How do I convince Astarion to trust me in Baldur's Gate 3?

To convince Astarion to trust you in Baldur's Gate 3, you need to carefully navigate his personal storyline and make choices that align with his personality and values. Astarion is a complex character with a dark past, and gaining his trust requires understanding his motivations and responding in ways that resonate with him. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand AstarionÔÇÖs background. He is a vampire spawn who has been under the control of a powerful vampire master for centuries. This has left him deeply cynical, self-serving, and distrustful of others. However, he also craves freedom and autonomy, which are key themes in his personal quest. To gain his trust, you need to show that you respect his independence and are willing to support his goals.

The mechanics of building trust with Astarion revolve around dialogue choices, actions, and decisions that align with his personality. Throughout the game, you will have opportunities to interact with him during camp scenes, companion dialogues, and specific story moments. Pay close attention to these interactions, as they are crucial for building your relationship with him.

One of the first steps to gaining AstarionÔÇÖs trust is to support his desire for freedom. Early in the game, you will encounter a situation where Astarion reveals his true nature as a vampire. When this happens, itÔÇÖs important to react calmly and without judgment. Choosing dialogue options that express understanding or curiosity rather than fear or hostility will help build rapport. For example, instead of immediately attacking him or expressing disgust, you can say something like, "I understand why you kept this a secret," or "We all have our burdens to bear."

Another key moment occurs when Astarion asks for your help in dealing with a powerful vampire hunter named Gandrel. This is a pivotal moment in his personal quest. If you choose to side with Astarion and help him deal with Gandrel, it will significantly increase his trust in you. However, if you betray him or side with Gandrel, it will damage your relationship and make it much harder to regain his trust later.

In addition to these major story moments, there are smaller interactions that can help build trust. Astarion appreciates wit, charm, and a bit of mischief, so choosing dialogue options that reflect these traits will often earn his approval. For example, when dealing with NPCs, opting for sarcastic or cunning responses can align with his personality and increase his approval of you. On the other hand, being overly altruistic or self-righteous may cause him to disapprove.

ItÔÇÖs also important to consider your actions outside of dialogue. Astarion values self-preservation and pragmatism, so making choices that prioritize survival and personal gain over altruism will often earn his approval. For example, if you come across a situation where you can steal or manipulate others for your benefit, taking advantage of these opportunities will likely please him. However, be cautious not to go too far, as excessive cruelty or recklessness can still alienate him.

One common mistake to avoid is trying to force Astarion into situations where he feels controlled or manipulated. Given his history of being dominated by his vampire master, he is highly sensitive to any attempts to control him. Forcing him to do something against his will, even if it seems like the "right" thing to do, can severely damage your relationship. Instead, always give him the freedom to make his own choices, even if they donÔÇÖt align with your personal morals.

Advanced techniques for building trust with Astarion involve leveraging his personal questline. As you progress through the game, you will uncover more about his past and his desire to break free from his masterÔÇÖs influence. Supporting him in these moments, such as helping him confront his master or find a way to resist his control, will deepen your bond. Additionally, engaging in his romance subplot can further solidify your relationship, as it allows you to explore his vulnerabilities and desires on a more intimate level.

In terms of D&D mechanics, AstarionÔÇÖs trust is influenced by the gameÔÇÖs approval system, which is based on the Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition rules for social interactions. Your choices and actions affect his approval rating, which in turn influences his willingness to trust and support you. High approval can lead to unique dialogue options, story developments, and even romantic opportunities, while low approval can result in tension or conflict.

Specific examples of scenarios where you can build trust with Astarion include the aforementioned encounter with Gandrel, as well as moments where you can choose to indulge in his more mischievous tendencies. For instance, if you encounter a situation where you can deceive or manipulate an NPC for personal gain, siding with AstarionÔÇÖs approach will earn his approval. Similarly, during camp scenes, engaging in conversations that allow him to express his thoughts and feelings without judgment will help build a stronger connection.

In summary, gaining AstarionÔÇÖs trust in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 requires a combination of understanding his character, making choices that align with his values, and respecting his autonomy. By supporting his desire for freedom, engaging in witty and cunning dialogue, and avoiding actions that make him feel controlled, you can build a strong and trusting relationship with him. Pay attention to his approval rating, leverage his personal questline, and be mindful of the consequences of your choices to ensure a positive outcome.