What are the consequences of letting the Emperor control the Githyanki in Baldur's Gate 3?

Letting the Emperor control the Githyanki in Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant story choice that has far-reaching consequences for the narrative, your companions, and the world at large. This decision occurs during the later stages of the game, particularly when dealing with the Githyanki Creche and the Astral Prism. The Emperor, a mysterious and powerful entity tied to the Mind Flayer threat, offers you the chance to dominate the Githyanki, a race of fierce warriors who are deeply connected to the Astral Plane. This choice is not made lightly, as it involves complex moral dilemmas and impacts your relationships with key characters, especially Lae'zel, a Githyanki companion.

To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through the main story until you reach the Githyanki Creche. This location is tied to Lae'zel's personal quest, and it is here that you will encounter the Githyanki leadership and the Astral Prism. The Astral Prism is a crucial artifact that holds the key to controlling the Githyanki, and it is also tied to the Emperor's influence. As you explore the Creche, you will face several challenges, including combat encounters and dialogue choices that test your resolve. It is important to note that your decisions during these moments will shape the outcome of the story.

One of the key mechanics involved in this choice is the use of the Astral Prism. The Emperor will communicate with you through the Prism, offering guidance and revealing more about his intentions. To let the Emperor control the Githyanki, you must align yourself with his goals and trust his judgment. This means making choices that prioritize the Emperor's plans over the Githyanki's autonomy. For example, during critical moments in the Creche, you may be given the option to use the Prism's power to influence or dominate the Githyanki. Choosing to do so will set you on the path toward letting the Emperor take control.

Step-by-step, here is how you can achieve this outcome. First, ensure that you have Lae'zel in your party when you enter the Githyanki Creche. Her presence is crucial for navigating the Creche and understanding the Githyanki culture. As you progress through the Creche, you will encounter Vlaakith, the Githyanki queen, who will test your loyalty. During this encounter, you must resist Vlaakith's demands and instead side with the Emperor. This will involve making dialogue choices that reject Vlaakith's authority and affirm your trust in the Emperor. After this, you will be directed to the Astral Prism, where the Emperor will reveal more about his plans. At this point, you must choose to let the Emperor use the Prism to control the Githyanki.

Important tips and considerations include being mindful of your relationship with Lae'zel. If you choose to let the Emperor control the Githyanki, Lae'zel may react negatively, as this decision goes against her people's values. To mitigate this, you can try to persuade her to see the Emperor's perspective, though this may not always be successful. Additionally, be prepared for combat, as the Githyanki are formidable opponents. Ensure your party is well-equipped and leveled before entering the Creche.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing through the Creche without fully exploring the area. There are many hidden secrets and valuable items that can aid you in your journey. Another mistake is failing to consider the long-term consequences of your choices. Letting the Emperor control the Githyanki may provide short-term benefits, but it could lead to unforeseen complications later in the story.

Advanced techniques involve optimizing your party composition and abilities to handle the challenges in the Creche. For example, having a character with high Charisma can help you navigate dialogue choices more effectively. Additionally, using spells like Charm Person or Dominate Person can give you an edge in controlling the Githyanki.

In terms of D&D rules, the mechanics of controlling the Githyanki align with the concept of domination and mind control, which are common themes in the game. The Astral Prism functions similarly to a powerful magical artifact that grants the user the ability to influence others. This ties into the broader narrative of the Mind Flayers and their ability to manipulate minds.

Specific examples and scenarios include the final confrontation in the Creche, where you must decide whether to use the Astral Prism to dominate the Githyanki or to resist the Emperor's influence. Choosing to let the Emperor take control will result in the Githyanki becoming subservient to his will, altering the course of the story and potentially leading to a different ending.

In conclusion, letting the Emperor control the Githyanki is a complex and morally ambiguous choice that requires careful consideration. By following the steps outlined above and being mindful of the consequences, you can navigate this pivotal moment in the story and shape the fate of the Githyanki and your companions.