What happens if I let the Emperor kill Orpheus in Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, the decision to let the Emperor kill Orpheus is a pivotal moment in the game's story, with significant consequences for the narrative and the fate of key characters. This choice occurs during the late stages of the game, specifically in Act 3, when the player is faced with the dilemma of whether to side with the Emperor, a mind flayer who has been guiding the party, or to free Orpheus, a Githyanki prince who holds the key to defeating the Absolute. Letting the Emperor kill Orpheus is one of the possible outcomes, and it has far-reaching implications for the story, the party, and the world of Baldur's Gate.

To achieve this outcome, the player must first progress through the main story until they reach the point where the Emperor reveals his true intentions. This typically happens after the party has gathered enough information about the Absolute and the mind flayers' involvement in the plot. The Emperor will present the player with a choice: either continue to trust him and allow him to kill Orpheus, or defy him and attempt to free Orpheus. Choosing to let the Emperor kill Orpheus requires the player to side with the Emperor and accept his plan, which involves using Orpheus's power to defeat the Absolute.

The mechanics involved in this decision are primarily narrative-driven, meaning that the choice is made through dialogue and story progression rather than combat or skill checks. However, the player's previous actions and relationships with key characters, such as Lae'zel and the Githyanki, can influence the outcome. For example, if the player has built a strong relationship with Lae'zel, she may oppose the decision to let the Emperor kill Orpheus, leading to potential conflict within the party. On the other hand, if the player has distanced themselves from the Githyanki or has been more aligned with the Emperor's goals, they may find it easier to justify this choice.

Step-by-step instructions for letting the Emperor kill Orpheus involve progressing through the main questline until the critical decision point is reached. The player should ensure that they have explored all available dialogue options with the Emperor and other key characters to fully understand the implications of their choice. When the moment comes, the player must choose to side with the Emperor and allow him to kill Orpheus. This decision will trigger a series of events that lead to the final confrontation with the Absolute, with the Emperor playing a central role in the battle.

Important tips and considerations include understanding the moral and ethical implications of this choice. Letting the Emperor kill Orpheus means sacrificing a potential ally and the hope of freeing the Githyanki from Vlaakith's tyranny. It also means placing trust in the Emperor, who has his own agenda and may not have the party's best interests at heart. Players should consider how this choice aligns with their character's motivations and the relationships they have built with their companions.

Common mistakes to avoid include making this decision without fully understanding the consequences. Some players may rush through the dialogue or fail to explore alternative options, leading to unintended outcomes. It is important to take the time to consider all available information and to weigh the pros and cons of each choice before committing to a path.

Advanced techniques or optimizations involve leveraging the player's previous choices and relationships to influence the outcome. For example, if the player has been consistently supportive of the Emperor and has distanced themselves from the Githyanki, they may find it easier to justify letting the Emperor kill Orpheus. Conversely, if the player has built a strong relationship with Lae'zel and has been working towards freeing Orpheus, they may need to carefully navigate the dialogue to avoid conflict within the party.

Related D&D rules and mechanics include the concept of alignment and moral decision-making. In Dungeons & Dragons, a character's alignment reflects their ethical and moral perspective, and this can influence their choices and actions. In Baldur's Gate 3, the decision to let the Emperor kill Orpheus can be seen as a morally ambiguous choice, with potential consequences for the character's alignment and relationships with their companions.

Specific examples and scenarios include the potential fallout from this decision. If the player chooses to let the Emperor kill Orpheus, they may face opposition from Lae'zel and other Githyanki allies, leading to tension and conflict within the party. Additionally, the Emperor's true intentions may become clearer as the story progresses, potentially leading to further moral dilemmas and difficult choices. On the other hand, siding with the Emperor may provide the party with a powerful ally in the final battle, increasing their chances of defeating the Absolute and saving Baldur's Gate.

In conclusion, letting the Emperor kill Orpheus is a significant decision in Baldur's Gate 3 with far-reaching consequences for the story and the party. Players should carefully consider the implications of this choice, taking into account their character's motivations, relationships, and moral perspective. By understanding the mechanics involved, exploring all available options, and weighing the pros and cons, players can make an informed decision that aligns with their desired outcome.