What happens if I let the Emperor control the Netherbrain in Baldur's Gate 3?
In Baldur's Gate 3, the decision to let the Emperor control the Netherbrain is one of the most significant choices you can make in the game's narrative. This choice occurs near the end of the game, during the climax of the main storyline, and it has profound implications for the world and your companions. To understand how this choice unfolds, it is important to first grasp the context and mechanics involved.
The Emperor is a powerful Mind Flayer who has been guiding you throughout the game, often from the shadows. As the story progresses, you learn more about his true nature and his connection to the Netherbrain, a massive, sentient entity that controls the Mind Flayer colony and poses a grave threat to the world. The Emperor's ultimate goal is to dominate the Netherbrain, using its power to reshape the world according to his vision. However, this path is fraught with moral ambiguity and potential consequences.
To reach the point where you can choose to let the Emperor control the Netherbrain, you must first progress through the main questline, which involves gathering allies, uncovering the truth about the Mind Flayers, and preparing for the final confrontation. Along the way, you will encounter numerous choices that influence your relationship with the Emperor and your companions. These choices include whether to trust the Emperor, how to handle the tadpole in your brain, and whether to embrace or resist the powers he offers.
When you finally confront the Netherbrain, you will have the option to either destroy it or allow the Emperor to take control. If you choose the latter, the Emperor will use his abilities to dominate the Netherbrain, effectively becoming its new master. This decision leads to a specific ending where the Emperor, now in control of the Netherbrain, imposes his will on the world. The exact outcome depends on your previous choices and relationships, but generally, this path results in a world dominated by the Emperor's vision, with your companions either supporting or opposing this new order.
To achieve this outcome, you must carefully navigate the game's dialogue and decision-making systems. Here are some step-by-step strategies to help you reach this ending:
1. Build a strong relationship with the Emperor. Throughout the game, you will have opportunities to interact with the Emperor in your dreams and through dialogue. Choose options that show trust and willingness to work with him. Avoid actions that undermine his authority or question his motives.
2. Embrace the powers he offers. The Emperor will offer you the chance to enhance your abilities using the tadpole in your brain. Accepting these powers strengthens your bond with him and increases the likelihood that he will trust you enough to share his ultimate plan.
3. Make choices that align with his goals. When faced with decisions that impact the Mind Flayers or the Netherbrain, choose options that support the Emperor's agenda. This includes siding with him in conflicts and prioritizing the destruction or control of the Netherbrain over other objectives.
4. Prepare for the final confrontation. Before facing the Netherbrain, ensure that your party is well-equipped and prepared for a challenging battle. This includes having powerful spells, weapons, and armor, as well as a solid strategy for dealing with the Netherbrain's defenses.
5. Choose the option to let the Emperor control the Netherbrain. During the final confrontation, you will be presented with a choice. Select the dialogue option that allows the Emperor to take control. This will trigger the ending where he dominates the Netherbrain and reshapes the world.
Important tips and considerations include being mindful of your companions' reactions. Some companions may strongly oppose the idea of letting the Emperor control the Netherbrain, and their loyalty to you may be tested. It is crucial to manage these relationships carefully, as their support or opposition can influence the final outcome.
Common mistakes to avoid include making choices that alienate the Emperor or failing to prepare adequately for the final battle. If the Emperor does not trust you, he may not offer you the option to control the Netherbrain, and if your party is not ready, you may struggle to survive the confrontation.
Advanced techniques involve optimizing your character build and party composition to maximize your effectiveness in combat. This includes selecting spells and abilities that can counter the Netherbrain's powers, as well as positioning your party strategically to minimize damage and maximize damage output.
Related D&D rules and mechanics include the concept of domination and control, which are central to the Mind Flayers' abilities. In D&D 5E, domination spells like Dominate Person or Dominate Monster allow a caster to take control of another creature's actions. The Emperor's ability to control the Netherbrain is an extension of these mechanics, representing a high-level application of such powers.
Specific examples and scenarios include moments where the Emperor offers you the chance to enhance your abilities using the tadpole. Accepting these offers not only strengthens your character but also deepens your connection to the Emperor, making it more likely that he will trust you with his ultimate plan.
In conclusion, letting the Emperor control 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, embracing his powers, and making choices that align with his goals, you can achieve this ending and witness the profound impact it has on the world of Baldur's Gate 3.
The Emperor is a powerful Mind Flayer who has been guiding you throughout the game, often from the shadows. As the story progresses, you learn more about his true nature and his connection to the Netherbrain, a massive, sentient entity that controls the Mind Flayer colony and poses a grave threat to the world. The Emperor's ultimate goal is to dominate the Netherbrain, using its power to reshape the world according to his vision. However, this path is fraught with moral ambiguity and potential consequences.
To reach the point where you can choose to let the Emperor control the Netherbrain, you must first progress through the main questline, which involves gathering allies, uncovering the truth about the Mind Flayers, and preparing for the final confrontation. Along the way, you will encounter numerous choices that influence your relationship with the Emperor and your companions. These choices include whether to trust the Emperor, how to handle the tadpole in your brain, and whether to embrace or resist the powers he offers.
When you finally confront the Netherbrain, you will have the option to either destroy it or allow the Emperor to take control. If you choose the latter, the Emperor will use his abilities to dominate the Netherbrain, effectively becoming its new master. This decision leads to a specific ending where the Emperor, now in control of the Netherbrain, imposes his will on the world. The exact outcome depends on your previous choices and relationships, but generally, this path results in a world dominated by the Emperor's vision, with your companions either supporting or opposing this new order.
To achieve this outcome, you must carefully navigate the game's dialogue and decision-making systems. Here are some step-by-step strategies to help you reach this ending:
1. Build a strong relationship with the Emperor. Throughout the game, you will have opportunities to interact with the Emperor in your dreams and through dialogue. Choose options that show trust and willingness to work with him. Avoid actions that undermine his authority or question his motives.
2. Embrace the powers he offers. The Emperor will offer you the chance to enhance your abilities using the tadpole in your brain. Accepting these powers strengthens your bond with him and increases the likelihood that he will trust you enough to share his ultimate plan.
3. Make choices that align with his goals. When faced with decisions that impact the Mind Flayers or the Netherbrain, choose options that support the Emperor's agenda. This includes siding with him in conflicts and prioritizing the destruction or control of the Netherbrain over other objectives.
4. Prepare for the final confrontation. Before facing the Netherbrain, ensure that your party is well-equipped and prepared for a challenging battle. This includes having powerful spells, weapons, and armor, as well as a solid strategy for dealing with the Netherbrain's defenses.
5. Choose the option to let the Emperor control the Netherbrain. During the final confrontation, you will be presented with a choice. Select the dialogue option that allows the Emperor to take control. This will trigger the ending where he dominates the Netherbrain and reshapes the world.
Important tips and considerations include being mindful of your companions' reactions. Some companions may strongly oppose the idea of letting the Emperor control the Netherbrain, and their loyalty to you may be tested. It is crucial to manage these relationships carefully, as their support or opposition can influence the final outcome.
Common mistakes to avoid include making choices that alienate the Emperor or failing to prepare adequately for the final battle. If the Emperor does not trust you, he may not offer you the option to control the Netherbrain, and if your party is not ready, you may struggle to survive the confrontation.
Advanced techniques involve optimizing your character build and party composition to maximize your effectiveness in combat. This includes selecting spells and abilities that can counter the Netherbrain's powers, as well as positioning your party strategically to minimize damage and maximize damage output.
Related D&D rules and mechanics include the concept of domination and control, which are central to the Mind Flayers' abilities. In D&D 5E, domination spells like Dominate Person or Dominate Monster allow a caster to take control of another creature's actions. The Emperor's ability to control the Netherbrain is an extension of these mechanics, representing a high-level application of such powers.
Specific examples and scenarios include moments where the Emperor offers you the chance to enhance your abilities using the tadpole. Accepting these offers not only strengthens your character but also deepens your connection to the Emperor, making it more likely that he will trust you with his ultimate plan.
In conclusion, letting the Emperor control 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, embracing his powers, and making choices that align with his goals, you can achieve this ending and witness the profound impact it has on the world of Baldur's Gate 3.