What happens if I let the tadpole control the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3?
In Baldur's Gate 3, the decision to let the tadpole control the Absolute is a significant narrative choice that can drastically alter the course of the story. This choice is tied to the Illithid powers that your character and your companions gain from the Mind Flayer tadpoles implanted in your brains. The game presents you with opportunities to either resist these powers or embrace them, and the consequences of these choices are profound.
To let the tadpole control the Absolute, you need to make specific decisions throughout the game that align with the Illithid agenda. This involves embracing the Illithid powers and making choices that further the goals of the Mind Flayers. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of how to achieve this:
1. Embracing Illithid Powers: From the early stages of the game, you will encounter situations where you can use Illithid powers to influence others or gain advantages. Each time you use these powers, you strengthen the connection between your character and the tadpole. To let the tadpole control the Absolute, you should consistently choose to use these powers whenever possible. This includes using them in dialogue options, combat scenarios, and exploration.
2. Building Relationships with Mind Flayers: As you progress through the game, you will encounter Mind Flayers and other entities connected to the Illithid. Building a positive relationship with these entities is crucial. This means choosing dialogue options that show your willingness to cooperate with them and not resisting their influence. For example, when you meet the Mind Flayer in the crashed Nautiloid, you should choose options that indicate your willingness to work with it rather than against it.
3. Making Key Story Choices: There are several key moments in the story where you can choose to align yourself with the Illithid. One such moment is when you encounter the Absolute and its followers. Instead of resisting or fighting against the Absolute, you should choose to support it and allow the tadpole to take control. This might involve siding with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs followers in conflicts and making decisions that further their goals.
4. Managing Companion Reactions: Your companions will have varying reactions to your choices regarding the Illithid powers. Some may be supportive, while others may be horrified. To maintain a cohesive party, you need to manage these reactions carefully. This might involve persuading them to see the benefits of the Illithid powers or choosing to distance yourself from those who oppose your decisions.
5. Avoiding Common Mistakes: One common mistake is to resist the Illithid powers too often, which can weaken the connection between your character and the tadpole. Another mistake is to make choices that alienate key allies who might support your decision to let the tadpole control the Absolute. ItÔÇÖs important to balance your use of Illithid powers with maintaining strong relationships with your companions and other key characters.
6. Advanced Techniques: To optimize your path to letting the tadpole control the Absolute, you should focus on building a character that is well-suited to using Illithid powers. This might involve choosing a class that benefits from the mental and psychic abilities granted by the tadpole, such as a Sorcerer or Wizard. Additionally, you should prioritize skills and abilities that enhance your ability to persuade and influence others, as this will be crucial in making the right story choices.
7. Related D&D Rules and Mechanics: In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, the rules for Mind Flayers and their powers are detailed in the Monster Manual. The Illithid powers in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 are inspired by these rules, including abilities like Mind Blast and Dominate Person. Understanding these rules can give you a better sense of how to use the Illithid powers effectively in the game.
In conclusion, letting the tadpole control the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally ambiguous path that requires careful decision-making and strategic use of Illithid powers. By embracing these powers, building relationships with Mind Flayers, and making key story choices that align with the Illithid agenda, you can achieve this outcome. However, itÔÇÖs important to manage your companionsÔÇÖ reactions and avoid common mistakes that could derail your progress. With the right approach, you can experience a unique and compelling narrative arc that explores the darker side of the gameÔÇÖs story.
To let the tadpole control the Absolute, you need to make specific decisions throughout the game that align with the Illithid agenda. This involves embracing the Illithid powers and making choices that further the goals of the Mind Flayers. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of how to achieve this:
1. Embracing Illithid Powers: From the early stages of the game, you will encounter situations where you can use Illithid powers to influence others or gain advantages. Each time you use these powers, you strengthen the connection between your character and the tadpole. To let the tadpole control the Absolute, you should consistently choose to use these powers whenever possible. This includes using them in dialogue options, combat scenarios, and exploration.
2. Building Relationships with Mind Flayers: As you progress through the game, you will encounter Mind Flayers and other entities connected to the Illithid. Building a positive relationship with these entities is crucial. This means choosing dialogue options that show your willingness to cooperate with them and not resisting their influence. For example, when you meet the Mind Flayer in the crashed Nautiloid, you should choose options that indicate your willingness to work with it rather than against it.
3. Making Key Story Choices: There are several key moments in the story where you can choose to align yourself with the Illithid. One such moment is when you encounter the Absolute and its followers. Instead of resisting or fighting against the Absolute, you should choose to support it and allow the tadpole to take control. This might involve siding with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs followers in conflicts and making decisions that further their goals.
4. Managing Companion Reactions: Your companions will have varying reactions to your choices regarding the Illithid powers. Some may be supportive, while others may be horrified. To maintain a cohesive party, you need to manage these reactions carefully. This might involve persuading them to see the benefits of the Illithid powers or choosing to distance yourself from those who oppose your decisions.
5. Avoiding Common Mistakes: One common mistake is to resist the Illithid powers too often, which can weaken the connection between your character and the tadpole. Another mistake is to make choices that alienate key allies who might support your decision to let the tadpole control the Absolute. ItÔÇÖs important to balance your use of Illithid powers with maintaining strong relationships with your companions and other key characters.
6. Advanced Techniques: To optimize your path to letting the tadpole control the Absolute, you should focus on building a character that is well-suited to using Illithid powers. This might involve choosing a class that benefits from the mental and psychic abilities granted by the tadpole, such as a Sorcerer or Wizard. Additionally, you should prioritize skills and abilities that enhance your ability to persuade and influence others, as this will be crucial in making the right story choices.
7. Related D&D Rules and Mechanics: In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, the rules for Mind Flayers and their powers are detailed in the Monster Manual. The Illithid powers in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 are inspired by these rules, including abilities like Mind Blast and Dominate Person. Understanding these rules can give you a better sense of how to use the Illithid powers effectively in the game.
In conclusion, letting the tadpole control the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally ambiguous path that requires careful decision-making and strategic use of Illithid powers. By embracing these powers, building relationships with Mind Flayers, and making key story choices that align with the Illithid agenda, you can achieve this outcome. However, itÔÇÖs important to manage your companionsÔÇÖ reactions and avoid common mistakes that could derail your progress. With the right approach, you can experience a unique and compelling narrative arc that explores the darker side of the gameÔÇÖs story.