Astarion, one of the most intriguing characters in Baldur's Gate 3, has a complex past filled with trauma and manipulation. His journey through the game allows players to make pivotal decisions that greatly influence his character arc. Understanding these choices not only enhances gameplay but also adds depth to the narrative experience. As you navigate through Cazador’s Dungeon, you will encounter choices that can lead to vastly different outcomes for Astarion and your party. This guide will delve into the choices available to you, their consequences, and how they shape Astarion’s fate.
During your time with Astarion, you will face critical moments that test your moral compass and strategy. The decisions you make will have lasting repercussions, not only for Astarion but also for your entire party. By understanding the possible outcomes, you can navigate this complex web of choices more effectively. Let’s dive into the consequences of each decision you can make in Cazador’s Dungeon!
- What Happens if You Allow Astarion to Ascend
- What Happens if You Refuse to Help Astarion
- What Happens if You Persuade Astarion Into Not Ascending
- What Happens if You Release the Spawn
- What Happens if You Kill the Spawn
What Happens if You Allow Astarion to Ascend
Once you reach the ritual scene, Astarion is overwhelmed by his past traumas and the desire for power. If you allow him to ascend, it can lead to significant disapproval from your party members. Notably, even Lae’zel expresses her discontent with this choice. This path culminates in explosive consequences for Astarion’s “brothers and sisters,” Cazador, and the numerous spawn trapped within the dungeon.
Should you choose this route, Astarion gains immense power and a new ability called Vampire Ascendant. This ability grants him the capacity to take on Gaseous Form and enhances his unarmed attacks with Necrotic Damage. However, despite these enhancements, he does not receive any further stat boosts or passive abilities, which may leave players questioning the value of this choice.
What Happens if You Refuse to Help Astarion
In this scenario, Astarion’s plea for help transforms into a desperate situation. If you reject his initial request, he becomes increasingly distressed and eventually resorts to violence. This leads to a dark outcome where Astarion brutally attacks Cardoza, showcasing the depth of his anguish.
This choice results in Astarion leaving the spawn behind and permanently exiting your party. However, it does provide a silver lining when you meet Ulma at the dungeon's entrance. She appreciates that you left the spawn alive, giving her the option to decide their fate. This choice illustrates the complexity of Astarion’s character and the emotional weight of your decisions.
What Happens if You Persuade Astarion Into Not Ascending
Persuading Astarion against ascending is often deemed the “canonical” good ending. To achieve this, you can either warn him about the consequences of the ritual or use Insight to reveal his fears and lust for power. Successfully passing these checks opens up additional persuasion options, allowing you to guide Astarion toward a more ethical choice.
Despite saving him from a dark fate, Astarion still reacts violently by killing Cardoza. However, this decision allows for a more favorable outcome where you can choose to release or kill the spawn, directly impacting the storyline. Furthermore, Astarion expresses gratitude for your intervention, leading to increased affection points between you, enhancing your relationship.
What Happens if You Release the Spawn
If you decide to release the spawn, they will wander out of their cells, and Astarion’s siblings will take on the responsibility of caring for them in the Underdark. This decision leads to an encounter with Ulma, who is initially frustrated by your choice but withholds judgment until she sees how the spawn behave.
This option offers a chance for redemption, as the spawn are revealed to be children of the Gur Tribe. It reflects Astarion’s moral complexity and the possibility of healing through your choices. By allowing the spawn to live, you contribute to creating a better outcome for all involved, while also fostering Astarion’s growth.
What Happens if You Kill the Spawn
Choosing to kill the spawn results in a visceral reaction from Astarion’s siblings, who will explode in a gruesome display. This decision is met with widespread disdain from your party members, highlighting the moral implications of your actions. The only character who seems to support this choice is Ulma, until she realizes the spawn's identities.
Allowing Astarion to speak during this moment can alter the outcome, as it helps Ulma see the kindness in his actions. The choice to kill the spawn underscores the darker themes of the game, forcing players to grapple with the consequences of their actions and the impact on Astarion’s character development.
The choices you make regarding Astarion in Cazador's Dungeon significantly influence his arc and your party dynamics. Whether you choose to empower him, refuse him, or persuade him, each decision carries weight and leads to varied outcomes.
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