Should You Let Astarion Become a Vampire Ascendant in Baldur’s Gate 3? A Comprehensive Guide
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Ultimately, the decision of whether to allow Astarion to become a Vampire Ascendant in Baldur’s Gate 3 rests on your personal moral compass and desired gameplay experience. While ascendance grants Astarion immense power, it comes at the steep cost of 7,000 lives and transforms him into a significantly more evil character.
This article will give you the knowledge to make that decision and allow you to delve deeper into the complexities of the Ascended Astarion storyline, weighing the pros, cons, and ethical considerations of this pivotal choice, as well as some related questions you may find helpful.
Understanding the Stakes: Ascendance vs. Spawn
The Path of Ascendance
Granting Astarion his wish and allowing him to complete the ritual involves a Faustian bargain. You will be allowing Astarion to become a Vampire Ascendant. The most immediate downside is the brutal sacrifice of thousands of innocent souls, a moral burden your character will have to bear. However, doing so grants Astarion unprecedented power, making him a formidable ally in combat.
Remaining a Spawn: The Alternative
The alternative path is to prevent the ritual, keeping Astarion as a Vampire Spawn. While this saves lives and potentially leads to a “good” ending, it also carries its own weight. Astarion remains vulnerable to the sun and somewhat dependent on your party. While many view this as the morally superior choice, some argue that forcing Astarion to remain a spawn strips him of his agency, essentially replacing Cazador as his oppressor.
Weighing the Moral Cost
There’s no easy answer, and the “correct” choice is subjective. If you prioritize minimizing suffering and fostering redemption, preventing the ascension is likely the better path. However, if you value power and are willing to compromise your morals, allowing Astarion to ascend is a viable, albeit ethically questionable, option.
The Impact on Astarion’s Character Arc
Ascended Astarion: Power Corrupts
As the text states, becoming a Vampire Ascendant can have a corrupting influence on Astarion. He may become more demanding, manipulative, and lose sight of the relationships he has forged. He will be evil. This is the character outcome of having a Vampire Ascendant. He views you as a possession and intends on manipulating you by ruining your love.
Spawn Astarion: Hope for Redemption
Preventing the ascension opens the door for Astarion’s personal growth. Free from Cazador’s control and the allure of ultimate power, he can grapple with his past trauma, develop genuine connections, and potentially seek a cure for his vampirism.
The Romance Factor: Ascended or Spawn?
Ascended Astarion: A Troubled Relationship
Romancing Ascended Astarion is a complex undertaking. His increased power and darker nature can strain the relationship, potentially leading to manipulation, possessiveness, and ultimately, a less fulfilling romantic experience.
Spawn Astarion: A Path to Healing
Romancing Spawn Astarion offers a more rewarding experience. As he confronts his inner demons and embraces vulnerability, the relationship can become a source of healing and growth for both characters.
Gameplay Considerations
Power vs. Morality
The choice between ascendance and remaining a spawn significantly impacts Astarion’s combat abilities. Ascended Astarion is a powerhouse, capable of decimating enemies. Spawn Astarion, while still a valuable party member, lacks the raw power of his ascended counterpart.
Party Dynamics
Your decision also affects the overall dynamics of your party. Ascended Astarion’s ruthlessness and ambition might clash with more morally aligned characters, creating tension and conflict within the group.
Making the Right Choice for You
Consider Your Playstyle
Are you playing a hero seeking to do good? Or are you embracing a more pragmatic, morally ambiguous approach? Your playstyle should inform your decision regarding Astarion’s ascension.
Reflect on Your Values
Ultimately, the choice is personal. Reflect on your own values and determine which outcome aligns best with your moral compass.
Embrace the Consequences
Regardless of your decision, be prepared to face the consequences. Both paths have significant ramifications, shaping Astarion’s future and impacting the overall narrative of Baldur’s Gate 3.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if I let Astarion turn me into a vampire?
While your custom character cannot fully become a vampire, allowing Astarion to drink your blood grants him the Vampire Bite ability and a +1 bonus to all his checks (the Happy buff), making him a more potent party member.
2. What are the different endings for Astarion?
There are two main endings: Astarion becoming the Vampire Ascendant or remaining a Vampire Spawn. Each ending has variations based on specific dialogue choices and actions taken throughout the game.
3. Can Astarion be “cured” of his vampirism?
As of the game’s current state, there is no definitive cure for Astarion’s vampirism. However, the ending where he remains a Vampire Spawn hints at the possibility of finding a cure in future content.
4. Is it harder to romance Ascended Astarion?
Yes, romancing Ascended Astarion can be more challenging due to his increased power and darker nature, which can lead to a more manipulative and less fulfilling relationship.
5. What are some ways to increase Astarion’s approval?
Supporting his desires, aligning yourself with “evil” creatures, being ruthless to “weak” people, demonstrating power, appreciating fine arts, and letting him bite you are all effective ways to increase Astarion’s approval.
6. What happens if I refuse to let Astarion drink my blood?
You can refuse, and Astarion will find an alternative source. However, denying him this may negatively impact your relationship and prevent him from gaining the Vampire Bite ability.
7. Can I still romance Astarion if I stop him from ascending?
Yes, preventing the ascension does not preclude you from romancing Astarion. In fact, it may lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful relationship as he confronts his trauma and embraces vulnerability.
8. How do I stop Astarion from doing the ritual?
Talk to the spawn in the cages before entering the main hall. After defeating Cazador, convince Astarion that the ritual will either kill all the spawn or consume him, leading to his corruption.
9. What are the benefits of letting Astarion ascend?
Ascended Astarion gains immense power, becoming a formidable asset in combat. He also becomes immune to sunlight.
10. Can Astarion be good?
The most “good-aligned” outcome for Astarion involves preventing the ascension, saving the spawn, and helping him confront his past. This path allows him to develop genuine connections and potentially seek a cure for his vampirism.
11. Is Ascended Astarion evil?
Yes, Ascended Astarion leans toward evil. He is power-hungry and willing to sacrifice others to maintain his newfound abilities. He also sees Tav as a possession.
12. Can I have a happy ending with Astarion?
A happy ending with Astarion is more likely if you prevent the ascension and support him in overcoming his trauma. This path allows for a more genuine and fulfilling romantic relationship.
13. Will Astarion leave my party if I stop him from ascending?
If you approach the situation with empathy and understanding, Astarion is unlikely to leave your party. Expressing concern for his well-being and the potential consequences of the ritual can help him see reason.
14. Does Astarion’s ascension affect other companions?
Yes, it can impact party dynamics. Other companions with strong moral compasses may disapprove of Astarion’s actions, leading to tension and potential conflict.
15. How does Astarion’s story relate to learning?
Exploring Astarion’s story and making decisions about his fate is an exercise in moral reasoning, empathy, and understanding complex narratives. It highlights how games can foster critical thinking and ethical decision-making. For more on how games can support positive learning, please visit Games Learning Society or GamesLearningSociety.org at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Conclusion
The decision to let Astarion ascend is a complex one with far-reaching consequences. Carefully consider the moral implications, the impact on Astarion’s character arc, and your own playstyle before making your choice.