What happens if I let the tadpole control the Absolute in Act 3 of Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, allowing the tadpole to control the Absolute in Act 3 is a significant narrative choice that can drastically alter the course of the story. This choice is tied to the Illithid powers that your character and your companions have been grappling with since the beginning of the game. The tadpole, which is a parasitic entity implanted in your brain, grants you access to powerful Illithid abilities, but it also comes with the risk of losing your humanity and becoming a mind flayer. The decision to let the tadpole control the Absolute is a pivotal moment that can lead to a darker, more chaotic ending.

To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through the main story until you reach Act 3. Throughout the game, you will have numerous opportunities to use your Illithid powers in dialogue and combat. These choices will influence how much control the tadpole has over you. The more you use these powers, the more you will be tempted to embrace the Illithid influence. In Act 3, you will face a critical decision point where you can choose to fully submit to the tadpole's control, allowing it to dominate the Absolute, a powerful entity that has been a central focus of the story.

The mechanics involved in this choice are tied to the Illithid powers system. As you progress through the game, you will gain access to a skill tree that allows you to unlock and upgrade various Illithid abilities. These abilities can be used in combat to gain an advantage, but they also come with the risk of increasing the tadpole's influence over you. The more you use these powers, the more you will be tempted to give in to the tadpole's control. In Act 3, you will reach a point where you must decide whether to resist the tadpole's influence or fully embrace it.

To let the tadpole control the Absolute, you must make specific choices during key moments in the story. One of the most important moments occurs during a confrontation with the Absolute. At this point, you will have the option to use your Illithid powers to dominate the Absolute, effectively allowing the tadpole to take control. This choice will lead to a series of events where the tadpole's influence grows stronger, eventually leading to a darker ending where the Absolute is under the control of the Illithid.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when pursuing this path. First, it is crucial to consistently use your Illithid powers throughout the game. This will increase the tadpole's influence over you and make it easier to justify the decision to let it control the Absolute. Additionally, you should pay close attention to the dialogue options that allow you to express a willingness to embrace the Illithid powers. These choices will reinforce the narrative that you are becoming more aligned with the tadpole's goals.

One common mistake to avoid is resisting the tadpole's influence too much. If you consistently choose to resist the Illithid powers, it will be more difficult to justify the decision to let the tadpole control the Absolute. This can lead to a situation where the narrative feels inconsistent, and the choice to embrace the tadpole's control may feel out of character. To avoid this, make sure to balance your use of Illithid powers with the narrative choices that support the idea of embracing the tadpole's influence.

Advanced techniques for optimizing this path include focusing on character builds that complement the Illithid powers. For example, a character with high Charisma and Wisdom may be better suited to making the persuasive choices needed to fully embrace the tadpole's control. Additionally, certain classes, such as Sorcerers or Warlocks, may have abilities that synergize well with the Illithid powers, making it easier to dominate the Absolute in the final confrontation.

In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the Illithid powers in Baldur's Gate 3 are inspired by the Mind Flayer abilities found in the Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition rules. These abilities include powers like Mind Blast, which can stun multiple enemies, and Dominate Person, which allows you to control an enemy's actions. The game's implementation of these powers is designed to reflect the growing influence of the tadpole, with the more powerful abilities becoming available as you progress through the story.

Specific examples of scenarios where you can embrace the tadpole's influence include the confrontation with the Absolute in Act 3. During this encounter, you will have the option to use your Illithid powers to dominate the Absolute, effectively allowing the tadpole to take control. This choice will lead to a series of events where the tadpole's influence grows stronger, eventually leading to a darker ending where the Absolute is under the control of the Illithid.

In conclusion, allowing the tadpole to control the Absolute in Act 3 of Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that can lead to a darker ending. To achieve this outcome, you must consistently use your Illithid powers, make narrative choices that support the idea of embracing the tadpole's influence, and carefully consider the consequences of your actions. By following these strategies and tips, you can navigate the intricate narrative of Baldur's Gate 3 and experience one of the game's most dramatic and impactful endings.