Baldur's Gate 3's Absolute Plot Simplified and Explained
by P Nandhini | Updated Aug 19, 2023
What is Baldur's Gate 3's Absolute?
In the complex tapestry of Baldur's Gate 3's storyline, the Absolute emerges as a central and foreboding presence. This entity is not just a simple deity but a potent and enigmatic force that holds the potential to reshape the fate of the world. The Absolute's introduction occurs amidst the chaos caused by illithid tadpole infections that afflict the protagonist and their companions. These parasitic creatures, capable of transforming their hosts into mind flayers, become the catalyst for uncovering the Absolute's true nature.
The Absolute is both a god and an Elder Brain—a formidable form of mind flayer that possesses unparalleled psychic abilities. This unique fusion of divine and eldritch power makes the Absolute a force to be reckoned with. What sets the Absolute apart is its manipulation of followers through its cult. Individuals infected by illithid tadpoles willingly embrace their transformation, becoming loyal adherents who can telepathically connect with each other, furthering the Absolute's influence.
As the player delves deeper into the narrative, it becomes evident that the Absolute is a pawn in a larger game. The puppet masters behind this deity's actions are the Dead Three, a trio of malevolent gods known from previous Baldur's Gate games. Bhaal, Bane, and Myrkul, the dark lords of Murder, Darkness, and Bones respectively, exert control over the Absolute through enchanted stones carried by their champions.
The journey to counter the Absolute's influence and thwart the machinations of the Dead Three forms the crux of the narrative's third act. Players are faced with choices that determine the outcome, leading to varied endings that range from a heroic defeat of the Absolute to embracing its power and becoming an instrument of mind-flayer domination.
In essence, the Absolute is not just a tangible antagonist but a symbol of the merging of supernatural power, manipulative cultism, and the overarching theme of choice and consequence that defines Baldur's Gate 3's captivating narrative.
Baldur's Gate 3's Absolute Plot Simplified and Explained
Baldur's Gate 3 presents a sprawling fantasy narrative set in the world of Dungeons and Dragons, characterized by intricate plots, diverse characters, and rich world-building. At the heart of this intricate tapestry, amidst various interwoven storylines, emerges a central thread that remains unwavering—the looming threat of the Absolute.
The Absolute's Menacing Presence
The game commences with players assuming the role of the protagonist, accompanied by a group of companions, all thrust into a nightmarish situation: they find themselves infected with illithid tadpoles, insidious parasites capable of transforming hosts into dreaded mind flayers. Surviving the crash of an illithid nautiloid ship, the player's foremost concern becomes eradicating this parasitic affliction. This dire predicament sets the stage for their quest, embarking on a journey to find a remedy.
Cult of the Absolute
As their journey unfolds, the party encounters fellow victims of the tadpole infestation. Strangely, these individuals belong to a cult devoted to a novel deity known as the Absolute. These enigmatic god's worshipers are revealed to be infected individuals who embrace their transformation and establish a psychic link with one another. The Absolute's presence and influence loom larger as the protagonist delves deeper into this newly emerging cult.
Revealing the Absolute's Might
Progressing through the story, the player unearths the disturbing truth—the Absolute is none other than a formidable Elder Brain, a higher form of mind flayer endowed with the power to control minds en masse across vast distances. However, the Absolute is a pawn in a larger game of manipulation orchestrated by the Dead Three, a trio of malevolent deities comprising Bhaal, the Lord of Murder; Bane, the Lord of Darkness; and Myrkul, the Lord of Bones—names familiar to those acquainted with previous Baldur's Gate titles.
The Puppetmasters Unveiled
The revelation that the Dead Three's champions—Orin, Ketheric Throm, and Enver Gortash—are the ones pulling the Absolute's strings sends shockwaves through the narrative. These sinister agents carry magical stones, which when united, grant them control over the Elder Brain. This revelation also unravels their sinister plan to infiltrate Baldur's Gate and beyond with an army of cultists, primed to execute their nefarious designs.
The Climactic Act and Divergent Endings
The third act of the narrative is characterized by a determined effort to thwart the champions of the Dead Three. By engaging with their stories and quests, players can thwart the impending invasion of Baldur's Gate and its surrounding territories. Choices made here culminate in diverse conclusions. In the favorable ending, the Netherbrain housing the Absolute's power is commanded to self-destruct, eradicating the tadpoles and their influence. Conversely, embracing the dark side permits players to assume the mantle of the Absolute, heralding an era of mind-flayer domination.
Intricacies Beyond the Broad Strokes
Baldur's Gate 3 not only delivers a grand narrative but also emphasizes the significance of choices, with seemingly minor decisions exerting lasting impacts. The tapestry of this tale extends beyond its main plot, weaving an engaging and complex experience for players to immerse themselves in.
Baldur's Gate 3
Baldur's Gate 3, developed and published by Larian Studios, constitutes the third major installment in the renowned Baldur's Gate video game series. Drawing its inspiration from the revered Dungeons & Dragons tabletop role-playing system, the game encapsulates an immersive blend of fantasy and adventure.
Initially introduced through early access, Baldur's Gate 3 provided a glimpse into its captivating universe on October 6, 2020. This format was made accessible to macOS, Windows, and the Stadia streaming platform. The game underwent continuous development and refinement during its early access phase, culminating in its full release on Windows on August 3, 2023.
Anticipated releases for macOS and PlayStation 5 are scheduled for September 6, 2023, while the Stadia version was regrettably canceled in light of Stadia's closure. Baldur's Gate 3 garnered considerable acclaim from critics, who lauded its engaging gameplay dynamics, enthralling narrative, expansive content offerings, and the profound impact of player choices on the unfolding storyline.
However, the game was not without its shortcomings, as it faced criticism for technical glitches and issues encountered upon its initial launch.
Baldur's Gate 3 Gameplay
Baldur's Gate 3 unfolds as a role-playing video game, offering an engaging fusion of single-player and cooperative multiplayer experiences. Players have the freedom to craft and control one or more characters, assembling a party that includes both computer-generated companions and their own creations. Venturing into the depths of the game's narrative, players can choose to take their character online and join forces with fellow players to embark on a collaborative journey.
Diverging from the format of its predecessors in the Baldur's Gate series, Baldur's Gate 3 adopts a turn-based combat system, akin to Larian Studios' earlier successes, Divinity: Original Sin and Divinity: Original Sin II. The combat mechanics are rooted in the rules of Dungeons & Dragons' 5th Edition, seamlessly integrating the acclaimed tabletop role-playing system into the virtual realm. This innovative approach enhances the strategic depth of battles, offering players a novel and immersive combat experience.
Baldur's Gate 3's Absolute Plot Simplified and Explained - FAQs
The Absolute, a new god, poses a significant danger to the world through its manipulation of illithids.
Players start infected with illithid tadpoles, driving them to remove the infection and uncover the Absolute's cult.
The Dead Three, a trio of evil gods, control the Absolute's power through enchanted stones.
The good ending involves destroying the Netherbrain to eliminate the threat, while the evil ending allows the player to become the Absolute and spread mind flayer control.
The player works to thwart the plans of the Dead Three's champions and prevent the cultist invasion orchestrated by them.