How do I trigger Astarion's romance scene in Baldur's Gate 3?

To trigger Astarion's romance scene in Baldur's Gate 3, you need to focus on building a strong relationship with him through dialogue choices, actions, and gaining his approval. Astarion is a complex character with a morally ambiguous personality, so winning his favor requires a mix of charm, wit, and sometimes ruthless decision-making. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

First, you need to recruit Astarion. He can be found early in the game near the Nautiloid crash site. After the initial cutscene, head west along the beach, and youÔÇÖll encounter him pretending to need help. Agree to assist him, and he will join your party. Once heÔÇÖs in your group, the real work of building a relationship begins.

AstarionÔÇÖs approval is influenced by your choices throughout the game. He tends to favor pragmatic, self-serving, and sometimes cruel decisions. For example, he approves when you prioritize survival over altruism, manipulate others for personal gain, or show a disdain for authority. On the other hand, he disapproves of overly heroic or selfless actions. Pay attention to his reactions during dialogue and quests, as these will give you clues about what he likes and dislikes.

One of the key moments to gain his approval is during the encounter with the Gur hunter in the swamp. When the hunter confronts Astarion about his past, siding with Astarion and defending him will significantly boost his approval. Similarly, during the goblin camp questline, choosing to side with the goblins or manipulate the situation to your advantage will earn his favor. Astarion also appreciates when you indulge in his darker tendencies, such as allowing him to feed on you during the night or encouraging his vampiric nature.

As you progress through the game, youÔÇÖll have opportunities to engage in personal conversations with Astarion at camp. These moments are crucial for deepening your relationship. Be sure to ask him about his past and show genuine interest in his story. Avoid being judgmental or overly moralistic in your responses. Instead, embrace his sarcastic and cynical outlook on life. This will help build trust and rapport.

Once youÔÇÖve gained enough approval, youÔÇÖll trigger a special scene with Astarion at camp. This typically happens after a major story event, such as defeating the goblin leaders or resolving a significant quest. During this scene, Astarion will open up to you about his past and his struggles as a vampire spawn. If youÔÇÖve made the right choices and gained his trust, he will express his feelings for you, leading to a romantic encounter.

ItÔÇÖs important to note that AstarionÔÇÖs romance is not just about approval points. You also need to make specific choices that align with his character. For example, during the scene where he tries to bite you at night, allowing him to do so and showing understanding rather than fear or anger will strengthen your bond. Similarly, supporting his desire for power and freedom, rather than trying to control or change him, will earn his respect and affection.

Common mistakes to avoid include being too altruistic or self-righteous in your decisions. Astarion is not a traditional hero, and he doesnÔÇÖt respond well to overly moralistic behavior. Additionally, avoid pushing him too hard about his vampirism or trying to force him to reveal his secrets before heÔÇÖs ready. Patience and subtlety are key when dealing with Astarion.

Advanced techniques for optimizing your relationship with Astarion include focusing on dialogue options that highlight your characterÔÇÖs intelligence, wit, and willingness to bend the rules. Astarion appreciates cleverness and a certain level of ruthlessness, so donÔÇÖt be afraid to make choices that prioritize your survival and success over othersÔÇÖ well-being. Additionally, taking him along on quests where you can exploit or manipulate others will further increase his approval.

In terms of D&D rules and mechanics, AstarionÔÇÖs approval system is based on the concept of alignment and character interaction. In D&D, alignment represents a characterÔÇÖs moral and ethical outlook, and AstarionÔÇÖs chaotic neutral alignment means he values personal freedom and self-interest over strict adherence to laws or morality. Understanding this can help you make choices that align with his worldview and earn his approval.

Specific examples of scenarios where you can gain AstarionÔÇÖs approval include the encounter with the tiefling siblings in the Druid Grove. If you choose to side with the tieflings and help them, Astarion will disapprove. However, if you manipulate the situation to your advantage or show indifference to their plight, he will approve. Another example is during the confrontation with Auntie Ethel in the swamp. If you choose to side with Ethel or manipulate her for personal gain, Astarion will approve.

In conclusion, triggering AstarionÔÇÖs romance scene in BaldurÔÇÖs Gate 3 requires a careful balance of gaining his approval through specific dialogue choices and actions, as well as understanding and embracing his complex personality. By focusing on pragmatic, self-serving decisions and showing genuine interest in his story, you can build a strong relationship with Astarion and unlock his romantic storyline.