The Pale Elf: Difference between revisions

Jump to navigation Jump to search
Line 107: Line 107:


== Walkthrough ==
== Walkthrough ==
'''Note that Astarion’s story spans the entire game, and has spoilers for all Acts of the game.'''
'''blaNote that Astarion’s story spans the entire game, and has spoilers for all Acts of the game.'''
=== Recruiting Astarion ===
=== Recruiting Astarion ===
Astarion {{Coords|174|287}} can be recruited immediately after the [[Prologue]] by moving northwest of the [[Nautiloid]] wreckage to the [[Ravaged Beach]]. Astarion is by the cliffs and shouts out to the party for help as they approach. He states that one of the "brain things" is nearby and he needs help killing it. The party can either agree to help him, to which they'll realize it was just a boar, or turn away and tell him he seems strong enough to handle himself. Either way - Astarion pulls a knife on the player. If a Perception check is failed, then Astarion sneaks behind the player and pulls them to the ground, holding a knife to them. If the Perception check is passed, then he simply holds the knife out in a defensive stance.  
Astarion {{Coords|174|287}} can be recruited immediately after the [[Prologue]] by moving northwest of the [[Nautiloid]] wreckage to the [[Ravaged Beach]]. Astarion is by the cliffs and shouts out to the party for help as they approach. He states that one of the "brain things" is nearby and he needs help killing it. The party can either agree to help him, to which they'll realize it was just a boar, or turn away and tell him he seems strong enough to handle himself. Either way - Astarion pulls a knife on the player. If a Perception check is failed, then Astarion sneaks behind the player and pulls them to the ground, holding a knife to them. If the Perception check is passed, then he simply holds the knife out in a defensive stance.  
Line 168: Line 168:
There is a [[Gur Camp]] in [[Rivington]] {{Coords|102|-12}}, lead by [[Ulma]]. Ulma tells the party that Astarion has done immense damage to her tribe and even stolen their children. She wishes to have them back, or at least revenge taken if the children are already dead. If Astarion is in the party, he can be told that it's the least he can do to get vengeance for the Gur, which he will agree to. Ulma states that the Gur have tried and failed to infiltrate [[Cazador's Palace]], but that a spawn could do it.
There is a [[Gur Camp]] in [[Rivington]] {{Coords|102|-12}}, lead by [[Ulma]]. Ulma tells the party that Astarion has done immense damage to her tribe and even stolen their children. She wishes to have them back, or at least revenge taken if the children are already dead. If Astarion is in the party, he can be told that it's the least he can do to get vengeance for the Gur, which he will agree to. Ulma states that the Gur have tried and failed to infiltrate [[Cazador's Palace]], but that a spawn could do it.


==== Potential Abduction ====
=== Potential Abduction ===
Several of Astarion's fellow vampire spawn attempt to kidnap him after the party has entered the Lower City and long rested. Failing to stop them before they drop Astarion to 1hp results in Astarion being kidnapped and sent to Cazador's palace. Once there, he is tortured by [[Godey]], who uses magic in an attempt to force Astarion to obey Cazador. This starts a saving throw, but even if it's failed, the tadpole within Astarion sends out a psionic wave that disrupts the spell. Godey becomes hostile after failing to collar Astarion and needs to be defeated. The party can regroup with Astarion in the kennels.
Several of Astarion's fellow vampire spawn attempt to kidnap him after the party has entered the Lower City and long rested. Failing to stop them before they drop Astarion to 1hp results in Astarion being kidnapped and sent to Cazador's palace. Once there, he is tortured by [[Godey]], who uses magic in an attempt to force Astarion to obey Cazador. This starts a saving throw, but even if it's failed, the tadpole within Astarion sends out a psionic wave that disrupts the spell. Godey becomes hostile after failing to collar Astarion and needs to be defeated. The party can regroup with Astarion in the kennels.


==== The Guard Tower ====
=== Cazador's Palace ===
Cazador's Palace can be accessed via the Central Watch Tower {{Coords|-53|-64}}, near the Lower City Central Wall Waypoint, by climbing up the stairs. There are a number of charmed guards who try to stop the party, but can be persuaded or intimidated into standing down. Follow the way north to get to the door to Cazador's Palace. Once inside, the palace will be surprisingly empty of vampires, but holds a conspicuously large ballroom door that is locked. The way forward is by getting into that ballroom.
Cazador's Palace can be accessed via the Central Watch Tower (X:-53, Y:-64), near the [[Lower City]] Central Wall [[Ancient Sigil Circle|Waypoint]], by climbing up the stairs. There are a number of charmed guards who try to stop the party, but can be persuaded or intimidated into standing down. Follow the way north to get to the door to Cazador's Palace. Once inside, the palace will be surprisingly empty of vampires, but holds a conspicuously large ballroom door that is locked.  
 
=== Entering the Ballroom ===
Two things are needed to enter the ballroom - a Szarr family signet ring, and a special Kozakuran phrase.  


The way forward is through the ballroom. Two things are needed to enter and proceed: a [[Szarr Family Ring]] and a passphrase in the Kozakuran language.
==== The Signet Ring ====
==== The Signet Ring ====
Speaking to [[Vilhelm]], he can be persuaded or deceived into revealing that Godey has the signet ring that can unlock the door. Godey is in the kennels in the lower floor. Godey is waiting in ambush {{Coords|-1289|982}}, but a perception check reveals him and he can be called out. If Astarion is in the party, Godey asks what he has brought him:
Speaking to [[Vilhelm]], he can be persuaded or deceived into revealing that Godey has the signet ring that can unlock the door. Godey is in the kennels in the lower floor. Godey is waiting in ambush {{Coords|-1289|982}}, but a perception check reveals him and he can be called out. If Astarion is in the party, Godey asks what he has brought him:
Line 202: Line 200:
=== Cazador's Dungeon ===
=== Cazador's Dungeon ===
[[File:Quest Cazador Dungeon Map.jpg|thumb|Map of Cazador's Dungeon.]]
[[File:Quest Cazador Dungeon Map.jpg|thumb|Map of Cazador's Dungeon.]]
After descending the elevator, there is a hallway to the west that connects to Cazador's chambers. It contains the skull of Cazador's former master, Velioth, and more information about him and the Black Mass ritual.
After descending the elevator, there is a hallway to the west that connects to Cazador's chambers. It contains the skull of Cazador's former master, Vellioth, and more information about him and the [[Black Mass Scroll]].


To the north, there are several people in cages, which will call out to the party. If Astarion is in the party, one of the men recognize him. It turns out that this is Sebastian, the first victim Astarion brought back to Cazador. Sebastian can be persuaded or deceived into revealing how to unlock the cages - Cazador's staff. The cell across the way can also be interacted with - it contains several Gur children who were captured and turned into vampire spawn. If they are told that Ulma sent the party, they also share that the staff is the key to opening the cells.
To the north, there are several people in cages, which will call out to the party. If Astarion is in the party, one of the men recognize him. It turns out that this is Sebastian, the first victim Astarion brought back to Cazador. Sebastian can be persuaded or deceived into revealing how to unlock the cages - Cazador's staff. The cell across the way can also be interacted with - it contains several Gur children who were captured and turned into vampire spawn. If they are told that Ulma sent the party, they also share that the staff is the key to opening the cells.


=== A Special Weapon ===
==== A Special Weapon ====
[[File:Pelorsun Blade Hallway.jpg|thumb|The hallway to fly down to get the Pelorsun Blade.]]
[[File:Pelorsun Blade Hallway.jpg|thumb|The hallway to fly down to get the Pelorsun Blade.]]
Within Cazador's dungeon is the [[Pelorsun Blade]]. It can be found by using [[Misty Step]] or [[Fly]] to jump down the hallway to the northwest of the elevator. The Pelorsun Blade is in the room to the east, in a rosewood casket {{Coords|-1927|851}}. There is a button in the room to the west {{Coords|-1964|842}} that will summon a lantern, which can be used as an elevator to get the rest of the team down. Or, there is a door in the room that connects to the [[Lower City Sewers]] - Gloomy Ascent. This weapon deals radiant damage, which is highly effective against Cazador.
Within Cazador's dungeon, a lower level can be reached using [[Misty Step]] or [[Fly]] to jump down the hallway to the northwest of the elevator. Here, the {{ItemIcon|name=Pelorsun Blade|size=20|show_name=1|show_rarity=1}} can be found by in a room to the east, in a buried and trapped rosewood casket {{Coords|1=-1926|2=853}}. This weapon deals radiant damage, which is highly effective against Cazador. Additionally, there is a locked (DC 30) door here connecting to the [[Lower City Sewers]] - Gloomy Ascent.


=== Confronting Cazador ===
=== Confronting Cazador ===
Cazador is just north of the prisoners' cells. Bringing Astarion to the ritual causes him to attack Cazador, no matter what is said. Cazador is too powerful, and uses his powers to trap Astarion in a rune circle. After this, Cazador attacks, along with several bats, werewolves, and fallen Gur hunters. Moving over to Astarion and using the help action releases him from imprisonment and allows him to rejoin the fight. If Astarion is not released in three turns, the ritual succeeds and Cazador becomes a Vampire Ascendant. If Astarion is not in the party, then Cazador can be persuaded in letting the party leave so they can bring Astarion back, or they can simply start the fight with him without Astarion.
[[Cazador]] is in the ritual chamber north of the prisoners' cells.
[[File:Astarion Ritual Trapped.jpg|thumb|Astarion is trapped by the ritual's runes.]]
 
==== Fighting Cazador ====
If [[Astarion]] is in the active party, he will conclude the dialogue by attacking Cazador in a rage, only to be trapped in a ritual circle ({{Condition inline|Sacrificial Lamb}}). Cazador will then attack, along with several bats, werewolves, and fallen Gur hunters. Astarion can be rescued from imprisonment via the [[Help]] action, allowing him to rejoin the fight. If Astarion is not released in three turns, the ritual succeeds, and Cazador becomes a Vampire Ascendant.
 
If Astarion is not in the party, then Cazador can be persuaded to allow the party leave so they can bring Astarion back, or they can simply start the fight with him without Astarion. If Astarion was never recruited, or if he was killed (such as staking him in camp), then he will be at the ritual as a zombie.


If Astarion was never recruited or if he was killed (such as staking him in camp), then he is at the ritual as a zombie.
This fight can be very challenging. Cazador is a high-level spellcaster and gains power from the ritual victims, inflicting high necrotic damage to nearby party members. However, his profound weakness is [[Sunlight Hypersensitivity]], which can easily be caused by [[Daylight]] cast prior to the battle. He can also be pushed off the platform to his death; unlike most enemies, he will then return to his coffin, where he can be looted.[[File:Astarion Ritual Trapped.jpg|thumb|Astarion is trapped by the ritual's runes.]]


==== Outcomes ====
Once Cazador is defeated, he returns to his coffin in an attempt to enter a healing sleep. Interacting with the coffin has Astarion prying Cazador out of the coffin. Astarion attempts to use the ritual for himself, and requests the player for assistance. The player can agree, attempt to persuade Astarion against using the ritual, or simply refuse to help. If the player agrees to assist, Astarion completes the Black Mass by carving the runes into Cazador's back and sacrificing the six spawn and seven thousand souls. He becomes a Vampire Ascendant, warping his personality. When Ulma and the Gur arrive, they find him responsible for the deaths of their children and only one can come out alive - Astarion or the Gur.
Once Cazador is defeated, he returns to his coffin in an attempt to enter a healing sleep. Interacting with the coffin has Astarion prying Cazador out of the coffin. Astarion attempts to use the ritual for himself, and requests the player for assistance. The player can agree, attempt to persuade Astarion against using the ritual, or simply refuse to help. If the player agrees to assist, Astarion completes the Black Mass by carving the runes into Cazador's back and sacrificing the six spawn and seven thousand souls. He becomes a Vampire Ascendant, warping his personality. When Ulma and the Gur arrive, they find him responsible for the deaths of their children and only one can come out alive - Astarion or the Gur.


Retrieved from "https://bg3.wiki/wiki/The_Pale_Elf"