Who is Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3? Our comprehensive guide on this handsome High Elf with a rather crimson past will ensure he pulls his weight on your BG3 adventure. As a Rogue, Astarion has plenty of options for sneaking around the battlefield, sneak-striking bandits and spiders with daggers, shortswords, bows, and even magic if you so choose.
Be sure to check out our Baldur’s Gate 3 review for our thoughts about all playable Baldur’s Gate 3 classes. Having a comprehensive knowledge of all the BG3 companions will make sure Baldur’s Gate 3’s deep, strategic D&D combat doesn’t run away from you like a cowardly goblin. Of them, though, no doubt you’ve heard most about the gorgeous and emotionally deep vampire, so here’s what you need to know about getting Astarion to join your party.
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How to recruit Astarion
After the prologue (the Escape the Nautiloid quest), you’ll find yourself on Ravaged Beach. To the west, Astarion will call for aid. When you approach, he will try to slit your throat. Before he can do so, however, the mind flayer’s worm will connect the two of you. He’ll quickly apologize and join your small party.
Astarion attributes, starting equipment, and skills
With these well-balanced stats and high dexterity, Astarion truly excels as a stealthy Rogue.
Here are Astarion’s stats:
- Strength: 8
- Dexterity: 17
- Constitution: 14
- Intelligence: 13
- Wisdom: 13
- Charisma: 10
Here is Astarion’s starting equipment:
- Shortbow
- Dagger
- Padded Armor
- Leather Boots
He also comes primed with a variety of skills that benefit his class.
Here are Astarion’s skills:
- Acrobatics
- Deception
- History
- Perception
- Persuasion
- Sleight of Hand
- Stealth
With his high dexterity, Astarion will be able to make great use of his stealth skill for your party, as well as acrobatics and sleight of hand. However, deception and persuasion are based on his mediocre charisma stat; it might be wise to rely on someone else in your party for these skills.
Astarion companion quest
Astarion’s companion quest – The Pale Elf – will automatically trigger when he joins your party. For the most part, this quest will progress when resting at a campsite or naturally through traveling together. Be warned; spoilers are ahead.
During this quest, you will learn that Astarion is a vampire fleeing from a vampire lord named Cazador Szarr after he tries to take a bite out of you during an evening respite. Eventually, a monster hunter named Gandrel will come for Astarion in the Sunlit Wetlands. This confrontation has several outcomes, including Astarion’s demise.
To progress his quest, you must kill the monster hunter, which Astarion believes was sent by his Cazador. This will conclude the Chapter One questline when he reveals to you that Cazador carved poetry onto his back written in the Infernal language and that he might not be able to refuse orders from Cazador should they meet again.
Astarion approval guide
Equal parts flirty and sarcastic, the best way to gain Astarion’s approval is to support him when he is revealed to the party as a vampire, allowing him to drink your blood and the blood of your slain enemies. Yes, really. He isn’t particularly keen on helping others, but unlike other party members, doing so won’t always result in disapproval – if you make sure to ask for compensation before coming to the rescue, that is.
Major points of disapproval come from helping fellow party member Wyll with the refugees in Druid Grove or expressing interest in removing the Tadpole from within your head at any cost.
How Astarion gains inspiration
Inspiration points can be gained by both your character and your companions based on your background. These points can then be used to reroll ability checks during key moments.
Astarion has the Noble background, which means actions that pertain to a life of luxury will net your party an inspiration point. This includes hoarding over 2,000 gold, hiring ogres as bodyguards, and acquiring a rare Soul Coin. In short, keep in mind that this roguish vampire is a bit hedonistic and would prefer someone else do the work for him to keep valuable inspiration points on hand.
How to romance Astarion
If you want to strike up a BG3 romance with this equally sly and handsome vampire man, you must have a high enough approval rating with him.
Navigate the following dialogue sequence without contradicting Astarion’s little rant about the celebration – multiple choices lead to vampire lovemaking, including possible proficiency checks. You can even make him say please and call you a cheeky little pup. Afterward, when you approach your bedroll, you’ll have the option to select to whom you wish to share a bed.
Astarion will come striding out of the moonlight – shirtless, of course. Agree to have a night with him to commence the romance.
With these tips in mind for Astarion, you’ll have an easier time getting through Baldur’s Gate 3’s lengthy first act. If you’re keen on using Astarion as your Rogue and want to look at a different class or two for your character, be sure to check out our BG3 races guide, which details their bonuses and all of the BG3 skills available. While you’re at it, we also have a comprehensive list of BG3 feats to give you a good idea of what kind of character you might want to build alongside Astarion.