The Emperor: Difference between revisions

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'''The Emperor''', is a [[Mind Flayer]] NPC that appears in [[Baldur's Gate 3]]. He plays a key role in the main story, but his identity is intentionally obscured until later parts of the game, allowing the player to ultimately decide for themselves if they want to know more about him, and whether or not he is trustworthy.

The Emperor plays a key role in the main story of [[Baldur's Gate 3]], and as part of this role his identity and personal background are kept obfuscated for much of the game.

Through all three Acts, The Emperor generally serves as a guide, and unlikely ally to the party, having the means to protect your mind from the influence of the [[Absolute]] through the use of the [[Orpheus|prisoner]] within the [[Mysterious Artefact|Astral Prism]].  

{{Q|"Don't let my form decieve you. I am the one that's been protecting you. I am the one that came to you in your dreams. Help me.|The Emperor, upon the player meeting it in its true form}}

==Personal History==

Details about The Emperor's personal history are intentionally obfuscated during most of the game, but the player has the opportunity to learn more about him through conversations, interactions with other characters, reading books, and completing specific side quests.  

[[File:Balduran1.png|left|thumb|200px|''An Adventurer, I came from Baldur's Gate, though i was never one to be constrained by circumstance. I longed for more.'']]

During this time, it also offers the party the Astral Touched Tadpole, which causes the user to transform into a [[Illithid Powers|Half-Illithid]]. It insists the path of the Mind Flayer is preferable, regardless of the player's view on them, This may seen contradicting with its previous promise as the [[Dream Visitor]] to ensure they do not become [[Mind Flayer|Mind Flayers]], but this promise refers to the player becoming a Mind Flayer unwillingly because of the Elder Brain, The Emperor is in favor of the player becoming a Mind Flayer of their own volition and without the influence of the Elder Brain.

Conversation scenes are available, but only occur during Act 3, after his "true" identity is revealed to the player, and all scenes<ref>"All scenes" that this article's contributors currently ''know about,'' as of Patch 6.</ref> require a Long Rest to trigger.

===Conversation Scenes===

Known conversation opportunities with The Emperor currently include the following cases, but each scene appears to have multiple outcomes that affect the tone of all subsequent conversations.

====Identity Reveal====

During [[Help Your Protector]] at the start of Act 3, a conversation is automatically triggered when the player ventures far enough into the Astral Plane. A combat encounter in some form is inevitable from this conversation, and then another set of conversation options are available after the combat resolves. The Emperor will have nothing further to say when this conversation ends, even if the player tries to interact with him further.<ref>Confirmed up-to-date as of Patch 6.</ref>

====Regarding [[Belynne Stelmane|Duke Stelmane]]====

The scene that occurs after completing [[Visit the Emperor's Old Hideout]] is generally regarded as the "primary" romantic scene. As long as the player is receptive to The Emperor's advances, conclusions to this scene will allow the player to engage in more intimate activities with him.

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==Endings==

While The Emperor is duplicitous, he appears to only think of survival, and prosperity. Should the player allow him to wield the Netherstones, he will follow through on destroying the Elder Brain, though with the cost of The Emperor "assimilating" [[Orpheus]]. He will mention he thought of controlling the Elder Brain, and becoming the source of the [[Absolute]], but unless otherwise persuaded, will refuse on account that so long as the [[Absolute]] remains, they will be in an open war with the [[Githyanki]], which is a war he is not certain he will survive. He will destroy [[the Netherbrain]], and the parasites within its control in this ending.

The Emperor can be attacked and killed when he first reveals himself to be a [[Mind Flayer]]. This will result in the influence of [[the Netherbrain]] taking over control of the party, ending the game.}}

==Achievements==

==Trivia==

* The Emperor's existence confirms the [[Dream Visitor]] as being an [[Mind Flayer|Illithid]] influence, albeit in a different way.

** In the [[Early Access]], the [[Dream Visitor]] was implied to be a mental manifestation of the player's tadpole, as it eased them towards using their powers more, as well as showing them a future of domination and control.