Can I save the tieflings without losing Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3?

Saving the tieflings without losing Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3 is entirely possible, but it requires careful decision-making and understanding of the game's mechanics and story progression. The tieflings are a group of refugees you encounter early in the game, and their fate is tied to several key decisions, particularly in Act 1 and Act 2. Astarion, on the other hand, is a companion with his own personal questline, and his loyalty or departure depends on how you handle his story and your overall choices. Here's a detailed guide on how to achieve both objectives.

First, let's address the tieflings. In Act 1, the tieflings are found at the Druid Grove, where they are seeking refuge from the goblin threat. To save them, you need to ensure their safety by dealing with the goblin leaders. This involves infiltrating the goblin camp and eliminating the three leaders: Priestess Gut, Dror Ragzlin, and Minthara. Killing these leaders will prevent the goblins from attacking the grove, thus saving the tieflings. However, if you side with Minthara and allow the grove to be attacked, the tieflings will be slaughtered, and you will lose the opportunity to save them. Therefore, the key to saving the tieflings is to eliminate the goblin leaders without siding with Minthara.

Now, regarding Astarion, his loyalty is influenced by your choices throughout the game, particularly in relation to his personal questline. Astarion is a vampire spawn, and his story revolves around his desire for freedom from his master, Cazador. To keep Astarion in your party, you need to support his goals and make choices that align with his interests. This includes allowing him to feed on enemies or even yourself, as denying him this can lead to resentment. Additionally, during his personal quest in Act 3, you will face a critical decision regarding his ascension. If you support his ascension, he will gain immense power but at a moral cost. If you convince him to reject ascension, he will remain a spawn but retain his humanity. Both choices can keep him in your party, but the former may lead to a darker version of Astarion.

To save the tieflings without losing Astarion, you need to balance these two objectives. Here are some step-by-step strategies. First, in Act 1, focus on eliminating the goblin leaders to save the tieflings. This will require careful planning and combat tactics. Use stealth and diplomacy to your advantage, and consider recruiting allies like Halsin, the druid leader, who can assist in the fight. Once the goblin leaders are defeated, the tieflings will be safe, and you can proceed to Act 2.

In Act 2, the tieflings' safety is again at risk, particularly in the Last Light Inn. To protect them, you need to ensure that Isobel, the cleric protecting the inn, is not captured by Marcus. This requires defeating Marcus and his minions in combat. Use crowd control spells and focus on protecting Isobel to prevent her capture. If Isobel is captured, the tieflings will be taken to Moonrise Towers, where they will face dire consequences. Therefore, prioritize her safety to ensure the tieflings' survival.

Throughout these events, maintain a good relationship with Astarion by supporting his goals and making choices that align with his interests. Avoid actions that would alienate him, such as denying him the opportunity to feed or making decisions that go against his desires. In Act 3, during his personal quest, carefully consider the consequences of his ascension and choose the path that aligns with your moral compass while keeping him in your party.

Common mistakes to avoid include siding with Minthara, which will result in the tieflings' deaths, and neglecting Astarion's personal quest, which can lead to his departure. Additionally, failing to protect Isobel in Act 2 will jeopardize the tieflings' safety. Advanced techniques include optimizing your party composition and combat strategies to handle the goblin leaders and Marcus effectively. Use characters with high damage output and crowd control abilities to manage these encounters.

In terms of D&D rules, Baldur's Gate 3 closely follows the 5th Edition mechanics. Understanding these rules can help you make informed decisions in combat and dialogue. For example, knowing how stealth and perception checks work can aid in infiltrating the goblin camp, and understanding spellcasting mechanics can help in protecting Isobel.

In conclusion, saving the tieflings without losing Astarion requires careful planning, strategic combat, and thoughtful decision-making. By eliminating the goblin leaders, protecting Isobel, and supporting Astarion's goals, you can achieve both objectives and experience a fulfilling narrative in Baldur's Gate 3.