How do I trigger Astarion's personal quest in Baldur's Gate 3?

To trigger Astarion's personal quest in Baldur's Gate 3, you need to engage with his backstory and build a relationship with him through dialogue, approval, and specific story events. Astarion is a high elf rogue with a mysterious past tied to vampirism, and his personal quest, "The Pale Elf," revolves around uncovering the truth about his condition and his former master, Cazador. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to trigger and progress his quest.

First, you need to recruit Astarion. He can be found early in Act 1, near the Nautiloid crash site. After the crash, head west from the starting area, and youÔÇÖll encounter him near a ruined temple. He will initially pretend to need help, but it quickly becomes clear heÔÇÖs a vampire spawn. Recruit him by agreeing to let him join your party. Once heÔÇÖs in your group, you can start building a relationship with him.

AstarionÔÇÖs approval is crucial for triggering his personal quest. He approves of selfish, chaotic, and morally ambiguous choices, such as lying, manipulating others, or indulging in cruelty. Conversely, he disapproves of overly altruistic or lawful actions. To gain his approval, make dialogue choices that align with his personality. For example, in the grove conflict between the tieflings and the druids, siding with the goblins or making self-serving decisions will earn his favor. Additionally, allowing him to feed on you or others during rests can boost his approval.

As you progress through Act 1, Astarion will occasionally share bits of his backstory. Pay attention to these moments, as they hint at his connection to Cazador. Around the time you reach the Goblin Camp or the Underdark, Astarion will reveal more about his vampirism and his desire to break free from CazadorÔÇÖs control. This is when his personal quest begins to take shape.

In Act 2, AstarionÔÇÖs quest becomes more prominent. When you reach the Shadow-Cursed Lands, youÔÇÖll encounter a group of vampire spawn who are searching for him. This encounter is a key moment in his questline. Speak with the spawn, and Astarion will reveal more about his past and his fear of Cazador. This confrontation sets the stage for the final act of his story.

In Act 3, AstarionÔÇÖs quest reaches its climax in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate. YouÔÇÖll need to locate CazadorÔÇÖs palace, where AstarionÔÇÖs former master resides. This is where the truth about AstarionÔÇÖs vampirism and CazadorÔÇÖs plans are fully revealed. The choices you make here will determine AstarionÔÇÖs fate. You can help him confront Cazador, seek revenge, or even ascend to become a full vampire. Each choice has significant consequences for AstarionÔÇÖs character and your relationship with him.

Throughout the game, itÔÇÖs important to maintain a high approval rating with Astarion. This ensures he trusts you enough to share his secrets and rely on your support during critical moments. If his approval is too low, he may refuse to open up or even leave your party. To avoid this, consistently make choices that align with his values and avoid actions that he disapproves of.

One common mistake is neglecting AstarionÔÇÖs approval early in the game. If you focus too much on being a hero or making lawful choices, you may miss out on opportunities to build a strong relationship with him. Another mistake is failing to explore his dialogue options. Take the time to speak with him at camp and during key story moments to learn more about his past and motivations.

Advanced techniques include using AstarionÔÇÖs rogue abilities to your advantage in combat and exploration. His stealth, lockpicking, and trap disarming skills are invaluable for navigating dangerous areas and gaining access to hidden treasures. Additionally, his sneak attack ability makes him a powerful damage dealer in combat. Pairing him with a character who can provide advantage, such as a wizard with the Faerie Fire spell, can maximize his effectiveness.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, AstarionÔÇÖs vampirism is a unique trait that affects his gameplay. He cannot enter homes without an invitation and is vulnerable to sunlight, which limits his movement during the day. However, he gains the ability to bite enemies in combat, draining their health and healing himself. This ability is both a strength and a weakness, as it can draw attention from enemies.

Specific examples of choices that affect AstarionÔÇÖs quest include whether you allow him to bite you during a long rest, how you handle the confrontation with the vampire spawn in Act 2, and whether you support his desire for revenge or ascension in Act 3. Each choice shapes his character arc and determines the outcome of his story.

In summary, triggering and completing AstarionÔÇÖs personal quest requires careful attention to his approval, dialogue, and story progression. By making choices that align with his personality and supporting him through key moments, you can uncover the truth about his past and help him achieve his goals.