What happens if I let the Emperor take control of the Netherbrain in Baldur's Gate 3?
In Baldur's Gate 3, the Emperor is a key character tied to the Mind Flayer storyline, and the decision to let him take control of the Netherbrain is one of the most significant choices you can make in the game. This choice has far-reaching consequences for the story, your companions, and the world itself. To understand how this decision plays out, itÔÇÖs important to first grasp the context and mechanics behind it.
The Netherbrain is the central antagonist of the gameÔÇÖs third act, representing the culmination of the Mind Flayer threat. The Emperor, a Mind Flayer who has retained his individuality and free will, offers you a way to defeat the Netherbrain by using its own power against it. However, this requires you to trust him, which can be a difficult decision given his manipulative nature and the moral ambiguity of his actions throughout the story.
To let the Emperor take control of the Netherbrain, you must first progress through the main questline until you reach the final confrontation with the Netherbrain. This involves completing key quests such as infiltrating the AbsoluteÔÇÖs stronghold, gathering allies, and making critical decisions about how to approach the final battle. Along the way, you will have multiple opportunities to interact with the Emperor, and your choices in these interactions will influence whether he remains an ally or becomes an adversary.
When you reach the final stages of the game, the Emperor will present you with a choice: allow him to dominate the Netherbrain, or reject his plan and pursue an alternative solution. If you choose to let him take control, he will use his Illithid powers to seize the NetherbrainÔÇÖs will, effectively turning it into a tool for his own purposes. This leads to an ending where the Emperor becomes the new ruler of the Mind Flayers, and the world is reshaped according to his vision.
One important consideration is the EmperorÔÇÖs true intentions. While he claims to want to protect the world from the NetherbrainÔÇÖs tyranny, his methods are ruthless, and his ultimate goal is to establish his own dominance. Trusting him requires you to overlook his manipulative behavior and the harm he has caused to others, including your companions. This decision is further complicated by the fact that the EmperorÔÇÖs control over the Netherbrain could lead to unforeseen consequences, as his newfound power might corrupt him over time.
To achieve this outcome, you must consistently support the Emperor throughout the game. This means siding with him in key moments, such as when he asks you to consume more Illithid tadpoles to enhance your powers. You should also avoid actions that undermine his trust, such as revealing his true nature to your companions or opposing his plans. Building a strong relationship with the Emperor increases the likelihood that he will remain loyal to you and follow through on his promises.
However, there are risks involved in this strategy. The EmperorÔÇÖs control over the Netherbrain is not guaranteed, and if he fails, the consequences could be catastrophic. Additionally, your companions may disapprove of your decision to trust him, leading to tension within the party. Some companions, such as LaeÔÇÖzel and Shadowheart, have personal stakes in the conflict with the Mind Flayers and may react negatively to your choice.
In terms of gameplay mechanics, this decision is influenced by your characterÔÇÖs alignment and moral compass. If you are playing a character who values pragmatism over idealism, you may be more inclined to support the EmperorÔÇÖs plan. On the other hand, a character who prioritizes freedom and individuality may reject his offer and seek a different solution. Your choice will also affect the gameÔÇÖs ending, as the EmperorÔÇÖs rule over the Netherbrain leads to a distinct narrative outcome compared to other possible endings.
In conclusion, letting the Emperor take control of the Netherbrain is a complex and morally ambiguous decision that requires careful consideration. It involves balancing trust, power, and the potential consequences for the world and your companions. By understanding the mechanics and implications of this choice, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your characterÔÇÖs values and the story you want to experience.
The Netherbrain is the central antagonist of the gameÔÇÖs third act, representing the culmination of the Mind Flayer threat. The Emperor, a Mind Flayer who has retained his individuality and free will, offers you a way to defeat the Netherbrain by using its own power against it. However, this requires you to trust him, which can be a difficult decision given his manipulative nature and the moral ambiguity of his actions throughout the story.
To let the Emperor take control of the Netherbrain, you must first progress through the main questline until you reach the final confrontation with the Netherbrain. This involves completing key quests such as infiltrating the AbsoluteÔÇÖs stronghold, gathering allies, and making critical decisions about how to approach the final battle. Along the way, you will have multiple opportunities to interact with the Emperor, and your choices in these interactions will influence whether he remains an ally or becomes an adversary.
When you reach the final stages of the game, the Emperor will present you with a choice: allow him to dominate the Netherbrain, or reject his plan and pursue an alternative solution. If you choose to let him take control, he will use his Illithid powers to seize the NetherbrainÔÇÖs will, effectively turning it into a tool for his own purposes. This leads to an ending where the Emperor becomes the new ruler of the Mind Flayers, and the world is reshaped according to his vision.
One important consideration is the EmperorÔÇÖs true intentions. While he claims to want to protect the world from the NetherbrainÔÇÖs tyranny, his methods are ruthless, and his ultimate goal is to establish his own dominance. Trusting him requires you to overlook his manipulative behavior and the harm he has caused to others, including your companions. This decision is further complicated by the fact that the EmperorÔÇÖs control over the Netherbrain could lead to unforeseen consequences, as his newfound power might corrupt him over time.
To achieve this outcome, you must consistently support the Emperor throughout the game. This means siding with him in key moments, such as when he asks you to consume more Illithid tadpoles to enhance your powers. You should also avoid actions that undermine his trust, such as revealing his true nature to your companions or opposing his plans. Building a strong relationship with the Emperor increases the likelihood that he will remain loyal to you and follow through on his promises.
However, there are risks involved in this strategy. The EmperorÔÇÖs control over the Netherbrain is not guaranteed, and if he fails, the consequences could be catastrophic. Additionally, your companions may disapprove of your decision to trust him, leading to tension within the party. Some companions, such as LaeÔÇÖzel and Shadowheart, have personal stakes in the conflict with the Mind Flayers and may react negatively to your choice.
In terms of gameplay mechanics, this decision is influenced by your characterÔÇÖs alignment and moral compass. If you are playing a character who values pragmatism over idealism, you may be more inclined to support the EmperorÔÇÖs plan. On the other hand, a character who prioritizes freedom and individuality may reject his offer and seek a different solution. Your choice will also affect the gameÔÇÖs ending, as the EmperorÔÇÖs rule over the Netherbrain leads to a distinct narrative outcome compared to other possible endings.
In conclusion, letting the Emperor take control of the Netherbrain is a complex and morally ambiguous decision that requires careful consideration. It involves balancing trust, power, and the potential consequences for the world and your companions. By understanding the mechanics and implications of this choice, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your characterÔÇÖs values and the story you want to experience.