What happens if I let the Emperor take control of the Netherbrain in Baldur's Gate 3?
In Baldur's Gate 3, the Emperor is a key character tied to the Mind Flayer storyline, and the decision to let him take control of the Netherbrain is one of the most significant choices you can make in the game. This choice occurs during the final stages of the main quest, where you must decide the fate of the Netherbrain, a powerful entity that threatens the world. Letting the Emperor take control of the Netherbrain is a morally complex decision with far-reaching consequences, and it requires careful consideration of the game's mechanics, story, and your character's alignment.
To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final confrontation with the Netherbrain. This involves completing key quests such as infiltrating Moonrise Towers, dealing with the Absolute, and gathering allies for the final battle. Throughout the game, your interactions with the Emperor will shape your relationship with him. The Emperor is a Mind Flayer who claims to be working against the Absolute, but his true intentions are ambiguous. To let him take control of the Netherbrain, you must trust him and align with his goals.
During the final stages of the game, you will face a critical decision point. The Emperor will offer to take control of the Netherbrain, arguing that this is the only way to prevent it from causing widespread destruction. If you agree, the Emperor will use his psionic powers to dominate the Netherbrain, effectively becoming its new master. This choice leads to an ending where the Emperor rules over the Netherbrain, using its power to maintain order but also imposing his will on the world.
To ensure this outcome, you must avoid actions that undermine the Emperor's trust. For example, siding with Orpheus, the Githyanki prince, or openly opposing the Emperor's plans will make it difficult to convince him to take control of the Netherbrain. Instead, you should support the Emperor's decisions and avoid questioning his motives. This requires careful dialogue choices and a willingness to accept his perspective, even if it conflicts with your character's values.
One important tip is to build a strong relationship with the Emperor throughout the game. This involves engaging in conversations with him, understanding his backstory, and showing empathy for his situation. The Emperor is a complex character with his own motivations, and gaining his trust is crucial for this ending. Additionally, you should avoid actions that directly oppose the Emperor, such as freeing Orpheus or siding with the Githyanki against him.
A common mistake is underestimating the Emperor's influence on the story. Some players may view him as a villain or an unreliable ally, but his role is more nuanced. The Emperor's actions are driven by a desire for survival and control, and understanding his perspective is key to achieving this ending. Another mistake is failing to prepare for the final battle. The confrontation with the Netherbrain is one of the most challenging encounters in the game, and you will need a well-balanced party with strong combat abilities to succeed.
Advanced techniques include optimizing your party composition and abilities for the final battle. Characters with high intelligence and wisdom are particularly useful for resisting the Netherbrain's psionic attacks. Spells like Counterspell and Dispel Magic can also be effective in countering the Netherbrain's abilities. Additionally, having a character with high persuasion or deception skills can help you navigate the dialogue choices with the Emperor and ensure a favorable outcome.
From a D&D rules perspective, the Emperor's ability to control the Netherbrain is based on his psionic powers and his status as a Mind Flayer. In D&D 5E, Mind Flayers are known for their telepathic abilities and their capacity to dominate other creatures. The Emperor's control over the Netherbrain reflects these traits, as he uses his psionic powers to assert dominance over a powerful entity.
In summary, letting the Emperor take control of the Netherbrain is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that requires careful planning and strategic decision-making. By building a strong relationship with the Emperor, supporting his goals, and preparing for the final battle, you can achieve this ending and shape the fate of the world in Baldur's Gate 3. This choice highlights the game's emphasis on player agency and the consequences of your decisions, making it a memorable and impactful conclusion to the story.
To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final confrontation with the Netherbrain. This involves completing key quests such as infiltrating Moonrise Towers, dealing with the Absolute, and gathering allies for the final battle. Throughout the game, your interactions with the Emperor will shape your relationship with him. The Emperor is a Mind Flayer who claims to be working against the Absolute, but his true intentions are ambiguous. To let him take control of the Netherbrain, you must trust him and align with his goals.
During the final stages of the game, you will face a critical decision point. The Emperor will offer to take control of the Netherbrain, arguing that this is the only way to prevent it from causing widespread destruction. If you agree, the Emperor will use his psionic powers to dominate the Netherbrain, effectively becoming its new master. This choice leads to an ending where the Emperor rules over the Netherbrain, using its power to maintain order but also imposing his will on the world.
To ensure this outcome, you must avoid actions that undermine the Emperor's trust. For example, siding with Orpheus, the Githyanki prince, or openly opposing the Emperor's plans will make it difficult to convince him to take control of the Netherbrain. Instead, you should support the Emperor's decisions and avoid questioning his motives. This requires careful dialogue choices and a willingness to accept his perspective, even if it conflicts with your character's values.
One important tip is to build a strong relationship with the Emperor throughout the game. This involves engaging in conversations with him, understanding his backstory, and showing empathy for his situation. The Emperor is a complex character with his own motivations, and gaining his trust is crucial for this ending. Additionally, you should avoid actions that directly oppose the Emperor, such as freeing Orpheus or siding with the Githyanki against him.
A common mistake is underestimating the Emperor's influence on the story. Some players may view him as a villain or an unreliable ally, but his role is more nuanced. The Emperor's actions are driven by a desire for survival and control, and understanding his perspective is key to achieving this ending. Another mistake is failing to prepare for the final battle. The confrontation with the Netherbrain is one of the most challenging encounters in the game, and you will need a well-balanced party with strong combat abilities to succeed.
Advanced techniques include optimizing your party composition and abilities for the final battle. Characters with high intelligence and wisdom are particularly useful for resisting the Netherbrain's psionic attacks. Spells like Counterspell and Dispel Magic can also be effective in countering the Netherbrain's abilities. Additionally, having a character with high persuasion or deception skills can help you navigate the dialogue choices with the Emperor and ensure a favorable outcome.
From a D&D rules perspective, the Emperor's ability to control the Netherbrain is based on his psionic powers and his status as a Mind Flayer. In D&D 5E, Mind Flayers are known for their telepathic abilities and their capacity to dominate other creatures. The Emperor's control over the Netherbrain reflects these traits, as he uses his psionic powers to assert dominance over a powerful entity.
In summary, letting the Emperor take control of the Netherbrain is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that requires careful planning and strategic decision-making. By building a strong relationship with the Emperor, supporting his goals, and preparing for the final battle, you can achieve this ending and shape the fate of the world in Baldur's Gate 3. This choice highlights the game's emphasis on player agency and the consequences of your decisions, making it a memorable and impactful conclusion to the story.