BG3 Tadpoles: A Comprehensive Wiki Guide

Introduction

Baldur's Gate 3 (BG3) introduces a unique mechanic that revolves around tadpoles implanted into the player character's head. These tadpoles grant powerful abilities but come with significant risks and consequences. This wiki aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the BG3 tadpoles, covering their origins, effects, and potential outcomes.

Origins of the Tadpoles

The tadpoles originate from the Elder Brain, a mysterious and powerful entity that resides in the Underdark. The Elder Brain seeks to reshape the world in its image and uses the tadpoles as a means to spread its influence. The tadpoles are parasitic in nature, feeding on the host's memories and emotions.

Abilities and Effects

When implanted, the tadpoles grant various abilities to the player character, including:

• Enhanced Perception: Improved senses and the ability to perceive hidden details.
• Thought Projection: Projecting thoughts and memories directly into the minds of others.
• Mind Meld: Establishing a psychic connection with other beings, allowing for communication and memory sharing.
• Ceremorphosis: A gradual transformation of the host's body and mind, leading to both physical and psychological changes.

Risks and Consequences

While the tadpoles offer significant advantages, they also carry risks:

• Memory Loss: The tadpoles feed on memories, potentially leading to amnesia or fragmented recollections.
• Emotional Instability: The tadpoles manipulate the host's emotions, causing intense mood swings and irrational behavior.
• Ceremorphosis: The final stage of the tadpole's influence, where the host may lose their free will and become an extension of the Elder Brain.
• Death: In extreme cases, the tadpole's parasitic nature can lead to the death of the host.

Potential Outcomes

The outcome of the tadpole implantation depends on the player's choices throughout the game. Here are some possible scenarios:

• Embrace the Darkness: Fully submit to the Elder Brain's influence, becoming a powerful but corrupted ally.
• Resist the Tadpole: Fight against the tadpole's influence, enduring constant mental anguish and eventually removing it.
• Control the Tadpole: Learn to harness the tadpole's abilities while maintaining some semblance of control.
• Seek External Help: Consult with powerful entities or seek magical artifacts to aid in the removal or control of the tadpole.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the tadpole be removed?

Yes, but it is a difficult and dangerous process. The player must find a way to neutralize the tadpole's influence and extract it from their head.

What happens if the tadpole is not removed?

The tadpole will continue to feed on the host's memories and emotions, eventually leading to ceremorphosis and the loss of free will.

Are there any benefits to keeping the tadpole?

The tadpole grants powerful abilities that can be used to overcome challenging situations. However, these abilities come with significant risks and consequences.

What are the lore implications of the tadpoles?

The tadpoles are tied to the Elder Brain, an ancient and malevolent entity that seeks to reshape the world. The presence of the tadpoles suggests that the Elder Brain is stirring once more, posing a grave threat to the Forgotten Realms.

Table of Tadpole Abilities

Table of Tadpole Risks

Table of Potential Outcomes

Table of Frequently Asked Questions