What happens if I let Astarion turn me into a vampire in Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, allowing Astarion to turn you into a vampire is a significant story choice that can have lasting consequences on your character and your relationship with him. This event is tied to Astarion's personal questline and requires specific conditions to be met. Here is a detailed explanation of the mechanics, steps, and considerations involved in this process.

To begin, you must first recruit Astarion as a companion. He can be found early in Act 1, near the Nautiloid crash site. Once he is part of your party, you will need to build a strong relationship with him by making choices that align with his personality and goals. Astarion is a rogue with a chaotic and self-serving nature, so he tends to approve of actions that are cunning, ruthless, or self-preserving. Gaining his approval is crucial for progressing his personal quest and unlocking the option to become a vampire.

As you progress through the game, Astarion will eventually reveal his true nature as a vampire spawn. This revelation occurs during a long rest event, where he will attempt to bite you while you sleep. You have the option to let him bite you or stop him. Allowing him to bite you will increase his approval of you and set the stage for further developments in his questline. However, if you stop him, you will need to work harder to regain his trust and approval.

The key moment where you can choose to let Astarion turn you into a vampire occurs during his personal quest, "The Pale Elf." This quest becomes available in Act 3, after you have reached the city of Baldur's Gate. Astarion will seek out a powerful vampire lord named Cazador, who is his former master. Cazador is planning a ritual that will grant him immense power, and Astarion wants to stop him. During this quest, you will have the opportunity to confront Cazador and make a pivotal decision.

When you confront Cazador, Astarion will have the chance to complete the ritual himself, which would grant him the power of a full vampire. However, he will also offer to turn you into a vampire instead. This is a critical choice that will affect both your character and your relationship with Astarion. If you choose to let him turn you, you will gain the abilities and weaknesses of a vampire, including enhanced strength, speed, and the ability to regenerate health by feeding on blood. However, you will also become vulnerable to sunlight and other traditional vampire weaknesses.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when making this choice. First, becoming a vampire will change your character's appearance, giving you pale skin, red eyes, and fangs. This can affect how NPCs react to you and may limit your ability to interact with certain characters or factions. Additionally, the vampire transformation will alter your gameplay mechanics, requiring you to manage your bloodlust and avoid sunlight. This can add a layer of complexity to your strategy and combat tactics.

One common mistake to avoid is making this decision without fully understanding the consequences. Becoming a vampire is a permanent change that cannot be undone, so it is important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks carefully. Consider how this choice will impact your character's role in the story, your relationships with other companions, and your overall gameplay experience.

Advanced techniques for optimizing your character as a vampire include focusing on abilities and spells that complement your new strengths. For example, you may want to invest in skills that enhance your mobility and stealth, allowing you to take full advantage of your increased speed and agility. Additionally, you can use your vampiric abilities to gain an edge in combat, such as by using your bite attack to drain enemies' health and heal yourself.

In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, the vampire transformation in Baldur's Gate 3 is based on the 5th Edition rules for vampires. According to these rules, vampires have a range of supernatural abilities, including enhanced physical attributes, the ability to charm and dominate others, and the power to transform into mist or a bat. However, they also have significant weaknesses, such as vulnerability to sunlight, running water, and certain types of damage. The game implements these rules in a way that balances the power of the vampire with the challenges of managing their weaknesses.

Specific examples and scenarios where becoming a vampire can be advantageous include situations where you need to infiltrate enemy strongholds or take on powerful foes. Your enhanced abilities can give you the edge you need to succeed in these encounters. However, you will also need to be mindful of your vulnerabilities, such as avoiding areas with strong sunlight or finding ways to mitigate the effects of your weaknesses.

In conclusion, allowing Astarion to turn you into a vampire in Baldur's Gate 3 is a major decision that can have a profound impact on your character and your gameplay experience. By understanding the mechanics involved, making informed choices, and optimizing your character's abilities, you can make the most of this transformation and enjoy the unique challenges and opportunities it brings.