What are the consequences of letting the Githyanki take over the Astral Prism in Baldur's Gate 3?

Letting the Githyanki take over the Astral Prism in Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant story choice that has far-reaching consequences for the narrative, your companions, and the world around you. The Astral Prism is a key artifact tied to the main plot, and your decision regarding its fate will shape the direction of the story, particularly in relation to the Githyanki, the Mind Flayers, and your own character's journey. Here's a detailed breakdown of what happens if you allow the Githyanki to take control of the Astral Prism, along with strategies, tips, and considerations to help you navigate this choice.

First, it's important to understand the context of the Astral Prism. The Prism is a powerful artifact that serves as a refuge for the Dream Visitor, a mysterious entity that aids you in resisting the Mind Flayer tadpole's influence. The Githyanki, a warrior race from the Astral Plane, are deeply interested in the Prism, as it is tied to their leader, Vlaakith, and their ongoing conflict with the Mind Flayers. Throughout the game, you will encounter Githyanki forces, including their leader, Kith'rak Voss, who will demand that you hand over the Prism. If you choose to comply, the consequences are significant.

If you decide to let the Githyanki take the Astral Prism, the immediate consequence is that you lose the protection of the Dream Visitor. This means that the Mind Flayer tadpole in your brain will no longer be suppressed, and you will begin to experience its effects more intensely. This can lead to changes in your character's abilities, as the tadpole grants you access to Illithid powers, but it also increases the risk of losing control and becoming a Mind Flayer yourself. This choice also impacts your relationship with Lae'zel, the Githyanki companion in your party. Lae'zel is fiercely loyal to her people and Vlaakith, so siding with the Githyanki will strengthen your bond with her. However, it may strain your relationships with other companions who are wary of the Githyanki's intentions.

To achieve this outcome, you must progress through the main story until you reach the point where the Githyanki confront you about the Astral Prism. This typically occurs after you have interacted with Kith'rak Voss and his forces. During this encounter, you will have the option to either resist the Githyanki's demands or comply with them. Choosing to hand over the Prism will trigger a series of events where the Githyanki take control of the artifact, and you will no longer have access to the Dream Visitor's guidance.

One important tip to consider is that this choice locks you into a specific narrative path. If you are playing a character who values loyalty to the Githyanki or seeks to align with their goals, this decision makes sense. However, if you are more inclined to resist the Githyanki or explore other alliances, such as with the Mind Flayers or other factions, you may want to reconsider. Additionally, this choice has implications for the endgame, as it affects the balance of power between the Githyanki and the Mind Flayers.

A common mistake to avoid is making this decision without considering the long-term consequences. The Astral Prism is a central element of the story, and giving it up will alter the trajectory of your playthrough. It's important to weigh the benefits of aligning with the Githyanki against the potential risks, such as losing the Dream Visitor's protection and alienating other companions. If you are unsure, it may be helpful to save your game before making this choice so you can explore different outcomes.

Advanced techniques for this path involve leveraging the Illithid powers granted by the tadpole. Without the Dream Visitor's protection, you will have more opportunities to use these abilities, which can be powerful in combat and dialogue. However, this comes with the risk of losing control, so it's important to manage your use of these powers carefully. Additionally, focusing on building a strong relationship with Lae'zel can unlock unique dialogue options and story developments that enhance your experience.

From a D&D rules perspective, the Astral Prism and the Githyanki's involvement reflect the lore of the Githyanki as a race of astral warriors who oppose the Mind Flayers. The Prism's connection to Vlaakith and the Dream Visitor ties into the broader narrative of the Githyanki's struggle for freedom and power. Understanding these lore elements can enrich your role-playing experience and help you make more informed decisions.

In summary, letting the Githyanki take over the Astral Prism is a major story choice that impacts your character's journey, your relationships with companions, and the overall narrative. It requires careful consideration of the consequences and a willingness to embrace the risks and rewards of aligning with the Githyanki. By understanding the mechanics, planning your strategy, and considering the long-term implications, you can navigate this choice effectively and shape your unique story in Baldur's Gate 3.