Should I Kill Gandrel (BG3), Reddit? A Definitive Guide

Unequivocally, the decision to kill Gandrel in Baldur’s Gate 3 boils down to roleplaying preference and desired gameplay consequences. There isn’t a universally “right” answer; rather, it depends on your character’s alignment, motivations, and the strategic advantages you seek.

Understanding Gandrel: The Monster Hunter

Gandrel, encountered early in Act 1, is not just another NPC. He’s a Gur monster hunter tasked with eliminating Astarion, your vampire spawn companion. This instantly frames the dilemma: side with the hunter or protect (or perhaps exploit) the vampire. Let’s delve into the pros and cons of each choice.

Pro-Killing Gandrel: The “Protector” Route

• Astarion’s Approval: Killing Gandrel will significantly boost Astarion’s approval rating. If you are romancing Astarion, or simply value his companionship and abilities, this is a major draw. High approval unlocks deeper conversations, unique dialogue options, and potentially, stronger combat synergy.
• Preventing Future Encounters: Gandrel, if left alive, will likely continue hunting Astarion throughout the game, potentially leading to inconvenient and dangerous encounters. Eliminating him removes this persistent threat.
• Roleplaying Justification: Perhaps your character values companionship above all else, regardless of moral implications. Or maybe you recognize Astarion’s trauma and see Gandrel as a threat to his (admittedly complex) well-being. These ethical considerations can justify the decision.
• Loot Acquisition: Gandrel carries some decent early-game gear, including potions and potentially some useful weapons. The loot is not game-changing but provides a slight material benefit.

Con-Killing Gandrel: The “Moral” or “Inquisitive” Route

• Aligning with a “Good” Character: If you’re roleplaying a traditionally good character, murdering a monster hunter simply doing his job might clash with your alignment. Gandrel, from his perspective, is eradicating a dangerous threat.
• Missing Lore Opportunities: Interacting with Gandrel provides valuable insights into the Gur people, their history, and their perspective on vampires. Killing him cuts off this source of information.
• Potential Negative Consequences (Minor): While not immediately apparent, your actions can have ripple effects later in the game. While rare in this specific instance, the ramifications of killing supposedly “good” characters can manifest unexpectedly.
• Delayed Gratification (Potentially): There’s an argument to be made for keeping Gandrel alive, learning from him, and perhaps even using him later. While this path is less direct, it offers a different kind of narrative payoff.

The Gray Area: Persuasion and Deception

Baldur’s Gate 3 excels at offering alternative solutions. You’re not limited to simply killing or letting Gandrel live. Clever dialogue choices, utilizing skills like Deception and Persuasion, can lead to outcomes that suit your long-term goals.

• Convincing Gandrel to Leave: A successful Persuasion check can convince Gandrel that Astarion is no longer a threat, or that he’s under your protection. This avoids bloodshed while allowing you to gather information.
• Deceiving Gandrel about Astarion’s Whereabouts: You could misdirect Gandrel, sending him on a wild goose chase. This buys time and potentially allows you to deal with Astarion in your own way.

Ultimately, the “correct” answer to “Should I kill Gandrel?” is the one that best aligns with your desired narrative experience. There is no “right” or “wrong” answer!

FAQs: Gandrel and Astarion

Here are 12 frequently asked questions regarding Gandrel and his role in the Astarion storyline.

1. What are the consequences of letting Gandrel live?

If Gandrel lives, he will continue to hunt for Astarion. You might encounter him again later in the game. He may also warn other monster hunters, making it more difficult to conceal Astarion’s true nature. The consequences are not game-breaking, but can lead to challenging and potentially unwelcome encounters.

2. Does killing Gandrel have any impact on the Gur?

Killing Gandrel might slightly influence your standing with the Gur, but the impact is minimal unless you actively seek out and antagonize them. In the grand scheme of Baldur’s Gate 3, it’s unlikely to cause any widespread repercussions.

3. What loot does Gandrel drop? Is it worth killing him for it?

Gandrel typically drops potions, some gold, and a hunter’s shortbow or similar weapon. The gear is useful in the early game but becomes less significant as you progress. Loot alone is not a compelling reason to kill him.

4. Can I respec Astarion after meeting Gandrel?

Yes, you can respec Astarion at any time after unlocking Withers in your camp. Meeting Gandrel has no impact on your ability to respec your companions.

5. What happens if Astarion is dead when I meet Gandrel?

If Astarion is dead when you encounter Gandrel, the dialogue will change. Gandrel will be pleased that the vampire spawn is no longer a threat and will likely leave. You won’t gain Astarion’s approval, obviously, and you’ll miss out on his unique character arc.

6. Will other characters approve or disapprove of me killing Gandrel?

Most characters’ approval or disapproval will depend on your overall actions and their individual alignments. Shadowheart might approve if she is already leaning towards a more pragmatic or evil path, while Wyll will almost certainly disapprove. Gale‘s reaction will be more nuanced and depend on your reasoning.

7. Is there a way to trick Gandrel without lying?

Yes, skillful wordplay can allow you to avoid directly lying to Gandrel while still misdirecting him. Using vague language or focusing on specific aspects of the truth can be effective. This requires careful dialogue choices and a good understanding of the game’s mechanics.

8. Does killing Gandrel lock me out of any future quests or content?

While nothing is certain, the answer is No. Killing Gandrel does not lock you out of major storylines or quests. His death is a relatively contained event.

9. How does Gandrel react if I bring Astarion to him willingly?

If you bring Astarion to Gandrel, a unique dialogue sequence will trigger. You’ll likely have the opportunity to fight Gandrel alongside Astarion, or attempt to betray Astarion to Gandrel. This path involves complex moral choices and significantly impacts Astarion’s trust in you.

10. What if I let Gandrel bite Astarion?

It is not possible to let Gandrel bite Astarion in the game. This is not an intended option, and attempting to do so will likely result in Gandrel attacking you and Astarion.

11. Can I use Speak with Animals to glean any information before deciding to kill or spare Gandrel?

Speak with Animals will not provide much additional information regarding Gandrel. He is not an animal.

12. If I kill Gandrel, can I still learn about the Gur and their beliefs regarding vampires?

Yes, you can still learn about the Gur through other encounters and lore found throughout the game world. Killing Gandrel removes one source of information, but does not eliminate the possibility of learning about the Gur entirely. Look for books, journals, and other Gur characters to gain further insights.