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

In Baldur's Gate 3, siding with the githyanki in Act 3 is a significant story choice that can have far-reaching consequences for your playthrough. This decision primarily revolves around the githyanki questline, which involves their leader, Vlaakith, and the artifact known as the Astral Prism. To side with the githyanki, you must align yourself with their goals and make choices that favor their interests over others, particularly the Emperor and the Illithid forces. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of how to achieve this, along with important considerations and strategies.

To begin, you need to understand the context of the githyanki in Act 3. The githyanki are a warrior race from the Astral Plane, and their primary goal is to destroy the Illithid (Mind Flayer) threat. They are led by Vlaakith, their lich queen, who is a powerful and ruthless figure. The Astral Prism, which you carry, is a key artifact that the githyanki seek to control. Throughout the game, you will interact with githyanki characters like LaeÔÇÖzel, who is a companion, and other githyanki warriors who will test your loyalty and resolve.

The first step to siding with the githyanki is to build a strong relationship with LaeÔÇÖzel. LaeÔÇÖzel is a githyanki warrior and a potential companion, and her personal questline is deeply tied to the githyanki storyline. To gain her trust, you should support her beliefs and decisions, even if they conflict with other companions or factions. This means agreeing with her views on Vlaakith and the githyankiÔÇÖs mission, and avoiding actions that undermine her faith in her people. For example, when LaeÔÇÖzel insists on seeking out the githyanki creche in Act 1, you should follow her lead and prioritize this quest.

Once you reach Act 3, the githyanki will play a more prominent role in the story. You will encounter VlaakithÔÇÖs forces, and they will demand that you hand over the Astral Prism. This is a critical moment where you must decide whether to side with the githyanki or the Emperor, who is the guardian of the Astral Prism and an ally against the Illithid threat. To side with the githyanki, you must choose to give the Astral Prism to VlaakithÔÇÖs forces. This decision will align you with the githyanki and set you on a path that prioritizes their goals over the EmperorÔÇÖs.

However, siding with the githyanki comes with significant risks and consequences. Vlaakith is a tyrannical ruler, and her intentions with the Astral Prism are not entirely clear. By giving her the artifact, you may be empowering her to achieve her own ambitions, which could have dire consequences for the world. Additionally, this choice will likely alienate the Emperor and other allies who oppose the githyanki. You may also face challenges from other factions, such as the Illithid or the AbsoluteÔÇÖs forces, who will see you as a threat.

One important tip is to ensure that your party is well-prepared for combat. Siding with the githyanki may lead to confrontations with powerful enemies, including the EmperorÔÇÖs forces or other factions that oppose the githyanki. Make sure your characters are equipped with strong weapons, armor, and spells, and consider building a party that complements each otherÔÇÖs strengths. For example, having a balanced mix of melee fighters, ranged attackers, and spellcasters can help you handle a variety of combat scenarios.

Another consideration is the impact on your companions. Siding with the githyanki may cause tension or conflict with other party members, especially those who distrust or oppose the githyanki. For example, Shadowheart, who has her own connection to the Astral Prism, may disapprove of your decision to side with Vlaakith. ItÔÇÖs important to manage these relationships carefully and be prepared for potential fallout. You may need to make difficult choices about which companions to prioritize and which to potentially lose.

In terms of advanced techniques, you can optimize your character builds to better align with the githyankiÔÇÖs strengths. For example, if you are playing as a githyanki character or have LaeÔÇÖzel in your party, you can focus on abilities and feats that enhance their combat prowess. The githyanki have racial bonuses to strength and dexterity, making them excellent warriors. You can also use their racial abilities, such as Misty Step, to gain tactical advantages in combat. Additionally, consider using spells and abilities that complement the githyankiÔÇÖs aggressive playstyle, such as buffs that increase damage output or debuffs that weaken enemies.

From a D&D rules perspective, the githyanki are a unique race with specific traits and abilities. In BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3, these traits are adapted from the Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition rules. For example, githyanki have proficiency with certain weapons and armor, reflecting their martial culture. They also have access to psionic abilities, which are a key part of their identity in the lore. Understanding these rules can help you make informed decisions about character builds and combat strategies.

In conclusion, siding with the githyanki in Act 3 is a complex and impactful choice that requires careful consideration. By building a strong relationship with LaeÔÇÖzel, making decisions that align with the githyankiÔÇÖs goals, and preparing for the consequences, you can successfully side with this powerful faction. However, be aware of the risks and challenges involved, and be prepared to face the consequences of your actions. With the right strategies and preparation, you can navigate this path and shape the story of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 in a unique and compelling way.