Context

This is an updated and refined version of my previous post. I want to improve and refine it as much as possible to get the attention of Larian Studios and perhaps see this hope of mine become reality! Now, for the actual mini essay, since patch 5 where the option was added to have both Halsin and Minthara join your side, I would please like to make a case for an addition be made that allows the player


How can this even be done?

As I look at the game, there are already pieces in place to allow this. Firstly, it can be a dialogue choice with an incredibly difficult saving roll. The player would most likely need to convince The Emperor to trust them and allow them to free Orpheus to assist them in the final battle.

Just like how you talk to your Companions and have your bond to them make them trust and like you more, we already also see that with The Emperor, though not in as much detail. You can comfort him, and you can gain or even break his trust, and this will cause in game changes, as the less he trusts you, the less vocal he is.

So, if you treat the emperor well, and gain his trust, that could also be the potential unlock condition for this dialogue option at the end. You will have shown The Emperor time and again that his trust in you is well founded, and now, he can still rely on you.


The Emperor's Side of the Story
[Linked Image from gamespot.com]

Currently in the narrative, the Emperor believes that Orpheus would kill him and the party on the spot if he is freed. Not because the Emperor is evil or spiteful, but he truly believes a Githyanki that just woke up will immediately attack him on the spot, it makes sense.

Throughout the story, all of his actions are done in self preservation. Even if they are questionable, they are not evil. Even the narrator during the end game mentions that he is a true neutral character.

This is the reason as to why he decides to join the Netherbrain if the player says they wish to free Orpheus, because rather than dying on the spot due to Orpheus attacking them, when his hand is forced, he truly believes that he has a chance for survival if he sides with the Netherbrain. He has already escaped the hive mind twice. Why shouldn't he think he can escape it again for a third time after the storm has calmed down.


Orpheus' Side of the Story
[Linked Image from gamepur.com]

When addressing Orpheus, while he does come off as abbrasive at first, he is shown to be open to reasoning.

He understands the situation, and after an insult, he immediately says that he will need and illithad to stop the Netherbrain. Additionally, as pointed out by multiple sources in the story, Githyanki view those who are infected with tadpoles to basically be Mind Flayers already, so if he is open to talking to the characters, he would definitely also be open to talking to The Emperor.

So I legitimately believe that if him and the Emperor were to meet, they would be able to come to a truce due to the situation.



The Purpose and Outcome of this Truce

A pact between Orpheus and The Emperor would be extremely beneficial for both of them when you step back and think about it.

If given the chance to talk to Orpheus, The Emperor will see that Orpheus is open to reason, and that his fears of being instantly attacked were not true.

In fact, the two of them working together would lead to the best result of The Emperor's goal of survival, as with an additional ally, and the support of the Githyanki, they have more forces against the Netherbrain.

With Orpheus needing an Illithad being needed to use the Netherstones, without The Emperor, either him or one of the heroes need to make a sacrifice in becoming a mind flayer, but with The Emperor, they will already have one.

Lastly, in the long term, it also helps the Emperor as if you choose to become a mind flayer and help Orpheus, he names you the Renegade Illithad, and an ally to all Githyanki, which he can easily also give The Emperor as his title is already the Renegade Illithad.


Conclusion

In my personal opinion, this ending would be the best outcome for everyone:
- Orpheus and the Emperor working together will sow the seeds of trust between Mind Flayers and Githyanki for the future, and open a possible road to peace between
them in the far future.
- The Emperor will be free of the Elder Brain's control, and will be able to peacefully live out his life as he wished, while helping other infected Survivors who are becoming
Mind Flayers, such as the heroes.
- Orpheus will be able to save the Githyanki race from Vlaakith.
- None of the Heroes would have to become an Illithad

Thank you for reading, and please let me know your thoughts down below