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 has far-reaching consequences for the story, your companions, and the world of Faer├╗n. 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 for a colony of Mind Flayers. In BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3, the Absolute is a mysterious force that seeks to dominate the Elder Brain and use it to control the minds of others. The Absolute is revealed to be a collective of three Chosen of the Dead ThreeÔÇöBhaal, Myrkul, and BaneÔÇöwho have united to create a new god-like entity. By allowing the Absolute to control the Elder Brain, you are essentially enabling this new god to exert its will over the world, leading to a dystopian future where free will is eradicated.
To achieve this outcome, you must align yourself with the Absolute and its Chosen throughout the game. This involves making choices that support their goals, such as siding with them in key conflicts and rejecting opportunities to undermine their plans. One of the most critical moments comes in Act 3, when you confront the Elder Brain in the final stages of the game. Here, you must choose to either destroy the Elder Brain or allow the Absolute to take control of it. If you choose the latter, the Absolute will use the Elder Brain to enslave the minds of countless people, including your companions and the citizens of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate.
The mechanics of this choice are tied to the gameÔÇÖs dialogue and decision-making systems. When you reach the Elder Brain, you will be presented with a series of dialogue options that determine the outcome. To let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you must select options that express your willingness to serve the Absolute and its Chosen. This will trigger a sequence where the Absolute takes control of the Elder Brain, and the game will transition to an ending where the AbsoluteÔÇÖs domination is complete.
One important tip is to ensure that your characterÔÇÖs alignment and choices throughout the game are consistent with serving the Absolute. This means avoiding actions that would undermine the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals, such as freeing the Githyanki prince Orpheus or allying with factions that oppose the Absolute. Additionally, you should prioritize building relationships with the Chosen of the Dead Three, as this will make it easier to convince them of your loyalty when the time comes.
A common mistake to avoid is making choices that are inconsistent with serving the Absolute. For example, if you have been working against the Absolute throughout the game, it may be difficult to convince the Chosen of your loyalty in the final moments. This can lead to a situation where you are forced to fight the Chosen and the Elder Brain, resulting in a different ending. To avoid this, itÔÇÖs important to stay committed to the AbsoluteÔÇÖs cause from the beginning.
Advanced techniques for achieving this outcome include optimizing your character build to align with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals. For example, playing as a character with high Charisma and proficiency in Persuasion and Deception can make it easier to convince the Chosen of your loyalty. Additionally, choosing a class that complements the AbsoluteÔÇÖs themes, such as a Warlock or Cleric, can enhance your role-playing experience and make the story feel more cohesive.
From a D&D rules perspective, the concept of the Absolute controlling the Elder Brain is rooted in the lore of Mind Flayers and the Dead Three. In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, Mind Flayers are known for their psionic abilities and their desire to dominate other creatures. The Dead ThreeÔÇöBhaal, Myrkul, and BaneÔÇöare deities associated with death, decay, and tyranny, respectively. By uniting their powers, they create a force that embodies the worst aspects of each, leading to a narrative that explores themes of power, control, and the loss of free will.
In specific scenarios, such as the final confrontation with the Elder Brain, the gameÔÇÖs mechanics reflect these themes through dialogue choices and skill checks. For example, you may need to pass a Persuasion or Intimidation check to convince the Chosen of your loyalty. Failing these checks can result in a different outcome, such as being forced to fight the Chosen or losing the opportunity to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 is a complex and morally challenging decision that requires careful planning and consistent choices throughout the game. By aligning yourself with the Absolute and its Chosen, optimizing your character build, and avoiding inconsistent actions, you can achieve this outcome and experience one of the gameÔÇÖs most dramatic endings. However, itÔÇÖs important to consider the consequences of this choice, as it leads to a world where free will is extinguished and the AbsoluteÔÇÖs tyranny reigns supreme.
The Elder Brain is a powerful entity that serves as the central intelligence for a colony of Mind Flayers. In BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3, the Absolute is a mysterious force that seeks to dominate the Elder Brain and use it to control the minds of others. The Absolute is revealed to be a collective of three Chosen of the Dead ThreeÔÇöBhaal, Myrkul, and BaneÔÇöwho have united to create a new god-like entity. By allowing the Absolute to control the Elder Brain, you are essentially enabling this new god to exert its will over the world, leading to a dystopian future where free will is eradicated.
To achieve this outcome, you must align yourself with the Absolute and its Chosen throughout the game. This involves making choices that support their goals, such as siding with them in key conflicts and rejecting opportunities to undermine their plans. One of the most critical moments comes in Act 3, when you confront the Elder Brain in the final stages of the game. Here, you must choose to either destroy the Elder Brain or allow the Absolute to take control of it. If you choose the latter, the Absolute will use the Elder Brain to enslave the minds of countless people, including your companions and the citizens of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate.
The mechanics of this choice are tied to the gameÔÇÖs dialogue and decision-making systems. When you reach the Elder Brain, you will be presented with a series of dialogue options that determine the outcome. To let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you must select options that express your willingness to serve the Absolute and its Chosen. This will trigger a sequence where the Absolute takes control of the Elder Brain, and the game will transition to an ending where the AbsoluteÔÇÖs domination is complete.
One important tip is to ensure that your characterÔÇÖs alignment and choices throughout the game are consistent with serving the Absolute. This means avoiding actions that would undermine the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals, such as freeing the Githyanki prince Orpheus or allying with factions that oppose the Absolute. Additionally, you should prioritize building relationships with the Chosen of the Dead Three, as this will make it easier to convince them of your loyalty when the time comes.
A common mistake to avoid is making choices that are inconsistent with serving the Absolute. For example, if you have been working against the Absolute throughout the game, it may be difficult to convince the Chosen of your loyalty in the final moments. This can lead to a situation where you are forced to fight the Chosen and the Elder Brain, resulting in a different ending. To avoid this, itÔÇÖs important to stay committed to the AbsoluteÔÇÖs cause from the beginning.
Advanced techniques for achieving this outcome include optimizing your character build to align with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals. For example, playing as a character with high Charisma and proficiency in Persuasion and Deception can make it easier to convince the Chosen of your loyalty. Additionally, choosing a class that complements the AbsoluteÔÇÖs themes, such as a Warlock or Cleric, can enhance your role-playing experience and make the story feel more cohesive.
From a D&D rules perspective, the concept of the Absolute controlling the Elder Brain is rooted in the lore of Mind Flayers and the Dead Three. In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, Mind Flayers are known for their psionic abilities and their desire to dominate other creatures. The Dead ThreeÔÇöBhaal, Myrkul, and BaneÔÇöare deities associated with death, decay, and tyranny, respectively. By uniting their powers, they create a force that embodies the worst aspects of each, leading to a narrative that explores themes of power, control, and the loss of free will.
In specific scenarios, such as the final confrontation with the Elder Brain, the gameÔÇÖs mechanics reflect these themes through dialogue choices and skill checks. For example, you may need to pass a Persuasion or Intimidation check to convince the Chosen of your loyalty. Failing these checks can result in a different outcome, such as being forced to fight the Chosen or losing the opportunity to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 is a complex and morally challenging decision that requires careful planning and consistent choices throughout the game. By aligning yourself with the Absolute and its Chosen, optimizing your character build, and avoiding inconsistent actions, you can achieve this outcome and experience one of the gameÔÇÖs most dramatic endings. However, itÔÇÖs important to consider the consequences of this choice, as it leads to a world where free will is extinguished and the AbsoluteÔÇÖs tyranny reigns supreme.