In *Baldur’s Gate 3*, players are faced with numerous choices that shape not only the fate of their own character but also the relationships with those around them. One of the most pivotal decisions comes when you’re given the option to either give or withhold the tadpole’s power from Astarion, a vampire spawn who joins your party. This seemingly small decision can have significant consequences, affecting both the story and the character’s development.
**Understanding the Tadpole’s Power**
The tadpole represents the parasitic, otherworldly power that has invaded your character’s body at the beginning of the game. This mysterious force grants players extraordinary abilities but also comes with moral and emotional consequences. The tadpole is a symbol of corruption, and choosing how to deal with it is central to the game’s narrative.
Astarion, with his charming yet enigmatic persona, is a character who is uniquely tied to the tadpole. As a vampire, he craves power, and the tadpole offers him a chance to break free from the chains of his eternal servitude. Giving him the tadpole could provide him with immense strength, but it could also push him further into darkness.
**What Happens if You Give Astarion the Tadpole?**
If you choose to give Astarion the tadpole, you’re essentially handing over a dangerous tool that could either free him or doom him. On the one hand, Astarion’s thirst for freedom is palpable, and empowering him may lead to an alliance that could benefit your party in combat. He’s an agile, dexterous fighter, and with the tadpole’s power, he becomes a formidable force. This choice may also deepen his bond with you, especially if you’ve taken the time to understand his tortured past and motivations.
On the other hand, the decision comes with the risk of unleashing a darker, more unstable version of Astarion. The tadpole’s influence could exacerbate his darker impulses, making him more unpredictable and dangerous. As his obsession with power grows, his behavior could shift from charming to manipulative, and even cruel.
**The Moral Implications: Power vs. Corruption**
When you give Astarion the tadpole, you’re making a choice between granting him power and potentially accelerating his descent into villainy. The game is designed to make you question whether the end justifies the means, and this decision is no exception. Do you sacrifice moral integrity for the sake of strength? Or do you hold onto your principles, risking the wrath of a character who could otherwise be a valuable ally?
The decision also reflects the larger theme of *Baldur’s Gate 3*—the cost of power. The tadpole represents both a gift and a curse, and whether Astarion can control the power you give him depends on how you choose to guide him.
**Alternatives: Keeping the Tadpole for Yourself**
Of course, there are other options. Instead of giving Astarion the tadpole, you can choose to keep it for yourself. This decision shifts the dynamic between you and Astarion, and while he may not be thrilled with your refusal, it could help to prevent him from becoming a threat. By withholding the tadpole, you retain control over its power, which could be a more cautious and morally upright path.
**Conclusion: Should You Give Astarion the Tadpole?**
Ultimately, whether you should give Astarion the tadpole depends on your playstyle and what you value most in the game. If you prefer to explore darker paths and see how far you can push the boundaries of morality, handing the tadpole to Astarion may provide an intriguing and dangerous twist. However, if you lean towards making decisions that preserve your sense of virtue, it might be wiser to withhold the tadpole, keeping both you and your companions safe from its corrupting influence.
In the end, the choice is yours, and *Baldur’s Gate 3* rewards players for exploring the many different possibilities that arise from decisions like these. The key takeaway? Every choice you make in this game matters, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—so choose wisely, for the consequences are far-reaching and will echo throughout the game’s intricate narrative.
