Should I Kill Aelis in BG3?

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: You want the experience, gold, and items Aelis carries, and your party is strong enough to win the fight cleanly. In Baldur’s Gate 3, killing optional or hostile NPCs often provides an immediate power boost and clears obstacles.
• Good fit: You are playing an evil, pragmatic, or violent Tav/origin character and the kill fits your story. If key companions approve of aggression here, it can reinforce your intended roleplay path without costing relationships.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: You have not yet talked to Aelis or checked whether they offer a quest, merchant service, or important lore. Killing NPCs too early is one of the easiest ways to lock out content in BG3.
• Warning sign: A companion you want to romance or keep loyal strongly disapproves of killing Aelis, or the fight is above your current level. Avoid the kill if the relationship cost or combat risk outweighs the reward.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• You gain experience, gold, and any equipment Aelis drops, which can strengthen your party right away.
• You eliminate a potential threat permanently and may earn approval from companions who favor violence or ruthless decisions.

Cons

• You may lose access to future quests, unique dialogue, shop inventory, or quest rewards tied to Aelis.
• Some companions or factions may disapprove, weakening relationships and potentially closing off romance or story branches.

Decision Checklist

• Have you fully spoken with Aelis and confirmed they do not offer a quest, shop, or useful information?
• Will your most important companions approve or disapprove, and does companion loyalty matter in this playthrough?
• Have you made a hard save recently so you can reload if the consequences are worse than expected?

Alternatives to Consider

Try a peaceful conversation first to see if Aelis can be persuaded, intimidated, bargained with, or recruited to a quest. Stealth and pickpocketing can sometimes get you the item you want without bloodshed. If Aelis is not immediately hostile, you can also simply leave and return later once you know more about their role.

Final Recommendation

Spare or talk to Aelis until you understand their purpose in your current act and quest log. Kill them only if you no longer need their services, the rewards are meaningful, and the choice matches your roleplay. Because Baldur’s Gate 3 has heavy branching consequences, keep a recent save so you can experiment freely.