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 the mechanics and implications of this decision, itÔÇÖs important to first grasp the context of the Elder Brain and the Absolute.
The Elder Brain is a powerful entity that serves as the central intelligence of 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, using the Mind Flayers and their tadpoles to exert control over various factions and individuals. The Absolute is revealed to be a combination of the Dead ThreeÔÇöBhaal, Myrkul, and BaneÔÇöwho have united to dominate the world.
To reach the point where you can decide whether to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you must progress through the main story, which involves uncovering the truth about the Absolute, the Mind Flayers, and the Elder Brain. This includes completing key quests such as infiltrating Moonrise Towers, exploring the Mind Flayer colony, and confronting the Dead Three. Along the way, you will face numerous moral dilemmas and choices that will shape your characterÔÇÖs alignment and relationships with your companions.
When you finally confront the Elder Brain, you will have the option to either destroy it or allow the Absolute to take control. If you choose to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, the consequences are dire. The Absolute will use the Elder Brain to dominate the world, enslaving all living beings under its will. This leads to a dark ending where the world is plunged into eternal servitude, and your character becomes a puppet of the Absolute. Your companions may either join you in this new order or resist, depending on their personal beliefs and your relationship with them.
To achieve this outcome, you must make specific choices throughout the game that align with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals. This includes using the tadpole powers granted to you, siding with the Mind Flayers or their allies, and making decisions that prioritize power and control over freedom and morality. ItÔÇÖs important to note that this path is not for the faint of heart, as it requires you to embrace the darker aspects of the story and potentially alienate your companions.
One key strategy for pursuing this ending is to invest in your characterÔÇÖs tadpole powers. These powers grant you unique abilities that can give you an edge in combat and dialogue, but they also tie you closer to the Mind Flayers and the Absolute. By using these powers frequently and making choices that favor the Absolute, you will increase your chances of being able to control or influence the Elder Brain at the end of the game.
Another important consideration is your relationship with your companions. Some companions, such as LaeÔÇÖzel and Astarion, may be more willing to embrace the AbsoluteÔÇÖs power, while others, like Shadowheart and Wyll, may resist. ItÔÇÖs crucial to manage these relationships carefully, as their support or opposition can significantly impact the final outcome. For example, if you have a strong bond with a companion who opposes the Absolute, they may try to stop you from letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain, leading to a confrontation.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the moral weight of your decisions. Letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a choice that will have irreversible consequences, and itÔÇÖs important to consider the long-term impact on the world and your characterÔÇÖs legacy. Additionally, failing to fully commit to the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals can result in a less satisfying or incomplete ending, so itÔÇÖs essential to stay consistent in your choices.
Advanced techniques for this path include optimizing your character build to maximize the effectiveness of tadpole powers and Mind Flayer abilities. For example, a character with high Charisma and Intelligence may be better suited to manipulating others and making persuasive arguments in favor of the Absolute. Additionally, focusing on spells and abilities that enhance control and domination, such as Charm Person or Dominate Monster, can be highly effective in both combat and dialogue.
In terms of D&D rules, the concept of the Elder Brain and the Absolute draws heavily from the lore of Mind Flayers and the Dead Three in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. The Elder Brain is a CR 14 creature with powerful psionic abilities, including the ability to control other Mind Flayers and dominate the minds of lesser creatures. The Dead Three are iconic deities in the Forgotten Realms setting, each representing a different aspect of evilÔÇöBhaal (murder), Myrkul (death), and Bane (tyranny). Understanding these elements can provide deeper insight into the story and help you make more informed decisions.
Specific examples of scenarios where your choices matter include the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm at Moonrise Towers, the encounter with the Emperor in the Mind Flayer colony, and the final battle against the Dead Three. Each of these moments offers opportunities to align yourself with the Absolute and set the stage for the final decision regarding the Elder Brain.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a complex and morally challenging path that requires careful planning and commitment. By understanding the mechanics, making strategic choices, and managing your relationships, you can achieve this dark ending and explore one of the most impactful outcomes in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3.
The Elder Brain is a powerful entity that serves as the central intelligence of 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, using the Mind Flayers and their tadpoles to exert control over various factions and individuals. The Absolute is revealed to be a combination of the Dead ThreeÔÇöBhaal, Myrkul, and BaneÔÇöwho have united to dominate the world.
To reach the point where you can decide whether to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you must progress through the main story, which involves uncovering the truth about the Absolute, the Mind Flayers, and the Elder Brain. This includes completing key quests such as infiltrating Moonrise Towers, exploring the Mind Flayer colony, and confronting the Dead Three. Along the way, you will face numerous moral dilemmas and choices that will shape your characterÔÇÖs alignment and relationships with your companions.
When you finally confront the Elder Brain, you will have the option to either destroy it or allow the Absolute to take control. If you choose to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, the consequences are dire. The Absolute will use the Elder Brain to dominate the world, enslaving all living beings under its will. This leads to a dark ending where the world is plunged into eternal servitude, and your character becomes a puppet of the Absolute. Your companions may either join you in this new order or resist, depending on their personal beliefs and your relationship with them.
To achieve this outcome, you must make specific choices throughout the game that align with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals. This includes using the tadpole powers granted to you, siding with the Mind Flayers or their allies, and making decisions that prioritize power and control over freedom and morality. ItÔÇÖs important to note that this path is not for the faint of heart, as it requires you to embrace the darker aspects of the story and potentially alienate your companions.
One key strategy for pursuing this ending is to invest in your characterÔÇÖs tadpole powers. These powers grant you unique abilities that can give you an edge in combat and dialogue, but they also tie you closer to the Mind Flayers and the Absolute. By using these powers frequently and making choices that favor the Absolute, you will increase your chances of being able to control or influence the Elder Brain at the end of the game.
Another important consideration is your relationship with your companions. Some companions, such as LaeÔÇÖzel and Astarion, may be more willing to embrace the AbsoluteÔÇÖs power, while others, like Shadowheart and Wyll, may resist. ItÔÇÖs crucial to manage these relationships carefully, as their support or opposition can significantly impact the final outcome. For example, if you have a strong bond with a companion who opposes the Absolute, they may try to stop you from letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain, leading to a confrontation.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the moral weight of your decisions. Letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a choice that will have irreversible consequences, and itÔÇÖs important to consider the long-term impact on the world and your characterÔÇÖs legacy. Additionally, failing to fully commit to the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals can result in a less satisfying or incomplete ending, so itÔÇÖs essential to stay consistent in your choices.
Advanced techniques for this path include optimizing your character build to maximize the effectiveness of tadpole powers and Mind Flayer abilities. For example, a character with high Charisma and Intelligence may be better suited to manipulating others and making persuasive arguments in favor of the Absolute. Additionally, focusing on spells and abilities that enhance control and domination, such as Charm Person or Dominate Monster, can be highly effective in both combat and dialogue.
In terms of D&D rules, the concept of the Elder Brain and the Absolute draws heavily from the lore of Mind Flayers and the Dead Three in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. The Elder Brain is a CR 14 creature with powerful psionic abilities, including the ability to control other Mind Flayers and dominate the minds of lesser creatures. The Dead Three are iconic deities in the Forgotten Realms setting, each representing a different aspect of evilÔÇöBhaal (murder), Myrkul (death), and Bane (tyranny). Understanding these elements can provide deeper insight into the story and help you make more informed decisions.
Specific examples of scenarios where your choices matter include the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm at Moonrise Towers, the encounter with the Emperor in the Mind Flayer colony, and the final battle against the Dead Three. Each of these moments offers opportunities to align yourself with the Absolute and set the stage for the final decision regarding the Elder Brain.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a complex and morally challenging path that requires careful planning and commitment. By understanding the mechanics, making strategic choices, and managing your relationships, you can achieve this dark ending and explore one of the most impactful outcomes in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3.