Should I Kill the Nightsong or Not? A Baldur’s Gate 3 Dilemma
The question of whether to kill the Nightsong in Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3) is one of the most pivotal choices you’ll face. The short answer is: it depends on your desired playthrough experience. An evil run or a desire to see Shadowheart embrace her Dark Justiciar path are the primary reasons to kill her. However, saving the Nightsong offers substantial benefits and aligns with a more heroic narrative. Let’s delve into the factors influencing this critical decision.
The Nightsong’s Fate: A Crucial Crossroads
The Nightsong, an immortal being tied to the deity Selûne, holds immense power and influence over the events of Act Two and beyond. Your decision regarding her fate will ripple through the rest of the game, impacting character relationships, quest outcomes, and the overall narrative.
Killing the Nightsong: Embrace the Darkness
- Shadowheart’s Transformation: The most immediate consequence of killing the Nightsong is Shadowheart’s complete transformation into a Dark Justiciar. She fully embraces Shar, gaining powerful armor and a weapon, and her storyline takes a distinctly evil turn. This path provides access to unique dialogue options and interactions reflecting her newfound devotion to darkness.
- Alignment with the Absolute: Siding with the Absolute becomes easier. While not essential, killing the Nightsong aligns you with the forces seeking to dominate Faerûn.
- Strategic Advantages (Potentially): While the long-term consequences are dire, some players find short-term advantages in a more ruthless approach, such as easier passage through certain challenges.
Saving the Nightsong: A Path to Light
- Shadowheart’s Redemption: The primary reason to spare the Nightsong is to allow Shadowheart to reject Shar and embrace a path of redemption. This leads to a profoundly moving storyline and allows for a much more positive romance arc with her.
- A Powerful Ally: The Nightsong herself becomes an ally, aiding you in the final battle against Ketheric Thorm and contributing significantly to your fight against the Absolute.
- Moral Alignment: Saving the Nightsong aligns with a good or neutral playthrough, reinforcing themes of hope and resistance against overwhelming darkness.
- The Spear of Night: Shadowheart receives Selûne’s Spear of Evening, a powerful weapon, if she spares the Nightsong and converts to worshipping Selûne.
Making the Choice: Considerations
Before deciding, consider these points:
- Roleplaying Intentions: How do you envision your character? A heroic champion, a morally ambiguous survivor, or a villainous conqueror? The Nightsong’s fate should reflect that.
- Companions’ Reactions: Your companions will react strongly to your choice. Consider how it will affect your relationships with them, particularly Shadowheart.
- Long-Term Consequences: The impact of this decision stretches far beyond Act Two. Be prepared for significant changes to the story and gameplay.
- Resource Availability: Some players prefer to avoid the very difficult encounter with Lorroakan and his myrmidons by giving him Nightsong, because this may be a difficult challenge to overcome.
Remember that the world is so much richer with the help of the Nightsong so you’ll be missing out on a great potential story-line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I save Shadowheart and still kill the Nightsong?
No, you cannot. Killing the Nightsong is a point of no return for Shadowheart’s storyline, solidifying her allegiance to Shar and preventing her redemption.
2. What are the benefits of having Shadowheart as a Dark Justiciar?
Shadowheart gains powerful Shar-themed armor, a weapon, and unique dialogue options. This path is most rewarding for players pursuing an evil playthrough and want to see the extreme lengths of devotion to Shar.
3. What happens if I tell Lorroakan about the Nightsong?
Telling Lorroakan about the Nightsong leads him to attempt to capture her, and you will likely face a difficult boss battle against him and his elemental myrmidons. You must defeat him to save the Nightsong.
4. Should I let Balthazar take the Nightsong?
Allowing Balthazar to take the Nightsong essentially leads to her death, with the same consequences as if you killed her yourself. This supports the Absolute’s plans and moves Shadowheart toward the Dark Justiciar path.
5. How do I convince Shadowheart not to kill the Nightsong?
During the pivotal scene, choose the “[Persuasion] Don’t do it, Shadowheart. Don’t kill her – you’ll regret it” dialogue option. A successful persuasion check will lead her to question her faith and spare the Nightsong.
6. Can I romance Shadowheart if she becomes a Dark Justiciar?
Yes, you can still romance Shadowheart as a Dark Justiciar, but the romance will be darker and more twisted, reflecting her devotion to Shar.
7. What are the consequences of saving the Nightsong?
There are primarily positive consequences: Shadowheart can be redeemed, you gain a powerful ally, and your overall alignment leans towards good. Be prepared for a challenging encounter with Lorroakan, who seeks to exploit her power.
8. Does Aradin kidnap the Nightsong?
Aradin will try to take the Nightsong by force if he believes the party has her, appearing at your camp with mercenaries.
9. What silences the Nightsong?
There is no way to “silence” the Nightsong as an option. She must be alive.
10. Can you save Shadowheart’s parents?
Yes, you can save Shadowheart’s parents, regardless of whether she follows the path of Shar or Selûne. This decision will lead to them joining your camp.
11. Should I let Shadowheart pray to the statue of Shar?
It’s best not to let Shadowheart pray to the statue of Shar early in the game, as it can strengthen her devotion to the Dark Lady and potentially damage your relationship with her.
12. How do I turn Shadowheart into a worshiper of Selûne?
Save the Nightsong and encourage Shadowheart to reject Shar during the confrontation. She will then convert to worshipping Selûne.
13. What is the connection between Lyrthindor and the Nightsong?
Lyrthindor is a secret Dark Justiciar who has hidden himself as rats around the Gauntlet of Shar. He must be defeated in order to sever the contact Yurgir made, so he could finally return to the hells.
14. What happens if I give the hag my eye?
Giving the hag your eye in an earlier quest line provides a permanent debuff and does not remove your tadpole. It’s generally not recommended.
15. When should I do the Nightsong quest?
You can begin the Nightsong quest in Act One, but it must be completed in Act Two. Be aware of the far-reaching consequences your decision will have on the rest of your playthrough.
Beyond the Choices
Ultimately, the decision to kill or save the Nightsong is deeply personal, reflecting your individual playstyle and desired narrative outcome. There is no right or wrong answer, only consequences that shape your Baldur’s Gate 3 experience. Embrace the complexities of this choice, and allow it to guide your path through the world.
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