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, where you must decide the fate of the Netherbrain, a powerful entity that threatens the world. The Emperor, a mind flayer who has been both an ally and a manipulative force throughout the story, offers you the option to let him take control of the Netherbrain. This decision has profound consequences for the story, your companions, and the world at large.
To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final confrontation with the Netherbrain. This involves completing key quests, such as gathering allies, infiltrating the Absolute's stronghold, and making critical decisions about your companions and their personal quests. Along the way, you will need to maintain a positive relationship with the Emperor, as his trust in you is crucial for this choice to be available.
The mechanics involved in this decision revolve around dialogue choices and your overall relationship with the Emperor. Throughout the game, the Emperor will communicate with you through dreams and direct interactions. Your responses to his suggestions and requests will influence his perception of you. If you consistently support his plans and show trust in his intentions, he will be more likely to offer you the option to let him control the Netherbrain.
When you reach the final confrontation, the Emperor will present you with the choice to either destroy the Netherbrain or allow him to take control. If you choose the latter, the Emperor will use his mind flayer abilities to dominate the Netherbrain, effectively ending the threat it poses. However, this comes at a cost. The Emperor's control over the Netherbrain means that he will have immense power, and his intentions may not align with the greater good. This decision can lead to a darker ending where the Emperor becomes a new kind of tyrant, using the Netherbrain's power to enforce his will.
To ensure that this option is available, you should focus on building a strong relationship with the Emperor. This involves agreeing with his plans, supporting his decisions, and avoiding actions that would make him distrust you. For example, if you side with Orpheus, the githyanki prince who opposes the Emperor, you may lose the opportunity to let the Emperor control the Netherbrain. Additionally, you should avoid actions that would anger or alienate the Emperor, such as questioning his motives or betraying his trust.
One important tip is to carefully consider the consequences of your actions throughout the game. The Emperor is a complex character with his own agenda, and his trust in you is not easily gained. You should also be mindful of the impact your choices have on your companions. Some companions may disapprove of your decision to let the Emperor control the Netherbrain, which could affect their loyalty and the overall outcome of the story.
A common mistake to avoid is making decisions that undermine the Emperor's trust without realizing it. For example, if you openly challenge his authority or side with his enemies, he may not offer you the option to let him control the Netherbrain. It is also important to avoid rushing through dialogue options, as this can lead to unintended consequences. Take your time to understand the implications of each choice and how it affects your relationship with the Emperor.
Advanced techniques involve optimizing your character build and combat tactics to ensure you are prepared for the final confrontation. The battle with the Netherbrain is one of the most challenging encounters in the game, and you will need a well-rounded party with strong abilities and equipment. Focus on building a balanced team with a mix of damage dealers, support characters, and tanks. Make sure your characters have access to powerful spells and abilities that can turn the tide of battle in your favor.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the Emperor's ability to control the Netherbrain is based on the mind flayer's innate psionic powers. In D&D 5E, mind flayers are known for their ability to dominate and control other creatures through their psionic abilities. The Emperor's control over the Netherbrain is an extension of these abilities, allowing him to dominate a creature of immense power. This is reflected in the game's mechanics, where the Emperor's success in controlling the Netherbrain depends on his strength and your support.
Specific examples and scenarios include moments where the Emperor offers you advice or asks for your help. For instance, during the dream sequences, the Emperor may suggest that you trust him and follow his guidance. If you consistently agree with his suggestions and show trust in his intentions, he will be more likely to offer you the option to let him control the Netherbrain. On the other hand, if you question his motives or side with his enemies, he may not trust you enough to make this offer.
In conclusion, letting the Emperor control the Netherbrain is a complex and morally ambiguous decision that requires careful consideration and strategic planning. By building a strong relationship with the Emperor, making thoughtful choices, and preparing for the final battle, you can achieve this outcome and shape the fate of the world in Baldur's Gate 3.
To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the final confrontation with the Netherbrain. This involves completing key quests, such as gathering allies, infiltrating the Absolute's stronghold, and making critical decisions about your companions and their personal quests. Along the way, you will need to maintain a positive relationship with the Emperor, as his trust in you is crucial for this choice to be available.
The mechanics involved in this decision revolve around dialogue choices and your overall relationship with the Emperor. Throughout the game, the Emperor will communicate with you through dreams and direct interactions. Your responses to his suggestions and requests will influence his perception of you. If you consistently support his plans and show trust in his intentions, he will be more likely to offer you the option to let him control the Netherbrain.
When you reach the final confrontation, the Emperor will present you with the choice to either destroy the Netherbrain or allow him to take control. If you choose the latter, the Emperor will use his mind flayer abilities to dominate the Netherbrain, effectively ending the threat it poses. However, this comes at a cost. The Emperor's control over the Netherbrain means that he will have immense power, and his intentions may not align with the greater good. This decision can lead to a darker ending where the Emperor becomes a new kind of tyrant, using the Netherbrain's power to enforce his will.
To ensure that this option is available, you should focus on building a strong relationship with the Emperor. This involves agreeing with his plans, supporting his decisions, and avoiding actions that would make him distrust you. For example, if you side with Orpheus, the githyanki prince who opposes the Emperor, you may lose the opportunity to let the Emperor control the Netherbrain. Additionally, you should avoid actions that would anger or alienate the Emperor, such as questioning his motives or betraying his trust.
One important tip is to carefully consider the consequences of your actions throughout the game. The Emperor is a complex character with his own agenda, and his trust in you is not easily gained. You should also be mindful of the impact your choices have on your companions. Some companions may disapprove of your decision to let the Emperor control the Netherbrain, which could affect their loyalty and the overall outcome of the story.
A common mistake to avoid is making decisions that undermine the Emperor's trust without realizing it. For example, if you openly challenge his authority or side with his enemies, he may not offer you the option to let him control the Netherbrain. It is also important to avoid rushing through dialogue options, as this can lead to unintended consequences. Take your time to understand the implications of each choice and how it affects your relationship with the Emperor.
Advanced techniques involve optimizing your character build and combat tactics to ensure you are prepared for the final confrontation. The battle with the Netherbrain is one of the most challenging encounters in the game, and you will need a well-rounded party with strong abilities and equipment. Focus on building a balanced team with a mix of damage dealers, support characters, and tanks. Make sure your characters have access to powerful spells and abilities that can turn the tide of battle in your favor.
In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the Emperor's ability to control the Netherbrain is based on the mind flayer's innate psionic powers. In D&D 5E, mind flayers are known for their ability to dominate and control other creatures through their psionic abilities. The Emperor's control over the Netherbrain is an extension of these abilities, allowing him to dominate a creature of immense power. This is reflected in the game's mechanics, where the Emperor's success in controlling the Netherbrain depends on his strength and your support.
Specific examples and scenarios include moments where the Emperor offers you advice or asks for your help. For instance, during the dream sequences, the Emperor may suggest that you trust him and follow his guidance. If you consistently agree with his suggestions and show trust in his intentions, he will be more likely to offer you the option to let him control the Netherbrain. On the other hand, if you question his motives or side with his enemies, he may not trust you enough to make this offer.
In conclusion, letting the Emperor control the Netherbrain is a complex and morally ambiguous decision that requires careful consideration and strategic planning. By building a strong relationship with the Emperor, making thoughtful choices, and preparing for the final battle, you can achieve this outcome and shape the fate of the world in Baldur's Gate 3.