How do I convince Lae'zel to turn against the Githyanki in Baldur's Gate 3?

Convincing Lae'zel to turn against the Githyanki in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and nuanced process that requires careful attention to her character arc, dialogue choices, and the overall narrative progression. Lae'zel is a fiercely loyal Githyanki warrior who initially believes in the superiority of her people and their mission to eradicate the Mind Flayers. However, as the story unfolds, you can influence her to question her beliefs and ultimately turn against her own kind. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand Lae'zel's background and motivations. She is deeply committed to the Githyanki cause and views Vlaakith, the Githyanki queen, as a divine figure. Her loyalty is rooted in her upbringing and the indoctrination she has undergone. To sway her, you need to gradually erode this loyalty by exposing her to alternative perspectives and revealing the truth about VlaakithÔÇÖs intentions.

The process begins with building a strong relationship with Lae'zel. This involves engaging in conversations with her, supporting her in combat, and making choices that align with her values. For example, showing respect for her combat prowess and agreeing with her pragmatic approach to survival will earn her approval. However, you should also subtly introduce doubts about the Githyanki and Vlaakith. This can be done by questioning the morality of their actions and pointing out inconsistencies in their ideology.

As you progress through the game, you will encounter key moments that can influence Lae'zelÔÇÖs loyalty. One such moment occurs when you meet the Githyanki patrol in Act 1. During this encounter, you can choose to support Lae'zelÔÇÖs desire to seek out the Githyanki creche, but you should also express skepticism about their methods. This plants the seed of doubt in her mind.

In Act 2, you will have the opportunity to visit the Githyanki creche. This is a pivotal moment in Lae'zelÔÇÖs story. Inside the creche, you will learn more about VlaakithÔÇÖs true nature and her plans for the Githyanki. You can encourage Lae'zel to question the queenÔÇÖs motives and consider the possibility that she is being used. This is where your earlier efforts to build trust with Lae'zel will pay off. If she trusts you, she will be more open to your perspective.

During the confrontation with VlaakithÔÇÖs representative in the creche, you must choose your words carefully. You can either support Lae'zelÔÇÖs desire to prove herself to Vlaakith or encourage her to see the truth. If you have built a strong relationship with her, she will be more likely to listen to you and question VlaakithÔÇÖs commands. This is a critical turning point where Lae'zel can begin to turn against her people.

In Act 3, the final act of the game, you will face the ultimate test of Lae'zelÔÇÖs loyalty. You will encounter Vlaakith herself, and Lae'zel will have to make a choice. If you have successfully guided her to question her beliefs, she will reject Vlaakith and side with you. This decision is influenced by the cumulative effect of your choices throughout the game. ItÔÇÖs important to consistently support Lae'zel while also challenging her worldview.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, be patient. Lae'zelÔÇÖs transformation is a gradual process that requires consistent effort. Second, pay attention to her approval rating. Making choices that align with her values will increase her approval, making her more receptive to your influence. Third, avoid being overly confrontational. While itÔÇÖs important to challenge her beliefs, doing so in a respectful and thoughtful manner will yield better results.

Common mistakes to avoid include ignoring Lae'zelÔÇÖs personal quests, making choices that alienate her, and failing to build a strong relationship with her. These mistakes can make it difficult to influence her decisions later in the game. Additionally, rushing through key moments without considering the long-term consequences can lead to unfavorable outcomes.

Advanced techniques involve leveraging your characterÔÇÖs abilities and skills to influence Lae'zel. For example, having a high Charisma score and proficiency in Persuasion can make it easier to sway her opinions. Additionally, using spells or abilities that reveal hidden truths can help expose VlaakithÔÇÖs deceit.

In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, Lae'zelÔÇÖs loyalty is influenced by her alignment and personal beliefs. As a Githyanki, she starts with a Lawful Evil alignment, but your actions can shift her towards a more neutral or even good alignment. This shift is reflected in her dialogue and decisions.

Specific examples and scenarios include the confrontation with the Githyanki patrol, the visit to the creche, and the final encounter with Vlaakith. Each of these moments offers opportunities to influence Lae'zelÔÇÖs loyalty. For instance, during the creche visit, you can use Insight checks to uncover hidden truths and Persuasion checks to convince Lae'zel to question VlaakithÔÇÖs motives.

In conclusion, convincing Lae'zel to turn against the Githyanki requires a combination of relationship-building, strategic dialogue choices, and careful consideration of the narrative. By understanding her character, supporting her while challenging her beliefs, and making thoughtful decisions, you can guide her to reject her people and side with you. This process not only enriches the story but also deepens your connection with one of the gameÔÇÖs most complex companions.