What happens if I let Shadowheart kill the Nightsong in Baldur's Gate 3?

In Baldur's Gate 3, the decision to let Shadowheart kill the Nightsong is a pivotal moment in her personal questline and has significant consequences for both her character and the overall story. The Nightsong is a key figure tied to Shadowheart's past and her devotion to Shar, the goddess of darkness and loss. Allowing Shadowheart to kill the Nightsong is a choice that aligns with her Sharran faith, but it also has far-reaching implications for her character development, your relationship with her, and the game's narrative.

To reach this point, you must first progress through Shadowheart's personal quest, which involves uncovering her connection to Shar and the mysterious artifact she carries. This questline leads you to the Gauntlet of Shar, a dungeon filled with trials and puzzles that test your party's abilities. Completing the Gauntlet of Shar is essential to advancing Shadowheart's story and reaching the Nightsong. The Gauntlet is located in the Shadow-Cursed Lands, and you will need to navigate its challenges, including combat encounters, environmental hazards, and Sharran trials that require careful problem-solving.

Once you complete the Gauntlet of Shar, you will gain access to the Inner Sanctum, where the Nightsong is held. This is where the critical decision occurs. When you confront the Nightsong, Shadowheart will be faced with a choice: to kill the Nightsong and fully embrace her devotion to Shar, or to spare the Nightsong and potentially break away from Shar's influence. The choice is heavily influenced by your relationship with Shadowheart and the approval you have gained with her throughout the game.

If you want Shadowheart to kill the Nightsong, you must ensure that she remains loyal to Shar. This means making choices that align with Shar's values, such as embracing darkness, secrecy, and loss. You should also avoid actions that would push Shadowheart toward questioning her faith, such as encouraging her to explore her memories or showing excessive kindness and compassion. Shadowheart's approval of your character plays a significant role in this decision. If she trusts you and feels supported in her devotion to Shar, she will be more likely to follow through with killing the Nightsong.

During the confrontation with the Nightsong, you will have dialogue options that influence Shadowheart's decision. To encourage her to kill the Nightsong, you should choose dialogue options that reinforce her faith in Shar and her commitment to her mission. For example, you might remind her of her duty to Shar or emphasize the importance of completing her task. If Shadowheart's approval of you is high and she feels confident in her devotion, she will proceed to kill the Nightsong.

Killing the Nightsong has several consequences. First, it solidifies Shadowheart's alignment with Shar, and she will gain new abilities and powers as a result. This can make her a more formidable companion in combat, as her Sharran abilities are enhanced. However, it also means that Shadowheart will remain deeply entrenched in Shar's influence, which may limit her personal growth and the potential for her to break free from her past. Additionally, killing the Nightsong affects the broader story, as the Nightsong is tied to other key characters and events in the game. This decision can alter the course of the narrative and impact your relationships with other companions and factions.

There are a few important tips and considerations to keep in mind when pursuing this path. First, make sure to build a strong relationship with Shadowheart by consistently making choices that align with her values and gaining her approval. This will make it easier to influence her decision when the time comes. Second, be prepared for the challenges of the Gauntlet of Shar, as it is a difficult dungeon that requires careful planning and strategy. Finally, consider the long-term consequences of your decision, as killing the Nightsong will have lasting effects on the story and your party dynamics.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting Shadowheart's approval or making choices that undermine her faith in Shar. If Shadowheart's approval is too low or if she begins to question her devotion, she may choose to spare the Nightsong instead. Additionally, failing to properly prepare for the Gauntlet of Shar can make the dungeon more difficult than necessary, so be sure to bring a well-balanced party and stock up on supplies before entering.

In terms of advanced techniques, you can optimize Shadowheart's build to make her more effective in combat after killing the Nightsong. For example, focusing on her Sharran abilities and enhancing her spellcasting can make her a powerful asset in battle. You can also explore synergies with other party members to maximize her effectiveness.

From a D&D rules perspective, Shadowheart's decision to kill the Nightsong reflects her alignment and her commitment to her deity. In D&D 5E, a character's alignment and devotion to a deity can influence their abilities and the narrative outcomes of their story. Shadowheart's choice to kill the Nightsong is a manifestation of her alignment with Shar and her willingness to embrace the darker aspects of her faith.

In summary, allowing Shadowheart to kill the Nightsong is a complex decision that requires careful consideration of her approval, your relationship with her, and the broader implications for the story. By supporting her devotion to Shar and guiding her through the Gauntlet of Shar, you can influence her to make this choice, but be prepared for the consequences that follow.