What happens if I let the Emperor control the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3?
In Baldur's Gate 3, the decision to let the Emperor control the Absolute is one of the most significant choices you can make in the game. This choice occurs during the late stages of the story, particularly in Act 3, when you are faced with the ultimate decision about how to deal with the Absolute and the Mind Flayer threat. The Emperor, a powerful Mind Flayer who has been guiding you throughout the game, presents you with the option to allow him to take control of the Absolute, effectively using its power to dominate the world. This choice has profound implications for the story, your companions, and the world of Baldur's Gate.
To achieve this outcome, you must first align yourself with the Emperor throughout the game. This means trusting his guidance and following his advice, even when it may seem questionable. The Emperor is a complex character, and his motivations are not always clear, but he consistently presents himself as an ally who wants to help you defeat the Absolute. To build a strong relationship with the Emperor, you should avoid actions that undermine his trust, such as siding with his enemies or questioning his intentions too harshly. Instead, focus on dialogue options that show you are willing to work with him and believe in his plan.
As you progress through the game, you will encounter several key moments where the Emperor's influence becomes more apparent. In Act 2, you will face the choice of whether to free the Nightsong or keep her imprisoned. The Emperor will advise you to keep her imprisoned, as freeing her could disrupt his plans. Following his advice here is crucial if you want to maintain his trust and eventually allow him to control the Absolute. Additionally, in Act 3, you will have the opportunity to confront Orpheus, a powerful Githyanki prince who is being held captive by the Emperor. The Emperor will urge you to kill Orpheus, as he sees him as a threat to his control over the Absolute. Again, following his advice here is essential if you want to proceed with his plan.
When you reach the final stages of the game, you will be faced with the ultimate decision: allow the Emperor to control the Absolute, or reject his plan and seek another solution. If you have consistently followed his guidance and built a strong relationship with him, you will have the option to let him take control. This choice will lead to a specific ending where the Emperor uses the power of the Absolute to dominate the world, effectively becoming its new ruler. This ending has significant consequences for the world of Baldur's Gate, as it means that the Mind Flayers will have a powerful new leader who can shape the future of the world according to his will.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind if you want to achieve this outcome. First, it is crucial to maintain a strong relationship with the Emperor throughout the game. This means avoiding actions that could undermine his trust, such as siding with his enemies or questioning his intentions too harshly. Second, you should be prepared for the moral implications of this choice. Allowing the Emperor to control the Absolute means that you are effectively giving up your own agency and allowing a Mind Flayer to dominate the world. This choice may not sit well with some of your companions, particularly those who have a strong moral compass or a personal vendetta against the Mind Flayers.
Common mistakes to avoid include making choices that undermine the Emperor's trust or failing to follow his advice at key moments. For example, if you free the Nightsong in Act 2 or refuse to kill Orpheus in Act 3, you may lose the opportunity to allow the Emperor to control the Absolute. Additionally, it is important to consider the long-term consequences of this choice. While the Emperor may present his plan as the best solution to the threat of the Absolute, it is ultimately up to you to decide whether you are willing to accept the moral implications of allowing a Mind Flayer to dominate the world.
Advanced techniques and optimizations for achieving this outcome include carefully managing your dialogue choices and actions throughout the game to ensure that you maintain a strong relationship with the Emperor. This may involve making difficult decisions that go against your own moral instincts, but it is necessary if you want to achieve this specific ending. Additionally, you should be prepared for the possibility that some of your companions may not agree with your choice and may leave your party as a result.
In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, the Emperor's ability to control the Absolute is based on the Mind Flayer's innate psionic powers and their ability to dominate the minds of others. In D&D 5E, Mind Flayers are known for their powerful psionic abilities, including the ability to charm and control other creatures. The Emperor's plan to control the Absolute is a reflection of these abilities, as he seeks to use the power of the Absolute to dominate the world.
Specific examples and scenarios that illustrate this choice include the final confrontation with the Absolute in Act 3. At this point, you will have the opportunity to either allow the Emperor to take control or reject his plan and seek another solution. If you choose to allow him to control the Absolute, you will witness a cutscene where the Emperor uses his psionic powers to dominate the Absolute and assert his control over the world. This ending has significant implications for the future of Baldur's Gate, as it means that the world will be shaped by the will of a powerful Mind Flayer.
In conclusion, allowing the Emperor to control the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally challenging choice that requires careful consideration and strategic decision-making throughout the game. By maintaining a strong relationship with the Emperor and following his guidance, you can achieve this specific ending, but it is important to be aware of the long-term consequences and the potential impact on your companions and the world of Baldur's Gate.
To achieve this outcome, you must first align yourself with the Emperor throughout the game. This means trusting his guidance and following his advice, even when it may seem questionable. The Emperor is a complex character, and his motivations are not always clear, but he consistently presents himself as an ally who wants to help you defeat the Absolute. To build a strong relationship with the Emperor, you should avoid actions that undermine his trust, such as siding with his enemies or questioning his intentions too harshly. Instead, focus on dialogue options that show you are willing to work with him and believe in his plan.
As you progress through the game, you will encounter several key moments where the Emperor's influence becomes more apparent. In Act 2, you will face the choice of whether to free the Nightsong or keep her imprisoned. The Emperor will advise you to keep her imprisoned, as freeing her could disrupt his plans. Following his advice here is crucial if you want to maintain his trust and eventually allow him to control the Absolute. Additionally, in Act 3, you will have the opportunity to confront Orpheus, a powerful Githyanki prince who is being held captive by the Emperor. The Emperor will urge you to kill Orpheus, as he sees him as a threat to his control over the Absolute. Again, following his advice here is essential if you want to proceed with his plan.
When you reach the final stages of the game, you will be faced with the ultimate decision: allow the Emperor to control the Absolute, or reject his plan and seek another solution. If you have consistently followed his guidance and built a strong relationship with him, you will have the option to let him take control. This choice will lead to a specific ending where the Emperor uses the power of the Absolute to dominate the world, effectively becoming its new ruler. This ending has significant consequences for the world of Baldur's Gate, as it means that the Mind Flayers will have a powerful new leader who can shape the future of the world according to his will.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind if you want to achieve this outcome. First, it is crucial to maintain a strong relationship with the Emperor throughout the game. This means avoiding actions that could undermine his trust, such as siding with his enemies or questioning his intentions too harshly. Second, you should be prepared for the moral implications of this choice. Allowing the Emperor to control the Absolute means that you are effectively giving up your own agency and allowing a Mind Flayer to dominate the world. This choice may not sit well with some of your companions, particularly those who have a strong moral compass or a personal vendetta against the Mind Flayers.
Common mistakes to avoid include making choices that undermine the Emperor's trust or failing to follow his advice at key moments. For example, if you free the Nightsong in Act 2 or refuse to kill Orpheus in Act 3, you may lose the opportunity to allow the Emperor to control the Absolute. Additionally, it is important to consider the long-term consequences of this choice. While the Emperor may present his plan as the best solution to the threat of the Absolute, it is ultimately up to you to decide whether you are willing to accept the moral implications of allowing a Mind Flayer to dominate the world.
Advanced techniques and optimizations for achieving this outcome include carefully managing your dialogue choices and actions throughout the game to ensure that you maintain a strong relationship with the Emperor. This may involve making difficult decisions that go against your own moral instincts, but it is necessary if you want to achieve this specific ending. Additionally, you should be prepared for the possibility that some of your companions may not agree with your choice and may leave your party as a result.
In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, the Emperor's ability to control the Absolute is based on the Mind Flayer's innate psionic powers and their ability to dominate the minds of others. In D&D 5E, Mind Flayers are known for their powerful psionic abilities, including the ability to charm and control other creatures. The Emperor's plan to control the Absolute is a reflection of these abilities, as he seeks to use the power of the Absolute to dominate the world.
Specific examples and scenarios that illustrate this choice include the final confrontation with the Absolute in Act 3. At this point, you will have the opportunity to either allow the Emperor to take control or reject his plan and seek another solution. If you choose to allow him to control the Absolute, you will witness a cutscene where the Emperor uses his psionic powers to dominate the Absolute and assert his control over the world. This ending has significant implications for the future of Baldur's Gate, as it means that the world will be shaped by the will of a powerful Mind Flayer.
In conclusion, allowing the Emperor to control the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally challenging choice that requires careful consideration and strategic decision-making throughout the game. By maintaining a strong relationship with the Emperor and following his guidance, you can achieve this specific ending, but it is important to be aware of the long-term consequences and the potential impact on your companions and the world of Baldur's Gate.