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 to allow the Githyanki to control it will shape the direction of the story, particularly in relation to the Githyanki and their leader, Vlaakith. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of what happens, how to achieve this outcome, and the implications of this choice.

To let the Githyanki take over the Astral Prism, you must align yourself with their goals during key moments in the story. This primarily occurs during interactions with LaeÔÇÖzel, the Githyanki companion, and during encounters with the Githyanki patrol and their leader, Vlaakith. The first major decision point comes when you encounter the Githyanki patrol in Act 1. Here, you must choose to cooperate with them and support LaeÔÇÖzelÔÇÖs loyalty to Vlaakith. This involves siding with LaeÔÇÖzel in dialogue and not resisting the GithyankiÔÇÖs demands. If you resist or attack the patrol, you will lose the opportunity to align with the Githyanki later in the story.

As the story progresses, you will eventually reach the Creche YÔÇÖllek, a Githyanki stronghold, in Act 2. This is where the fate of the Astral Prism is decided. Inside the Creche, you will be given the opportunity to present the Astral Prism to VlaakithÔÇÖs representative, the Inquisitor. To let the Githyanki take over the Prism, you must agree to hand it over willingly. This decision will require you to trust Vlaakith and her plans, which LaeÔÇÖzel will strongly advocate for. If you refuse or attempt to keep the Prism, the Githyanki will turn hostile, and you will be forced to fight your way out of the Creche.

One important tip is to ensure that LaeÔÇÖzel is in your party during these interactions. Her presence and influence will make it easier to align with the Githyanki and avoid conflict. Additionally, building a strong relationship with LaeÔÇÖzel through dialogue and supporting her beliefs will make her more likely to side with you and the Githyanki cause. If you antagonize her or undermine her loyalty to Vlaakith, she may turn against you, making it harder to achieve this outcome.

The consequences of letting the Githyanki take over the Astral Prism are significant. First, it solidifies your alliance with the Githyanki and Vlaakith, which can open up new story paths and opportunities later in the game. However, this choice also comes with risks. Vlaakith is a ruthless and power-hungry leader, and her intentions for the Prism may not align with your own goals. By giving her control, you are placing a powerful artifact in the hands of someone who may use it for her own gain, potentially putting the world at risk.

Another consequence is the impact on your companions, particularly LaeÔÇÖzel and the Dream Visitor. LaeÔÇÖzel will be deeply affected by this choice, as it reinforces her loyalty to Vlaakith and the Githyanki cause. However, if you later discover VlaakithÔÇÖs true intentions, LaeÔÇÖzel may face a crisis of faith, leading to potential conflict within the party. The Dream Visitor, who is connected to the Astral Prism, will also be affected. Handing over the Prism may weaken or sever your connection to them, altering the guidance and support they provide throughout the story.

In terms of D&D mechanics, this choice reflects the alignment system and the moral dilemmas inherent in the game. Aligning with the Githyanki and Vlaakith leans toward a Lawful Evil or Lawful Neutral path, as you are prioritizing order and loyalty over personal freedom or moral considerations. This choice also ties into the broader themes of power, control, and the consequences of trusting authoritarian figures.

A common mistake to avoid is making this decision without fully understanding the implications. The Githyanki are a militaristic and often ruthless race, and their goals may not align with your own. ItÔÇÖs important to weigh the potential benefits of their alliance against the risks of empowering Vlaakith. Additionally, failing to build a strong relationship with LaeÔÇÖzel can make it harder to navigate these choices, as she plays a key role in influencing the outcome.

In summary, letting the Githyanki take over the Astral Prism is a complex and impactful decision that requires careful consideration of the story, your companions, and the broader consequences. By aligning with the Githyanki, you gain a powerful ally but also risk empowering a dangerous leader. This choice highlights the moral and strategic dilemmas at the heart of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3, offering a rich and immersive narrative experience.