What happens if I let the Absolute control the Githyanki Creche in Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, the Githyanki Creche is a significant location tied to the main story and the Githyanki companion, Lae'zel. The Creche is a place where Lae'zel believes you can find a cure for the Mind Flayer tadpole in your head. However, the story takes a darker turn if you allow the Absolute, the mysterious force controlling the Mind Flayers, to influence or control the Githyanki Creche. This choice has profound consequences for the story, your companions, and the world at large.

To let the Absolute control the Githyanki Creche, you must first reach the Creche itself. This involves progressing through Act 1 and Act 2 of the game, following Lae'zel's personal questline. Once you arrive at the Creche, you will encounter the Githyanki leader, Vlaakith, who demands that you enter the Astral Prism to destroy the entity within. This entity is the Dream Guardian, who has been protecting you from the Absolute's influence. If you choose to side with the Absolute, you must reject the Dream Guardian's protection and allow the Absolute to take control.

The mechanics of this choice involve several key steps. First, you must navigate the Creche and interact with the Githyanki leaders. This requires careful dialogue choices and sometimes combat. You will need to convince or deceive the Githyanki into believing you are on their side. Once you reach the Astral Prism, you will face a critical decision. If you choose to let the Absolute take control, you must reject the Dream Guardian's offer of protection. This will result in the Absolute gaining influence over the Githyanki Creche, turning them into thralls under its command.

One important tip is to ensure your party is well-prepared for the challenges within the Creche. The Githyanki are formidable enemies, and combat can be intense. Make sure your characters are leveled up and equipped with strong gear. Additionally, having Lae'zel in your party can provide unique dialogue options and insights into Githyanki culture, which can help you navigate the Creche more effectively.

A common mistake to avoid is rushing through the Creche without fully exploring it. There are many hidden secrets, valuable items, and side quests that can provide significant benefits. Take your time to explore every area and interact with all NPCs. Another mistake is not considering the long-term consequences of your choices. Allowing the Absolute to control the Creche will have lasting effects on the story and your relationships with your companions, especially Lae'zel.

Advanced techniques involve optimizing your party composition and abilities for the challenges ahead. For example, having a character with high Charisma can help you persuade or deceive the Githyanki leaders. Additionally, using spells and abilities that can control or disable enemies can make combat encounters easier. For instance, spells like Hold Person or Hypnotic Pattern can be very effective against the Githyanki.

From a D&D rules perspective, the mechanics of the Absolute's influence align with the concept of domination and mind control. The Absolute's ability to turn the Githyanki into thralls is similar to the Dominate Person or Dominate Monster spells in D&D 5E. These spells allow a caster to take control of a creature's actions, which is essentially what the Absolute does to the Githyanki.

In specific scenarios, allowing the Absolute to control the Creche can lead to unique story developments. For example, Lae'zel may become disillusioned with her people and question her loyalty to Vlaakith. This can open up new dialogue options and questlines for her character. Additionally, the Absolute's control over the Creche can influence the broader conflict in the game, potentially leading to different endings.

In conclusion, letting the Absolute control the Githyanki Creche is a significant choice in Baldur's Gate 3 with far-reaching consequences. It requires careful navigation of the Creche, strategic combat, and thoughtful dialogue choices. By understanding the mechanics, preparing your party, and considering the long-term effects, you can make an informed decision that shapes the story and your relationships with your companions.