Unlock the Enigmatic Secrets: Delving into the Power of the Elder Brain in Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3 has achieved great success as a modern CRPG developed by Larian Studios. It not only pays homage to the Dungeons and Dragons tabletop game but also generates renewed interest in the original game. Set in the world of Faerun, Baldur's Gate 3 stands out by exploring a darker aspect of its universe.

The game incorporates numerous concepts from the Forgotten Realms and other sources, with the main plot focusing on an invasion by the Illithids. These highly evolved humanoid creatures, known as Mind Flayers, are parasitic and possess cephalopod-like features. Within the realm of Dungeons and Dragons, they are among the most terrifying monsters. In Baldur's Gate 3, the narrative revolves around the Absolute Crisis, with the lore of the Mind Flayers centering on an important element: the Elder Brains.

The Dungeons and Dragons Origins of Elder Brains

Mind Flayers have been present in the world of Dungeons and Dragons since the very first edition, but the idea of Elder Brains was introduced in the Second Edition, along with the title of Illithid. Originally portrayed as mysterious and hostile beings residing in underground cities, the addition of the concept of an Illithid culture centered around a central Elder Brain added depth to this otherworldly race. An Elder Brain acts as the deity and focal point of an Illithid city, comprised of multiple brains from deceased Mind Flayers, and possesses the combined psionic power of its constituents.

Not only are Elder Brains integral to Illithid civilization, but they are also intricately linked to the species' reproductive cycle. However, it wasn't until the Fifth Edition that we gained further understanding of how Elder Brains are created. Within a Mind Flayer colony, a special process called ceremorphosis occurs, resulting in the birth of an Ulitharid, a superior variant and natural leader among the Illithids. The Ulitharid gradually expands its influence within the colony before eventually departing with its followers, and ultimately removing its own brain to establish a new Illithid colony.

Baldur's Gate 3's Elder Brain Plays a Key Role

Mind Flayers now have a significant role in Baldur's Gate 3, and it's not surprising that an Elder Brain becomes central to the game's ultimate reveal. The Absolute, believed to be a god, is actually a powerful Elder Brain controlled by the Chosen of the Dead Three. With its godlike psionic abilities, the Netherbrain allows the main antagonists to manipulate the entire population of Faerun.

Although the Netherbrain was initially controlled by Ketheric, Orin, and Gortash through the Crown of Karsus, it proves to be more than just a tool during the game's finale. Freed from its enslavement, it wreaks havoc and acts as an arrogant and megalomaniacal final boss, revealing its deep understanding of an Elder Brain's mind. By bringing this terrifying Aberration to life in a unique way, Baldur's Gate 3 solidifies itself as one of the most faithful adaptations of Dungeons and Dragons in recent years.

Baldur's Gate 3 is out now for PC, with a PS5 version coming September 6 and an Xbox Series X/S port also in development.