Can I convince Lae'zel to abandon Vlaakith in Act 1 of Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, Lae'zel is a Githyanki warrior who starts the game as a devout follower of Vlaakith, the lich queen of her people. Her loyalty to Vlaakith is deeply ingrained, and convincing her to abandon this loyalty in Act 1 is a challenging but possible task. This process involves careful dialogue choices, understanding her character, and leveraging key story moments to sway her perspective. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the mechanics involved. Lae'zelÔÇÖs loyalty to Vlaakith is tied to her personal questline and her interactions with the player character. To influence her, you need to build a strong relationship with her, which involves gaining her approval. This can be done by supporting her in dialogue, agreeing with her Githyanki values, and making choices that align with her worldview. However, to eventually convince her to question Vlaakith, youÔÇÖll need to subtly introduce doubts about the lich queenÔÇÖs intentions and the Githyanki way of life.

Step-by-step, the process begins with gaining Lae'zelÔÇÖs trust. Early in the game, you can do this by siding with her in conflicts, such as when she wants to interrogate Zorru about the location of a Githyanki creche. Agreeing with her aggressive approach and showing respect for her culture will increase her approval. Additionally, during combat, allowing her to take the lead and praising her skills will further strengthen your bond.

As you progress through Act 1, youÔÇÖll encounter opportunities to challenge her beliefs. One key moment occurs when you reach the Githyanki patrol near the Mountain Pass. Here, Lae'zel will insist on speaking to the patrol, believing they will help you remove the tadpole. However, the Githyanki captain, Kith'rak Voss, will dismiss her and order her to be captured. This is a pivotal moment where you can begin to sow doubt in Lae'zelÔÇÖs mind. If you choose dialogue options that question VlaakithÔÇÖs motives or suggest that the Githyanki leadership might not have her best interests at heart, Lae'zel will start to reconsider her loyalty.

Another important opportunity arises when you reach the Githyanki creche. Inside the creche, youÔÇÖll encounter a Githyanki doctor who attempts to use a device to remove the tadpole. This device, however, is a trap set by Vlaakith to eliminate those she deems unworthy. If you allow Lae'zel to undergo the procedure, she will nearly die, and this near-death experience can be a turning point. After this event, you can use dialogue options to emphasize that Vlaakith betrayed her and that the Githyanki way of life is flawed. If your relationship with Lae'zel is strong enough, she will begin to question her loyalty to Vlaakith.

Important tips and considerations include being patient and consistent in your approach. Lae'zelÔÇÖs loyalty to Vlaakith is deeply rooted, and it will take time to erode. Avoid directly attacking her beliefs early on, as this will only decrease her approval and make it harder to influence her later. Instead, focus on building trust and gradually introducing doubts. Additionally, pay attention to her approval rating, as this will determine how receptive she is to your arguments.

Common mistakes to avoid include being too confrontational or dismissive of Lae'zelÔÇÖs beliefs. If you consistently oppose her or make choices that go against her values, she will become hostile and less likely to listen to your perspective. Another mistake is rushing the process. Convincing Lae'zel to abandon Vlaakith requires careful planning and timing, so donÔÇÖt expect immediate results.

Advanced techniques involve leveraging specific story moments to maximize your influence. For example, during the encounter with the Githyanki patrol, if you have a high enough approval rating with Lae'zel, you can use Persuasion or Deception checks to convince her that the Githyanki leadership is corrupt. Similarly, during the creche sequence, if you have built a strong relationship, you can use dialogue options to highlight VlaakithÔÇÖs betrayal and encourage Lae'zel to think for herself.

Related D&D rules and mechanics come into play during dialogue checks. Persuasion, Deception, and Insight checks are crucial for influencing Lae'zel. Having a high Charisma score and proficiency in these skills will increase your chances of success. Additionally, understanding the lore of the Githyanki and Vlaakith can provide context for your arguments, making them more convincing.

Specific examples and scenarios include the dialogue with Kith'rak Voss. If you choose the option to say, ÔÇ£Vlaakith doesnÔÇÖt care about you,ÔÇØ and succeed in a Persuasion check, Lae'zel will begin to question her loyalty. Similarly, after the creche incident, if you choose the option to say, ÔÇ£Vlaakith tried to kill you,ÔÇØ and succeed in a Deception or Persuasion check, Lae'zel will start to see the truth about VlaakithÔÇÖs intentions.

In conclusion, convincing Lae'zel to abandon Vlaakith in Act 1 is a complex but rewarding process. It requires building a strong relationship, carefully choosing dialogue options, and leveraging key story moments to introduce doubt. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully sway Lae'zelÔÇÖs loyalty and alter her character arc in a meaningful way.