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 for both her character arc and your overall playthrough. Lae'zel is a Githyanki warrior, and her primary goal throughout the game is to find a cure for the Mind Flayer tadpole in her head by seeking out her people, who she believes can help. This decision typically arises during Act 1, when you encounter a Githyanki patrol near the Mountain Pass. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of what happens and how to navigate this choice.

To let Lae'zel return to her people, you must first progress through the early stages of the game and reach the point where you encounter the Githyanki patrol. This occurs after youÔÇÖve explored the Wilderness and the Goblin Camp, and youÔÇÖre heading toward the Mountain Pass. Lae'zel will insist on approaching the patrol, believing they can help her. At this point, you have the option to support her decision or try to dissuade her. If you choose to let her go, she will attempt to communicate with the Githyanki, but the situation can quickly escalate depending on your dialogue choices and actions.

The mechanics involved in this decision revolve around dialogue choices, skill checks, and your relationship with Lae'zel. If you have built a strong rapport with her by making decisions she approves of, she may be more willing to listen to your advice. However, if your relationship is strained, she may act independently, potentially leading to conflict. When speaking with the Githyanki patrol, youÔÇÖll need to navigate a tense conversation. Passing Persuasion or Intimidation checks can help de-escalate the situation, but failing these checks may result in combat. If Lae'zel is allowed to return to her people, she will leave your party, and you will lose access to her as a companion for the remainder of the game.

Step-by-step, hereÔÇÖs how to approach this scenario. First, ensure you have Lae'zel in your party when you reach the Mountain Pass. As you approach the Githyanki patrol, Lae'zel will initiate a conversation. Support her decision to speak with the patrol, and choose dialogue options that align with her beliefs. For example, you can emphasize her loyalty to the Githyanki and her desire to return to her people. If you pass the necessary skill checks, the Githyanki may allow her to join them, and she will leave your party. If you fail the checks, the situation may turn hostile, and youÔÇÖll need to fight the Githyanki patrol. In this case, Lae'zel may still leave your party if she feels betrayed or if you choose to side against her.

Important tips and considerations include understanding the long-term impact of this decision. Losing Lae'zel means losing a powerful melee combatant and a unique perspective on the story. If youÔÇÖre playing a character who values loyalty and strong party cohesion, you may want to avoid letting her go. However, if youÔÇÖre role-playing a character who respects her autonomy and her desire to return to her people, this can be a meaningful and dramatic story moment. Additionally, consider the potential consequences for your partyÔÇÖs morale and dynamics. Other companions may react differently to Lae'zelÔÇÖs departure, depending on their relationships with her.

Common mistakes to avoid include failing to prepare for the skill checks during the conversation with the Githyanki patrol. If you donÔÇÖt have a character with high Charisma or proficiency in Persuasion or Intimidation, you may struggle to pass these checks. ItÔÇÖs also important to avoid making dialogue choices that directly contradict Lae'zelÔÇÖs beliefs, as this can lead to her leaving your party in anger. Additionally, be cautious about initiating combat with the Githyanki patrol, as they are formidable opponents and can easily overwhelm an unprepared party.

Advanced techniques or optimizations involve building a character or party composition that can handle the potential outcomes of this decision. For example, having a Bard or Paladin with high Charisma can improve your chances of passing the necessary skill checks. Alternatively, if you anticipate combat, ensure your party is well-equipped and has a balanced mix of melee and ranged fighters. You can also use environmental advantages, such as high ground or choke points, to gain an edge in battle.

Related D&D rules and mechanics include the use of skill checks in dialogue and the importance of party composition in combat. In Dungeons & Dragons 5E, Persuasion and Intimidation are Charisma-based skills that can influence NPCsÔÇÖ attitudes and actions. These mechanics are directly implemented in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3, making them crucial for navigating social interactions. Additionally, the gameÔÇÖs combat system is based on D&D 5E rules, so understanding action economy, positioning, and class abilities is essential for success.

Specific examples and scenarios include a situation where you successfully persuade the Githyanki patrol to let Lae'zel join them. In this case, she will express gratitude for your support and leave your party, potentially reappearing later in the story. Alternatively, if you fail the skill checks and combat ensues, you may need to fight both the Githyanki and Lae'zel if she turns against you. This can lead to a dramatic and emotionally charged moment, especially if youÔÇÖve built a strong relationship with her.

In summary, letting Lae'zel return to her people is a complex decision that requires careful consideration of dialogue choices, skill checks, and party dynamics. By understanding the mechanics involved and preparing for potential outcomes, you can navigate this scenario in a way that aligns with your characterÔÇÖs values and goals. Whether you choose to support her or keep her in your party, this decision will have a lasting impact on your journey through BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3.