What happens if I let the Absolute control the Netherbrain in Baldur's Gate 3?
Letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain 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, during the climactic moments of the final act. The Netherbrain is a powerful entity that serves as the central antagonist, and your decision to let the Absolute control it will have profound consequences on the world, your companions, and the overall ending of the game. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of how this choice unfolds, the mechanics involved, and what you need to consider.
To reach the point where you can let the Absolute control the Netherbrain, you must first progress through the main story. This involves completing key quests such as infiltrating Moonrise Towers, dealing with the Githyanki Creche, and confronting the Elder Brain in the city of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate. Along the way, you will encounter the Absolute, a malevolent force that seeks to dominate the world through the Netherbrain. The Absolute is represented by the Chosen ThreeÔÇöKetheric Thorm, Orin the Red, and Enver GortashÔÇöwho serve as its primary enforcers. Your interactions with these characters will shape your understanding of the Absolute and its goals.
When you finally confront the Netherbrain, you will have several options. One of these is to allow the Absolute to take control. This choice is not straightforward and requires specific conditions to be met. First, you must have sided with the Absolute or its Chosen at some point in the story. This could involve making deals with Gortash, sparing Orin, or aligning with Ketheric Thorm. These decisions will influence the dialogue options available to you during the final confrontation. If you have consistently opposed the Absolute, this path may not be available.
Once you reach the Netherbrain, you will need to pass a series of skill checks to convince it to submit to the Absolute. These checks are typically Charisma-based, such as Persuasion or Intimidation, and can be challenging. ItÔÇÖs important to have a character with high Charisma and proficiency in these skills to increase your chances of success. If you fail these checks, the Netherbrain may resist, leading to a different outcome. Additionally, certain story choices, such as acquiring the Crown of Karsus or using the Netherstones, can influence the NetherbrainÔÇÖs willingness to submit.
If you succeed in letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain, the consequences are dire. The Absolute will use the Netherbrain to enslave the entire population of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate and beyond. Your companions will react strongly to this decision, and some may leave your party or turn against you. Characters like Shadowheart, LaeÔÇÖzel, and Wyll, who have strong moral convictions, are particularly likely to oppose this choice. The ending will reflect a world dominated by the Absolute, with little hope for freedom or resistance.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, ensure that your party is well-prepared for the final battle. This includes having high-level spells, powerful equipment, and a balanced team composition. Second, consider the long-term implications of your choice. Letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain is a dark path that aligns you with evil forces, and it will lock you out of other, more hopeful endings. Third, be mindful of your companionsÔÇÖ reactions. If you value their loyalty, this choice may not be the best option.
Common mistakes to avoid include failing to build up your Charisma-based skills, neglecting to side with the Absolute or its Chosen earlier in the story, and underestimating the difficulty of the final skill checks. Advanced techniques involve using items or abilities that boost your Charisma or grant advantage on skill checks. For example, the Friends cantrip or the Enhance Ability spell can be invaluable in this situation.
In terms of D&D rules, the skill checks involved in this scenario are based on the 5th Edition mechanics. Charisma is the primary ability score used, and proficiency in Persuasion or Intimidation can make a significant difference. The difficulty class (DC) for these checks is likely high, reflecting the gravity of the situation.
Specific examples and scenarios include moments where you must negotiate with Gortash or manipulate Orin to gain their trust. These interactions will influence your ability to control the Netherbrain later. For instance, if you betray Gortash after making a deal with him, he may resist your attempts to align with the Absolute.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that requires careful planning and consideration. It involves specific story decisions, challenging skill checks, and significant consequences for the world and your companions. By understanding the mechanics, preparing your party, and weighing the implications, you can navigate this path and shape the fate of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate.
To reach the point where you can let the Absolute control the Netherbrain, you must first progress through the main story. This involves completing key quests such as infiltrating Moonrise Towers, dealing with the Githyanki Creche, and confronting the Elder Brain in the city of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate. Along the way, you will encounter the Absolute, a malevolent force that seeks to dominate the world through the Netherbrain. The Absolute is represented by the Chosen ThreeÔÇöKetheric Thorm, Orin the Red, and Enver GortashÔÇöwho serve as its primary enforcers. Your interactions with these characters will shape your understanding of the Absolute and its goals.
When you finally confront the Netherbrain, you will have several options. One of these is to allow the Absolute to take control. This choice is not straightforward and requires specific conditions to be met. First, you must have sided with the Absolute or its Chosen at some point in the story. This could involve making deals with Gortash, sparing Orin, or aligning with Ketheric Thorm. These decisions will influence the dialogue options available to you during the final confrontation. If you have consistently opposed the Absolute, this path may not be available.
Once you reach the Netherbrain, you will need to pass a series of skill checks to convince it to submit to the Absolute. These checks are typically Charisma-based, such as Persuasion or Intimidation, and can be challenging. ItÔÇÖs important to have a character with high Charisma and proficiency in these skills to increase your chances of success. If you fail these checks, the Netherbrain may resist, leading to a different outcome. Additionally, certain story choices, such as acquiring the Crown of Karsus or using the Netherstones, can influence the NetherbrainÔÇÖs willingness to submit.
If you succeed in letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain, the consequences are dire. The Absolute will use the Netherbrain to enslave the entire population of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate and beyond. Your companions will react strongly to this decision, and some may leave your party or turn against you. Characters like Shadowheart, LaeÔÇÖzel, and Wyll, who have strong moral convictions, are particularly likely to oppose this choice. The ending will reflect a world dominated by the Absolute, with little hope for freedom or resistance.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, ensure that your party is well-prepared for the final battle. This includes having high-level spells, powerful equipment, and a balanced team composition. Second, consider the long-term implications of your choice. Letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain is a dark path that aligns you with evil forces, and it will lock you out of other, more hopeful endings. Third, be mindful of your companionsÔÇÖ reactions. If you value their loyalty, this choice may not be the best option.
Common mistakes to avoid include failing to build up your Charisma-based skills, neglecting to side with the Absolute or its Chosen earlier in the story, and underestimating the difficulty of the final skill checks. Advanced techniques involve using items or abilities that boost your Charisma or grant advantage on skill checks. For example, the Friends cantrip or the Enhance Ability spell can be invaluable in this situation.
In terms of D&D rules, the skill checks involved in this scenario are based on the 5th Edition mechanics. Charisma is the primary ability score used, and proficiency in Persuasion or Intimidation can make a significant difference. The difficulty class (DC) for these checks is likely high, reflecting the gravity of the situation.
Specific examples and scenarios include moments where you must negotiate with Gortash or manipulate Orin to gain their trust. These interactions will influence your ability to control the Netherbrain later. For instance, if you betray Gortash after making a deal with him, he may resist your attempts to align with the Absolute.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that requires careful planning and consideration. It involves specific story decisions, challenging skill checks, and significant consequences for the world and your companions. By understanding the mechanics, preparing your party, and weighing the implications, you can navigate this path and shape the fate of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate.