How do I convince Astarion to stay with the party in Baldur's Gate 3?

Convincing Astarion to stay with the party in Baldur's Gate 3 involves understanding his character, motivations, and the choices you make throughout the game. Astarion is a complex character with a dark past, and his loyalty to the party is not guaranteed. To ensure he remains with you, you need to build a strong relationship with him, make choices that align with his values, and navigate key story moments carefully. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand AstarionÔÇÖs personality. He is a vampire spawn with a sarcastic and self-serving demeanor. He values freedom, power, and self-preservation above all else. To gain his trust, you need to show that you respect his autonomy and are willing to support his goals. This means avoiding overly moralistic or altruistic choices that might conflict with his pragmatic worldview. Instead, focus on decisions that prioritize personal gain, cunning, and survival.

One of the key mechanics in building a relationship with Astarion is the approval system. AstarionÔÇÖs approval of you increases when you make choices that align with his values. For example, he approves of actions that demonstrate cunning, ruthlessness, or a willingness to manipulate others. He also appreciates when you allow him to indulge his vampiric nature, such as letting him feed on enemies or even on you during certain moments. On the other hand, he disapproves of overly altruistic or self-sacrificing behavior, so avoid making choices that prioritize the greater good over personal benefit.

To maximize AstarionÔÇÖs approval, engage in conversations with him regularly and choose dialogue options that reflect a shared sense of humor or a willingness to embrace darker impulses. For instance, when discussing his vampirism, avoid expressing fear or disgust. Instead, show curiosity or even admiration for his abilities. Additionally, during key story moments, such as when dealing with other vampires or powerful entities, support his desire for power and freedom. This will reinforce your bond and make him more likely to stay with the party.

Another important aspect of keeping Astarion in the party is navigating his personal questline. AstarionÔÇÖs story revolves around his desire to break free from his master, Cazador, and gain true independence. To support him, you need to help him confront Cazador and make choices that empower him. This includes allowing him to make his own decisions during critical moments, such as whether to embrace or reject the power offered by Cazador. If you try to control or manipulate him, he may turn against you. Instead, encourage him to follow his own path, even if it leads to morally ambiguous outcomes.

One common mistake players make is trying to impose their own moral code on Astarion. This can lead to a breakdown in the relationship, as he values freedom and autonomy above all else. For example, if you try to prevent him from feeding on enemies or force him to make altruistic choices, he may become resentful and eventually leave the party. To avoid this, respect his nature and allow him to make his own decisions, even if they conflict with your personal values.

Advanced techniques for keeping Astarion in the party involve leveraging the gameÔÇÖs dialogue and quest mechanics to your advantage. For instance, during conversations with other characters, choose options that align with AstarionÔÇÖs worldview, even if they seem morally questionable. This will increase his approval and strengthen your bond. Additionally, during combat, use AstarionÔÇÖs abilities strategically to demonstrate your trust in his skills. For example, let him take the lead in stealth missions or use his vampiric powers to gain an advantage in battle. This will show that you value his contributions and see him as an equal partner in the party.

In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, AstarionÔÇÖs character is based on the Rogue class, with a focus on stealth, deception, and agility. Understanding these mechanics can help you make better decisions in both combat and dialogue. For example, Rogues excel at sneak attacks, which deal extra damage when they have advantage on an attack roll or when an ally is within 5 feet of the target. Use this to your advantage by positioning Astarion strategically in combat and coordinating with other party members to maximize his effectiveness.

Specific examples of choices that can influence AstarionÔÇÖs loyalty include the decision to let him feed on you during the early stages of the game. This not only increases his approval but also demonstrates your willingness to trust him. Another example is the confrontation with the Gur hunter in Act 1. If you side with Astarion and allow him to deal with the hunter on his own terms, he will appreciate your support and be more likely to stay with the party.

In conclusion, convincing Astarion to stay with the party in Baldur's Gate 3 requires a combination of understanding his character, making choices that align with his values, and navigating his personal questline with care. By respecting his autonomy, supporting his goals, and building a strong relationship through dialogue and actions, you can ensure that he remains a loyal and valuable member of your party. Avoid common mistakes such as imposing your own moral code on him, and instead focus on strategies that reinforce your bond and demonstrate your trust in his abilities. With these tips and techniques, you can successfully keep Astarion by your side throughout the game.