In Act 3 of Baldur's Gate 3, one of the several unfolding personal narratives centers on Astarion, a vampire spawn enslaved by the Vampire Lord Cazador for two centuries. Upon arriving in the city, players can aid Astarion in confronting and potentially overpowering Cazador, thwarting his plan to perform a blood ritual with seven thousand spawn sacrifices to achieve unparalleled power.
While Astarion contemplates seizing this power for himself, you can persuade him to reconsider through various checks. Yet, an even greater moral dilemma looms: deciding the fate of the seven thousand vampire spawn—unwitting victims of Cazador's tyranny but also dangerous in their insatiable thirst. This guide will help you make the right decision.
Option 1: Freeing The Spawn
Narrative Consequences Of Freeing The Spawn
If you choose to free the spawn, Astarion will use the staff to open the cells of all seven thousand spawn trapped in the dungeon.
He will then instruct his six "brothers and sisters" to lead the spawn into the Underdark, where they will be safe from the sunlight and feed on the creatures of the Underdark instead of terrorizing the city of Baldur's Gate.
Despite the implications of releasing seven thousand spawn into the city, there do not seem to be any negative repercussions or consequences for this decision during the course of the main storyline.
Gur Tribe Reaction To Freeing The Spawn
Upon leaving the ritual chambers, you will encounter the Gur from Rivington who were planning an attack on Cazador for their stolen children.
They will chastise your decision for releasing the spawn into the Underdark, but will relent upon learning that their children are among the spawn released.
Despite their vocal displeasure, they will join you in the quest Gather Your Allies, and the quest log will be updated accordingly.
Astarion's Reaction
After a long rest, Astarion will express that he thinks this was the correct decision.
There will be an option to prompt Astarion to guide the vampire spawn, leading them from the Underdark after defeating the Absolute.
Astarion is not opposed to this idea, acknowledging that he wants to take responsibility for his choices from now on.
Regardless, he thanks you for saving him from his own greed and bitterness.
Option 2: Killing The Spawn
Narrative Consequences Of Killing The Spawn
If you decide that the spawn are too dangerous to be released, Astarion will use the staff and kill every single one of the seven thousand spawn trapped in Cazador's dungeon. He will, however, instruct his six "brothers and sisters" to escape, as they have been living with their thirst for centuries, while the other spawn are feral.
Gur Tribe Reaction To Killing The Spawn
Upon leaving the ritual chambers, you will encounter the Gur from Rivington who were planning an attack on Cazador for their stolen children.
They will agree with your decision to kill the spawn; noting that this is Astarion's first step towards redemption.
Grateful for your help in killing Cazador, they will gladly join you in the quest Gather Your Allies, and the quest log will be updated accordingly.
Astarion's Reaction To Killing The Spawn
Later, Astarion will express some regret at doing this, especially as many of the spawn were victims that he had lured to Cazador himself.
Still, he will understand that they would have posed a great risk to the city, and promises to focus on moving on from his past going forward. He will be grateful for your help in defeating Cazador and stopping him from completing the ritual.
Option 3: Leaving The Spawn
Narrative Consequences Of Leaving The Spawn
If you choose this option, Astarion will break the staff over his knee, ensuring that it can no longer be used to either free the vampire spawn or conduct any dark rituals in the future.
This causes distress and horror among Astarion's "brothers and sisters", but Astarion firmly notes that he refuses to clean up after Cazador's messes, and instructs the six of them to leave and enjoy their freedom.
Gur Tribe Reaction
Upon leaving the ritual chambers, you will encounter the Gur from Rivington who were planning an attack on Cazador for their stolen children.
When they ask about their children, Astarion will admit that Cazador turned them, and will tell the Gur where to find them. It is not explicitly revealed what the Gur do to their turned children and the rest of the spawn; though dialogue with them after this interaction implies that they will kill them to put them out of their misery.
Grateful for your help in killing Cazador, they will gladly join you in the quest "Gather Your Allies", and the quest log will be updated accordingly.
Astarion's Reaction
Astarion does not seem to acknowledge this sequence of events when you speak to him after a long rest, unlike the other two options.
However, he will still express gratitude at your help in slaying Cazador and saving him from making a mistake by going through the Ascendant Ritual.