What happens if I let the Emperor control the Netherbrain in Baldur's Gate 3?
In Baldur's Gate 3, the decision to let the Emperor control the Netherbrain is one of the most significant choices you can make in the game's narrative. This choice occurs during the final stages of the game, specifically in the climactic moments of the main questline. The Emperor, a powerful Mind Flayer and a key figure in the story, offers you the option to allow him to dominate the Netherbrain, a massive and dangerous entity that threatens the entire world. This decision has profound implications for the story, your companions, and the world at large. Here is a detailed explanation of how to achieve this outcome, the mechanics involved, and the consequences of your choice.
To let the Emperor control the Netherbrain, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final confrontation with the Netherbrain. This involves completing a series of quests, including gathering allies, defeating key enemies, and making critical decisions that shape the narrative. As you approach the endgame, you will encounter the Emperor in the Astral Plane, where he reveals his true nature and his plans for the Netherbrain. At this point, you will have the option to either trust the Emperor and allow him to take control of the Netherbrain or reject his offer and pursue a different path.
The mechanics of this choice are tied to your interactions with the Emperor throughout the game. Your relationship with him is influenced by your dialogue choices, your actions, and your overall alignment. If you have consistently supported the Emperor and trusted his guidance, he will be more likely to offer you the option to let him control the Netherbrain. Conversely, if you have been skeptical or hostile towards him, he may not extend this offer, or you may be less inclined to accept it.
When the moment comes to make the decision, you will need to choose between several options. One of these options will be to allow the Emperor to dominate the Netherbrain. If you select this option, the Emperor will use his psionic powers to take control of the Netherbrain, effectively ending the immediate threat. However, this choice comes with significant consequences. By allowing the Emperor to control the Netherbrain, you are essentially placing the fate of the world in the hands of a Mind Flayer, a being with its own agenda and motivations. This decision can lead to a darker ending, where the Emperor's influence over the Netherbrain results in a new form of tyranny, with the potential for widespread suffering and oppression.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when making this choice. First, consider the implications for your companions. Some of your party members may have strong opinions about the Emperor and his intentions. For example, Lae'zel, a Githyanki warrior, may be deeply opposed to the idea of allowing a Mind Flayer to gain such power, given the Githyanki's history of conflict with Mind Flayers. On the other hand, characters like Astarion, who may be more pragmatic, might see the benefits of using the Emperor's power to achieve their own goals. It is important to weigh these perspectives and consider how your choice will affect your relationships with your companions.
Another consideration is the long-term consequences of your decision. While allowing the Emperor to control the Netherbrain may seem like a quick solution to the immediate threat, it could have far-reaching effects on the world. The Emperor's control over the Netherbrain could lead to a new era of domination and subjugation, with the potential for future conflicts and struggles for freedom. On the other hand, rejecting the Emperor's offer and finding another way to defeat the Netherbrain could lead to a more hopeful and balanced outcome, though it may require greater effort and sacrifice.
Common mistakes to avoid include making this decision without fully understanding the implications or without considering the perspectives of your companions. It is important to engage in dialogue with your party members and gather as much information as possible before making your choice. Additionally, be mindful of your own character's alignment and motivations. If your character is driven by a desire for power or control, allowing the Emperor to dominate the Netherbrain may align with their goals. However, if your character values freedom and justice, this choice may conflict with their principles.
Advanced techniques and optimizations for this choice involve carefully managing your relationships with the Emperor and your companions throughout the game. By building trust with the Emperor and aligning your actions with his goals, you can increase the likelihood of him offering you the option to control the Netherbrain. At the same time, maintaining strong relationships with your companions and understanding their perspectives can help you make a more informed decision. Additionally, consider the role of your character's abilities and skills in the final confrontation. High Charisma and Persuasion skills can be useful in negotiating with the Emperor and influencing his decisions, while strong combat abilities may be necessary if you choose to reject his offer and face the Netherbrain directly.
In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, the concept of Mind Flayers and their psionic abilities is central to this choice. Mind Flayers, also known as Illithids, are powerful beings with the ability to control minds and manipulate others to their will. The Emperor's ability to dominate the Netherbrain is a reflection of these psionic powers, which are a key aspect of Mind Flayer lore in Dungeons & Dragons. Understanding these rules can provide deeper insight into the Emperor's motivations and the potential consequences of his actions.
Specific examples and scenarios that illustrate this choice include the final confrontation in the Astral Plane, where the Emperor reveals his true nature and offers you the option to let him control the Netherbrain. This moment is a culmination of your interactions with the Emperor throughout the game, and your decision here will shape the ending of the story. Another example is the reaction of your companions to this choice, which can vary depending on their individual personalities and beliefs. For instance, Lae'zel may express outrage and betrayal if you choose to trust the Emperor, while Astarion may see it as an opportunity to gain power and influence.
In conclusion, the decision to let the Emperor control the Netherbrain in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally challenging choice that has significant implications for the story, your companions, and the world. By carefully considering the mechanics, consequences, and perspectives involved, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your character's goals and values. Whether you choose to trust the Emperor or reject his offer, this choice will shape the outcome of the game and leave a lasting impact on the world of Baldur's Gate.
To let the Emperor control the Netherbrain, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final confrontation with the Netherbrain. This involves completing a series of quests, including gathering allies, defeating key enemies, and making critical decisions that shape the narrative. As you approach the endgame, you will encounter the Emperor in the Astral Plane, where he reveals his true nature and his plans for the Netherbrain. At this point, you will have the option to either trust the Emperor and allow him to take control of the Netherbrain or reject his offer and pursue a different path.
The mechanics of this choice are tied to your interactions with the Emperor throughout the game. Your relationship with him is influenced by your dialogue choices, your actions, and your overall alignment. If you have consistently supported the Emperor and trusted his guidance, he will be more likely to offer you the option to let him control the Netherbrain. Conversely, if you have been skeptical or hostile towards him, he may not extend this offer, or you may be less inclined to accept it.
When the moment comes to make the decision, you will need to choose between several options. One of these options will be to allow the Emperor to dominate the Netherbrain. If you select this option, the Emperor will use his psionic powers to take control of the Netherbrain, effectively ending the immediate threat. However, this choice comes with significant consequences. By allowing the Emperor to control the Netherbrain, you are essentially placing the fate of the world in the hands of a Mind Flayer, a being with its own agenda and motivations. This decision can lead to a darker ending, where the Emperor's influence over the Netherbrain results in a new form of tyranny, with the potential for widespread suffering and oppression.
There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when making this choice. First, consider the implications for your companions. Some of your party members may have strong opinions about the Emperor and his intentions. For example, Lae'zel, a Githyanki warrior, may be deeply opposed to the idea of allowing a Mind Flayer to gain such power, given the Githyanki's history of conflict with Mind Flayers. On the other hand, characters like Astarion, who may be more pragmatic, might see the benefits of using the Emperor's power to achieve their own goals. It is important to weigh these perspectives and consider how your choice will affect your relationships with your companions.
Another consideration is the long-term consequences of your decision. While allowing the Emperor to control the Netherbrain may seem like a quick solution to the immediate threat, it could have far-reaching effects on the world. The Emperor's control over the Netherbrain could lead to a new era of domination and subjugation, with the potential for future conflicts and struggles for freedom. On the other hand, rejecting the Emperor's offer and finding another way to defeat the Netherbrain could lead to a more hopeful and balanced outcome, though it may require greater effort and sacrifice.
Common mistakes to avoid include making this decision without fully understanding the implications or without considering the perspectives of your companions. It is important to engage in dialogue with your party members and gather as much information as possible before making your choice. Additionally, be mindful of your own character's alignment and motivations. If your character is driven by a desire for power or control, allowing the Emperor to dominate the Netherbrain may align with their goals. However, if your character values freedom and justice, this choice may conflict with their principles.
Advanced techniques and optimizations for this choice involve carefully managing your relationships with the Emperor and your companions throughout the game. By building trust with the Emperor and aligning your actions with his goals, you can increase the likelihood of him offering you the option to control the Netherbrain. At the same time, maintaining strong relationships with your companions and understanding their perspectives can help you make a more informed decision. Additionally, consider the role of your character's abilities and skills in the final confrontation. High Charisma and Persuasion skills can be useful in negotiating with the Emperor and influencing his decisions, while strong combat abilities may be necessary if you choose to reject his offer and face the Netherbrain directly.
In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, the concept of Mind Flayers and their psionic abilities is central to this choice. Mind Flayers, also known as Illithids, are powerful beings with the ability to control minds and manipulate others to their will. The Emperor's ability to dominate the Netherbrain is a reflection of these psionic powers, which are a key aspect of Mind Flayer lore in Dungeons & Dragons. Understanding these rules can provide deeper insight into the Emperor's motivations and the potential consequences of his actions.
Specific examples and scenarios that illustrate this choice include the final confrontation in the Astral Plane, where the Emperor reveals his true nature and offers you the option to let him control the Netherbrain. This moment is a culmination of your interactions with the Emperor throughout the game, and your decision here will shape the ending of the story. Another example is the reaction of your companions to this choice, which can vary depending on their individual personalities and beliefs. For instance, Lae'zel may express outrage and betrayal if you choose to trust the Emperor, while Astarion may see it as an opportunity to gain power and influence.
In conclusion, the decision to let the Emperor control the Netherbrain in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally challenging choice that has significant implications for the story, your companions, and the world. By carefully considering the mechanics, consequences, and perspectives involved, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your character's goals and values. Whether you choose to trust the Emperor or reject his offer, this choice will shape the outcome of the game and leave a lasting impact on the world of Baldur's Gate.