What are the consequences of siding with the githyanki in Act 2 of Baldur's Gate 3?

Siding with the githyanki in Act 2 of Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant decision that can have far-reaching consequences for your playthrough. This choice primarily revolves around the githyanki creche, a location where you can interact with the githyanki and their leader, Vlaakith. The githyanki are a proud and warlike race, and their culture is deeply tied to their queen, Vlaakith, who is a lich and a god-like figure to them. The decision to side with them or not will impact your relationship with Lae'zel, a githyanki companion, as well as the overall narrative of the game.

To side with the githyanki, you will need to follow a series of steps that involve gaining their trust and making choices that align with their goals. First, you must reach the githyanki creche, which is located in the Mountain Pass area. This area becomes accessible after you complete certain quests in Act 1, such as resolving the conflict between the druids and the tieflings in the Emerald Grove. Once you reach the Mountain Pass, you will encounter githyanki patrols. It is crucial to approach them carefully, as they are highly suspicious of outsiders. You can use Lae'zel to speak with them, as her presence will make them more willing to listen to you.

Upon entering the creche, you will be directed to meet with the Inquisitor, a high-ranking githyanki who will test your loyalty and intentions. During this meeting, you will have the opportunity to prove your worth by completing a series of tasks. One of the key tasks involves using the zaith'isk, a device that is supposed to purify you of the tadpole in your brain. However, using the zaith'isk is dangerous, and it can have severe consequences for your character. If you choose to undergo the purification process, you will need to pass several saving throws to avoid taking significant damage or even dying. It is advisable to have a high Constitution score and proficiency in Constitution saving throws to increase your chances of success.

After proving your loyalty to the githyanki, you will be given the opportunity to meet Vlaakith herself. This is a pivotal moment in the story, as Vlaakith will offer you a powerful artifact known as the Astral Prism. However, accepting this artifact comes with a price. Vlaakith will demand that you use the Astral Prism to destroy the Mind Flayer colony that is threatening the githyanki. This decision will set you on a path that aligns you with the githyanki's goals, but it will also put you at odds with other factions, such as the Mind Flayers and their allies.

One of the most significant consequences of siding with the githyanki is the impact it will have on your relationship with Lae'zel. Lae'zel is fiercely loyal to Vlaakith and the githyanki cause, and siding with them will strengthen your bond with her. However, if you choose to defy Vlaakith or question her authority, Lae'zel may become disillusioned and turn against you. This can lead to a dramatic confrontation and potentially even her leaving your party. It is important to consider how your choices will affect your companions, as their loyalty and support can be crucial in the later stages of the game.

Another important consideration is the long-term consequences of siding with the githyanki. While they are powerful allies, their methods and goals are often ruthless and self-serving. Aligning yourself with them may lead to conflicts with other factions, such as the Harpers or the druids, who may view your alliance with the githyanki as a threat. Additionally, the githyanki's ultimate goal is to dominate the Material Plane, and their ambitions may clash with your own objectives as the story progresses.

In terms of combat tactics, siding with the githyanki can provide you with access to powerful allies and resources. The githyanki are skilled warriors and have access to unique weapons and armor that can give you an edge in battle. However, their aggressive nature means that you may find yourself in more frequent and challenging combat encounters. It is important to build your party accordingly, with a focus on strong melee fighters and support characters who can handle the increased difficulty.

In conclusion, siding with the githyanki in Act 2 of Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex decision that requires careful consideration of the potential consequences. It can lead to a stronger relationship with Lae'zel and provide you with powerful allies, but it may also alienate other factions and lead to more challenging combat encounters. By understanding the mechanics involved and making informed choices, you can navigate this pivotal moment in the story and shape the outcome of your playthrough.