What happens if I let Shadowheart abandon Shar and kill Aylin in Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, Shadowheart is a companion with a deep connection to Shar, the goddess of darkness and loss. Her personal quest revolves around her faith and her struggle with her identity. One of the key moments in her story is the decision to either embrace Shar fully or abandon her faith. If you choose to let Shadowheart abandon Shar and kill Aylin, the consequences are significant and will affect both her character arc and your relationship with her.

To achieve this outcome, you need to progress through Shadowheart's personal questline. This begins with her initial recruitment in the Nautiloid ship and continues through various interactions and decisions. As you travel with her, you will encounter moments where her faith in Shar is tested. Your dialogue choices and actions will influence her approval of you, which is crucial for her ultimate decision.

The pivotal moment occurs in Act 2, when you reach the Gauntlet of Shar. Here, Shadowheart is tasked with completing trials to prove her devotion to Shar. The final trial involves a confrontation with Aylin, the Nightsong, who is a key figure in the story. At this point, Shadowheart must decide whether to kill Aylin and fully commit to Shar or spare her and turn away from her goddess.

To let Shadowheart abandon Shar and kill Aylin, you need to guide her towards embracing her darker side. This involves making choices that align with Shar's teachings and encouraging Shadowheart to prioritize her faith over other considerations. During the confrontation with Aylin, you must support Shadowheart's decision to kill her. This will result in Aylin's death and Shadowheart's complete rejection of Shar.

The mechanics involved in this decision are tied to Shadowheart's approval rating and your dialogue choices. If Shadowheart has a high approval of you, she will be more likely to listen to your advice. However, if her approval is low, she may resist your influence. It is important to consistently make choices that align with Shar's values to ensure Shadowheart remains committed to her path.

Step-by-step, you should focus on building Shadowheart's approval by supporting her faith and making decisions that reflect Shar's teachings. During the Gauntlet of Shar, complete the trials and encourage Shadowheart to embrace her role as a Dark Justiciar. When you reach the confrontation with Aylin, choose dialogue options that reinforce Shadowheart's commitment to Shar and her mission.

Important tips include paying attention to Shadowheart's reactions to your choices and adjusting your approach accordingly. If she seems conflicted, reinforce her faith through supportive dialogue. Avoid actions that contradict Shar's teachings, as this may weaken Shadowheart's resolve.

Common mistakes to avoid include making choices that undermine Shadowheart's faith or failing to build her approval. If you do not support her consistently, she may choose to spare Aylin and abandon Shar, leading to a different outcome. Additionally, rushing through her questline without paying attention to her approval can result in unintended consequences.

Advanced techniques involve optimizing your party composition and combat tactics to ensure success in the Gauntlet of Shar. Shadowheart's abilities as a cleric are crucial, so make sure she is well-equipped and prepared for the challenges ahead. Utilize her healing and support spells to keep your party alive during the trials.

Related D&D rules and mechanics include the alignment system and the influence of divine intervention. Shadowheart's decision to kill Aylin reflects a shift towards a darker alignment, which can affect her abilities and interactions. The game's implementation of these rules adds depth to her character and the overall narrative.

Specific examples and scenarios include moments where Shadowheart's faith is tested, such as when she encounters Selunite artifacts or when she must make difficult moral choices. These moments provide opportunities to influence her path and guide her towards the decision to kill Aylin.

In summary, letting Shadowheart abandon Shar and kill Aylin involves careful management of her approval and consistent support for her faith. By following the steps outlined above and paying attention to the mechanics and tips, you can achieve this outcome and explore the darker aspects of Shadowheart's character arc.