What happens if I let Astarion kill the Gur hunter in Baldur's Gate 3?
In Baldur's Gate 3, the decision to let Astarion kill the Gur hunter, Gandrel, is a significant moment that can impact your relationship with Astarion and the overall story. This encounter occurs in Act 1, near the Sunlit Wetlands, where you meet Gandrel, a Gur hunter who is searching for Astarion. The Gur are a nomadic people, and Gandrel has been tasked with capturing Astarion to bring him back to his master, Cazador. The choice to let Astarion kill Gandrel or to intervene has lasting consequences, particularly in terms of Astarion's approval and his personal questline.
To let Astarion kill Gandrel, you must first encounter Gandrel in the Sunlit Wetlands. He will approach your party and ask if you have seen Astarion. If Astarion is in your party, he will reveal himself, and a tense conversation will ensue. During this dialogue, you will have several options, including lying to Gandrel, revealing Astarion's presence, or allowing Astarion to handle the situation. If you choose to let Astarion take control, he will confront Gandrel and eventually kill him. This decision will significantly increase Astarion's approval of you, as it aligns with his desire for freedom and his disdain for those who would return him to Cazador.
The mechanics of this encounter are straightforward, but there are important considerations to keep in mind. First, if you want to maximize Astarion's approval, you should avoid any dialogue options that suggest turning him over to Gandrel or revealing too much information about him. Instead, choose options that allow Astarion to take the lead in the conversation. This will give him the opportunity to assert his dominance and ultimately kill Gandrel. Additionally, if you are playing a character who values morality or has a strong sense of justice, you may find this decision difficult, as it involves allowing the death of an innocent hunter who is simply doing his job.
One common mistake players make is not considering the long-term consequences of their actions. While letting Astarion kill Gandrel will increase his approval in the short term, it may also lead to complications later in the game. For example, if you are trying to build a relationship with Astarion, this decision will strengthen your bond, but it may also make it harder to influence him in other ways. Additionally, if you are playing a character who values life and justice, this decision may conflict with your character's moral compass, leading to internal conflict and potential disapproval from other companions.
Advanced techniques for this encounter involve understanding the underlying D&D 5E rules that govern persuasion, deception, and intimidation. If you want to manipulate the situation without resorting to violence, you can use your character's skills to deceive Gandrel or persuade him to leave. However, this approach may not yield the same level of approval from Astarion, as he prefers direct action and confrontation. If you are playing a character with high Charisma and proficiency in Persuasion or Deception, you may be able to talk your way out of the situation without bloodshed, but this will likely result in a lower approval rating from Astarion.
In terms of related D&D rules, the encounter with Gandrel is a good example of how alignment and character motivations can influence gameplay. Astarion, as a vampire spawn, is inherently chaotic and self-serving, so allowing him to kill Gandrel aligns with his chaotic nature. On the other hand, a lawful good character might find this decision morally reprehensible and choose to intervene. Understanding these dynamics can help you make more informed decisions that align with your character's values and goals.
Specific examples of how this decision plays out in the game include the immediate reaction from Astarion, who will express gratitude and approval if you let him kill Gandrel. This can lead to further opportunities to deepen your relationship with him, including the possibility of romance. However, if you choose to spare Gandrel, Astarion will be disappointed, and his approval of you will decrease. This can make it more challenging to build a strong relationship with him later in the game.
In conclusion, the decision to let Astarion kill the Gur hunter Gandrel is a pivotal moment in Baldur's Gate 3 that can significantly impact your relationship with Astarion and the overall story. By understanding the mechanics, considering the long-term consequences, and aligning your choices with your character's values, you can navigate this encounter in a way that best suits your playstyle. Whether you choose to let Astarion kill Gandrel or intervene, the decision will shape your journey through the game and influence the relationships you build with your companions.
To let Astarion kill Gandrel, you must first encounter Gandrel in the Sunlit Wetlands. He will approach your party and ask if you have seen Astarion. If Astarion is in your party, he will reveal himself, and a tense conversation will ensue. During this dialogue, you will have several options, including lying to Gandrel, revealing Astarion's presence, or allowing Astarion to handle the situation. If you choose to let Astarion take control, he will confront Gandrel and eventually kill him. This decision will significantly increase Astarion's approval of you, as it aligns with his desire for freedom and his disdain for those who would return him to Cazador.
The mechanics of this encounter are straightforward, but there are important considerations to keep in mind. First, if you want to maximize Astarion's approval, you should avoid any dialogue options that suggest turning him over to Gandrel or revealing too much information about him. Instead, choose options that allow Astarion to take the lead in the conversation. This will give him the opportunity to assert his dominance and ultimately kill Gandrel. Additionally, if you are playing a character who values morality or has a strong sense of justice, you may find this decision difficult, as it involves allowing the death of an innocent hunter who is simply doing his job.
One common mistake players make is not considering the long-term consequences of their actions. While letting Astarion kill Gandrel will increase his approval in the short term, it may also lead to complications later in the game. For example, if you are trying to build a relationship with Astarion, this decision will strengthen your bond, but it may also make it harder to influence him in other ways. Additionally, if you are playing a character who values life and justice, this decision may conflict with your character's moral compass, leading to internal conflict and potential disapproval from other companions.
Advanced techniques for this encounter involve understanding the underlying D&D 5E rules that govern persuasion, deception, and intimidation. If you want to manipulate the situation without resorting to violence, you can use your character's skills to deceive Gandrel or persuade him to leave. However, this approach may not yield the same level of approval from Astarion, as he prefers direct action and confrontation. If you are playing a character with high Charisma and proficiency in Persuasion or Deception, you may be able to talk your way out of the situation without bloodshed, but this will likely result in a lower approval rating from Astarion.
In terms of related D&D rules, the encounter with Gandrel is a good example of how alignment and character motivations can influence gameplay. Astarion, as a vampire spawn, is inherently chaotic and self-serving, so allowing him to kill Gandrel aligns with his chaotic nature. On the other hand, a lawful good character might find this decision morally reprehensible and choose to intervene. Understanding these dynamics can help you make more informed decisions that align with your character's values and goals.
Specific examples of how this decision plays out in the game include the immediate reaction from Astarion, who will express gratitude and approval if you let him kill Gandrel. This can lead to further opportunities to deepen your relationship with him, including the possibility of romance. However, if you choose to spare Gandrel, Astarion will be disappointed, and his approval of you will decrease. This can make it more challenging to build a strong relationship with him later in the game.
In conclusion, the decision to let Astarion kill the Gur hunter Gandrel is a pivotal moment in Baldur's Gate 3 that can significantly impact your relationship with Astarion and the overall story. By understanding the mechanics, considering the long-term consequences, and aligning your choices with your character's values, you can navigate this encounter in a way that best suits your playstyle. Whether you choose to let Astarion kill Gandrel or intervene, the decision will shape your journey through the game and influence the relationships you build with your companions.