What happens if I let the Emperor control the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3?
Letting the Emperor control the Absolute in Baldur's Gate 3 is one of the major story decisions you can make near the end of the game. This choice has significant consequences for the story, your companions, and the world of Baldur's Gate. To achieve this outcome, you need to align yourself with the Emperor, a mysterious and powerful figure who plays a central role in the game's narrative. Here is a detailed explanation of how to achieve this and what it entails.
First, it is important to understand who the Emperor is. The Emperor is a Mind Flayer who has been guiding you throughout the game, often through dreams and visions. He claims to be on your side and offers to help you defeat the Absolute, a powerful entity threatening the world. However, the Emperor's true intentions are ambiguous, and his methods are often manipulative. To let him control the Absolute, you must trust him and follow his guidance, even when it conflicts with the advice of your companions or other factions.
The mechanics of this choice are tied to the game's dialogue and decision-making system. As you progress through the story, you will encounter several key moments where you must decide whether to trust the Emperor or resist his influence. These moments often occur during major story beats, such as when you confront the Githyanki leader Orpheus or when you are faced with the choice of transforming into a Mind Flayer yourself. To let the Emperor control the Absolute, you must consistently choose dialogue options that align with his goals and reject alternatives that would undermine his plans.
One of the most critical moments occurs in the final act of the game, when you must decide whether to free Orpheus or side with the Emperor. Orpheus is a Githyanki prince who has the power to resist the Absolute, but freeing him would mean turning against the Emperor. To let the Emperor control the Absolute, you must choose to side with him and refuse to free Orpheus. This decision will lead to a confrontation with Orpheus's followers, but it will also solidify your alliance with the Emperor.
Another important consideration is your relationship with your companions. Some companions, such as Lae'zel, are deeply connected to Orpheus and the Githyanki cause. If you choose to side with the Emperor, you risk alienating these companions and potentially losing their support. It is important to manage your relationships carefully and consider the long-term consequences of your choices. You may need to persuade or deceive certain companions to keep them on your side, especially if they are opposed to the Emperor's methods.
In terms of combat tactics, siding with the Emperor can give you access to powerful Mind Flayer abilities, which can be a significant advantage in the final battles. However, these abilities come at a cost, as they may change your character's appearance and affect how others perceive you. It is important to weigh the benefits of these abilities against the potential drawbacks, especially if you are role-playing a character who values their humanity or has strong moral convictions.
One common mistake to avoid is making hasty decisions without fully understanding the consequences. The game often presents you with complex moral dilemmas, and it is easy to make choices that have unintended outcomes. Take your time to explore all available dialogue options and consider the implications of each decision. If you are unsure about a particular choice, you can save your game and experiment with different outcomes to see how they affect the story.
Advanced techniques for achieving this outcome include optimizing your character build to align with the Emperor's goals. For example, playing as a character with high Charisma and Persuasion skills can make it easier to convince your companions to support your decisions. Additionally, choosing a class that complements the Emperor's abilities, such as a Sorcerer or Warlock, can enhance your effectiveness in combat and dialogue.
From a D&D rules perspective, the Emperor's control over the Absolute is rooted in the lore of Mind Flayers and their ability to dominate other creatures through psionic powers. In the game, this is represented through mechanics such as the Mind Flayer transformation and the use of Illithid powers. Understanding these rules can help you make informed decisions and maximize the benefits of siding with the Emperor.
In conclusion, letting the Emperor control the Absolute is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that requires careful consideration and strategic planning. By aligning yourself with the Emperor, managing your relationships with companions, and optimizing your character build, you can achieve this outcome and shape the fate of Baldur's Gate in a unique and impactful way. However, be prepared to face the consequences of your decisions, as they will have lasting effects on the story and the world around you.
First, it is important to understand who the Emperor is. The Emperor is a Mind Flayer who has been guiding you throughout the game, often through dreams and visions. He claims to be on your side and offers to help you defeat the Absolute, a powerful entity threatening the world. However, the Emperor's true intentions are ambiguous, and his methods are often manipulative. To let him control the Absolute, you must trust him and follow his guidance, even when it conflicts with the advice of your companions or other factions.
The mechanics of this choice are tied to the game's dialogue and decision-making system. As you progress through the story, you will encounter several key moments where you must decide whether to trust the Emperor or resist his influence. These moments often occur during major story beats, such as when you confront the Githyanki leader Orpheus or when you are faced with the choice of transforming into a Mind Flayer yourself. To let the Emperor control the Absolute, you must consistently choose dialogue options that align with his goals and reject alternatives that would undermine his plans.
One of the most critical moments occurs in the final act of the game, when you must decide whether to free Orpheus or side with the Emperor. Orpheus is a Githyanki prince who has the power to resist the Absolute, but freeing him would mean turning against the Emperor. To let the Emperor control the Absolute, you must choose to side with him and refuse to free Orpheus. This decision will lead to a confrontation with Orpheus's followers, but it will also solidify your alliance with the Emperor.
Another important consideration is your relationship with your companions. Some companions, such as Lae'zel, are deeply connected to Orpheus and the Githyanki cause. If you choose to side with the Emperor, you risk alienating these companions and potentially losing their support. It is important to manage your relationships carefully and consider the long-term consequences of your choices. You may need to persuade or deceive certain companions to keep them on your side, especially if they are opposed to the Emperor's methods.
In terms of combat tactics, siding with the Emperor can give you access to powerful Mind Flayer abilities, which can be a significant advantage in the final battles. However, these abilities come at a cost, as they may change your character's appearance and affect how others perceive you. It is important to weigh the benefits of these abilities against the potential drawbacks, especially if you are role-playing a character who values their humanity or has strong moral convictions.
One common mistake to avoid is making hasty decisions without fully understanding the consequences. The game often presents you with complex moral dilemmas, and it is easy to make choices that have unintended outcomes. Take your time to explore all available dialogue options and consider the implications of each decision. If you are unsure about a particular choice, you can save your game and experiment with different outcomes to see how they affect the story.
Advanced techniques for achieving this outcome include optimizing your character build to align with the Emperor's goals. For example, playing as a character with high Charisma and Persuasion skills can make it easier to convince your companions to support your decisions. Additionally, choosing a class that complements the Emperor's abilities, such as a Sorcerer or Warlock, can enhance your effectiveness in combat and dialogue.
From a D&D rules perspective, the Emperor's control over the Absolute is rooted in the lore of Mind Flayers and their ability to dominate other creatures through psionic powers. In the game, this is represented through mechanics such as the Mind Flayer transformation and the use of Illithid powers. Understanding these rules can help you make informed decisions and maximize the benefits of siding with the Emperor.
In conclusion, letting the Emperor control the Absolute is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that requires careful consideration and strategic planning. By aligning yourself with the Emperor, managing your relationships with companions, and optimizing your character build, you can achieve this outcome and shape the fate of Baldur's Gate in a unique and impactful way. However, be prepared to face the consequences of your decisions, as they will have lasting effects on the story and the world around you.