Table of Contents

Can I Save Both Emperor and Orpheus in Baldur’s Gate 3? The Definitive Guide

The short answer is: no, you cannot “save” both the Emperor and Orpheus in a way that both survive and remain allies in the final battle of Baldur’s Gate 3. The narrative structure of the game forces a crucial choice between siding with one or the other, with significant consequences for the ending and the fate of your companions. While you might achieve a temporary truce, the underlying conflict and the demands of the Netherbrain will ultimately lead to a definitive parting of ways, and likely the death of one or both. This article explores the nuances of this complex decision, providing a comprehensive guide to understanding the ramifications and making an informed choice.

The Core Conflict: Control and the Netherbrain

The central dilemma revolves around control of the Netherstones and the power they represent to dominate the Netherbrain. The Emperor, a powerful mind flayer, uses Orpheus’s psychic abilities to shield you and your party from the Netherbrain’s influence. Orpheus, the Githyanki prince, is held captive within the Prism, and his power is the only thing preventing everyone from succumbing to ceremorphosis.

The Emperor believes that the most pragmatic solution is to maintain control of Orpheus’s power, even if it means the prince’s continued imprisonment. Orpheus, understandably, desires freedom and the chance to destroy the Netherbrain through more direct means.

Your choice hinges on who you trust more and what you believe is the most effective way to defeat the Netherbrain. There is no path where both figures are simultaneously satisfied and fighting alongside you in the final confrontation. One will invariably become an adversary, or sacrifice themself.

Understanding the Consequences

Before making your decision, it’s crucial to grasp the consequences of each path:

Siding with the Emperor: This typically involves handing over the Netherstones to the Emperor, empowering him to face the Netherbrain. It allows you to avoid becoming a mind flayer (at least initially) and maintain a powerful ally…until you might not. However, it condemns Orpheus to continued imprisonment and exploitation, which can lead to Lae’zel leaving your party, and feelings of moral compromise. There’s also a chance that the Emperor’s own ambitions will lead to him betraying you later on.
Freeing Orpheus: This involves releasing Orpheus from the Prism, which necessitates confronting and potentially fighting the Emperor. It allows Orpheus to attempt a direct assault on the Netherbrain, but it carries significant risks. Firstly, someone must become a mind flayer to control the Netherstones and dominate the Netherbrain to prevent turning illithid as Orpheus’ protection ends. Secondly, it leads to the Emperor becoming an enemy in the final battle, as you remove his protection, and thus your own.

A Temporary Truce? The Illusion of Harmony

Some players have reported achieving a temporary truce where the Emperor and Orpheus seemingly co-exist for a short period after Orpheus’s release. In this scenario, Orpheus is released with the Orphic Hammer while the Emperor is still alive. But this is a temporary state, not a lasting alliance.

The endgame narrative demands a confrontation. The Netherbrain will ultimately force a choice, and the conflicting ideologies of Orpheus and the Emperor will inevitably lead to a break. The Emperor will betray you and side with the Netherbrain, and Orpheus will want to take on the Netherbrain. The possibility of Karlach becoming a mindflayer and saving the world is also an option if Orpheus is freed and the Emperor is turned into an enemy.

Making the Choice: Factors to Consider

The decision of whether to side with the Emperor or Orpheus is deeply personal and depends on your character’s values and goals. Consider the following:

Your character’s moral alignment: Do you prioritize pragmatism and the greater good, even if it requires sacrificing individual freedom? Or do you value freedom and self-determination above all else?
Your relationship with Lae’zel: Lae’zel is fiercely loyal to Orpheus and will strongly object to siding with the Emperor.
Your willingness to become a mind flayer: If you free Orpheus, someone will likely have to make the ultimate sacrifice.
Your trust in the Emperor: Do you believe the Emperor is genuinely committed to defeating the Netherbrain, or does he have ulterior motives?

Ultimately, there is no “perfect” choice. Both paths have their advantages and disadvantages. The key is to understand the consequences and make the decision that best aligns with your character’s values and your desired ending. Understanding the deeper themes, such as those explored by educational games, can help you appreciate the complexities. To delve deeper into the educational implications of games and storytelling, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the complexities of this decision:

1. Can I convince Lae’zel to side with the Emperor?

Yes, but it requires a very high Persuasion check (DC 30). Even with a successful check, Lae’zel’s loyalty to Orpheus will be severely strained, and it could damage your relationship with her.

2. What happens if I refuse to choose between the Emperor and Orpheus?

The game will eventually force you to make a decision. Prolonging the choice will not change the underlying conflict or prevent the inevitable confrontation.

3. Does siding with the Emperor guarantee a “good” ending?

Not necessarily. While siding with the Emperor can lead to a victory over the Netherbrain, it can also result in a morally ambiguous ending, depending on the Emperor’s actions and your own choices.

4. What happens if Karlach becomes a mind flayer?

If Karlach becomes a mind flayer, she can use her connection to the Nine Hells to help in the fight against the Netherbrain. This is considered a heroic sacrifice, and the ending cutscene will reflect this.

5. Can I romance the Emperor?

Yes, it is possible to romance the Emperor, but this does not change the fundamental conflict between him and Orpheus. Your romantic relationship will continue regardless of the choice you make.

6. What are the long-term consequences of becoming a mind flayer?

The long-term consequences of becoming a mind flayer are not explicitly shown in the game. The ending focuses on the immediate aftermath of the final battle. However, the transformation is irreversible, and it is implied that your character will forever be changed.

7. Is there a way to destroy the Prism without freeing Orpheus?

No. Freeing Orpheus is the only way to access the Netherstones and control the Netherbrain directly.

8. Can I use Withers to respec Orpheus?

Once Orpheus is freed, he becomes an NPC and cannot be controlled or respecced by the player.

9. What happens if I let the Emperor assimilate Orpheus?

If you allow the Emperor to assimilate Orpheus, the Emperor will gain Orpheus’ power, becoming even stronger. However, this is generally considered the “evil” ending, as it effectively destroys Orpheus’s will and individuality.

10. Does freeing Orpheus always lead to a party member becoming a mind flayer?

Yes, someone must be able to control the Netherstones. Either the main character, Karlach, or the Emperor must become a mindflayer.

11. What happens to Lae’zel if I choose to side with the Emperor?

If you betray Orpheus and side with the Emperor, Lae’zel will most likely leave your party. She may fight you, or she may simply depart, disillusioned by your betrayal.

12. Can I kill the Emperor before freeing Orpheus?

No. You can’t directly attack the Emperor within the Astral Prism until you progress further in the story.

13. Is it possible to have a fully “happy” ending in Baldur’s Gate 3?

The definition of a “happy” ending is subjective. While some endings are more optimistic than others, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a game with morally complex choices and bittersweet consequences. There is no ending where everyone emerges unscathed.

14. If I side with the Emperor, will he eventually betray me?

It’s definitely possible. You can find out what happens when you choose the Emperor and side against Orpheus.

15. How much does the Games Learning Society have to do with Baldur’s Gate 3?

The Games Learning Society is not directly involved in the development of Baldur’s Gate 3, but it does focus on understanding how games like Baldur’s Gate 3 can promote learning, critical thinking, and complex problem-solving skills. The choices and consequences presented in the game, explored on GamesLearningSociety.org, offer a rich landscape for studying narrative design and player agency in shaping meaningful experiences.

Can I save both Emperor and Orpheus?