What are the best dialogue choices to increase Astarion's approval in Baldur's Gate 3?
To increase Astarion's approval in Baldur's Gate 3, you need to understand his personality and preferences. Astarion is a high elf vampire spawn with a sharp wit, a penchant for mischief, and a morally ambiguous outlook. He tends to favor choices that are self-serving, chaotic, or outright cruel, often aligning with a more evil or neutral playstyle. However, he also appreciates cleverness, independence, and a sense of humor. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to gain his approval, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of approval. Approval is a hidden numerical value that tracks how much a companion likes or dislikes your actions and dialogue choices. Each companion has their own approval rating, which can range from very low to very high. AstarionÔÇÖs approval is influenced by your decisions in dialogue, combat, and exploration. High approval can unlock unique dialogue, personal quests, and even romance options, while low approval may lead to conflict or the companion leaving your party.
To increase AstarionÔÇÖs approval, focus on making choices that align with his personality. He enjoys when you act selfishly, embrace chaos, or show a lack of concern for others. For example, in the early game, when you encounter the dying mind flayer on the nautiloid ship, choosing to ignore it or mock its suffering will earn AstarionÔÇÖs approval. Similarly, when you meet the tieflings who have captured LaeÔÇÖzel, siding with LaeÔÇÖzel and threatening the tieflings will please Astarion. He also approves of sarcastic or witty remarks, so choosing dialogue options that reflect a sharp tongue can help.
Another key strategy is to support AstarionÔÇÖs personal goals and desires. As a vampire spawn, he is constantly seeking power and freedom. When he reveals his true nature to you, choosing to support his need for blood or allowing him to feed on enemies will increase his approval. Additionally, during his personal questline, making choices that help him gain more power or independence will further boost his approval. For instance, when you encounter the Gur hunter who is searching for Astarion, siding with Astarion and helping him deal with the hunter will earn his favor.
Combat situations also provide opportunities to gain AstarionÔÇÖs approval. He appreciates when you use underhanded tactics or show a lack of mercy. For example, using stealth to ambush enemies or finishing off weakened foes without hesitation will please him. Additionally, allowing Astarion to take the lead in combat or giving him opportunities to shine, such as letting him deal the final blow to a powerful enemy, can increase his approval.
There are some common mistakes to avoid when trying to gain AstarionÔÇÖs approval. One mistake is being too altruistic or selfless. Astarion dislikes when you prioritize others over yourself or make choices that are overly noble. For example, helping the tieflings in the Druid Grove or showing excessive kindness to NPCs will lower his approval. Another mistake is being too rigid or lawful in your decisions. Astarion prefers flexibility and chaos, so choosing lawful or orderly options will not sit well with him.
Advanced techniques for optimizing AstarionÔÇÖs approval include leveraging his personal questline and making strategic dialogue choices. During his quest, you can make decisions that align with his desire for power and freedom, such as encouraging him to embrace his vampiric nature or helping him confront his past. Additionally, paying attention to his reactions during dialogue can help you gauge which choices he prefers. If he reacts positively, youÔÇÖre on the right track. If he seems indifferent or disapproves, adjust your approach.
In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, AstarionÔÇÖs approval system is based on his alignment and personality traits. In D&D 5E, alignment represents a characterÔÇÖs moral and ethical outlook, and AstarionÔÇÖs chaotic neutral alignment means he values personal freedom and self-interest over strict morality. Understanding this can help you make choices that align with his worldview. Additionally, his background as a vampire spawn influences his preferences, as he seeks to break free from his masterÔÇÖs control and gain power.
Specific examples of scenarios where you can gain AstarionÔÇÖs approval include the encounter with the goblins in the Blighted Village. If you choose to deceive the goblins or manipulate them into fighting each other, Astarion will approve. Similarly, when dealing with the hag in the swamp, choosing to side with the hag or make a deal with her will please Astarion. Another example is the interaction with the Zhentarim in the Goblin Camp. If you choose to betray the Zhentarim or manipulate them for your own gain, Astarion will appreciate your cunning.
In conclusion, increasing AstarionÔÇÖs approval requires a focus on self-interest, chaos, and cleverness. By making choices that align with his personality and supporting his personal goals, you can build a strong relationship with him. Avoid overly altruistic or lawful decisions, and pay attention to his reactions to guide your choices. With the right approach, you can unlock unique dialogue, personal quests, and even romance options with Astarion.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of approval. Approval is a hidden numerical value that tracks how much a companion likes or dislikes your actions and dialogue choices. Each companion has their own approval rating, which can range from very low to very high. AstarionÔÇÖs approval is influenced by your decisions in dialogue, combat, and exploration. High approval can unlock unique dialogue, personal quests, and even romance options, while low approval may lead to conflict or the companion leaving your party.
To increase AstarionÔÇÖs approval, focus on making choices that align with his personality. He enjoys when you act selfishly, embrace chaos, or show a lack of concern for others. For example, in the early game, when you encounter the dying mind flayer on the nautiloid ship, choosing to ignore it or mock its suffering will earn AstarionÔÇÖs approval. Similarly, when you meet the tieflings who have captured LaeÔÇÖzel, siding with LaeÔÇÖzel and threatening the tieflings will please Astarion. He also approves of sarcastic or witty remarks, so choosing dialogue options that reflect a sharp tongue can help.
Another key strategy is to support AstarionÔÇÖs personal goals and desires. As a vampire spawn, he is constantly seeking power and freedom. When he reveals his true nature to you, choosing to support his need for blood or allowing him to feed on enemies will increase his approval. Additionally, during his personal questline, making choices that help him gain more power or independence will further boost his approval. For instance, when you encounter the Gur hunter who is searching for Astarion, siding with Astarion and helping him deal with the hunter will earn his favor.
Combat situations also provide opportunities to gain AstarionÔÇÖs approval. He appreciates when you use underhanded tactics or show a lack of mercy. For example, using stealth to ambush enemies or finishing off weakened foes without hesitation will please him. Additionally, allowing Astarion to take the lead in combat or giving him opportunities to shine, such as letting him deal the final blow to a powerful enemy, can increase his approval.
There are some common mistakes to avoid when trying to gain AstarionÔÇÖs approval. One mistake is being too altruistic or selfless. Astarion dislikes when you prioritize others over yourself or make choices that are overly noble. For example, helping the tieflings in the Druid Grove or showing excessive kindness to NPCs will lower his approval. Another mistake is being too rigid or lawful in your decisions. Astarion prefers flexibility and chaos, so choosing lawful or orderly options will not sit well with him.
Advanced techniques for optimizing AstarionÔÇÖs approval include leveraging his personal questline and making strategic dialogue choices. During his quest, you can make decisions that align with his desire for power and freedom, such as encouraging him to embrace his vampiric nature or helping him confront his past. Additionally, paying attention to his reactions during dialogue can help you gauge which choices he prefers. If he reacts positively, youÔÇÖre on the right track. If he seems indifferent or disapproves, adjust your approach.
In terms of related D&D rules and mechanics, AstarionÔÇÖs approval system is based on his alignment and personality traits. In D&D 5E, alignment represents a characterÔÇÖs moral and ethical outlook, and AstarionÔÇÖs chaotic neutral alignment means he values personal freedom and self-interest over strict morality. Understanding this can help you make choices that align with his worldview. Additionally, his background as a vampire spawn influences his preferences, as he seeks to break free from his masterÔÇÖs control and gain power.
Specific examples of scenarios where you can gain AstarionÔÇÖs approval include the encounter with the goblins in the Blighted Village. If you choose to deceive the goblins or manipulate them into fighting each other, Astarion will approve. Similarly, when dealing with the hag in the swamp, choosing to side with the hag or make a deal with her will please Astarion. Another example is the interaction with the Zhentarim in the Goblin Camp. If you choose to betray the Zhentarim or manipulate them for your own gain, Astarion will appreciate your cunning.
In conclusion, increasing AstarionÔÇÖs approval requires a focus on self-interest, chaos, and cleverness. By making choices that align with his personality and supporting his personal goals, you can build a strong relationship with him. Avoid overly altruistic or lawful decisions, and pay attention to his reactions to guide your choices. With the right approach, you can unlock unique dialogue, personal quests, and even romance options with Astarion.