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

If you choose to let Shadowheart stay loyal to Shar and kill Aylin in Baldur's Gate 3, this decision has significant consequences for Shadowheart's character arc, your relationship with her, and the overall story. Shadowheart is a cleric of Shar, the goddess of darkness and loss, and her personal quest revolves around her devotion to Shar and her struggle with her past. Aylin, also known as the Nightsong, is a key figure in Shadowheart's quest, and the choice to kill her represents a pivotal moment in the game.

To achieve this outcome, you must first progress through Shadowheart's personal questline, which begins in Act 1 and continues into Act 2. In Act 2, you will encounter the Nightsong in the Shadow-Cursed Lands, specifically in the Gauntlet of Shar. This is where Shadowheart must make a critical decision: either spare Aylin and reject Shar, or kill Aylin and remain loyal to Shar. To ensure Shadowheart kills Aylin, you must support her devotion to Shar throughout the game. This involves making dialogue choices that align with Shar's teachings and encouraging Shadowheart to embrace her role as a Dark Justiciar.

When you reach the Gauntlet of Shar, you will need to complete a series of trials to prove your worth to Shar. These trials test your ability to navigate darkness, solve puzzles, and defeat enemies. Once you complete the trials, you will gain access to the inner sanctum where Aylin is imprisoned. At this point, Shadowheart will confront Aylin, and you will have the opportunity to influence her decision. To ensure she kills Aylin, you must choose dialogue options that reinforce her loyalty to Shar. For example, you can remind her of her duty to Shar and the power she will gain by becoming a Dark Justiciar.

If Shadowheart kills Aylin, she will undergo a transformation, becoming a Dark Justiciar and gaining new abilities tied to Shar's divine power. This decision also affects your relationship with Shadowheart. If you have been supportive of her devotion to Shar, she will appreciate your loyalty and may even deepen her bond with you, potentially leading to a romance. However, if you have been critical of her choices or tried to steer her away from Shar, she may become distant or even leave your party.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind when pursuing this path. First, make sure to consistently support Shadowheart's devotion to Shar in your dialogue choices. This will increase her approval of you and make her more likely to follow through with killing Aylin. Second, be prepared for the consequences of this decision. Killing Aylin will have a significant impact on the story, particularly in Act 3, where Aylin plays a key role in the fight against the Absolute. Without her, you may face additional challenges in the final act.

Common mistakes to avoid include trying to persuade Shadowheart to spare Aylin if you want her to remain loyal to Shar. This can lead to her rejecting Shar and abandoning her quest to become a Dark Justiciar. Additionally, failing to complete the trials in the Gauntlet of Shar will prevent you from reaching Aylin and making this choice. Make sure to thoroughly explore the Gauntlet and complete all the necessary tasks.

Advanced techniques for optimizing this path include building Shadowheart's character to maximize her effectiveness as a Dark Justiciar. Focus on increasing her Wisdom and Dexterity scores, as these will enhance her spellcasting and combat abilities. Equip her with gear that boosts her dark-themed spells and abilities, such as items that increase her necrotic damage or provide resistance to radiant damage.

In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, Shadowheart's transformation into a Dark Justiciar aligns with the cleric class's ability to channel divine power. As a cleric of Shar, she gains access to unique spells and abilities that reflect her goddess's domain. For example, she may gain access to spells like Darkness, which creates an area of magical darkness, or Inflict Wounds, which deals necrotic damage to a target. These abilities make her a powerful ally in combat, especially in dark or shadowy environments.

Specific examples and scenarios include the final confrontation with Aylin in the Gauntlet of Shar. During this encounter, Shadowheart will have to make a choice that determines her future. If you have consistently supported her devotion to Shar, she will kill Aylin and embrace her role as a Dark Justiciar. This decision will unlock new dialogue options and story developments, as well as unique rewards tied to her new status.

In summary, letting Shadowheart stay loyal to Shar and kill Aylin is a complex and impactful decision in Baldur's Gate 3. It requires careful attention to her personal questline, consistent support for her devotion to Shar, and strategic character building. By following these steps and considerations, you can guide Shadowheart down this path and experience the unique story outcomes it offers.