Larian Studios Forums Baldur's Gate III Baldur's Gate III - Story & Character Discussion Githyanki creche: Vlaakith encounter is much too railroaded. [Act 2 spoiler]

I'm on my third playthrough now, as well as having a few others mid-progress currently, and there is one encounter that has repeatedly left scabs in my brain for want of a better conflict resolution: the hologram appearance of Vlaakith.

I understand that the game is a program and is bound to specific decisions, thus can't be flexible like a real DM could, but to have a bit more of a diverse set of choices would make this encounter feel like the player has more weight in decision making at a very key moment in the story.

I'm on my third playthrough (with a few more in progress currently as well), and for all of this game's nuance, I am bound to... simpletonianism. In three very different roles so far (the "nice guy", the "IDGAF guy", and the Dark Urge), I must choose to be Vlaakith's stool pigeon or have to convince Lae'zel to trust me, which I have always chosen the latter.

It just seems that there should be more depth to this interaction. I'd love to hear what others think about this.

I think it’s better as is. Getting instantly murdered is precisely what should happen if you’re face to face with a god and decide to get smart, especially when it’s a being as evil as vlaakith.

I don't know unless you tell me what you think should be integrated to the game.

As it stands now I'm fine with the choices given.

What other option would there be?

Vlaakith is both extremely powerful and not powerful enough. She's more than a lich but not much more than a demigod.

Myrkul, Mystra, Jergal etc have real power so have no need to act so directly, preferring to use intermediaries and sucking up their defeats as just another Tuesday like timeless immortals do.

Vlaakith actually uses Wish, and I suspect she's still subject to the risk and drain associated with it. But does so because she's so emotional.

It did seem a bit silly my paladin obviously lying to her to assuage her and lae'zel. And no fall from grace for such deceit. Oh well, it's a big video game, can have reactivity to every single line of dialogue.

Vlaakith is fighting a two-front war against the Elderbrain and the Orpheus supporters.

As hereditary enemies of all things Illithid with the capability to take down nautiloids, Vlaakith and the gith are the biggest threat to the Elderbrain's plan.

The Dead Three do what all gods do in these types of situations - rely on barely competent lieutenants and not bother with a Plan B.