How do I increase Isobel's approval in Baldur's Gate 3?

Increasing Isobel's approval in Baldur's Gate 3 involves understanding her personality, values, and the specific actions or dialogue choices that resonate with her. Isobel is a cleric of Sel├╗ne, the goddess of the moon, and she values compassion, kindness, and a willingness to protect others. Her approval is influenced by your decisions in dialogue, combat, and story choices, particularly those that align with her beliefs and moral compass. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to increase her approval.

First, itÔÇÖs important to note that Isobel is not a traditional companion like Shadowheart or Astarion. She is a key NPC in Act 2, and her approval is tied to specific interactions and decisions during this part of the game. To increase her approval, you need to make choices that reflect her values. For example, showing empathy towards others, protecting the innocent, and standing against evil forces will earn her favor. Conversely, being cruel, selfish, or siding with malevolent entities will decrease her approval.

One of the most significant moments to influence IsobelÔÇÖs approval is during the defense of Last Light Inn. This is a critical event in Act 2 where you must protect Isobel from an attack by Marcus, a winged horror. Successfully defending her and keeping her alive will greatly increase her approval. To do this, you need to prepare your party for combat. Ensure your characters are well-equipped with healing potions, protective spells, and strong offensive abilities. Positioning is key during this fight. Place your tankier characters near Isobel to absorb damage, while your ranged or spellcasting characters can focus on taking down Marcus and his minions. Using crowd control spells like Hold Person or Sleep can also help manage the battlefield and keep Isobel safe.

Another way to increase IsobelÔÇÖs approval is through dialogue choices. When speaking with her, choose options that reflect kindness, understanding, and a willingness to help others. For example, if she expresses concern about the safety of the refugees at Last Light Inn, reassure her that you will do everything in your power to protect them. Avoid making cynical or dismissive remarks, as these will lower her approval. Additionally, showing respect for her faith in Sel├╗ne and her role as a protector will earn her favor. If you have a cleric or paladin in your party, role-playing as a devout character who shares her values can also help build rapport.

ItÔÇÖs also important to consider the broader story choices in Act 2. Isobel is deeply connected to the fate of the Shadow-Cursed Lands, and your decisions in this region will impact her approval. For example, helping the Harpers and the people of Last Light Inn by lifting the shadow curse or defeating the evil forces plaguing the land will earn her approval. On the other hand, siding with the Absolute or making deals with dark entities like Ketheric Thorm will decrease her approval. Always prioritize actions that align with her goal of protecting the innocent and restoring light to the land.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the importance of IsobelÔÇÖs survival during the attack on Last Light Inn. If Isobel dies, it not only lowers her approval but also has significant consequences for the story, including the loss of key allies and resources. To avoid this, ensure your party is well-prepared for the fight and prioritize her safety above all else. Another mistake is making dialogue choices that are too neutral or indifferent. Isobel values decisiveness and moral clarity, so vague or non-committal responses may not earn her approval.

Advanced techniques for increasing IsobelÔÇÖs approval include leveraging your party composition and abilities to maximize your effectiveness in combat and dialogue. For example, having a cleric or paladin in your party who can cast spells like Sanctuary or Shield of Faith on Isobel can help keep her alive during the attack on Last Light Inn. Additionally, using abilities like Guidance or Enhance Ability to boost your persuasion or insight checks during conversations with her can help you make the right dialogue choices.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, IsobelÔÇÖs approval system is influenced by alignment and role-playing mechanics. Her values align with the Good alignment, particularly the tenets of compassion, selflessness, and protection. Making choices that reflect these values will naturally increase her approval. The game also uses a hidden approval rating system, similar to the way D&D handles NPC relationships, where certain actions and dialogue choices add or subtract points from this rating.

Specific examples of actions that increase IsobelÔÇÖs approval include defending the refugees at Last Light Inn, showing compassion towards the Tieflings and other oppressed groups, and making decisions that prioritize the greater good over personal gain. For instance, if you encounter a situation where you must choose between saving a group of innocent people or pursuing a personal objective, choosing to save the people will earn her approval. Conversely, actions like betraying allies, harming innocents, or siding with evil forces will decrease her approval.

In summary, increasing IsobelÔÇÖs approval in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 requires a combination of strategic combat, thoughtful dialogue choices, and alignment with her values. By protecting her during key moments, showing compassion and decisiveness in conversations, and making story choices that reflect her moral compass, you can build a strong relationship with her. Avoid common mistakes like neglecting her safety or making indifferent dialogue choices, and use advanced techniques like leveraging party abilities and alignment mechanics to optimize your approach. With these strategies, you can successfully increase IsobelÔÇÖs approval and strengthen your bond with this important character.