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

In Baldur's Gate 3, the relationship between Lae'zel and Shadowheart is one of the most tense and volatile among the companions. Both characters have strong personalities and conflicting ideologies, which can lead to dramatic confrontations. One such confrontation occurs early in the game, where Lae'zel may attempt to kill Shadowheart if certain conditions are met. This event is triggered by the tension between the two characters, particularly if Shadowheart has been antagonistic toward Lae'zel or if the player has made choices that favor one over the other.

To allow Lae'zel to kill Shadowheart, you need to let their conflict escalate without intervening. This typically happens during a camp scene where Lae'zel confronts Shadowheart about her distrust and secrecy. If you choose not to intervene or side with Lae'zel, the confrontation can turn violent, and Lae'zel will attempt to kill Shadowheart. The mechanics of this event are tied to the approval system and dialogue choices. If Lae'zel's approval of you is high and Shadowheart's is low, Lae'zel will be more likely to act aggressively. Conversely, if Shadowheart's approval is high, she may resist or the situation may de-escalate.

To achieve this outcome, you should focus on building Lae'zel's approval while neglecting or antagonizing Shadowheart. Lae'zel approves of decisive, aggressive, and pragmatic actions, such as siding with her in arguments, making bold decisions in combat, and showing disdain for weakness. Shadowheart, on the other hand, values subtlety, secrecy, and compassion. By making choices that align with Lae'zel's worldview and contradict Shadowheart's, you can create the conditions for this confrontation.

During the camp scene, you will have several dialogue options. To let Lae'zel kill Shadowheart, you should avoid mediating the conflict or siding with Shadowheart. Instead, choose options that support Lae'zel or remain neutral. For example, you can say something like, "This is between you two," or "Lae'zel, do what you must." These choices signal to Lae'zel that you are not going to stop her, and she will proceed to attack Shadowheart. If Shadowheart's approval is low enough, she will not be able to defend herself effectively, and Lae'zel will kill her.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, this event has significant consequences for your party composition and story progression. Shadowheart is a key companion with her own questline, and losing her early can impact your ability to explore certain storylines and access her unique abilities, such as her healing and support spells. Additionally, allowing Lae'zel to kill Shadowheart may affect your relationships with other companions, particularly those who value Shadowheart or disapprove of unnecessary violence.

Common mistakes to avoid include intervening in the confrontation or siding with Shadowheart, as this will prevent Lae'zel from killing her. Additionally, failing to build Lae'zel's approval or maintaining Shadowheart's approval too high can make it difficult to trigger the event. It is also important to consider the long-term implications of this choice, as it may limit your options in later parts of the game.

Advanced techniques involve manipulating the approval system to ensure the desired outcome. For example, you can use dialogue choices and actions to subtly shift the balance of approval in Lae'zel's favor while avoiding actions that would significantly boost Shadowheart's approval. This requires careful planning and attention to the consequences of your choices throughout the game.

From a D&D rules perspective, this event reflects the alignment and personality traits of the characters. Lae'zel, as a Githyanki, values strength and loyalty to her people, while Shadowheart, as a cleric of Shar, values secrecy and independence. The conflict between them is a natural extension of their differing worldviews and alignments.

In summary, allowing Lae'zel to kill Shadowheart involves building Lae'zel's approval, neglecting Shadowheart, and making specific dialogue choices during the camp confrontation. This choice has significant consequences for your party and story progression, so it should be made with careful consideration of the long-term impacts. By understanding the mechanics and strategies involved, you can navigate this dramatic event and shape the dynamics of your party in Baldur's Gate 3.