How to ascend astarion

What is Astarion's Ascension in Baldur's Gate 3?

In the critically acclaimed RPG Baldur's Gate 3, Astarion is a complex companion whose personal journey is one of the most compelling storylines available. As a vampire spawn, he has long been under the control of his cruel master, Cazador Szar. The 'Ascension' refers to a pivotal moment where Astarion has the opportunity to break free from his servitude and achieve immense power, becoming a Vampire Ascendant. This isn't just a simple power-up; it's a profound narrative choice with significant consequences for Astarion's character arc and his relationships with other party members.

Understanding Astarion's Backstory and Motivation

Before delving into the mechanics of his ascension, it's crucial to understand Astarion's past. He was turned into a vampire spawn centuries ago and forced to serve Cazador. His existence has been one of constant torment, forced to feed on victims to sustain himself and Cazador, while living in fear of his master's wrath. This lifelong subjugation has left him with deep-seated trauma, a craving for control, and a cynical, self-serving demeanor. However, beneath the surface lies a desire for freedom and revenge.

Astarion's primary motivation throughout his personal quest is to find a way to break Cazador's control and, ideally, to exact vengeance. He sees the ritual of ascension as the ultimate means to achieve this, offering him the power to finally stand on equal footing, or even above, his former master. He believes that embracing this power is the only way to ensure his safety and to prevent anyone else from suffering the same fate he did.

Initiating Astarion's Personal Quest: 'The Power of Astarion'

Astarion's personal quest, 'The Power of Astarion', typically begins to unfold after the player reaches Act II and progresses through certain story beats, particularly those involving the Absolute and its influence. Players will notice Astarion becoming increasingly preoccupied with his past and his master. He will eventually confide in the player character about Cazador and his desire to confront him.

Key triggers for the quest include finding specific lore items related to Cazador, overhearing conversations, or Astarion directly initiating dialogue. As the player progresses through Act II and into Act III, the quest will naturally lead towards the Shadow-Cursed Lands and eventually to the city of Baldur's Gate itself, where Cazador resides. It is imperative to keep Astarion in the party and engage in conversations with him to ensure the quest progresses smoothly. Neglecting his personal story can lead to missed opportunities or even the quest failing.

The Confrontation with Cazador

The climax of Astarion's questline occurs in Act III, within the depths of Cazador's Palace. The player and Astarion will need to navigate this dangerous location, facing numerous powerful enemies, including Cazador's other spawn and guardians. The ultimate goal is to reach Cazador and interrupt his grand ritual.

This ritual is not merely about power; it's a dark ceremony where Cazador intends to ascend himself, becoming a True Vampire by sacrificing thousands of captured spawn. Astarion's quest is to stop this, but it also presents him with the ultimate choice: allow Cazador to complete the ritual and potentially claim his power, or stop him and take the ritual for himself.

The Choice: Ascend or Refuse?

During the final confrontation with Cazador, after he is defeated, Astarion will have a crucial decision to make. The player character will be presented with dialogue options that influence Astarion's choice. There are generally two main paths:

1. Ascend: If Astarion chooses to ascend, he will embrace the power offered by the ritual. This involves him completing the final steps, often with the player's encouragement. This path leads to him becoming a Vampire Ascendant, a being of immense power, but it comes at a significant moral cost. His appearance changes dramatically, and his personality can become even more ruthless and power-hungry. This choice often requires a certain level of approval from the player or specific dialogue choices made earlier in the quest.
2. Refuse: Alternatively, Astarion can refuse the power. This might be due to moral objections, a desire to forge his own path without relying on such dark magic, or the player's influence. Refusing the ascension means he remains a vampire spawn, but he is finally free from Cazador's direct control. This path often leads to a more 'redeemed' or at least less monstrous version of Astarion, though he still grapples with his vampiric nature.

Consequences of Ascension

Choosing for Astarion to ascend has far-reaching consequences:

• Power Boost: He gains formidable new abilities, including enhanced spellcasting, potent melee attacks, and a terrifying aura. His passive abilities are significantly improved, making him one of the most powerful damage dealers in the game.
• Appearance Change: His physical form transforms, often described as more monstrous or regal, with glowing eyes and a more imposing presence.
• Personality Shift: His personality can become colder, more arrogant, and more focused on dominance. He may become more detached from the party's moral compass.
• Companion Reactions: Other companions may react negatively to his ascension, particularly those with strong moral convictions like Karlach or Wyll. Some may express disgust or fear.
• Romance Impact: If romancing Astarion, his ascension can drastically alter the dynamic of the relationship. He might become possessive or see the player as a subordinate, depending on previous interactions.

Consequences of Refusal

If Astarion refuses to ascend:

• Freedom, Not Power: He achieves freedom from Cazador but does not gain the overwhelming power of the Ascendant. He remains a formidable combatant but not on the same tier of raw power.
• Moral Path: This path is often seen as the 'good' ending for Astarion, allowing him to confront his past without succumbing to ultimate darkness.
• Companion Reactions: Companions are generally more accepting of this choice, though some may still be wary of his vampiric nature.
• Romance Impact: The relationship can develop more healthily, focusing on trust and mutual respect rather than dominance.

How to Ensure Astarion Ascends (or Doesn't)

The player's influence is paramount in guiding Astarion's decision. Key factors include:

• Approval Rating: Astarion's approval of the player character plays a significant role. High approval, gained through supportive dialogue and actions that align with his desires (especially regarding freedom and power), makes him more likely to listen to the player.
• Dialogue Choices: Throughout his quest, especially during the confrontation with Cazador and the subsequent choice, specific dialogue options will steer him towards ascension or refusal. Encouraging him, validating his desire for power, and framing ascension as the ultimate act of defiance against his past will push him towards it. Conversely, expressing concern, emphasizing the moral implications, or highlighting the cost of such power will encourage him to refuse.
• Quest Progression: Ensuring you complete all necessary steps of his personal quest, including finding the necessary ritual components and confronting Cazador, is vital.

Ultimately, Astarion's ascension is a defining moment in Baldur's Gate 3, offering a glimpse into the corrupting nature of power and the struggle for freedom against overwhelming darkness. The player's choices directly shape his destiny, making it one of the game's most impactful character arcs.