Astarion's Dilemma: To Bite or Not to Bite in Baldur's Gate 3

In the vast world of Baldur's Gate 3, party dynamics can be just as crucial as combat strategies. Astarion, the charming elven vampire, finds himself in a peculiar predicament when a drow potion maker named Araj'Oblodra asks him to bite her. The catch? Astarion is not exactly thrilled about the prospect of sipping on Araj's blood, which he finds unappealing. So, should you convince him to put aside his taste buds and go ahead with the bite?

The Importance of Astarion in Your Party

Astarion is a vital member of your party, especially if you're not playing a Rogue. His exceptional skills in finding traps and picking locks make him a valuable asset in navigating the game's obstacles. To keep him on your side, consider letting him drink your blood – a gesture that comes with a temporary debuff.

The Request: Araj'Oblodra's Dream Come True

During Act II, you'll encounter Araj'Oblodra in the Moonrise Tower. She's been dreaming of being bitten by a vampire spawn, and she's willing to offer you a powerful potion in exchange. However, Astarion is not exactly eager to oblige, given his aversion to Araj's blood. If he does go through with it, he'll immediately throw up – not exactly a pleasant sight.

Pros and Cons of Letting Astarion Bite Araj

Here are the benefits and drawbacks of letting Astarion bite Araj'Oblodra:

• Pros:
  • You'll receive the Potion of Everlasting Vigour, which grants a permanent +2 to Strength to anyone who drinks it.
  • This potion is equivalent to receiving a free Feat, making it an incredible reward.
  • The bonus to carrying capacity is extremely helpful, even if your character doesn't use Strength as a main stat.
• Cons:
  • Astarion will disapprove of your decision, potentially straining your relationship.
  • There's no way to avoid upsetting Astarion if you want the reward.

Should You Let Astarion Bite Araj?

If you're not romantically involved with Astarion and are willing to risk damaging your relationship with him, convincing him to bite Araj'Oblodra might be worth the reward. However, if you value your relationship with Astarion, it's best to turn Araj down.

Preserving Your Relationship with Astarion

If you do decide to let Astarion bite Araj, you can try to preserve your relationship by approaching him after a long rest and discussing the situation. If handled properly, there's a chance to continue romancing Astarion or save the relationship. A successful preservation is indicated by the conversation ending in a hug.

Declining Araj'Oblodra's Request

If you prioritize your relationship with Astarion, declining Araj'Oblodra's request might be the better option. This will increase your approval rating with Astarion, and he'll defend you against Araj during your next encounter.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. Will you prioritize the reward or Astarion's approval?