What happens if I let the Absolute take over the Shadow-Cursed Lands in Baldur's Gate 3?
Letting the Absolute take over the Shadow-Cursed Lands in Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant story choice that can drastically alter the game's narrative and the fate of the region. This decision is tied to the main questline and involves aligning yourself with the forces of the Absolute, a powerful entity that seeks to dominate the world. To achieve this outcome, you must make specific choices throughout the game that align with the Absolute's goals, particularly during key moments in Act 2, where the Shadow-Cursed Lands play a central role.
The mechanics involved in this choice revolve around your interactions with key characters and factions, such as the cult of the Absolute, Ketheric Thorm, and the Harpers. Your decisions during dialogues, quests, and combat encounters will determine whether you support the Absolute's rise to power or resist it. To let the Absolute take over, you must actively choose to side with the cult and its leaders, often at the expense of other factions and companions who oppose the Absolute.
Step-by-step instructions to achieve this outcome begin in Act 1, where you first encounter the cult of the Absolute. You should avoid antagonizing the cultists and instead seek to gain their trust. This can involve completing tasks for them, such as retrieving the artifact they seek or eliminating their enemies. In Act 2, the Shadow-Cursed Lands become a focal point. Here, you must align yourself with Ketheric Thorm, the primary antagonist of this act. To do this, you should avoid helping the Harpers and other resistance groups, such as the Last Light Inn. Instead, focus on aiding Ketheric and the cult in their efforts to strengthen the Absolute's influence.
One key moment occurs when you confront Ketheric Thorm in the Moonrise Towers. Instead of fighting him, you can choose to join forces with him. This decision will lead to the Absolute's forces gaining control over the Shadow-Cursed Lands, as Ketheric's power is tied to the Absolute's will. By supporting him, you effectively allow the Absolute to dominate the region, spreading its corruption and darkness.
Important tips and considerations include being mindful of your companions' reactions. Many companions, such as Shadowheart, Lae'zel, and Wyll, have personal stakes in opposing the Absolute. Aligning with the Absolute may cause tension or even lead to them leaving your party. To mitigate this, you can focus on companions who are more neutral or open to darker paths, such as Astarion or Minthara, if she is in your party. Additionally, ensure your character build supports a playstyle that can handle the challenges of siding with the Absolute, as you may face resistance from other factions.
Common mistakes to avoid include accidentally triggering conflicts with the cult or Ketheric Thorm. Be cautious in your dialogue choices and avoid actions that could be seen as hostile. For example, attacking cultists or destroying key objects tied to the Absolute's power can lock you out of this path. Pay attention to the game's cues and ensure your actions align with the Absolute's goals.
Advanced techniques or optimizations involve leveraging your character's abilities to manipulate key NPCs. For example, using high Charisma and Persuasion skills can help you convince Ketheric Thorm and other cult leaders of your loyalty. Additionally, certain spells or abilities, such as Dominate Person or Charm, can be used to sway key figures in your favor. These tools can make it easier to navigate the complex web of alliances and betrayals required to let the Absolute take over.
Related D&D rules and mechanics come into play when dealing with the Absolute's influence. The Absolute is tied to the Mind Flayers and their psionic powers, which are governed by rules for psychic damage, charm effects, and mind control. Understanding these mechanics can help you better navigate encounters with the Absolute's forces and make informed decisions about how to proceed.
Specific examples and scenarios include the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm in the Moonrise Towers. If you choose to side with him, you will participate in a battle against the Harpers and other resistance forces. Winning this battle solidifies the Absolute's control over the Shadow-Cursed Lands. Another example is the choice to spare or kill Nightsong, a key figure tied to the Shadow-Cursed Lands' fate. Sparing Nightsong can lead to resistance against the Absolute, while killing her strengthens the Absolute's hold.
In summary, letting the Absolute take over the Shadow-Cursed Lands requires careful planning, strategic decision-making, and a willingness to embrace darker paths. By aligning with the cult of the Absolute, supporting Ketheric Thorm, and making choices that favor the Absolute's goals, you can achieve this outcome and shape the game's narrative in a unique and impactful way.
The mechanics involved in this choice revolve around your interactions with key characters and factions, such as the cult of the Absolute, Ketheric Thorm, and the Harpers. Your decisions during dialogues, quests, and combat encounters will determine whether you support the Absolute's rise to power or resist it. To let the Absolute take over, you must actively choose to side with the cult and its leaders, often at the expense of other factions and companions who oppose the Absolute.
Step-by-step instructions to achieve this outcome begin in Act 1, where you first encounter the cult of the Absolute. You should avoid antagonizing the cultists and instead seek to gain their trust. This can involve completing tasks for them, such as retrieving the artifact they seek or eliminating their enemies. In Act 2, the Shadow-Cursed Lands become a focal point. Here, you must align yourself with Ketheric Thorm, the primary antagonist of this act. To do this, you should avoid helping the Harpers and other resistance groups, such as the Last Light Inn. Instead, focus on aiding Ketheric and the cult in their efforts to strengthen the Absolute's influence.
One key moment occurs when you confront Ketheric Thorm in the Moonrise Towers. Instead of fighting him, you can choose to join forces with him. This decision will lead to the Absolute's forces gaining control over the Shadow-Cursed Lands, as Ketheric's power is tied to the Absolute's will. By supporting him, you effectively allow the Absolute to dominate the region, spreading its corruption and darkness.
Important tips and considerations include being mindful of your companions' reactions. Many companions, such as Shadowheart, Lae'zel, and Wyll, have personal stakes in opposing the Absolute. Aligning with the Absolute may cause tension or even lead to them leaving your party. To mitigate this, you can focus on companions who are more neutral or open to darker paths, such as Astarion or Minthara, if she is in your party. Additionally, ensure your character build supports a playstyle that can handle the challenges of siding with the Absolute, as you may face resistance from other factions.
Common mistakes to avoid include accidentally triggering conflicts with the cult or Ketheric Thorm. Be cautious in your dialogue choices and avoid actions that could be seen as hostile. For example, attacking cultists or destroying key objects tied to the Absolute's power can lock you out of this path. Pay attention to the game's cues and ensure your actions align with the Absolute's goals.
Advanced techniques or optimizations involve leveraging your character's abilities to manipulate key NPCs. For example, using high Charisma and Persuasion skills can help you convince Ketheric Thorm and other cult leaders of your loyalty. Additionally, certain spells or abilities, such as Dominate Person or Charm, can be used to sway key figures in your favor. These tools can make it easier to navigate the complex web of alliances and betrayals required to let the Absolute take over.
Related D&D rules and mechanics come into play when dealing with the Absolute's influence. The Absolute is tied to the Mind Flayers and their psionic powers, which are governed by rules for psychic damage, charm effects, and mind control. Understanding these mechanics can help you better navigate encounters with the Absolute's forces and make informed decisions about how to proceed.
Specific examples and scenarios include the confrontation with Ketheric Thorm in the Moonrise Towers. If you choose to side with him, you will participate in a battle against the Harpers and other resistance forces. Winning this battle solidifies the Absolute's control over the Shadow-Cursed Lands. Another example is the choice to spare or kill Nightsong, a key figure tied to the Shadow-Cursed Lands' fate. Sparing Nightsong can lead to resistance against the Absolute, while killing her strengthens the Absolute's hold.
In summary, letting the Absolute take over the Shadow-Cursed Lands requires careful planning, strategic decision-making, and a willingness to embrace darker paths. By aligning with the cult of the Absolute, supporting Ketheric Thorm, and making choices that favor the Absolute's goals, you can achieve this outcome and shape the game's narrative in a unique and impactful way.