What happens if I let the Emperor merge with the Elder Brain in Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, the Emperor is a key character who plays a significant role in the story, particularly in the latter stages of the game. The Emperor is a Mind Flayer who has retained his individuality and free will, and he seeks to use the power of the Elder Brain to achieve his own goals. Allowing the Emperor to merge with the Elder Brain is one of the major decisions you can make, and it has profound consequences for the story and the world.

To understand how to achieve this outcome, it is important to first grasp the mechanics involved. The Emperor is a powerful entity who has been manipulating events from behind the scenes. He is connected to the Elder Brain, which is the central control unit for all Mind Flayers. The Elder Brain is a massive, sentient being that commands the Illithid forces and seeks to dominate all life. The Emperor believes that by merging with the Elder Brain, he can control it and use its power for his own purposes.

The decision to let the Emperor merge with the Elder Brain comes at a critical point in the game, typically during the final act. At this stage, you will have to make a choice that will determine the fate of the Elder Brain and the world. To reach this point, you must progress through the main story, making choices that align with the Emperor's goals. This involves siding with him in key decisions, trusting his guidance, and following his plans to confront the Elder Brain.

Step-by-step, here is how you can achieve this outcome. First, you need to build a strong relationship with the Emperor. This means choosing dialogue options that show trust and support for his actions. Throughout the game, the Emperor will offer you advice and guidance, and you should generally follow his suggestions. This will increase his trust in you and make him more likely to reveal his true intentions.

As you progress through the game, you will encounter various factions and characters who have their own agendas. Some of these characters will oppose the Emperor and try to convince you to turn against him. It is important to resist these temptations and remain loyal to the Emperor. This will ensure that he continues to see you as an ally and will be more willing to share his plans with you.

When you reach the final act, you will be faced with the decision of whether to let the Emperor merge with the Elder Brain. At this point, you will need to choose dialogue options that indicate your willingness to support his plan. This will involve a series of conversations where you express your trust in him and agree to help him achieve his goal. If you have built a strong relationship with the Emperor, he will be more likely to succeed in his plan.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, it is crucial to understand the consequences of your decision. Allowing the Emperor to merge with the Elder Brain will give him immense power, but it will also make him a dominant force in the world. This could lead to a future where the Emperor controls everything, and your character may become a pawn in his schemes. It is important to weigh the potential benefits against the risks before making your decision.

Another consideration is the impact on your companions. Some of your party members may have strong opinions about the Emperor and his plans. If you choose to support the Emperor, you may alienate certain companions or even lose their loyalty. It is important to consider how your decision will affect your relationships with your party members and whether you are willing to accept the consequences.

Common mistakes to avoid include making hasty decisions without fully understanding the implications. It is easy to get caught up in the moment and choose an option that seems appealing at the time, but it is important to think about the long-term consequences. Additionally, failing to build a strong relationship with the Emperor can make it more difficult to achieve this outcome. If you have not gained his trust, he may not be willing to share his plans with you, and you may miss the opportunity to make this choice.

Advanced techniques and optimizations involve carefully planning your character's actions and dialogue choices throughout the game. This includes choosing the right companions to bring with you on key missions, as their reactions can influence the outcome. It also involves making strategic decisions in combat and other encounters that align with the Emperor's goals. By carefully managing your character's actions and relationships, you can increase the likelihood of achieving this outcome.

In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, the Emperor's ability to merge with the Elder Brain is based on the concept of psionic power and mind control. In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, Mind Flayers are known for their psionic abilities, which allow them to control the minds of others. The Elder Brain is a powerful psionic entity that can dominate the minds of lesser beings. The Emperor's plan to merge with the Elder Brain is an extension of these abilities, allowing him to take control of the Elder Brain's power and use it for his own purposes.

Specific examples and scenarios include key moments in the game where you must choose between siding with the Emperor or opposing him. For instance, when you encounter the Githyanki and their leader, Vlaakith, you will have the opportunity to either support the Emperor's plan or side with the Githyanki. Choosing to support the Emperor in these moments will increase his trust in you and make it more likely that he will succeed in his plan to merge with the Elder Brain.

In conclusion, allowing the Emperor to merge with the Elder Brain is a major decision that has significant consequences for the story and the world. To achieve this outcome, you must build a strong relationship with the Emperor, make choices that align with his goals, and carefully consider the implications of your decision. By following these steps and keeping these tips in mind, you can successfully navigate this complex narrative and shape the future of the world in Baldur's Gate 3.