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 climactic moments of the main storyline. The Emperor, a powerful Mind Flayer who has been both an ally and a manipulative force throughout your journey, offers you the chance to let him dominate the Netherbrain, a massive, sentient entity that threatens to enslave all of Faer├╗n. This decision has far-reaching consequences for the story, your companions, and the world itself.
To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through the main questline until you reach the final stages of the game. This involves completing key quests such as infiltrating Moonrise Towers, confronting Ketheric Thorm, and dealing with the Absolute's forces. Along the way, you will encounter the Emperor, who reveals himself as a Mind Flayer and offers to guide you in your fight against the Absolute. Your interactions with the Emperor will shape your relationship with him, and your choices will determine whether you trust him enough to let him control the Netherbrain.
When you reach the final confrontation with the Netherbrain, the Emperor will present you with a choice. He will argue that the only way to stop the Netherbrain is to allow him to dominate it, using his Illithid powers to take control and prevent the brain from unleashing its destructive plans. If you agree to this plan, the Emperor will use his abilities to seize control of the Netherbrain, effectively ending the threat it poses. However, this comes at a cost. The Emperor's control over the Netherbrain means that he will become an immensely powerful entity, and his intentions may not align with your own. This decision leads to an ending where the Emperor rules over the Netherbrain, potentially reshaping the world according to his own desires.
There are several important considerations to keep in mind when making this choice. First, your relationship with the Emperor plays a crucial role. If you have consistently trusted and supported him throughout the game, he is more likely to present this option to you. However, if you have been skeptical or hostile toward him, he may not offer this choice, or you may not be inclined to accept it. Additionally, your companions' reactions to this decision will vary. Some may support the idea of using the Emperor's powers to stop the Netherbrain, while others may view it as a dangerous gamble that could lead to even greater problems.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the long-term consequences of this decision. While allowing the Emperor to control the Netherbrain may seem like a quick solution to the immediate threat, it raises questions about what kind of ruler he will become. The Emperor's motivations are complex, and his actions throughout the game suggest that he is willing to manipulate and deceive to achieve his goals. By giving him control over the Netherbrain, you are essentially placing the fate of the world in the hands of a being whose true intentions are unclear.
Advanced players may consider the implications of this choice in the context of the game's D&D 5E rules. In D&D, Mind Flayers are typically portrayed as highly intelligent and manipulative creatures with a tendency to dominate others. The Emperor's ability to control the Netherbrain aligns with the Illithid's natural affinity for psionic powers and domination. However, the rules also emphasize the dangers of giving such power to a single entity, as it can lead to tyranny and oppression. This is reflected in the game's narrative, where the Emperor's control over the Netherbrain raises concerns about the potential for abuse.
Specific examples of this choice's impact can be seen in the game's ending. If you allow the Emperor to control the Netherbrain, the ending cinematic will show him using his newfound power to reshape the world. This can lead to a variety of outcomes depending on your previous choices and relationships with your companions. Some companions may choose to stay by your side, while others may leave, unable to accept the Emperor's rule. The world itself may become a darker place, with the Emperor's influence spreading far and wide.
In conclusion, the decision to let the Emperor control the Netherbrain is a pivotal moment in Baldur's Gate 3 that requires careful consideration. It involves weighing the immediate benefits of stopping the Netherbrain against the potential long-term consequences of giving the Emperor such immense power. Your relationship with the Emperor, your companions' reactions, and the game's D&D 5E mechanics all play a role in shaping the outcome of this choice. By understanding these factors and considering the broader implications, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your character's values and goals.
To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through the main questline until you reach the final stages of the game. This involves completing key quests such as infiltrating Moonrise Towers, confronting Ketheric Thorm, and dealing with the Absolute's forces. Along the way, you will encounter the Emperor, who reveals himself as a Mind Flayer and offers to guide you in your fight against the Absolute. Your interactions with the Emperor will shape your relationship with him, and your choices will determine whether you trust him enough to let him control the Netherbrain.
When you reach the final confrontation with the Netherbrain, the Emperor will present you with a choice. He will argue that the only way to stop the Netherbrain is to allow him to dominate it, using his Illithid powers to take control and prevent the brain from unleashing its destructive plans. If you agree to this plan, the Emperor will use his abilities to seize control of the Netherbrain, effectively ending the threat it poses. However, this comes at a cost. The Emperor's control over the Netherbrain means that he will become an immensely powerful entity, and his intentions may not align with your own. This decision leads to an ending where the Emperor rules over the Netherbrain, potentially reshaping the world according to his own desires.
There are several important considerations to keep in mind when making this choice. First, your relationship with the Emperor plays a crucial role. If you have consistently trusted and supported him throughout the game, he is more likely to present this option to you. However, if you have been skeptical or hostile toward him, he may not offer this choice, or you may not be inclined to accept it. Additionally, your companions' reactions to this decision will vary. Some may support the idea of using the Emperor's powers to stop the Netherbrain, while others may view it as a dangerous gamble that could lead to even greater problems.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the long-term consequences of this decision. While allowing the Emperor to control the Netherbrain may seem like a quick solution to the immediate threat, it raises questions about what kind of ruler he will become. The Emperor's motivations are complex, and his actions throughout the game suggest that he is willing to manipulate and deceive to achieve his goals. By giving him control over the Netherbrain, you are essentially placing the fate of the world in the hands of a being whose true intentions are unclear.
Advanced players may consider the implications of this choice in the context of the game's D&D 5E rules. In D&D, Mind Flayers are typically portrayed as highly intelligent and manipulative creatures with a tendency to dominate others. The Emperor's ability to control the Netherbrain aligns with the Illithid's natural affinity for psionic powers and domination. However, the rules also emphasize the dangers of giving such power to a single entity, as it can lead to tyranny and oppression. This is reflected in the game's narrative, where the Emperor's control over the Netherbrain raises concerns about the potential for abuse.
Specific examples of this choice's impact can be seen in the game's ending. If you allow the Emperor to control the Netherbrain, the ending cinematic will show him using his newfound power to reshape the world. This can lead to a variety of outcomes depending on your previous choices and relationships with your companions. Some companions may choose to stay by your side, while others may leave, unable to accept the Emperor's rule. The world itself may become a darker place, with the Emperor's influence spreading far and wide.
In conclusion, the decision to let the Emperor control the Netherbrain is a pivotal moment in Baldur's Gate 3 that requires careful consideration. It involves weighing the immediate benefits of stopping the Netherbrain against the potential long-term consequences of giving the Emperor such immense power. Your relationship with the Emperor, your companions' reactions, and the game's D&D 5E mechanics all play a role in shaping the outcome of this choice. By understanding these factors and considering the broader implications, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your character's values and goals.