What happens if I let the Emperor control the Netherbrain in Baldur's Gate 3?
In Baldur's Gate 3, the Emperor is a key character tied to the Mind Flayer storyline, and the decision to let him control the Netherbrain is one of the most significant choices you can make in the game. This choice has far-reaching consequences for the story, your companions, and the world itself. To understand how this decision plays out, itÔÇÖs important to first grasp the context and mechanics behind it.
The Emperor is a Mind Flayer who has been guiding you throughout the game, often through dreams and visions. He claims to be an ally, but his true intentions are ambiguous. The Netherbrain is the central antagonist of the game, a powerful entity that controls the Absolute and seeks to dominate the world. The Emperor believes that by controlling the Netherbrain, he can bring order and stability, but this comes at the cost of free will for all beings under its influence.
To reach the point where you can let the Emperor 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 gathering allies for the final battle. Along the way, you will encounter the Emperor in the Astral Plane, where he reveals his true form and offers you the choice to become a Mind Flayer yourself or to trust him to handle the Netherbrain.
If you choose to let the Emperor control the Netherbrain, you must first ensure that you have built a strong relationship with him. This involves making choices that align with his goals and showing trust in his guidance. During the final confrontation, you will have the option to side with the Emperor instead of destroying the Netherbrain outright. This decision leads to a unique ending where the Emperor takes control of the Netherbrain, effectively becoming the new ruler of the world.
One important tip is to carefully consider the implications of this choice. While the Emperor promises stability, his control over the Netherbrain means that all beings connected to it will lose their free will. This includes your companions and potentially yourself. If you have romanced a companion, this choice can lead to a tragic outcome, as they may no longer be the person you fell in love with. Additionally, some companions may outright reject this path, leading to conflict within your party.
A common mistake is to underestimate the EmperorÔÇÖs true nature. While he presents himself as a benevolent guide, his actions throughout the game suggest a more manipulative and self-serving agenda. Trusting him completely can lead to unforeseen consequences, so itÔÇÖs important to weigh the risks and benefits of this choice carefully. Another mistake is to rush through the final decision without considering the long-term impact on the world and your companions.
Advanced techniques involve using your knowledge of the EmperorÔÇÖs motivations to manipulate the outcome in your favor. For example, if you have a high Persuasion or Deception skill, you can attempt to convince the Emperor to relinquish control of the Netherbrain after he has taken it over. This requires careful dialogue choices and a deep understanding of his character. Additionally, if you have a strong relationship with certain companions, you can use their influence to sway the EmperorÔÇÖs decisions.
From a D&D rules perspective, the EmperorÔÇÖs control over the Netherbrain can be seen as a form of domination magic on a massive scale. In D&D 5E, domination spells like Dominate Person or Dominate Monster allow a caster to control another creatureÔÇÖs actions. The NetherbrainÔÇÖs influence is similar but on a global scale, affecting entire populations. This raises ethical questions about the use of such power, even if it is for a perceived greater good.
Specific examples of this choice in action include the final battle sequence, where you must decide whether to trust the Emperor or destroy the Netherbrain. If you choose to let the Emperor take control, you will witness a cutscene where he ascends to power, and the world is reshaped under his rule. This ending is bittersweet, as it offers a form of peace but at the cost of individuality and freedom.
In conclusion, letting the Emperor control the Netherbrain is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that significantly impacts the story and your companions. It requires careful consideration of the EmperorÔÇÖs true intentions, the potential consequences for the world, and the relationships you have built throughout the game. By understanding the mechanics, avoiding common mistakes, and using advanced techniques, you can navigate this decision in a way that aligns with your characterÔÇÖs goals and values.
The Emperor is a Mind Flayer who has been guiding you throughout the game, often through dreams and visions. He claims to be an ally, but his true intentions are ambiguous. The Netherbrain is the central antagonist of the game, a powerful entity that controls the Absolute and seeks to dominate the world. The Emperor believes that by controlling the Netherbrain, he can bring order and stability, but this comes at the cost of free will for all beings under its influence.
To reach the point where you can let the Emperor 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 gathering allies for the final battle. Along the way, you will encounter the Emperor in the Astral Plane, where he reveals his true form and offers you the choice to become a Mind Flayer yourself or to trust him to handle the Netherbrain.
If you choose to let the Emperor control the Netherbrain, you must first ensure that you have built a strong relationship with him. This involves making choices that align with his goals and showing trust in his guidance. During the final confrontation, you will have the option to side with the Emperor instead of destroying the Netherbrain outright. This decision leads to a unique ending where the Emperor takes control of the Netherbrain, effectively becoming the new ruler of the world.
One important tip is to carefully consider the implications of this choice. While the Emperor promises stability, his control over the Netherbrain means that all beings connected to it will lose their free will. This includes your companions and potentially yourself. If you have romanced a companion, this choice can lead to a tragic outcome, as they may no longer be the person you fell in love with. Additionally, some companions may outright reject this path, leading to conflict within your party.
A common mistake is to underestimate the EmperorÔÇÖs true nature. While he presents himself as a benevolent guide, his actions throughout the game suggest a more manipulative and self-serving agenda. Trusting him completely can lead to unforeseen consequences, so itÔÇÖs important to weigh the risks and benefits of this choice carefully. Another mistake is to rush through the final decision without considering the long-term impact on the world and your companions.
Advanced techniques involve using your knowledge of the EmperorÔÇÖs motivations to manipulate the outcome in your favor. For example, if you have a high Persuasion or Deception skill, you can attempt to convince the Emperor to relinquish control of the Netherbrain after he has taken it over. This requires careful dialogue choices and a deep understanding of his character. Additionally, if you have a strong relationship with certain companions, you can use their influence to sway the EmperorÔÇÖs decisions.
From a D&D rules perspective, the EmperorÔÇÖs control over the Netherbrain can be seen as a form of domination magic on a massive scale. In D&D 5E, domination spells like Dominate Person or Dominate Monster allow a caster to control another creatureÔÇÖs actions. The NetherbrainÔÇÖs influence is similar but on a global scale, affecting entire populations. This raises ethical questions about the use of such power, even if it is for a perceived greater good.
Specific examples of this choice in action include the final battle sequence, where you must decide whether to trust the Emperor or destroy the Netherbrain. If you choose to let the Emperor take control, you will witness a cutscene where he ascends to power, and the world is reshaped under his rule. This ending is bittersweet, as it offers a form of peace but at the cost of individuality and freedom.
In conclusion, letting the Emperor control the Netherbrain is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that significantly impacts the story and your companions. It requires careful consideration of the EmperorÔÇÖs true intentions, the potential consequences for the world, and the relationships you have built throughout the game. By understanding the mechanics, avoiding common mistakes, and using advanced techniques, you can navigate this decision in a way that aligns with your characterÔÇÖs goals and values.