What happens if I side with the Absolute cultists in Baldur's Gate 3?
Siding with the Absolute cultists in Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant story choice that can drastically alter the course of the game. The Absolute is a mysterious and powerful force that seeks to dominate the world, and aligning with its followers means embracing a darker path. This choice is not just a simple dialogue option but a series of decisions that can lead to unique outcomes, affecting your relationships with companions, the world around you, and the overall narrative.
To side with the Absolute, you must first encounter the cultists and their leaders. Early in the game, you will meet True Soul Nere, a key figure in the Absolute's hierarchy. Nere is found in the Underdark, specifically in the Grymforge area. To align with the Absolute, you need to assist Nere in his mission to retrieve the Adamantine Forge. This involves completing his questline, which includes dealing with the duergar and ensuring Nere's survival. By helping Nere, you gain his trust and the trust of the Absolute cultists.
Once you have established a connection with the Absolute through Nere, you will encounter more cultists as you progress through the game. In Act 2, you will meet Ketheric Thorm, one of the Absolute's chosen leaders. Ketheric is a formidable foe, but you can choose to side with him instead of opposing him. This decision will require you to prove your loyalty to the Absolute, often by completing tasks that further their goals. For example, you might be asked to eliminate enemies of the Absolute or retrieve powerful artifacts that enhance their influence.
Siding with the Absolute has several consequences. First, it will strain your relationships with certain companions who oppose the Absolute, such as Shadowheart, Lae'zel, and Wyll. These characters have their own moral compasses and may disapprove of your actions, potentially leading to conflicts or even their departure from your party. On the other hand, characters like Astarion and Minthara, who have more flexible morals, might support your decision and strengthen their bond with you.
Combat tactics will also change when you side with the Absolute. You will often find yourself fighting alongside cultists and other followers of the Absolute, which can provide strategic advantages. For example, in battles against the Harpers or other resistance groups, you can use the cultists as allies to overwhelm your enemies. However, this also means that you will face tougher opposition from those who oppose the Absolute, requiring you to adapt your strategies and possibly invest in more powerful spells and equipment.
One important tip is to carefully manage your party composition and dialogue choices. If you plan to side with the Absolute, consider bringing companions who are more likely to support your decisions. This can help maintain party cohesion and reduce the risk of losing valuable allies. Additionally, pay attention to dialogue options that align with the Absolute's ideology, as these can help you gain favor with the cultists and their leaders.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the consequences of your actions. Siding with the Absolute is a major decision that can lock you into a specific path, limiting your options later in the game. Make sure to save your progress before making critical choices, allowing you to explore different outcomes without losing significant progress.
Advanced techniques involve leveraging the Absolute's resources to your advantage. For example, you can use the cultists' knowledge and artifacts to enhance your character's abilities. This might include acquiring powerful items or learning unique spells that are only available to those who align with the Absolute. Additionally, you can manipulate the cultists' hierarchy to gain more influence, potentially positioning yourself as a key figure within their ranks.
In terms of D&D rules, siding with the Absolute aligns with the concept of alignment shifts. Your character's alignment may shift towards evil as you embrace the Absolute's ideology. This can affect how NPCs perceive you and the types of quests and interactions available. For example, evil-aligned characters might gain access to darker quests and rewards that are not available to good-aligned characters.
Specific examples include the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm in Act 2. If you choose to side with him, you will participate in a battle against the Harpers and other resistance forces. This battle is challenging but can be made easier by using the cultists' support and focusing on eliminating key targets. Another example is the interaction with Minthara, a drow paladin who serves the Absolute. By aligning with her, you can gain a powerful ally and access to unique storylines and rewards.
In conclusion, siding with the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and impactful choice that requires careful consideration. It involves navigating the game's narrative, managing relationships with companions, and adapting your combat strategies. By understanding the mechanics and consequences of this decision, you can make informed choices that shape your character's journey and the world around you.
To side with the Absolute, you must first encounter the cultists and their leaders. Early in the game, you will meet True Soul Nere, a key figure in the Absolute's hierarchy. Nere is found in the Underdark, specifically in the Grymforge area. To align with the Absolute, you need to assist Nere in his mission to retrieve the Adamantine Forge. This involves completing his questline, which includes dealing with the duergar and ensuring Nere's survival. By helping Nere, you gain his trust and the trust of the Absolute cultists.
Once you have established a connection with the Absolute through Nere, you will encounter more cultists as you progress through the game. In Act 2, you will meet Ketheric Thorm, one of the Absolute's chosen leaders. Ketheric is a formidable foe, but you can choose to side with him instead of opposing him. This decision will require you to prove your loyalty to the Absolute, often by completing tasks that further their goals. For example, you might be asked to eliminate enemies of the Absolute or retrieve powerful artifacts that enhance their influence.
Siding with the Absolute has several consequences. First, it will strain your relationships with certain companions who oppose the Absolute, such as Shadowheart, Lae'zel, and Wyll. These characters have their own moral compasses and may disapprove of your actions, potentially leading to conflicts or even their departure from your party. On the other hand, characters like Astarion and Minthara, who have more flexible morals, might support your decision and strengthen their bond with you.
Combat tactics will also change when you side with the Absolute. You will often find yourself fighting alongside cultists and other followers of the Absolute, which can provide strategic advantages. For example, in battles against the Harpers or other resistance groups, you can use the cultists as allies to overwhelm your enemies. However, this also means that you will face tougher opposition from those who oppose the Absolute, requiring you to adapt your strategies and possibly invest in more powerful spells and equipment.
One important tip is to carefully manage your party composition and dialogue choices. If you plan to side with the Absolute, consider bringing companions who are more likely to support your decisions. This can help maintain party cohesion and reduce the risk of losing valuable allies. Additionally, pay attention to dialogue options that align with the Absolute's ideology, as these can help you gain favor with the cultists and their leaders.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the consequences of your actions. Siding with the Absolute is a major decision that can lock you into a specific path, limiting your options later in the game. Make sure to save your progress before making critical choices, allowing you to explore different outcomes without losing significant progress.
Advanced techniques involve leveraging the Absolute's resources to your advantage. For example, you can use the cultists' knowledge and artifacts to enhance your character's abilities. This might include acquiring powerful items or learning unique spells that are only available to those who align with the Absolute. Additionally, you can manipulate the cultists' hierarchy to gain more influence, potentially positioning yourself as a key figure within their ranks.
In terms of D&D rules, siding with the Absolute aligns with the concept of alignment shifts. Your character's alignment may shift towards evil as you embrace the Absolute's ideology. This can affect how NPCs perceive you and the types of quests and interactions available. For example, evil-aligned characters might gain access to darker quests and rewards that are not available to good-aligned characters.
Specific examples include the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm in Act 2. If you choose to side with him, you will participate in a battle against the Harpers and other resistance forces. This battle is challenging but can be made easier by using the cultists' support and focusing on eliminating key targets. Another example is the interaction with Minthara, a drow paladin who serves the Absolute. By aligning with her, you can gain a powerful ally and access to unique storylines and rewards.
In conclusion, siding with the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and impactful choice that requires careful consideration. It involves navigating the game's narrative, managing relationships with companions, and adapting your combat strategies. By understanding the mechanics and consequences of this decision, you can make informed choices that shape your character's journey and the world around you.