What happens if I let the Absolute control the Netherbrain in Baldur's Gate 3?
Letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain in Baldur's Gate 3 is one of the most significant and morally complex decisions you can make in the game. This choice occurs during the final stages of the story, where you must decide the fate of the Netherbrain, a powerful entity that has been a central threat throughout the campaign. Choosing to let the Absolute control the Netherbrain leads to a specific ending that has far-reaching consequences for the world and your companions. Here is a detailed explanation of how to achieve this outcome, the mechanics involved, and what you need to consider.
To let the Absolute control the Netherbrain, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final confrontation with the Netherbrain. This occurs in the Upper City of Baldur's Gate, where you and your party must make a series of critical decisions. The key moment comes when you are given the option to either destroy the Netherbrain or allow the Absolute to take control of it. To choose the latter, you must have aligned yourself with the Absolute's forces earlier in the game, particularly by siding with the Chosen of the Absolute, such as Ketheric Thorm, Orin, and Gortash. These alliances are crucial because they set the stage for the Absolute's dominance.
The mechanics of this choice involve dialogue options and narrative triggers. During the final confrontation, you will be presented with a choice to either resist the Absolute's influence or submit to it. If you choose to submit, the Absolute will take control of the Netherbrain, and you will effectively become its servant. This decision is irreversible and leads to a specific ending where the Absolute's power is consolidated, and the world is reshaped under its rule. Your companions will react to this choice based on their personalities and your relationship with them. Some may abandon you, while others may reluctantly follow your lead.
One important tip is to ensure that your character has high Charisma and Persuasion skills, as these will help you navigate the dialogue options more effectively. If you have been building a character who is aligned with the Absolute's goals, such as a Dark Urge or a character who values power above all else, this choice will feel more natural and consistent with your roleplay. However, if you have been playing a more heroic character, this decision may feel out of character and could lead to dissatisfaction with the ending.
A common mistake to avoid is making this choice without considering the long-term consequences. Letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain means that you are essentially giving up your freedom and the freedom of others in exchange for power. This choice will alienate some of your companions, particularly those who value freedom and justice, such as Wyll and Karlach. Additionally, this ending may feel unsatisfying if you have been working to resist the Absolute throughout the game. It is important to weigh the narrative and emotional impact of this decision before committing to it.
Advanced techniques involve manipulating the game's narrative triggers to achieve this outcome while minimizing negative consequences. For example, you can use Illithid powers to influence your companions' reactions or use specific dialogue options to justify your decision. However, these techniques require a deep understanding of the game's mechanics and narrative structure, so they are best suited for experienced players.
From a D&D rules perspective, this choice reflects the concept of alignment and moral decision-making. Letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain is a Lawful Evil choice, as it involves submitting to a higher authority and sacrificing personal freedom for the sake of order and power. This choice also ties into the game's themes of control and autonomy, as it forces you to confront the consequences of your actions and the impact they have on the world.
In specific scenarios, this choice can lead to unique interactions with your companions. For example, if you have romanced Shadowheart, she may struggle with your decision but ultimately stay by your side if you have a strong bond. Conversely, characters like Gale or Lae'zel may reject your choice outright, leading to dramatic confrontations. These interactions add depth to the narrative and highlight the importance of your relationships with your companions.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain is a complex and morally challenging decision that requires careful consideration. By aligning yourself with the Absolute's forces, navigating the final confrontation, and weighing the consequences, you can achieve this ending. However, it is important to consider the impact on your companions and the world before making this choice. This decision reflects the game's emphasis on narrative depth and player agency, making it a memorable and impactful moment in Baldur's Gate 3.
To let the Absolute control the Netherbrain, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final confrontation with the Netherbrain. This occurs in the Upper City of Baldur's Gate, where you and your party must make a series of critical decisions. The key moment comes when you are given the option to either destroy the Netherbrain or allow the Absolute to take control of it. To choose the latter, you must have aligned yourself with the Absolute's forces earlier in the game, particularly by siding with the Chosen of the Absolute, such as Ketheric Thorm, Orin, and Gortash. These alliances are crucial because they set the stage for the Absolute's dominance.
The mechanics of this choice involve dialogue options and narrative triggers. During the final confrontation, you will be presented with a choice to either resist the Absolute's influence or submit to it. If you choose to submit, the Absolute will take control of the Netherbrain, and you will effectively become its servant. This decision is irreversible and leads to a specific ending where the Absolute's power is consolidated, and the world is reshaped under its rule. Your companions will react to this choice based on their personalities and your relationship with them. Some may abandon you, while others may reluctantly follow your lead.
One important tip is to ensure that your character has high Charisma and Persuasion skills, as these will help you navigate the dialogue options more effectively. If you have been building a character who is aligned with the Absolute's goals, such as a Dark Urge or a character who values power above all else, this choice will feel more natural and consistent with your roleplay. However, if you have been playing a more heroic character, this decision may feel out of character and could lead to dissatisfaction with the ending.
A common mistake to avoid is making this choice without considering the long-term consequences. Letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain means that you are essentially giving up your freedom and the freedom of others in exchange for power. This choice will alienate some of your companions, particularly those who value freedom and justice, such as Wyll and Karlach. Additionally, this ending may feel unsatisfying if you have been working to resist the Absolute throughout the game. It is important to weigh the narrative and emotional impact of this decision before committing to it.
Advanced techniques involve manipulating the game's narrative triggers to achieve this outcome while minimizing negative consequences. For example, you can use Illithid powers to influence your companions' reactions or use specific dialogue options to justify your decision. However, these techniques require a deep understanding of the game's mechanics and narrative structure, so they are best suited for experienced players.
From a D&D rules perspective, this choice reflects the concept of alignment and moral decision-making. Letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain is a Lawful Evil choice, as it involves submitting to a higher authority and sacrificing personal freedom for the sake of order and power. This choice also ties into the game's themes of control and autonomy, as it forces you to confront the consequences of your actions and the impact they have on the world.
In specific scenarios, this choice can lead to unique interactions with your companions. For example, if you have romanced Shadowheart, she may struggle with your decision but ultimately stay by your side if you have a strong bond. Conversely, characters like Gale or Lae'zel may reject your choice outright, leading to dramatic confrontations. These interactions add depth to the narrative and highlight the importance of your relationships with your companions.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Netherbrain is a complex and morally challenging decision that requires careful consideration. By aligning yourself with the Absolute's forces, navigating the final confrontation, and weighing the consequences, you can achieve this ending. However, it is important to consider the impact on your companions and the world before making this choice. This decision reflects the game's emphasis on narrative depth and player agency, making it a memorable and impactful moment in Baldur's Gate 3.