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{{PageSeo
{{PageSeo
| description = Mind Flayers are a non-playable race in Baldur's Gate 3. They are a type of Aberration. Mind Flayers are also known as Illithids.  
| description = The Netherbrain is the final boss of Baldur's Gate 3 and the overarching antagonist of the game.
| image = Netherbrain_Illusion.webp
| image = Netherbrain_Illusion.webp
}}{{Infobox character|name=The Netherbrain|level=20|image=Netherbrain Illusion.webp|role=Overarching Antagonist|voice=Cissy Jones, Various|titles=The Absolute|race=[[Elder Brain]]|age=1000's of years}}{{Priority}}{{SpoilerWarning|act=3}}
}}{{Infobox character
'''The Netherbrain''' is the final boss of [[Baldur's Gate 3]]. It is an [[Aberration]].
|name=The Netherbrain
|level=20
|image=Netherbrain Illusion.webp
|role=Overarching Antagonist
|voice=Cissy Jones<br>Various
|titles=The Absolute
|race=[[Elder Brain]]
|type=[[Aberration]]
|age=Unknown}}
{{CombatTab}}
{{SpoilerWarning|act=3}}
'''The Netherbrain''' is an [[Aberration]] of massive proportions that serves as the final boss of the game. An [[Elder Brain]] powered by the ancient [[Crown of Karsus]], the Netherbrain is the overarching antagonist of the game, its insidious plans having set in motion the events of the story.
 
{{q|Bhaal's Chosen placed the Crown upon me in the depths of Moonrise Towers, and there I was born.|The Netherbrain}}
{{q|Bhaal's Chosen placed the Crown upon me in the depths of Moonrise Towers, and there I was born.|The Netherbrain}}


== Overview ==
== Overview ==
=== Background ===
=== Background ===
The Netherbrain is an empowered [[elder brain]] who was "enslaved" by the Dead Three, brought under their command by the [[Crown of Karsus]]. However, in truth, the brain was guiding events, amassing an army for itself and pitting the Chosen against each other, all the while empowered by the Crown.
An [[Elder Brain]] enslaved by the [[Crown of Karsus]], the Netherbrain is the true identity behind the [[Absolute]] and its enigmatic [[Cult of the Absolute|cult]] that quickly spread all over the [https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Sword_Coast Sword Coast]. Chained and under control of the [[Chosen]] of the [[Dead Three]], in truth, the brain is the mastermind behind everything, using the proud Chosen merely as pawns to serve it the Crown, amass an army for it and plant the seeds to control over [[Baldur's Gate]] and beyond.


===Related quests===
=== Gameplay ===
* The Netherbrain is a level 20 Aberration type Elder Brain
* It serves as the main antagonist throughout the game, as well as the final boss
* Mentioned first in [[Act 1]], it briefly appears at the end of [[Act 2]] before becoming a proper enemy during [[Act 3]]
* Depending on player choices, its fate can vary and affect the endings of the game
* Dialogue choices can have an effect on its HP when entering the final battle
 
===Quests===
* [[Confront the Elder Brain]]
* [[Confront the Elder Brain]]
** [[Destroy the Elder Brain]]
** [[Destroy the Elder Brain]]
** [[Control the Elder Brain]]
** [[Control the Elder Brain]]
==Description==
===Appearance===
The Netherbrain is a gargantuan elder brain easily towering above most buildings in the [[Lower City]]. The brain is flesh colored, with crimson blood vessels and purple-blue chitinous growths emerging from the sides and the top, shaped in menacing spikes running along its dome, the flesh noticeably darker where the growths surface. It has an extremely long spinal cord and tentacles adorn the front of the brain. The Crown of Karsus sits on top of its head, simple yet well-made, adorned with rose jewels and intricate details.
When interacted with, it uses an illusion that grants it the visage of a familiar mind flayer. A huge face appears at the front of the brain, skin pale blue with eyes dark orange and pitch black pupils. The tentacles are larger, resembling that of a nautiloid, allowing it to emote similarly to other illithid.
===Personality===


== History ==
== History ==
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While the brain could be controlled, so long as all three Netherstones were separate from the Crown, it was still able to guide events to its favour. The Netherbrain granted [[the Emperor]] its freedom so it could retrieve the Prism, and planted the knowledge of Orpheus' power. Unwittingly following a larger plan, the Emperor and his protected allowed it so that at least one Netherstone would be brought back to the brain, and it would be liberated.
While the brain could be controlled, so long as all three Netherstones were separate from the Crown, it was still able to guide events to its favour. The Netherbrain granted [[the Emperor]] its freedom so it could retrieve the Prism, and planted the knowledge of Orpheus' power. Unwittingly following a larger plan, the Emperor and his protected allowed it so that at least one Netherstone would be brought back to the brain, and it would be liberated.


== Combat ==
== Involvement ==
{{Infobox statistics
| image = Netherbrain Model.png
| str = 14
| dex = 10
| con = 22
| int = 28
| wis = 21
| cha = 24
| con_save_proficiency = y
| int_save_proficiency = y
| wis_save_proficiency = y
| cha_save_proficiency = y
| level = 20
| name = The Unbreakable Will of the Netherbrain
| size = Huge
| type = Aberration
| race = Aberration
| amour_class = 15
| hit_points_tactician = 450
| hit_points = 300
| movement_speed_meters = 0
| movement_speed_feet = 0
| weight_kg = 10000
| weight_lb = 20000
| initiative = -15
| condition1_name = Chains of Karsus
| condition1_description = Will break free of its domination within 5 turns
| condition2_name = Against All Odds
| condition2_description = Begins with ~20% less HP, depending on an earlier ability check
| condition3_mode = Honour
| condition3_name = Aegis of the Absolute
| condition3_description = Gains immunity to recent forms of damage
| feature1_name = Psionic Retribution
| feature1_description = Use a reaction to release a brainquake
| action1_name = Retributive Brainquake
| action1 = {{DamageText|10d6|Psychic}} and {{cond|Mindbroken}} in response to damage.
| action2_name = Orb of Negation
| action2 = Mark platforms for negation, destroying them the next turn.
}}


=== Conditions ===
===Act One===
* {{cond|Chains of Karsus}} - After using [[Karsus' Compulsion]] on the Netherbrain
* {{cond|Against All Odds}} - If a natural 20 was rolled on the final check to dominate the Netherbrain at the [[Morphic Pool]] it will have this condition, which will greatly reduce its HP.
* {{Cond|Aegis of the Absolute}} - On [[Honour mode]] only, the Netherbrain becomes immune to all types of damage that was dealt to it the previous round.


=== Attacks and abilities ===
===Act Two===
{{TooltipBox|{{SAI|Retributive Brainquake|w=40}}|image=Generic Psychic.webp|w=100|
* As a reaction to taking damage, do {{DamageText|10d6|Psychic}} damage to all enemies within 30m and {{cond|Mindbroken|Mindbreak}} them.
* {{Saving Throw|INT}} to halve damage.
}}


{{TooltipBox|{{SAI|Orb of Negation|w=40}}|image=Generic Explosion.webp |w=100|
===Act Three===
* Summon several floating orbs which deal {{DamageText|20~200|Force}} damage to everything within range at the end of the next round.
}}


=== Tactics ===
== Combat ==
====Accessing the Netherbrain ====
{{Hatnote|See main article: [[The Netherbrain/Combat]]}}
* [[Dimension Door]], [[Arcane Gate]] and [[Misty Step]] are all useful spells to have assigned or distributed as scrolls for moving from the entrance to "[[Atop the Netherbrain]]", over to the Crown of Karsus.
The Netherbrain serves as the final boss of Act 3 and of the game. Its defeat marks the end of the main adventure, giving way to the [[Endings]] and the [[Epilogue]].
* Stepping anywhere on the brainy surface will summon tentacles, so it may be easier to approach from the two platforms on either side. Otherwise, if intending to sprint across, using a character who can avoid [[Opportunity Attack]]s, such as one with the [[Mobile]] feat.
* [[Globe of Invulnerability]] is also useful for protecting the caster of [[Karsus' Compulsion]]. '''However''', the nearby [[Mind Flayer]]s will still be able to {{cond|Stunned|stun}} creatures inside the globe, which ends the spell prematurely.
** Tossing Mind Flayers over the edge with moves like [[Telekinesis]] will not kill them, as they will just reappear atop the Netherbrain.
* Only party members can enter the Netherbrain's Psyche (or '''The Unbreakable Will of the Netherbrain'''), so once the portal is open it is no longer necessary to continue fighting other enemies.


==== Fighting the Netherbrain ====
=== Loot ===
* On [[Tactician]], the Netherbrain will have 450 hit points.
The Netherbrain cannot be looted as the game ends immediately after it is defeated.
* The Netherbrain's hit point total can be reduced initially from rolling a natural 20 for the final skill check in the [[Morphic Pool]]
* For each round, the first attack against the Brain will cause it to use [[Retributive Brainquake]] which will damage everything in range
* The Brain will use [[Orb of Negation]] to summon several orbs which cause damage at the end of the next round. These orbs will destroy the platforms beneath them, so it is important to move characters off of any marked platforms. Further, the brain should be quickly killed before all platforms are destroyed.


==Achievements==
==Achievements==
Line 100: Line 72:


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery heights="200">
<gallery heights="250px" mode="packed">
File:Wayne-chu-bg3-elder-brain-render-wayne-chu-3.jpg|Concept art
File:Wayne-chu-bg3-elder-brain-render-wayne-chu-3.jpg|Concept art
File:Wayne-chu-bg3-netherbrain-render-waynechu-2.jpg|Illusion
File:Wayne-chu-bg3-netherbrain-render-waynechu-2.jpg|Illusion
Line 107: Line 79:
File:Netherbrain.webm|Cinematic
File:Netherbrain.webm|Cinematic
</gallery>
</gallery>
== Notes ==


== References ==
== References ==
Line 113: Line 87:
== External links ==
== External links ==
{{FRWiki|The Netherbrain|long}}
{{FRWiki|The Netherbrain|long}}


{{NavAct2Finale}}
{{NavAct2Finale}}
{{NavBaldursGate}}
{{NavBaldursGate}}
[[Category: Aberrations]][[Category: Bosses]]
[[Category: Aberrations]][[Category: Bosses]]

Revision as of 12:57, 31 January 2024

The Netherbrain
Level 20
RoleOverarching Antagonist
Voiced byCissy Jones
Various
Information
TitleThe Absolute
RaceElder Brain
AgeUnknown
Overview Combat

The Netherbrain is an Aberration of massive proportions that serves as the final boss of the game. An Elder Brain powered by the ancient Crown of Karsus, the Netherbrain is the overarching antagonist of the game, its insidious plans having set in motion the events of the story.

“
Bhaal's Chosen placed the Crown upon me in the depths of Moonrise Towers, and there I was born.
 „
— The Netherbrain


Overview

Background

An Elder Brain enslaved by the Crown of Karsus, the Netherbrain is the true identity behind the Absolute and its enigmatic cult that quickly spread all over the Sword Coast. Chained and under control of the Chosen of the Dead Three, in truth, the brain is the mastermind behind everything, using the proud Chosen merely as pawns to serve it the Crown, amass an army for it and plant the seeds to control over Baldur's Gate and beyond.

Gameplay

  • The Netherbrain is a level 20 Aberration type Elder Brain
  • It serves as the main antagonist throughout the game, as well as the final boss
  • Mentioned first in Act 1, it briefly appears at the end of Act 2 before becoming a proper enemy during Act 3
  • Depending on player choices, its fate can vary and affect the endings of the game
  • Dialogue choices can have an effect on its HP when entering the final battle

Quests

Description

Appearance

The Netherbrain is a gargantuan elder brain easily towering above most buildings in the Lower City. The brain is flesh colored, with crimson blood vessels and purple-blue chitinous growths emerging from the sides and the top, shaped in menacing spikes running along its dome, the flesh noticeably darker where the growths surface. It has an extremely long spinal cord and tentacles adorn the front of the brain. The Crown of Karsus sits on top of its head, simple yet well-made, adorned with rose jewels and intricate details.

When interacted with, it uses an illusion that grants it the visage of a familiar mind flayer. A huge face appears at the front of the brain, skin pale blue with eyes dark orange and pitch black pupils. The tentacles are larger, resembling that of a nautiloid, allowing it to emote similarly to other illithid.

Personality

History

The Netherbrain was created, unintentionally, by the Dark Urge, as part of a larger plan to create an army of illithids with the Crown of Karsus, controlled by proxy of a dominated elder brain wearing the Crown.

The Urge and Enver Gortash devised a plan to steal the Crown of Karsus from Mephistopheles' vault and use it to create a mind flayer army to exterminate all life as tribute to Bhaal. After successfully obtaining the Crown, it was brought to the elder brain located beneath Moonrise Towers, beginning the brain's time as the Absolute. [1] However, while at Moonrise Towers, the Urge was betrayed by Orin, who attacked them and took their place as Bhaal's chosen of the Dead Three.

Though the brain was inspired by the Urge's plan, happy to follow along and grant them their army, [2] without them, the Dead Three's plans quickly fell apart. With the Dark Urge out of the picture, the Dead Three squabbled and fought among themselves, with Ketheric[3] and Orin planning to betray their fellow Chosen. Unimpressed, the Netherbrain began planning its takeover, giving power to each of the Chosen enough to harm the others.[4]

While the brain could be controlled, so long as all three Netherstones were separate from the Crown, it was still able to guide events to its favour. The Netherbrain granted the Emperor its freedom so it could retrieve the Prism, and planted the knowledge of Orpheus' power. Unwittingly following a larger plan, the Emperor and his protected allowed it so that at least one Netherstone would be brought back to the brain, and it would be liberated.

Involvement

Act One

Act Two

Act Three

Combat

See main article: The Netherbrain/Combat

The Netherbrain serves as the final boss of Act 3 and of the game. Its defeat marks the end of the main adventure, giving way to the Endings and the Epilogue.

Loot

The Netherbrain cannot be looted as the game ends immediately after it is defeated.

Achievements

A-Hero of the Forgotten Realms.jpg

Hero of the Forgotten Realms
Save the day: kill the Netherbrain and destroy the Absolute tadpoles.


A-Absolute Power Corrupts.jpg

Absolute Power Corrupts
Reign with terror: take control of the Netherbrain and bend the world to your will.


A-Sins of the Father.jpg

Sins of the Father
Claim your Throne of Blood: take control of the Netherbrain for Bhaal and break the world.


Gallery

Notes

References

  1. ↑ You brought the Crown to me, Bhaalspawn, thinking the army I amassed with it would become yours. - The Netherbrain to the Dark Urge
  2. ↑ Your plan was devious, your cruelty unparalleled. I would have followed it, were your mind not destroyed by your sister. - Netherbrain to the Urge
  3. ↑ Elder Brain Domination - Ketheric Thorm
  4. ↑ But with you gone, the three pitiful Chosen fought like children in your wake. I gave them power to harm one another with, while I crafted my design. - The Netherbrain to the Urge

External links

The Netherbrain on the Forgotten Realms Wiki


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