What happens if I let the Absolute control the Netherbrain in Act 2 of Baldur's Gate 3?
In Baldur's Gate 3, the Netherbrain is a central element of the story, particularly in Act 2, where the player is faced with critical decisions that can shape the outcome of the game. Allowing the Absolute to control the Netherbrain is one of the major choices you can make, and it has significant consequences for the narrative, your companions, and the world at large. Here is a detailed explanation of how this choice unfolds, the mechanics involved, and the strategies you can use to navigate this pivotal moment.
To begin with, the Netherbrain is a powerful entity that serves as the central hub for the Absolute's influence over the Mind Flayers and their thralls. In Act 2, you will encounter the Netherbrain in the Mind Flayer Colony beneath Moonrise Towers. This is where the game presents you with the choice to either resist the Absolute's control or succumb to it. If you choose to let the Absolute control the Netherbrain, you are essentially aligning yourself with the forces of evil, which will have far-reaching implications for the rest of the game.
The mechanics of this choice are tied to the dialogue options and actions you take during the encounter with the Netherbrain. When you reach the Netherbrain, you will be prompted with several dialogue choices. One of these options will allow you to willingly submit to the Absolute's control. Choosing this path will trigger a series of events where your character becomes a thrall of the Absolute, and the Netherbrain's power is amplified. This decision is irreversible and will lock you into a specific story path that leads to a darker ending.
To achieve this outcome, you need to ensure that you do not resist the Absolute's influence during the critical moments in the Mind Flayer Colony. This means avoiding any actions or dialogue choices that would allow you to break free from the Absolute's control. For example, when the Netherbrain attempts to dominate your mind, you must choose to accept its influence rather than fight against it. This will result in your character becoming a puppet of the Absolute, and the Netherbrain will gain even greater power over the world.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when making this choice. First, be aware that this decision will alienate some of your companions, particularly those who are morally opposed to the Absolute's goals. Characters like Shadowheart, Wyll, and Karlach may disapprove of your choice, and their relationships with you could suffer as a result. Additionally, this choice will lock you out of certain questlines and endings, so it is important to consider the long-term consequences before committing to this path.
One common mistake to avoid is making this choice without fully understanding the implications. Allowing the Absolute to control the Netherbrain is a significant decision that will drastically alter the course of the game. If you are unsure about this path, it may be wise to save your game before making the choice so that you can explore other options later. Additionally, be mindful of your character's alignment and motivations. If you are playing a character who values freedom and resistance against tyranny, this choice may not align with your role-playing goals.
Advanced techniques for this path involve optimizing your character build to maximize your effectiveness as a thrall of the Absolute. For example, if you are playing a spellcaster, you may want to focus on spells that enhance your control over others, such as Dominate Person or Command. Similarly, if you are playing a martial class, you may want to invest in abilities that increase your durability and combat effectiveness, as you will likely face resistance from those who oppose the Absolute.
From a D&D rules perspective, the concept of mind control and domination is a key element of the game's mechanics. The Netherbrain's ability to dominate your character is rooted in the rules for charm and domination effects, which allow a creature to take control of another's actions. In Baldur's Gate 3, this is represented through dialogue choices and narrative consequences, but the underlying mechanics are based on the same principles found in the tabletop game.
Specific examples of this choice in action include the moment when the Netherbrain attempts to dominate your mind. If you choose to submit, you will see your character's willpower break, and they will become a thrall of the Absolute. This is followed by a cutscene where the Netherbrain's power grows, and the world begins to change in response to its increased influence. The consequences of this choice are felt throughout the rest of the game, as you will encounter new challenges and obstacles that arise from your alignment with the Absolute.
In conclusion, allowing the Absolute to control the Netherbrain in Act 2 of Baldur's Gate 3 is a major decision that will shape the rest of your playthrough. By understanding the mechanics involved, making informed choices, and considering the long-term consequences, you can navigate this pivotal moment and explore the darker paths available in the game. Whether you choose to embrace the Absolute's control or resist it, the choice is yours, and it will have a lasting impact on the world of Baldur's Gate.
To begin with, the Netherbrain is a powerful entity that serves as the central hub for the Absolute's influence over the Mind Flayers and their thralls. In Act 2, you will encounter the Netherbrain in the Mind Flayer Colony beneath Moonrise Towers. This is where the game presents you with the choice to either resist the Absolute's control or succumb to it. If you choose to let the Absolute control the Netherbrain, you are essentially aligning yourself with the forces of evil, which will have far-reaching implications for the rest of the game.
The mechanics of this choice are tied to the dialogue options and actions you take during the encounter with the Netherbrain. When you reach the Netherbrain, you will be prompted with several dialogue choices. One of these options will allow you to willingly submit to the Absolute's control. Choosing this path will trigger a series of events where your character becomes a thrall of the Absolute, and the Netherbrain's power is amplified. This decision is irreversible and will lock you into a specific story path that leads to a darker ending.
To achieve this outcome, you need to ensure that you do not resist the Absolute's influence during the critical moments in the Mind Flayer Colony. This means avoiding any actions or dialogue choices that would allow you to break free from the Absolute's control. For example, when the Netherbrain attempts to dominate your mind, you must choose to accept its influence rather than fight against it. This will result in your character becoming a puppet of the Absolute, and the Netherbrain will gain even greater power over the world.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when making this choice. First, be aware that this decision will alienate some of your companions, particularly those who are morally opposed to the Absolute's goals. Characters like Shadowheart, Wyll, and Karlach may disapprove of your choice, and their relationships with you could suffer as a result. Additionally, this choice will lock you out of certain questlines and endings, so it is important to consider the long-term consequences before committing to this path.
One common mistake to avoid is making this choice without fully understanding the implications. Allowing the Absolute to control the Netherbrain is a significant decision that will drastically alter the course of the game. If you are unsure about this path, it may be wise to save your game before making the choice so that you can explore other options later. Additionally, be mindful of your character's alignment and motivations. If you are playing a character who values freedom and resistance against tyranny, this choice may not align with your role-playing goals.
Advanced techniques for this path involve optimizing your character build to maximize your effectiveness as a thrall of the Absolute. For example, if you are playing a spellcaster, you may want to focus on spells that enhance your control over others, such as Dominate Person or Command. Similarly, if you are playing a martial class, you may want to invest in abilities that increase your durability and combat effectiveness, as you will likely face resistance from those who oppose the Absolute.
From a D&D rules perspective, the concept of mind control and domination is a key element of the game's mechanics. The Netherbrain's ability to dominate your character is rooted in the rules for charm and domination effects, which allow a creature to take control of another's actions. In Baldur's Gate 3, this is represented through dialogue choices and narrative consequences, but the underlying mechanics are based on the same principles found in the tabletop game.
Specific examples of this choice in action include the moment when the Netherbrain attempts to dominate your mind. If you choose to submit, you will see your character's willpower break, and they will become a thrall of the Absolute. This is followed by a cutscene where the Netherbrain's power grows, and the world begins to change in response to its increased influence. The consequences of this choice are felt throughout the rest of the game, as you will encounter new challenges and obstacles that arise from your alignment with the Absolute.
In conclusion, allowing the Absolute to control the Netherbrain in Act 2 of Baldur's Gate 3 is a major decision that will shape the rest of your playthrough. By understanding the mechanics involved, making informed choices, and considering the long-term consequences, you can navigate this pivotal moment and explore the darker paths available in the game. Whether you choose to embrace the Absolute's control or resist it, the choice is yours, and it will have a lasting impact on the world of Baldur's Gate.