What happens if I side with the githyanki in Baldur's Gate 3?

Siding with the githyanki in Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant story choice that can have far-reaching consequences for your playthrough. The githyanki are a proud and warlike race, and aligning with them often means making morally complex decisions that can affect your relationships with companions, the fate of key characters, and the overall direction of the story. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of what happens if you choose to side with the githyanki, how to achieve this, and what to consider along the way.

To side with the githyanki, you will need to navigate several key story moments, particularly those involving Lae'zel, the githyanki companion in your party. Lae'zel is fiercely loyal to her people and their queen, Vlaakith, and her personal questline is deeply tied to the githyanki faction. Early in the game, Lae'zel will urge you to seek out a githyanki creche to remove the mind flayer tadpole from your brain. This is your first major opportunity to align with the githyanki. To do so, you must prioritize Lae'zel's quest and follow her guidance, even if it means ignoring or delaying other objectives.

When you reach the Mountain Pass or the Rosymorn Monastery area, you will encounter the githyanki creche. Here, you will need to navigate tense interactions with the githyanki warriors and their leader, Kith'rak Voss. To gain their trust, you must demonstrate your loyalty to Vlaakith and the githyanki cause. This often involves making dialogue choices that align with their values, such as showing respect for their hierarchy, agreeing to their demands, and avoiding actions that could be seen as disrespectful or rebellious. For example, when speaking to Kith'rak Voss, you should avoid questioning Vlaakith's authority or expressing doubt about the githyanki's methods.

One of the most critical moments in siding with the githyanki occurs when you are given the opportunity to undergo a purification ritual in the creche. This ritual is supposed to remove the tadpole from your brain, but it is actually a test of your loyalty to Vlaakith. If you pass the test by submitting to the ritual and proving your devotion, you will gain the favor of the githyanki and strengthen your alliance with them. However, this choice may alienate other companions, particularly those who are skeptical of the githyanki's intentions, such as Shadowheart or Gale. Be prepared for potential conflicts within your party as a result of your decision.

Siding with the githyanki also has significant implications for the main story. The githyanki are at odds with other factions, such as the mind flayers and the Absolute cult, and aligning with them may lead to confrontations with these groups. Additionally, your alliance with the githyanki may influence the fate of key characters, such as the Dream Visitor, who plays a crucial role in the story. Depending on your choices, the Dream Visitor may view your alliance with the githyanki as a betrayal, leading to further complications in the narrative.

When it comes to combat, siding with the githyanki can provide certain advantages. The githyanki are powerful warriors with access to unique abilities and equipment, and aligning with them may grant you access to these resources. For example, you may receive githyanki-specific weapons or armor that can enhance your combat effectiveness. However, you should also be prepared for increased hostility from other factions, as your alliance with the githyanki may make you a target for their enemies.

One common mistake to avoid when siding with the githyanki is neglecting the needs and perspectives of your other companions. While Lae'zel will be pleased with your decision, other party members may feel betrayed or sidelined. To maintain a balanced party dynamic, it is important to communicate with your companions and address their concerns. This may involve making compromises or finding ways to reconcile their goals with your alliance with the githyanki.

Advanced players may consider optimizing their character build to better align with the githyanki's strengths. For example, choosing a class that complements the githyanki's martial prowess, such as a Fighter or Paladin, can enhance your effectiveness in combat. Additionally, investing in skills like Intimidation or Persuasion can help you navigate the githyanki's strict hierarchy and gain their favor more easily.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, the githyanki are a playable race with unique racial traits, such as their Astral Knowledge ability, which grants proficiency in a chosen skill. These traits can influence your character's abilities and interactions, particularly if you are playing as a githyanki yourself. Understanding these mechanics can help you make informed decisions when interacting with the githyanki faction.

In summary, siding with the githyanki in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex and impactful choice that requires careful consideration of the story, your companions, and your character's build. By prioritizing Lae'zel's quest, demonstrating loyalty to Vlaakith, and navigating the challenges of the githyanki creche, you can forge a powerful alliance with this faction. However, be prepared for the consequences of your decision, both in terms of party dynamics and the broader narrative. With the right approach, you can successfully align with the githyanki and shape the story in a unique and compelling way.