What happens if I let the Emperor control me in Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, the Emperor is a mysterious and powerful figure who plays a significant role in the game's narrative, particularly in the later stages of the story. The Emperor is a Mind Flayer, and his influence over the player character is tied to the Illithid powers that are introduced early in the game. Allowing the Emperor to control you is a major story choice that can have profound consequences on the narrative, your character's development, and the ending of the game.

To understand what happens if you let the Emperor control you, it's important to first grasp the mechanics of the Illithid powers and the relationship between the player character and the Emperor. Throughout the game, you will encounter opportunities to use Illithid powers, which are granted by the tadpole implanted in your brain. These powers can be used in dialogue and combat, and they often provide unique advantages. However, using these powers increases your connection to the tadpole and, by extension, to the Emperor.

The Emperor's control over you becomes more pronounced as you progress through the story. In Act 3, you will face a critical decision where you must choose whether to fully embrace the Emperor's influence or resist it. If you choose to let the Emperor control you, you are essentially surrendering your free will to him. This decision leads to a series of events where the Emperor uses your body and mind to further his own goals, which are closely tied to the fate of Baldur's Gate and the Illithid threat.

One of the key mechanics involved in this choice is the use of Illithid Wisdom checks. These checks occur during pivotal moments in the story, and they determine how much control the Emperor has over you. If you consistently fail these checks, the Emperor's influence grows stronger, and you may find yourself making decisions that align with his agenda rather than your own. On the other hand, if you succeed in these checks, you can resist his control and maintain your autonomy.

To let the Emperor control you, you need to make choices that align with his desires. This includes using Illithid powers frequently, agreeing with his plans, and failing the Illithid Wisdom checks when they arise. For example, during the confrontation with the Absolute in Act 3, you will have the option to either resist the Emperor's influence or give in to it. If you choose to give in, the Emperor will take control of your character, and the story will progress in a direction that reflects his dominance over you.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind if you decide to let the Emperor control you. First, be aware that this choice will significantly alter the ending of the game. The Emperor's goals are not necessarily aligned with the well-being of Baldur's Gate or its inhabitants, and his control over you can lead to outcomes that are less than ideal for the world at large. Second, consider the impact this choice will have on your companions. Some companions may be deeply troubled by your decision to surrender to the Emperor, and their relationships with you may suffer as a result.

Common mistakes to avoid include failing to fully understand the consequences of your actions. The game does a good job of foreshadowing the potential outcomes of letting the Emperor control you, but it's easy to get caught up in the moment and make a decision without considering the long-term implications. Additionally, be cautious about overusing Illithid powers, as this can make it more difficult to resist the Emperor's influence when it matters most.

Advanced techniques and optimizations for this path involve carefully managing your use of Illithid powers. While it may be tempting to use these powers frequently for their benefits, doing so will make it harder to resist the Emperor's control when the time comes. Instead, consider using these powers sparingly and only when absolutely necessary. This will give you more flexibility in the later stages of the game and allow you to make a more informed decision about whether to let the Emperor control you.

In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, the concept of mind control and influence is a common theme in Dungeons & Dragons. The Emperor's control over you can be seen as a form of Dominate Person or Dominate Monster spell, where the caster takes control of another creature's actions. In Baldur's Gate 3, this is represented through the Illithid Wisdom checks and the narrative choices you make. Understanding these mechanics can help you better navigate the story and make decisions that align with your desired outcome.

Specific examples and scenarios include the final confrontation with the Absolute in Act 3. Here, you will have the option to either resist the Emperor's influence or give in to it. If you choose to let the Emperor control you, he will take over your character, and the story will progress in a way that reflects his dominance. This can lead to an ending where the Emperor's goals are achieved, but at the cost of your character's free will and the well-being of Baldur's Gate.

In conclusion, letting the Emperor control you in Baldur's Gate 3 is a major story choice that can have significant consequences on the narrative, your character's development, and the ending of the game. To achieve this, you need to make choices that align with the Emperor's desires, use Illithid powers frequently, and fail the Illithid Wisdom checks when they arise. Be mindful of the impact this choice will have on your companions and the world at large, and consider the long-term implications before making your decision. By carefully managing your use of Illithid powers and understanding the related D&D mechanics, you can navigate this path and experience a unique and impactful story outcome.