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 of the Mind Flayer colony. It controls the actions of the Mind Flayers and their thralls, including the cult of the Absolute. The Absolute is a mysterious force that has been manipulating events throughout the game, and it is revealed to be a collective consciousness formed by the merging of three powerful entities: the Dead Three (Bhaal, Myrkul, and Bane). By allowing the Absolute to control the Elder Brain, you are essentially handing over ultimate power to this malevolent force.
To achieve this outcome, you must follow a specific path in the gameÔÇÖs narrative. First, you need to align yourself with the cult of the Absolute. This involves making choices that support their goals and gaining their trust. You will encounter key figures such as Ketheric Thorm, Orin the Red, and Gortash, who are the chosen representatives of the Dead Three. Each of these characters has their own motivations and methods, and you will need to navigate their schemes carefully.
One of the critical moments in this path is the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm in Act 2. You must defeat him in combat, but instead of destroying his soul, you can choose to spare him and allow him to continue serving the Absolute. This decision will have significant repercussions later in the game. In Act 3, you will face Orin the Red and Gortash. Again, you have the option to either defeat them or align with them. If you choose to align with them, you will be working towards the goal of allowing the Absolute to control the Elder Brain.
Once you have secured the support of the Dead ThreeÔÇÖs chosen, you will need to confront the Elder Brain itself. This is a challenging battle that requires careful preparation. You should ensure that your party is well-equipped with powerful weapons, armor, and spells. ItÔÇÖs also important to have a balanced party composition, with characters who can deal high damage, provide healing, and control the battlefield.
During the final confrontation, you will have the option to either destroy the Elder Brain or allow the Absolute to take control. If you choose the latter, the Absolute will use the Elder Brain to dominate the minds of all living beings, effectively enslaving the world. This leads to a dark ending where the Absolute reigns supreme, and your character becomes a puppet of this malevolent force.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when pursuing this path. First, be aware that aligning with the Absolute will alienate many of your companions. Characters like Shadowheart, LaeÔÇÖzel, and Wyll have strong moral convictions and will likely oppose your decision. You may need to make difficult choices about who to keep in your party and who to let go.
Another consideration is the impact on the world. Allowing the Absolute to control the Elder Brain will result in a dystopian future where freedom and individuality are eradicated. This is a morally ambiguous choice that raises questions about power, control, and the greater good. ItÔÇÖs important to think carefully about the consequences of your actions and how they align with your characterÔÇÖs values.
Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the difficulty of the final battle and failing to prepare adequately. The Elder Brain is a formidable opponent, and you will need to use all of your resources to defeat it. Make sure to stock up on healing potions, scrolls, and other consumables before the fight. Additionally, be mindful of your partyÔÇÖs positioning and use crowd control spells to manage the enemyÔÇÖs movements.
Advanced techniques for optimizing your partyÔÇÖs performance include using synergies between charactersÔÇÖ abilities and spells. For example, a Sorcerer with the Twinned Spell metamagic can cast Haste on two party members, significantly increasing their combat effectiveness. A PaladinÔÇÖs Smite ability can deal massive damage to the Elder Brain, especially if combined with a critical hit. Experiment with different combinations to find the most effective strategies for your playstyle.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the Elder Brain is a powerful creature with high hit points, strong defenses, and devastating psychic abilities. It can dominate the minds of your party members, turning them against each other. To counter this, you should have characters with high Wisdom saves or abilities that grant immunity to charm and fear effects. Spells like Protection from Evil and Good can also provide valuable protection against the Elder BrainÔÇÖs mind control.
Specific examples and scenarios include the final battle in Act 3, where the Elder Brain will summon waves of Mind Flayers and other minions to overwhelm your party. You will need to focus on taking down the Elder Brain while managing the adds. Using area-of-effect spells like Fireball or Spirit Guardians can help clear the battlefield and reduce the pressure on your party.
In conclusion, allowing the Absolute to control the Elder Brain is a complex and morally challenging decision that has significant consequences for the story and your companions. It requires careful planning, strategic combat tactics, and a willingness to embrace a darker path. By understanding the mechanics involved and preparing adequately, you can navigate this path and experience one of the gameÔÇÖs most dramatic endings.
The Elder Brain is a powerful entity that serves as the central intelligence of the Mind Flayer colony. It controls the actions of the Mind Flayers and their thralls, including the cult of the Absolute. The Absolute is a mysterious force that has been manipulating events throughout the game, and it is revealed to be a collective consciousness formed by the merging of three powerful entities: the Dead Three (Bhaal, Myrkul, and Bane). By allowing the Absolute to control the Elder Brain, you are essentially handing over ultimate power to this malevolent force.
To achieve this outcome, you must follow a specific path in the gameÔÇÖs narrative. First, you need to align yourself with the cult of the Absolute. This involves making choices that support their goals and gaining their trust. You will encounter key figures such as Ketheric Thorm, Orin the Red, and Gortash, who are the chosen representatives of the Dead Three. Each of these characters has their own motivations and methods, and you will need to navigate their schemes carefully.
One of the critical moments in this path is the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm in Act 2. You must defeat him in combat, but instead of destroying his soul, you can choose to spare him and allow him to continue serving the Absolute. This decision will have significant repercussions later in the game. In Act 3, you will face Orin the Red and Gortash. Again, you have the option to either defeat them or align with them. If you choose to align with them, you will be working towards the goal of allowing the Absolute to control the Elder Brain.
Once you have secured the support of the Dead ThreeÔÇÖs chosen, you will need to confront the Elder Brain itself. This is a challenging battle that requires careful preparation. You should ensure that your party is well-equipped with powerful weapons, armor, and spells. ItÔÇÖs also important to have a balanced party composition, with characters who can deal high damage, provide healing, and control the battlefield.
During the final confrontation, you will have the option to either destroy the Elder Brain or allow the Absolute to take control. If you choose the latter, the Absolute will use the Elder Brain to dominate the minds of all living beings, effectively enslaving the world. This leads to a dark ending where the Absolute reigns supreme, and your character becomes a puppet of this malevolent force.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when pursuing this path. First, be aware that aligning with the Absolute will alienate many of your companions. Characters like Shadowheart, LaeÔÇÖzel, and Wyll have strong moral convictions and will likely oppose your decision. You may need to make difficult choices about who to keep in your party and who to let go.
Another consideration is the impact on the world. Allowing the Absolute to control the Elder Brain will result in a dystopian future where freedom and individuality are eradicated. This is a morally ambiguous choice that raises questions about power, control, and the greater good. ItÔÇÖs important to think carefully about the consequences of your actions and how they align with your characterÔÇÖs values.
Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the difficulty of the final battle and failing to prepare adequately. The Elder Brain is a formidable opponent, and you will need to use all of your resources to defeat it. Make sure to stock up on healing potions, scrolls, and other consumables before the fight. Additionally, be mindful of your partyÔÇÖs positioning and use crowd control spells to manage the enemyÔÇÖs movements.
Advanced techniques for optimizing your partyÔÇÖs performance include using synergies between charactersÔÇÖ abilities and spells. For example, a Sorcerer with the Twinned Spell metamagic can cast Haste on two party members, significantly increasing their combat effectiveness. A PaladinÔÇÖs Smite ability can deal massive damage to the Elder Brain, especially if combined with a critical hit. Experiment with different combinations to find the most effective strategies for your playstyle.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the Elder Brain is a powerful creature with high hit points, strong defenses, and devastating psychic abilities. It can dominate the minds of your party members, turning them against each other. To counter this, you should have characters with high Wisdom saves or abilities that grant immunity to charm and fear effects. Spells like Protection from Evil and Good can also provide valuable protection against the Elder BrainÔÇÖs mind control.
Specific examples and scenarios include the final battle in Act 3, where the Elder Brain will summon waves of Mind Flayers and other minions to overwhelm your party. You will need to focus on taking down the Elder Brain while managing the adds. Using area-of-effect spells like Fireball or Spirit Guardians can help clear the battlefield and reduce the pressure on your party.
In conclusion, allowing the Absolute to control the Elder Brain is a complex and morally challenging decision that has significant consequences for the story and your companions. It requires careful planning, strategic combat tactics, and a willingness to embrace a darker path. By understanding the mechanics involved and preparing adequately, you can navigate this path and experience one of the gameÔÇÖs most dramatic endings.