Navigating the Moral Maze: Can You Save Both Orpheus and the Emperor in Baldur’s Gate 3?

The world of Baldur’s Gate 3 throws players into a cauldron of difficult choices, where every decision carries significant consequences. Perhaps one of the most agonizing dilemmas is choosing between Orpheus, the Githyanki prince, and the enigmatic Emperor. Can you forge a path that allows both characters to survive and contribute to the fight against the Netherbrain? The short answer is a nuanced no. While there are ways to ensure both are “alive” in a technical sense, it inevitably comes at the cost of one’s free will and ultimate fate.

The core of the conflict lies in the Astral Prism, a powerful artifact containing Orpheus and providing the Emperor with protection from the Netherbrain’s influence. Freeing Orpheus weakens the Emperor, pushing him closer to domination by the Netherbrain. The Emperor, desperate to maintain control, sees Orpheus as an existential threat, while Orpheus views the Emperor as an oppressor and an impediment to the Githyanki’s liberation. This fundamental incompatibility makes a truly happy ending for both practically impossible.

The best outcome is to acknowledge that this is a story of sacrifice, where difficult choices must be made for the greater good. Players should carefully weigh the potential consequences, consider the character’s moral compass, and embrace the narrative complexity that defines Baldur’s Gate 3. Ultimately, the ending is far more satisfying when the player makes a genuine choice, and not a meta-guided effort to secure an “optimal” outcome.

Understanding the Key Players

Before diving into the potential outcomes, let’s understand the motivations and roles of Orpheus and the Emperor:

• Orpheus: The rightful heir to the Githyanki throne, Orpheus possesses innate psionic abilities that can shield against mind flayer influence. He believes in liberating his people from Vlaakith’s tyrannical rule and is willing to fight for freedom. He is confined in the astral prism, as the Emperor has exploited his psionic powers to stay safe.

• The Emperor: A mind flayer who claims to be different. He asserts his independence from the Elder Brain and offers the party protection and guidance. His past is shrouded in mystery, and his true motivations are questionable. He views Orpheus as a threat to his existence, and a source for psionic powers.

The Impossible Choice: Exploring the Outcomes

Several paths can be taken, each with its own set of trade-offs:

• Siding with the Emperor: In this path, you allow the Emperor to assimilate Orpheus’ power. This strengthens the Emperor, providing a powerful ally in the final battle against the Netherbrain. However, this decision effectively eliminates Orpheus’ agency, as his consciousness is absorbed by the Emperor. Lae’zel, a Githyanki companion, will likely disapprove of this path unless you succeed at a very difficult persuasion check.
• Freeing Orpheus: Freeing Orpheus weakens the Emperor, leading him to abandon the party and ally himself with the Netherbrain. This path can lead to one of the party members, Orpheus himself, or even Karlach becoming a mind flayer to wield the Netherstones and confront the Netherbrain. This route offers a chance to liberate the Githyanki and potentially secure a more “good” aligned ending, at a great personal cost.
• The Illithid Transformation: In this outcome, your character is forced to undergo ceremorphosis (the process of becoming a mind flayer) to ensure that there is someone that can wield the Netherstones. The emotional toll on the character and other party members is substantial, adding to the tragic element of the story.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

1. Is there a way to free Orpheus without anyone becoming a Mind Flayer?

Yes, there are two main ways to do so. First, Orpheus himself can choose to become a Mind Flayer. Alternatively, you can convince Karlach to become the Mind Flayer.

2. What happens if I let the Emperor consume Orpheus?

The Emperor gains immense power, bolstering your chances in the final battle. However, Orpheus’ personality is erased, and Lae’zel will likely leave the party unless persuaded otherwise.

3. Does Lae’zel always leave if I side with the Emperor?

Yes. Failing a difficult DC30 Persuasion check on Lae’zel will lead to her breaking your romance and future battles with you.

4. Is the Emperor trustworthy?

That depends entirely on your interpretation. The Emperor serves his own interests above all else, manipulating those around him. While he offers protection, his true motives remain questionable. The Games Learning Society explores how games use these moral ambiguities to create engaging narratives.

5. Can I romance Lae’zel if I free Orpheus?

Yes, freeing Orpheus generally aligns with Lae’zel’s values, strengthening your relationship.

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

The game will force you to make a decision eventually. Procrastinating only delays the inevitable confrontation.

7. Is freeing Orpheus the “good” ending?

That is subjective. Freeing Orpheus aligns with a more traditional heroic narrative, but it comes at a cost. The Emperor is a complex character, and his intentions may be more nuanced than they appear.

8. What happens if I kill the Emperor?

Killing the Emperor before dealing with Orpheus is not advisable. It leaves you vulnerable to the Netherbrain’s influence and removes a valuable asset.

9. Can I turn back into a non-Illithid after becoming a Mind Flayer?

No. Once the process of ceremorphosis is complete, it is irreversible within the established lore of Baldur’s Gate 3.

10. How does my choice affect the epilogue?

The epilogue will reflect the consequences of your decision. Siding with the Emperor will showcase the aftermath of his reign, while freeing Orpheus will illustrate the Githyanki’s future.

11. What is the Orphic Hammer?

The Orphic Hammer is a legendary artifact that can break the chains binding Orpheus within the Astral Prism. Securing the Orphic Hammer is a crucial step in freeing the Githyanki prince.

12. Does siding with Orpheus guarantee victory against the Netherbrain?

No. While Orpheus is a powerful ally, victory still depends on your strategic choices and party composition during the final battle.

13. Can I use Withers to change my character’s class after becoming a Mind Flayer?

No. Although you can respec with Withers, ceremorphosis is permanent.

14. Does the ending change based on which character becomes a Mind Flayer?

There are slight variations in the ending depending on who becomes a Mind Flayer, primarily affecting the individual character’s personal story and relationships.

15. What if I already used the Astral-Touched Tadpole?

Using Astral-Touched Tadpole can significantly alter the outcome, and the tadpole is a one-way choice. The GamesLearningSociety.org looks at similar choices in a wide variety of game genres.

Conclusion

The conflict between Orpheus and the Emperor is a masterclass in moral ambiguity. There is no perfect answer, and every choice carries a heavy price. It is this very complexity that makes Baldur’s Gate 3 such a compelling and unforgettable gaming experience. Embrace the difficult decisions, consider the consequences, and forge your own path through this morally complex landscape. In the end, your choices will define the fate of Faerun and leave a lasting mark on your own character’s journey.