What happens if I let the tadpole control the Netherbrain in Baldur's Gate 3?
In Baldur's Gate 3, the decision to let the tadpole control the Netherbrain is one of the most significant and morally complex choices 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 either destroy it or allow the tadpole to take control will have profound consequences on the game's ending and the fate of the world.
To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final confrontation with the Netherbrain. This involves completing a series of quests, including gathering allies, infiltrating the Absolute's stronghold, and navigating the challenges of the city of Baldur's Gate. Along the way, you will encounter numerous opportunities to use the tadpole's powers, which are granted to you by the Mind Flayer parasite implanted in your brain. These powers can be used to influence NPCs, gain tactical advantages in combat, and unlock hidden dialogue options.
When you finally confront the Netherbrain, you will be presented with a critical choice. You can either destroy the Netherbrain, which will free the world from its influence but may also result in the loss of your own tadpole powers, or you can choose to let the tadpole take control of the Netherbrain. If you choose the latter option, the tadpole will merge with the Netherbrain, effectively becoming the new ruler of the Mind Flayer hive mind. This decision will lead to a different ending where you, as the player character, become the dominant force behind the Netherbrain's actions.
To successfully let the tadpole control the Netherbrain, you must ensure that you have fully embraced the tadpole's powers throughout the game. This means making choices that prioritize the use of these powers, even if they come at a moral cost. For example, you may need to persuade or intimidate NPCs using the tadpole's influence, or you may need to make decisions that align with the Mind Flayer's goals. Additionally, you should avoid actions that would weaken or destroy the tadpole, such as seeking out a cure for the parasite or siding with factions that oppose the Absolute.
One important tip is to carefully manage your relationships with your companions, as their reactions to your use of the tadpole's powers can influence the outcome of the final confrontation. Some companions, such as Lae'zel and Shadowheart, may be more accepting of your decision to embrace the tadpole, while others, like Wyll and Karlach, may strongly oppose it. Building a strong rapport with companions who are sympathetic to your choices can help you navigate the final moments of the game more smoothly.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the consequences of your actions. Letting the tadpole control the Netherbrain is not a decision to be taken lightly, as it will have far-reaching implications for the world and your character's legacy. You should also be prepared for the possibility that some companions may leave your party or turn against you if they disagree with your choice. To mitigate this, consider discussing your intentions with your companions beforehand and choosing dialogue options that align with their values.
Advanced techniques for this path include optimizing your character build to maximize the effectiveness of the tadpole's powers. For example, focusing on abilities that enhance your persuasion, intimidation, and deception skills can make it easier to influence NPCs and make decisions that align with the tadpole's goals. Additionally, investing in spells and abilities that provide mental resistance or control over others can give you an edge in combat and dialogue encounters.
From a D&D rules perspective, the tadpole's powers can be seen as a form of psionic ability, which allows you to manipulate the minds of others and exert control over powerful entities like the Netherbrain. The mechanics of this choice are rooted in the game's adaptation of the D&D 5E rules, where psionics and mind control are key elements of certain classes and abilities. Understanding how these mechanics work can help you make more informed decisions and optimize your character's build for this path.
In specific scenarios, such as the final confrontation with the Netherbrain, you may need to pass skill checks or engage in combat to assert your dominance over the entity. For example, you might need to succeed on a persuasion or intimidation check to convince the Netherbrain to submit to the tadpole's control. Alternatively, you may need to defeat powerful enemies that are protecting the Netherbrain, requiring careful planning and strategic use of your party's abilities.
In conclusion, letting the tadpole control the Netherbrain is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that requires careful consideration and strategic planning. By fully embracing the tadpole's powers, managing your relationships with companions, and optimizing your character build, you can achieve this outcome and shape the fate of the world in a unique and impactful way. However, be prepared for the consequences of your actions and the potential fallout from your companions and the world at large.
To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final confrontation with the Netherbrain. This involves completing a series of quests, including gathering allies, infiltrating the Absolute's stronghold, and navigating the challenges of the city of Baldur's Gate. Along the way, you will encounter numerous opportunities to use the tadpole's powers, which are granted to you by the Mind Flayer parasite implanted in your brain. These powers can be used to influence NPCs, gain tactical advantages in combat, and unlock hidden dialogue options.
When you finally confront the Netherbrain, you will be presented with a critical choice. You can either destroy the Netherbrain, which will free the world from its influence but may also result in the loss of your own tadpole powers, or you can choose to let the tadpole take control of the Netherbrain. If you choose the latter option, the tadpole will merge with the Netherbrain, effectively becoming the new ruler of the Mind Flayer hive mind. This decision will lead to a different ending where you, as the player character, become the dominant force behind the Netherbrain's actions.
To successfully let the tadpole control the Netherbrain, you must ensure that you have fully embraced the tadpole's powers throughout the game. This means making choices that prioritize the use of these powers, even if they come at a moral cost. For example, you may need to persuade or intimidate NPCs using the tadpole's influence, or you may need to make decisions that align with the Mind Flayer's goals. Additionally, you should avoid actions that would weaken or destroy the tadpole, such as seeking out a cure for the parasite or siding with factions that oppose the Absolute.
One important tip is to carefully manage your relationships with your companions, as their reactions to your use of the tadpole's powers can influence the outcome of the final confrontation. Some companions, such as Lae'zel and Shadowheart, may be more accepting of your decision to embrace the tadpole, while others, like Wyll and Karlach, may strongly oppose it. Building a strong rapport with companions who are sympathetic to your choices can help you navigate the final moments of the game more smoothly.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the consequences of your actions. Letting the tadpole control the Netherbrain is not a decision to be taken lightly, as it will have far-reaching implications for the world and your character's legacy. You should also be prepared for the possibility that some companions may leave your party or turn against you if they disagree with your choice. To mitigate this, consider discussing your intentions with your companions beforehand and choosing dialogue options that align with their values.
Advanced techniques for this path include optimizing your character build to maximize the effectiveness of the tadpole's powers. For example, focusing on abilities that enhance your persuasion, intimidation, and deception skills can make it easier to influence NPCs and make decisions that align with the tadpole's goals. Additionally, investing in spells and abilities that provide mental resistance or control over others can give you an edge in combat and dialogue encounters.
From a D&D rules perspective, the tadpole's powers can be seen as a form of psionic ability, which allows you to manipulate the minds of others and exert control over powerful entities like the Netherbrain. The mechanics of this choice are rooted in the game's adaptation of the D&D 5E rules, where psionics and mind control are key elements of certain classes and abilities. Understanding how these mechanics work can help you make more informed decisions and optimize your character's build for this path.
In specific scenarios, such as the final confrontation with the Netherbrain, you may need to pass skill checks or engage in combat to assert your dominance over the entity. For example, you might need to succeed on a persuasion or intimidation check to convince the Netherbrain to submit to the tadpole's control. Alternatively, you may need to defeat powerful enemies that are protecting the Netherbrain, requiring careful planning and strategic use of your party's abilities.
In conclusion, letting the tadpole control the Netherbrain is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that requires careful consideration and strategic planning. By fully embracing the tadpole's powers, managing your relationships with companions, and optimizing your character build, you can achieve this outcome and shape the fate of the world in a unique and impactful way. However, be prepared for the consequences of your actions and the potential fallout from your companions and the world at large.