In Baldur’s Gate 3, players are frequently faced with morally complex decisions that impact not only the storyline, but also the relationships between party members. One such moment arises when the githyanki companion, Lae’zel, is told to kneel before the githyanki queen’s emissary, the formidable Vlaakith. This choice whether Lae’zel should kneel or not carries emotional weight, potential consequences, and opportunities for roleplay that resonate far beyond the scene itself. Understanding the implications of this moment can help players decide how to shape Lae’zel’s future and their own narrative path.
The Context of the Decision
Who is Vlaakith?
Vlaakith is the revered and feared lich-queen of the githyanki, a powerful ruler who demands absolute loyalty. In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, Vlaakith is known for her ruthless rule and belief that all githyanki serve her unconditionally. In Baldur’s Gate 3, her presence is first felt through her emissaries and influence, culminating in a significant moment when Lae’zel is ordered to submit to her authority.
The Scene and Its Importance
During a pivotal scene, Lae’zel is confronted and ordered to kneel before Vlaakith’s representative. The player is given the choice to support or oppose this order. Whether Lae’zel should kneel is not a simple yes or no the decision ties directly into her identity, beliefs, and evolving perspective on loyalty, freedom, and truth.
Analyzing the Choice
Reasons to Make Lae’zel Kneel
Choosing to have Lae’zel kneel may initially seem like the respectful or strategic move, especially if the player wants to maintain favor with the githyanki or avoid confrontation. Supporting Lae’zel’s initial belief in Vlaakith reinforces her upbringing and desire for recognition among her people. It can be viewed as:
- Preserving loyalty: Kneeling affirms Lae’zel’s adherence to githyanki tradition.
- Avoiding conflict: It may temporarily prevent hostility from Vlaakith’s forces.
- Strengthening her faith: Shows support for her spiritual and cultural beliefs, especially early in the game.
Reasons to Refuse the Kneel
On the other hand, telling Lae’zel not to kneel is a powerful act of rebellion. As the game progresses, players uncover more about Vlaakith’s nature her tyrannical leadership and willingness to sacrifice even her most loyal followers. Refusing to kneel can represent a turning point in Lae’zel’s character development, indicating that she’s starting to question the propaganda she’s lived under for so long. This choice can signify:
- Empowering Lae’zel: Encourages her to think for herself and doubt blind obedience.
- Rejecting tyranny: Vlaakith is revealed to be a manipulative, dangerous figure unworthy of worship.
- Forging a new path: The refusal opens the door to deeper growth and independence for Lae’zel.
Consequences of the Decision
Immediate Reactions
The choice you make affects Lae’zel’s disposition toward you. Supporting her decision to kneel, or choosing for her if you lead the conversation, may initially please her particularly if it aligns with her early-game mindset. However, if you push her to resist, she may react with anger or confusion at first. The beauty of this moment lies in how it plants the seeds for Lae’zel’s future evolution.
Depending on the outcome, Vlaakith’s emissaries may become hostile, and the party could be forced into battle. Alternatively, the scene might end peacefully, but with a noticeable shift in Lae’zel’s demeanor. Either outcome introduces narrative tension and raises important questions about loyalty and truth.
Long-Term Implications
In Baldur’s Gate 3, Lae’zel’s character arc is deeply affected by your choices. Encouraging her to question Vlaakith’s authority can eventually lead to significant personal transformation. She may become more open-minded, less rigid, and more aligned with your values. Alternatively, if she remains loyal to Vlaakith, she may resist your guidance or even challenge you if your goals diverge too far from her ideals.
This decision also influences her ending in the game. Should she remain faithful to Vlaakith, her future may lead down a darker, more tragic path. On the other hand, if she learns to think independently, she may choose a destiny free from tyrannical control.
Lae’zel’s Identity and Inner Conflict
The Struggle Between Obedience and Independence
Lae’zel’s story in BG3 is one of personal conflict. Raised in a strict warrior culture that deifies Vlaakith, she’s spent her life fighting for a cause she believes is righteous. The moment she’s asked to kneel is symbolic it challenges the very foundation of her belief system. The player’s decision is not just about obedience, but about identity, autonomy, and the courage to face uncomfortable truths.
Whether you push her to kneel or not, the emotional impact is significant. This is a character wrestling with centuries of indoctrination, and your influence can help shape how she confronts that legacy.
Companion Reactions and Roleplay Opportunities
The rest of the party may also react to this moment, depending on who is present. Characters like Shadowheart or Gale may offer insights or commentary based on their own moral frameworks. This makes the scene an excellent opportunity for roleplaying and exploring the interpersonal dynamics of your group. For example:
- Shadowheartmay question religious dogma or reflect on submission to authority.
- Astarionmight mock the concept of obedience, given his own rebellious streak.
- Galemay focus on the strategic importance of either decision.
Should You Let Lae’zel Decide?
Respecting Agency
Some players may feel that Lae’zel should make this decision herself, without interference. While this is a valid approach, the game gives you the option to step in as the party leader. Whether you guide her or not is, in itself, a statement about how you view leadership and trust. Giving Lae’zel the room to choose may empower her, but offering counsel could lead her toward a better path if she is open to it.
This balance between leading and supporting is part of what makes the scene so compelling. It’s not about forcing a decision but navigating a relationship built on trust, respect, and mutual influence.
So, should Lae’zel kneel in Baldur’s Gate 3? The answer depends entirely on how you view her journey. Kneeling affirms her past, while resisting opens the door to a different future. Both options carry weight, and each choice adds depth to her development. What makes this decision so powerful is not the action itself, but what it represents: loyalty, identity, transformation, and the player’s ability to shape a character’s destiny through empathy and guidance.
Lae’zel is not just a companion; she is a symbol of internal struggle, and the moment she faces Vlaakith’s command is one of the most defining events in her arc. Whether she stands tall or bows in submission, the choice echoes far beyond the immediate scene leaving players with a lasting memory of what it means to challenge authority, follow your heart, or find your own truth amid chaos.