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| The Netherbrain | |
|---|---|
| Level 20 | |
 | |
| Role | Overarching Antagonist |
| Voiced by | Cissy Jones Various |
| Information | |
| Title | The Absolute |
| Race | Elder Brain |
| Age | Unknown |
| Overview | Combat |
 | Spoiler warning: The following content contains unhidden spoilers for 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.
| “ | 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
Highly intelligent and extremely devious, the Netherbrain is a cruel creature, willing to do anything to achieve the Grand Design. It views any creature other than illithid is lesser, and is perfectly willing to use its followers as pawns. The Netherbrain also shows some curiosity when discussing its plans with the Urge, impressed by the former's cruelty, but lost interest the moment they were removed from the plan. Much like other illithid, self-preservation guides its actions and, if defeated and facing destruction, it submits to the victors in order to survive.
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
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
Hero of the Forgotten Realms
Save the day: kill the Netherbrain and destroy the Absolute tadpoles.
Absolute Power Corrupts
Reign with terror: take control of the Netherbrain and bend the world to your will.
Sins of the Father
Claim your Throne of Blood: take control of the Netherbrain for Bhaal and break the world.
Gallery
Concept art
Illusion
Crown of Karsus close-up
Cinematic
Cinematic
Notes
References
- ↑ You brought the Crown to me, Bhaalspawn, thinking the army I amassed with it would become yours. - The Netherbrain to the Dark Urge
- ↑ Your plan was devious, your cruelty unparalleled. I would have followed it, were your mind not destroyed by your sister. - Netherbrain to the Urge
- ↑ Elder Brain Domination - Ketheric Thorm
- ↑ 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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