A New Take on Mind Flayers in Gaming
Mind Flayers, also known as Illithids, have been haunting the gaming world ever since their inception in Dungeons & Dragons. These eerie, tentacled beings are nothing short of iconic. If you’re a fan of Stranger Things, you’ve heard the term ‘Mind Flayer’ used to describe the ominous creature that plagued season two. Mike and his friends aptly borrowed the name from their favorite game, Dungeons & Dragons, giving viewers a hint of what Mind Flayers are like in the gaming universe.
“This is because that creature acts as a sort of analogue to the Mind Flayers in Dungeons & Dragons, their favourite game.”
The Symbiotic Relationship: Illithid Powers
In Baldur’s Gate 3, you start off with a bang—quite literally—as you find yourself kidnapped, infected, and most unpleasantly, implanted with a Mind Flayer’s tadpole. Sounds cringe-worthy, right? But what if this squirmy little creature nesting in your brain could actually be your ticket to unimaginable power?
“But for those who don’t mind a squirmy fellow making a sitting room of your grey matter, then read on to know everything you need to about Baldur’s Gate 3 Illithid Powers, how to unlock them and the consequences explained.”
The Method to the Madness: Unlocking Illithid Powers
Beginning your journey in Baldur’s Gate 3 includes a tadpole installation—courtesy of the opening cinematic. But to harness the true strength of these Illithid powers, you need to collect additional tadpole specimens from certain boss characters known as “True Souls.”
“From here, you need to collect Iliithid Tadpole specimens from ‘True Souls’ boss characters. You can also find them dotted around the world.”
You’ll even stumble upon a cache of these valuable specimens in the Infirmary at the Githyanki Creche, hidden within the Rosymorn Monastery. Once you’ve got your hands—or brain—on these specimens, press ‘B’ on your keyboard to enter the Illithid Power menu. Here, you’ll have the chance to unlock a variety of mind-bending abilities.
Playing With Fire: The Consequences of Power
Life in Baldur’s Gate 3 isn’t all power and glory. Some of your party members, like Lae’zel, have a disdain for anything related to the Mind Flayers. Use your Illithid powers too often, and you risk losing their trust.
“Yes, there are consequences for using Illithid Powers in Baldur’s Gate 3. Some party members who resent the Mind Flayers, such as Lae’zel, will disapprove highly of the repeated use of Illithid Powers.”
Others like Astarion and Gale, who are more obsessed with power and arcane studies, will give you a high-five for pushing the envelope.
Spoiler Alert: Choose Wisely
Before we dive deeper into the rabbit hole, be warned: major spoilers ahead. Throughout your journey, you’ll encounter the Guardian, a figure who encourages your use of Illithid Powers. Take the Astral-Touched Tadpole, and you’ll find yourself halfway to becoming a Mind Flayer yourself.
“During Baldur’s Gate 3, The Guardian will readily recommend the use of Illithid Powers, promising great powers if you do so.”
Choose to accept the Supreme Tadpole, and your transformation is complete, but not without consequences. This choice will solidify your ending, which sees your character losing its mind, but also potentially saving your companions from a terrible fate.
“Your character will be able to destroy the Nether Brain and your companions will be rid of their infections, but your character will lose its mind and memories and come close to controlling and murdering your former companions.”
Treading the Fine Line: Worth It or Not?
The Illithid Powers in Baldur’s Gate 3 present a tempting but perilous path. Do the benefits outweigh the risks? The choice, as with many things in this intricately designed game, is yours to make. Whether you embrace the tadpole or resist its calls, your choices shape your destiny, offering an ending that’s either incredibly rewarding or devastatingly tragic.
