What happens if I let Astarion refuse ascension in Baldur's Gate 3?
In Baldur's Gate 3, Astarion's personal questline revolves around his past as a vampire spawn and his desire to break free from the control of his former master, Cazador. One of the key moments in his story is the decision to either allow him to ascend to full vampire status or to refuse ascension. Letting Astarion refuse ascension is a significant choice that impacts his character development, your relationship with him, and the overall narrative. HereÔÇÖs a detailed explanation of how to achieve this outcome, the mechanics involved, and what to consider.
To let Astarion refuse ascension, you must first progress through his personal questline. This involves several steps. Early in the game, you will encounter Astarion in the wilderness near the crashed Nautiloid ship. Recruit him to your party, and as you travel together, you will learn about his past and his connection to Cazador. AstarionÔÇÖs personal quest, "The Pale Elf," will become available as you progress through Act 1 and Act 2. In Act 3, you will confront Cazador in his palace, where the decision to ascend or refuse ascension takes place.
The mechanics of this choice are tied to dialogue options and your relationship with Astarion. Throughout the game, your interactions with him will influence his approval of you. Making choices that align with his personality, such as being cunning, ruthless, or self-serving, will increase his approval. Conversely, acting selflessly or morally upright may lower his approval. High approval is crucial if you want to persuade him to refuse ascension, as it makes him more likely to listen to your advice.
When you reach CazadorÔÇÖs palace in Act 3, you will face a climactic battle. After defeating Cazador, Astarion will have the opportunity to perform a ritual that will grant him the power of a full vampire. This ritual involves sacrificing thousands of vampire spawn, including himself and his siblings. At this point, you can influence his decision. If you have high approval and a strong relationship with Astarion, you can persuade him to refuse the ritual. This involves choosing dialogue options that appeal to his better nature, such as reminding him of the cost of the ritual and the lives it will destroy.
One important tip is to ensure that you have built a strong bond with Astarion before this moment. Engage in conversations with him, support his goals, and make choices that align with his worldview. This will make it easier to persuade him to refuse ascension. Additionally, having a high Charisma score or proficiency in Persuasion can help you succeed in the dialogue checks required to convince him.
A common mistake to avoid is neglecting AstarionÔÇÖs approval or making choices that alienate him. If his approval is too low, he may not listen to your advice and will choose to ascend regardless of your input. Another mistake is rushing through his questline without taking the time to understand his character and motivations. Taking the time to explore his backstory and build a meaningful relationship will make the outcome more satisfying.
Advanced techniques include using spells or abilities that boost your Persuasion skill during the critical dialogue. For example, the Guidance cantrip, which adds a d4 to ability checks, can be helpful. Additionally, having a Bard or Paladin in your party, who naturally excel in Persuasion, can increase your chances of success.
From a D&D rules perspective, the Persuasion check required to convince Astarion to refuse ascension is a Charisma-based ability check. The difficulty class (DC) for this check is influenced by your relationship with him and your previous choices. A high Charisma score, proficiency in Persuasion, and any bonuses from spells or abilities will improve your chances of success.
In terms of story consequences, letting Astarion refuse ascension leads to a more positive outcome for his character. He remains a vampire spawn but gains a sense of freedom and self-determination. This choice also strengthens your bond with him, potentially leading to a deeper romantic relationship. On the other hand, allowing him to ascend makes him more powerful but also more ruthless and detached.
In summary, to let Astarion refuse ascension, focus on building a strong relationship with him, make choices that increase his approval, and use Persuasion effectively during the critical moment in CazadorÔÇÖs palace. Avoid neglecting his approval or rushing through his questline, and consider using spells or abilities to boost your chances of success. This choice not only impacts AstarionÔÇÖs character but also enriches your overall experience in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3.
To let Astarion refuse ascension, you must first progress through his personal questline. This involves several steps. Early in the game, you will encounter Astarion in the wilderness near the crashed Nautiloid ship. Recruit him to your party, and as you travel together, you will learn about his past and his connection to Cazador. AstarionÔÇÖs personal quest, "The Pale Elf," will become available as you progress through Act 1 and Act 2. In Act 3, you will confront Cazador in his palace, where the decision to ascend or refuse ascension takes place.
The mechanics of this choice are tied to dialogue options and your relationship with Astarion. Throughout the game, your interactions with him will influence his approval of you. Making choices that align with his personality, such as being cunning, ruthless, or self-serving, will increase his approval. Conversely, acting selflessly or morally upright may lower his approval. High approval is crucial if you want to persuade him to refuse ascension, as it makes him more likely to listen to your advice.
When you reach CazadorÔÇÖs palace in Act 3, you will face a climactic battle. After defeating Cazador, Astarion will have the opportunity to perform a ritual that will grant him the power of a full vampire. This ritual involves sacrificing thousands of vampire spawn, including himself and his siblings. At this point, you can influence his decision. If you have high approval and a strong relationship with Astarion, you can persuade him to refuse the ritual. This involves choosing dialogue options that appeal to his better nature, such as reminding him of the cost of the ritual and the lives it will destroy.
One important tip is to ensure that you have built a strong bond with Astarion before this moment. Engage in conversations with him, support his goals, and make choices that align with his worldview. This will make it easier to persuade him to refuse ascension. Additionally, having a high Charisma score or proficiency in Persuasion can help you succeed in the dialogue checks required to convince him.
A common mistake to avoid is neglecting AstarionÔÇÖs approval or making choices that alienate him. If his approval is too low, he may not listen to your advice and will choose to ascend regardless of your input. Another mistake is rushing through his questline without taking the time to understand his character and motivations. Taking the time to explore his backstory and build a meaningful relationship will make the outcome more satisfying.
Advanced techniques include using spells or abilities that boost your Persuasion skill during the critical dialogue. For example, the Guidance cantrip, which adds a d4 to ability checks, can be helpful. Additionally, having a Bard or Paladin in your party, who naturally excel in Persuasion, can increase your chances of success.
From a D&D rules perspective, the Persuasion check required to convince Astarion to refuse ascension is a Charisma-based ability check. The difficulty class (DC) for this check is influenced by your relationship with him and your previous choices. A high Charisma score, proficiency in Persuasion, and any bonuses from spells or abilities will improve your chances of success.
In terms of story consequences, letting Astarion refuse ascension leads to a more positive outcome for his character. He remains a vampire spawn but gains a sense of freedom and self-determination. This choice also strengthens your bond with him, potentially leading to a deeper romantic relationship. On the other hand, allowing him to ascend makes him more powerful but also more ruthless and detached.
In summary, to let Astarion refuse ascension, focus on building a strong relationship with him, make choices that increase his approval, and use Persuasion effectively during the critical moment in CazadorÔÇÖs palace. Avoid neglecting his approval or rushing through his questline, and consider using spells or abilities to boost your chances of success. This choice not only impacts AstarionÔÇÖs character but also enriches your overall experience in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3.