Stomping on Tentacles: The Real Consequences of Tadpole Decisions in Baldur’s Gate 3

So, you’re staring at a pulsating, alien parasite and the burning question is: What happens if you stomp on the tadpole in BG3? In short, stomping on a tadpole in Baldur’s Gate 3 greatly angers the Emperor. Despite this, the Emperor will quickly gather himself and tell you to focus on the task at hand, though they will remain clearly displeased for the duration of your interaction with them. Your actions have consequences, even when they seem insignificant. The tadpole, a key component of the Illithid transformation, represents a power that some characters desperately seek, while others fear and resist. This choice, like many in the game, affects your relationships and potentially the narrative’s trajectory, especially concerning the Emperor.

Tadpoles, Temptation, and Transformation: Understanding the Core Choice

Baldur’s Gate 3 masterfully presents the player with choices that aren’t simply black and white. The allure of Illithid powers, gained through tadpole consumption, is a constant temptation. These powers offer significant advantages in combat and social situations. However, the game strongly implies that embracing these powers comes at a cost: a gradual transformation into a Mind Flayer.

While the game initially suggests a direct correlation between tadpole consumption and this transformation, the reality is more nuanced. The transformation into a full Mind Flayer is largely a late-game, binary choice. You can, to a great extent, gobble down those wriggling critters without immediately sprouting tentacles and craving brains. It’s the type of tadpole, and specifically the Astral-Touched Tadpole, that has the most significant and immediate effect on your character’s appearance.

The decision to use or reject the Illithid powers is a core element of the player’s journey, influencing everything from character builds to story outcomes. Understanding the mechanics behind these choices is critical for a fulfilling playthrough.

Stomping on the Dream: Examining the Emperor’s Reaction

Your Guardian, now revealed to be the Emperor, offers an Astral-Touched Tadpole at the beginning of Act 3. This choice causes a dramatic change in appearance, causing your eyes to become dark and colorless, with black veins covering your face.

Stomping on the tadpole is a clear rejection of the path the Emperor intends for you. While they quickly regain composure, you’ll notice their displeasure. This is due to your choice affecting their future plans for you and the rest of your party.

FAQs: Unraveling the Mysteries of Tadpoles and Transformations

Here are some frequently asked questions about tadpoles, transformations, and their impact on your Baldur’s Gate 3 adventure:

Will I Actually Turn into a Mind Flayer from Eating Tadpoles?

No, consuming regular tadpoles won’t automatically turn you into a Mind Flayer. The game allows you to consume a considerable number of them without triggering a complete transformation. The true tipping point is the Astral-Touched Tadpole and the final choice in the late game.

What Does the Astral-Touched Tadpole Do?

Using the Astral-Touched Tadpole grants you access to a wider range of Illithid Powers. However, it also causes visible physical changes: darkened eyes and black veins on your face. This is a step closer to becoming a half-Illithid.

Are There Any Downsides to Becoming Half-Illithid?

The immediate downsides are primarily cosmetic. Some players might dislike the altered appearance. However, the upside is access to significantly more powerful Illithid abilities. The real downside comes later, when you have to make the ultimate decision about full transformation.

Should I Let Astarion Eat Tadpoles?

Astarion, with his pragmatic nature, is often more willing to embrace the potential of the tadpoles. There are no negative consequences for letting him consume them, and it grants him access to powerful abilities that can be very useful in combat.

What Happens if I Let Volo Take My Eye?

Volo’s surgery is not a cure for the tadpole. It will result in the loss of your eye, and it will be replaced by a magical one. It’s generally considered a bad deal, as it provides no tangible benefit in removing the tadpole.

Should I Let Astarion Bite Me?

Allowing Astarion to bite you improves your relationship with him, offering a deeper bond. It also gives him the “Happy” buff, adding +1 to all his checks. He also permanently gains the Vampire Bite action in battle. While it can inflict the Bloodless debuff temporarily, the benefits often outweigh the drawbacks.

Can I Romance the Guardian (Emperor)?

Yes, romancing your Guardian in Baldur’s Gate 3 is possible. As you progress into Act 3, you learn more about their identity. Romance is possible if you show interest in them and express reciprocation.

Is My Guardian (Emperor) Evil?

The Emperor’s true motives are complex and remain ambiguous until the end of the game. While their methods might be questionable, their overall goal appears to be aligned with stopping the Absolute. Whether that makes them good or not is a matter of perspective.

What Happens if Astarion Drinks Araj’s Blood?

If Astarion drinks Araj Oblodra’s blood, she will provide you with a powerful potion that grants a permanent buff. This is a potentially beneficial outcome, especially for Astarion’s build.

Can Astarion Turn Me into a Vampire?

Astarion will refuse to turn you into a full vampire spawn, due to the trauma in his past.

Can I Become a Full Illithid in BG3?

Yes, you can choose to fully transform into a Mind Flayer in the late game. However, this decision has major consequences for the game’s ending.

Is There a “Best” Romance Option in BG3?

This is subjective! Shadowheart and Gale are often cited as having some of the most rewarding and detailed romances, but it ultimately depends on your personal preferences.

What Happens if I Give the Hag My Eye?

Giving the hag your eye doesn’t remove the tadpole. She’ll replace your eye with a magical one.

Should I Consume Parasites in BG3?

Consuming parasites grants access to Illithid Powers, making your character stronger.

What Happens if Astarion Kills Me?

If you allow Astarion to kill you during his bite, you will wake up dead and require resurrection, either through a scroll or Withers. This avoids the Bloodless debuff.

Beyond the Stomp: Moral Choices and Narrative Impact

The decision to stomp on a tadpole, or embrace its power, is a microcosm of the larger moral landscape in Baldur’s Gate 3. The game constantly challenges players to weigh the potential benefits of power against the potential cost to their humanity and relationships. These choices ripple outwards, shaping not only your character’s abilities but also the narrative itself. The Games Learning Society emphasizes how games like Baldur’s Gate 3 can teach us about decision-making, ethical reasoning, and the complex consequences of our actions. Explore more about how games can be powerful learning tools at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Ultimately, the path you choose – whether you embrace the tadpoles, resist them, or stomp them into oblivion – is what defines your unique Baldur’s Gate 3 experience. It’s a testament to the game’s brilliance that such a seemingly small decision can have such far-reaching consequences.