Does Letting Astarion Ascend Break Oath?
Conclusion: Letting Astarion ascend will have a significant impact on the party and your relationship with them. It’s a momentous decision that cannot be taken lightly.
In Baldur’s Gate 3, one of the most significant choices you’ll face is deciding what happens to Astarion during the "The Pale Elf" questline. While it may seem trivial to some, it’s an important decision that has repercussions on your relationships and abilities. So, let’s dive into what happens if you let Astarion ascend.
What Happens if You Let Astarion Ascend
Firstly, if you decide to let Astarion ascend, you will inevitably break your oath. He will become much more arrogant and power-hungry, and your relationship will suffer. Additionally, many of your companions, particularly Shadowheart and Wyll, will lose respect for you as they feel you’ve failed your oath.
Moreover, during the conversation, you might notice that Astarion’s dialogue becomes darker, and his words more insidious. Gamers who have attempted it have reported that Astarion’s speech is reminiscent of a vampire, where you can sense his vampiric nature slowly consuming his will.
The Invertible Consequences of Allowing Astarion’s Ascension
Contrarily, if you interrupt or stop Astarion while he’s about to complete the ritual, his buff will turn into a penalty. This "un-ascension" will result in you or your companions experiencing significant reductions in attack and ability checks.
If your companions experience the ‘inverted’ ascension effects, you may consider creating a party buffer system for them, focusing on shielding and support, taking responsibility for mitigating those disadvantages.
Breaking or Redeeming the Oath – The Impact on Companionships
Let’s assess how this choice will further impact companionships within the party.
Gandrel will feel threatened by your failure, just as the rest of your companions. Giving direction will displease the members significantly, who believe commitment to their fellow group members is what upholds their relationships and reputation.
By doing this, you’ll remove Astarion from your party indefinitely, marking the beginning of the end for those who trust him deeply, like Shadowheart and Wyll, now doubting their friendships even more.
Ultimately, this decision forces an irreparable fracture, altering dynamic relationships, which directly contrasts with the trust once demonstrated.
In What Capacities Does the Right Hand of the Reformed Aristocracy Ascend
There are different ascents happening here, primarily concerned with the character, setting within the world. However, it seems clear:
- Astarion seeks to elevate his level/position.
- Vampire bite can result from drinking blood (explained more elsewhere).
It would suit Astarion perfectly with the Thief sub-class with ability to pick locks**, use bonus actions and pick options. It highlights one’s potential growth. But his actions here contradicting growth.
Reclaim and Redeem Oaths vs. Losing Loyalties Within the Party
Bleeding empathies with other parties become a key focus if their loyalty, unity become frayed.
You’re to consider Astarion’s character, a possible bloodline or legacy path while weighing options in various realms. Consider loyalty: the strength it shares on your team while seeking other options that provide protection rather than sacrifice to friends – your emotions drive the journey in each companion.
Remember there are many alternatives. To keep trust or sacrifice something. What we share? What’s truly true if you’re prepared with another option for him before then?
By stopping at other options for them then choose, or just after for a temporary. Temporary bond with this Astarion, to take you’re a riskier direction within the story.