Should I consume the tadpoles to unlock illithid powers?

[Dweller Beyond the Threshold]

For RP purposes, I really don't want to eat these tadpoles. But so far every build videos I've watched featured them extensively.
I'm also curious if these black veins effects will appear regardless of how many tadpoles I've consumed, or only if I had many.
Finally, would want to know whether consuming them affects the plot/ending or not.
Thanks for your answers.

[lawjax]

There is only 1 particular tadpole that will have major implications for your game should you choose to swallow it, and it can only be acquired during the beginning of the last Act.

[Lamp]

If you don't want to for RP purposes then don't eat them. I've almost never touched the things and I've done better than fine.

The only tadpole thing that actually affects the story afaik: Is the special tadpole you get near the end that 'evolves' you. The rest don't matter, like when the narrator says "it's taking something you'll never get back," - lies.

[Dweller Beyond the Threshold]

Originally posted by lawjax:

There is only 1 particular tadpole that will have major implications for your game should you choose to swallow it, and it can only be acquired during the beginning of the last Act.

Thanks. What about the black veins visuals on your character? Is that only caused by this tadpole or the others can too?

[Lamp]

Pretty sure the veins is just the special tadpole.

[lawjax]

Originally posted by UnhappyLawbro:

Thanks. What about the black veins visuals on your character? Is that only caused by this tadpole or the others can too?

It's the same deal - you consume the unique tadpole, the veins will appear. I don't want to spoil you further but if you want to experience illithid powers (which can certainly be an asset if you were having trouble with combat) then you can safely do so without having any real consequences for your actions.

[SoloQ]

If it helps, you don't eat them...
You only get the blue effect when you upgrade with the astral worm.
Not really other than being able to use the powers to make conversations/combat easier.

[Dweller Beyond the Threshold]

Thanks guys. Guess I'm just gonna consume them lol.

[MonkeyLungs]

Go with your roleplay you will like your character more. You don't need the powers from the tadpole to succeed.

[Dweller Beyond the Threshold]

Originally posted by MonkeyLungs:

Go with your roleplay you will like your character more. You don't need the powers from the tadpole to succeed.

lol you're making me hesitate again...
yeah maybe not this playthrough but use it next time with a less good character.

[|Sith|Galvanized Iron Raptor]

They are more useful than they look. "Cull the Weak" for example looks negligable on paper, but it is actually very useful to have all those almost-kills removed.

[Dweller Beyond the Threshold]

Originally posted by Galvanized Iron:

They are more useful than they look. "Cull the Weak" for example looks negligable on paper, but it is actually very useful to have all those almost-kills removed.

yeah I really want to get this, luck of the far realms, executioner etc.

[|Sith|Galvanized Iron Raptor]

Originally posted by UnhappyLawbro:

Originally posted by Galvanized Iron:

They are more useful than they look. "Cull the Weak" for example looks negligable on paper, but it is actually very useful to have all those almost-kills removed.

yeah I really want to get this, luck of the far realms, executioner etc.

Yeah those two are probably the most obvious picks for a martial character. I would also recommend the power that make you deal damage when someone casts a spell. While it is not a lot of damage it is a great way to break concentration and if you got multiple characters with it, then the damage is quite respectable as well.

[Agony_Aunt]

On two runs not took any tadpoles. On one run i'm leaning into it heavily.