Editing Astarion

{{PageSeo
| description = Astarion is an Origin character and companion in Baldur's Gate 3. He is a High Elf Rogue with the Charlatan background.
| image = Astarion.png
}}
{{Companion tab}}
{{Infobox creature
| name = Astarion
| image = <gallery>
Astarion.png|Cover artwork
Portrait Astarion.png|Portrait
</gallery>
| full name = Astarion Ancunín{{ref|BG3 Senior writer Stephen Rooney is the creator & main writer of Astarion.}}
| identity = Male
| title = The Pale Elf 
| class = [[Rogue]]
| background = [[Charlatan]]{{ref|Astarion's background changed throughout Early Access and the released physical character sheets: originally, his background was listed as "Noble", then it was listed as "Trickster Hedonist" in the Character Creation screen during the Release Showcase Panel, and then "Courtesan" on the physical character sheet, with "Charlatan" accompanying the game's official release.}}
| race = [[Elf]]
| subrace = [[High Elf]]
| size = [[Medium]]
| type = [[Humanoid]]
| creator = Stephen Rooney
| age = {{ublist|
* 39 years (turned)
* 239 years (current)}}
| hometown = [[Baldur's Gate]]
| role = [[Origin characters|Origin Character]]<br>[[Companions|Companion]]
| va = Neil Newbon
| movement m = 9
| weight kg = 75
| level = 1
| str = 8
| dex = 17
| con = 14
| int = 13
| wis = 13
| cha = 10
| dex save prof = yes
| int save prof = Yes
| passives = Darkvision, Fey Ancestry
| athletics = -1
| acrobatics = 3
| perception = 1
}}

'''Astarion Ancunín''' is an [[Origin characters|Origin Character]] and recruitable [[Companion]] with the [[Charlatan]] background. He is a [[High Elf]] and a [[Rogue]] first appearing during [[Act One]]. 

A vampire spawn previously under the control of {{CharLink|Cazador Szarr}} until being abducted by the [[nautiloid]], Astarion is set on exacting revenge upon Cazador and becoming free, no matter the consequences. He can be first found west of the [[Nautiloid Wreck]] during Act One, where he can be recruited into the party as well as romanced by characters of any gender. 

{{DiQ|And to think I was ready to decorate the ground with your innards. Apologies.|Astarion|, apologising after a misunderstanding}}

{{TOC|limit=3}}

== Overview ==

=== Background ===
Astarion prowled the night as a [[vampire spawn]] for two centuries in Baldur's Gate, enslaved by a sadistic vampire lord named Cazador Szarr until he was snatched away by the mind flayers on the Nautiloid and tadpoled. He now has the newfound freedom to to walk in sunlight, wade through water, enter homes uninvited, and (for now) the ability to resist his master's compulsions. Astarion now has a chance at a new life where he can make his own choices, and possibly gain the true freedom and safety he had previosuly dared not even hope for.

=== Starting Class ===
Astarion starts as a [[Rogue]]. Upon reaching level three, he defaults to the [[Arcane Trickster]] subclass.

=== Special Features ===

* Astarion receives the {{SAI|Happy (Condition)}} after using the {{SAI|Vampire Bite}} ability on a humanoid.
* Astarion is immune to conditions and effects that do not affect undead, such as [[Mummy Rot (Condition)]].

=== Companion Quest ===
Astarion's companion quest is called {{Quest|The Pale Elf}}. His story unravels as he explores his newfound freedom and how he can keep it, as well as coming to terms with the abuse inflicted on him, and the harm he has inflicted on others.

=== Recruitment ===
{{Hatnote|Recruitable in [[Act One]].}}
Astarion can be found standing on a road west of the crashed [[Nautiloid]] in the [[Wilderness]]. When found, a scene plays, where he feigns asking for help in defeating an [[Intellect Devourer]]. Afterwards, he can be asked to join the party.
==== Leaving the party ====
If the player character hands Astarion over to {{CharLink|Gandrel}} in the [[Sunlit Wetlands]], chooses to {{Quest|Break Yurgir's Contract}} instead of killing him and then fails to convince Astarion to stay, or interrupts his attempt to hijack the Ritual of Profane Ascension without successfully talking him down, he permanently leaves the party.

=== Approval ===
{{Main|Astarion/approval}}
[[File:Astarion Approval.png|44px|left|alt=Astarion Approves|link=|Astarion Approves]]
Astarion approves of displays of power and cruelty, and appreciates sarcasm and cleverness. He is inspired when the player character gains access to areas or information by deceiving others, or when they avoid combat through persuasion or deception. The player character does not have to be "evil" to gain his approval, however — as he approves when the player makes choices that help him, support his independence and autonomy, are understanding toward his past, and help certain people and animals he is fond of. 

Astarion disapproves of displays of weakness and does not like acts of kindness or charity that offer no reward. He also disapproves when the player tries to restrict him or deny him his autonomy.

=== Romance ===
{{Hatnote|See main article: [[Astarion/Romance]]}}
Astarion can be romanced by characters of any gender. His romance deals heavily with his personal character growth, his relationship with intimacy, the reclaiming of his autonomy, and navigation of his newly found freedom. Astarion's romance can also have very different outcomes depending on the choices made at the end of his companion quest.

== Description ==

=== Appearance ===
Astarion is a high elf vampire spawn that appears to be in his late 30s despite being multiple centuries old.{{ref|The inscription on Astarion's gravestone reads "Astarion Ancunín: 229 - 268 DR 468 DR -", as per the game's devnotes. However, there are some inconsistencies regarding these dates: the current year is 1492 DR, and Cazador became a Lord in 1276 DR. }}

He is approximately 5'11" tall<ref>https://youtu.be/4lCVw2KK2NU?si=OC-l9wLIIiJndFlk&t=72</ref> and has a medium build and sharp facial features. He has pallid skin and crimson eyes, as well as smile lines around his mouth and a faint beauty mark on his right cheek. He also has jaw-length, curly silver hair styled with pomade and curls around his long pointed ears. He has a bite-mark scar on the right side of his neck from when his old master {{CharLink|Cazador Szarr}} turned him into a vampire{{ref|Astarion was 39 years old when Cazador turned him.}}, and a myriad of scars carved by Cazador covering most of his back. Astarion is very interested in his overall appearance, and his choice in attire is usually on the fancier side, wearing an elaborate doublet, leather chaps and embroidered leather shoes when recruited. He takes meticulous care to maintain and repair the clothing that he owns, keeping it in good condition as best he can. He is very mindful of his hygiene, especially his hair, nails, skin, and clothing.

=== Personality ===
Astarion's personality at the start is heavily influenced by his background as a high elf magistrate and his time spent as a vampire spawn slave. Astarion is charming, eloquent, cunning, witty, and practical. But, having felt abandoned by the world and its heroes for centuries, Astarion can also be very bitter, self-centered, manipulative, distrustful, prejudiced, and vengeful. Astarion, driven by fear, believes the world is divided in a predator or prey binary, and as such follows a "dog-eat-dog" philosophy where his goal is to be on top to avoid subjugation. His main priorities initially are his own autonomy, safety, and revenge on Cazador, though he also prioritizes the party’s safety as a whole as a means to these ends. He is largely apathetic toward the feelings of others and typically has little interest in helping for no reward, as he feels if he did not get help, no one else should. He also holds prejudices against the Gur people and small races such as gnomes.

At the beginning of the game Astarion, despite his confident bravado and arrogant persona, appears fear-motivated and with low self-worth. He will eventually attempt to gain favor with others with sex, if for no other reason than to have their protection from Cazador and other powerful enemies. He believes his sexual ability is likely the best path to these goals, and one of few ways he knows how to form relationships with others. He is also willing to go to great lengths to gain power or advantage - again so that he can secure his own safety and free himself from Cazador's control, even if it means harming others or doing things he otherwise finds personally distasteful. Still, he does have reservations about sacrificing his bodily autonomy, even if it means he can gain an advantageous power.

Despite his tramatic past Astarion can, as the story progresses, be encouraged re-evaluate his ethos and develop and change his personality, depending on how he is guided during his questline. 

If Astarion's beliefs and fears are challenged, he may begin to deconstruct his cynical worldview, showing empathy towards others and trying to make amends, letting himself trust others and form genuine bonds. 

Conversely, if Astarion is encouraged to pursue power at the cost of others and his callousness and arrogance remain uncontested, Astarion gains tremendous power and freedom from the shackles of vampirism while reinforcing his starting worldview. Astarion regains his status as a noble, which he once had when he was a magistrate. In the epilogue, it is revealed that he is motivated to take over the city and even the world.{{ref|Astarion states he wants to create a city of spawn and cast a fog over the world for his children; he tells the player character they could have "everything", that "the world is ours for the taking", and similarly wants to subdue the Netherbrain for reasons which may been seen as intent on world domination. When Astarion is told by the [[Dark Urge]] they will spare him when they conquer the world, he says, "Not if I get there first". In the [[Epilogue]] Astarion also remarks there is an entire world out there, ready for the taking. If the player character recognises Astarion is aiming to conquer the world, he acknowledges with appreciation. Finally, when the player character, who is transformed into a mind flayer, says they are thinking about taking over the world, Astarion refers to it as a mutual interest.}}

== Gameplay ==
Astarion's default class is rogue. His default high elf cantrip is {{SAI|Fire Bolt}}, but if selected as an origin character, the player can choose any high elf cantrip they wish. As a vampire spawn he has access to a unique {{SAI|Vampire Bite}}. However this action does not appear as a companion until after the party finds out about his vampirism. If played as origin, this ability becomes available after waking up from the [[Nautiloid]] crash. Astarion can be spoken to with {{SAI|Speak with Dead}}.

=== Proficiencies ===
{{hlist|
==== Equipment proficiencies ====
* {{SimpleWeaponsProf}}
* {{WeaponType|Hand Crossbows}}
* {{LightArmour}}
* {{WeaponType|Longbows}}
* {{WeaponType|Longswords}}
* {{WeaponType|Rapiers}}
* {{WeaponType|Shortswords}}}}
{{hlist|
==== Save proficiencies ====
* {{Ability|Dexterity}}
* {{Ability|Intelligence}}}}
{{hlist|
==== Skill proficiencies ====
* {{Skill|Acrobatics}}
* {{Skill|Deception}}
* {{Skill|Perception}}
* {{Skill|Performance}}
* {{Skill|Persuasion}}
* {{Skill|Sleight of Hand}} (x2)
* {{Skill|Stealth}} (x2)}}

=== Unlockable bonuses ===
The following bonuses and actions are unlockable through certain decisions in Astarion's companion quest:
{{hlist|
* {{SAI|Ascendant Bite}} 
* {{SAI|Misty Escape (Vampire Ascendant)|Misty Escape}}
* {{SAI|Vampire Ascendant}}}}

== History ==

=== Pre-Vampirism ===
Astarion was a young magistrate in [[Baldur's Gate]], until one day he was assaulted and almost killed by a gang of [[Gur]] because of a ruling he had handed down. The vampire lord, {{CharLink|Cazador Szarr}}, who had taken interest in him, approached Astarion while he was dying and turned him into one of his slaves – a vampire spawn.

=== Life as Cazador's Spawn ===
After being turned, Astarion and his vampire spawn "siblings" lived at the [[Szarr Palace]] in the Upper City. And being vampire spawn, Astarion and his "siblings" were completely subservient to Cazador, bound to him through the bond of creator and creation. Cazador could use this power to completely control Astarion and the others, and he imposed three main commands onto his spawns:
# "Thou must not drink from thinking creatures, 
# "Thou must never leave my side, unless commanded," 
# "Thou must obey me in all things." 
Astarion and the other spawns could not physically refuse these commands. Cazador would then use this power and these "rules" to physically and emotionally abuse and torture Astarion for centuries, and any form of attempted resistance or escape was met with harsh punishment. For example, Astarion was once sealed away in a coffin, starving, for over a year because he had tried to disobey one of Cazador's commands. Also, the abuse inflicted onto Astarion and the other spawn was brutal and frequent. Amongst other traumas, collectively, they were:
* Physically tortured and had "poetry" carved into their backs by Cazador.
* Frequently emotionally abused as Cazador would play mind games on them.
* Fed dead rats and bugs.
* Commanded to physically torture themselves and the other spawn.
* Starved for long periods of time.
* Forced to venture out into the Lower City to seduce people and engage in sexual activity with them so that they could lure them back to Szarr Palace to later be fed on by Cazador. 

However, while out in a city tavern seducing a young noble to bring back to Cazador, Astarion was abducted by the rogue [[Nautiloid]] and was tadpoled alongside other victims.

== Involvement ==
[[File:Astarion Icon.png|right|125px]]
{{Hatnote|See main article: [[The Pale Elf]]}}
''The Pale Elf'' is Astarion's personal quest. It is added to the journal upon recruiting him, and it spans all three acts of the game.

=== Act One ===
Astarion begins the story in Act One on the ravaged beach by the crashed nautiloid, where he beckons the player character over to assist him in fighting an [[Intellect Devourer]] that is in the bushes. However it quickly becomes apparent there is no intellect devourer, just a [[Boar]]. And depending on the player character's perception, Astarion either pulls a knife on the player or tackles them down to the ground with the knife at their throat while they are distracted, believing that the player character was in league with the mind flayers on the ship, as he saw them walking freely and speaking with the mind flayers while he was tadpoled and trapped in a pod. Astarion demands answers about what happened on the ship from the player character, who can explain the reality of the situation to him, and Astarion then backs off, apologizes for the interaction, and introduces himself. If the player character attacks Astarion and kills him before the introducing cutscene could have started, and then revivifies him, this course of action results in a slightly different greeting (without knife-threatening). <!--tested--> At this moment, Astarion can be recruited as a party member and his companion quest, {{Quest|The Pale Elf}}, is added to the journal. 

A few nights into adventuring, the player character wakes up in the middle of the night to see Astarion hunched over them, preparing to bite their neck. Astarion stops and tries to explain himself, but the player character successfully deduces that he is a vampire. If the player allows Astarion to live after this reveal instead of killing him, he then asks the player character if they are willing to let him drink some blood to gain his full strength. If the player character refuses, he stalks off into the night to hunt for animals. But if the player character accepts, Astarion then lays the player character down and begins to drink blood from their neck.{{ref|If {{CharLink|Gale}} is chosen as [[origin]], Astarion describes Gale’s blood as tasting like bile and the option for the Astarion to drink the player character’s blood does not appear. However, Astarion can still bite a Gale origin during his first romance scene.}} The player character must either persuade or shove him off to end the feeding. If unsuccessful, the player character dies and must be revived. But if the player character succeeds, Astarion stops feeding and thanks the player profusely for helping him. 

The morning following either the attempted or successful feeding, the player character can talk to Astarion about a variety of topics. He divulges his past, revealing that he is a [[Vampire spawn]] sired by the vampire lord {{CharLink|Cazador Szarr}} over 200 years prior in [[Baldur's Gate]]. It was then he had handed down a ruling as a magistrate that a group of local [[Gur]] people took issue with. They attacked him, beating him until he was near death in the street. Cazador Szarr then approached him, offering him a second chance at life, which Astarion took in a moment of desperation. Cazador then turned Astarion into his vampire spawn and slave. Astarion also explains how how vampire spawns are subservient to the vampires who created them, and how they have all of the weaknesses of a full vampire but few of their powers. One of these weaknesses includes the hypersensitivity to the sun, which Astarion no longer has since the nautiloid crash. He speculates that the tadpole has given him immunity to the sunlight and to Cazador's compulsion. It is also during this conversation that the player character can discuss how Astarion will feed in the future. They can either agree to let him feed on the player character, let him feed on humanoid enemies, or relegate him to feeding on animals.

In the [[Sunlit Wetlands]] (or [[Putrid Bog]],) the party can encounter a Gur monster hunter named {{CharLink|Gandrel}}. If it has been revealed that Astarion is a vampire already, Gandrel explains that he is looking for a vampire spawn named Astarion on behalf of his tribe, which makes Astarion visibly paranoid. He argues with Gandrel and insults him, and wants to kill him in an act of self-preservation. The player can either let Astarion reveal himself and attack Gandrel or encourage Astarion to let it go, leaving Gandrel alive. If it has not been revealed to the party that Astarion is a vampire, Gandrel does not mention Astarion by name and instead says, that he is looking for a vampire spawn. Astarion may kill Gandrel unprompted in this scenario if he is not talked down while agitated. The player character can also turn Astarion in to Gandrel, which results in him leaving the party permanently.

=== Act Two ===
In Act Two, Astarion begins to ponder the meaning of the markings carved into his back by Cazador long ago. If his approval with the player character is high enough, or he is romanced, he reveals the scars to them and the player character can possibly identify them as Infernal markings. If the player character does not identify them, Astarion eventually comes to the conclusion on his own that the scars are written in Infernal by feeling them. Either way, he says, that he wants to discuss the subject with {{CharLink|Raphael}}, as he believes he would be able to explain the scars to him.

When talking to Raphael at the [[Last Light Inn]], Raphael points out Astarion and says he senses Astarion has something to talk to him about. Astarion then speaks up and confirms this fact. If Astarion has not revealed his scars, Raphael strips him in front of the party and forces him to show his scars before continuing the conversation about Astarion's request. If Astarion has already revealed his scars to the player character, Raphael does not strip Astarion of his clothes and instead proceeds to thinking about Astarion's request. Raphael says he believes he can help translate and explain his scars, but needs to think of something that Astarion can do for him first. He then departs, leaving Astarion to wait until they meet again.

Astarion and the party encounter Raphael again in front of the [[Grand Mausoleum]], where Raphael states that he has thought of a way for Astarion to pay him for his services. Raphael requests that Astarion and the party kill an old enemy of his, the orthon {{CharLink|Yurgir}}, and if they do this, he will interpret Astarion's Infernal scars.

After Yurgir is defeated per Raphael's request, Raphael comes to the [[Campsite]] and interprets Astarion's scars for him. He reveals that his scars are a part of a legal contract that Cazador Szarr made with [[Mephistopheles]], and the scars bind him to the Rite of Profane Ascension. It is through this ritual where Cazador must sacrifice the souls of all of his vampiric spawn, including Astarion, to ascend to an existence where he will become a new type of being, the Vampire Ascendant. The Vampire Ascendant will gain a new set of powers and lose all vampiric weaknesses, including the sensitivity to sunlight. However, the rite cannot be performed if any of the carriers of the scars are missing, and so Cazador cannot complete it while Astarion is gone. Astarion now knows that Cazador will never stop hunting him, and asks the player character to join him in taking the fight to Cazador in Baldur's Gate.

On the road to Baldur's Gate, Astarion ponders the options he believes he will have after arriving in the city. He tells the player character that if they are to find Cazador, they should try and find his "siblings", Cazador's other vampiric spawns. He states that they are likely found in the taverns and flophouses of the city, looking for prey for Cazador as per their orders. Astarion also speculates about his ability to possibly usurp the rite of profane ascension, so that he may gain the power from the ritual instead of Cazador.

=== Act Three ===
In [[Rivington]], Astarion and the party may encounter {{CharLink|Ulma}} and the other members of the local Gur tribe. Ulma recognizes Astarion and reveals him as one of the vampire spawns who stole their children away in the night under Cazador's orders. She offers Astarion a chance for redemption, asking him to help save their children from Cazador's clutches and bring them back home. If Astarion and the party agree to help, this starts the quest {{Quest|Investigate Cazador's Palace}}. If Astarion and the party refuse to help, Ulma and the other members of the Gur tribe become hostile.

Later on, in [[Fraygo's Flophouse]], Astarion encounters two of his "siblings, {{CharLink|Dalyria}} and {{CharLink|Petras}}. They vanish if someone is wielding the [[Blood of Lathander]]. Otherwise, they discuss Cazador's ritual, falsely believing that it will set all of them free. Astarion interrupts them and calls them foolish for believing Cazador's lies, and he demands to know where the ritual happens. Dalyria and Petras then reveal that the ritual is happening in a secret defiled chapel underneath Cazador's Palace in the [[Upper City]] before returning back to Cazador. Astarion then continues to ponder if he can usurp the ritual for himself.

Upon reaching the [[Lower City]], some of Astarion's other "siblings," {{CharLink|Leon}}, {{CharLink|Aurelia}}, {{CharLink|Violet}}, and {{CharLink|Yousen}}, come to the party's camp in the night to capture Astarion. Astarion attempts to sway them to his side, lying to them and saying that if he controls the ritual, they can all name him their new master and they will be set free. The player character can intervene and reveal the truth, but either way, Cazador's compulsion takes control of the spawns and they become hostile. If Astarion is downed in combat, he is taken to Cazador's Palace and needs to be rescued. But if the spawns are defeated, Astarion remains with the party and emphasizes the need to find Cazador.

After finding and entering Cazador's Palace through a side entrance protected by charmed guards, Astarion finds out that the ritual is already underway, and he presumes that the way to the ritual will be through the ballroom. However, the ballroom is sealed by an [[Arcane Lock (Condition)]] spell that will only open if a key is inserted and a set of words are spoken to it. Astarion then concludes that {{CharLink|Godey}}, one of Cazador's servants, has the key, and he suggests that the party finds him along with something that will help the party discover the passphrase. After obtaining the {{SmRarityItem|Szarr Family Ring}} from Godey and the {{SmRarityItem|Kozakuran Dictionary}} from one of Cazador's guest rooms, Astarion and the party can proceed into the ballroom where they encounter a multitude of [[Werewolf|lycanthropes]], [[Wolf|wolves]], [[Bat|bats]], and [[Rat|rats]]. These creatures wish to turn Astarion into Cazador to gain favor with him and will become hostile. After defeating them, Astarion and the party can proceed to Cazador's study, where nearby they find a lift.

Once Astarion and the party take the lift, it descends into [[Cazador's Dungeon]], which was kept secret from all in the palace, including Astarion. It is in the dungeon that Astarion and the party encounter a large number of people being held in prison cells. One of the prisoners, a man named {{CharLink|Sebastian}}, recognizes Astarion and speaks up. He says he remembers Astarion luring him back to the palace, where he was then turned into a vampire spawn by Cazador alongside many others in the cells. In another cell, {{CharLink|Chessa}}, one of the Gur children, also recognizes Astarion and speaks of how Astarion and the other spawns kidnapped them from their camp and brought them to the palace where Cazador turned them to spawns. Astarion then recalls the people in the cells are his previous victims which he brought to Cazador, either through lure or capture, but thought they were long dead, as Cazador told them he was feeding on those they brought back. It is after meeting the people in the cells and seeing how they are marked with the same Infernal runes as himself that Astarion realizes Cazador intends to sacrifice not just him and his siblings, but the 7,000 souls they brought back to him under his command. Astarion starts to understand the true scope of the Rite of Profane Ascension and begins to struggle with his previous plans of trying to usurp the ritual.

After leaving the main part of the dungeon, Astarion and the party confront Cazador in his lair where the ritual is being prepared. Cazador gains control of Astarion through blood magic during the confrontation and forces him into the ritual, and combat begins. If Astarion is not rescued, Cazador ascends and Astarion is killed. But if Astarion is saved from the ritual, he joins combat. 

When Cazador is eventually defeated and attempts to retreat to his sarcophagus to regenerate, Astarion rips him away from it and confronts him once and for all. It is here that the player character can either talk Astarion down from usurping the Rite of Profane Ascension or assist him in completing the Rite of Profane Ascension for himself. Either choice and its outcome will complete {{Quest|The Pale Elf}}.

=== Endings ===

==== Zombie Astarion ====
If he was given to the [[Gur]] in Act One, was killed by the player without recruiting him, or the party failed to free him during the Cazador fight, Astarion is transformed into a [[zombie]] with red skin, exposed bones, and all of his otherwise defining physical traits gone. Carrying Zombie Astarion back to camp and casting {{SAI|Revivify}} on him turns him into a [[Camp followers|camp follower]] with the same tent and idle animations as his living self; however, he cannot be spoken with or re-recruited, and he will not appear in the [[Epilogue]].

==== Life as a spawn vigilante ====

If the party stopped the ritual peacefully by persuading him to be better than Cazador or by euthanizing his trapped "siblings" during the battle, Astarion's sunlight vulnerability spontaneously returns to him a few minutes after defeating the Netherbrain, ending the hope that his immunity from the tadpole might be permanent. After quickly saying goodbye he is forced to run away and find shade as another companion calls out to him, but the narrator reassures the player character that he will be safe. Back to a normal vampire spawn, Astarion continues adventuring on his own as a nighttime assassin but a heroic one who only kills "the right people" that deserve it. Instead of grieving over his inability to be in the sun, he develops a renewed sense of self, accepting the dark as a part of him and being driven by his newfound inspiration of hope rather than fear.

If spawn Astarion is romanced, the player character can join him in these adventures and explore [[Faerûn]] with him. At the reunion party, he happily encourages the player character to mingle with their old friends and check in on their wellbeing, and he reaffirms to the player character that he loves them and will always be there for them.

If an origin {{CharLink|Karlach}} romanced Astarion, he instead offers to join her in [[Avernus]]. If a spawn origin Astarion romanced Karlach, however, he cannot convince her to go to Avernus because he's forced to run away from the sunlight before her ending cutscene, and she dies while Astarion adventures alone.

==== Life as a vampire spawn leader ====
If Astarion is romanced and the vampire spawn in the dungeon were released to the [[Underdark]], he and the player character can instead choose to go find the spawn and help them adjust to their new lives. Both of them will act as leaders alongside Astarion's "siblings."

Astarion can also become a vampire spawn leader alone and without the player character, though this requires the player character to suggest that they find the spawn in the Underdark but then break up shortly after. Astarion then goes to the Underdark alone and acts as a leader for the vampire spawn.

==== Life as a vampire lord ====

If the party allowed Astarion to complete the ritual, Astarion takes over the [[Szarr Palace]] as his own and becomes an ascended vampire lord, rising in status and power in Baldur's Gate. When spoken to at the Reunion Party, Astarion brags about his rising status as the city's "puppet-master" and generally looks down upon the player character. He can be challenged on his new behavior and compared to Cazador, but Astarion brushes off these callouts.

If romanced and turned into a vampire spawn, Astarion asks the player character to talk with the other companions at the Reunion Party, gather information, and share it with him later while he stays behind and drinks wine. He is surprised to hear that the others are somehow succeeding in life without his supervision, but he is uninterested to engage in conversation with them himself. If romanced as a [[Mind flayers|mind flayer]], the player character is simply an ally to Astarion, as they can't be turned into a spawn, but his Reunion Party dialogue remains the same as if they were one. If an origin Karlach romanced Astarion, she is unable to be turned into a vampire spawn because of her engine running hot, so he breaks up with her during their next Long Rest.

However, there are a few ways for Astarion to end up as a vampire lord without taking over the palace. Like all other player characters, an ascended origin Astarion has the option to go to Avernus with Karlach in any relationship status, abandoning the vampire lord's life completely to fight demons by her side instead. Additionally, if an origin Karlach romancing Astarion does not rest between fighting Cazador and the Netherbrain (thus skipping the breakup scene entirely), he instead demands to bring her to Avernus himself.

==== Life still as Cazador's spawn ====
If Astarion's personal quest is not completed at the end of the story and Cazador is still alive, he loses his ability to walk in the sun and is forced to go into hiding to avoid being found, punished, and controlled by Cazador again. He is relegated to the sewers and other areas of darkness during the day, and returns to feeding on animals such as rats. At the Reunion Party, Astarion laments to the player character about the life he has to live, and the player character can choose there to promise to help him defeat Cazador for good, which gives him hope.

If Astarion reconciled with the Gur, however, they join forces against Cazador and easily kill him sometime after the events of the game, and Astarion is living a free but secluded life as a spawn by the time of the Reunion Party.

== Quest Rewards ==
''If Cazador is defeated:''
*{{MdRarityItem|High Security Vault n°3 Key}}
*{{MdRarityItem|Rhapsody}} as loot from Cazador
*{{MdRarityItem|Szarr Family Ring}}
*{{MdRarityItem|Woe}} as loot from Cazador (unless the ritual was stopped by force and Astarion left the party, in which case he destroys Woe)
''If Cazador is defeated and Astarion does not complete the Rite of Profane Ascension:''
*Aid of {{CharLink|Ulma}} and the [[Gur]] for {{Quest|Gather Your Allies}}
''If Cazador is defeated and Astarion completes the Rite of Profane Ascension:''
*Aid of Astarion's servants of the night for {{Quest|Gather Your Allies}}
*Astarion gains the passive feature [[Vampire Ascendant]] which grants the actions {{SAI|Ascendant Bite}} and {{SAI|Misty Escape (Vampire Ascendant)}} and an additional {{DamageText|1d10|Necrotic}} damage to weapon and unarmed attacks.

== Interactions & Scenes ==
=== In-Party Interactions & Scenes ===
As a companion while out traveling, Astarion has unique dialogue interactions available during and after certain events. Whenever one is available, he will have a floating [ ! ] icon above him.

==== Act One ====
{{div col}}
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=dRiHI8fMchEazdey First Meeting with Astarion]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=qKoEV1vA3tYGuqaL&t=852 Boar Discovery Scene]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=vBrE-HsYA33svyZp&t=3920 Lathander's Lance Scene]
* [https://youtu.be/ytvhOR0Hj-Q?si=o1LewIwKx6IbhSCe Astarion Barn Scene]
{{div col end}}
==== Act Two ====
{{div col}}
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=V2941P24HWpLMKfq&t=4793 Raphael at Last Light Scene]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=eg-yHM1BtjMCn_Q2&t=4910 "Why Ask Raphael?" Conversation]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=hbBp-poQzDLbgh5K&t=4948 "Brothers and Sisters" Conversation]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=gvx0ULBfZ3l76SXf&t=5000 Making Raphael's Deal]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=uGht3ylIKt5JXcwt&t=5054 Post Raphael Conversation]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=h1ly7SXExc-Aw_2h&t=5081 Post Yurgir Fight Conversation]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=bw5PWCbQRJlBXmKf&t=5512 Ritual Whereabouts & Implications Conversation]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=yRhoykOm38IxxgSO&t=5698 Araj Oblodra Scene (No bite)]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=Mruvdz7nNIhZP-SB&t=5938 Araj Oblodra Scene (With bite)]
{{div col end}}
==== Act Three ====
{{div col}}
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=sw7qglut3NmZSBUt&t=7102 Gur Camp Conversation]
* [https://youtu.be/Nu-8Wb7BTG0?si=d7GZPx_jsgj0hd3I Astarion Act 3 Breakup Conversation]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=Ky-8nVogMSS3yTTU&t=7516 Shapeshifter Conversation]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=tc1Z8KXhWey25gu8&t=7532 Worried about Cazador Conversation]
* [https://youtu.be/-FI0NbbwC7M?si=39FAv-nOjHyWeikt Love Test Scene] (Romance only)
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=4aITOZUtPAxm_g3L&t=8338 Drow Twins Invite (Rejection, romanced)] (Romance only)
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=4-Q5mvztCyMvvfLz&t=8380 Drow Twins Invite (Accepted, romanced)] (Romance only)
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=-rSrZmP_qC9zZa8n&t=8543 Petras and Dalyria at the Flophouse Scene]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=SPQFQNWz6txBqWUb&t=9063 City in the Daylight Conversation]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=iuCnP0VmAW1rZ0ah&t=9692 Astarion Enters Cazador's Palace]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=--wz9oir7UpwBG5z&t=9841 Astarion Confronts Godey]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=ncT7ULBGV65k_IVz&t=9944 Werewolf encounter]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=A0li_RHBSrI0k_Tp&t=9985 Finding the elevator]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=7sXAttd2cLuXaY6f&t=10017 Finding Cazador's Dungeon]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=A4WdrN2Q0CQmigXQ&t=10055 Astarion Meets Sebastian]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=dltldEzlCyCrFT9Y&t=10333 Astarion Meets the Gur Children]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=IG31nTaF2bzhM1gR&t=10684 Post Sebastian Discussion]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=u4TJl9ipJfu_n6yV&t=10905 Post Gur Children Discussion]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=HQqbsBqbEZRbBzya&t=11038 Astarion Confronts Cazador]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=ZYLLinIBUek7CDE2&t=11316 Astarion Kills Cazador (Stays spawn, other spawn freed)]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=XdJe4D2Dk1NTZgWt&t=11740 Astarion Ascends]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=MyKmwhrHYnmCVWp4&t=12014 Astarion Ascension Interrupted]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=n5SvA3xusO3Bk6Z2&t=12093 Astarion Forced to Stay Spawn (other spawn stay trapped)]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=qUad_kybmckOoveZ&t=12291 Astarion Spawn decision (kept in cells or killed)]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=wsnIDGoNi78Ou27t&t=12444 Spawn Astarion "I feel numb" Conversation]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=vrMkZU0p7Aq8ccP4&t=12571 Spawn Astarion and Gur Post Cazador Scene]
* [https://youtu.be/8d2G9pnucdA?si=rYMlEo1hv-ux67oK Ascended Astarion and Gur Post Cazador Scene]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=GEF7zzrJYhsgUCZ4&t=13721 Second Araj Oblodra Encounter]
* [https://youtu.be/CH1pGeFk4GQ?si=R1duC2iuyYWBvJMR Spawn Astarion Act 3 Breakup #2] (Spawn route, romance only)
* [https://youtu.be/sT11-zG9gdU?si=g7zaCIG2c9qgLJ0E Ascended Astarion Breakup Conversations] (Ascended route, romance only)
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=LPVVSNTcJ0LjuiqF&t=14193 Before Final Battle Conversation] (Spawn route, romance)
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=hLJuPzsg65Q1qSmY&t=14243 Astral Prism Conversations] (Spawn route, romance)
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=tJrnFjtZj9cwGCni&t=14747 High Hall Reaction]
{{div col end}}

=== Camp Interactions & Scenes ===
As a companion, Astarion has unique dialogue interactions and cutscenes available at camp. Whenever one is available, he will have a floating [ ! ] icon above him.

==== Act One ====
{{div col}}
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=GC3XPpoiCE_3c9l3&t=456 Astarion First Night at Camp Conversation]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=eDgGkdQz2xlmEjC6&t=518 Astarion "How do you want to die?" Conversation]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=1F1zaRULZHhA70Qv&t=609 Astarion Stargazing Conversation]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=yphfJsfJU0V2UX16&t=960 First Bite Scene (Tav Survives)]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=yiFO2loVyHHH_oM5&t=1246 First Bite Scene Morning After (Tav Survives)]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=sVH15bIh4TmUW0dc&t=1442 First Bite Scene (Tav Dies)]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=9z7atBgbU51_4FLv&t=1652 First Bite Scene Morning After (Tav Dies)]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=l8uS_c9zT0vRPKY0&t=2245 Astarion "I Drunk a Bear" Conversation]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=f1gMrvzKO83KNius&t=2804 Astarion "You were my First" Conversation]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=oslrpmKEZZX49m0D&t=3300 Astarion Mirror Conversation]
* [https://youtu.be/w8gbXb5_0UQ?si=aeHpIVuUQNZT3mD0 Astarion First Dream Visitor Conversation]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=xXMmkSl63jvJH3_q&t=3577 Astarion Tiefling Party Conversation]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=VMaBidxXqKNqKpod&t=3709 Astarion First Romance Scene] (Romance only)
* [https://youtu.be/jPMX9bM6oxM?si=wArR2-psRI9OKxF- Astarion Second Dream Visitor Conversation]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=KfPHgR8N3bPEUrUQ&t=4049 Astarion Scars Scene]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=89qa04KULF09mc8f&t=4400 Astarion "Favorite Lines" Conversation] (Romance only)
{{div col end}}
==== Act Two ====
{{div col}}
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=qcEHuFJeBlozrpg7&t=4586 Astarion "I Feel a Connection" Conversation]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=i8xJi8KlXeQ3Ksma&t=5127 Raphael Reveals the Truth Scene]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=YmOvwTYIadrSAUh7&t=5321 Post Reveal Conversation]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=UDXcmUDUm5fgHsSs&t=6015 Post Araj Conversation/Confession (No bite)] (Act 2 romance scene variant, romance only)
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=gCgOSj-t74EA6AaH&t=6314 Post Araj Conversation/Coerced sex scene (No bite)] (Act 2 breakup scene, romance route only)
* [https://youtu.be/yPh_nE43KOU?si=gyiXExP1FxT9f6GP Post Araj Conversation Breakup (With bite)] (Act 2 breakup scene, romance route only)
* [https://youtu.be/xV2eBX1KHY8?si=3WE08xWDpQoGMzOe Astarion Post Yurgir Confession/Act 2 Romance Scene] (Act 2 romance scene variant, romance only)
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60Dbasj1JzU&ab_channel=FlowerVendor Post Araj Conversation (No bite, non-romanced)]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYVmQitPm_I&ab_channel=PerfectParadox Post Araj Conversation (With bite, non-romanced)]
{{div col end}}
==== Act Three ====
{{div col}}
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=JejtJ6fUQhtfYt-H&t=6714 Astarion Discussing Cazador before the City Conversation]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=XuaCspXbw3IV_cgo&t=7007 Astarion on Nature of Dream Visitor]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=jr0A3qrv3xYSlh99&t=9087 Vampire Spawn Attack Camp Scene]
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=04RNuAeQtqMKDA_H&t=12672 Graveyard Scene (Spawn route, Act 3 romance scene)] (Romance only)
* [https://youtu.be/9O54rjYXaxM?si=E8Rkr7U4xQO6ZVYq&t=13324 Morning After Defeating Cazador Conversation (Spawn route, romance version)] (Romance only)
* [https://youtu.be/kXIWz65Bde4?si=SOE2yVLzZTRuyiVb Ascended Astarion makes Tav his Spawn (Ascendant route, romance)] (Romance only)
* [https://youtu.be/5IrjtN8T4eQ?si=qg4nbk1HHND2v4gC Morning After Ascended Astarion makes Tav his Spawn (Ascendant route, romance)] (Romance only)
{{div col end}}

=== Speak with Dead ===
{{Dialogue start}}
'''(if not introduced) Party member:''' Who are you?
* '''Astarion:''' Astarion... vampire spawn...
'''(if never recruited) Party member:''' What happened to you?
* '''Astarion:''' Taken by mind flayers... killed after crash...
'''Party member:''' Where are you from?
* '''Astarion:''' Baldur's Gate...
'''Party member:''' What was your profession?
* '''Astarion:''' Met people... Talked. Flirted. Lured back for my master...
'''Party member:''' Who was your master?
* '''Astarion:''' Cazador Szarr... ancient vampire... bastard...
** '''Party member:''' Where can I find Cazador?
*** '''Astarion:''' In Baldur's Gate... his palace...
** '''Party member:''' How many people have you killed?
*** '''Astarion:''' Some... but never to feed... only brought master living victims...
'''Party member:''' How old are you?
* '''Astarion:''' Two hundred years?... hard to rememeber...
'''(if became a Vampire Lord) Party member:''' What were you planning to do as a Vampire Lord?
* '''Astarion:''' Rule this place... finally be free...
'''(if handed over to the Gur) Party member:''' How did you end up in the ritual?
* '''Astarion:''' Brought to Gur hunter camp... Cazador found them... took me...
'''Party member:''' Cazador's dead. I just wanted you to know.
* '''Astarion:''' Not a question... but ''good...''
{{Dialogue end}}

=== NPC Interactions ===
Either as an [[Origins|origin]], or in the party as a [[Companions|companion]], Astarion has unique interactions and special dialogue with the following characters, listed by the act they are first encountered in:

==== Act One ====
{{div_col}}
* {{CharLink|Abdirak}}
* {{CharLink|Auntie Ethel}}
* {{CharLink|Gandrel}}
* {{CharLink|Gimblebock}}
{{div_col_end}}
==== Act Two ====
{{div_col}}
* {{CharLink|Araj Oblodra}}
* {{CharLink|Raphael}}
* {{CharLink|Yurgir}}
{{div_col_end}}
==== Act Three ====
{{div_col}}
* {{CharLink|Aurelia}}
* {{CharLink|Cazador}}
* {{CharLink|Chessa}}
* {{CharLink|Dalyria}}
* {{CharLink|Leon}}
* {{CharLink|Nym Orlith}}
* {{CharLink|Petras}}
* {{CharLink|Sebastian}}
* {{CharLink|Sorn Orlith}}
* {{CharLink|Ulma}}
* {{CharLink|Violet}}
* {{CharLink|Yousen}}
* {{CharLink|Zethino}}
{{div_col_end}}

== Loot ==
Astarion can be killed and looted upon meeting, and he will drop the same loot as starting equipment.

{{div col}}
*{{MdRarityItem|Alchemy Pouch}}
*{{MdRarityItem|Astarion's Eccentric Clothes}}
*{{MdRarityItem|Padded Armour|override_icon=Padded Armour (Astarion) Unfaded Icon.png|override_rarity=common|Astarion's Padded Armour}}
*{{MdRarityItem|Tasteful Boots|override_icon=Generated_ARM_Camp_Shoes_Astarion_Unfaded.png|override_rarity=common|Astarions's Tasteful Boots}}
*{{MdRarityItem|Astarion's Underwear}}
*{{MdRarityItem|Camp Supply Sack}}
*{{MdRarityItem|Dagger}}
*{{MdRarityItem|Grease Bottle}} x2
*{{MdRarityItem|Keychain}}
*{{MdRarityItem|Leather Boots}}
*{{MdRarityItem|Potion of Healing}} x2
*{{MdRarityItem|Scroll of Revivify}}
*{{MdRarityItem|Shortbow}}
{{div col end}}

==Achievements==
{{Achievement|Just a Nibble}}

== Cards ==
Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate set released in the year 2022.


[[File:Astarion, the Decadent Commander Legends .png|alt=Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate set released in the year 2022.|frameless|283x283px]]  [[File:Astarion, the Decadent (V.2).png|frameless|279x279px]]


Secret Lair Drop Series: Secret Lair x Dungeons & Dragons: 50th Anniversary Superdrop. Released in the year 2024.


[[File:Astarion, the Decadent Secret Lair big.png|frameless|276x276px]] [[File:Exquisite Blood.png|frameless|278x278px]] [[File:Sanguine Bond.png|frameless|277x277px]] [[File:Anguished Unmaking.png|frameless|278x278px]][[File:Mortify.png|frameless|278x278px]]

[[File:Advertising for Secret Lair.jpg|frameless]]

Advertising for Secret Lair. <blockquote>
<nowiki>''</nowiki>The noble high elf joins the World of Magic: The Gathering with the latest set of cards from Secret Lair. Add the vampire spawn rogue to your deck before he ascends from this realm".</blockquote>

==Gallery==
<gallery heights="250">
File:Astarion Model.webp|Base model, Padded Armour
File:Astarion Model Camp.png|Camp model, Eccentric Clothes
File:Astarion Model Underwear.png|Underwear model
File:Astarion Model Ascended.png|Ascended Model, Decadent Ensemble
File:Astarion Model EA.png|Early Access model
File:Astarion Default.webp|Appearance in the character creator
File:Edward-vanderghote-astarion-portrait.png|Portrait by Edward Vanderghote
File:Astarion-promotional.webp|Promotional art
File:Astarion-beta.png|Appearance pre-release
File:Astarion-ea.jpg|During ''Early Access''
</gallery>

== Notes and refences ==
{{notebegin}}
{{reflist}}
{{noteend}}

==External links==
*{{FRWiki|Astarion|long}}
* [https://media.dndbeyond.com/compendium-images/claims/bg3/char-sheets/BG3-Astarion-Sheet.pdf Astarion's free D&D Character sheet PDF on D&D Beyond]

{{NavCompanions|state=expanded}}

[[Category:Humanoids]]
[[Category:Undead]]
[[Category:Elves]]
[[Category:Vampires]]
[[Category:Origins]]
[[Category:Companions]]
[[Category:Rogues]]
[[Category:Available to Speak with Dead]]
[[Category:Characters in Act One]]