What happens if I let Shadowheart kill the Nightsong in Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, the decision to let Shadowheart kill the Nightsong is a pivotal moment in both her personal storyline and the main narrative. This choice occurs during Act 2, specifically in the Shadow-Cursed Lands, where the Nightsong is revealed to be a key figure tied to the fate of the region and Shadowheart's destiny as a follower of Shar. Allowing Shadowheart to kill the Nightsong has significant consequences, and understanding the mechanics, strategies, and implications of this choice is crucial for players who want to explore this path.

To begin, the Nightsong is a mysterious entity that players encounter in the Gauntlet of Shar, a dungeon filled with trials and puzzles that test Shadowheart's devotion to her goddess. The Nightsong is revealed to be a celestial being named Dame Aylin, who is imprisoned by the dark forces of Shar. Shadowheart's questline revolves around her devotion to Shar, and the decision to kill the Nightsong is presented as a test of her loyalty. If Shadowheart is allowed to kill the Nightsong, she fully embraces her role as a Dark Justiciar, a servant of Shar, and gains powerful abilities and blessings from her goddess. However, this choice also has far-reaching consequences for the story and the world.

The mechanics of this choice are tied to dialogue and persuasion. When you reach the Nightsong in the Gauntlet of Shar, Shadowheart will be faced with the decision to kill her. As the player, you can either encourage her to follow through with the act or persuade her to spare the Nightsong. If you want Shadowheart to kill the Nightsong, you must avoid persuading her to change her mind. This means selecting dialogue options that support her devotion to Shar and her desire to become a Dark Justiciar. If you have built a strong relationship with Shadowheart through previous interactions and choices, she will be more likely to follow your guidance.

One important tip is to ensure that Shadowheart is in your party when you reach the Nightsong. If she is not present, the choice to kill or spare the Nightsong will not be available, and the story will progress differently. Additionally, Shadowheart's approval rating with your character plays a significant role in this decision. If she has high approval, she will be more inclined to listen to your advice, whether you encourage her to kill the Nightsong or spare her. Conversely, if her approval is low, she may act independently, potentially leading to unexpected outcomes.

A common mistake to avoid is failing to prepare for the combat encounters leading up to the Nightsong. The Gauntlet of Shar is filled with challenging enemies and traps, and your party must be well-equipped and ready for battle. Make sure to rest and replenish your resources before entering the gauntlet, and consider bringing characters with high perception to detect and disarm traps. Additionally, having a balanced party with strong damage dealers, healers, and support characters will make the journey easier.

From a story perspective, allowing Shadowheart to kill the Nightsong has significant consequences. The Nightsong is tied to the fate of the Shadow-Cursed Lands, and her death will plunge the region into deeper darkness. This choice also affects Shadowheart's character arc, as she fully embraces her role as a Dark Justiciar and becomes more aligned with Shar's dark teachings. This can lead to changes in her personality and interactions with the party, as well as unlocking new abilities and powers tied to her devotion.

In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the decision to kill the Nightsong reflects the alignment system and the concept of moral choices. Shadowheart's alignment shifts toward evil as she embraces Shar's teachings, and this can influence her abilities and interactions. For example, her spellcasting and divine powers may become more focused on darkness and shadow, reflecting her new role as a Dark Justiciar.

In conclusion, allowing Shadowheart to kill the Nightsong is a complex and impactful choice that requires careful consideration of the mechanics, story implications, and character relationships. By understanding the steps involved, preparing for the challenges ahead, and making informed decisions, players can explore this path and witness the dramatic consequences it brings to the world of Baldur's Gate 3.