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It’s no secret that there is a lot of variety to romances inBaldur’s Gate 3– Larian Studios made headlines with the intimate scene between Astarion and Halsin in Bear Form, but that’s far from the only bizarre romance players can pursue. About two-thirds of the way throughBG3the Emperor reveals himself, and the opportunity to romance this Illithid ally presents itself.
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By making the right dialogue choices, by protecting the Emperor in combat, and by exploring the Emperor’s past, playerscan pursue this Mind Flayerromance. Those averse to tentacles are in luck: the Emperor will change into their Dream Guardian form for the intimate moment if asked.
Protect The Emperor In The Act 2 to Act 3 Intermission
After defeating Ketheric Thorm and restoring the Shadow-Cursed Lands to their former state, players will automatically set up camp at some ruins just outside Baldur’s Gate itself. Here, the Act 2 to Act 3 sequence plays out, in which the player is brought back into The Artifact to protect the Dream Guardian from invading Githyanki.
As it turns out, when players arrive, they discover that the Dream Guardian isactually a Mind Flayer, one named The Emperor. The Emperor’s name doesn’t derive from a position of governmental authority, it’s actually a nickname given to them because of their once-sprawling trade connections.
During this sequence, it is imperative that players side with The Emperor and defend it against the Githyanki Monks seeking to free Orpheus from imprisonment. After the fight, speak with The Emperor again and choose friendly options to be offered an Astral-Touched Tadpole.
Accept The Emperor’s Offer To Evolve Into A Half-Illithid
The Astral-Touched Tadpole is unique in that it will initiatepartial transformation into an Illithidwithout full Ceremorphosis. Players who take the Astral Tadpole receive cosmetic changes, but also access to more Illithid Powers and gain new Illithid abilities. The rest of the party, and most companions at camp, will be disgusted with your choice – they probably aren’t prepared for what’s to come.
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To romance the Emperor and get the sex scene with the Dream Guardian, taking this Tadpole goes a long way in gaining Favor with the Emperor. However, this is only a failsafe – as long as you protect the Emperor, and choose favorable options in the introductory dialogue (like forgiving them for tricking you with the Dream Guardian visage), your relationship should be high enough to trigger the next step of the relationship without using the Tadpole. If it doesn’t trigger, take the transformation, then Long Rest again.
Visit The Emperor’s Old Hideout To Discover His Past Lover
Beneath the Elfsong Tavern, specifically beneath the Kitchen, players can find a secret entrance to the Emperor’s old hideout. The Emperorwasn’t always a Mind Flayer, and lived a normal life before undergoing Ceremorphosis at Moonrise Towers. After breaking free from the Elder Brain’s grasp, The Emperor established a relatively normal life as a master trader in Baldur’s Gate.
In this hideout, players will discover many of The Emperor’s old effects, like his old sword, his old disguise kit, and memories of his former lover Duke Stelmane. After this, take a Long Rest for the next relationship cutscene.
During The Next Long Rest, Hold The Emperor’s Hand
The next time players rest after taking the Astral-Touched Tadpole, and after discovering the Emperor’s past beneath the Elfsong Tavern, they will be brought back into the Astral Prism. This time, the Emperor doesn’t put up any guise and appears as its true self. Here, the player and The Emperor reminisce, about the Illithid’s former life and lovers from a life long ago.
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Continue to inquire about this relationship, and eventually, the option to hold the Emperor’s hand will appear. Choose this dialogue option, and take the next step towards an intimate moment with The Emperor.
To Get The Emperor Sex Scene, Take One More Long Rest
After the dream sequence where players hold The Emperor’s hand, players must take one more Long Rest toget the Emperor’s sex scene. This time, the Emperor is a bit more forward – say that the Emperor doesn’t really seem like a typical mind flayer, ask if the Emperor is flirting with you, and accept its advances. Then, the Emperor gives players a choice: to make love without changing form, or to make love as the Dream Guardian players got to design themselves.
Make this decision (or make a save to experience both sides) and watch the romance play out. Despite being a sex scene with a Mind Flayer, it’s actually one of the game’s most tame – as long as you don’t mind a bit of levitation, a flash of a tentacle, and can figure out how to make out with a Mind Flayer in the first place.
Baldur’s Gate 3is available for PC and PlayStation 5. A version for Xbox Series X|S is currently in development.
