What happens if I let Astarion refuse ascension in Baldur's Gate 3?
In Baldur's Gate 3, Astarion is a complex and morally ambiguous companion with a personal questline that revolves around his vampiric nature and his desire for power. One of the key moments in his story is the choice to ascend or refuse ascension during his personal quest, "The Pale Elf." This decision has significant consequences for Astarion's character, your relationship with him, and the overall story. Letting Astarion refuse ascension is a choice that aligns with his redemption arc and can lead to a more positive outcome for him, but it requires careful decision-making and understanding of the mechanics involved.
To let Astarion refuse ascension, you must first progress through his personal questline. This involves uncovering his past, dealing with his former master Cazador, and making choices that influence his desire for power. The pivotal moment occurs in Act 3 when you confront Cazador in his palace. During this confrontation, Astarion has the opportunity to complete a ritual that would grant him immense power by sacrificing thousands of souls, including his own. However, you can persuade him to refuse this path and instead choose a more humane route.
The mechanics of this choice are tied to dialogue options and your relationship with Astarion. Throughout the game, your interactions with him will influence his approval of you. If you consistently make choices that align with his values, such as supporting his autonomy and showing empathy for his struggles, his approval will increase. High approval is crucial for convincing him to refuse ascension, as it makes him more likely to listen to your advice. During the confrontation with Cazador, you will have the option to persuade Astarion to abandon the ritual. This requires a successful Persuasion check, which is easier to pass if your approval with him is high.
Step-by-step, here is how to achieve this outcome. First, ensure that you have built a strong relationship with Astarion by supporting him in his personal quests and making choices that he approves of. This includes allowing him to feed on you if you are comfortable with it, as this can boost his approval. When you reach Cazador's palace, engage in dialogue with Astarion and encourage him to think about the consequences of the ritual. Use dialogue options that emphasize the moral implications and the loss of his humanity. If your approval is high enough, you will have the option to persuade him to refuse ascension. Pass the Persuasion check, and he will abandon the ritual, choosing to spare the souls and reject the power.
Important tips and considerations include being mindful of your dialogue choices throughout the game. Astarion values freedom and autonomy, so choices that support these values will increase his approval. Additionally, consider your character's Charisma and Persuasion skills, as these will be crucial for passing the Persuasion check. If you are playing a character with low Charisma, you may want to use items or abilities that boost your Persuasion skill.
Common mistakes to avoid include making choices that alienate Astarion or failing to build a strong relationship with him. If his approval is too low, he may not listen to your advice and could choose to ascend regardless of your efforts. Additionally, avoid rushing through his personal questline without taking the time to understand his character and motivations.
Advanced techniques or optimizations involve using spells or abilities that enhance your Persuasion skill. For example, the Guidance spell can provide a bonus to ability checks, making it easier to pass the Persuasion check. Additionally, consider using inspiration points to reroll failed checks if necessary.
Related D&D rules and mechanics include the use of Persuasion checks, which are based on your Charisma modifier and any bonuses from skills or spells. The outcome of these checks can significantly impact the story and your relationships with companions.
Specific examples and scenarios include moments where Astarion's approval can be influenced, such as allowing him to feed on you or supporting his desire for revenge against Cazador. These choices will shape his character and make him more receptive to your advice during the confrontation.
In conclusion, letting Astarion refuse ascension in Baldur's Gate 3 requires careful decision-making, a strong relationship with him, and successful Persuasion checks. By understanding the mechanics involved and making choices that align with his values, you can guide him towards a more positive outcome and strengthen your bond with him.
To let Astarion refuse ascension, you must first progress through his personal questline. This involves uncovering his past, dealing with his former master Cazador, and making choices that influence his desire for power. The pivotal moment occurs in Act 3 when you confront Cazador in his palace. During this confrontation, Astarion has the opportunity to complete a ritual that would grant him immense power by sacrificing thousands of souls, including his own. However, you can persuade him to refuse this path and instead choose a more humane route.
The mechanics of this choice are tied to dialogue options and your relationship with Astarion. Throughout the game, your interactions with him will influence his approval of you. If you consistently make choices that align with his values, such as supporting his autonomy and showing empathy for his struggles, his approval will increase. High approval is crucial for convincing him to refuse ascension, as it makes him more likely to listen to your advice. During the confrontation with Cazador, you will have the option to persuade Astarion to abandon the ritual. This requires a successful Persuasion check, which is easier to pass if your approval with him is high.
Step-by-step, here is how to achieve this outcome. First, ensure that you have built a strong relationship with Astarion by supporting him in his personal quests and making choices that he approves of. This includes allowing him to feed on you if you are comfortable with it, as this can boost his approval. When you reach Cazador's palace, engage in dialogue with Astarion and encourage him to think about the consequences of the ritual. Use dialogue options that emphasize the moral implications and the loss of his humanity. If your approval is high enough, you will have the option to persuade him to refuse ascension. Pass the Persuasion check, and he will abandon the ritual, choosing to spare the souls and reject the power.
Important tips and considerations include being mindful of your dialogue choices throughout the game. Astarion values freedom and autonomy, so choices that support these values will increase his approval. Additionally, consider your character's Charisma and Persuasion skills, as these will be crucial for passing the Persuasion check. If you are playing a character with low Charisma, you may want to use items or abilities that boost your Persuasion skill.
Common mistakes to avoid include making choices that alienate Astarion or failing to build a strong relationship with him. If his approval is too low, he may not listen to your advice and could choose to ascend regardless of your efforts. Additionally, avoid rushing through his personal questline without taking the time to understand his character and motivations.
Advanced techniques or optimizations involve using spells or abilities that enhance your Persuasion skill. For example, the Guidance spell can provide a bonus to ability checks, making it easier to pass the Persuasion check. Additionally, consider using inspiration points to reroll failed checks if necessary.
Related D&D rules and mechanics include the use of Persuasion checks, which are based on your Charisma modifier and any bonuses from skills or spells. The outcome of these checks can significantly impact the story and your relationships with companions.
Specific examples and scenarios include moments where Astarion's approval can be influenced, such as allowing him to feed on you or supporting his desire for revenge against Cazador. These choices will shape his character and make him more receptive to your advice during the confrontation.
In conclusion, letting Astarion refuse ascension in Baldur's Gate 3 requires careful decision-making, a strong relationship with him, and successful Persuasion checks. By understanding the mechanics involved and making choices that align with his values, you can guide him towards a more positive outcome and strengthen your bond with him.