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

In Baldur's Gate 3, the decision to let Lae'zel kill Orpheus is a significant story moment that can have far-reaching consequences for your playthrough. Orpheus is a key figure in the Githyanki storyline, and his fate is tied to the broader narrative involving the Mind Flayers, the Githyanki rebellion, and the fate of the world. Letting Lae'zel kill Orpheus is a choice that can be made during the late stages of the game, and it involves several mechanics and story elements that you need to be aware of.

To begin with, Orpheus is a Githyanki prince who is imprisoned by the Mind Flayers. His freedom is a central goal for Lae'zel, who believes that he is the key to liberating her people from the tyranny of Vlaakith, the Githyanki queen. Throughout the game, Lae'zel will push you to free Orpheus, and her approval of you will be heavily influenced by your decisions regarding him. If you choose to let Lae'zel kill Orpheus, it will be a pivotal moment that affects her character arc and the overall story.

The mechanics involved in this decision are tied to the dialogue choices and story progression. When you reach the point in the game where you encounter Orpheus, you will have the option to either free him or let Lae'zel kill him. This decision is influenced by your relationship with Lae'zel, your previous choices in the game, and your overall alignment. If you have built a strong relationship with Lae'zel and have consistently supported her goals, she will be more likely to follow through with killing Orpheus if you give her the opportunity.

To achieve this outcome, you need to ensure that Lae'zel is in your party when you reach the point where Orpheus is encountered. This is crucial because her presence is necessary for the option to let her kill Orpheus to appear. If she is not in your party, the game may not present you with this choice, and you will have to make a different decision regarding Orpheus's fate.

Once you are in the situation where Orpheus is present, you will need to navigate the dialogue carefully. The game will present you with several options, and you need to choose the one that allows Lae'zel to take action. This may involve selecting dialogue options that express doubt about Orpheus's intentions or that suggest that Lae'zel should be the one to decide his fate. The exact wording of these options can vary, but the key is to give Lae'zel the agency to make the decision.

Important tips and considerations include being mindful of your relationship with Lae'zel throughout the game. If you have consistently supported her and made choices that align with her goals, she will be more likely to follow through with killing Orpheus. However, if you have made choices that go against her beliefs or have not built a strong relationship with her, she may hesitate or refuse to kill him. Additionally, you should be aware that this decision will have significant consequences for the story, including the potential for Lae'zel to leave your party if she feels betrayed or if she believes that you are not committed to her cause.

Common mistakes to avoid include not having Lae'zel in your party when you reach the critical moment, or making dialogue choices that do not give her the opportunity to act. It is also important to avoid making choices that undermine her trust in you, as this can lead to her refusing to kill Orpheus or even turning against you.

Advanced techniques or optimizations involve carefully managing your relationship with Lae'zel throughout the game. This includes making choices that align with her goals, such as supporting the Githyanki rebellion and opposing Vlaakith. You can also use dialogue options to reinforce your commitment to her cause and to build her trust in you. Additionally, you should be prepared for the potential consequences of this decision, including the possibility of losing Lae'zel as a companion or facing other story repercussions.

Related D&D rules and mechanics include the concept of alignment and how it affects character interactions. In D&D, alignment represents a character's moral and ethical outlook, and it can influence how they react to certain situations. In Baldur's Gate 3, Lae'zel's alignment is strongly tied to her loyalty to the Githyanki cause, and her reactions to your decisions will be influenced by how well they align with her beliefs. Understanding this can help you make choices that are more likely to result in her killing Orpheus.

Specific examples and scenarios include situations where you have the opportunity to support Lae'zel's goals, such as when you encounter other Githyanki or when you are faced with decisions that affect the Githyanki rebellion. For example, if you choose to side with the Githyanki in a conflict or if you make choices that undermine Vlaakith's authority, Lae'zel will be more likely to trust you and follow your lead when it comes to Orpheus.

In conclusion, letting Lae'zel kill Orpheus in Baldur's Gate 3 is a complex decision that involves careful management of your relationship with her, strategic dialogue choices, and an understanding of the game's mechanics and story elements. By following the steps outlined above and being mindful of the tips and considerations, you can achieve this outcome and see how it affects the story and your relationship with Lae'zel.