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Astarion: Difference between revisions
AFrigidDoor (talk | contribs) (Petras and Dalyria vanishing is seemingly exclusive to the Blood of Lathander, due to its radiance damage rather than being a light source (a sunlight source, most importantly). If there is another example it hasn't been reported. Also clarified the wording during his personality section as act 2 reveals he doesn't really enjoy sex at the point he's at when he seduces the player character (there is some extra nuance here, but for brevity's sake.)) |
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{{PageSeo | {{PageSeo | ||
| description = Astarion is an Origin character and companion in Baldur's Gate 3. He is a | | description = Astarion is an Origin character and companion in Baldur's Gate 3. He is a high elven Rogue with the Charlatan background. | ||
| image = Astarion.png | | image = Astarion.png | ||
}} | }} | ||
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Portrait Astarion.png|Portrait | Portrait Astarion.png|Portrait | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
| full name = Astarion Ancunín | | full name = Astarion Ancunín{{ref|BG3 Senior writer Stephen Rooney is the creator & main writer of Astarion.}} | ||
| identity = Male | | identity = Male | ||
| title = The Pale Elf | | title = The Pale Elf | ||
| class = [[Rogue]] | | class = [[Rogue]] | ||
| background = [[Charlatan]] | | 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]] | | race = [[Elf]] | ||
| subrace = [[High Elf]] | | subrace = [[High Elf]] | ||
| size = Medium | | size = [[Medium]] | ||
| type = [[Humanoid]] | | type = [[Humanoid]] | ||
| creator = Stephen Rooney | | creator = Stephen Rooney | ||
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| acrobatics = 3 | | acrobatics = 3 | ||
| perception = 1 | | perception = 1 | ||
| uuid = c7c13742-bacd-460a-8f65-f864fe41f255 | |||
| uid = S_Player_Astarion | |||
| stats = Origin_Astarion | |||
| uuid2 = 5614c25e-0213-479f-864c-e95895adb30f | |||
| uid2 = ORIGIN_Astarion | |||
| stats2 = Origin_Astarion | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''Astarion Ancunín''' is an [[Origin characters|Origin Character]] and recruitable [[Companion]] | '''Astarion Ancunín''' is an [[Origin characters|Origin Character]] and recruitable [[Companion]], and can be [[Romance|romanced]] by characters of any gender. He is a [[High Elf|high elven]] [[Rogue]] with the [[Charlatan]] background. Astarion can be first found west of the [[Nautiloid Wreck]] 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. | |||
{{DiQ|And to think I was ready to decorate the ground with your innards. Apologies.|Astarion|, apologising after a misunderstanding}} | {{DiQ|And to think I was ready to decorate the ground with your innards. Apologies.|Astarion|, apologising after a misunderstanding}} | ||
== Overview == | == Overview == | ||
=== Background === | === 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 | 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 abducted by mind flayers on the Nautiloid. Although living on borrowed time due to being tadpoled, he now can walk in sunlight, wade through water, enter homes uninvited, and resist his master's compulsions. Astarion has a chance at a new life where he can make his own choices, and possibly gain the freedom and safety he previously dared not even hope for. | ||
=== Starting Class === | === Starting Class === | ||
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=== Special Features === | === Special Features === | ||
* Astarion | * 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 | * Astarion is immune to conditions and effects that do not affect undead, such as {{Cond|Mummy Rot}}. | ||
=== Companion Quest === | === Companion Quest === | ||
Astarion's companion quest is {{Quest|The Pale Elf}}. His story unfolds as he explores his newfound freedom, how he can keep it, and the consequences of doing so. He also chooses how to come to terms with the abuse inflicted on him - and the harm he has inflicted on others. | |||
Astarion's companion quest is | |||
=== Recruitment === | === Recruitment === | ||
{{Hatnote|Recruitable in [[Act One]].}} | {{Hatnote|Recruitable in [[Act One]].}} | ||
Astarion can be found standing on a road west of the crashed [[Nautiloid]] in the [[Wilderness]]. When | Astarion can be found standing on a road west of the crashed [[Nautiloid]] in the [[Wilderness]]. When approached, a scene plays where he feigns asking for help in defeating an {{CharLink|Intellect Devourer}}. Afterwards, he can be asked to join the party. | ||
==== Leaving the party ==== | |||
Handing Astarion over to {{CharLink|Gandrel}} in the [[Sunlit Wetlands]], {{Quest|Break Yurgir's Contract|breaking Yurgir's contract}} instead of killing him (and then failing to convince Astarion to stay), or interrupting his attempt to hijack the Ritual of Profane Ascension (without successfully talking him down) results in Astarion permanently leaving the party. | |||
=== Approval === | === Approval === | ||
{{Main|Astarion/approval}} | {{Main|Astarion/approval}} | ||
[[File:Astarion Approval.png|44px|left|alt=Astarion Approves|link=|Astarion Approves]] | [[File:Astarion Approval.png|44px|left|alt=Astarion Approves|link=|Astarion Approves]] | ||
Astarion approves of displays of power and cruelty, and appreciates sarcasm and | Astarion approves of displays of power, degradation and cruelty, and appreciates sarcasm and wit. He approves of the player character gaining 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: he approves when the player character is understanding of his past, makes choices that help him, support his independence and autonomy, or help certain people or animals he is fond of. | ||
Astarion disapproves of displays | Astarion disapproves of displays that imply weakness, as well acts of kindness or charity which offer no reward. He also disapproves when the player character makes choices which may restrict or deny his personal [https://thisvsthat.io/agency-vs-autonomy agency] or autonomy. | ||
=== Romance === | === Romance === | ||
{{Hatnote|See main article: [[Astarion/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, | Astarion can be romanced by characters of any gender. His romance deals heavily with his personal character growth, relationship with intimacy, reclaiming his autonomy, and navigation of his newly found freedom. Astarion's romance has sharply different outcomes depending on choices made at the end of his companion quest. | ||
== Description == | == Description == | ||
=== Appearance === | === Appearance === | ||
Astarion is a high | Astarion is a high elven vampire spawn who appears to be in his late 30s despite being centuries old.{{ref|The inscription on Astarion's gravestone reads "Astarion Ancunín: 229 - 268 DR 468 DR -", as per the game's devnotes. This would make him 39 at the time of his (un)death. 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 Lae'zel's Unique Githyanki Dialogue in Astarion's Mirror Scene - Baldur's Gate 3]</ref> of medium build and sharp facial features. He has pale skin and red eyes, as well as smile lines and a faint beauty mark on his right cheek. Jaw-length silver hair 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, as well as a myriad of scars carved by Cazador covering most of his back. Astarion is very interested in his overall appearance. Favoring extravagant attire, he wears an elaborate doublet, leather chaps and embroidered leather shoes when recruited. He takes meticulous care to maintain and repair the clothing that he owns. He is very mindful of his hygiene, especially his hair, nails, skin, and clothing. | |||
=== Personality === | === Personality === | ||
Astarion's personality | Astarion's personality is heavily influenced by his background and his time spent as a vampire spawn slave. He is charming, eloquent, cunning, witty, and practical. But, having felt abandoned by the world and its heroes for centuries, Astarion can also be bitter, self-centered, manipulative, distrustful, prejudiced, and vengeful. Driven by fear, Astarion 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 (literally for centuries), no one else should. He also holds a grudge against the Gur people and, pereiving them as weak, prejudice against small races such as gnomes. | ||
Despite his confident bravado and arrogant persona, subsequent conversations with Astarion reveal actions and plans that are arguably fear-motivated and reflect low self-worth. Astarion seemingly revels in the physical and is among the first of companions to offer sexual relations with the player character of their own accord, but this is due to seeking favor with the player character, if for no other reason than to have their protection from Cazador and other powerful enemies. He believes charm, seduction and sexual prowess are effective and proven paths to not only these goals, but also one the of few ways he knows to form relationships with others. | |||
Astarion is willing to go to great lengths to gain power or an advantage, espcially if he pereceives such as required to secure his safety and wrest himself from Cazador's control, even if this means harming others or doing things he otherwise finds distasteful. Yet, even with these goals, Astarions's past has fostered a great reluctance for sacrifices involving bodily autonomy, even if it means getting something greater in turn. | |||
Despite his traumatic past Astarion can, depending on how he is guided during his questline, be encouraged to re-evaluate his ethos and develop and change as a person. | |||
If Astarion's beliefs and fears are challenged, he begins to deconstruct his cynical worldview, show empathy towards others and try 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, motivating him to pursue plans 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 == | == Gameplay == | ||
Astarion's default class is rogue. His default high | Astarion's default class is [[Rogue|rogue]]. His default high elven 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 === | === Proficiencies === | ||
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{{hlist| | {{hlist| | ||
==== Save proficiencies ==== | ==== Save proficiencies ==== | ||
* | * {{Ability|Dexterity}} | ||
* | * {{Ability|Intelligence}}}} | ||
{{hlist| | {{hlist| | ||
==== Skill proficiencies ==== | ==== Skill proficiencies ==== | ||
* | * {{Skill|Acrobatics}} | ||
* | * {{Skill|Deception}} | ||
* | * {{Skill|Perception}} | ||
* | * {{Skill|Performance}} | ||
* | * {{Skill|Persuasion}} | ||
* | * {{Skill|Sleight of Hand}} (x2) | ||
* | * {{Skill|Stealth}} (x2)}} | ||
=== Unlockable bonuses === | === Unlockable bonuses === | ||
The following bonuses and actions | The following bonuses and actions can be unlocked through certain decisions in Astarion's companion quest: | ||
{{hlist| | {{hlist| | ||
* {{SAI|Ascendant Bite}} | * {{SAI|Ascendant Bite}} | ||
* {{SAI|Misty Escape (Vampire Ascendant)|Misty Escape | * {{SAI|Misty Escape (Vampire Ascendant)|Misty Escape}} | ||
* {{SAI|Vampire Ascendant}} | * {{SAI|Vampire Ascendant}}}} | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
=== Pre-Vampirism === | === 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}} | Astarion was a young magistrate noble{{Ref|Referred to as a "noble high elf" on [https://bg3.wiki/wiki/File:Advertising_for_Secret_Lair.jpg this Magic: The Gathering advertisement.]}} 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}}, approached Astarion while he was dying and turned him into one of his slaves – a vampire spawn. | ||
=== Life as Cazador's Spawn === | === Life as Cazador's Spawn === | ||
After being turned, Astarion and his vampire spawn "siblings" lived at the [[Szarr Palace]] in the Upper City. | After being turned, Astarion and his vampire spawn "siblings" lived at the [[Szarr Palace]] in the Upper City. Being vampire spawns, Astarion and his "siblings" were completely subservient to Cazador, shackled to him through the bond of creator and creation. Cazador used this power to completely control Astarion and the others, and he imposed three main commands onto his spawns: | ||
* Physically tortured and had "poetry" carved into their backs by Cazador. | # "Thou must not drink from thinking creatures," | ||
* Frequently emotionally abused as Cazador | # "Thou must never leave my side, unless commanded," | ||
* Fed dead rats and bugs | # "Thou must obey me in all things." | ||
Astarion and the other spawns could not physically refuse these commands. Cazador used this power and these "rules" to physically and emotionally abuse and torture Astarion for centuries. 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. The abuse inflicted onto Astarion and the other spawn was brutal and frequent. They were, amongst other things: | |||
* Physically tortured (sometimes even being compelled to injure one another) and had "poetry" carved into their backs by Cazador. | |||
* Forced to venture out into the Lower City to seduce | * Frequently emotionally abused as Cazador played mind games on them. | ||
* Fed dead rats and bugs and starved for long periods of time. | |||
* Forced to venture out into the Lower City to seduce and engage in sexual activity with people in order to lure them back to Szarr Palace and saved for future feeding 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 | However, while out in a city tavern seducing a young noble to bring back to Cazador, Astarion was abducted by the rogue [[Nautiloid]] and tadpoled alongside other victims. | ||
== Involvement == | == Involvement == | ||
[[File:Astarion Icon.png|right|125px]] | [[File:Astarion Icon.png|right|125px]] | ||
{{Hatnote|See main article: [[The Pale Elf]]}} | {{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 | ''The Pale Elf'' is Astarion's personal quest. It is added to the journal upon recruiting him, and spans all three acts of the game. | ||
=== Act One === | === 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 | 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 nearby in the bushes. However it quickly becomes apparent it is just a [[Boar]]. Depending on the player character's perception, Astarion either pulls a knife on the player or tackles them to the ground with said knife at their throat while they are distracted, believing 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. Regardless of the outcome, Astarion ultimately backs off, apologizes, and introduces himself. If the player character attacks Astarion and kills him before the introducing cutscene and then revivifies him, a slightly different greeting (without knife-threatening) takes place. <!--tested--> Afterwards, 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 | A few nights into adventuring, the player character wakes from long resting to Astarion, hunched over them and preparing to bite their neck. Caught in the act, Astarion stops and tries to explain himself, but the player character successfully deduces he is a vampire. If allowing Astarion to live after this reveal, he asks the player character if they are willing to let him drink some blood to gain his strength. If refusing, he stalks off into the night to hunt for animals. If accepting, Astarion 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.}} Immersed in his hunger, Astarion must then be persuaded or shoved off to end his feeding. If unsuccessful, the player character dies and must be [[revivify|revived]]. If successful, 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 | 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 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 and beat him until he was near death in the street. Cazador Szarr then approached, 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 vampire spawns are subservient to the vampires who created them, having all of the weaknesses of a full vampire but few of their powers. Amongst them is hypersensitivity to the sun, which Astarion has not experienced since the nautiloid crash. He speculates the tadpole has given him immunity to the sunlight and Cazador's compulsion. During this conversation the player character can also discuss how Astarion may 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 | In the [[Sunlit Wetlands]] (or [[Putrid Bog]],) the party can encounter a Gur monster hunter, {{CharLink|Gandrel}}. If previously revealed as a vampire, Gandrel explains he is looking for a vampire spawn named Astarion on behalf of his tribe, and Astarion becomes visibly agitated. He argues with and insults Gandrel, ready to kill him in an act of self-preservation. The player character can let Astarion reveal himself and attack Gandrel or encourage Astarion to let it go, sparing his life. If Astarion's vampiric nature has not been discovered, Gandrel does not mention Astarion by name and instead says 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; thus leaving the party permanently. | ||
=== Act Two === | === Act Two === | ||
In Act Two, Astarion | In Act Two, Astarion explores the markings carved into his back by Cazador long ago and ponders their meaning. If his approval with the player character is high enough, or he is romanced, he reveals the scars to them. The player character may identify them as Infernal markings. If not identified, Astarion eventually comes to this conclusion on his own by slowly feeling them out. Either way, he says he wants to discuss the subject with {{CharLink|Raphael}}, who may be able to explain the scars to him. | ||
When talking to Raphael at the [[Last Light Inn]], Raphael points out Astarion and | When talking to Raphael at the [[Last Light Inn]], Raphael points out Astarion{{ref|If Astarion is {{Cond|Disguise Self|disguised}} when the conversation with {{CharLink|Raphael}} begins at the Last Light Inn, Raphael will not speak with him.}} and say he senses he has something to talk to him about. Astarion then confirms this fact. If Astarion has not revealed his scars, Raphael uses infernal magic to bare Astarion from his waist up 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 instead proceeds to thinking about Astarion's request. Raphael says he believes he can help 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 | Astarion and the party encounter Raphael again in front of the [[Grand Mausoleum]], where Raphael states he has thought of a way for Astarion to pay him for his services. Raphael tasks Astarion and the party to kill an old enemy of his, the orthon {{CharLink|Yurgir}}, and affirms that if they do this he will interpret Astarion's Infernal scars. | ||
If Yurgir is defeated per Raphael's request, Raphael comes to the [[Campsite]] and explains Astarion's scars. He reveals they are a part of a contract Cazador Szarr made with [[Mephistopheles]], binding Astarion to the Rite of Profane Ascension. It is through this ritual that Cazador must sacrifice the souls of all of his vampiric spawn, including Astarion, to ascend to 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 then realizes 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 | On the road to Baldur's Gate, Astarion ponders the options he believes he will have in the city. He tells the player character if they are to find Cazador, they should first find his "siblings", Cazador's other vampiric spawns. He states they will likely be found in the taverns and flophouses of the city, looking for prey for Cazador as per his orders. Astarion also speculates about the possibility of ursurping the Rite of Profane Ascension for himself to gain its power, rather than Cazador. | ||
=== Act Three === | === 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 | 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: save their children from Cazador's clutches and bring them home. Agreeing starts the quest {{Quest|Investigate Cazador's Palace}}. Refusing has Ulma and the other members of the Gur tribe become hostile. | ||
Later | Later, in [[Fraygo's Flophouse]], Astarion encounters two of his "siblings", {{CharLink|Dalyria}} and {{CharLink|Petras}}.{{ref|If a party member is wielding {{SmRarityItem|The Blood of Lathander}} when the encounter with spawn Dalyria and spawn Petras would begin, it causes them to vanish, cancelling the cut-scene.}} They discuss Cazador's ritual, falsely believing it will set them free. Astarion interrupts, calls them foolish for believing Cazador's lies, and demands to know where the ritual will happen. Dalyria and Petras reveal it is happening in a secret defiled chapel underneath Cazador's Palace before returning 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 | 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 by lying and saying 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 must be rescued, while 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 | 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 presumes the way to the ritual is via the ballroom. However, the ballroom is sealed by an {{Cond|Arcane Lock}} spell that will only open if a key is inserted and a set of words are spoken to it. Astarion then concludes {{CharLink|Godey}}, one of Cazador's servants, has the key, and suggests the party find 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 may proceed into the ballroom where they encounter a multitude of [[Werewolf|lycanthropes]], [[Wolf|wolves]], [[Bat|bats]], and [[Rat|rats]]. The creatures are hostile, as they wish to turn in Astarion to Cazador to gain favor with him. After defeating them, Astarion and the party can proceed to Cazador's study, where they find a nearby lift. | ||
Upon taking the lift, it descends into [[Cazador's Dungeon]], which was kept secret from all in the palace, including Astarion. Here, Astarion and the party encounter a large number of prisoners held in cells. One prisoner, {{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 there. In another cell, {{CharLink|Chessa}}, one of the Gur children, also recognizes him and speaks of how Astarion and other spawns kidnapped them from their camp and brought them to the palace where Cazador turned them to spawns. Astarion then identifies others in cells who bear his mark, previous victims he brought to Cazador (either through lure or capture) but thought of as long dead, as Cazador told them he was feeding on those they brought back. It is after meeting the prisoners and seeing how they are marked with the same Infernal runes that Astarion sees Cazador means to sacrifice not just him and his "siblings", but the 7,000 souls suborned to his command. He starts to fully understand the true scope of the Rite of Profane Ascension as well as struggle with the implications of his previous plans 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 | 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, forcing him into the ritual, and combat begins. If not rescued, Cazador ascends and Astarion's essence, bound by an [[Mephistopheles|Archdevil's]] Infernal Contract, is consumed (along with 7000 others), killing him. If saved, Astarion joins combat. | ||
If defeated, Cazador attempts to retreat to his sarcophagus to regenerate. Astarion rips him away and confronts him once and for all. Here the player character can either talk Astarion down from usurping the Rite of Profane Ascension or assist him in completing it for himself. Either choice and its outcome completes {{Quest|The Pale Elf}}. | |||
=== Endings === | === Endings === | ||
==== Zombie Astarion ==== | ==== Zombie Astarion ==== | ||
If | If given to the [[Gur]] in Act One, killed by the player character without recruiting him, or not freed during the fight with Cazador, Astarion is transformed into a [[zombie]] with red skin, exposed bones, and all of his otherwise defining physical traits gone{{Ref|Carrying Zombie Astarion back to camp and casting [[Revivify]] on him turns him into a camp follower with the same tent and idle animations as his living self; however, he cannot be spoken with or re-recruited, and will not appear in the Epilogue.}}. | ||
==== Life as a spawn vigilante ==== | ==== Life as a spawn vigilante ==== | ||
If the party stopped the ritual peacefully by persuading him to be better than Cazador or by | If the party stopped the ritual peacefully by persuading him to be better than Cazador or by killing one or more trapped "siblings" during the battle, Astarion's sunlight vulnerability spontaneously returns a few minutes after defeating the Netherbrain, ending the hope that his immunity via the tadpole might be permanent. After quickly saying goodbye he is forced to run and find shade as another companion calls out to him, although the narrator reassures the player character 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" who 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 | If spawn Astarion is romanced, the player character can join him in his adventures and explore [[Faerûn]] together. At the reunion party, he happily encourages the player character to mingle with their old friends and check in on their wellbeing. 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 | 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 is forced to run away from the sunlight before her ending cutscene; she dies while Astarion adventures alone. | ||
==== Life as a vampire spawn leader ==== | ==== 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 | 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 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 | Astarion can also become a vampire spawn leader alone and without the player character, though this requires the player character suggest they find the spawn in the Underdark, 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 ==== | ==== Life as a vampire lord ==== | ||
If | If allowed to complete the ritual, Astarion takes over [[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 comments. | ||
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 | 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 the others are somehow succeeding in life without his supervision, but 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 cannot be turned into a spawn (though 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, and he breaks up with her during their next Long Rest after the ritual. | ||
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. | 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 ==== | ==== 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 | 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 dark areas 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. The player character can then choose 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, | If Astarion reconciled with the Gur, however, they join forces against Cazador and easily kill him sometime after the events of the game, where Astarion is living a free but secluded life as a spawn by the time of the Reunion Party. | ||
== Quest Rewards == | == Quest Rewards == | ||
Line 416: | Line 430: | ||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
<gallery heights="250"> | <gallery heights="250"> | ||
File:Astarion Model.webp|Base model | File:Astarion Model.webp|Base model, Padded Armour | ||
File:Astarion Model Camp.png|Camp model | File:Astarion Model Camp.png|Camp model, Eccentric Clothes | ||
File:Astarion Model Underwear.png|Underwear model | File:Astarion Model Underwear.png|Underwear model | ||
File:Astarion Model Ascended.png|Ascended Model | File:Astarion Model Ascended.png|Ascended Model, Decadent Ensemble | ||
File:Astarion Model EA.png|Early Access model | File:Astarion Model EA.png|Early Access model | ||
File:Astarion Default.webp|Appearance in the character creator | File:Astarion Default.webp|Appearance in the character creator | ||
File:Edward-vanderghote-astarion-portrait.png|Portrait by Edward Vanderghote | File:Edward-vanderghote-astarion-portrait.png|Portrait by Edward Vanderghote | ||
File:Astarion-promotional.webp|Promotional art | File:Astarion-promotional.webp|Promotional art | ||
File:Astarion-beta.png|Appearance pre-release | File:Astarion-beta.png|Appearance pre-release | ||
File:Astarion-ea.jpg|During ''Early Access''. | File:Astarion-ea.jpg|During ''Early Access'' | ||
</gallery> | |||
<gallery heights="250"> | |||
File:Astarion, the Decadent Commander Legends .png|''Commander Legends''' ''Astarion, the Decadent'' | |||
File:Astarion, the Decadent (V.2).png|An alternate version of ''Commander Legends''' ''Astarion, the Decadent'' | |||
File:Astarion's Thirst.jpg|''Commander Legends''<nowiki/>' ''Astarion's Thirst'' | |||
</gallery> | |||
<gallery heights="250"> | |||
File:Astarion, the Decadent Secret Lair big.png|''Secret Lair's Astarion, The Decadent'' | |||
File:Exquisite Blood.png|''Secret Lair's Exquisite Blood'' | |||
File:Sanguine Bond.png|''Secret Lair's Sanguine Bond'' | |||
File:Anguished Unmaking.png|''Secret Lair's Anguished Unmaking'' | |||
File:Mortify.png|''Secret Lair's Mortify'' | |||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
== Notes == | == Notes and references == | ||
{{notebegin}} | {{notebegin}} | ||
{{reflist}} | |||
{{noteend}} | {{noteend}} | ||
Line 447: | Line 468: | ||
[[Category:Undead]] | [[Category:Undead]] | ||
[[Category:Elves]] | [[Category:Elves]] | ||
[[Category:High Elves]] | |||
[[Category:Vampires]] | [[Category:Vampires]] | ||
[[Category:Origins]] | [[Category:Origins]] |
Latest revision as of 11:35, 26 January 2025
Overview | Approval | Banter | Romance |
Astarion Ancunín is an Origin Character and recruitable Companion, and can be romanced by characters of any gender. He is a high elven Rogue with the Charlatan background. Astarion can be first found west of the Nautiloid Wreck during Act One.
A vampire spawn previously under the control of Cazador Szarr until being abducted by the nautiloid, Astarion is set on exacting revenge upon Cazador and becoming free, no matter the consequences.
“And to think I was ready to decorate the ground with your innards. Apologies.„
Overview[edit | edit source]
Background[edit | edit source]
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 abducted by mind flayers on the Nautiloid. Although living on borrowed time due to being tadpoled, he now can walk in sunlight, wade through water, enter homes uninvited, and resist his master's compulsions. Astarion has a chance at a new life where he can make his own choices, and possibly gain the freedom and safety he previously dared not even hope for.
Starting Class[edit | edit source]
Astarion starts as a Rogue. Upon reaching level three, he defaults to the Arcane Trickster subclass.
Special Features[edit | edit source]
- Astarion receives the after using the ability on a humanoid.
- Astarion is immune to conditions and effects that do not affect undead, such as .
Companion Quest[edit | edit source]
Astarion's companion quest is
. His story unfolds as he explores his newfound freedom, how he can keep it, and the consequences of doing so. He also chooses how to come to terms with the abuse inflicted on him - and the harm he has inflicted on others.Recruitment[edit | edit source]
Astarion can be found standing on a road west of the crashed Nautiloid in the Wilderness. When approached, 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[edit | edit source]
Handing Astarion over to Gandrel in the Sunlit Wetlands, instead of killing him (and then failing to convince Astarion to stay), or interrupting his attempt to hijack the Ritual of Profane Ascension (without successfully talking him down) results in Astarion permanently leaving the party.
Approval[edit | edit source]
Astarion approves of displays of power, degradation and cruelty, and appreciates sarcasm and wit. He approves of the player character gaining 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: he approves when the player character is understanding of his past, makes choices that help him, support his independence and autonomy, or help certain people or animals he is fond of.
Astarion disapproves of displays that imply weakness, as well acts of kindness or charity which offer no reward. He also disapproves when the player character makes choices which may restrict or deny his personal agency or autonomy.
Romance[edit | edit source]
Astarion can be romanced by characters of any gender. His romance deals heavily with his personal character growth, relationship with intimacy, reclaiming his autonomy, and navigation of his newly found freedom. Astarion's romance has sharply different outcomes depending on choices made at the end of his companion quest.
Description[edit | edit source]
Appearance[edit | edit source]
Astarion is a high elven vampire spawn who appears to be in his late 30s despite being centuries old.[3]
He is approximately 5'11" tall[4] of medium build and sharp facial features. He has pale skin and red eyes, as well as smile lines and a faint beauty mark on his right cheek. Jaw-length silver hair curls around his long pointed ears. He has a bite-mark scar on the right side of his neck from when his old master Cazador Szarr turned him into a vampire, as well as a myriad of scars carved by Cazador covering most of his back. Astarion is very interested in his overall appearance. Favoring extravagant attire, he wears an elaborate doublet, leather chaps and embroidered leather shoes when recruited. He takes meticulous care to maintain and repair the clothing that he owns. He is very mindful of his hygiene, especially his hair, nails, skin, and clothing.
Personality[edit | edit source]
Astarion's personality is heavily influenced by his background and his time spent as a vampire spawn slave. He is charming, eloquent, cunning, witty, and practical. But, having felt abandoned by the world and its heroes for centuries, Astarion can also be bitter, self-centered, manipulative, distrustful, prejudiced, and vengeful. Driven by fear, Astarion 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 (literally for centuries), no one else should. He also holds a grudge against the Gur people and, pereiving them as weak, prejudice against small races such as gnomes.
Despite his confident bravado and arrogant persona, subsequent conversations with Astarion reveal actions and plans that are arguably fear-motivated and reflect low self-worth. Astarion seemingly revels in the physical and is among the first of companions to offer sexual relations with the player character of their own accord, but this is due to seeking favor with the player character, if for no other reason than to have their protection from Cazador and other powerful enemies. He believes charm, seduction and sexual prowess are effective and proven paths to not only these goals, but also one the of few ways he knows to form relationships with others.
Astarion is willing to go to great lengths to gain power or an advantage, espcially if he pereceives such as required to secure his safety and wrest himself from Cazador's control, even if this means harming others or doing things he otherwise finds distasteful. Yet, even with these goals, Astarions's past has fostered a great reluctance for sacrifices involving bodily autonomy, even if it means getting something greater in turn.
Despite his traumatic past Astarion can, depending on how he is guided during his questline, be encouraged to re-evaluate his ethos and develop and change as a person.
If Astarion's beliefs and fears are challenged, he begins to deconstruct his cynical worldview, show empathy towards others and try 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, motivating him to pursue plans to take over the city and even the world.[5]
Gameplay[edit | edit source]
Astarion's default class is rogue. His default high elven cantrip is , 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 . 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 .
Proficiencies[edit | edit source]
Equipment proficiencies
Save proficiencies
Skill proficiencies
- (x2)
- (x2)
Unlockable bonuses[edit | edit source]
The following bonuses and actions can be unlocked through certain decisions in Astarion's companion quest:
History[edit | edit source]
Pre-Vampirism[edit | edit source]
Astarion was a young magistrate noble[6] 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, Cazador Szarr, approached Astarion while he was dying and turned him into one of his slaves – a vampire spawn.
Life as Cazador's Spawn[edit | edit source]
After being turned, Astarion and his vampire spawn "siblings" lived at the Szarr Palace in the Upper City. Being vampire spawns, Astarion and his "siblings" were completely subservient to Cazador, shackled to him through the bond of creator and creation. Cazador used 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 used this power and these "rules" to physically and emotionally abuse and torture Astarion for centuries. 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. The abuse inflicted onto Astarion and the other spawn was brutal and frequent. They were, amongst other things:
- Physically tortured (sometimes even being compelled to injure one another) and had "poetry" carved into their backs by Cazador.
- Frequently emotionally abused as Cazador played mind games on them.
- Fed dead rats and bugs and starved for long periods of time.
- Forced to venture out into the Lower City to seduce and engage in sexual activity with people in order to lure them back to Szarr Palace and saved for future feeding 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 tadpoled alongside other victims.
Involvement[edit | edit source]
The Pale Elf is Astarion's personal quest. It is added to the journal upon recruiting him, and spans all three acts of the game.
Act One[edit | edit source]
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 nearby in the bushes. However it quickly becomes apparent it is just a Boar. Depending on the player character's perception, Astarion either pulls a knife on the player or tackles them to the ground with said knife at their throat while they are distracted, believing 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. Regardless of the outcome, Astarion ultimately backs off, apologizes, and introduces himself. If the player character attacks Astarion and kills him before the introducing cutscene and then revivifies him, a slightly different greeting (without knife-threatening) takes place. Afterwards, Astarion can be recruited as a party member and his companion quest, , is added to the journal.
A few nights into adventuring, the player character wakes from long resting to Astarion, hunched over them and preparing to bite their neck. Caught in the act, Astarion stops and tries to explain himself, but the player character successfully deduces he is a vampire. If allowing Astarion to live after this reveal, he asks the player character if they are willing to let him drink some blood to gain his strength. If refusing, he stalks off into the night to hunt for animals. If accepting, Astarion lays the player character down and begins to drink blood from their neck.[7] Immersed in his hunger, Astarion must then be persuaded or shoved off to end his feeding. If unsuccessful, the player character dies and must be revived. If successful, 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 he is a Vampire spawn sired by the vampire lord 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 and beat him until he was near death in the street. Cazador Szarr then approached, 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 vampire spawns are subservient to the vampires who created them, having all of the weaknesses of a full vampire but few of their powers. Amongst them is hypersensitivity to the sun, which Astarion has not experienced since the nautiloid crash. He speculates the tadpole has given him immunity to the sunlight and Cazador's compulsion. During this conversation the player character can also discuss how Astarion may 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, Gandrel. If previously revealed as a vampire, Gandrel explains he is looking for a vampire spawn named Astarion on behalf of his tribe, and Astarion becomes visibly agitated. He argues with and insults Gandrel, ready to kill him in an act of self-preservation. The player character can let Astarion reveal himself and attack Gandrel or encourage Astarion to let it go, sparing his life. If Astarion's vampiric nature has not been discovered, Gandrel does not mention Astarion by name and instead says 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; thus leaving the party permanently.
Act Two[edit | edit source]
In Act Two, Astarion explores the markings carved into his back by Cazador long ago and ponders their meaning. If his approval with the player character is high enough, or he is romanced, he reveals the scars to them. The player character may identify them as Infernal markings. If not identified, Astarion eventually comes to this conclusion on his own by slowly feeling them out. Either way, he says he wants to discuss the subject with Raphael, who may be able to explain the scars to him.
When talking to Raphael at the Last Light Inn, Raphael points out Astarion[8] and say he senses he has something to talk to him about. Astarion then confirms this fact. If Astarion has not revealed his scars, Raphael uses infernal magic to bare Astarion from his waist up 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 instead proceeds to thinking about Astarion's request. Raphael says he believes he can help 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 he has thought of a way for Astarion to pay him for his services. Raphael tasks Astarion and the party to kill an old enemy of his, the orthon Yurgir, and affirms that if they do this he will interpret Astarion's Infernal scars.
If Yurgir is defeated per Raphael's request, Raphael comes to the Campsite and explains Astarion's scars. He reveals they are a part of a contract Cazador Szarr made with Mephistopheles, binding Astarion to the Rite of Profane Ascension. It is through this ritual that Cazador must sacrifice the souls of all of his vampiric spawn, including Astarion, to ascend to 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 then realizes 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 in the city. He tells the player character if they are to find Cazador, they should first find his "siblings", Cazador's other vampiric spawns. He states they will likely be found in the taverns and flophouses of the city, looking for prey for Cazador as per his orders. Astarion also speculates about the possibility of ursurping the Rite of Profane Ascension for himself to gain its power, rather than Cazador.
Act Three[edit | edit source]
In Rivington, Astarion and the party may encounter 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: save their children from Cazador's clutches and bring them home. Agreeing starts the quest . Refusing has Ulma and the other members of the Gur tribe become hostile.
Later, in Fraygo's Flophouse, Astarion encounters two of his "siblings", Dalyria and Petras.[9] They discuss Cazador's ritual, falsely believing it will set them free. Astarion interrupts, calls them foolish for believing Cazador's lies, and demands to know where the ritual will happen. Dalyria and Petras reveal it is happening in a secret defiled chapel underneath Cazador's Palace before returning 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," Leon, Aurelia, Violet, and Yousen, come to the party's camp in the night to capture Astarion. Astarion attempts to sway them to his side by lying and saying 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 must be rescued, while 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 presumes the way to the ritual is via the ballroom. However, the ballroom is sealed by an spell that will only open if a key is inserted and a set of words are spoken to it. Astarion then concludes Godey, one of Cazador's servants, has the key, and suggests the party find him along with something that will help the party discover the passphrase. After obtaining the Szarr Family Ring from Godey and the Kozakuran Dictionary from one of Cazador's guest rooms, Astarion and the party may proceed into the ballroom where they encounter a multitude of lycanthropes, wolves, bats, and rats. The creatures are hostile, as they wish to turn in Astarion to Cazador to gain favor with him. After defeating them, Astarion and the party can proceed to Cazador's study, where they find a nearby lift.
Upon taking the lift, it descends into Cazador's Dungeon, which was kept secret from all in the palace, including Astarion. Here, Astarion and the party encounter a large number of prisoners held in cells. One prisoner, 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 there. In another cell, Chessa, one of the Gur children, also recognizes him and speaks of how Astarion and other spawns kidnapped them from their camp and brought them to the palace where Cazador turned them to spawns. Astarion then identifies others in cells who bear his mark, previous victims he brought to Cazador (either through lure or capture) but thought of as long dead, as Cazador told them he was feeding on those they brought back. It is after meeting the prisoners and seeing how they are marked with the same Infernal runes that Astarion sees Cazador means to sacrifice not just him and his "siblings", but the 7,000 souls suborned to his command. He starts to fully understand the true scope of the Rite of Profane Ascension as well as struggle with the implications of his previous plans 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, forcing him into the ritual, and combat begins. If not rescued, Cazador ascends and Astarion's essence, bound by an Archdevil's Infernal Contract, is consumed (along with 7000 others), killing him. If saved, Astarion joins combat.
If defeated, Cazador attempts to retreat to his sarcophagus to regenerate. Astarion rips him away and confronts him once and for all. Here the player character can either talk Astarion down from usurping the Rite of Profane Ascension or assist him in completing it for himself. Either choice and its outcome completes
.Endings[edit | edit source]
Zombie Astarion[edit | edit source]
If given to the Gur in Act One, killed by the player character without recruiting him, or not freed during the fight with Cazador, Astarion is transformed into a zombie with red skin, exposed bones, and all of his otherwise defining physical traits gone[10].
Life as a spawn vigilante[edit | edit source]
If the party stopped the ritual peacefully by persuading him to be better than Cazador or by killing one or more trapped "siblings" during the battle, Astarion's sunlight vulnerability spontaneously returns a few minutes after defeating the Netherbrain, ending the hope that his immunity via the tadpole might be permanent. After quickly saying goodbye he is forced to run and find shade as another companion calls out to him, although the narrator reassures the player character 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" who 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 his adventures and explore Faerûn together. At the reunion party, he happily encourages the player character to mingle with their old friends and check in on their wellbeing. He reaffirms to the player character that he loves them and will always be there for them.
If an origin 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 is forced to run away from the sunlight before her ending cutscene; she dies while Astarion adventures alone.
Life as a vampire spawn leader[edit | edit source]
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 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 suggest they find the spawn in the Underdark, 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[edit | edit source]
If allowed to complete the ritual, Astarion takes over 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 comments.
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 the others are somehow succeeding in life without his supervision, but is uninterested to engage in conversation with them himself. If romanced as a mind flayer, the player character is simply an ally to Astarion, as they cannot be turned into a spawn (though 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, and he breaks up with her during their next Long Rest after the ritual.
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[edit | edit source]
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 dark areas 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. The player character can then choose 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, where Astarion is living a free but secluded life as a spawn by the time of the Reunion Party.
Quest Rewards[edit | edit source]
If Cazador is defeated:
- High Security Vault n°3 Key
- Rhapsody as loot from Cazador
- Szarr Family Ring
- 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:
If Cazador is defeated and Astarion completes the Rite of Profane Ascension:
- Aid of Astarion's servants of the night for
- Astarion gains the passive feature Vampire Ascendant which grants the actions and and an additional 1d10Necrotic damage to weapon and unarmed attacks.
Interactions & Scenes[edit | edit source]
In-Party Interactions & Scenes[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
Act Two[edit | edit source]
Act Three[edit | edit source]
- Gur Camp Conversation
- Astarion Act 3 Breakup Conversation
- Shapeshifter Conversation
- Worried about Cazador Conversation
- Love Test Scene (Romance only)
- Drow Twins Invite (Rejection, romanced) (Romance only)
- Drow Twins Invite (Accepted, romanced) (Romance only)
- Petras and Dalyria at the Flophouse Scene
- City in the Daylight Conversation
- Astarion Enters Cazador's Palace
- Astarion Confronts Godey
- Werewolf encounter
- Finding the elevator
- Finding Cazador's Dungeon
- Astarion Meets Sebastian
- Astarion Meets the Gur Children
- Post Sebastian Discussion
- Post Gur Children Discussion
- Astarion Confronts Cazador
- Astarion Kills Cazador (Stays spawn, other spawn freed)
- Astarion Ascends
- Astarion Ascension Interrupted
- Astarion Forced to Stay Spawn (other spawn stay trapped)
- Astarion Spawn decision (kept in cells or killed)
- Spawn Astarion "I feel numb" Conversation
- Spawn Astarion and Gur Post Cazador Scene
- Ascended Astarion and Gur Post Cazador Scene
- Second Araj Oblodra Encounter
- Spawn Astarion Act 3 Breakup #2 (Spawn route, romance only)
- Ascended Astarion Breakup Conversations (Ascended route, romance only)
- Before Final Battle Conversation (Spawn route, romance)
- Astral Prism Conversations (Spawn route, romance)
- High Hall Reaction
Camp Interactions & Scenes[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
- Astarion First Night at Camp Conversation
- Astarion "How do you want to die?" Conversation
- Astarion Stargazing Conversation
- First Bite Scene (Tav Survives)
- First Bite Scene Morning After (Tav Survives)
- First Bite Scene (Tav Dies)
- First Bite Scene Morning After (Tav Dies)
- Astarion "I Drunk a Bear" Conversation
- Astarion "You were my First" Conversation
- Astarion Mirror Conversation
- Astarion First Dream Visitor Conversation
- Astarion Tiefling Party Conversation
- Astarion First Romance Scene (Romance only)
- Astarion Second Dream Visitor Conversation
- Astarion Scars Scene
- Astarion "Favorite Lines" Conversation (Romance only)
Act Two[edit | edit source]
- Astarion "I Feel a Connection" Conversation
- Raphael Reveals the Truth Scene
- Post Reveal Conversation
- Post Araj Conversation/Confession (No bite) (Act 2 romance scene variant, romance only)
- Post Araj Conversation/Coerced sex scene (No bite) (Act 2 breakup scene, romance route only)
- Post Araj Conversation Breakup (With bite) (Act 2 breakup scene, romance route only)
- Astarion Post Yurgir Confession/Act 2 Romance Scene (Act 2 romance scene variant, romance only)
- Post Araj Conversation (No bite, non-romanced)
- Post Araj Conversation (With bite, non-romanced)
Act Three[edit | edit source]
- Astarion Discussing Cazador before the City Conversation
- Astarion on Nature of Dream Visitor
- Vampire Spawn Attack Camp Scene
- Graveyard Scene (Spawn route, Act 3 romance scene) (Romance only)
- Morning After Defeating Cazador Conversation (Spawn route, romance version) (Romance only)
- Ascended Astarion makes Tav his Spawn (Ascendant route, romance) (Romance only)
- Morning After Ascended Astarion makes Tav his Spawn (Ascendant route, romance) (Romance only)
Speak with Dead[edit | edit source]
(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: Where can I find Cazador?
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...
NPC Interactions[edit | edit source]
Either as an origin, or in the party as a companion, Astarion has unique interactions and special dialogue with the following characters, listed by the act they are first encountered in:
Act One[edit | edit source]
Act Two[edit | edit source]
Act Three[edit | edit source]
Loot[edit | edit source]
Astarion can be killed and looted upon meeting, and he will drop the same loot as starting equipment.
Achievements[edit | edit source]
Gallery[edit | edit source]
Notes and references[edit | edit source]
- ↑ BG3 Senior writer Stephen Rooney is the creator & main writer of Astarion.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ The inscription on Astarion's gravestone reads "Astarion Ancunín: 229 - 268 DR 468 DR -", as per the game's devnotes. This would make him 39 at the time of his (un)death. However, there are some inconsistencies regarding these dates: the current year is 1492 DR, and Cazador became a Lord in 1276 DR.
- ↑ Lae'zel's Unique Githyanki Dialogue in Astarion's Mirror Scene - Baldur's Gate 3
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Referred to as a "noble high elf" on this Magic: The Gathering advertisement.
- ↑ If 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.
- ↑ If Astarion is when the conversation with Raphael begins at the Last Light Inn, Raphael will not speak with him.
- ↑ If a party member is wielding The Blood of Lathander when the encounter with spawn Dalyria and spawn Petras would begin, it causes them to vanish, cancelling the cut-scene.
- ↑ Carrying Zombie Astarion back to camp and casting Revivify on him turns him into a camp follower with the same tent and idle animations as his living self; however, he cannot be spoken with or re-recruited, and will not appear in the Epilogue.