What happens if I side with the githyanki in Act 2 of Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, siding with the githyanki in Act 2 is a significant story choice that can have far-reaching consequences for your playthrough. This decision primarily revolves around the character Lae'zel, a githyanki companion, and her personal questline. To side with the githyanki, you must navigate a series of interactions and choices that align with their goals and ideology. Here is a detailed explanation of how to achieve this, along with important considerations and strategies.

To begin, you need to understand the context of the githyanki in Act 2. The githyanki are a warrior race from the Astral Plane, and they are deeply connected to their queen, Vlaakith. Lae'zel, as a githyanki, is fiercely loyal to Vlaakith and believes that the queen can cure the tadpole infection that threatens your party. In Act 2, you will encounter a githyanki patrol led by Kith'rak Voss, who is searching for a powerful artifact known as the Astral Prism. This artifact is crucial to the githyanki's plans, and siding with them means supporting their efforts to retrieve it.

The first step in siding with the githyanki is to ensure that Lae'zel is in your party when you encounter the githyanki patrol. This encounter typically occurs in the Mountain Pass area, where you will face a tense standoff with Voss and his warriors. During this interaction, you must choose dialogue options that demonstrate your willingness to cooperate with the githyanki. Lae'zel will advocate for trusting Voss and following the githyanki's lead, so supporting her stance is key. If you successfully navigate this conversation, Voss will allow you to continue your journey and may even provide valuable information about the Astral Prism.

As you progress through Act 2, you will eventually reach the Creche Y'llek, a githyanki stronghold where Lae'zel believes you can find a cure for the tadpole. This is a critical point in the story, as it is here that you must fully commit to siding with the githyanki. Inside the creche, you will encounter various githyanki leaders, including the Inquisitor Ch'r'ai W'wargaz. During your interactions with these characters, you must continue to support Lae'zel's loyalty to Vlaakith and the githyanki cause. This includes participating in a ritual known as the Zaith'isk, which is supposed to purify you of the tadpole. However, the Zaith'isk is dangerous, and you must pass several skill checks to survive the process. Successfully completing the ritual will strengthen your bond with the githyanki and Lae'zel.

One important tip is to ensure that your party is well-prepared for combat, as there are several potential fights within the creche. The githyanki are formidable opponents, and you may need to defend yourself if tensions escalate. Additionally, be mindful of your dialogue choices, as any sign of betrayal or defiance could lead to a hostile confrontation. It is also crucial to keep Lae'zel's approval high, as her loyalty to Vlaakith is central to this path. You can increase her approval by making choices that align with githyanki values, such as prioritizing strength, discipline, and loyalty.

A common mistake to avoid is revealing too much information about the Astral Prism or your connection to it. The githyanki are highly suspicious of outsiders, and any hint of deceit could jeopardize your alliance. Similarly, do not openly challenge Vlaakith's authority, as this will alienate Lae'zel and the githyanki. Instead, focus on presenting yourself as a willing ally who shares their goals.

Advanced techniques involve leveraging your character's abilities to navigate the creche more effectively. For example, characters with high Charisma and Persuasion skills can smooth over tense interactions, while those with high Intelligence and Arcana knowledge can better understand the githyanki's rituals and technology. Additionally, consider using stealth and deception to avoid unnecessary fights, as the githyanki are not easily defeated.

From a D&D rules perspective, the githyanki are a unique race with their own set of abilities and traits. In Baldur's Gate 3, they are portrayed as highly disciplined warriors with a strong connection to their queen and the Astral Plane. Their culture values strength and loyalty above all else, and these traits are reflected in their interactions and combat tactics. Understanding these cultural nuances can help you make more informed decisions when dealing with the githyanki.

In summary, siding with the githyanki in Act 2 requires careful navigation of dialogue, combat, and character relationships. By supporting Lae'zel's loyalty to Vlaakith, preparing for potential fights, and making strategic choices, you can align yourself with the githyanki and influence the story's outcome. This path offers a unique perspective on the game's narrative and can lead to different endings based on your decisions.