How do I increase approval with Lae'zel without losing other companions in Baldur's Gate 3?

Increasing approval with Lae'zel in Baldur's Gate 3 without losing approval from other companions requires a careful balance of dialogue choices, actions, and party management. Lae'zel is a Githyanki warrior who values strength, decisiveness, and loyalty to her people. However, her straightforward and often harsh demeanor can clash with the more morally flexible or compassionate companions like Shadowheart, Gale, or Wyll. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to navigating this challenge.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the approval mechanics. Each companion has a hidden approval rating that increases or decreases based on your choices in dialogue, quests, and combat. Lae'zel approves of actions that demonstrate strength, pragmatism, and a willingness to prioritize the mission over personal feelings. However, many of these choices may conflict with the values of other companions. For example, Shadowheart dislikes cruelty and selfishness, while Gale prefers diplomacy and kindness. To avoid losing approval with others, youÔÇÖll need to find opportunities where your choices align with Lae'zelÔÇÖs preferences without directly opposing the values of other companions.

One effective strategy is to focus on combat-related decisions. Lae'zel highly values martial prowess and decisive action in battle. Choosing aggressive or tactical options during combat encounters, such as prioritizing efficiency over mercy, will earn her approval. For example, if you encounter enemies who surrender or beg for their lives, choosing to eliminate them quickly rather than showing mercy will please Lae'zel. Since combat decisions are less likely to directly impact the approval of other companions, this is a safe way to gain her favor without alienating others.

Another approach is to support Lae'zelÔÇÖs goals and beliefs in dialogue without outright rejecting the perspectives of other companions. For instance, when discussing the Githyanki creche or her peopleÔÇÖs mission, you can express curiosity or respect for her culture without dismissing the concerns of others. This allows you to build rapport with Lae'zel while maintaining a neutral or positive stance with the rest of the party. Avoid outright contradicting her in conversations, as she reacts poorly to being challenged or doubted.

In situations where you must make a choice that could affect multiple companions, consider the long-term impact. For example, during the confrontation with the Tieflings and Lae'zel in Act 1, siding with her will significantly increase her approval but may upset other companions. To mitigate this, you can use persuasion or deception to resolve the conflict without taking sides. This demonstrates your leadership and problem-solving skills, which Lae'zel respects, while avoiding direct conflict with others.

ItÔÇÖs also helpful to bring Lae'zel along for specific quests where her approval is easier to gain. For example, during the Githyanki patrol encounter in Act 1, having her in your party allows you to align with her perspective and earn her approval. At the same time, you can manage the reactions of other companions by keeping them out of the conversation or using dialogue options that donÔÇÖt directly oppose their values.

Advanced techniques involve leveraging the gameÔÇÖs mechanics to maximize approval gains. For instance, you can use the ÔÇ£Partial RestÔÇØ feature to trigger camp events where companions express their opinions. These moments often provide opportunities to gain or lose approval based on your responses. By carefully choosing your words, you can navigate these interactions to favor Lae'zel without alienating others. Additionally, paying attention to companion-specific triggers, such as Lae'zelÔÇÖs interest in the Githyanki creche, allows you to prioritize her questline and earn her approval through shared experiences.

Common mistakes to avoid include making impulsive decisions that favor Lae'zel at the expense of other companions. For example, choosing to attack or intimidate NPCs without considering the consequences can lead to disapproval from more morally inclined companions. Similarly, neglecting to balance your party composition can result in missed opportunities to gain approval from multiple companions simultaneously. Always consider the broader implications of your actions and strive for a balanced approach.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, Lae'zelÔÇÖs personality and preferences align with the GithyankiÔÇÖs lore as a martial and disciplined race. Her approval mechanics reflect her alignment with Lawful Evil tendencies, valuing order and strength over compassion. Understanding this can help you predict her reactions and make choices that align with her worldview.

Specific examples include the encounter with the Githyanki patrol in Act 1. If you bring Lae'zel and choose dialogue options that emphasize respect for her people and their mission, you can gain her approval without directly opposing other companions. Similarly, during the confrontation with the Tieflings, using persuasion to de-escalate the situation allows you to maintain a positive relationship with Lae'zel while avoiding disapproval from others.

In summary, increasing Lae'zelÔÇÖs approval without losing other companions requires a strategic approach that balances her preferences with the values of the rest of the party. Focus on combat decisions, support her goals in dialogue, and carefully manage quest choices to build rapport with her while maintaining harmony within the group. By understanding her personality and leveraging the gameÔÇÖs mechanics, you can successfully navigate this challenge and strengthen your relationship with Lae'zel.