What happens if I let the Absolute control the Netherbrain in Baldur's Gate 3?
Letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain in Baldur's Gate 3 is one of the most significant and morally complex decisions you can make in the game. This choice occurs during the final stages of the main story, where you confront the Netherbrain, the ultimate antagonist that has been manipulating events throughout the campaign. The Absolute is a powerful entity tied to the mind flayers and their plans for domination. By allowing the Absolute to control the Netherbrain, you essentially surrender the fate of the world to this malevolent force, leading to a dark and apocalyptic ending.
To achieve this outcome, you must follow a specific path in the game's narrative. First, you need to align yourself with the Absolute or its agents at key moments. This often involves making choices that prioritize power and control over morality or the well-being of others. For example, siding with the Absolute's followers, such as the cult of the Absolute or the mind flayers, during critical story decisions will set you on this path. One of the most pivotal moments is during the confrontation with the Elder Brain in the final act. Here, you will have the option to either resist the Absolute's influence or succumb to it. Choosing to let the Absolute take control of the Netherbrain requires you to embrace the dark powers and reject any attempts to free the world from its grasp.
The mechanics involved in this decision are tied to the game's dialogue and choice systems. During the final confrontation, you will be presented with a series of dialogue options that determine the outcome. To let the Absolute control the Netherbrain, you must select choices that indicate your willingness to submit to its power. This might involve using the tadpole powers you have acquired throughout the game, which are linked to the mind flayers and the Absolute. These powers, while granting you significant abilities, also increase your connection to the Absolute, making it easier to fall under its influence.
One important tip is to ensure that your character has a high enough Charisma or Wisdom score, as these attributes can influence your ability to resist or embrace the Absolute's control. If you have been using the tadpole powers extensively, your character will be more susceptible to the Absolute's influence, making it easier to choose this path. However, if you have resisted using these powers, you may need to rely on persuasion or intimidation checks to convince your companions or the Absolute's agents that this is the right course of action.
A common mistake to avoid is not fully understanding the consequences of this choice. Letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain leads to a bleak ending where the world is plunged into darkness, and your character becomes a pawn of the Absolute. This outcome is irreversible, so it is crucial to consider the moral implications and the impact on your companions. Some companions may abandon you or turn against you if they see you embracing the Absolute's power, while others may follow you down this dark path.
Advanced techniques involve optimizing your character build to maximize the benefits of the tadpole powers while minimizing the risks. For example, focusing on abilities that enhance your mental resilience, such as the Resilient feat or the Mind Blank spell, can help you maintain control over your character even as you embrace the Absolute's power. Additionally, choosing a class that synergizes well with the tadpole powers, such as a Sorcerer or Warlock, can give you an edge in combat and dialogue situations.
In terms of D&D rules, the concept of letting a powerful entity control a world-ending threat aligns with the idea of making a Faustian bargain. The Absolute represents a force of evil that offers immense power in exchange for your soul and the freedom of the world. This mirrors the classic D&D trope of dealing with devils or other malevolent beings, where the short-term gains come at a devastating long-term cost.
Specific examples of this choice in action include the final dialogue with the Netherbrain, where you must choose between using the power of the Absolute to dominate it or finding another way to defeat it. If you choose to let the Absolute take control, the game will show a cinematic sequence where the world is consumed by darkness, and your character becomes a servant of the Absolute. This ending is a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked ambition and the dangers of aligning with evil forces.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain is a path that requires careful consideration and a willingness to embrace the darker aspects of the game. By understanding the mechanics, making strategic choices, and optimizing your character build, you can achieve this ending, but be prepared for the profound and irreversible consequences it brings.
To achieve this outcome, you must follow a specific path in the game's narrative. First, you need to align yourself with the Absolute or its agents at key moments. This often involves making choices that prioritize power and control over morality or the well-being of others. For example, siding with the Absolute's followers, such as the cult of the Absolute or the mind flayers, during critical story decisions will set you on this path. One of the most pivotal moments is during the confrontation with the Elder Brain in the final act. Here, you will have the option to either resist the Absolute's influence or succumb to it. Choosing to let the Absolute take control of the Netherbrain requires you to embrace the dark powers and reject any attempts to free the world from its grasp.
The mechanics involved in this decision are tied to the game's dialogue and choice systems. During the final confrontation, you will be presented with a series of dialogue options that determine the outcome. To let the Absolute control the Netherbrain, you must select choices that indicate your willingness to submit to its power. This might involve using the tadpole powers you have acquired throughout the game, which are linked to the mind flayers and the Absolute. These powers, while granting you significant abilities, also increase your connection to the Absolute, making it easier to fall under its influence.
One important tip is to ensure that your character has a high enough Charisma or Wisdom score, as these attributes can influence your ability to resist or embrace the Absolute's control. If you have been using the tadpole powers extensively, your character will be more susceptible to the Absolute's influence, making it easier to choose this path. However, if you have resisted using these powers, you may need to rely on persuasion or intimidation checks to convince your companions or the Absolute's agents that this is the right course of action.
A common mistake to avoid is not fully understanding the consequences of this choice. Letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain leads to a bleak ending where the world is plunged into darkness, and your character becomes a pawn of the Absolute. This outcome is irreversible, so it is crucial to consider the moral implications and the impact on your companions. Some companions may abandon you or turn against you if they see you embracing the Absolute's power, while others may follow you down this dark path.
Advanced techniques involve optimizing your character build to maximize the benefits of the tadpole powers while minimizing the risks. For example, focusing on abilities that enhance your mental resilience, such as the Resilient feat or the Mind Blank spell, can help you maintain control over your character even as you embrace the Absolute's power. Additionally, choosing a class that synergizes well with the tadpole powers, such as a Sorcerer or Warlock, can give you an edge in combat and dialogue situations.
In terms of D&D rules, the concept of letting a powerful entity control a world-ending threat aligns with the idea of making a Faustian bargain. The Absolute represents a force of evil that offers immense power in exchange for your soul and the freedom of the world. This mirrors the classic D&D trope of dealing with devils or other malevolent beings, where the short-term gains come at a devastating long-term cost.
Specific examples of this choice in action include the final dialogue with the Netherbrain, where you must choose between using the power of the Absolute to dominate it or finding another way to defeat it. If you choose to let the Absolute take control, the game will show a cinematic sequence where the world is consumed by darkness, and your character becomes a servant of the Absolute. This ending is a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked ambition and the dangers of aligning with evil forces.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain is a path that requires careful consideration and a willingness to embrace the darker aspects of the game. By understanding the mechanics, making strategic choices, and optimizing your character build, you can achieve this ending, but be prepared for the profound and irreversible consequences it brings.