What happens if I let Lae'zel kill the tieflings in Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, the decision to let Lae'zel kill the tieflings is a significant moral and narrative choice that can have lasting consequences on your playthrough. This event occurs early in the game, specifically during the encounter with the tieflings who have captured Lae'zel near the Nautiloid crash site. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of what happens, how to achieve it, and the implications of this choice.

To let Lae'zel kill the tieflings, you must first encounter her in the cage where she is being held by two tieflings, Zorru and another guard. The tieflings are wary of Lae'zel due to her aggressive nature and her Githyanki heritage, which is often associated with hostility. When you approach the scene, you have several dialogue options. One of the key choices is to either side with the tieflings or to support Lae'zel. If you choose to support Lae'zel, you can either persuade the tieflings to release her or allow her to take matters into her own hands.

If you decide to let Lae'zel handle the situation, she will break free from the cage and attack the tieflings. This will result in a combat encounter where Lae'zel will fight the tieflings. You can choose to assist her or stand back and let her deal with them alone. If you assist her, you will engage in combat alongside Lae'zel, and together you will defeat the tieflings. If you choose not to intervene, Lae'zel will still manage to kill the tieflings on her own, though it may take longer.

One important consideration is the approval rating of your companions. Lae'zel will greatly approve of your decision to let her kill the tieflings, as it aligns with her aggressive and survivalist nature. However, other companions like Shadowheart or Wyll may disapprove, as they might see this as an unnecessary act of violence. This can affect your relationships with them and potentially lock you out of certain dialogue options or romance paths later in the game.

Another factor to consider is the impact on the story. Killing the tieflings will prevent you from interacting with them later in the game, which can close off certain quests and opportunities. For example, the tieflings play a significant role in the Druid Grove storyline, and their survival can lead to alliances and rewards that you would miss out on if they are killed. Additionally, this choice can affect your reputation with other factions and NPCs, as word of your actions may spread.

From a combat perspective, letting Lae'zel kill the tieflings can be advantageous if you are looking to build a more aggressive and combat-focused party. Lae'zel is a powerful fighter, and her abilities can be a great asset in battles. However, itÔÇÖs important to balance this with the potential loss of other companions who may not agree with her methods.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, this scenario reflects the alignment system and the concept of moral choices. Lae'zelÔÇÖs actions align with a more chaotic or neutral evil approach, where personal survival and dominance are prioritized over the lives of others. Your decision to support her can shift your characterÔÇÖs alignment and influence how other characters perceive you.

A common mistake to avoid is not considering the long-term consequences of this choice. While it may seem beneficial in the short term to gain Lae'zelÔÇÖs approval, the loss of potential allies and quests can hinder your progress later in the game. ItÔÇÖs important to weigh the immediate benefits against the potential drawbacks.

Advanced techniques include using this choice to shape your party dynamics. If you are planning a playthrough where you focus on a more ruthless and combat-oriented approach, letting Lae'zel kill the tieflings can set the tone for your campaign. Conversely, if you are aiming for a more diplomatic and alliance-building playthrough, it may be better to find a way to resolve the situation peacefully.

In summary, letting Lae'zel kill the tieflings is a significant choice that can shape your game in various ways. It affects companion approval, story outcomes, and your characterÔÇÖs alignment. Careful consideration of the consequences and strategic planning can help you make the best decision for your playthrough.