Can I convince Astarion to spare his victims in Act 3 of Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, Astarion is a complex companion with a dark past tied to his vampiric nature. In Act 3, his personal questline reaches a critical point where you can influence his decisions regarding his victims. Convincing Astarion to spare his victims is a challenging but rewarding endeavor that requires careful dialogue choices and a deep understanding of his character. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the mechanics involved. AstarionÔÇÖs questline in Act 3 revolves around his desire for power and freedom from his vampiric curse. His victims are tied to his past, and sparing them requires you to appeal to his humanity and moral compass. The game uses a persuasion system based on your characterÔÇÖs Charisma and proficiency in Persuasion or other social skills. High Charisma and proficiency in Persuasion will significantly increase your chances of success.

To begin, you need to have built a strong relationship with Astarion throughout the game. This means consistently supporting him in his personal quests and making choices that align with his values. In Act 3, you will encounter a situation where Astarion is tempted to harm his victims to gain more power. At this point, you will have the opportunity to persuade him to spare them.

Step-by-step, hereÔÇÖs how to approach this. First, ensure your character has a high Charisma score, ideally 16 or higher. If youÔÇÖre not playing a Charisma-based class like a Bard, Sorcerer, or Paladin, consider using items or spells that temporarily boost Charisma. Next, make sure you have proficiency in Persuasion. If your character lacks this, you can use the Guidance spell from a cleric or druid companion to boost your chances.

When the critical dialogue moment arrives, choose options that appeal to AstarionÔÇÖs better nature. Highlight the moral implications of harming innocent people and remind him of the person he could be if he chooses a different path. The game will likely present you with a Persuasion check, often with a high difficulty class (DC). A successful check will convince Astarion to spare his victims.

Important tips and considerations include saving your game before attempting the Persuasion check. This allows you to reload if you fail. Additionally, having a high approval rating with Astarion can make the check easier. Throughout the game, make choices that align with his personality, such as supporting his autonomy and showing empathy for his struggles.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting to build a strong relationship with Astarion early in the game. If your approval rating is low, it will be much harder to persuade him. Another mistake is not preparing for the Persuasion check. Ensure your character is equipped with the necessary skills and buffs before engaging in the critical dialogue.

Advanced techniques involve using spells like Enhance Ability to gain advantage on Charisma checks. You can also use inspiration points to reroll failed checks. If youÔÇÖre playing a Bard, the Jack of All Trades feature can add half your proficiency bonus to ability checks youÔÇÖre not proficient in, which can be helpful.

In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, the Persuasion check in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 is based on the 5th Edition rules. A successful check requires rolling a d20 and adding your Charisma modifier and proficiency bonus if applicable. The DC is set by the game based on the difficulty of the situation.

Specific examples and scenarios include a moment in Act 3 where Astarion is tempted to perform a ritual that would grant him immense power but at the cost of innocent lives. By choosing dialogue options that emphasize the value of those lives and the moral consequences of his actions, you can guide him towards a more compassionate decision.

In conclusion, convincing Astarion to spare his victims in Act 3 requires careful preparation, strong relationship building, and strategic use of game mechanics. By understanding the Persuasion system, making thoughtful dialogue choices, and leveraging your characterÔÇÖs strengths, you can guide Astarion towards a more humane path. This not only enriches the narrative but also deepens your connection with one of the gameÔÇÖs most intriguing companions.