How do I resolve the conflict between Astarion and the Gur in Baldur's Gate 3?

Resolving the conflict between Astarion and the Gur in Baldur's Gate 3 is a key part of Astarion's personal questline, and it involves navigating a complex web of dialogue choices, moral decisions, and combat scenarios. This conflict arises when you encounter the Gur, a group of monster hunters, who are searching for Astarion due to his past as a vampire spawn. The Gur believe Astarion is a threat and want to bring him to justice, but the situation can be resolved in several ways depending on your choices and how you handle the encounter.

To begin, you will first encounter the Gur in Act 1, specifically in the Sunlit Wetlands or the Swamp area. The Gur leader, Gandrel, will approach your party and ask if you have seen Astarion. At this point, you have several options. You can choose to reveal Astarion's presence, lie to Gandrel, or even attack him outright. Each choice has consequences for your relationship with Astarion and the overall story.

If you choose to reveal Astarion's presence, Gandrel will attempt to capture him, leading to a confrontation. Astarion will likely disapprove of this choice, as it puts him in immediate danger. However, if you lie to Gandrel and say you haven't seen Astarion, you can avoid immediate conflict. This choice will earn Astarion's approval, as it shows you are willing to protect him. Alternatively, you can attack Gandrel, which will also earn Astarion's approval but will result in combat.

If you choose to lie or avoid conflict with Gandrel in Act 1, the conflict with the Gur will resurface in Act 3 when you reach Baldur's Gate. Here, you will encounter the Gur again, and they will be more determined to capture Astarion. At this point, you will need to make a critical decision about how to handle the situation. You can choose to side with Astarion and help him fight the Gur, or you can side with the Gur and turn Astarion over to them. Each choice has significant consequences for Astarion's personal questline and your relationship with him.

If you side with Astarion, you will need to engage in combat with the Gur. This can be a challenging fight, as the Gur are skilled monster hunters and will use tactics designed to counter Astarion's vampiric abilities. To optimize your chances of success, make sure your party is well-prepared for combat. This includes having a balanced party composition with a mix of melee, ranged, and spellcasting abilities. Additionally, consider using spells and abilities that can control the battlefield, such as crowd control spells or area-of-effect damage spells. Astarion's vampiric abilities, such as his bite attack, can be useful in this fight, but be mindful of his vulnerability to radiant damage.

If you choose to side with the Gur and turn Astarion over to them, this will have a significant impact on your relationship with him. Astarion will feel betrayed, and this choice will likely result in him leaving your party permanently. This is a major decision that will affect the rest of the game, so it is important to consider the long-term consequences before making this choice.

One important tip to keep in mind is that Astarion's approval rating plays a significant role in how this conflict resolves. If you have built a strong relationship with Astarion and have a high approval rating, he will be more likely to trust your decisions and remain loyal to you. Conversely, if your approval rating is low, he may be more inclined to act independently or even turn against you. To build a strong relationship with Astarion, make choices that align with his morally ambiguous and self-serving nature. This includes being willing to lie, manipulate, or use violence when necessary.

A common mistake to avoid is making choices that directly contradict Astarion's personality and desires. For example, choosing to side with the Gur or revealing his presence to them without a good reason will likely result in his disapproval and could lead to him leaving your party. Additionally, failing to prepare adequately for the combat encounter with the Gur can result in a difficult and potentially unwinnable fight.

In terms of advanced techniques, consider using stealth and deception to your advantage. For example, you can use Astarion's stealth abilities to sneak past the Gur or set up an ambush. Additionally, you can use dialogue options to manipulate the Gur into revealing information or lowering their guard, giving you an advantage in combat.

From a D&D rules perspective, the conflict with the Gur involves several key mechanics, including persuasion, deception, and combat. Your ability to succeed in these areas will depend on your character's skills, abilities, and the choices you make. For example, a character with high Charisma and proficiency in Persuasion or Deception will have an easier time convincing the Gur to back down or lying to them about Astarion's presence. Similarly, a character with strong combat abilities will be better equipped to handle the fight if it comes to that.

In conclusion, resolving the conflict between Astarion and the Gur in Baldur's Gate 3 requires careful consideration of your choices, your relationship with Astarion, and your party's abilities. By making choices that align with Astarion's desires, preparing adequately for combat, and using advanced techniques like stealth and deception, you can successfully navigate this complex situation and achieve a favorable outcome.