What are the consequences of letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain in Baldur's Gate 3?
Letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain 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 and has profound consequences for the world, your companions, and the overall narrative. To understand how this decision plays out, itÔÇÖs important to first grasp the mechanics and context behind it.
The Elder Brain is a powerful entity that serves as the central intelligence of the Mind Flayer colony. Throughout the game, you learn that the Absolute, a mysterious force, is attempting to dominate the Elder Brain and use it to control the world. The Absolute is revealed to be a collective of three Chosen of the Dead Three: Ketheric Thorm, Orin the Red, and Enver Gortash. These individuals have harnessed the power of Netherese magic to manipulate the Elder Brain and create the AbsoluteÔÇÖs influence over the world.
To reach the point where you can decide the fate of the Elder Brain, you must progress through the main story, which involves confronting the Chosen and unraveling the mysteries of the Absolute. This includes completing key quests such as infiltrating Moonrise Towers, defeating Ketheric Thorm, and dealing with Orin and Gortash in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate. Along the way, you will also need to manage your relationships with your companions, as their loyalty and trust can influence the outcome of your decisions.
When you finally confront the Elder Brain, you will have the option to either destroy it or allow the Absolute to control it. If you choose to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you are essentially siding with the Chosen and their vision of a world dominated by their will. This decision leads to a dark ending where the AbsoluteÔÇÖs influence spreads unchecked, enslaving countless people and reshaping the world into a dystopian nightmare.
The mechanics of this choice involve a series of dialogue options and skill checks. When you reach the Elder Brain, you will need to make a Persuasion or Intimidation check to convince your companions to go along with your decision. This can be challenging, especially if you have not built strong relationships with them or if they have strong moral convictions. For example, characters like Shadowheart or Wyll may resist this choice due to their personal beliefs and backstories.
One important tip is to ensure that your character has high Charisma and proficiency in Persuasion or Intimidation. This will make it easier to sway your companions and avoid conflict. Additionally, consider the moral implications of your choice. Letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a morally dubious decision that will alienate some companions and lead to a darker ending. If you are role-playing a character who values power and control over morality, this choice may align with your goals. However, if you are playing a more heroic character, this decision may feel out of character and unsatisfying.
A common mistake to avoid is making this decision without considering the long-term consequences. The game does not provide a clear warning about the full impact of this choice, so itÔÇÖs important to think carefully about how it aligns with your characterÔÇÖs motivations and the story you want to experience. Additionally, failing to prepare for the skill checks involved can lead to a less favorable outcome, so make sure to equip items or abilities that boost your Charisma and social skills.
Advanced techniques involve leveraging your companionsÔÇÖ abilities to support your decision. For example, if you have a companion with high Charisma, you can have them assist you in persuading the group. Additionally, using spells like Enhance Ability to boost your Charisma checks can increase your chances of success. ItÔÇÖs also worth noting that certain story choices earlier in the game can influence how your companions react to this decision. For instance, if you have already made morally questionable choices, your companions may be more willing to accept this dark path.
From a D&D rules perspective, the Elder Brain is a powerful creature with high Intelligence and psychic abilities. In the game, this is reflected in its ability to dominate minds and control other creatures. The AbsoluteÔÇÖs control over the Elder Brain is a unique twist on the traditional D&D lore, where Elder Brains are typically independent entities that rule over Mind Flayer colonies. This adaptation adds depth to the story and creates a compelling moral dilemma for players.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a pivotal decision that shapes the ending of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3. It requires careful consideration of your characterÔÇÖs motivations, your companionsÔÇÖ reactions, and the long-term consequences for the world. By understanding the mechanics, preparing for skill checks, and considering the moral implications, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your desired narrative outcome. Whether you embrace the darkness or fight against it, this decision will leave a lasting impact on your journey through the game.
The Elder Brain is a powerful entity that serves as the central intelligence of the Mind Flayer colony. Throughout the game, you learn that the Absolute, a mysterious force, is attempting to dominate the Elder Brain and use it to control the world. The Absolute is revealed to be a collective of three Chosen of the Dead Three: Ketheric Thorm, Orin the Red, and Enver Gortash. These individuals have harnessed the power of Netherese magic to manipulate the Elder Brain and create the AbsoluteÔÇÖs influence over the world.
To reach the point where you can decide the fate of the Elder Brain, you must progress through the main story, which involves confronting the Chosen and unraveling the mysteries of the Absolute. This includes completing key quests such as infiltrating Moonrise Towers, defeating Ketheric Thorm, and dealing with Orin and Gortash in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate. Along the way, you will also need to manage your relationships with your companions, as their loyalty and trust can influence the outcome of your decisions.
When you finally confront the Elder Brain, you will have the option to either destroy it or allow the Absolute to control it. If you choose to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you are essentially siding with the Chosen and their vision of a world dominated by their will. This decision leads to a dark ending where the AbsoluteÔÇÖs influence spreads unchecked, enslaving countless people and reshaping the world into a dystopian nightmare.
The mechanics of this choice involve a series of dialogue options and skill checks. When you reach the Elder Brain, you will need to make a Persuasion or Intimidation check to convince your companions to go along with your decision. This can be challenging, especially if you have not built strong relationships with them or if they have strong moral convictions. For example, characters like Shadowheart or Wyll may resist this choice due to their personal beliefs and backstories.
One important tip is to ensure that your character has high Charisma and proficiency in Persuasion or Intimidation. This will make it easier to sway your companions and avoid conflict. Additionally, consider the moral implications of your choice. Letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a morally dubious decision that will alienate some companions and lead to a darker ending. If you are role-playing a character who values power and control over morality, this choice may align with your goals. However, if you are playing a more heroic character, this decision may feel out of character and unsatisfying.
A common mistake to avoid is making this decision without considering the long-term consequences. The game does not provide a clear warning about the full impact of this choice, so itÔÇÖs important to think carefully about how it aligns with your characterÔÇÖs motivations and the story you want to experience. Additionally, failing to prepare for the skill checks involved can lead to a less favorable outcome, so make sure to equip items or abilities that boost your Charisma and social skills.
Advanced techniques involve leveraging your companionsÔÇÖ abilities to support your decision. For example, if you have a companion with high Charisma, you can have them assist you in persuading the group. Additionally, using spells like Enhance Ability to boost your Charisma checks can increase your chances of success. ItÔÇÖs also worth noting that certain story choices earlier in the game can influence how your companions react to this decision. For instance, if you have already made morally questionable choices, your companions may be more willing to accept this dark path.
From a D&D rules perspective, the Elder Brain is a powerful creature with high Intelligence and psychic abilities. In the game, this is reflected in its ability to dominate minds and control other creatures. The AbsoluteÔÇÖs control over the Elder Brain is a unique twist on the traditional D&D lore, where Elder Brains are typically independent entities that rule over Mind Flayer colonies. This adaptation adds depth to the story and creates a compelling moral dilemma for players.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a pivotal decision that shapes the ending of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3. It requires careful consideration of your characterÔÇÖs motivations, your companionsÔÇÖ reactions, and the long-term consequences for the world. By understanding the mechanics, preparing for skill checks, and considering the moral implications, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your desired narrative outcome. Whether you embrace the darkness or fight against it, this decision will leave a lasting impact on your journey through the game.