What happens if I let the Emperor control the Netherbrain in Baldur's Gate 3?
In Baldur's Gate 3, the decision to let the Emperor control the Netherbrain is one of the most significant choices you can make in the game's narrative. This choice occurs near the end of the game, during the climactic moments of the story, and it has profound implications for the world and your companions. To understand how this choice unfolds, it is important to first grasp the context and mechanics involved.
The Emperor is a powerful Mind Flayer who has been guiding you throughout the game, often from the shadows. As the story progresses, you learn more about his motivations and his connection to the Netherbrain, a massive, sentient entity that controls the Mind Flayer threat. The Emperor's ultimate goal is to dominate the Netherbrain, using its power to reshape the world according to his vision. However, this path is fraught with moral ambiguity and potential consequences.
To reach the point where you can choose to let the Emperor control the Netherbrain, you must first navigate a series of key story decisions. Early in the game, you will encounter the Githyanki and their leader, Vlaakith, who are also seeking to destroy the Netherbrain. You will need to decide whether to align with the Githyanki or to trust the Emperor. This choice will influence your relationship with the Emperor and determine whether he remains an ally or becomes an adversary.
As you progress through the game, you will face numerous challenges that test your resolve and your ability to resist the influence of the Mind Flayers. One of the most critical moments comes when you reach the city of Baldur's Gate itself. Here, you will need to gather allies and resources to confront the Netherbrain. The Emperor will play a key role in this final confrontation, offering you the chance to use his powers to dominate the Netherbrain.
When the time comes to make the final decision, you will be presented with a choice: allow the Emperor to control the Netherbrain, or seek another solution. If you choose to let the Emperor take control, he will use his abilities to dominate the Netherbrain, effectively ending the threat it poses. However, this comes at a cost. The Emperor's control over the Netherbrain will give him immense power, and he will use it to impose his will on the world. This could lead to a future where the Emperor becomes a new tyrant, ruling over all with an iron fist.
To achieve this outcome, you must ensure that the Emperor remains your ally throughout the game. This means making choices that align with his goals and avoiding actions that would alienate him. For example, siding with the Githyanki or openly opposing the Emperor's plans could lead to a breakdown in your relationship, making it impossible to trust him with the Netherbrain.
One important tip is to carefully consider the consequences of your actions. While the Emperor may seem like a powerful ally, his ultimate goals are not necessarily aligned with the greater good. Allowing him to control the Netherbrain could lead to a future where freedom and individuality are sacrificed for the sake of order and control. It is also important to consider the impact this choice will have on your companions. Some may support your decision, while others may vehemently oppose it, leading to potential conflicts within your party.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the Emperor's influence. Throughout the game, he will attempt to manipulate you and your companions, often presenting himself as the only viable solution to the problems you face. It is important to remain vigilant and question his motives, as his ultimate goal is to gain control over the Netherbrain and, by extension, the world.
Advanced techniques involve leveraging your character's abilities and the strengths of your companions to navigate the complex web of alliances and conflicts. For example, if you have a character with high Charisma and Persuasion skills, you may be able to convince the Emperor to trust you more, making it easier to align with his goals. Similarly, having a diverse party with a range of skills and abilities can help you overcome the challenges you face in the final confrontation with the Netherbrain.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the Emperor's ability to dominate the Netherbrain is rooted in the Mind Flayer's innate psionic powers. In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, Mind Flayers are known for their ability to control and manipulate others through their psionic abilities. The Emperor's control over the Netherbrain is an extension of these powers, allowing him to dominate a creature of immense power and intelligence.
Specific examples and scenarios include the final battle in Baldur's Gate, where you must confront the Netherbrain directly. During this battle, the Emperor will offer to use his powers to dominate the Netherbrain, but only if you have maintained a strong alliance with him. If you choose to let him take control, the battle will end with the Emperor asserting his dominance over the Netherbrain, effectively ending the threat it poses but also setting the stage for a new era of his rule.
In conclusion, the decision to let the Emperor control the Netherbrain is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that has far-reaching consequences for the world and your companions. To achieve this outcome, you must carefully navigate the game's story, making choices that align with the Emperor's goals and maintaining a strong alliance with him. However, it is important to consider the potential consequences of this decision, as it could lead to a future where the Emperor becomes a new tyrant, ruling over all with an iron fist.
The Emperor is a powerful Mind Flayer who has been guiding you throughout the game, often from the shadows. As the story progresses, you learn more about his motivations and his connection to the Netherbrain, a massive, sentient entity that controls the Mind Flayer threat. The Emperor's ultimate goal is to dominate the Netherbrain, using its power to reshape the world according to his vision. However, this path is fraught with moral ambiguity and potential consequences.
To reach the point where you can choose to let the Emperor control the Netherbrain, you must first navigate a series of key story decisions. Early in the game, you will encounter the Githyanki and their leader, Vlaakith, who are also seeking to destroy the Netherbrain. You will need to decide whether to align with the Githyanki or to trust the Emperor. This choice will influence your relationship with the Emperor and determine whether he remains an ally or becomes an adversary.
As you progress through the game, you will face numerous challenges that test your resolve and your ability to resist the influence of the Mind Flayers. One of the most critical moments comes when you reach the city of Baldur's Gate itself. Here, you will need to gather allies and resources to confront the Netherbrain. The Emperor will play a key role in this final confrontation, offering you the chance to use his powers to dominate the Netherbrain.
When the time comes to make the final decision, you will be presented with a choice: allow the Emperor to control the Netherbrain, or seek another solution. If you choose to let the Emperor take control, he will use his abilities to dominate the Netherbrain, effectively ending the threat it poses. However, this comes at a cost. The Emperor's control over the Netherbrain will give him immense power, and he will use it to impose his will on the world. This could lead to a future where the Emperor becomes a new tyrant, ruling over all with an iron fist.
To achieve this outcome, you must ensure that the Emperor remains your ally throughout the game. This means making choices that align with his goals and avoiding actions that would alienate him. For example, siding with the Githyanki or openly opposing the Emperor's plans could lead to a breakdown in your relationship, making it impossible to trust him with the Netherbrain.
One important tip is to carefully consider the consequences of your actions. While the Emperor may seem like a powerful ally, his ultimate goals are not necessarily aligned with the greater good. Allowing him to control the Netherbrain could lead to a future where freedom and individuality are sacrificed for the sake of order and control. It is also important to consider the impact this choice will have on your companions. Some may support your decision, while others may vehemently oppose it, leading to potential conflicts within your party.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the Emperor's influence. Throughout the game, he will attempt to manipulate you and your companions, often presenting himself as the only viable solution to the problems you face. It is important to remain vigilant and question his motives, as his ultimate goal is to gain control over the Netherbrain and, by extension, the world.
Advanced techniques involve leveraging your character's abilities and the strengths of your companions to navigate the complex web of alliances and conflicts. For example, if you have a character with high Charisma and Persuasion skills, you may be able to convince the Emperor to trust you more, making it easier to align with his goals. Similarly, having a diverse party with a range of skills and abilities can help you overcome the challenges you face in the final confrontation with the Netherbrain.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the Emperor's ability to dominate the Netherbrain is rooted in the Mind Flayer's innate psionic powers. In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, Mind Flayers are known for their ability to control and manipulate others through their psionic abilities. The Emperor's control over the Netherbrain is an extension of these powers, allowing him to dominate a creature of immense power and intelligence.
Specific examples and scenarios include the final battle in Baldur's Gate, where you must confront the Netherbrain directly. During this battle, the Emperor will offer to use his powers to dominate the Netherbrain, but only if you have maintained a strong alliance with him. If you choose to let him take control, the battle will end with the Emperor asserting his dominance over the Netherbrain, effectively ending the threat it poses but also setting the stage for a new era of his rule.
In conclusion, the decision to let the Emperor control the Netherbrain is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that has far-reaching consequences for the world and your companions. To achieve this outcome, you must carefully navigate the game's story, making choices that align with the Emperor's goals and maintaining a strong alliance with him. However, it is important to consider the potential consequences of this decision, as it could lead to a future where the Emperor becomes a new tyrant, ruling over all with an iron fist.