What happens if I let the Emperor consume the Elder Brain in the final battle of Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, the final battle against the Elder Brain is a pivotal moment that determines the fate of the world and your character. One of the key choices you can make during this climactic encounter is whether to allow the Emperor, a powerful Mind Flayer and your ally, to consume the Elder Brain. This decision has significant consequences for the story and the ending you experience. Here is a detailed explanation of how this choice unfolds, the mechanics involved, and the strategies you can use to achieve this outcome.

To allow the Emperor to consume the Elder Brain, you must first reach the final stages of the game. This involves progressing through the main story, defeating key enemies, and making critical decisions that align with the Emperor's goals. The Emperor is a complex character who has been guiding you throughout the game, and his true intentions become clearer as you approach the end. To set the stage for this choice, you must ensure that the Emperor remains your ally and that you trust his judgment. This means avoiding actions that would turn him against you, such as siding with his enemies or questioning his motives too aggressively.

During the final battle, the Elder Brain will unleash its full power, and you will need to fight your way through its defenses. The Emperor will be by your side, using his abilities to aid you in combat. As the battle progresses, you will reach a critical moment where the Emperor offers to consume the Elder Brain. This is a risky move, as it could either grant him ultimate power or lead to his destruction. To proceed with this choice, you must agree to his plan and support him during the process. This involves protecting him from enemy attacks while he focuses on consuming the Elder Brain.

One important tip is to ensure that your party is well-prepared for this battle. The Elder Brain is a formidable opponent, and you will need strong characters with high-level abilities to survive. Make sure your party members are equipped with powerful weapons, armor, and spells. Focus on crowd control and area-of-effect abilities to deal with the numerous enemies that the Elder Brain will summon. Additionally, keep your party close to the Emperor to provide him with support and protection.

A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the Elder Brain's abilities. It can use powerful psychic attacks and summon reinforcements, so you need to stay vigilant and adapt your strategy as the battle progresses. Another mistake is failing to protect the Emperor. If he is defeated before he can consume the Elder Brain, the plan will fail, and you will need to find another way to defeat the enemy. To avoid this, use healing spells and abilities to keep the Emperor alive, and position your party members to block incoming attacks.

Advanced techniques include using buffs and debuffs to gain an advantage. Spells like Haste can increase the Emperor's speed and allow him to act more quickly, while spells like Hold Monster can immobilize powerful enemies and give you more time to focus on the Elder Brain. Additionally, consider using items like Scrolls of Protection to shield your party from psychic damage. These small optimizations can make a big difference in the outcome of the battle.

From a D&D rules perspective, the Emperor's ability to consume the Elder Brain is a unique mechanic that reflects his status as a Mind Flayer. In traditional D&D lore, Mind Flayers are known for their psychic abilities and their desire to dominate other creatures. The Emperor's plan to consume the Elder Brain is a high-risk, high-reward strategy that aligns with his nature as a powerful and ambitious being. The mechanics of this choice are designed to reflect the tension and uncertainty of the situation, as well as the potential consequences of trusting a Mind Flayer with such immense power.

In terms of story consequences, allowing the Emperor to consume the Elder Brain can lead to a variety of outcomes. If successful, the Emperor will gain control over the Elder Brain's power, potentially reshaping the world according to his vision. This could result in a new era of dominance for the Mind Flayers, or it could lead to a more balanced and controlled use of the Elder Brain's abilities. However, there is also the risk that the Emperor could become corrupted by the Elder Brain's influence, leading to even greater chaos and destruction. The exact outcome will depend on your choices throughout the game and the relationships you have built with your companions.

In conclusion, allowing the Emperor to consume the Elder Brain is a bold and risky choice that can significantly impact the ending of Baldur's Gate 3. To achieve this outcome, you must carefully prepare for the final battle, protect the Emperor, and make strategic decisions that align with his goals. By understanding the mechanics involved and using advanced techniques, you can increase your chances of success and experience one of the game's most dramatic and consequential endings.