What happens if I let Lae'zel return to Vlaakith in Baldur's Gate 3?

If you decide to let Lae'zel return to Vlaakith in Baldur's Gate 3, the outcome is heavily tied to her personal questline and the choices you make throughout the game. Lae'zel is a Githyanki warrior, and her loyalty to Vlaakith, the Githyanki queen, is a central part of her character. However, her story can take different paths depending on your decisions, particularly in Act 2 and Act 3. Here's a detailed breakdown of what happens if you let her return to Vlaakith, along with the mechanics, strategies, and considerations involved.

First, it's important to understand Lae'zel's motivations. She is deeply devoted to Vlaakith and believes that returning to her queen will lead to the purification of the tadpole in her head. This belief is rooted in Githyanki culture, which values loyalty to Vlaakith above all else. However, as the story progresses, Lae'zel may begin to question Vlaakith's intentions, especially if you encourage her to think critically or if she learns more about the Githyanki's history.

To let Lae'zel return to Vlaakith, you need to follow her personal questline, which involves interacting with other Githyanki and making choices that align with her loyalty to Vlaakith. In Act 1, you will encounter a Githyanki patrol near the Mountain Pass. Here, Lae'zel will insist on speaking with them, believing they can help her. If you support her decision and allow her to approach the patrol, she will attempt to convince them to take her to Vlaakith. However, this encounter can go poorly if you don't handle it carefully. The Githyanki are hostile and may attack if they sense any deception or weakness. To avoid combat, you need to pass persuasion or intimidation checks, or use Lae'zel's dialogue options to assert her loyalty to Vlaakith.

In Act 2, Lae'zel's questline continues in the Creche Y'llek, a Githyanki stronghold. This is a critical point in her story. If you allow her to undergo the purification ritual in the Zaith'isk, she will be tested by Vlaakith's followers. However, the ritual is a trap, and Vlaakith's true intentions are revealed. If you let Lae'zel proceed with the ritual, she will suffer severe consequences, including permanent stat reductions. To avoid this, you need to intervene and convince her to abandon the ritual. This is a pivotal moment where Lae'zel's faith in Vlaakith begins to waver.

If you continue to support Lae'zel's loyalty to Vlaakith, she will eventually have the opportunity to return to her queen in Act 3. This happens during the confrontation with Orpheus, the Githyanki prince who is imprisoned in the Astral Prism. Vlaakith demands that you kill Orpheus, and if you agree, Lae'zel will be given the chance to return to her queen. However, this choice has significant consequences. By siding with Vlaakith, you are effectively betraying Orpheus and the Githyanki rebels who seek to overthrow Vlaakith. Lae'zel will leave your party and return to Vlaakith, but this decision locks you out of other potential storylines and endings involving Orpheus and the Githyanki rebellion.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when deciding whether to let Lae'zel return to Vlaakith. First, consider the long-term impact on your party. Lae'zel is a powerful fighter, and losing her can make combat more challenging, especially if you rely on her melee abilities. Second, think about the story implications. Siding with Vlaakith means aligning with a tyrant who has no regard for the lives of her subjects. This choice may conflict with the moral alignment of your character, especially if you are playing a good-aligned character who values freedom and justice.

Common mistakes to avoid include failing to build a strong relationship with Lae'zel early in the game. If her approval of you is low, she may not trust your advice and could make decisions that lead to negative outcomes. Additionally, rushing through her questline without fully exploring the consequences of each choice can result in unintended outcomes. Take your time to understand her motivations and the implications of each decision.

Advanced techniques involve using your knowledge of D&D 5E rules to optimize Lae'zel's abilities in combat. As a Githyanki, she has access to unique racial traits like Astral Knowledge, which can give her proficiency in certain skills. Additionally, her Fighter class allows her to excel in melee combat, especially if you choose the Battle Master subclass, which gives her access to powerful maneuvers. By optimizing her build and equipment, you can make her an invaluable member of your party, even if you ultimately decide to let her return to Vlaakith.

In conclusion, letting Lae'zel return to Vlaakith is a complex decision with significant consequences for both her character and the overall story. By carefully navigating her questline and considering the long-term implications of your choices, you can shape her fate in a way that aligns with your character's values and goals. Whether you choose to support her loyalty to Vlaakith or encourage her to question her queen's motives, the outcome will have a lasting impact on your journey through Baldur's Gate 3.