What happens if I let the Absolute control the Netherbrain in Act 1 of Baldur's Gate 3?
In Baldur's Gate 3, the concept of the Absolute controlling the Netherbrain is a central plot point that unfolds over the course of the game. However, it is important to clarify that the Netherbrain and the Absolute are not directly encountered or controlled in Act 1. The events surrounding the Absolute and the Netherbrain are part of the larger narrative that develops in later acts. Act 1 primarily sets the stage for the conflict and introduces the player to the concept of the Absolute, the Mind Flayers, and the tadpole that has been implanted in the player character and their companions.
In Act 1, the player is introduced to the Absolute through various encounters and dialogues. The Absolute is a mysterious and powerful entity that seems to be influencing the actions of the Cult of the Absolute, a group of fanatics who worship this entity. The player will encounter members of this cult, such as the goblins and their leaders, who are under the influence of the Absolute. The player will also learn about the Mind Flayers, who are responsible for implanting the tadpole in the player and their companions. The Mind Flayers are connected to the Netherbrain, a powerful entity that controls the Mind Flayer hive mind.
The player's interactions with the Absolute and the Netherbrain are limited in Act 1. The main focus is on survival and understanding the nature of the tadpole and the Mind Flayers. The player will have the opportunity to make choices that will influence their relationship with the Absolute and the Cult of the Absolute. For example, the player can choose to side with the goblins and the Cult of the Absolute, or they can oppose them and side with the tieflings and druids at the Emerald Grove. These choices will have consequences later in the game, but they do not directly involve the Netherbrain in Act 1.
One important mechanic in Act 1 is the use of the tadpole's powers. The player and their companions have the ability to use the tadpole to gain special powers, such as the ability to read minds or influence others. However, using these powers comes with a risk, as it can lead to the tadpole growing stronger and potentially transforming the player into a Mind Flayer. The player must carefully consider when and how to use these powers, as overuse can have negative consequences.
In terms of strategies, it is important to explore all available options and gather as much information as possible about the Absolute and the Mind Flayers. Talking to NPCs, reading books and notes, and completing quests will provide valuable insights into the nature of the Absolute and the Netherbrain. The player should also pay attention to the choices they make, as these will influence the story and the relationships with their companions.
Common mistakes to avoid include rushing through the story without taking the time to explore and gather information. The player should also be cautious about using the tadpole's powers too frequently, as this can lead to negative consequences. It is also important to consider the long-term implications of the choices made in Act 1, as these will influence the story in later acts.
Advanced techniques include optimizing character builds and combat tactics to handle the challenges in Act 1. For example, a character with high Charisma and Persuasion skills can be useful for negotiating with NPCs and influencing their decisions. A character with high Intelligence and Arcana skills can be useful for understanding the nature of the tadpole and the Mind Flayers. In combat, it is important to use the environment to your advantage, such as using high ground for ranged attacks or setting traps for enemies.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the tadpole's powers can be seen as a form of psionics, which is a type of magic that involves the mind. The use of these powers is governed by the rules for psionics in D&D 5E, which include the use of psionic energy points and the risk of psychic backlash. The player should be familiar with these rules to understand the risks and benefits of using the tadpole's powers.
In conclusion, while the player cannot directly control the Netherbrain or the Absolute in Act 1 of Baldur's Gate 3, the choices made in this act will set the stage for the larger conflict that unfolds in later acts. The player should focus on gathering information, making strategic choices, and optimizing their character builds and combat tactics to handle the challenges in Act 1. By doing so, the player will be better prepared for the events that unfold in the later acts of the game.
In Act 1, the player is introduced to the Absolute through various encounters and dialogues. The Absolute is a mysterious and powerful entity that seems to be influencing the actions of the Cult of the Absolute, a group of fanatics who worship this entity. The player will encounter members of this cult, such as the goblins and their leaders, who are under the influence of the Absolute. The player will also learn about the Mind Flayers, who are responsible for implanting the tadpole in the player and their companions. The Mind Flayers are connected to the Netherbrain, a powerful entity that controls the Mind Flayer hive mind.
The player's interactions with the Absolute and the Netherbrain are limited in Act 1. The main focus is on survival and understanding the nature of the tadpole and the Mind Flayers. The player will have the opportunity to make choices that will influence their relationship with the Absolute and the Cult of the Absolute. For example, the player can choose to side with the goblins and the Cult of the Absolute, or they can oppose them and side with the tieflings and druids at the Emerald Grove. These choices will have consequences later in the game, but they do not directly involve the Netherbrain in Act 1.
One important mechanic in Act 1 is the use of the tadpole's powers. The player and their companions have the ability to use the tadpole to gain special powers, such as the ability to read minds or influence others. However, using these powers comes with a risk, as it can lead to the tadpole growing stronger and potentially transforming the player into a Mind Flayer. The player must carefully consider when and how to use these powers, as overuse can have negative consequences.
In terms of strategies, it is important to explore all available options and gather as much information as possible about the Absolute and the Mind Flayers. Talking to NPCs, reading books and notes, and completing quests will provide valuable insights into the nature of the Absolute and the Netherbrain. The player should also pay attention to the choices they make, as these will influence the story and the relationships with their companions.
Common mistakes to avoid include rushing through the story without taking the time to explore and gather information. The player should also be cautious about using the tadpole's powers too frequently, as this can lead to negative consequences. It is also important to consider the long-term implications of the choices made in Act 1, as these will influence the story in later acts.
Advanced techniques include optimizing character builds and combat tactics to handle the challenges in Act 1. For example, a character with high Charisma and Persuasion skills can be useful for negotiating with NPCs and influencing their decisions. A character with high Intelligence and Arcana skills can be useful for understanding the nature of the tadpole and the Mind Flayers. In combat, it is important to use the environment to your advantage, such as using high ground for ranged attacks or setting traps for enemies.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the tadpole's powers can be seen as a form of psionics, which is a type of magic that involves the mind. The use of these powers is governed by the rules for psionics in D&D 5E, which include the use of psionic energy points and the risk of psychic backlash. The player should be familiar with these rules to understand the risks and benefits of using the tadpole's powers.
In conclusion, while the player cannot directly control the Netherbrain or the Absolute in Act 1 of Baldur's Gate 3, the choices made in this act will set the stage for the larger conflict that unfolds in later acts. The player should focus on gathering information, making strategic choices, and optimizing their character builds and combat tactics to handle the challenges in Act 1. By doing so, the player will be better prepared for the events that unfold in the later acts of the game.