What happens if I let the Absolute control the Elder Brain in Baldur's Gate 3?
If you choose to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain in Baldur's Gate 3, you are essentially aligning yourself with the forces of the Absolute, a powerful entity that seeks to dominate the world through mind control and manipulation. This decision is one of the major story branches in the game and leads to a specific ending where the Absolute's influence spreads unchecked, resulting in a world dominated by its will. Here is a detailed explanation of how to achieve this outcome, the mechanics involved, and the consequences of your choice.
To let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the climax in Act 3. This involves completing key quests such as infiltrating the Absolute's stronghold, dealing with the Chosen of the Absolute (Ketheric Thorm, Orin, and Gortash), and ultimately confronting the Elder Brain. The Elder Brain is the central force behind the Absolute's power, and your choices during this confrontation will determine the fate of the world.
The mechanics of this choice revolve around dialogue and decision-making during the final stages of the game. When you confront the Elder Brain, you will have the option to either resist its influence and attempt to destroy it or submit to its will and allow it to control you. If you choose to submit, you will effectively become a servant of the Absolute, and the Elder Brain will use your character as a conduit to spread its control across the world. This decision is irreversible and leads to a specific ending where the Absolute's domination is complete.
To achieve this outcome, you must make specific choices during key moments in the story. First, you need to align yourself with the Absolute's forces by cooperating with the Chosen of the Absolute. This means not opposing Ketheric Thorm, Orin, or Gortash when given the opportunity. You can do this by avoiding direct conflict with them and instead supporting their plans. For example, during the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm in Act 2, you can choose to side with him and help him achieve his goals rather than opposing him.
In Act 3, you will need to continue this alignment by working with Gortash and Orin. This involves completing their quests and avoiding actions that would undermine their authority. For example, if you are given the opportunity to sabotage Gortash's plans or betray Orin, you should avoid doing so. Instead, focus on supporting their efforts to strengthen the Absolute's control.
When you finally confront the Elder Brain, you will be presented with a choice. If you have consistently aligned yourself with the Absolute's forces, you will have the option to submit to the Elder Brain's control. This choice is presented through dialogue options, and you must select the option that indicates your willingness to serve the Absolute. Once you make this choice, the game will proceed to the ending where the Absolute's domination is complete.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when pursuing this path. First, be aware that this choice will lock you into a specific ending and prevent you from achieving other outcomes. If you are interested in exploring different endings, you may want to save your game before making this decision so you can reload and try other paths. Second, this choice will have significant consequences for your companions and their personal storylines. Some companions may oppose your decision and leave your party, while others may be corrupted by the Absolute's influence. Be prepared for these changes and consider how they will affect your gameplay experience.
Common mistakes to avoid include failing to consistently align yourself with the Absolute's forces throughout the game. If you oppose the Chosen of the Absolute or take actions that undermine their plans, you may not be given the option to submit to the Elder Brain's control. Additionally, be cautious about making choices that could lead to conflict with your companions, as this could result in them leaving your party or turning against you.
Advanced techniques and optimizations for this path involve carefully managing your relationships with the Chosen of the Absolute and your companions. By maintaining a balance between supporting the Absolute's forces and keeping your companions loyal, you can achieve the desired outcome while minimizing negative consequences. Additionally, consider the role-playing aspects of this choice and how it fits with your character's motivations and backstory. This can enhance your immersion in the game and make the ending more meaningful.
In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, the concept of mind control and domination is a key element of the game's narrative. The Absolute's ability to control the Elder Brain and spread its influence is based on the D&D 5E rules for enchantment and domination spells. These spells allow a creature to take control of another creature's actions, and the Absolute's power is an amplified version of this mechanic. Understanding these rules can help you appreciate the narrative significance of your choice and the consequences it has on the game world.
Specific examples and scenarios include the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm in Act 2, where you can choose to side with him and help him achieve his goals. Another example is the interactions with Gortash and Orin in Act 3, where you must decide whether to support their plans or oppose them. These choices will ultimately determine whether you are given the option to submit to the Elder Brain's control and achieve the ending where the Absolute's domination is complete.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a major story choice in Baldur's Gate 3 that leads to a specific ending. To achieve this outcome, you must consistently align yourself with the Absolute's forces, support the Chosen of the Absolute, and make specific choices during key moments in the story. Be aware of the consequences for your companions and the game world, and consider the role-playing aspects of this choice to enhance your experience. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully achieve this ending and explore the narrative possibilities it offers.
To let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the climax in Act 3. This involves completing key quests such as infiltrating the Absolute's stronghold, dealing with the Chosen of the Absolute (Ketheric Thorm, Orin, and Gortash), and ultimately confronting the Elder Brain. The Elder Brain is the central force behind the Absolute's power, and your choices during this confrontation will determine the fate of the world.
The mechanics of this choice revolve around dialogue and decision-making during the final stages of the game. When you confront the Elder Brain, you will have the option to either resist its influence and attempt to destroy it or submit to its will and allow it to control you. If you choose to submit, you will effectively become a servant of the Absolute, and the Elder Brain will use your character as a conduit to spread its control across the world. This decision is irreversible and leads to a specific ending where the Absolute's domination is complete.
To achieve this outcome, you must make specific choices during key moments in the story. First, you need to align yourself with the Absolute's forces by cooperating with the Chosen of the Absolute. This means not opposing Ketheric Thorm, Orin, or Gortash when given the opportunity. You can do this by avoiding direct conflict with them and instead supporting their plans. For example, during the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm in Act 2, you can choose to side with him and help him achieve his goals rather than opposing him.
In Act 3, you will need to continue this alignment by working with Gortash and Orin. This involves completing their quests and avoiding actions that would undermine their authority. For example, if you are given the opportunity to sabotage Gortash's plans or betray Orin, you should avoid doing so. Instead, focus on supporting their efforts to strengthen the Absolute's control.
When you finally confront the Elder Brain, you will be presented with a choice. If you have consistently aligned yourself with the Absolute's forces, you will have the option to submit to the Elder Brain's control. This choice is presented through dialogue options, and you must select the option that indicates your willingness to serve the Absolute. Once you make this choice, the game will proceed to the ending where the Absolute's domination is complete.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when pursuing this path. First, be aware that this choice will lock you into a specific ending and prevent you from achieving other outcomes. If you are interested in exploring different endings, you may want to save your game before making this decision so you can reload and try other paths. Second, this choice will have significant consequences for your companions and their personal storylines. Some companions may oppose your decision and leave your party, while others may be corrupted by the Absolute's influence. Be prepared for these changes and consider how they will affect your gameplay experience.
Common mistakes to avoid include failing to consistently align yourself with the Absolute's forces throughout the game. If you oppose the Chosen of the Absolute or take actions that undermine their plans, you may not be given the option to submit to the Elder Brain's control. Additionally, be cautious about making choices that could lead to conflict with your companions, as this could result in them leaving your party or turning against you.
Advanced techniques and optimizations for this path involve carefully managing your relationships with the Chosen of the Absolute and your companions. By maintaining a balance between supporting the Absolute's forces and keeping your companions loyal, you can achieve the desired outcome while minimizing negative consequences. Additionally, consider the role-playing aspects of this choice and how it fits with your character's motivations and backstory. This can enhance your immersion in the game and make the ending more meaningful.
In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, the concept of mind control and domination is a key element of the game's narrative. The Absolute's ability to control the Elder Brain and spread its influence is based on the D&D 5E rules for enchantment and domination spells. These spells allow a creature to take control of another creature's actions, and the Absolute's power is an amplified version of this mechanic. Understanding these rules can help you appreciate the narrative significance of your choice and the consequences it has on the game world.
Specific examples and scenarios include the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm in Act 2, where you can choose to side with him and help him achieve his goals. Another example is the interactions with Gortash and Orin in Act 3, where you must decide whether to support their plans or oppose them. These choices will ultimately determine whether you are given the option to submit to the Elder Brain's control and achieve the ending where the Absolute's domination is complete.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a major story choice in Baldur's Gate 3 that leads to a specific ending. To achieve this outcome, you must consistently align yourself with the Absolute's forces, support the Chosen of the Absolute, and make specific choices during key moments in the story. Be aware of the consequences for your companions and the game world, and consider the role-playing aspects of this choice to enhance your experience. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully achieve this ending and explore the narrative possibilities it offers.