What happens if I side with the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3?
Siding with the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant story choice that can drastically alter the course of the game and its ending. The Absolute is a mysterious and powerful force that seeks to dominate the world, and aligning with it means embracing its dark influence. This choice is not straightforward and requires careful consideration of the consequences, as it affects your relationships with companions, the fate of key characters, and the overall narrative. Here is a detailed explanation of how to side with the Absolute, the mechanics involved, and the implications of this decision.
To side with the Absolute, you must first progress through the main story until you encounter the Cult of the Absolute. This cult worships the Absolute and seeks to spread its influence. Early in the game, you will encounter True Souls, individuals who have been marked by the Absolute and serve as its agents. To align with the Absolute, you will need to gain the trust of these True Souls and demonstrate your loyalty to the cult. This involves making choices that favor the Absolute's goals, such as sparing its followers, completing quests that benefit the cult, and avoiding actions that undermine its authority.
One key moment where you can choose to side with the Absolute occurs during the Goblin Camp questline. In this quest, you are tasked with infiltrating the camp and dealing with its leaders, who are True Souls serving the Absolute. To side with the Absolute, you must choose to ally with the goblin leaders, Minthara, Gut, and Dror Ragzlin, rather than opposing them. This decision will lead to the destruction of the Emerald Grove, as the goblins will attack and slaughter the druids and tieflings. Sparing the goblin leaders and supporting their plans is a clear indication of your allegiance to the Absolute.
Another important step is to embrace the tadpole in your brain, which is connected to the Absolute. Throughout the game, you will have opportunities to use the powers granted by the tadpole, such as Illithid Wisdom and other psionic abilities. Using these powers and resisting the urge to remove the tadpole will strengthen your connection to the Absolute. This is a crucial mechanic, as the more you rely on the tadpole's powers, the more you align yourself with the Absolute's influence. Be cautious, however, as overusing these powers can lead to negative consequences, such as alienating your companions or losing control of your character.
Companion relationships are heavily impacted by your decision to side with the Absolute. Characters like Wyll, Karlach, and Halsin will strongly oppose this choice, as they are committed to fighting against the Absolute's tyranny. If you side with the Absolute, these companions may leave your party or even turn against you. On the other hand, characters like Astarion and Lae'zel may be more open to this path, depending on how you have influenced their personal storylines. It is important to consider how your choices will affect your party dynamics and whether you are willing to sacrifice certain relationships for the sake of power.
One common mistake to avoid is making hasty decisions without fully understanding the consequences. Siding with the Absolute is a major commitment that will lock you into a specific narrative path. If you are unsure about this choice, it is advisable to save your game before making any irreversible decisions. This will allow you to explore different outcomes and see how your choices affect the story.
Advanced techniques for siding with the Absolute include manipulating your companions and NPCs to further your goals. For example, you can use persuasion or deception to convince others to support the Absolute, even if they initially oppose it. Additionally, you can strategically use the tadpole's powers to gain an advantage in combat and dialogue, making it easier to achieve your objectives. However, be mindful of the risks involved, as overusing these powers can lead to unintended consequences.
In terms of D&D rules, the Absolute represents a powerful and malevolent force that seeks to dominate and control. Aligning with the Absolute is akin to serving a dark god or patron, which can grant you immense power but at a great cost. The tadpole in your brain functions similarly to a warlock's pact, where you gain abilities in exchange for your loyalty and obedience. This aligns with the D&D mechanics of making pacts with powerful entities, where the benefits come with significant drawbacks.
Specific examples of siding with the Absolute include the destruction of the Emerald Grove, the betrayal of your companions, and the eventual confrontation with other factions that oppose the Absolute. These events will shape the final act of the game and determine the fate of the world. By embracing the Absolute, you are choosing a path of power and domination, but it comes at the cost of your humanity and the relationships you have built throughout your journey.
In conclusion, siding with the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that requires careful consideration. It involves aligning with a dark and powerful force, making difficult decisions, and accepting the consequences of your actions. By understanding the mechanics, strategies, and implications of this choice, you can navigate the story and shape the world according to your vision. Whether you choose to embrace the Absolute or resist its influence, your decisions will have a lasting impact on the game's narrative and your character's journey.
To side with the Absolute, you must first progress through the main story until you encounter the Cult of the Absolute. This cult worships the Absolute and seeks to spread its influence. Early in the game, you will encounter True Souls, individuals who have been marked by the Absolute and serve as its agents. To align with the Absolute, you will need to gain the trust of these True Souls and demonstrate your loyalty to the cult. This involves making choices that favor the Absolute's goals, such as sparing its followers, completing quests that benefit the cult, and avoiding actions that undermine its authority.
One key moment where you can choose to side with the Absolute occurs during the Goblin Camp questline. In this quest, you are tasked with infiltrating the camp and dealing with its leaders, who are True Souls serving the Absolute. To side with the Absolute, you must choose to ally with the goblin leaders, Minthara, Gut, and Dror Ragzlin, rather than opposing them. This decision will lead to the destruction of the Emerald Grove, as the goblins will attack and slaughter the druids and tieflings. Sparing the goblin leaders and supporting their plans is a clear indication of your allegiance to the Absolute.
Another important step is to embrace the tadpole in your brain, which is connected to the Absolute. Throughout the game, you will have opportunities to use the powers granted by the tadpole, such as Illithid Wisdom and other psionic abilities. Using these powers and resisting the urge to remove the tadpole will strengthen your connection to the Absolute. This is a crucial mechanic, as the more you rely on the tadpole's powers, the more you align yourself with the Absolute's influence. Be cautious, however, as overusing these powers can lead to negative consequences, such as alienating your companions or losing control of your character.
Companion relationships are heavily impacted by your decision to side with the Absolute. Characters like Wyll, Karlach, and Halsin will strongly oppose this choice, as they are committed to fighting against the Absolute's tyranny. If you side with the Absolute, these companions may leave your party or even turn against you. On the other hand, characters like Astarion and Lae'zel may be more open to this path, depending on how you have influenced their personal storylines. It is important to consider how your choices will affect your party dynamics and whether you are willing to sacrifice certain relationships for the sake of power.
One common mistake to avoid is making hasty decisions without fully understanding the consequences. Siding with the Absolute is a major commitment that will lock you into a specific narrative path. If you are unsure about this choice, it is advisable to save your game before making any irreversible decisions. This will allow you to explore different outcomes and see how your choices affect the story.
Advanced techniques for siding with the Absolute include manipulating your companions and NPCs to further your goals. For example, you can use persuasion or deception to convince others to support the Absolute, even if they initially oppose it. Additionally, you can strategically use the tadpole's powers to gain an advantage in combat and dialogue, making it easier to achieve your objectives. However, be mindful of the risks involved, as overusing these powers can lead to unintended consequences.
In terms of D&D rules, the Absolute represents a powerful and malevolent force that seeks to dominate and control. Aligning with the Absolute is akin to serving a dark god or patron, which can grant you immense power but at a great cost. The tadpole in your brain functions similarly to a warlock's pact, where you gain abilities in exchange for your loyalty and obedience. This aligns with the D&D mechanics of making pacts with powerful entities, where the benefits come with significant drawbacks.
Specific examples of siding with the Absolute include the destruction of the Emerald Grove, the betrayal of your companions, and the eventual confrontation with other factions that oppose the Absolute. These events will shape the final act of the game and determine the fate of the world. By embracing the Absolute, you are choosing a path of power and domination, but it comes at the cost of your humanity and the relationships you have built throughout your journey.
In conclusion, siding with the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that requires careful consideration. It involves aligning with a dark and powerful force, making difficult decisions, and accepting the consequences of your actions. By understanding the mechanics, strategies, and implications of this choice, you can navigate the story and shape the world according to your vision. Whether you choose to embrace the Absolute or resist its influence, your decisions will have a lasting impact on the game's narrative and your character's journey.