How do I convince Astarion to trust me in Act 1 of Baldur's Gate 3?

To convince Astarion to trust you in Act 1 of Baldur's Gate 3, you need to carefully navigate his personality, preferences, and the choices you make during interactions. Astarion is a complex character with a dark past, and gaining his trust requires understanding his motivations and aligning your actions with his values. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand AstarionÔÇÖs personality. He is a high elf vampire spawn with a sarcastic, cunning, and self-serving demeanor. He values freedom, power, and self-preservation, and he often responds positively to choices that reflect these values. He dislikes overt displays of altruism or naivety, so avoid making overly goody-two-shoes decisions when heÔÇÖs around. Instead, show a willingness to embrace morally ambiguous or pragmatic choices.

The mechanics of gaining AstarionÔÇÖs trust revolve around dialogue choices, actions, and approval. Approval is a hidden system in Baldur's Gate 3 that tracks how much a companion likes or dislikes your decisions. To increase AstarionÔÇÖs approval, you need to make choices that align with his worldview. This can be done through dialogue, quest decisions, and even combat tactics. For example, Astarion approves of ruthless or cunning actions, such as lying, manipulating, or taking advantage of others for personal gain.

Step-by-step, hereÔÇÖs how to build trust with Astarion. Early in Act 1, youÔÇÖll encounter Astarion near the crashed Nautiloid ship. When he tries to attack you, choose dialogue options that show youÔÇÖre not easily intimidated. For example, saying something like, ÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt think you want to do thatÔÇØ or ÔÇ£YouÔÇÖre not the only one with fangsÔÇØ can impress him. After this encounter, invite him to join your party. Having him in your party is crucial because it allows you to gain his approval through shared experiences.

As you explore the world, pay attention to opportunities to make decisions that Astarion would approve of. For instance, when dealing with the goblins at the Goblin Camp, siding with them or using deception to gain their trust will earn AstarionÔÇÖs approval. Similarly, when encountering the Tieflings and Druids at the Emerald Grove, avoid overly altruistic choices like promising to help everyone. Instead, focus on self-interest or pragmatic solutions.

One key moment in Act 1 is the encounter with the Gur hunter, Gandrel, who is searching for Astarion. When Gandrel asks about Astarion, choose dialogue options that protect AstarionÔÇÖs secret. For example, saying, ÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt know who youÔÇÖre talking aboutÔÇØ or ÔÇ£IÔÇÖll keep an eye outÔÇØ will earn his approval. Revealing AstarionÔÇÖs location or siding with Gandrel will severely damage your relationship with him.

Another important interaction occurs during the camp scenes. At night, Astarion may approach you and reveal his true nature as a vampire. When this happens, choose dialogue options that show understanding and acceptance. For example, saying, ÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt mindÔÇØ or ÔÇ£YouÔÇÖre still youÔÇØ will increase his trust in you. Rejecting or threatening him will have the opposite effect.

Combat tactics can also influence AstarionÔÇÖs approval. He appreciates clever and ruthless strategies, such as using stealth, ambushes, or finishing off enemies without mercy. Avoid overly cautious or defensive tactics, as he may see them as weak or indecisive.

Common mistakes to avoid include making overly altruistic choices, revealing AstarionÔÇÖs secrets, or siding against him in conflicts. For example, helping the Tieflings too much or siding with Gandrel will lower his approval. Additionally, avoid being overly critical or judgmental of his actions, as he values independence and dislikes being controlled.

Advanced techniques involve leveraging AstarionÔÇÖs rogue abilities to your advantage. Use his Sneak Attack feature in combat to deal massive damage, and position him strategically to take advantage of his high mobility. Outside of combat, use his Persuasion and Deception skills to navigate dialogue and quests in ways that align with his preferences.

In terms of D&D rules, AstarionÔÇÖs approval system is based on the alignment and personality traits of his character. As a rogue with a chaotic neutral alignment, he values freedom, cunning, and self-interest. Understanding these traits can help you make choices that resonate with him.

Specific examples include the interaction with Auntie Ethel in the Sunlit Wetlands. If you side with Ethel and agree to her deals, Astarion will approve. Similarly, when dealing with the Zhentarim in the Goblin Camp, choosing to work with them or exploit their resources will earn his favor.

In summary, gaining AstarionÔÇÖs trust in Act 1 requires a combination of dialogue choices, quest decisions, and combat tactics that align with his values. Focus on being pragmatic, cunning, and self-serving, and avoid overly altruistic or judgmental actions. By understanding his personality and leveraging his rogue abilities, you can build a strong relationship with Astarion and unlock his full potential as a companion.