I’m playing as the Dark Urge and aiming for an evil playthrough where I acquire the Slayer form by accepting Bhaal. However, I’m confused about the possible endings involving Ascended Astarion (AA). I’ve heard that if you fully accept Bhaal, everyone, including Astarion, ends up dead—there’s even a video where the Dark Urge kills Astarion at the end. I really don’t want that outcome. Is it possible to keep the Slayer form and still have Ascended Astarion survive and romance by your side at the end? Or do I have to reject Bhaal at some point, losing Slayer form and its perks, just to keep AA alive? Is there maybe a last-minute choice that lets me keep Bhaal’s power without fully committing to his destructive plan? Basically, can I use the brain and Bhaal’s power without wiping out my companions?
2 Answers
You only keep the Slayer form if you become Bhaal’s chosen. If you reject Bhaal, you lose all that power and basically become a normal Tav. To end the game with Ascended Astarion ruling alongside you, you have to reject Bhaal after winning Orin’s duel and then control the brain. But that means no Slayer form. So sadly, there’s no way to both keep Slayer form and have AA at your side by the end. Maybe a mod exists for that, but not in the official game.
So as a normal Tav on an evil run controlling the brain is the only way, right? And that means no super evil Slayery finale?
Unfortunately, you can’t fully embrace Bhaal and still finish the game romancing someone like Ascended Astarion. Accepting Bhaal will eventually lead to your allies dying, including Astarion. The best you can do is spare them or save them for last, but they won’t stick around by your side if you go full Bhaal.
I saw this video where the ending shows you staying Bhaal and still having Astarion. Is that possible or just a mod or something?