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

In Baldur's Gate 3, the idea of letting Lae'zel kill Vlaakith is a fascinating scenario, but itÔÇÖs important to clarify that Vlaakith, the lich queen of the Githyanki, is not directly present in the game for you to kill. Vlaakith is a powerful and distant figure who communicates with Lae'zel and the party through magical means, such as the Astral Plane. However, the game does present opportunities to defy Vlaakith and influence Lae'zelÔÇÖs loyalty, which can lead to significant story consequences. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of how to navigate this situation, focusing on Lae'zelÔÇÖs personal quest and the choices that can lead to her turning against Vlaakith.

First, Lae'zelÔÇÖs personal quest revolves around her devotion to Vlaakith and the Githyanki cause. Early in the game, Lae'zel is a staunch believer in VlaakithÔÇÖs divinity and the righteousness of the GithyankiÔÇÖs mission to destroy Mind Flayers. However, as the story progresses, you can influence her beliefs through dialogue choices and key decisions. One of the pivotal moments occurs in Act 2 when you encounter the Githyanki Creche. Here, you can choose to follow Lae'zelÔÇÖs plan to seek purification from the Githyanki or challenge her faith in Vlaakith.

To set the stage for Lae'zel to turn against Vlaakith, you need to carefully manage her approval and guide her through moments of doubt. During the Creche questline, you will encounter a Githyanki artifact known as the ZaithÔÇÖisk, which is supposed to purify Lae'zel of the Mind Flayer tadpole. However, the process is dangerous and can harm her. If you allow her to undergo the procedure, she will suffer, and this can plant seeds of doubt about VlaakithÔÇÖs intentions. Alternatively, you can intervene and stop the process, which may lead her to question the GithyankiÔÇÖs methods.

Another critical moment occurs when you meet the Githyanki Inquisitor, who reveals that Vlaakith has ordered your death. This revelation can further shake Lae'zelÔÇÖs faith. If you choose to side with the Inquisitor and follow VlaakithÔÇÖs orders, Lae'zel will remain loyal to her queen. However, if you defy the Inquisitor and fight back, Lae'zel may begin to question VlaakithÔÇÖs motives. This is a turning point where you can encourage her to break free from VlaakithÔÇÖs influence.

To fully turn Lae'zel against Vlaakith, you need to consistently support her independence and challenge her beliefs. This involves choosing dialogue options that encourage her to think for herself and question the GithyankiÔÇÖs dogma. For example, when discussing VlaakithÔÇÖs commands, you can suggest that the queen may not have Lae'zelÔÇÖs best interests at heart. Over time, these choices will erode her loyalty to Vlaakith and lead her to reject the GithyankiÔÇÖs authority.

ItÔÇÖs important to note that Lae'zelÔÇÖs approval plays a significant role in this process. If she disapproves of your actions too often, she may remain loyal to Vlaakith regardless of your efforts. To maintain her approval, you should align your choices with her values early in the game, such as prioritizing combat and showing strength. However, as her story progresses, you can gradually introduce more critical perspectives on Vlaakith and the Githyanki.

One common mistake is rushing through Lae'zelÔÇÖs personal quest without paying attention to her approval or the nuances of her character. To avoid this, take the time to engage with her in camp conversations and explore her backstory. Additionally, be mindful of the consequences of your actions during the Creche questline, as this is a pivotal moment in her character arc.

Advanced techniques involve leveraging the gameÔÇÖs dialogue system to subtly influence Lae'zelÔÇÖs beliefs. For example, you can use Persuasion or Insight checks to challenge her assumptions about Vlaakith. These checks are more likely to succeed if you have built a strong relationship with her and have high Charisma or Wisdom.

In terms of D&D mechanics, Lae'zelÔÇÖs journey reflects the broader themes of loyalty, faith, and independence found in the Githyanki lore. The Githyanki are a race of warriors who value strength and obedience, but they are also deeply divided by internal conflicts. By guiding Lae'zel to reject Vlaakith, you are essentially helping her break free from a rigid hierarchy and embrace her own agency.

In conclusion, while you cannot directly kill Vlaakith in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3, you can influence Lae'zel to turn against her queen. This requires careful management of her approval, thoughtful dialogue choices, and strategic decisions during key moments in her personal quest. By doing so, you can help Lae'zel forge her own path and reject the oppressive authority of the Githyanki. This not only deepens her character but also adds a rich layer of storytelling to your playthrough.