What happens if I let the Emperor kill Orpheus in Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, the decision to let the Emperor kill Orpheus is a pivotal moment in the game's narrative, with significant consequences for the story and the characters involved. This choice occurs during the late stages of the game, specifically in Act 3, when the player is faced with the dilemma of whether to side with the Emperor, a mind flayer who has been guiding the party, or to free Orpheus, a powerful githyanki prince who has been imprisoned by the mind flayers. The decision to let the Emperor kill Orpheus is one of the more morally complex choices in the game, and it has far-reaching implications for the story's outcome.

To achieve this outcome, the player must first progress through the main story until they reach the point where the Emperor reveals his true intentions. This occurs after the party has gathered the necessary artifacts and information to confront the Absolute, the game's primary antagonist. The Emperor will present the player with a choice: either continue to work with him and allow him to consume Orpheus's power, or free Orpheus and risk losing the Emperor's support. If the player chooses to side with the Emperor, they must then convince him to kill Orpheus, which requires careful dialogue choices and a deep understanding of the Emperor's motivations.

The mechanics involved in this decision are primarily dialogue-based, with the player needing to navigate a series of conversations with the Emperor and other key characters. The player must choose dialogue options that align with the Emperor's goals and demonstrate a willingness to trust him, even if it means sacrificing Orpheus. This can be challenging, as the Emperor is a morally ambiguous character, and the player may have reservations about his methods. However, by consistently choosing dialogue options that support the Emperor's plans and show a willingness to make difficult decisions, the player can persuade him to kill Orpheus.

One important tip is to ensure that the player has built a strong relationship with the Emperor throughout the game. This can be achieved by consistently siding with him in key decisions and showing a willingness to embrace the mind flayer's powers. The Emperor is more likely to trust and cooperate with a player who has demonstrated loyalty and a shared vision for the future. Additionally, the player should be prepared for the consequences of this decision, as it will have a significant impact on the game's ending and the fate of the githyanki people.

Common mistakes to avoid include making impulsive decisions without considering the long-term consequences. The choice to let the Emperor kill Orpheus is irreversible, and it will lock the player into a specific story path. Players should carefully weigh the pros and cons of this decision and consider how it aligns with their character's values and goals. Another mistake is failing to build a strong relationship with the Emperor, which can make it more difficult to persuade him to kill Orpheus. Players should take the time to engage with the Emperor's dialogue and make choices that reinforce their alliance.

Advanced techniques for optimizing this outcome include using high Charisma and Persuasion skills to influence the Emperor's decisions. A character with high Charisma and proficiency in Persuasion will have an easier time convincing the Emperor to kill Orpheus, as they can use their social skills to sway his opinion. Additionally, players can use their knowledge of the Emperor's backstory and motivations to craft more effective dialogue choices. For example, reminding the Emperor of his past as a githyanki and his desire for freedom can help reinforce his decision to kill Orpheus.

From a D&D rules perspective, the decision to let the Emperor kill Orpheus reflects the game's emphasis on moral ambiguity and the consequences of player choice. In Dungeons and Dragons, alignment and morality are key components of character development, and the choice to side with the Emperor over Orpheus is a classic example of a morally gray decision. The Emperor's actions can be seen as a necessary evil, as he believes that consuming Orpheus's power is the only way to defeat the Absolute and save the world. However, this decision also involves sacrificing a potentially powerful ally and alienating the githyanki people.

In specific scenarios, the choice to let the Emperor kill Orpheus can lead to different outcomes depending on the player's previous decisions and relationships with other characters. For example, if the player has built a strong relationship with Lae'zel, a githyanki companion, she may react negatively to the decision and potentially leave the party. On the other hand, if the player has consistently supported the Emperor, they may gain his trust and unlock new story paths that involve working closely with the mind flayers. Ultimately, the decision to let the Emperor kill Orpheus is a complex and impactful choice that will shape the player's experience of Baldur's Gate 3.