The Emperor stands as one of the most intriguing figures in Baldur’s Gate 3. Unlike the typical malevolent Mindflayer, the Emperor portrays complex emotions and even showcases a gentler side. Though he cannot officially join your party, there’s an opportunity to forge a romantic bond.
As with all characters in the realm of Baldur’s Gate 3, relationships are multifaceted. Navigating the intricate dance of gaining a companion’s trust, securing their approval through choices, and potentially courting them for romance forms an essential and immersive part of the gaming experience.
How to Increase Approval Rating with the Emperor
There isn’t an official approval mechanism for the Emperor as he can’t actually join your party. However, to foster a romantic relationship, understanding his preferences becomes essential.
Actions that Increase Approval:
- Distrusting Gith.
- Respecting Hierarchy.
- Displaying Psionic Potential.
- Supporting the Illithid Cause.
Actions that Decrease Approval:
- Rebellion.
- Alliance with Gith.
- Blocking Psionic Abilities.
- Promotion of Individualism.
How to Have a Relationship and Romance The Emperor
Having a romantic moment with the Emperor requires you to make choices that will result in saving the Mindflayer’s life. If you know anything about the Lore of the Mindflayer (also known as the Illithid), you’ll know that they are not to be trusted and thrive off of dominating the mind’s of the weak, but hey, who are we to tell you who to love? To pursue this romance with the Emperor, follow the steps below.
Upon reaching Wyrm’s Crossing in ACT III and settling at the outpost for a rest, a Githyanki ambush ensues. The sudden attack pits you against formidable Githyanki Monks. Ensure your approach is strategic, eliminate a few enemies to clear a path and utilise characters with high mobility to escape to a portal across the way. Upon successfully touching the portal, you’re transported to the Astral Plane.
Astral Plane
In the Astral Plane, after dispatching a few threats, the Emperor approaches you for assistance against invading forces. Your choice here is pivotal:
- Attacking the Emperor leads to a confrontation against his Intellect Devourers and the Githyanki invaders. We definitely don’t advise this path, as no matter which way you play it, it results in death.
- Aiding the Emperor lends you the assistance of the Emperor’s Intellect Devourers, helping defeat the Githyanki raiding party.
During your playthrough of Baldur’s Gate 3, especially in the latter half of the game, you will be intermittently visited in your dreams by the “Dreamlover”, the identity of which remained a mystery, until now.
Upon aiding the Emperor, you’ll discover that he is in fact, the Dreamlover, an adventurer who fell victim to a tadpole. In thanks for aiding the Illithid, you’ll be given an Astral-Touched Tadpole, a significant power upgrade for you and your party, if you have the courage to use it. You’ll also be given the option to “evolve” to a higher level of being and be given stronger Illithid powers, it’s imperative that you accept his offer.
From this point is where you are able to romance the Emperor. Here are key actions and dialogue choices to strengthen your bond:
- Engage positively with the Emperor when he appears in your dreams.
- You may let him visit you naturally during your playthrough, but if you are impatient, have a few long rests to encourage his presence.
- Engage in comforting dialogue when he confides in you. An opportunity to “hold his hand” will arise, take it.
Romantic Scene With the Emperor
The culmination of your romantic journey with the Emperor arrives in yet another dream sequence where he will be much more forward with his sexual desires. Select these two dialogue options:
- “I could have done with more coddling.”
- “True.”
This will trigger the romantic scene. Both of you will levitate in the void, you reach out to gently grasp a tentacle, drawing it closer for a tender kiss. The ambience dims, transitioning the affair to shadowy obscurity.
Navigating this complex relationship with the Emperor Mind Flayer offers a uniquely thrilling experience in Baldur’s Gate 3. Your choices will determine the depth of your connection, shaping your journey in the game.