking control of its vast network of thralls. This will lead to a significant shift in the balance of power, as the Emperor becomes the new ruler of the AbsoluteÔÇÖs forces. Your companionsÔÇÖ reactions will vary depending on their personalities and your relationship with them. Some may support your decision, seeing it as a necessary evil, while others may turn against you, feeling betrayed by your willingness to trust a Mind Flayer.
In terms of gameplay, this choice will affect the final battles and the ending of the game. If you side with the Emperor, you will likely face fewer enemies in the final confrontation, as the EmperorÔÇÖs control over the AbsoluteÔÇÖs forces will weaken the opposition. However, you may also face resistance from former allies who disagree with your decision. The ending will reflect your choice, with the Emperor establishing a new order under his rule, and your characterÔÇÖs fate will depend on how you navigate the final moments of the story.
One important tip is to carefully consider your companionsÔÇÖ perspectives before making this decision. Building strong relationships with your party members throughout the game can influence their reactions and make them more likely to support your choice. Additionally, itÔÇÖs crucial to think about the long-term implications of letting the Emperor control the Absolute. While it may seem like a quick solution to the immediate threat, the potential for future tyranny and oppression is a significant risk.
A common mistake to avoid is making this decision without fully understanding the EmperorÔÇÖs motives and the potential consequences. ItÔÇÖs easy to be swayed by his promises of power and stability, but itÔÇÖs important to remember that he is still a Mind Flayer, and his ultimate goals may not align with your own. Taking the time to explore all dialogue options and gather as much information as possible before making your choice will help you make a more informed decision.
In terms of advanced techniques, you can optimize your character build and combat tactics to prepare for the final battles that result from this choice. For example, focusing on abilities that enhance your control over the battlefield, such as crowd control spells or high-damage attacks, can give you an advantage in the final confrontation. Additionally, ensuring that your party is well-equipped with powerful weapons and armor will help you handle any unexpected challenges that arise.
From a D&D rules perspective, the EmperorÔÇÖs ability to control the Absolute is rooted in the Mind FlayerÔÇÖs innate psionic powers, which allow them to dominate the minds of others. In the game, this is represented through the use of the Astral Prism, a powerful artifact that amplifies the EmperorÔÇÖs abilities. Understanding the mechanics of psionics and mind control in D&D can provide insight into how the EmperorÔÇÖs plan works and the potential risks involved.
In conclusion, letting the Emperor control the Absolute is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that will have significant consequences for the story, your companions, and the world of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3. By carefully considering the potential outcomes, building strong relationships with your party members, and preparing for the final battles, you can navigate this decision and shape the fate of Faer├╗n in a way that aligns with your characterÔÇÖs values and goals.
The Emperor is a key figure in the story, revealed to be the one who has been protecting you from the AbsoluteÔÇÖs influence by using the Astral Prism. As the story progresses, you learn that the Emperor is a Mind Flayer who has retained his individuality and free will, unlike most of his kind. He offers you a choice: join him in controlling the Absolute, a powerful entity that has been manipulating the minds of countless people, or reject his plan and pursue your own path. If you choose to let the Emperor control the Absolute, you are essentially siding with him in his quest to dominate the AbsoluteÔÇÖs power for his own purposes.
To reach this decision point, you must first progress through the main story, completing key quests such as infiltrating Moonrise Towers, defeating Ketheric Thorm, and uncovering the secrets of the Absolute. Along the way, you will encounter the Emperor in the Astral Prism, where he reveals his true nature and his plans. You must also navigate the complex relationship with your companions, as their trust in you and their own moral compasses will influence how they react to your decision. Some companions, like LaeÔÇÖzel, may strongly oppose the idea of working with a Mind Flayer, while others, like Astarion, may be more pragmatic and supportive.
When the moment comes to decide whether to let the Emperor control the Absolute, you will need to weigh the potential benefits and risks. On one hand, the Emperor promises to use the AbsoluteÔÇÖs power to bring order and stability to the world, potentially ending the chaos and destruction caused by the Mind Flayers and their cult. On the other hand, trusting a Mind Flayer with such immense power is inherently risky, as it could lead to even greater tyranny and oppression. The EmperorÔÇÖs motives are not entirely clear, and there is always the possibility that he could betray you or become corrupted by the AbsoluteÔÇÖs influence.
If you choose to let the Emperor control the Absolute, the immediate consequence is that he will use the Astral Prism to dominate the AbsoluteÔÇÖs mind, effectively taking control of its vast network of thralls. This will lead to a significant shift in the balance of power, as the Emperor becomes the new ruler of the AbsoluteÔÇÖs forces. Your companionsÔÇÖ reactions will vary depending on their personalities and your relationship with them. Some may support your decision, seeing it as a necessary evil, while others may turn against you, feeling betrayed by your willingness to trust a Mind Flayer.
In terms of gameplay, this choice will affect the final battles and the ending of the game. If you side with the Emperor, you will likely face fewer enemies in the final confrontation, as the EmperorÔÇÖs control over the AbsoluteÔÇÖs forces will weaken the opposition. However, you may also face resistance from former allies who disagree with your decision. The ending will reflect your choice, with the Emperor establishing a new order under his rule, and your characterÔÇÖs fate will depend on how you navigate the final moments of the story.
One important tip is to carefully consider your companionsÔÇÖ perspectives before making this decision. Building strong relationships with your party members throughout the game can influence their reactions and make them more likely to support your choice. Additionally, itÔÇÖs crucial to think about the long-term implications of letting the Emperor control the Absolute. While it may seem like a quick solution to the immediate threat, the potential for future tyranny and oppression is a significant risk.
A common mistake to avoid is making this decision without fully understanding the EmperorÔÇÖs motives and the potential consequences. ItÔÇÖs easy to be swayed by his promises of power and stability, but itÔÇÖs important to remember that he is still a Mind Flayer, and his ultimate goals may not align with your own. Taking the time to explore all dialogue options and gather as much information as possible before making your choice will help you make a more informed decision.
In terms of advanced techniques, you can optimize your character build and combat tactics to prepare for the final battles that result from this choice. For example, focusing on abilities that enhance your control over the battlefield, such as crowd control spells or high-damage attacks, can give you an advantage in the final confrontation. Additionally, ensuring that your party is well-equipped with powerful weapons and armor will help you handle any unexpected challenges that arise.
From a D&D rules perspective, the EmperorÔÇÖs ability to control the Absolute is rooted in the Mind FlayerÔÇÖs innate psionic powers, which allow them to dominate the minds of others. In the game, this is represented through the use of the Astral Prism, a powerful artifact that amplifies the EmperorÔÇÖs abilities. Understanding the mechanics of psionics and mind control in D&D can provide insight into how the EmperorÔÇÖs plan works and the potential risks involved.
In conclusion, letting the Emperor control the Absolute is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that will have significant consequences for the story, your companions, and the world of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3. By carefully considering the potential outcomes, building strong relationships with your party members, and preparing for the final battles, you can navigate this decision and shape the fate of Faer├╗n in a way that aligns with your characterÔÇÖs values and goals.