How do I convince Lae'zel to abandon Vlaakith in Baldur's Gate 3?

Convincing Lae'zel to abandon Vlaakith in Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant narrative moment that requires careful attention to dialogue choices, character relationships, and story progression. 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, but as the story unfolds, you can influence her to question her faith and ultimately turn away from her queen. This process involves several key steps, including building trust with Lae'zel, making specific dialogue choices, and progressing through the main story in a way that exposes Vlaakith's true nature.

To begin, it is crucial to build a strong relationship with Lae'zel. This involves engaging in conversations with her at camp, supporting her in combat, and making choices that align with her values. Lae'zel respects strength, decisiveness, and loyalty, so demonstrating these traits in your interactions will help gain her trust. For example, siding with her in disputes with other companions or choosing aggressive or pragmatic dialogue options can improve your standing with her. Additionally, completing her personal quest, "The Githyanki Warrior," is essential. This quest involves helping her find a Githyanki creche to remove the tadpole from her brain, which is a central part of her character arc.

As you progress through the game, you will eventually reach the Githyanki creche. This is a pivotal location for Lae'zel's storyline. Inside the creche, you will encounter a Githyanki inquisitor who will test your loyalty to Vlaakith. During this encounter, it is important to choose dialogue options that subtly plant seeds of doubt in Lae'zel's mind about Vlaakith's intentions. For example, when the inquisitor asks about your allegiance, you can express skepticism or question Vlaakith's motives. These choices will not immediately cause Lae'zel to abandon Vlaakith, but they will begin to erode her faith.

After the encounter with the inquisitor, you will face a critical moment in Lae'zel's story. Vlaakith herself will appear in a vision and demand that you enter the Astral Prism to destroy the being inside. This is a test of your loyalty, and Lae'zel will initially urge you to comply. However, if you refuse Vlaakith's command and question her authority, Lae'zel will begin to see the cracks in her queen's facade. This is a turning point, and your choices here will significantly impact Lae'zel's future. If you stand firm against Vlaakith and encourage Lae'zel to think for herself, she will start to question her loyalty.

Following this event, continue to support Lae'zel and reinforce the idea that Vlaakith is not the infallible leader she once believed. Engage in conversations with her at camp, where she will express her doubts and fears. Reassure her that she is strong enough to make her own decisions and that she does not need to blindly follow Vlaakith. Over time, these interactions will lead her to fully abandon her queen and seek a new path.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind during this process. First, be consistent in your dialogue choices. Lae'zel values honesty and decisiveness, so wavering or being indecisive can harm your relationship with her. Second, pay attention to her approval rating. While it is not necessary to have maximum approval to convince her to abandon Vlaakith, a higher approval rating will make the process smoother. Third, avoid making choices that directly contradict her values, such as showing excessive mercy or siding with her enemies.

Common mistakes to avoid include being too aggressive or dismissive in your interactions with Lae'zel. While she respects strength, outright hostility can damage your relationship. Additionally, failing to progress her personal quest or missing key story moments can prevent you from influencing her decision. It is also important to avoid rushing through the story. Take the time to engage with Lae'zel and build a strong rapport.

Advanced techniques involve leveraging your character's abilities and class features to enhance your interactions with Lae'zel. For example, if you are playing a character with high Charisma and proficiency in Persuasion or Deception, you can use these skills to more effectively sway her opinions. Additionally, understanding the D&D 5E rules that underpin the game's mechanics can help you make more informed choices. For instance, knowing how skill checks and saving throws work can give you an edge in critical dialogue moments.

In conclusion, convincing Lae'zel to abandon Vlaakith is a complex and rewarding process that requires careful attention to dialogue, character relationships, and story progression. By building trust with Lae'zel, making strategic choices, and supporting her through her personal quest, you can guide her to question her faith and ultimately turn away from Vlaakith. This not only enriches the narrative but also deepens your connection with one of the game's most compelling characters.