What happens if I let Shadowheart kill Isobel in Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, Shadowheart is a companion with a deep connection to the goddess Shar, and her personal questline revolves around her faith and the choices she makes. One of the pivotal moments in her story involves Isobel, a cleric of Sel├╗ne, who is Shar's eternal enemy. If you allow Shadowheart to kill Isobel, it has significant consequences for her character arc, your relationship with her, and the overall story.

To achieve this outcome, you need to progress through the game until you reach Act 2, where you encounter Isobel at the Last Light Inn. Isobel is a key figure in the story, as she provides protection to the inn and its inhabitants through her divine magic. Shadowheart, being a follower of Shar, will have a strong reaction to Isobel, and this is where the choice to let her kill Isobel comes into play.

The mechanics involved in this decision are tied to dialogue choices and Shadowheart's approval of your actions. To set the stage for this event, you need to ensure that Shadowheart is in your active party when you reach the Last Light Inn. As you interact with Isobel, Shadowheart will express her desire to confront her. During the conversation, you will have the option to either support Shadowheart's intentions or try to dissuade her. If you choose to support her, you will need to pass certain dialogue checks or make specific choices that align with her goals.

One important tip is to have a high approval rating with Shadowheart before this encounter. Her approval is influenced by your actions throughout the game, such as making decisions that align with Shar's teachings or showing a willingness to embrace darker paths. If Shadowheart approves of your choices, she will be more likely to follow through with killing Isobel if you encourage her.

A common mistake to avoid is not having Shadowheart in your party during this critical moment. If she is not present, you will miss the opportunity to influence her decision, and the event will play out differently. Additionally, failing to build a strong relationship with Shadowheart beforehand may result in her hesitating or refusing to kill Isobel, even if you encourage her.

Advanced techniques involve optimizing your party composition and preparing for the potential fallout of this decision. Killing Isobel will have immediate consequences, such as the loss of her protective barrier around the Last Light Inn, leading to a chaotic battle with the forces of darkness. Ensure your party is well-equipped and prepared for combat, as you will need to defend yourself against powerful enemies.

From a D&D rules perspective, this event reflects the alignment and moral choices that are central to the game. Shadowheart's decision to kill Isobel is a reflection of her devotion to Shar and her willingness to embrace darker paths. It also highlights the importance of alignment and how it influences character behavior and story outcomes.

Specific examples of the consequences include changes in Shadowheart's dialogue and behavior. If she kills Isobel, she will become more resolute in her faith and may express a sense of fulfillment. However, this choice also closes off certain story paths, such as the possibility of redeeming Shadowheart or exploring alternative resolutions to her personal quest.

In summary, allowing Shadowheart to kill Isobel in Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant decision that impacts her character arc, your relationship with her, and the overall story. To achieve this outcome, ensure Shadowheart is in your party, build a high approval rating with her, and make choices that align with her goals. Be prepared for the immediate consequences, such as combat, and understand the long-term effects on the narrative. This choice exemplifies the complex moral and alignment-based decisions that make Baldur's Gate 3 a rich and immersive experience.