After the Nautiloid you were onboard crashes during the earlier part of the game, you find yourself exploring the wilderness and meet a man named Astarion.
Astarion asks you to help him as he claims to have seen one of the Intellect Devourers, which he mentions is in a bush.
This leads to an encounter that will allow you to recruit Astarion, who will be a great addition to your companions in the earlier parts of the game.
Who is Astarion?
Astarion is one of the potential companions that you may recruit as early as Act 1 while you explore the Ravaged Beach.
He is a High-Elf Rogue who dabbles in trickery and can be useful when dealing damage from afar or when it comes to sneak attacks.
Unfortunately, he doesn’t trust you at first and things may get a bit rough before you recruit him but it will all be worth it.
How To Recruit Astarion?
Once you approach Astarion, a cutscene begins where he asks you for help but realizing that he sent you on a wild goose chase (hunting the Intellect Devourer) you notice him preparing to attack.
There are instances where a skill check will prevent him from attacking you but this eventually happens in the end regardless of what you do.
After being tackled by Astarion or preventing him from doing so, you have the option to speak to him and this will eventually lead to him joining you.
Instead of being hostile to you, he will decide to join you since both of you have been aboard the Nautiloid and are affected by the parasites.
Astarion Location
If you explore a bit further after finding Shadowheart, you will reach the crashed Nautiloid and there are multiple exits from within it.
Should you take the exit from the northwest part of the ship, you will see Astarion standing and looking across the water as he calls you over.
Once you see Astarion and make your way toward him, the cutscene will begin where the encounter begins and from there on you can recruit him.
Astarion After The Crash
Astarion seems to remember you as he was aboard the ship and thought that you might have something to do with his captivity, which happened after he was abducted from Baldur’s Gate.
After realizing that you were also infected with the parasite, he decided that it would be best to stick around with you to find a way to get it out.
This shady character may seem a bit on the evil side but his intention to save his hide and avoid going at things alone soon reveals that he is a great companion.
