Adding to the above discussion....



It's super weird that he just goes to the netherbrain on his own volition. I think there should have been a few checks during that dialogue.

For example - You manage to earn enough of the Emperors trust that you can persuade him and Orpheus.

If you succeed the check with the Emperor -He has his doubts, but you've shown him that you are a reliable ally. He will give this alliance a chance.

If you fail the check - He feels extremely betrayed. All of his past allies have betrayed him in one way or another, and now you are just the final nail on the coffin. Since becoming a mindflayer, he has had nobody on his side. He's had to enthrall or kill those closest to him. Your tadpole connects with his and you feel a strong sense of pain and betrayal. He wanted you to trust him and he wanted to trust you, but he can't handle another betrayal. This battle isn't worth fighting anymore. He leaves or fights you unwillingly. (Basically - If he is going to leave or fight, give us a reason as to why).

That should be followed up with a Orpheus check.

Succeed the check - Orpheus will agree to team up. He won't be super happy about it, but he knows it's what needs to be done.

Fail the check - Oprheus says "No, I will never trust the Ghaik scum who slaughtered my guard and used my powers for his own gain". Then show us Orpheus taking away the Emperor's protection. We see the Emperor succumb to Netherbrain and we have to live with the consequences.

LIKEWISE,

I think if you earned the Emperor's trust, it needs be shown with things like Minsc. That check should be non-existent or very easy if you've managed to earn his trust. If you treated him poorly on the other hand, the check remains or gets harder. Small things like that could help cement the type of relationship he's built up with the MC over the course of the game.

Last edited by Malachite; 30/08/23 07:50 PM.