What happens if I let Astarion kill the spawn in Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, Astarion is a complex companion with a dark backstory tied to his vampiric nature. One of the key moments in his personal questline involves a decision about whether to let him kill the spawn he has been hunting. This decision has significant consequences for Astarion's character development, your relationship with him, and the overall story. Here is a detailed explanation of the mechanics, strategies, and considerations involved in this choice.

To reach the point where you can let Astarion kill the spawn, you must first progress through his personal questline. This begins with recruiting Astarion early in the game, usually near the crash site of the Nautiloid ship. As you travel together, you will learn more about his vampiric nature and his desire to hunt down the spawn who turned him. This questline culminates in a confrontation with the spawn, where you must decide whether to let Astarion kill them or persuade him to spare their lives.

The mechanics of this decision are tied to the approval system in Baldur's Gate 3. Astarion's approval of your character is influenced by your dialogue choices and actions throughout the game. If you consistently make choices that align with his morally ambiguous and self-serving nature, his approval will increase. High approval is crucial if you want to influence his decision regarding the spawn. If his approval is low, he may be less receptive to your input, and the outcome of the confrontation could be less favorable.

When the moment comes to decide whether to let Astarion kill the spawn, you will have several dialogue options. If you choose to support his decision to kill them, Astarion will gain a sense of closure and power, which can strengthen your bond with him. However, this choice also reinforces his darker tendencies and may lead to more morally questionable behavior in the future. On the other hand, if you persuade him to spare the spawn, you can help him find a more balanced path, though this may be more challenging if his approval is not high enough.

One important tip is to prepare for this moment by building a strong relationship with Astarion throughout the game. Engage in conversations with him, support his goals, and make choices that align with his worldview. This will increase his approval and make it easier to influence his decision. Additionally, consider the long-term consequences of your choice. Letting Astarion kill the spawn may provide immediate satisfaction, but it could also lead to complications later in the story.

A common mistake to avoid is neglecting Astarion's personal questline or making choices that lower his approval. If you do not invest in his story or consistently make decisions he disapproves of, you may find it difficult to influence his actions during the confrontation with the spawn. This could result in a less satisfying outcome for both Astarion and your party.

Advanced techniques involve using your character's abilities and skills to sway Astarion's decision. For example, if your character has high Charisma and proficiency in Persuasion, you may have more dialogue options to convince Astarion to spare the spawn. Additionally, consider the role of other companions in this decision. Some companions may have strong opinions about Astarion's actions, and their reactions could influence the overall dynamic of your party.

From a D&D rules perspective, this decision reflects the alignment system and the concept of character development. Astarion's choice to kill or spare the spawn is a reflection of his alignment and moral compass. As a Dungeon Master might in a tabletop game, the game allows you to guide Astarion's development through your choices, shaping his alignment and the story's direction.

In specific scenarios, the outcome of this decision can vary. For example, if you let Astarion kill the spawn, he may become more confident and assertive, but also more ruthless. This could lead to interesting interactions with other companions and NPCs, as well as unique story developments. Conversely, if you persuade him to spare the spawn, he may struggle with his darker impulses but ultimately grow as a character, leading to a more nuanced and complex relationship with your party.

In conclusion, the decision to let Astarion kill the spawn in Baldur's Gate 3 is a pivotal moment in his personal questline. By understanding the mechanics, building a strong relationship with him, and considering the long-term consequences, you can make a choice that aligns with your character's values and goals. Whether you choose to support his darker tendencies or guide him toward a more balanced path, this decision will have a lasting impact on Astarion's character and your journey through the game.