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'''The Emperor''' is a [[mind flayer]] who appears in [[Baldur's Gate 3]]. It{{note|The Emperor, like other mind flayers, is addressed using the "it" pronoun. It is incidentally referred to as "he" in-game, and "they" in the game's files, possibly due to an oversight, or characters conflating its current and previous identities.}} plays a key role in the main story, but its identity is intentionally obscured until later parts of the game, allowing the player to ultimately decide for themselves if they want to know more about it, and whether or not it is trustworthy. | '''The Emperor''' is a [[mind flayer]] who appears in [[Baldur's Gate 3]]. It{{note|The Emperor, like other mind flayers, is addressed using the "it" pronoun. It is incidentally referred to as "he" in-game, and "they" in the game's files, possibly due to an oversight, or characters conflating its current and previous identities.}} plays a key role in the main story, but its identity is intentionally obscured until later parts of the game, allowing the player character to ultimately decide for themselves if they want to know more about it, and whether or not it is trustworthy. | ||
== Overview == | == Overview == | ||
=== Identity === | === Identity === | ||
The Emperor plays a key role in the main story of [[Baldur's Gate 3]], and as part of this role its identity and personal background are kept obfuscated for much of the game. It very carefully divulges information that it deems necessary, sometimes arguing that the player is not ready for the answer yet, or that it will reveal specific information in the future. | The Emperor plays a key role in the main story of [[Baldur's Gate 3]], and as part of this role its identity and personal background are kept obfuscated for much of the game. It very carefully divulges information that it deems necessary, sometimes arguing that the player character is not ready for the answer yet, or that it will reveal specific information in the future. | ||
During Acts One and Two, the Emperor only "meets" with the player as the [[Dream Guardian]]. At the beginning of Act Three, the player finally meets the Emperor face to face, an event which reveals that it is a mind flayer. | During Acts One and Two, the Emperor only "meets" with the player character as the [[Dream Guardian]]. At the beginning of Act Three, the player character finally meets the Emperor face to face, an event which reveals that it is a mind flayer. | ||
Through all three Acts, the Emperor generally serves as a guide, and unlikely ally to the party, having the means to protect their minds from the influence of the [[Absolute]], through the use of the prisoner within the [[Mysterious Artefact|Astral Prism]]. | Through all three Acts, the Emperor generally serves as a guide, and unlikely ally to the party, having the means to protect their minds from the influence of the [[Absolute]], through the use of the prisoner within the [[Mysterious Artefact|Astral Prism]]. | ||
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=== Personal quest === | === Personal quest === | ||
After reaching the [[Elfsong Tavern]] in Act Three, the Emperor will initiate the quest [[Visit the Emperor's Old Hideout]], in which the player can better get to know the Emperor. It discloses some of its past, during its time in the city and from before it became illithid. | After reaching the [[Elfsong Tavern]] in Act Three, the Emperor will initiate the quest [[Visit the Emperor's Old Hideout]], in which the player character can better get to know the Emperor. It discloses some of its past, during its time in the city and from before it became illithid. | ||
=== Recruitment === | === Recruitment === | ||
The Emperor can appear in multiple combat encounters as a controllable ally, a neutral ally, or an enemy. It cannot, however, become a full member of the | The Emperor can appear in multiple combat encounters as a controllable ally, a neutral ally, or an enemy. It cannot, however, become a full member of the party or a camp follower. | ||
=== Romance === | === Romance === | ||
The Emperor can have a romance with the player during Act Three. See [[#Romance_2|Romance]]. | The Emperor can have a romance with the player character during Act Three. See [[#Romance_2|Romance]]. | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
Details about the Emperor's personal history are intentionally obfuscated during most of the game, but the player has the opportunity to learn more about it through conversations, interactions with other characters, reading books, and completing specific side quests. | Details about the Emperor's personal history are intentionally obfuscated during most of the game, but the player character has the opportunity to learn more about it through conversations, interactions with other characters, reading books, and completing specific side quests. | ||
{{SpoilerBox|act=3| | {{SpoilerBox|act=3| | ||
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During those four centuries, it also came to be associated with the Knights of the Shield, a lawful and neutral evil conglomerate of politicians and merchants manipulating events behind the scenes. [[Belynne Stelmane|Duke Stelmane]] was a major figure of this secret society, acting as the Emperor's envoy while it secretly kept her enthralled. {{note|name=stelmaneModule}} | During those four centuries, it also came to be associated with the Knights of the Shield, a lawful and neutral evil conglomerate of politicians and merchants manipulating events behind the scenes. [[Belynne Stelmane|Duke Stelmane]] was a major figure of this secret society, acting as the Emperor's envoy while it secretly kept her enthralled. {{note|name=stelmaneModule}} | ||
Sometime before the events of the game, [[Enver Gortash]] and [[the Dark Urge]] captured the Emperor, and brought it back under the thrall of the Moonrise Elder Brain, who was now wearing the Crown of Karsus and had become the Netherbrain masquerading as the [[Absolute]]. The Netherbrain, sought to have all three Chosen of the Dead Three killed, and specifically picked the Emperor, unbeknown to it, to lead a team of illithids on a nautiloid to search for and steal from the [[Githyanki]] the Astral Prism containing their prince, Orpheus.{{ref|[[The Netherbrain]]'s dialogue to the player at the [[Morphic Pool]].}}{{clear}} | Sometime before the events of the game, [[Enver Gortash]] and [[the Dark Urge]] captured the Emperor, and brought it back under the thrall of the Moonrise Elder Brain, who was now wearing the Crown of Karsus and had become the Netherbrain masquerading as the [[Absolute]]. The Netherbrain, sought to have all three Chosen of the Dead Three killed, and specifically picked the Emperor, unbeknown to it, to lead a team of illithids on a nautiloid to search for and steal from the [[Githyanki]] the Astral Prism containing their prince, Orpheus.{{ref|[[The Netherbrain]]'s dialogue to the player character at the [[Morphic Pool]].}}{{clear}} | ||
}} | }} | ||
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On the way to Baldur's Gate, the party will be ambushed by a group of Gish'ra warriors while resting at Wyrm's Lookout. Entering the portal to the Astral Prism, the party will hear their Dream Guardian calling out for help. However, when the party reaches them, it is only to discover that the true identity of their visitor is the illithid known as the Emperor. | On the way to Baldur's Gate, the party will be ambushed by a group of Gish'ra warriors while resting at Wyrm's Lookout. Entering the portal to the Astral Prism, the party will hear their Dream Guardian calling out for help. However, when the party reaches them, it is only to discover that the true identity of their visitor is the illithid known as the Emperor. | ||
After defending the Emperor, it will explain how it used the power of the Prism and [[Orpheus]] to protect the party from the Absolute, and recite to the party its [[#History|history]] as an adventurer and finding freedom from the Absolute. The Emperor will offer the party an [[Astral-Touched_Tadpole|Astral Touched Tadpole]], which causes the user to transform into a [[partial-illithid]]. It insists the path of the mind flayer is preferable, regardless of the player's view on them. | After defending the Emperor, it will explain how it used the power of the Prism and [[Orpheus]] to protect the party from the Absolute, and recite to the party its [[#History|history]] as an adventurer and finding freedom from the Absolute. The Emperor will offer the party an [[Astral-Touched_Tadpole|Astral Touched Tadpole]], which causes the user to transform into a [[partial-illithid]]. It insists the path of the mind flayer is preferable, regardless of the player character's view on them. | ||
Though this may seen contradictory to its previous promise as the Dream Guardian; to ensure the party do not become mind flayers, this promise refers to the player becoming a mind flayer unwillingly because of the Elder Brain. The Emperor is in favour of the player becoming a mind flayer of their own volition and without the influence of the Elder Brain. | Though this may seen contradictory to its previous promise as the Dream Guardian; to ensure the party do not become mind flayers, this promise refers to the player character becoming a mind flayer unwillingly because of the Elder Brain. The Emperor is in favour of the player character becoming a mind flayer of their own volition and without the influence of the Elder Brain. | ||
=== Act Three === | === Act Three === | ||
==== Elfsong Tavern ==== | ==== Elfsong Tavern ==== | ||
{{main|Visit the Emperor's Old Hideout}} | {{main|Visit the Emperor's Old Hideout}} | ||
As the party nears the [[Elfsong Tavern|Elfsong]], the Emperor will remark that the tavern is the location of its old hideout. The hideout proper is in the basement, past the Knights of the Shield's hideout. In it, the player will find various sentimental knick knacks from the Emperor's previous life, before becoming an illithid. | As the party nears the [[Elfsong Tavern|Elfsong]], the Emperor will remark that the tavern is the location of its old hideout. The hideout proper is in the basement, past the Knights of the Shield's hideout. In it, the player character will find various sentimental knick knacks from the Emperor's previous life, before becoming an illithid. | ||
Around the room is its old dog Rascal's collar, its favourite recipe (fiddlehead soup), its first adventuring sword, and part of a cutlery set from its mother; the butter knife having been lost during its last shipwreck on the Isle of Balduran, inside the wreck of the Wandering Eye ship. | Around the room is its old dog Rascal's collar, its favourite recipe (fiddlehead soup), its first adventuring sword, and part of a cutlery set from its mother; the butter knife having been lost during its last shipwreck on the Isle of Balduran, inside the wreck of the Wandering Eye ship. | ||
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==== The Wyrmway ==== | ==== The Wyrmway ==== | ||
{{see also|Wyrmway|The Blade of Frontiers}} | {{see also|Wyrmway|The Blade of Frontiers}} | ||
Once the party completes the Wyrmway trials, they will find the corpse of [[Ansur]] the Dragon. Interacting with his body will awaken Ansur's spirit, which briefly possesses the player in order to communicate. As Ansur's introduction concludes, he will detect the Emperor within the Astral Prism. | Once the party completes the Wyrmway trials, they will find the corpse of [[Ansur]] the Dragon. Interacting with his body will awaken Ansur's spirit, which briefly possesses the player character in order to communicate. As Ansur's introduction concludes, he will detect the Emperor within the Astral Prism. | ||
{{SpoilerBox|act=3| | {{SpoilerBox|act=3| | ||
Ansur will reveal that the Emperor in fact was formerly [[Balduran]], the founder of [[Baldur's Gate]]. Furthermore, he explains that while the Emperor initially did not want to become a mind flayer, it eventually fully embraced its new form, and its comfort with this caused a rift between the Emperor and Ansur. After "exhausting all possibility of reversing (the Emperor's) condition", Ansur was agonizing and the Emperor (as seen in the letter on Ansur's body) attempted to convince him to leave. Ansur then attempted to murder the Emperor during its sleep as a mercy killing, and the Emperor killed Ansur in self-defense. | Ansur will reveal that the Emperor in fact was formerly [[Balduran]], the founder of [[Baldur's Gate]]. Furthermore, he explains that while the Emperor initially did not want to become a mind flayer, it eventually fully embraced its new form, and its comfort with this caused a rift between the Emperor and Ansur. After "exhausting all possibility of reversing (the Emperor's) condition", Ansur was agonizing and the Emperor (as seen in the letter on Ansur's body) attempted to convince him to leave. Ansur then attempted to murder the Emperor during its sleep as a mercy killing, and the Emperor killed Ansur in self-defense. | ||
This development is somewhat foreshadowed when the player first meets The Emperor in their true form, as the song that plays during the encounter is a variation of [[The Elf Song]], which prominently features Balduran in its lyrics.}} | This development is somewhat foreshadowed when the player character first meets The Emperor in their true form, as the song that plays during the encounter is a variation of [[The Elf Song]], which prominently features Balduran in its lyrics.}} | ||
===Endings=== | ===Endings=== | ||
{{SpoilerBox|act=3| | {{SpoilerBox|act=3| | ||
;Let the Emperor use the Netherstones | ;Let the Emperor use the Netherstones | ||
:The Emperor unless convinced otherwise is mostly concerned with its survival and prosperity. Should the player allow it to wield the Netherstones, it will follow through on destroying the Elder Brain, at the cost of letting it "assimilate" with [[Orpheus]]. | :The Emperor unless convinced otherwise is mostly concerned with its survival and prosperity. Should the player character allow it to wield the Netherstones, it will follow through on destroying the Elder Brain, at the cost of letting it "assimilate" with [[Orpheus]]. | ||
:If the player suggests to the Emperor to take control of the Netherbrain, it will mention that the thought of becoming the [[Absolute]] did cross its mind. But unless otherwise persuaded, it will refuse, claiming that whoever becomes the leader of the [[Cult of the Absolute]] will be in an open war with the [[Githyanki]], which is a war it is not certain it will survive. The Emperor will destroy [[the Netherbrain]], and the parasites within its control in this ending. | :If the player character suggests to the Emperor to take control of the Netherbrain, it will mention that the thought of becoming the [[Absolute]] did cross its mind. But unless otherwise persuaded, it will refuse, claiming that whoever becomes the leader of the [[Cult of the Absolute]] will be in an open war with the [[Githyanki]], which is a war it is not certain it will survive. The Emperor will destroy [[the Netherbrain]], and the parasites within its control in this ending. | ||
;The Emperor controls the Netherbrain | ;The Emperor controls the Netherbrain | ||
:It is also possible, after suggesting it to take control of the Netherbrain, to persuade it. In this scenario, it does not free the player or their party, instead making them mindless thralls and assuming absolute control of them, continuing the Grand Design. | :It is also possible, after suggesting it to take control of the Netherbrain, to persuade it. In this scenario, it does not free the player character or their party, instead making them mindless thralls and assuming absolute control of them, continuing the Grand Design. | ||
;Orpheus is freed | ;Orpheus is freed | ||
:If the player frees Orpheus, the Emperor will abandon the party, and side with [[the Netherbrain]] for the sake of its own survival, as it believes that Orpheus will kill it. | :If the player character frees Orpheus, the Emperor will abandon the party, and side with [[the Netherbrain]] for the sake of its own survival, as it believes that Orpheus will kill it. | ||
;Attack the Emperor | ;Attack the Emperor | ||
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== List of interactions == | == List of interactions == | ||
{{hatnote|See [[Dream Guardian]] to read about its previous conversations with the player when it was in disguise.}} | {{hatnote|See [[Dream Guardian]] to read about its previous conversations with the player character when it was in disguise.}} | ||
{{RomanceBox|hide=1| | {{RomanceBox|hide=1| |
Revision as of 01:39, 24 June 2024
![]() | Spoiler warning: The following content contains unhidden spoilers for Act 3. | ![]() |
Overview | Combat | Dream Guardian |
The Emperor is a mind flayer who appears in Baldur's Gate 3. It[note 1] plays a key role in the main story, but its identity is intentionally obscured until later parts of the game, allowing the player character to ultimately decide for themselves if they want to know more about it, and whether or not it is trustworthy.
Overview
Identity
The Emperor plays a key role in the main story of Baldur's Gate 3, and as part of this role its identity and personal background are kept obfuscated for much of the game. It very carefully divulges information that it deems necessary, sometimes arguing that the player character is not ready for the answer yet, or that it will reveal specific information in the future.
During Acts One and Two, the Emperor only "meets" with the player character as the Dream Guardian. At the beginning of Act Three, the player character finally meets the Emperor face to face, an event which reveals that it is a mind flayer.
Through all three Acts, the Emperor generally serves as a guide, and unlikely ally to the party, having the means to protect their minds from the influence of the Absolute, through the use of the prisoner within the Astral Prism.
![Portrait The Emperor.png](/w/images/thumb/c/c6/Portrait_The_Emperor.png/70px-Portrait_The_Emperor.png)
“"Don't let my form deceive you. I am the one that's been protecting you. I am the one that came to you in your dreams. Help me.„
Personal quest
After reaching the Elfsong Tavern in Act Three, the Emperor will initiate the quest Visit the Emperor's Old Hideout, in which the player character can better get to know the Emperor. It discloses some of its past, during its time in the city and from before it became illithid.
Recruitment
The Emperor can appear in multiple combat encounters as a controllable ally, a neutral ally, or an enemy. It cannot, however, become a full member of the party or a camp follower.
Romance
The Emperor can have a romance with the player character during Act Three. See Romance.
History
Details about the Emperor's personal history are intentionally obfuscated during most of the game, but the player character has the opportunity to learn more about it through conversations, interactions with other characters, reading books, and completing specific side quests.
Act 3 Spoilers! This section reveals details about the story of Baldur's Gate 3.
Events of Baldur's Gate 3
Act Two finale
On the way to Baldur's Gate, the party will be ambushed by a group of Gish'ra warriors while resting at Wyrm's Lookout. Entering the portal to the Astral Prism, the party will hear their Dream Guardian calling out for help. However, when the party reaches them, it is only to discover that the true identity of their visitor is the illithid known as the Emperor.
After defending the Emperor, it will explain how it used the power of the Prism and Orpheus to protect the party from the Absolute, and recite to the party its history as an adventurer and finding freedom from the Absolute. The Emperor will offer the party an Astral Touched Tadpole, which causes the user to transform into a partial-illithid. It insists the path of the mind flayer is preferable, regardless of the player character's view on them.
Though this may seen contradictory to its previous promise as the Dream Guardian; to ensure the party do not become mind flayers, this promise refers to the player character becoming a mind flayer unwillingly because of the Elder Brain. The Emperor is in favour of the player character becoming a mind flayer of their own volition and without the influence of the Elder Brain.
Act Three
Elfsong Tavern
As the party nears the Elfsong, the Emperor will remark that the tavern is the location of its old hideout. The hideout proper is in the basement, past the Knights of the Shield's hideout. In it, the player character will find various sentimental knick knacks from the Emperor's previous life, before becoming an illithid.
Around the room is its old dog Rascal's collar, its favourite recipe (fiddlehead soup), its first adventuring sword, and part of a cutlery set from its mother; the butter knife having been lost during its last shipwreck on the Isle of Balduran, inside the wreck of the Wandering Eye ship.
There are also some more illithid-adequate items such as chains for its preferred prey - allegedly criminals and lawbreakers - and jars for brains.
The Wyrmway
Once the party completes the Wyrmway trials, they will find the corpse of Ansur the Dragon. Interacting with his body will awaken Ansur's spirit, which briefly possesses the player character in order to communicate. As Ansur's introduction concludes, he will detect the Emperor within the Astral Prism.
Act 3 Spoilers! This section reveals details about the story of Baldur's Gate 3.
Endings
Act 3 Spoilers! This section reveals details about the story of Baldur's Gate 3.
List of interactions
Romance Spoilers This section reveals details about romance and may contain mature themes.
Achievements
Gallery
Notes
- The Emperor's existence confirms the Dream Guardian as being an illithid influence, albeit in a different way.
- In Early Access, the Dream Guardian (known then as Dream Visitor) was implied to be a mental manifestation of the player's tadpole, as it eased them towards using their powers more, as well as showing them a future of domination and control.
- In the Full Release, the Emperor plays a similar role, in the sense that it also encourages the player to expand their potential through using the tadpole's power, but it is much more passive. In addition, its interests seem to be aligned against the Absolute.
Footnotes
- ↑ The Emperor, like other mind flayers, is addressed using the "it" pronoun. It is incidentally referred to as "he" in-game, and "they" in the game's files, possibly due to an oversight, or characters conflating its current and previous identities.
- ↑ Jump up to: 2.0 2.1 The Emperor's vision of its control over Belynne Stelmane is corroborated by the 5e module,
Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus. In it, Stelmane is described as having a secret, mental battle against a mind flayer. This mind flayer is very likely the Emperor itself, and as a result, puts its entire "alliance" with Stelmane into question. It is very possible the Emperor and Stelmane did not have a proper alliance at all, and rather, the Emperor enthralled her for its needs. Whether this was always the case, or if they had a genuine alliance beforehand, isn't fully clear.
- ↑ This romance behaves somewhat differently from that with companions, as the Emperor generally cannot be interacted with outside of cutscenes, and romantic progression is limited to the final act of the game.
References
- ↑ Dialogue with Ansur.
- ↑ The Netherbrain's dialogue to the player character at the Morphic Pool.