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

Letting Lae'zel return to her people in Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant story choice that can have lasting consequences on your playthrough. Lae'zel is a Githyanki warrior, and her personal quest revolves around her desire to return to her people and seek a cure for the Mind Flayer tadpole that threatens to transform her into a Mind Flayer. This decision is tied to her loyalty to the Githyanki and her belief in their methods, which often clash with the more pragmatic or morally flexible approaches of other companions.

To let Lae'zel return to her people, you must progress through her personal questline, which begins early in the game. After the initial crash landing and meeting Lae'zel, she will express her desire to find a Githyanki creche, a training ground where her people can help remove the tadpole. This questline is called "The Githyanki Warrior," and it will guide you toward the Mountain Pass or the Underdark, depending on your chosen path. The Mountain Pass is the more direct route to the creche, and it is where you will encounter the Githyanki patrol. This encounter is crucial, as it sets the stage for Lae'zel's eventual return to her people.

When you reach the Githyanki patrol, Lae'zel will insist on speaking with them, believing they will help her. However, the Githyanki are highly suspicious of outsiders, and the conversation can quickly turn hostile if you are not careful. To avoid combat, you must pass a series of dialogue checks, particularly Persuasion or Intimidation, to convince the Githyanki that you are not a threat. Lae'zel's approval of your actions will increase if you support her during this encounter, which is important for maintaining her loyalty.

Once you reach the Githyanki creche, Lae'zel will be eager to undergo the purification process to remove the tadpole. This process involves using a device called the Zaith'isk, which is supposed to cleanse her of the parasite. However, the Zaith'isk is dangerous and can cause severe harm if not used correctly. During this sequence, you will have the option to intervene and stop the process, or let Lae'zel continue. If you let her continue, she will suffer significant damage, but she will remain loyal to the Githyanki and express her desire to return to them.

At this point, you will face a critical decision. Lae'zel will ask to leave your party and return to her people, believing that the Githyanki are her only hope for survival. If you agree, she will leave your party permanently, and you will no longer have access to her as a companion. This decision is irreversible, so it is important to consider the consequences carefully. Lae'zel is a powerful fighter, and losing her can significantly impact your party's combat effectiveness, especially if you rely on her for melee damage and tanking.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when making this decision. First, consider your party composition and how losing Lae'zel will affect your ability to handle combat encounters. If you have other strong melee fighters, such as Karlach or a custom-built character, the loss may be manageable. However, if Lae'zel is your primary tank, you may struggle in later battles. Second, think about the story implications. Lae'zel's departure will affect the dynamics of your party and the overall narrative, as her perspective and interactions with other companions will no longer be present.

Common mistakes to avoid include failing to prepare for the Githyanki patrol encounter, which can lead to unnecessary combat and potential party deaths. Make sure to save before engaging with the patrol, and consider using spells or abilities that boost your chances of passing the dialogue checks. Additionally, be cautious when using the Zaith'isk, as letting Lae'zel undergo the full process can result in her death, which is a worse outcome than her simply leaving the party.

Advanced techniques and optimizations involve leveraging Lae'zel's abilities before she leaves. For example, you can use her to clear difficult encounters or complete challenging quests, knowing that she will not be available later in the game. Additionally, you can maximize her approval by supporting her decisions and aligning with her Githyanki values, which can unlock unique dialogue options and story outcomes.

In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, Lae'zel's decision to return to her people reflects her alignment and background as a Githyanki. In Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition, Githyanki are typically lawful evil, valuing order and strength above all else. Lae'zel's loyalty to her people and her willingness to undergo dangerous procedures to prove her worth are consistent with this alignment. Understanding these mechanics can help you make more informed decisions about her character and how she fits into your party.

Specific examples and scenarios include the Githyanki patrol encounter, where your choices can lead to different outcomes. For instance, if you fail the dialogue checks and combat ensues, Lae'zel may become disillusioned with her people, leading to a different story path where she questions her loyalty. Alternatively, successfully navigating the encounter and supporting her at the creche can reinforce her belief in the Githyanki, making her departure more likely.

In conclusion, letting Lae'zel return to her people is a complex decision that requires careful consideration of both gameplay and story implications. By understanding the mechanics, preparing for key encounters, and weighing the consequences, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your playstyle and narrative goals.