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 creche questline, which begins in Act 1 and continues into Act 3. The githyanki are a proud and warlike race, and their culture is deeply tied to their dragon-riding heritage and their allegiance to their lich queen, Vlaakith. Siding with them means aligning yourself with their goals, which often involve domination and conquest. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of what happens and how to navigate this path.
To side with the githyanki, you must first establish a relationship with them during the creche questline in Act 1. This involves traveling to the Mountain Pass and interacting with the githyanki stationed there. You will encounter their leader, Captain Kith'rak Voss, and other key figures like Lae'zel, a githyanki companion who can join your party. Your interactions with these characters will shape your standing with the githyanki. To gain their trust, you must demonstrate strength, respect their customs, and avoid actions that they perceive as weak or dishonorable. For example, siding with the tieflings or other factions that the githyanki view as inferior can harm your relationship with them.
In Act 3, the githyanki storyline reaches a critical juncture. By this point, you will have learned more about the githyankiÔÇÖs plans and their conflict with other factions, such as the mind flayers and the Absolute. Siding with the githyanki means supporting their efforts to reclaim their lost artifact, the Astral Prism, and potentially aiding them in their war against the mind flayers. This decision will lead to a confrontation with other factions, including the AbsoluteÔÇÖs forces and possibly even your own companions, depending on their allegiances.
One of the key mechanics involved in this choice is the approval system with Lae'zel. If you have Lae'zel in your party, her approval of your actions will significantly influence your ability to side with the githyanki. Lae'zel is fiercely loyal to her people, and she will advocate for siding with them at every opportunity. To maintain her approval, you should prioritize githyanki interests over other factions and avoid actions that she views as betrayals. For example, if you choose to spare the tieflings or side with the druids in Act 1, Lae'zel may disapprove, making it harder to align with the githyanki later.
When you reach Act 3, you will face a pivotal decision during the githyanki questline. This typically involves a meeting with Captain Kith'rak Voss or another high-ranking githyanki leader. They will present you with a choice: either join their cause and help them achieve their goals, or oppose them and side with other factions. If you choose to side with the githyanki, you will be expected to prove your loyalty through a series of tasks, such as retrieving the Astral Prism or eliminating their enemies. Completing these tasks will solidify your alliance with the githyanki and unlock new story paths, including potential access to their powerful weapons and armor.
However, siding with the githyanki comes with significant consequences. Many of your companions, especially those who are not githyanki, may disapprove of this choice. Characters like Shadowheart, who has her own conflicts with the githyanki, may become hostile or even leave your party. Additionally, siding with the githyanki can lead to conflicts with other factions, such as the Harpers or the AbsoluteÔÇÖs forces, making certain quests more difficult or even impossible to complete. ItÔÇÖs important to weigh these consequences carefully before making your decision.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the githyankiÔÇÖs strict code of honor. If you attempt to deceive them or act in a way they perceive as dishonorable, they may turn on you, even if you initially sided with them. For example, if you agree to help them but then betray them by giving the Astral Prism to another faction, they will likely become hostile and attack you. To avoid this, always be honest and straightforward in your dealings with the githyanki, and avoid actions that could be seen as betrayals.
Advanced techniques for siding with the githyanki include optimizing your party composition and combat tactics. The githyanki are powerful warriors, and having Lae'zel in your party can give you an edge in battles. Additionally, focusing on combat-oriented classes like fighters, paladins, or barbarians can help you meet the githyankiÔÇÖs expectations of strength and valor. In terms of combat tactics, prioritize high-damage abilities and crowd control spells to quickly eliminate enemies and demonstrate your prowess in battle.
From a D&D rules perspective, the githyanki are a unique race with their own set of abilities and traits. They are proficient in martial combat and have access to psionic powers, which can be a significant advantage in both story and combat scenarios. Understanding these mechanics can help you better navigate interactions with the githyanki and make informed decisions about your character build and party composition.
In summary, siding with the githyanki in Act 3 is a complex and consequential choice that requires careful planning and consideration. By building a strong relationship with Lae'zel, respecting githyanki customs, and demonstrating your strength and loyalty, you can successfully align with them and unlock new story paths. However, be prepared for the potential fallout with other factions and companions, and always weigh the long-term consequences of your decisions.
To side with the githyanki, you must first establish a relationship with them during the creche questline in Act 1. This involves traveling to the Mountain Pass and interacting with the githyanki stationed there. You will encounter their leader, Captain Kith'rak Voss, and other key figures like Lae'zel, a githyanki companion who can join your party. Your interactions with these characters will shape your standing with the githyanki. To gain their trust, you must demonstrate strength, respect their customs, and avoid actions that they perceive as weak or dishonorable. For example, siding with the tieflings or other factions that the githyanki view as inferior can harm your relationship with them.
In Act 3, the githyanki storyline reaches a critical juncture. By this point, you will have learned more about the githyankiÔÇÖs plans and their conflict with other factions, such as the mind flayers and the Absolute. Siding with the githyanki means supporting their efforts to reclaim their lost artifact, the Astral Prism, and potentially aiding them in their war against the mind flayers. This decision will lead to a confrontation with other factions, including the AbsoluteÔÇÖs forces and possibly even your own companions, depending on their allegiances.
One of the key mechanics involved in this choice is the approval system with Lae'zel. If you have Lae'zel in your party, her approval of your actions will significantly influence your ability to side with the githyanki. Lae'zel is fiercely loyal to her people, and she will advocate for siding with them at every opportunity. To maintain her approval, you should prioritize githyanki interests over other factions and avoid actions that she views as betrayals. For example, if you choose to spare the tieflings or side with the druids in Act 1, Lae'zel may disapprove, making it harder to align with the githyanki later.
When you reach Act 3, you will face a pivotal decision during the githyanki questline. This typically involves a meeting with Captain Kith'rak Voss or another high-ranking githyanki leader. They will present you with a choice: either join their cause and help them achieve their goals, or oppose them and side with other factions. If you choose to side with the githyanki, you will be expected to prove your loyalty through a series of tasks, such as retrieving the Astral Prism or eliminating their enemies. Completing these tasks will solidify your alliance with the githyanki and unlock new story paths, including potential access to their powerful weapons and armor.
However, siding with the githyanki comes with significant consequences. Many of your companions, especially those who are not githyanki, may disapprove of this choice. Characters like Shadowheart, who has her own conflicts with the githyanki, may become hostile or even leave your party. Additionally, siding with the githyanki can lead to conflicts with other factions, such as the Harpers or the AbsoluteÔÇÖs forces, making certain quests more difficult or even impossible to complete. ItÔÇÖs important to weigh these consequences carefully before making your decision.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the githyankiÔÇÖs strict code of honor. If you attempt to deceive them or act in a way they perceive as dishonorable, they may turn on you, even if you initially sided with them. For example, if you agree to help them but then betray them by giving the Astral Prism to another faction, they will likely become hostile and attack you. To avoid this, always be honest and straightforward in your dealings with the githyanki, and avoid actions that could be seen as betrayals.
Advanced techniques for siding with the githyanki include optimizing your party composition and combat tactics. The githyanki are powerful warriors, and having Lae'zel in your party can give you an edge in battles. Additionally, focusing on combat-oriented classes like fighters, paladins, or barbarians can help you meet the githyankiÔÇÖs expectations of strength and valor. In terms of combat tactics, prioritize high-damage abilities and crowd control spells to quickly eliminate enemies and demonstrate your prowess in battle.
From a D&D rules perspective, the githyanki are a unique race with their own set of abilities and traits. They are proficient in martial combat and have access to psionic powers, which can be a significant advantage in both story and combat scenarios. Understanding these mechanics can help you better navigate interactions with the githyanki and make informed decisions about your character build and party composition.
In summary, siding with the githyanki in Act 3 is a complex and consequential choice that requires careful planning and consideration. By building a strong relationship with Lae'zel, respecting githyanki customs, and demonstrating your strength and loyalty, you can successfully align with them and unlock new story paths. However, be prepared for the potential fallout with other factions and companions, and always weigh the long-term consequences of your decisions.