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

In Baldur's Gate 3, the relationship between Shadowheart and Lae'zel is one of the most tense and volatile among the companions. Their conflicting personalities and backgrounds often lead to confrontations, and if not managed carefully, these conflicts can escalate to deadly outcomes. One such scenario is allowing Shadowheart to kill Lae'zel, which can occur under specific circumstances. HereÔÇÖs a detailed explanation of how this can happen, the mechanics involved, and what you need to consider if you choose to let this event unfold.

The conflict between Shadowheart and Lae'zel stems from their differing beliefs and goals. Shadowheart is a cleric of Shar, a goddess of darkness and loss, while Lae'zel is a Githyanki warrior devoted to her peopleÔÇÖs mission to destroy mind flayers. Their rivalry is evident early in the game, and if you donÔÇÖt intervene, it can lead to a deadly confrontation. The trigger for this event usually occurs during a long rest at camp, where Shadowheart and Lae'zel will have a heated argument. If you side with Shadowheart or fail to mediate the situation, Shadowheart may attempt to kill Lae'zel in her sleep.

To allow Shadowheart to kill Lae'zel, you need to let the conflict escalate naturally. This means avoiding any dialogue options that de-escalate the situation or siding with Lae'zel. When the confrontation happens, you will be presented with choices. If you choose to support Shadowheart or remain neutral, she will take the opportunity to eliminate Lae'zel. This decision has significant consequences for your party dynamics and the story.

One important tip is to ensure that ShadowheartÔÇÖs approval of you is high enough for her to feel confident in taking this action. ShadowheartÔÇÖs approval is influenced by your choices throughout the game, particularly those that align with her values, such as secrecy, pragmatism, and a willingness to make tough decisions. If her approval is low, she may not feel empowered to act against Lae'zel, and the confrontation might not lead to a fatal outcome.

A common mistake players make is underestimating the impact of this decision on their party. Losing Lae'zel means losing a powerful melee combatant with unique abilities, such as her Githyanki psionics and proficiency with great weapons. If your party relies heavily on her combat skills, you may need to adjust your strategy or recruit another companion to fill the gap. Additionally, this decision can affect your relationship with other companions, as they may disapprove of ShadowheartÔÇÖs actions or your choice to allow it.

From a D&D 5E rules perspective, this event is a narrative-driven outcome rather than a direct application of game mechanics. However, it reflects the importance of alignment, loyalty, and party cohesion in Dungeons & Dragons. Allowing one companion to kill another can create a chaotic or evil-aligned atmosphere in your party, which may influence future story choices and companion interactions.

Advanced techniques involve manipulating the situation to achieve specific outcomes. For example, if you want to keep both companions but still explore the conflict, you can use dialogue options to mediate the situation and prevent violence. This requires careful attention to their approval ratings and making choices that balance their conflicting interests. Alternatively, if you want to maximize ShadowheartÔÇÖs loyalty and unlock her full potential, allowing her to kill Lae'zel can be a strategic move, provided you are prepared for the consequences.

In summary, allowing Shadowheart to kill Lae'zel is a significant decision that impacts your party composition, story progression, and companion relationships. It requires careful management of approval ratings, dialogue choices, and an understanding of the long-term consequences. By considering these factors and planning your strategy accordingly, you can navigate this complex situation and shape your partyÔÇÖs destiny in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3.