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 the mechanics and implications of this decision, itÔÇÖs important to first grasp the context of the Elder Brain and the Absolute.
The Elder Brain is a powerful entity that serves as the central intelligence of the Mind Flayer colony. It is the source of the Mind Flayers' hive mind and controls their actions. The Absolute, on the other hand, is a mysterious force that has been manipulating events throughout the game, often through the use of the Mind Flayers and their tadpoles. By the time you reach the final stages of the game, you will have learned that the Absolute is a construct of the Dead ThreeÔÇöBhaal, Myrkul, and BaneÔÇöwho seek to dominate the world through the Elder Brain.
To let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you must align yourself with the forces of the Absolute and the Dead Three. This typically involves siding with characters like Ketheric Thorm, Orin the Red, and Gortash, who are the chosen representatives of the Dead Three. Throughout the game, you will have opportunities to either oppose or cooperate with these characters. To achieve the outcome where the Absolute controls the Elder Brain, you must consistently choose to support their plans and avoid actions that would undermine their authority.
One of the key moments where this decision comes into play is during the final confrontation with the Elder Brain. At this point, you will have the option to either destroy the Elder Brain or allow it to be controlled by the Absolute. If you choose the latter, you will essentially be handing over control of the world to the Dead Three, leading to a dark and oppressive future where the Absolute reigns supreme.
The mechanics of this choice are tied to your interactions with key NPCs and your decisions in major quests. For example, if you side with Gortash in Act 3 and help him consolidate power, you will be more likely to have the option to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain. Similarly, if you choose to embrace the power of the tadpole and use the Illithid powers granted to you, you will be more inclined to align with the Mind Flayers and the Absolute.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind if you want to pursue this path. First, you should be aware that this choice will alienate many of your companions, particularly those who have a strong moral compass, such as Wyll, Karlach, and Shadowheart. These characters may leave your party or even turn against you if they perceive your actions as too evil or self-serving. On the other hand, characters like Astarion and Minthara, who have more ambiguous morals, may be more supportive of your decision.
Another consideration is the impact this choice will have on the world. Letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain will result in a dystopian future where the Dead Three rule with an iron fist. This outcome is generally considered the "evil" ending, as it leads to widespread suffering and oppression. If you are role-playing a character who values power and control over morality, this may be a fitting conclusion to your story. However, if you are aiming for a more heroic or balanced ending, you may want to reconsider this path.
Common mistakes to avoid include making inconsistent choices throughout the game. If you have been opposing the Absolute and the Dead Three up until the final moments, suddenly switching sides may feel out of character and could lead to unintended consequences. ItÔÇÖs important to stay true to your characterÔÇÖs motivations and align your actions accordingly.
Advanced techniques for achieving this outcome involve carefully managing your relationships with key NPCs and making strategic use of the Illithid powers. For example, using the Illithid powers to dominate enemies and influence NPCs can help you gain favor with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs followers. Additionally, completing quests that align with the goals of the Dead Three, such as helping Gortash secure the Steel Watch or aiding Orin in her schemes, will increase your chances of being able to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the concept of the Elder Brain and the Absolute is rooted in the lore of Mind Flayers and the Dead Three. The Elder Brain is a powerful psionic entity that can control other Mind Flayers and thralls, while the Dead Three are deities of death, murder, and tyranny. The gameÔÇÖs implementation of these elements is consistent with their portrayal in Dungeons & Dragons, and the choices you make reflect the moral and ethical dilemmas that are central to the D&D experience.
Specific examples of scenarios where this choice comes into play include the final battle in Act 3, where you must decide whether to destroy the Elder Brain or allow it to be controlled by the Absolute. Another example is the confrontation with Gortash, where you can choose to ally with him or oppose him. Each of these moments contributes to the overall narrative and influences the final outcome.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a complex and morally challenging decision that has far-reaching consequences for the world and your companions. To achieve this outcome, you must consistently align yourself with the forces of the Absolute and the Dead Three, manage your relationships with key NPCs, and make strategic use of the Illithid powers. While this path leads to a dark and oppressive ending, it can be a compelling choice for players who are role-playing an evil or power-hungry character.
The Elder Brain is a powerful entity that serves as the central intelligence of the Mind Flayer colony. It is the source of the Mind Flayers' hive mind and controls their actions. The Absolute, on the other hand, is a mysterious force that has been manipulating events throughout the game, often through the use of the Mind Flayers and their tadpoles. By the time you reach the final stages of the game, you will have learned that the Absolute is a construct of the Dead ThreeÔÇöBhaal, Myrkul, and BaneÔÇöwho seek to dominate the world through the Elder Brain.
To let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you must align yourself with the forces of the Absolute and the Dead Three. This typically involves siding with characters like Ketheric Thorm, Orin the Red, and Gortash, who are the chosen representatives of the Dead Three. Throughout the game, you will have opportunities to either oppose or cooperate with these characters. To achieve the outcome where the Absolute controls the Elder Brain, you must consistently choose to support their plans and avoid actions that would undermine their authority.
One of the key moments where this decision comes into play is during the final confrontation with the Elder Brain. At this point, you will have the option to either destroy the Elder Brain or allow it to be controlled by the Absolute. If you choose the latter, you will essentially be handing over control of the world to the Dead Three, leading to a dark and oppressive future where the Absolute reigns supreme.
The mechanics of this choice are tied to your interactions with key NPCs and your decisions in major quests. For example, if you side with Gortash in Act 3 and help him consolidate power, you will be more likely to have the option to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain. Similarly, if you choose to embrace the power of the tadpole and use the Illithid powers granted to you, you will be more inclined to align with the Mind Flayers and the Absolute.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind if you want to pursue this path. First, you should be aware that this choice will alienate many of your companions, particularly those who have a strong moral compass, such as Wyll, Karlach, and Shadowheart. These characters may leave your party or even turn against you if they perceive your actions as too evil or self-serving. On the other hand, characters like Astarion and Minthara, who have more ambiguous morals, may be more supportive of your decision.
Another consideration is the impact this choice will have on the world. Letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain will result in a dystopian future where the Dead Three rule with an iron fist. This outcome is generally considered the "evil" ending, as it leads to widespread suffering and oppression. If you are role-playing a character who values power and control over morality, this may be a fitting conclusion to your story. However, if you are aiming for a more heroic or balanced ending, you may want to reconsider this path.
Common mistakes to avoid include making inconsistent choices throughout the game. If you have been opposing the Absolute and the Dead Three up until the final moments, suddenly switching sides may feel out of character and could lead to unintended consequences. ItÔÇÖs important to stay true to your characterÔÇÖs motivations and align your actions accordingly.
Advanced techniques for achieving this outcome involve carefully managing your relationships with key NPCs and making strategic use of the Illithid powers. For example, using the Illithid powers to dominate enemies and influence NPCs can help you gain favor with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs followers. Additionally, completing quests that align with the goals of the Dead Three, such as helping Gortash secure the Steel Watch or aiding Orin in her schemes, will increase your chances of being able to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the concept of the Elder Brain and the Absolute is rooted in the lore of Mind Flayers and the Dead Three. The Elder Brain is a powerful psionic entity that can control other Mind Flayers and thralls, while the Dead Three are deities of death, murder, and tyranny. The gameÔÇÖs implementation of these elements is consistent with their portrayal in Dungeons & Dragons, and the choices you make reflect the moral and ethical dilemmas that are central to the D&D experience.
Specific examples of scenarios where this choice comes into play include the final battle in Act 3, where you must decide whether to destroy the Elder Brain or allow it to be controlled by the Absolute. Another example is the confrontation with Gortash, where you can choose to ally with him or oppose him. Each of these moments contributes to the overall narrative and influences the final outcome.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a complex and morally challenging decision that has far-reaching consequences for the world and your companions. To achieve this outcome, you must consistently align yourself with the forces of the Absolute and the Dead Three, manage your relationships with key NPCs, and make strategic use of the Illithid powers. While this path leads to a dark and oppressive ending, it can be a compelling choice for players who are role-playing an evil or power-hungry character.