What happens if I side with the Absolute in Act 2 of Baldur's Gate 3?
Siding with the Absolute in Act 2 of Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant narrative choice that can drastically alter the course of the story and your relationships with your companions. This decision is tied to the main questline and involves aligning yourself with the forces of the Absolute, a mysterious and malevolent entity that seeks to dominate the world. Here is a detailed explanation of how to achieve this, the mechanics involved, and the consequences of this choice.
To side with the Absolute, you must first progress through Act 2 and reach the point where you encounter the Absolute's forces in the Shadow-Cursed Lands. The key moment occurs when you meet Ketheric Thorm, one of the Absolute's chosen leaders, at Moonrise Towers. Ketheric is a central figure in the Absolute's plans, and your interactions with him will determine whether you can align yourself with the Absolute. To side with the Absolute, you must demonstrate your loyalty to Ketheric and the Absolute's cause. This involves completing certain tasks and making specific dialogue choices that show your willingness to serve the Absolute.
One of the first steps is to infiltrate Moonrise Towers and gain Ketheric's trust. You can do this by presenting yourself as a True Soul, a title given to those who have been marked by the Absolute's tadpole. If you have been using the tadpole powers granted by the Absolute, this will help convince Ketheric of your loyalty. During your conversations with Ketheric, you will need to choose dialogue options that express your allegiance to the Absolute and your desire to serve its goals. This may involve agreeing to carry out missions for Ketheric, such as retrieving the Nightsong, a powerful artifact that is crucial to the Absolute's plans.
As you progress through the quests in Act 2, you will encounter several opportunities to prove your loyalty to the Absolute. For example, when you reach the Gauntlet of Shar, you will need to make choices that align with the Absolute's interests. This may involve betraying certain characters or making sacrifices that benefit the Absolute. One critical decision is whether to spare or kill the Nightsong. If you choose to spare the Nightsong, you will be seen as a traitor by the Absolute, and Ketheric will turn against you. However, if you kill the Nightsong or hand it over to Ketheric, you will solidify your position as a loyal servant of the Absolute.
Siding with the Absolute has significant consequences for your companions and the overall story. Many of your companions, such as Shadowheart, Wyll, and Karlach, have personal stakes in opposing the Absolute. If you choose to side with the Absolute, you risk alienating these companions and potentially losing them from your party. For example, Shadowheart, who is deeply connected to the Nightsong, may leave your party if you betray her trust by siding with the Absolute. Similarly, Wyll and Karlach, who are committed to fighting against tyranny, may also turn against you if you align yourself with the Absolute.
In terms of combat tactics, siding with the Absolute can provide you with powerful allies, such as Ketheric Thorm and his forces. However, it also means that you will face opposition from other factions, such as the Harpers and the Druids, who are determined to stop the Absolute's rise to power. You will need to be prepared for challenging battles, as these factions will not hesitate to attack you if they see you as a threat. It is important to build a strong party with a balanced mix of classes and abilities to handle these encounters. For example, having a well-rounded party with a tank, a healer, and damage dealers will help you survive the tougher fights.
One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the consequences of your choices. Siding with the Absolute is a major decision that will lock you into a specific path for the rest of the game. Once you commit to this path, it will be difficult to change your allegiance later on. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider the implications of your choices before making a final decision. Additionally, be mindful of your companions' reactions and try to anticipate how they will respond to your actions. If you want to maintain good relationships with certain companions, you may need to find a way to balance your loyalty to the Absolute with their personal goals.
Advanced techniques for siding with the Absolute include using your tadpole powers to manipulate and control others. The tadpole powers granted by the Absolute can be a powerful tool in your arsenal, allowing you to influence NPCs and gain an advantage in combat. For example, you can use the tadpole's mind control abilities to turn enemies against each other or to extract valuable information from key characters. However, using these powers comes with a cost, as they can have negative effects on your character's mental state and relationships with your companions.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, siding with the Absolute aligns your character with an evil alignment, which can affect your interactions with NPCs and the world around you. In Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition, alignment is a key aspect of a character's identity and can influence their behavior and decision-making. By siding with the Absolute, you are embracing an evil alignment, which may lead to different dialogue options and story outcomes. For example, NPCs who are aligned with good or neutral factions may be less likely to trust or help you if they perceive you as evil.
Specific examples of siding with the Absolute include the confrontation with Isobel at Last Light Inn. If you choose to side with the Absolute, you may be tasked with capturing or killing Isobel, a key figure in the resistance against the Absolute. This decision will have far-reaching consequences, as it will weaken the resistance and strengthen the Absolute's hold on the Shadow-Cursed Lands. Another example is the final battle at Moonrise Towers, where you will need to fight alongside Ketheric Thorm against the forces of good. This battle will test your combat skills and your ability to work with your allies to achieve victory.
In conclusion, siding with the Absolute in Act 2 of Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally challenging decision that requires careful consideration of the consequences. By following the steps outlined above, you can align yourself with the Absolute and shape the story in a way that reflects your character's choices and values. However, be prepared for the challenges and sacrifices that come with this path, as it will have a lasting impact on your companions, the world, and the overall narrative.
To side with the Absolute, you must first progress through Act 2 and reach the point where you encounter the Absolute's forces in the Shadow-Cursed Lands. The key moment occurs when you meet Ketheric Thorm, one of the Absolute's chosen leaders, at Moonrise Towers. Ketheric is a central figure in the Absolute's plans, and your interactions with him will determine whether you can align yourself with the Absolute. To side with the Absolute, you must demonstrate your loyalty to Ketheric and the Absolute's cause. This involves completing certain tasks and making specific dialogue choices that show your willingness to serve the Absolute.
One of the first steps is to infiltrate Moonrise Towers and gain Ketheric's trust. You can do this by presenting yourself as a True Soul, a title given to those who have been marked by the Absolute's tadpole. If you have been using the tadpole powers granted by the Absolute, this will help convince Ketheric of your loyalty. During your conversations with Ketheric, you will need to choose dialogue options that express your allegiance to the Absolute and your desire to serve its goals. This may involve agreeing to carry out missions for Ketheric, such as retrieving the Nightsong, a powerful artifact that is crucial to the Absolute's plans.
As you progress through the quests in Act 2, you will encounter several opportunities to prove your loyalty to the Absolute. For example, when you reach the Gauntlet of Shar, you will need to make choices that align with the Absolute's interests. This may involve betraying certain characters or making sacrifices that benefit the Absolute. One critical decision is whether to spare or kill the Nightsong. If you choose to spare the Nightsong, you will be seen as a traitor by the Absolute, and Ketheric will turn against you. However, if you kill the Nightsong or hand it over to Ketheric, you will solidify your position as a loyal servant of the Absolute.
Siding with the Absolute has significant consequences for your companions and the overall story. Many of your companions, such as Shadowheart, Wyll, and Karlach, have personal stakes in opposing the Absolute. If you choose to side with the Absolute, you risk alienating these companions and potentially losing them from your party. For example, Shadowheart, who is deeply connected to the Nightsong, may leave your party if you betray her trust by siding with the Absolute. Similarly, Wyll and Karlach, who are committed to fighting against tyranny, may also turn against you if you align yourself with the Absolute.
In terms of combat tactics, siding with the Absolute can provide you with powerful allies, such as Ketheric Thorm and his forces. However, it also means that you will face opposition from other factions, such as the Harpers and the Druids, who are determined to stop the Absolute's rise to power. You will need to be prepared for challenging battles, as these factions will not hesitate to attack you if they see you as a threat. It is important to build a strong party with a balanced mix of classes and abilities to handle these encounters. For example, having a well-rounded party with a tank, a healer, and damage dealers will help you survive the tougher fights.
One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the consequences of your choices. Siding with the Absolute is a major decision that will lock you into a specific path for the rest of the game. Once you commit to this path, it will be difficult to change your allegiance later on. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider the implications of your choices before making a final decision. Additionally, be mindful of your companions' reactions and try to anticipate how they will respond to your actions. If you want to maintain good relationships with certain companions, you may need to find a way to balance your loyalty to the Absolute with their personal goals.
Advanced techniques for siding with the Absolute include using your tadpole powers to manipulate and control others. The tadpole powers granted by the Absolute can be a powerful tool in your arsenal, allowing you to influence NPCs and gain an advantage in combat. For example, you can use the tadpole's mind control abilities to turn enemies against each other or to extract valuable information from key characters. However, using these powers comes with a cost, as they can have negative effects on your character's mental state and relationships with your companions.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, siding with the Absolute aligns your character with an evil alignment, which can affect your interactions with NPCs and the world around you. In Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition, alignment is a key aspect of a character's identity and can influence their behavior and decision-making. By siding with the Absolute, you are embracing an evil alignment, which may lead to different dialogue options and story outcomes. For example, NPCs who are aligned with good or neutral factions may be less likely to trust or help you if they perceive you as evil.
Specific examples of siding with the Absolute include the confrontation with Isobel at Last Light Inn. If you choose to side with the Absolute, you may be tasked with capturing or killing Isobel, a key figure in the resistance against the Absolute. This decision will have far-reaching consequences, as it will weaken the resistance and strengthen the Absolute's hold on the Shadow-Cursed Lands. Another example is the final battle at Moonrise Towers, where you will need to fight alongside Ketheric Thorm against the forces of good. This battle will test your combat skills and your ability to work with your allies to achieve victory.
In conclusion, siding with the Absolute in Act 2 of Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally challenging decision that requires careful consideration of the consequences. By following the steps outlined above, you can align yourself with the Absolute and shape the story in a way that reflects your character's choices and values. However, be prepared for the challenges and sacrifices that come with this path, as it will have a lasting impact on your companions, the world, and the overall narrative.