What happens if I let the tadpole control the Absolute in Act 2 of Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, the decision to let the tadpole control the Absolute in Act 2 is a pivotal moment that can significantly alter the course of the story. This choice is tied to the Illithid powers that your character and your companions gain from the tadpoles implanted in your brains. The game presents you with opportunities to either resist or embrace these powers, and the choice to let the tadpole control the Absolute is one of the most dramatic ways to embrace them. Here is a detailed explanation of how this choice works, the mechanics involved, and the consequences it brings.

To let the tadpole control the Absolute, you must first progress through the main story in Act 2. This involves reaching the point where you confront the Absolute's forces and the Chosen Three, who are the primary antagonists at this stage. The key moment occurs when you interact with the Absolute's power source, which is tied to the Elder Brain and the Illithid tadpoles. At this point, the game will present you with a choice: either resist the tadpole's influence or give in to it and allow it to take control.

The mechanics of this choice are tied to the Illithid Wisdom skill checks that you will encounter throughout the game. These checks determine how well your character can resist or embrace the tadpole's influence. If you have been consistently using Illithid powers and making choices that align with the tadpole's influence, your character will have an easier time letting the tadpole take control. Conversely, if you have been resisting the tadpole's influence, the game will make it more difficult to choose this path.

To achieve this outcome, you should focus on building your character's Illithid Wisdom. This can be done by using Illithid powers in combat and dialogue, consuming tadpoles to gain more powers, and making choices that align with the tadpole's influence. For example, when given the option to use Illithid powers to persuade or intimidate NPCs, you should take those options. Additionally, you should prioritize consuming tadpoles whenever they are offered, as this will increase your character's connection to the Illithid powers.

When you reach the critical moment in Act 2, the game will present you with a series of dialogue options and skill checks. To let the tadpole control the Absolute, you will need to choose the options that indicate your willingness to embrace the tadpole's influence. This may involve passing Illithid Wisdom checks, which will be easier if you have been consistently using Illithid powers throughout the game. If you fail these checks, you may be forced to resist the tadpole's influence, which will lead to a different outcome.

One important tip is to ensure that your character has a high Wisdom score, as this will make it easier to pass the necessary skill checks. You can also use spells or abilities that boost your Wisdom or give you advantage on skill checks. For example, the Enhance Ability spell can be used to gain advantage on Wisdom checks, making it easier to pass the Illithid Wisdom checks required to let the tadpole take control.

A common mistake to avoid is neglecting to build your character's Illithid Wisdom. If you have been resisting the tadpole's influence throughout the game, it will be much harder to let the tadpole take control in Act 2. Additionally, failing to consume tadpoles when they are offered will limit your character's connection to the Illithid powers, making it more difficult to pass the necessary skill checks.

Advanced techniques involve optimizing your character's build to maximize their Illithid Wisdom. This can be done by choosing a class that benefits from high Wisdom, such as a Cleric or Druid, and focusing on abilities and spells that enhance Wisdom. You can also use items that boost Wisdom or provide bonuses to skill checks. For example, the Amulet of Greater Health increases your Constitution and can be useful for surviving the challenges in Act 2.

In terms of D&D rules, the Illithid powers in Baldur's Gate 3 are based on the Mind Flayer abilities from the 5th edition of Dungeons & Dragons. These abilities include telepathy, mind control, and psychic damage, all of which are represented in the game. The Illithid Wisdom skill checks are a unique mechanic in Baldur's Gate 3, but they are based on the Wisdom saving throws and skill checks from D&D 5e. Understanding how these mechanics work in the tabletop game can help you make better decisions in Baldur's Gate 3.

A specific example of this choice occurs during the confrontation with the Chosen Three in Act 2. If you have been embracing the tadpole's influence, you will have the option to let the tadpole take control of the Absolute, which will lead to a dramatic shift in the story. This choice will have significant consequences for your character and your companions, as it will alter the balance of power in the game world and lead to different endings.

In conclusion, letting the tadpole control the Absolute in Act 2 of Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and impactful choice that requires careful planning and strategy. By building your character's Illithid Wisdom, making choices that align with the tadpole's influence, and optimizing your character's build, you can achieve this outcome and experience a unique and dramatic twist in the story. Be mindful of the consequences, as this choice will shape the rest of your journey in Baldur's Gate 3.