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The Morphic Pool Dock is north of the Temple of Bhaal waypoint. Approaching the dock before obtaining all three Netherstones results in a swarm of [[Cranium Rat|cranium rats]] attacking.  
The Morphic Pool Dock is north of the Temple of Bhaal waypoint. Approaching the dock before obtaining all three Netherstones results in a swarm of [[Cranium Rat|cranium rats]] attacking.  


'''Important:''' Boarding the boat to the Morphic Pool is a '''point of no return and the start of the endgame'''. After this, it is ''not'' possible to long rest or visit camp. Plan accordingly and choose the desired companions for the final battles.
'''Important:''' Boarding the boat to the Morphic Pool is a '''point of no return and the start of the endgame'''. After this, it is ''not'' possible to long rest or visit camp anymore. Those Companions not brought along in the party will show up in the finale scenes wearing whatever you have left them wearing in the camp. It's recommended to plan accordingly when choosing the desired companions for the final battles.


=== The Morphic Pool ===
=== The Morphic Pool ===
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Once the Morphic Pool's waters are reached, the party takes control of the Netherstones to confront the Elder Brain, which has become a Netherbrain, in a number of difficult checks:
Once the Morphic Pool's waters are reached, the party takes control of the Netherstones to confront the Elder Brain, which has become a Netherbrain, in a number of difficult checks:
* [STRENGTH] Muster the full might of your physical form - throw it into breaking through the brain's defences. (DC 20)
* {{Dialogue option|''Muster the full might of your physical form - throw it into breaking through the brain's defences.''|roll=Strength|dc=20}}
* [INTELLIGENCE] Your mind is yours to command - block out all possibility of failure and compel the brain to submit. (DC 20)
* {{Dialogue option|Your mind is yours to command - block out all possibility of failure and compel the brain to submit.|roll=Intelligence|dc=20}}
* [CONSTITUTION] You have survived this far - trust yourself. Dominate the brain. (DC 20)
* {{Dialogue option|You have survived this far - trust yourself. Dominate the brain.|roll=Constitution|dc=20}}


The brain continues to taunt the party. She says the Chosen Three controlled her only for as long as she allowed them to.
The brain continues to taunt the party. She says the Chosen Three controlled her only for as long as she allowed them to.


* [DEXTERITY] The Crown is an unmissable target - set it in your sights, and trust that you will strike true. (DC 25)
* {{Dialogue option|''Draw on the power of the Weave and try again. You will not let the Crown slip from your grasp.''|tags=Gale|roll=Arcana|dc=25}}
* [WISDOM] A first attempt is just that - iteration is key. Aim for the Crown and try again. (DC 25)
* {{Dialogue option|''The Crown is an unmissable target - set it in your sights, and trust that you will strike true.''|roll=Dexterity|dc=25}}
* [CHARISMA] Nothing is immune to influence - determine to master the brain. (DC 25)
* {{Dialogue option|''A first attempt is just that - iteration is key. Aim for the Crown and try again.''|roll=Wisdom|dc=25}}
* Bow before the glory of the Netherbrain. Submit to domination.  
* {{Dialogue option|''Nothing is immune to influence - '''determine''' to master the brain.''|roll=Charisma|dc=25}}
* {{Dialogue option|''Bow before the glory of the Netherbrain. Submit to domination.''}}


The Netherbrain tells the party she was the one who informed the Chosen of the [[Astral Prism]] and planted fear of what Orpheus could do to their plan. She was the one who let the Emperor slip its leash so that it could retrieve the prism and loosen the Netherstones from the Chosen Ones' grasps.
The Netherbrain tells the party she was the one who informed the Chosen of the {{SmRarityItem|Mysterious Artefact|Astral Prism}} and planted fear of what Orpheus could do to their plan. She was the one who let the Emperor slip its leash so that it could retrieve the prism and loosen the Netherstones from the Chosen Ones' grasps.


* [STRENGTH] You are strong. You are mighty. You will dominate the brain. (DC 30)
* {{Dialogue option|''You are strong. You are mighty. You will '''dominate the brain.'''''|roll=Strength|dc=30}}
* [CONSTITUTION] Your resilience will not be shaken - cast the spell again. (DC 30)
* {{Dialogue option|''Your resilience will not be shaken - cast the spell again.''|roll=Constitution|dc=30}}
* [INTELLIGENCE] It may not be easy, but it was always supposed to be possible - do it again. (DC 30)
* {{Dialogue option|''It may not be easy, but it was always supposed to be possible - do it again.''|roll=Intelligence|dc=30}}
* Bow before the glory of the Netherbrain. Submit to domination.
* {{Dialogue option|''Bow before the glory of the Netherbrain. Submit to domination.''}}


One final, near impossible check remains. While a critical success will weaken the Netherbrain for the final fight, in the short term the result is inconsequential, as the Netherbrain is too powerful.
One final, near impossible check remains. While a critical success will weaken the Netherbrain for the final fight, in the short term the result is inconsequential, as the Netherbrain is too powerful.
* [STRENGTH] DOMINATE THE BRAIN (DC 99)
* {{Dialogue option|''DOMINATE THE BRAIN''|roll=Strength|dc=99}}
* [DEXTERITY] DOMINATE THE BRAIN (DC 99)
* {{Dialogue option|''DOMINATE THE BRAIN''|roll=Dexterity|dc=99}}
* [INTELLIGENCE] DOMINATE THE BRAIN (DC 99)
* {{Dialogue option|''DOMINATE THE BRAIN''|roll=Intelligence|dc=99}}
* [WISDOM] DOMINATE THE BRAIN (DC 99)
* {{Dialogue option|''DOMINATE THE BRAIN''|roll=Wisdom|dc=99}}
* [CHARISMA] DOMINATE THE BRAIN (DC 99)
* {{Dialogue option|''DOMINATE THE BRAIN''|roll=Charisma|dc=99}}
* Give up. Allow the brain to dominate you.
* {{Dialogue option|''Give up. Allow the brain to dominate you.''}}


Regardless of what the party does, the brain is simply too powerful, and the party is knocked unconscious. The Emperor steps in to save them by bringing everyone inside the Astral Prism.
Regardless of what the party does, the brain is simply too powerful, and the party is knocked unconscious. {{CharLink|The Emperor}} steps in to save them by bringing everyone inside the Astral Prism.
However, if the final DC 99 check to "DOMINATE THE BRAIN" was passed with a critical success, the Netherbrain will start with the {{cond|Against All Odds}} debuff, lowering its HP by 20%


=== The Astral Prism ===
=== The Astral Prism ===
The party awakens in the Astral Prism having benefited from a Long Rest and '''losing all Elixirs and "Until Long Rest" duration buffs they may have had.'''
The party awakens in the Astral Prism having benefited from a Long Rest and '''losing all Elixirs and "Until Long Rest" duration buffs they may have had. Certain items abilities which replenish their effect on a Long Rest also appear to be consumed even if they hadn't been. This is believed to be a bug.'''


The Emperor states that only an illithid can hope to take down the Netherbrain in its current form and that the illithid must consume the power of Prince {{CharLink|Orpheus}} in order to succeed. As an illithid, the Emperor says he can do this, and asks the Netherstones be relinquished to him.
The Emperor states that only an illithid can hope to take down the Netherbrain in its current form and that the illithid must consume the power of Prince {{CharLink|Orpheus}} in order to succeed. As an illithid, the Emperor says he can do this, and asks the Netherstones be relinquished to him.


If the party rejects the Emperor's proposition, he states that he has no other choice but to reassimilate with the Netherbrain, and leaves the party in the Astral Realm. This can be done by selecting "I don't believe a word you just said" followed by "I will never trust you", or by asserting the intent to free Orpheus if the party possesses the Orphic Hammer. Afterwards, if the party has the {{SmRarityItem|Orphic Hammer}}, they can equip it and attack the crystals binding Orpheus.
If the party rejects the Emperor's proposition, he states that he has no other choice but to reassimilate with the Netherbrain, and leaves the party in the Astral Realm. This can be done by selecting "I don't believe a word you just said" followed by "I will never trust you", by asserting the intent to free Orpheus if the party possesses the {{SmRarityItem|Orphic Hammer}},  by attacking him, or by equipping the Hammer and using it to attack the crystals binding Orpheus regardless of dialog. After the Emperor departs, if the party has the Hammer a character must equip it and strike both binding crystals to free Orpheus and advance the quest.  


There is also the possibility of the party not retrieving the Orphic Hammer and spurning the Emperor. In this case, {{CharLink|Raphael}} appears within the Astral Prism. He has front row seats to the final hour, and now he's come with the sole salvation of Faerun. There are no more deals: only master and vassal. Sign a contract for the Orphic Hammer in exchange for the Crown of Karsus, or the world ends. Failing to uphold the bargain means the party's souls are forfeit. Refusing to sign turns the party into mind flayers who assimilate into the Netherbrain, causing a game over. The party is forced to [[Fulfill the Deal]].
It is possible to spurn the Emperor even if the party does not possess the Hammer. In this case, what happens next depends on the player's previous interactions with {{CharLink|Raphael}}:


If the party made a deal with Raphael and forgot to bring the Orphic Hammer, the cambion will appear to deliver to them the hammer they negligently misplaced. If Raphael is dead and the hammer forgotten, the party transforms into mind flayers.
* If the party did not accept Raphael's deal and he is still alive, he appears within the Astral Prism. He has front row seats to the final hour, and now he's come with the sole salvation of Faerun. There are no more deals: only master and vassal. Sign a contract for the Orphic Hammer in exchange for the Crown of Karsus, or the world ends. Failing to uphold the bargain will mean the party's souls are forfeit. Refusing to sign turns the party into mind flayers who assimilate into the Netherbrain, causing a game over. The party is thus forced to [[Fulfill the Deal]].
* If the party made a deal with Raphael and forgot to bring the Orphic Hammer, he will appear to deliver the world-saving relic they so negligently misplaced.  
* If Raphael is dead and no member of the party was carrying the Hammer when they entered the prism, it cannot be retrieved and a game over ensues: the party is overcome by the Absolute, transformed into Illithids and assimilated.


Once Orpheus is freed, he confronts the party on their choices, saying the party should have let his honor guard kill them, so they could have avoided this whole situation. He also confronts the party if they stole the {{SmRarityItem|Githyanki Egg}} in [[Steal a Githyanki Egg]]. However, he agrees to stand down and works with the party. He states that the Emperor was correct and an illithid is necessary to take down the Netherbrain. Either a party member can make the sacrifice, or Orpheus will if everyone refuses.
Once Orpheus is freed, he confronts the party on their choices, saying the party should have let his honor guard kill them, so they could have avoided this whole situation. He also confronts the party if they stole the {{SmRarityItem|Githyanki Egg}} in [[Steal a Githyanki Egg]]. However, he agrees to stand down and works with the party. He states that the Emperor was correct and an illithid is necessary to take down the Netherbrain. Either a party member can make the sacrifice, or Orpheus will if everyone refuses.
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==== Courtyard ====
==== Courtyard ====


Upon approaching the courtyard, the party will come across [[Watchman Gyordi|Watchmen Gyordi]], [[Watchman Goodge|Goodge]], [[Watchman Fry|Fry]], and [[Watchman Ebber|Ebber]] running away. A passive {{Ability check|Insight|20}} followed by a dialogue option with a {{Ability check|Persuasion, Intimidation, Deception, Strength|20}} will convince them to stand and fight, joining you as allies for the courtyard battle only. On Explorer and Balanced difficulty only, there is also a single-use restoration pod that gives the benefits of a Long Rest.
Upon approaching the courtyard, the party will come across the Watchmen {{CharLink|Gyordi}}, {{CharLink|Goodge}}, {{CharLink|Fry}}, and {{CharLink|Ebber}} running away. A passive {{Ability check|Insight|20}} followed by a dialogue option with a {{Ability check|Persuasion, Intimidation, Deception, Strength|20}} will convince them to stand and fight, joining you as allies for the courtyard battle only. On Explorer and Balanced difficulty only, there is also a single-use restoration pod that gives the benefits of a Long Rest.


Entering the courtyard leads to an all-out battle against various Absolutist cultists, [[Goblin]]s, [[Mind flayers]], [[Illithid Arcanist]]s, [[Winged Horror]]s, [[Intellect Devourer]]s, an [[Ogre]], and a [[Spectator]].
Entering the courtyard leads to an all-out battle against various Absolutist cultists, [[Goblin]]s, [[Mind flayers]], [[Illithid Arcanist]]s, [[Winged Horror]]s, [[Intellect Devourer]]s, an [[Ogre]], and a [[Spectator]].
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|One must remove all obstacles to follow one's destiny - [[Arabella]]'s favour grants affected entities benefits of {{Cond|Freedom of Movement}}.
|One must remove all obstacles to follow one's destiny - [[Arabella]]'s favour grants affected entities benefits of {{Cond|Freedom of Movement}}.
|-
|-
|[[Mol]]
|[[Astarion]]
|[[Fetcher's Favour]]  
| [[Retinue of the Vampire Lord]]
|Equipped with [[Mol]]'s tricks of the trade, affected entities can cast [[Rays of Fire]], reduce all {{DamageType|Fire}} damage by 5 and gain an additional 1d4 to [[Charisma]] [[Ability Check|Checks]] and [[Saving Throw]]s.
|Summon 2 [[Shadow]]s, 2 [[Giant Skeleton]]s, a [[Ghast]], a [[Shadow Mastiff]], and a [[Werewolf]].
|-
|-
|[[Volo]]
|[[Auntie Ethel]]
|[[Volo's Guide to Monsters]]
|[[Veil of the Weird]]
|With steadfast application of knowledge from [[Volo]]'s preeminent work, affected entities gain +2 to [[Attack Roll]]s, [[Saving Throw]]s, and [[Ability Check]]s.
|Channel [[Auntie Ethel]]'s magic to render 5 creatures within range invisible.
|-
|-
|[[Halsin]]
|[[Barcus Wroot]]
|[[Spirit of the Land]]
|[[Ironhand Grenadiers]]
|The reunited soul of [[Thaniel]] provides a +1 to all [[Ability Score]]s and an additional 2m [[movement speed]] to all affected entities.  
|Summon the Ironhand Gnomes to damage and debilitate with thrown grenades.
|-
|-
|[[Duke Ravengard]]
|[[Bhaal]]
|[[Rallied (Endgame)|Rallied]]
|[[A Most Bloody Inheritance (Condition)|A Most Bloody Inheritance]]
|Galvanising word and will of [[Duke Ravengard]] runs hot through your veins - gain 30 [[Temporary Hit Points]].
|The [[Bhaal|Dread Lord Bhaal]] looks favourable on his chosen. You can cast {{SAI|Stunning Gaze}} and your [[Critical Hit]] [[Attack Roll]] requirement is reduced by 2. This effect can stack.
|-  
|[[Counsellor Florrick]]
|[[Florrick's Cohort]]
|Summon [[Florrick]]'s personal guard - highly defensive warriors who can hold their own in melee.
|-
|-
|[[Prince Orpheus]]
|[[Aylin|Dame Aylin]]
|[[Orphic Favour]]
| [[Sword of the Silverlight]]
|While within 18m of [[Prince Orpheus]], the affected entity has [[Resistance]] to {{DamageType|Psychic}} damage and a +3 bonus to [[Intelligence]], [[Wisdom]], and [[Charisma]] {{Saving Throw}}s.
|Summon [[Dame Aylin]], Selûne's shining paladin, to join your side in battle.  
|-
|[[Strange Ox]]
| [[An Apple a Day]]
| Summon [[Zlorb]] - a shapeshifting monstrosity that can adopt the aspect of several monsters and beasts.
|-
|-
|[[Dammon]]
|[[Dammon]]
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|Summon your [[Owlbear Cub]] - all grown up and ready to rage - in full armour.
|Summon your [[Owlbear Cub]] - all grown up and ready to rage - in full armour.
|-
|-
|[[Yurgir]]
|[[Ulder Ravengard|Duke Ravengard]]
|[[Hellstalker Yurgir]]
|[[Rallied (Endgame)|Rallied]]
|Summon [[Yurgir]] the orthon - a deadly combatant at range or in melee who can become Invisible immediately after attacking.  
|Galvanising word and will of [[Duke Ravengard]] runs hot through your veins - gain 30 [[Temporary Hit Points]].
|-
|-
|[[Dame Aylin]]
|[[Halsin]]
| [[Sword of the Silverlight]]
|[[Spirit of the Land]]
|Summon [[Dame Aylin]], Selûne's shining paladin, to join your side in battle.  
|The reunited soul of [[Thaniel]] provides a +1 to all [[Ability Score]]s and an additional 2m [[movement speed]] to all affected entities.  
|-
|-
|[[Isobel]]
|[[Isobel Thorm|Isobel]]
|[[Balm of the Moonmaiden]]
|[[Balm of the Moonmaiden]]
|Call upon [[Isobel]] to offer a furtive prayer to Selûne, healing up to 6 nearby allies.
|Call upon Isobel to offer a furtive prayer to Selûne, healing up to 6 nearby allies.
|-
|[[Jaheira]]
|[[Silver Harp Squadron]]
|Summon elite Harper archers to provide ranged support from your back ranks.
|-
|[[Voss|Kith'rak Voss]]
|[[Kirh'raki Inferno]]
|Damage: 12-72. Command the red dragon of [[Kith'rak Voss|Supreme Kith'rak Voss]] to breathe a wall of fire onto the battlefield.
|-
|[[Lorroakan]]
| [[Lorroakan's Firestorm]]
| Damage: 20-120. Lorroakan uses all the arcane might of Ramazith's Tower to call down a fiery barrage.
|-
|-
| [[Valeria]]
|[[Mizora]]  
|[[The Watch]]
|[[Mizora, Agent of Avernus]]  
|Summon some of the City Watch's great weapon fighters to protect their home.
|Summon [[Mizora|Wyll's pactmistress]] to rain down powerful infernal sorcery and possibly Disintegrate your foes.
|-
|-
|[[Zevlor]]  
|[[Mol]]
|[[Hellrider Platoon]]
|[[Fetcher's Favour]]  
|Summon [[Zevlor]]'s Hellriders to Smite foes and support frontline allies.
|Equipped with [[Mol]]'s tricks of the trade, affected entities can cast [[Rays of Fire]], reduce all {{DamageType|Fire}} damage by 5 and gain an additional 1d4 to [[Charisma]] [[Ability Check|Checks]] and [[Saving Throw]]s.
|-
|-
| [[Nine-Fingers]]
|[[Nine-Fingers Keene]]
|[[Guildmaster Keene's Fixers]]
|[[Guildmaster Keene's Fixers]]
|Summon two elite assassin mercenaries from the Guild's ranks.
|Summon two elite assassin mercenaries from the Guild's ranks.
|-
|-
|[[Zhentarim]]
|[[Orpheus|Prince Orpheus]]
|[[Black Fist Enforcers]]
|[[Orphic Favour Aura (Condition)|Orphic Favour]]
|Summon two elite assassin mercenaries from the Zhentarim's ranks.
|While within 18m of [[Orpheus]], the affected entity has [[Resistance]] to {{DamageType|Psychic}} damage and a +3 bonus to [[Intelligence]], [[Wisdom]], and [[Charisma]] {{Saving Throw}}s.
|-
|[[Rolan]]
|[[Rolan's Firestorm]]
| Damage: 20-120. Call upon Rolan, freed from the limitations of Lorroakan, to unleash a fiery barrage from the heights of [[Ramazith's Tower]].
|-
|[[Shadowheart|Dark Justiciar Shadowheart]]
|[[Nightbringer's Shadow Adepts]]
| Summon two [[Sharran Novice]]s and two [[Sharran Fidelian]]s.
|-
|-
| [[Jaheira]]  
|[[Strange Ox]]
|[[Silver Harp Squadron]]
| [[An Apple a Day]]
|Summon elite Harper archers to provide ranged support from your back ranks.
| Summon [[Zlorb]] - a shapeshifting monstrosity that can adopt the aspect of several monsters and beasts.
|-
|-
|[[Ulma]]
|[[Ulma]]
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|Summon Gur monster hunters to hinder enemies while slipping in and out of the frontlines.
|Summon Gur monster hunters to hinder enemies while slipping in and out of the frontlines.
|-
|-
|[[Astarion]]
|[[Valeria]]
| [[Retinue of the Vampire Lord]]
|[[The Watch]]
|Summon 2 [[Shadow]]s, 2 [[Giant Skeleton]]s, a [[Ghast]], a [[Shadow Mastiff]], and a [[Werewolf]].
|Summon some of the City Watch's great weapon fighters to protect their home.
|-
|[[Viconia]]
|[[Nightbringer's Shadow Adepts]]
| Summon two [[Sharran Novice]]s and two [[Sharran Fidelian]]s.
|-
|[[Volo]]
|[[Volo's Guide to Monsters]]
|With steadfast application of knowledge from [[Volo]]'s preeminent work, affected entities gain +2 to [[Attack Roll]]s, [[Saving Throw]]s, and [[Ability Check]]s.
|-
|-
| [[Wulbren]] or [[Barcus]]
|[[Wulbren Bongle]]
|[[Ironhand Grenadiers]]
|[[Ironhand Grenadiers]]
|Summon the Ironhand Gnomes to damage and debilitate with thrown grenades.
|Summon the Ironhand Gnomes to damage and debilitate with thrown grenades.
|-
|[[Counsellor Florrick]]
|[[Florrick's Cohort]]
|Summon [[Florrick]]'s personal guard - highly defensive warriors who can hold their own in melee.
|-
|-
|[[Rolan]]
|[[Yurgir]]
|[[Rolan's Firestorm]]
|[[Hellstalker Yurgir]]
| Damage: 20-120. Call upon Rolan, freed from the limitations of Lorroakan, to unleash a fiery barrage from the heights of [[Ramazith's Tower]].
|Summon [[Yurgir]] the orthon - a deadly combatant at range or in melee who can become Invisible immediately after attacking.  
|-  
|[[Lorroakan]]
| [[Lorroakan's Firestorm]]
| Damage: 20-120. Lorroakan uses all the arcane might of Ramazith's Tower to call down a fiery barrage.
|-
|-
|[[Kith'rak Voss]]
|[[Zevlor]]  
|[[Kirh'raki Inferno]]
|[[Hellrider Platoon]]
|Damage: 12-72. Command the red dragon of [[Kith'rak Voss|Supreme Kith'rak Voss]] to breathe a wall of fire onto the battlefield.
|Summon [[Zevlor]]'s Hellriders to Smite foes and support frontline allies.
|-
|-
| [[Mizora]]  
|[[Zhentarim]]
|[[Mizora, Agent of Avernus]]  
|[[Black Fist Enforcers]]
|Summon [[Mizora|Wyll's pactmistress]] to rain down powerful infernal sorcery and possibly Disintegrate your foes.
|Summon two elite assassin mercenaries from the [[Zhentarim|Zhentarim's]] ranks.
|-
|[[Viconia]] or [[Shadowheart|Dark Justiciar Shadowheart]]
|[[Nightbringer's Shadow Adepts]]
| Summon two [[Sharran Novice]]s and two [[Sharran Fidelian]]s.
|-
|[[Bhaal]]
|[[A Most Bloody Inheritance (Condition)|A Most Bloody Inheritance]]
|The [[Bhaal|Dread Lord Bhaal]] looks favourable on his chosen. You can cast {{SAI|Stunning Gaze}} and your [[Critical Hit]] [[Attack Roll]] requirement is reduced by 2. This effect can stack.
|-
|[[Auntie Ethel]]
|[[Veil of the Weird]]
|Channel [[Auntie Ethel]]'s magic to render 5 creatures within range invisible.
|}
|}


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==Notes==
==Notes==
{{notebegin}}
* Despite being a possible ally in [[Gather Your Allies]], the Gondians do not appear to have a summon/ability.
* Despite being a possible ally in [[Gather Your Allies]], the Gondians do not appear to have a summon/ability.
<references />
<references />
{{noteend}}
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{{NavQuests}}
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