What are the consequences of letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain in Baldur's Gate 3?
Letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain in Baldur's Gate 3 is one of the most significant and morally complex decisions you can make in the game. This choice has far-reaching consequences for the story, your companions, and the world of Faer├╗n. To understand the mechanics and implications of this decision, itÔÇÖs important to first grasp the context of the Elder Brain and the Absolute.
The Elder Brain is a powerful entity that serves as the central intelligence of the Mind Flayer colony. It controls the Illithid hive mind and is a key element in the AbsoluteÔÇÖs plan to dominate Faer├╗n. The Absolute, a mysterious force, seeks to use the Elder Brain to extend its influence over the world. If you choose to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you are essentially aligning yourself with the forces of darkness and domination, which will lead to a specific ending and set of consequences.
To achieve this outcome, you must follow a specific path in the gameÔÇÖs narrative. First, you need to progress through the main story until you reach the point where you confront the Elder Brain. This typically occurs in the later stages of the game, after you have dealt with the Githyanki, the Mind Flayers, and other major factions. Along the way, you will encounter key characters like the Dream Visitor, who will influence your decisions and provide guidance.
When you reach the Elder Brain, you will have the option to either destroy it or allow the Absolute to take control. To let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you must make choices that align with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals. This includes siding with the Mind Flayers and their allies, resisting the temptation to free yourself from the Illithid tadpole, and embracing the power it offers. You will also need to convince your companions to follow this path, which can be challenging depending on their personalities and moral alignments.
One important tip is to carefully manage your relationships with your companions throughout the game. Characters like Shadowheart, LaeÔÇÖzel, and Astarion have their own motivations and may resist the idea of submitting to the Absolute. To persuade them, you will need to build trust and influence their decisions through dialogue and actions. For example, ShadowheartÔÇÖs devotion to Shar may make her more open to the idea of domination, while LaeÔÇÖzelÔÇÖs loyalty to the Githyanki could make her resistant.
In terms of combat tactics, allowing the Absolute to control the Elder Brain will likely result in a final battle against those who oppose your decision. This could include former allies, such as the Githyanki or other factions that have turned against you. To prepare for this, itÔÇÖs important to optimize your character build and party composition. Focus on abilities and spells that can control the battlefield, such as crowd control and area-of-effect damage. High-level spells like Dominate Person and Hold Monster can be particularly effective in turning enemies against each other.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the moral and narrative consequences of this choice. Letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain will lead to a dark ending where the world is plunged into chaos and domination. This will affect not only your character but also the fates of your companions and the people of Faer├╗n. ItÔÇÖs important to consider the long-term implications of this decision and whether it aligns with your characterÔÇÖs goals and values.
Advanced techniques involve leveraging the Illithid powers granted by the tadpole. These powers can give you a significant advantage in combat and dialogue, but they come at a cost. Using them too much can lead to a loss of control and further alignment with the Absolute. To optimize this path, balance the use of Illithid powers with other abilities and strategies to maintain some level of autonomy.
In terms of D&D rules, the Elder Brain and the Absolute represent high-level threats that require careful planning and strategy to overcome. The Elder BrainÔÇÖs abilities, such as Mind Blast and Psychic Link, are based on its stat block in the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition Monster Manual. Understanding these mechanics can help you prepare for the final confrontation and make informed decisions about how to proceed.
Specific examples of scenarios where this choice comes into play include the final battle in the Mind Flayer colony, where you must decide the fate of the Elder Brain. Another key moment is when you interact with the Dream Visitor, who will offer guidance and temptations that influence your path. These moments are critical in shaping the outcome of the story and determining whether you will let the Absolute control the Elder Brain.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a complex and morally challenging decision that requires careful consideration of the narrative, character relationships, and combat strategies. By understanding the mechanics and implications of this choice, you can navigate the story and achieve the desired outcome while managing the consequences for your character and the world of Faer├╗n.
The Elder Brain is a powerful entity that serves as the central intelligence of the Mind Flayer colony. It controls the Illithid hive mind and is a key element in the AbsoluteÔÇÖs plan to dominate Faer├╗n. The Absolute, a mysterious force, seeks to use the Elder Brain to extend its influence over the world. If you choose to let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you are essentially aligning yourself with the forces of darkness and domination, which will lead to a specific ending and set of consequences.
To achieve this outcome, you must follow a specific path in the gameÔÇÖs narrative. First, you need to progress through the main story until you reach the point where you confront the Elder Brain. This typically occurs in the later stages of the game, after you have dealt with the Githyanki, the Mind Flayers, and other major factions. Along the way, you will encounter key characters like the Dream Visitor, who will influence your decisions and provide guidance.
When you reach the Elder Brain, you will have the option to either destroy it or allow the Absolute to take control. To let the Absolute control the Elder Brain, you must make choices that align with the AbsoluteÔÇÖs goals. This includes siding with the Mind Flayers and their allies, resisting the temptation to free yourself from the Illithid tadpole, and embracing the power it offers. You will also need to convince your companions to follow this path, which can be challenging depending on their personalities and moral alignments.
One important tip is to carefully manage your relationships with your companions throughout the game. Characters like Shadowheart, LaeÔÇÖzel, and Astarion have their own motivations and may resist the idea of submitting to the Absolute. To persuade them, you will need to build trust and influence their decisions through dialogue and actions. For example, ShadowheartÔÇÖs devotion to Shar may make her more open to the idea of domination, while LaeÔÇÖzelÔÇÖs loyalty to the Githyanki could make her resistant.
In terms of combat tactics, allowing the Absolute to control the Elder Brain will likely result in a final battle against those who oppose your decision. This could include former allies, such as the Githyanki or other factions that have turned against you. To prepare for this, itÔÇÖs important to optimize your character build and party composition. Focus on abilities and spells that can control the battlefield, such as crowd control and area-of-effect damage. High-level spells like Dominate Person and Hold Monster can be particularly effective in turning enemies against each other.
A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the moral and narrative consequences of this choice. Letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain will lead to a dark ending where the world is plunged into chaos and domination. This will affect not only your character but also the fates of your companions and the people of Faer├╗n. ItÔÇÖs important to consider the long-term implications of this decision and whether it aligns with your characterÔÇÖs goals and values.
Advanced techniques involve leveraging the Illithid powers granted by the tadpole. These powers can give you a significant advantage in combat and dialogue, but they come at a cost. Using them too much can lead to a loss of control and further alignment with the Absolute. To optimize this path, balance the use of Illithid powers with other abilities and strategies to maintain some level of autonomy.
In terms of D&D rules, the Elder Brain and the Absolute represent high-level threats that require careful planning and strategy to overcome. The Elder BrainÔÇÖs abilities, such as Mind Blast and Psychic Link, are based on its stat block in the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition Monster Manual. Understanding these mechanics can help you prepare for the final confrontation and make informed decisions about how to proceed.
Specific examples of scenarios where this choice comes into play include the final battle in the Mind Flayer colony, where you must decide the fate of the Elder Brain. Another key moment is when you interact with the Dream Visitor, who will offer guidance and temptations that influence your path. These moments are critical in shaping the outcome of the story and determining whether you will let the Absolute control the Elder Brain.
In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Elder Brain is a complex and morally challenging decision that requires careful consideration of the narrative, character relationships, and combat strategies. By understanding the mechanics and implications of this choice, you can navigate the story and achieve the desired outcome while managing the consequences for your character and the world of Faer├╗n.