Astarion gives you one of the best buffs in the game, but you have to force him to do something

In Baldur’s Gate 3 you will be faced with a multitude of difficult decisions during your adventure. One of those decisions affects Astarion. If you force him to drink a drow’s blood, you’ll gain a permanent, powerful buff. More details on MeinMMO.

Caution spoilers: The article contains story spoilers from Act 2 and about Astarion.

Who is Astarion? In Baldur’s Gate 3, Astarion is one of the pre-made Origin characters that bring their own story to the game. You meet him for the first time at the beginning of the first act. A spawn of vampires, this pale-skinned High Elf rogue served a sadistic master until he was snatched from his grip.

Astarion is particularly characterized by his extraordinary vanity, complacency and a good pinch of sarcasm. There is even an opportunity to start a romantic relationship with him in the game.

As his questline progresses, you’ll learn more about Astarion’s ability to move beyond his murky past.

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Force Astarion to drink the blood of a drow to get a strong buff

Now to said decision: you can force Astarion to drink the blood of a drow to get a powerful buff.

This is what the buff does: You receive a potion of eternal power that permanently increases your Strength by +2. Typically, attribute increases are capped at 20, but this potion allows you to increase your strength beyond that. The buff is especially useful for classes like barbarian, paladin, and fighter.

What do I have to do to get the buff? In Act 2 at the Towers of Moonrise you will meet the drow trader Araj Oblodras. It is easily identified on the mini-map by a merchant icon.

Araj will offer you various potions in exchange for your blood. During the conversation, she realizes that your companion is a vampire apprentice. If Astarion is not present but is in camp, she will still ask for a bloodsucker. Araj will ask you to take her to your camp or bring Astarion here.

You can state in the conversation that you are the owner of the vampire pup and protect Astarion. She excitedly reveals that she has been fascinated by vampires since childhood. She asks Astarion to drink her blood in exchange for a potion. Astarion refuses. He informs you that Araj’s blood is corrupt and bad – he definitely doesn’t want to drink it.

You have these options:

  • With a heavy heart, you force Astarion to drink Araj’s blood to obtain the Potion of Eternal Power. However, keep in mind that Astarion will not agree with this and you will collect negative points from him.
  • You don’t force Astarion to drink Araj’s blood, but you don’t get the potion either. Astarion will agree with this decision.
  • Astarion’s lost consent can be regained as the game progresses. He will not leave your group because of this if you force him to drink blood. However, should you be romantically involved with him, it could result in him ending the relationship. In this case he will confront you in the camp.

    In order to prevent a separation, the following dialogue sequence is recommended:

  • I hope you are doing well.
  • You can throw your body at me anytime.
  • Aren’t you attracted to me?
  • How would you like me to see you?
  • I care about you/I worry about you.
  • Then hug him.
  • It’s undeniable that a small moment of heartbreak gives you a significant benefit. Forcing Astarion to drink blood is undoubtedly a worthwhile decision – unless you just can’t bring yourself to do it. His favor can be regained, and even a compromised relationship with him may not necessarily break.

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