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

Letting Astarion kill Cazador in Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant moment in his personal questline, and it has major implications for his character development and the story. To achieve this outcome, you need to navigate several key story beats, make specific choices, and prepare for a challenging fight. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of how to let Astarion kill Cazador, including mechanics, strategies, and considerations.

First, you need to recruit Astarion early in the game. He can be found near the Nautiloid crash site in Act 1. Once recruited, keep him in your party and build his approval by making choices that align with his personality, such as favoring cunning, deception, and self-interest. High approval is crucial for unlocking his personal questline and ensuring he trusts you enough to follow your lead during critical moments.

AstarionÔÇÖs personal quest, "The Pale Elf," begins in Act 1 when he reveals his vampiric nature and his desire to find a way to walk in the sun. This quest progresses in Act 3 when you reach BaldurÔÇÖs Gate and learn about Cazador, AstarionÔÇÖs former master. Cazador is planning a ritual that involves sacrificing thousands of souls, including AstarionÔÇÖs, to ascend to a more powerful form of vampirism. To confront Cazador, you must locate his palace in the Lower City of BaldurÔÇÖs Gate.

Before entering CazadorÔÇÖs palace, ensure your party is well-prepared for a tough fight. Cazador is a powerful vampire lord surrounded by minions, and the battle takes place in a confined space with environmental hazards. Astarion should be equipped with gear that enhances his stealth, mobility, and damage output, as he will play a key role in the fight. Consider giving him items like the Gloves of Thievery or the Amulet of Greater Health to boost his survivability.

When you confront Cazador, youÔÇÖll have the option to let Astarion take the lead in the conversation. This is crucial for allowing him to kill Cazador. During the dialogue, choose options that support AstarionÔÇÖs desire for revenge and his rejection of CazadorÔÇÖs control. For example, when Cazador offers Astarion a chance to join the ritual, encourage Astarion to refuse and stand against him.

The fight itself is challenging, but there are strategies to make it easier. Focus on taking out CazadorÔÇÖs minions first to reduce the number of enemies attacking your party. Use area-of-effect spells like Fireball or Spirit Guardians to deal with groups of enemies efficiently. Keep Astarion mobile and use his Sneak Attack ability to deal heavy damage to Cazador. If Cazador begins the ritual, prioritize interrupting it by focusing your attacks on him.

Once Cazador is defeated, youÔÇÖll have the option to let Astarion kill him. This is a pivotal moment for AstarionÔÇÖs character arc. If you allow him to kill Cazador, he will gain a sense of closure and freedom from his past. However, this choice also has consequences. Astarion will reject the ritual and refuse to ascend, which means he will remain a vampire spawn but retain his humanity. This choice aligns with his desire to break free from CazadorÔÇÖs influence and forge his own path.

There are a few common mistakes to avoid during this quest. First, donÔÇÖt let Astarion die during the fight, as this will prevent him from killing Cazador. Second, avoid making choices that undermine AstarionÔÇÖs autonomy, such as forcing him to spare Cazador or take part in the ritual. These choices can lower his approval and lead to a less satisfying resolution for his character.

Advanced techniques include using crowd control spells like Hold Person or Hypnotic Pattern to immobilize CazadorÔÇÖs minions, giving your party more time to focus on Cazador. You can also use environmental features, such as pushing enemies off ledges or using explosive barrels, to gain an advantage in the fight.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, CazadorÔÇÖs abilities are based on the vampire stat block, with additional powers related to his ritual. AstarionÔÇÖs abilities as a rogue allow him to deal significant damage with Sneak Attack, especially if he has advantage on his attacks. Understanding these mechanics can help you optimize your strategy for the fight.

In summary, letting Astarion kill Cazador requires careful preparation, strategic combat, and supportive dialogue choices. By following these steps, you can help Astarion achieve his goal of revenge and freedom, leading to a satisfying conclusion for his character arc.