Can You Still Romance Astarion if You Don’t Sleep With Him at the Party?
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Yes, you absolutely can still romance Astarion if you don’t sleep with him at the tiefling party. While the party scene is often presented as a critical juncture for his romance, it’s not a make-or-break moment. Refusing his advances, especially with the right dialogue choices, can actually deepen the relationship and demonstrate respect for his boundaries, setting the stage for a more meaningful and fulfilling romance later in the game. The key lies in your subsequent interactions and approval-gaining actions.
Understanding Astarion’s Romance
Astarion, the charming but morally ambiguous high elf vampire spawn, is one of the most popular romance options in Baldur’s Gate 3. His romance is complex, intertwined with his backstory of abuse, trauma, and the desperate desire to be free from Cazador’s control. Approaching his romance requires a degree of sensitivity and understanding, as forcing yourself on him or treating him solely as a source of pleasure will likely backfire.
The Tiefling Party and Initial Interactions
The tiefling party at your camp is the first major opportunity to potentially initiate a romance with Astarion. He will approach your character with a proposition for a casual encounter. Accepting this offer leads to a physical intimacy scene, but rejecting it doesn’t automatically close the door to a romantic relationship.
Approval is Key
The most crucial factor in romancing Astarion is his approval rating of your character. This approval is influenced by your choices throughout the game, particularly:
- Helping those in need: While Astarion is often cynical, he subtly appreciates acts of kindness, especially when they don’t compromise your own survival.
- Humor and Wit: Astarion enjoys witty banter and dark humor. Making sarcastic or clever remarks can significantly increase his approval.
- Assertiveness: Astarion respects confidence and directness. Being decisive and taking charge can be attractive to him.
- Empowering Him: Supporting his decisions, especially those related to his freedom from Cazador, is vital.
- Defeating the Gur: Siding with him during this encounter boosts his approval considerably.
- Choosing dialogue options with him in your party: Talking to other characters with Astarion present and picking options he approves of will help build your bond.
Navigating the Party Rejection
If you choose to reject Astarion’s advances at the party, it’s important to do so in a way that doesn’t completely alienate him. Dialogue options that express understanding and respect for his perspective are crucial. You can say you’re not interested in a casual encounter, but you value his companionship, or that you need more time to get to know him. This shows him that you’re not judging him for his desires, but simply seeking something more meaningful.
Subsequent Romance Scenes and Progression
Even if you reject him at the party, you will still have opportunities to trigger further romance scenes and dialogue options with Astarion as you progress through the game. Keep his approval high, and eventually, you will be able to solidify a romantic relationship with him. These scenes often involve delving deeper into his past, discussing his vulnerabilities, and offering him support in his quest for freedom.
Act 2 & Cazador
Act 2 continues to offer chances to deepen your bond with Astarion. Your support of him during this act, specifically around discovering more about Cazador’s plans, is paramount. Helping him decipher the markings and understanding his motivations are key.
The Choice in Act 3
Act 3 brings the ultimate test of your relationship with Astarion when you confront Cazador. Supporting Astarion in making the “Ascension” or “Denying Ascension” decision is the deciding factor. This choice drastically alters his character arc and the nature of your romance. Regardless of your preference, supporting Astarion during this pivotal moment is crucial for maintaining the relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Astarion get upset if I reject him at the party?
He might express mild disappointment, but it won’t ruin your chances with him if you phrase your rejection respectfully and continue to build approval afterward. Watch his approval rating and try to regain any approval lost immediately.
2. What dialogue options should I choose when rejecting him at the party?
Focus on options that emphasize wanting to get to know him better or express discomfort with casual encounters. Avoid being dismissive or judgmental. An option like “I value our friendship and want to get to know you better first,” is good.
3. Can I still have a long-term romance with him if I reject him at the party?
Yes, absolutely! Rejection doesn’t close the door to a deeper, more meaningful romance later on. Many players prefer this route.
4. How important is Astarion’s approval rating for romancing him?
It’s extremely important. High approval unlocks more dialogue options, cutscenes, and ultimately, the opportunity to solidify the romance. Check it often and adjust your gameplay accordingly.
5. What actions raise Astarion’s approval?
Helping those in need (subtly), making witty or sarcastic remarks, being assertive, empowering him, siding with him during the Gur encounter, and supporting his decisions regarding Cazador all raise his approval.
6. What actions lower Astarion’s approval?
Being overly altruistic and naive, siding with enemies, supporting his master Cazador, and forcing unwanted physical contact will lower his approval.
7. Is it possible to have a platonic relationship with Astarion?
Yes, it is possible to have a strong friendship with Astarion without romancing him. Choose dialogue options that prioritize companionship over romance.
8. What happens if Astarion’s approval is too low?
If his approval is too low, he might leave your party or become hostile towards your character, making it impossible to romance him. Keep a close eye on his rating.
9. Does romancing Astarion affect my relationship with other companions?
Potentially. Some companions might disapprove of Astarion’s actions or your relationship with him. It depends on their individual moral alignments.
10. Can I romance Astarion as any race or class?
Yes, Astarion is a pansexual character, and he is not limited by your character’s race or class. He is more concerned about your personality and choices.
11. Does Astarion’s romance path change based on whether he ascends or not?
Yes, drastically. Ascending makes him a powerful vampire ascendant, which has significant implications for your relationship. Denying him the ascension leads him down a different path, focusing on healing and self-acceptance.
12. Is there a “best” way to romance Astarion?
There is no single “best” way. It depends on your personal preferences and the type of relationship you want to have. Some players prefer a more compassionate approach, while others prefer a more pragmatic one.
13. Can I break up with Astarion during the game?
Yes, you can break up with Astarion, but be prepared for his reaction, which will vary depending on your previous relationship and his current approval.
14. Are there any consequences for romancing Astarion?
Depending on your choices, there may be consequences related to the storyline, particularly regarding Cazador and Astarion’s personal journey.
15. What if I accidentally said something that lowered Astarion’s approval?
Don’t panic! Focus on making choices he approves of in subsequent interactions. Gift him items he likes (jewelry, blood vials) and continue engaging in dialogue that aligns with his values. You can recover lost approval.
By understanding Astarion’s personality, prioritizing his approval, and making choices that align with your desired relationship, you can successfully romance him even if you decline his initial offer at the tiefling party. Remember that patience, understanding, and consistent positive interactions are key to unlocking a fulfilling and engaging romance with this complex and fascinating character.