BG3 Zaith’isk, found in the Githyanki crèche, is a device that utilizes psionic energy to disrupt the connection between the tadpole and the host’s brain, with the goal of removing the parasite. However, the extraction process is extremely dangerous and can result in permanent debuffs or even death. This guide will examine the pros and cons of using the Zaith’isk and provide tips for improving your chances of success.
Key Takeaways:
- The Zaith’isk can remove a Mind Flayer tadpole, but has risks like Intelligence/Wisdom debuffs or death.
- Prepare with buffs, high Constitution, and quick saving before attempting extraction.
- Pass all three saving throws to avoid permanent mental debuffs.
- There is no guaranteed safe way to use the Zaith’isk currently.
- Consider your character build and symptoms before deciding to attempt.
What Exactly is the Zaith’isk?
The Zaith’isk is a strange, skull-shaped machine located in the Githyanki creche in Act 2. Its singular purpose is to extract Mind Flayer tadpoles that have infected the brains of Githyanki.
Using psychic energy, the device disrupts the connection between the tadpole and the host. When successful, this can completely remove the parasite. However, the Zaith’isk is unpredictable and using it is very dangerous.
Many Githyanki view the device as the only way to remove the tadpole before it takes over the mind. Others see it as too unpredictable and risky. There is no consensus on whether the benefits outweigh the potential consequences.
The Benefits and Risks of Using the Zaith’isk
Potential Benefits
- Removes the tadpole from the brain
- Increases chance of surviving the parasite
- Frees the host’s mind from the tadpole’s control
Risks and Side Effects
- Permanent Intelligence/Wisdom decrease
- Failed extraction makes tadpole more powerful
- Possibility of death during the process
- Pain during the psionic extraction
As you can see, attempting to use the Zaith’isk has a high risk, high reward profile. Before deciding, seriously weigh the risks against the symptoms you are experiencing from the tadpole.
Optimizing Your Zaith’isk Attempt
If you decide to use the Zaith’isk, you’ll want to prepare thoroughly to avoid the worst outcomes. Here are some tips:
- Improve Constitution– The higher your Constitution, the better your saves.
- Use buffs– Cast or consume buffs before interacting with the skull.Awakenedis ideal.
- Quicksave– Save right before using the Zaith’isk so you can reload.
- Retry saving throws– You can attempt again if you fail a save.
- Have a healer ready– In case the process causes critical injury.
Even with optimization, success is not guaranteed. But these steps give you your best shot at removing the tadpole without debilitating side effects.
Using the Zaith’isk – Step-by-Step
When you feel ready, here is how to attempt tadpole removal via the Zaith’isk:
- Prepare with buffs, full HP/resources, a healer nearby.
- Quicksave right before interacting with the skull.
- Activate the Zaith’isk and wait for the tendrils.
- Attempt 3 saving throws – Constitution, then Intelligence, then Wisdom.
- If you fail a save, reload and retry just that one until you pass.
- After passing all 3 saves, the process will complete successfully!
With some luck and preparation, it is possible to avoid the penalties of a failed Zaith’isk attempt. But there are no surefire ways to guarantee success yet.
FAQ – August 27, 2023
Is the Zaith’isk safe to use?
No, the Zaith’isk is inherently dangerous and can’t be considered “safe”. But with optimization, the risks can be mitigated somewhat.
What happens if I fail the saving throws?
Failing any of the three saving throws results in a permanent -2 decrease to the associated ability score. Failing multiple saves compounds the penalties.
Can anyone use the Zaith’isk?
No, only Githyanki infected with a tadpole can attempt to use the purification machine.
Can the penalties be reversed?
Currently, there is no way to reverse the penalties from a failed Zaith’isk attempt, even if the tadpole is removed.
Should I use the Zaith’isk or seek alternatives?
There is no definitive answer, as the decision depends on your specific symptoms, build, and risk tolerance. But the Zaith’isk should not be used lightly.
Conclusion
The Zaith’isk presents an intriguing but dangerous method of removing the Mind Flayer tadpole in Baldur’s Gate 3. If you carefully weigh the risks and utilize buffs, Constitution, and savvy quick saving, it may be possible to avoid permanent penalties. But at this stage of early access, using extreme caution with the Zaith’isk is advised. With future updates, hopefully safer alternatives will emerge.
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