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

In Baldur's Gate 3, the decision to let Shadowheart kill Aylin, also known as Dame Aylin, is a pivotal moment in Shadowheart's personal questline and has significant consequences for both her character and the overall story. This choice occurs during Act 2, specifically in the Shadow-Cursed Lands, where you encounter Aylin imprisoned by the Nightsong. Shadowheart's connection to Shar, the goddess of darkness and loss, plays a central role in this decision, as her devotion to Shar is tested by the opportunity to kill Aylin, who is a key figure tied to Selune, Shar's eternal rival.

To reach this point, you must first progress through Shadowheart's personal quest, which involves uncovering her past and her connection to Shar. As you explore the Shadow-Cursed Lands, you will eventually come across the Gauntlet of Shar, a dungeon filled with trials and puzzles that test your party's abilities. Completing these trials is essential to advancing Shadowheart's quest and gaining access to the inner sanctum where Aylin is held captive. Once you reach the final chamber, you will confront Aylin, and Shadowheart will be faced with the choice to kill her or spare her life.

If you choose to let Shadowheart kill Aylin, several key events and consequences will unfold. First, Shadowheart will undergo a significant transformation, fully embracing her role as a Dark Justiciar of Shar. This decision solidifies her loyalty to Shar and grants her powerful new abilities, including access to unique spells and equipment that enhance her combat effectiveness. However, this choice also has lasting repercussions for the story and your relationships with other companions. Aylin's death removes a powerful ally from the game, as she is a formidable warrior and a source of divine power that could have aided you in later battles. Additionally, other companions, particularly those who value justice and morality, may disapprove of your decision, leading to strained relationships and potential conflicts within the party.

To successfully navigate this choice, it is important to consider the following strategies and tips. First, ensure that Shadowheart is well-equipped and prepared for the challenges of the Gauntlet of Shar. This includes having her learn and prepare spells that are effective against the various enemies and obstacles you will encounter. Spells like Spirit Guardians, Guiding Bolt, and Healing Word can be particularly useful in this dungeon. Additionally, make sure your party composition is balanced, with characters who can handle both combat and puzzle-solving. Having a mix of melee fighters, ranged attackers, and spellcasters will help you overcome the diverse challenges of the Gauntlet.

When you reach the final chamber and confront Aylin, pay close attention to the dialogue options presented. The game will give you the choice to either encourage Shadowheart to kill Aylin or persuade her to spare her life. If you want Shadowheart to kill Aylin, choose dialogue options that reinforce her devotion to Shar and her desire to become a Dark Justiciar. Be aware that this decision is irreversible, so make sure you are committed to this path before proceeding.

One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the difficulty of the Gauntlet of Shar. The trials and enemies within the dungeon can be challenging, especially if your party is not well-prepared. Make sure to rest and replenish your resources before entering the Gauntlet, and consider using consumables like potions and scrolls to give your party an edge in combat. Additionally, be mindful of the environmental hazards and traps that can quickly deplete your party's health and resources.

Advanced techniques for this scenario include optimizing Shadowheart's build to maximize her effectiveness as a Dark Justiciar. This can involve multiclassing her into a more combat-focused class like Paladin or Fighter to enhance her melee capabilities, or focusing on her Cleric abilities to make her a powerful spellcaster. Additionally, consider the long-term implications of your decision on the story and your relationships with other companions. While letting Shadowheart kill Aylin grants her powerful abilities, it may also limit your options in later acts of the game, particularly in terms of alliances and story outcomes.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, the mechanics of this choice are tied to the alignment and deity system. Shadowheart's decision to kill Aylin aligns her more closely with Shar's ethos of darkness and loss, which can affect her alignment and the types of spells and abilities she can access. This is reflected in the game through the changes to her character and the new abilities she gains as a Dark Justiciar.

In conclusion, letting Shadowheart kill Aylin in Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant choice that has far-reaching consequences for the story and your relationships with other characters. By carefully preparing your party, making strategic decisions, and considering the long-term implications of your actions, you can navigate this pivotal moment and shape the outcome of Shadowheart's personal quest. Whether you choose to embrace the darkness or seek a different path, the choice is yours to make, and it will have a lasting impact on your journey through the game.