In Baldur’s Gate 3, players must decide whether to accept the mysterious Emperor’s offer to evolve their character by consuming a powerful Illithid tadpole. Here’s a breakdown of what happens if you accept the Emperor’s gift.
To Evolve or Not to Evolve: The Emperor’s Offer in Baldur’s Gate 3
The Emperor’s Offer
After protecting the Emperor, he’ll offer to advance your tadpole to its next stage, granting access to powerful psionic abilities. This “Astral Touched” tadpole provides outer-ring Illithid perks like Displacer Beast Shape, Fracture Psyche, free Counterspell, and Charisma expertise.
Effects of Accepting the Gift
If you accept the evolved tadpole, you’ll undergo permanent physical changes and unlock special powers. It’s a huge upgrade, but comes at the cost of growing black veins across your face and body. Your companions will also strongly disapprove. However, they can also be convinced to evolve their own tadpoles.
Despite appearances, this won’t directly affect the game’s ending. You can also reject the gift for now but keep the tadpole to consume later if desired. Either way, your companions will react negatively to embracing your inner mind flayer.
Should You Accept?
The decision to accept the Astral-touched Tadpole hinges upon your desired path. If you embody the tenets of a by-the-book lawful good character, a rejection might align with your principles. However, for those enticed by the allure of an expanded Illithid skill tree, embracing the eldritch evolution might prove irresistible.
Ultimately, the path you choose is a reflection of the adventurer you embody, and each choice you make – be it embracing evolution or safeguarding your current form – contributes to the rich tapestry of your own unique tale within Baldur’s Gate 3.
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