What are the consequences of letting the Emperor control the Absolute in the final battle of Baldur's Gate 3?

Letting the Emperor control the Absolute in the final battle of 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 achieve this outcome, you must align yourself with the Emperor, a powerful Mind Flayer who has been guiding you throughout the game. Here is a detailed explanation of how to navigate this path, including the mechanics, strategies, and considerations involved.

First, it is important to understand the context of this decision. The Emperor is a key figure in the story, and his true nature is revealed as you progress through the game. He is a Mind Flayer who has broken free from the control of the Elder Brain, the central antagonist of the game. The Emperor offers you a choice: join him in controlling the Absolute, or resist and seek another path. To let the Emperor control the Absolute, you must trust him and follow his guidance, even when it conflicts with the desires of your companions or other factions.

The mechanics of this choice are tied to the game's dialogue and decision-making systems. Throughout the game, you will have opportunities to build trust with the Emperor. This is done by agreeing with his plans, supporting his decisions, and avoiding actions that undermine his authority. For example, when the Emperor suggests using the tadpoles to gain power, you should accept his offer and consume the tadpoles. This will increase your connection to him and make it easier to align with his goals in the final battle.

In the final act of the game, you will face the Elder Brain in a climactic battle. The Emperor will propose a plan to dominate the Elder Brain and use its power to control the Absolute. To achieve this, you must follow his instructions and work together to defeat the Elder Brain. This involves a series of combat encounters and skill checks, so it is important to prepare your party for the challenges ahead. Make sure your characters are well-equipped with powerful weapons, armor, and spells. Focus on abilities that can deal high damage to the Elder Brain and its minions, such as Fireball, Eldritch Blast, and Divine Smite.

One important tip is to keep your party close together during the final battle. The Elder Brain has powerful area-of-effect attacks that can devastate your group if they are spread out. Use healing spells and potions to keep your party alive, and prioritize taking down the Elder Brain's minions to reduce the overall threat. The Emperor will assist you in the battle, but his abilities are limited, so you must rely on your own skills and tactics to succeed.

A common mistake to avoid is doubting the Emperor's intentions or trying to resist his influence. If you question his motives or refuse to follow his plan, he may turn against you, making it much harder to achieve the desired outcome. Stay committed to his cause, even if it means making difficult choices or alienating your companions. Some companions, such as Lae'zel and Shadowheart, may oppose the Emperor's plan, so be prepared to manage their reactions and keep them in line.

Advanced techniques for this path include optimizing your character build to maximize your effectiveness in the final battle. Consider multiclassing to gain access to powerful abilities from different classes. For example, a Paladin/Warlock multiclass can combine the Paladin's Divine Smite with the Warlock's Eldritch Blast for devastating damage output. Additionally, focus on increasing your character's Charisma and Wisdom scores, as these will be important for the skill checks and dialogue options required to align with the Emperor.

In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the Emperor's plan to control the Absolute is based on the concept of psionic domination. In D&D 5E, psionics are a form of mental magic that allows creatures to manipulate the minds of others. The Emperor uses his psionic abilities to dominate the Elder Brain and bend it to his will. This is reflected in the game's mechanics through the use of skill checks and combat abilities that test your character's mental fortitude and resolve.

Specific examples of this path include the final dialogue with the Emperor, where you must choose to trust him and allow him to take control of the Absolute. This decision will lead to a unique ending where the Emperor becomes the new ruler of the Absolute, and you are granted a position of power alongside him. However, this ending comes at a cost, as it may alienate some of your companions and lead to a darker future for Faer├╗n.

In conclusion, letting the Emperor control the Absolute in the final battle of Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that requires careful planning and commitment. By building trust with the Emperor, preparing your party for the final battle, and staying true to his cause, you can achieve this outcome and shape the future of the game's world. Be mindful of the consequences and the impact on your companions, and use advanced techniques to optimize your character's effectiveness in the final battle. This path offers a unique and compelling conclusion to the game's story, but it is not without its challenges and sacrifices.