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==Storyline== | ==Storyline== | ||
Astarion | Astarion will actively seek to start romantic relations with the player character, although he will conceal his genuine reasons for it. This behaviour stems from the very depths of his [[Astarion#Personality|personality]]. Thus, it is recommended to speak with him during long rests to try to understand what is driving him closer to the player character. Nonetheless, even maintaining a Very Good level of approval, Astarion's true motivations will only become clear in [[Act Two]]. | ||
===Act One=== | ===Act One=== | ||
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* When arriving to Moonrise Towers under a True Soul disguise, the player will have to interact with one of [[General Ketheric Thorm]] closest aidees, [[Z'rell|Disciple Z'rell]]. While prying the depths of the player character's mind in search for proof of their faith, she might be distracted by the option '' "Show her your lusts for Astarion" ''. Choosing this won't progress the romance itself, but earn some approval from the spawn. | * When arriving to Moonrise Towers under a True Soul disguise, the player will have to interact with one of [[General Ketheric Thorm]] closest aidees, [[Z'rell|Disciple Z'rell]]. While prying the depths of the player character's mind in search for proof of their faith, she might be distracted by the option '' "Show her your lusts for Astarion" ''. Choosing this won't progress the romance itself, but earn some approval from the spawn. | ||
* The most substantial scene with Astarion occurs after the player character visits [[Moonrise Towers]] under the guise of a True Soul, with Astarion in the party. On the main floor of [[Moonrise Towers]] resides a vendor by the name [[Araj Oblodra]]. The next long rest after talking to her triggers a cutscene where Astarion | * The most substantial scene with Astarion occurs after the player character visits [[Moonrise Towers]] under the guise of a True Soul, with Astarion in the party. On the main floor of [[Moonrise Towers]] resides a vendor by the name [[Araj Oblodra]]. The next long rest after talking to her triggers a cutscene where Astarion explains that he would like to have a real relationship with the player, even though years of abuse have left him in doubt of what that might look like. | ||
:Dialogue choices made by the player here will either progress the romance or | :Dialogue choices made by the player here will either progress the romance or end it. Picking options which make Astarion understand that he's been being used by the player character just like by [[Cazador Szarr]] before (for example, manipulating the spawn into having sex with player character simply for the latter's pleasure) will be followed by a cutscene where Astarion breaks the relationship rather decisively. | ||
: A similar scene with the same outcomes will trigger if the player doesn't talk to Araj Oblodra, but has approval with Astarion at least 70 (High Approval) in Act Two and successfully completes [[Kill Raphael's Old Enemy]] quest. | : A similar scene with the same outcomes will trigger if the player doesn't talk to Araj Oblodra, but has approval with Astarion at least 70 (High Approval) in Act Two and successfully completes [[Kill Raphael's Old Enemy]] quest. | ||
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* Later in [[Act Three]], the player will meet Astarion's 'siblings' (other [[Cazador|Cazador's]] spawn) twice. First, the party will encounter two of them in [[Fraygo's Flophouse]], a hostel in the [[Wyrm's Crossing]]. The player may choose to interact with them to find out some additional info about Cazador's plans {{note|As other spawn, unlike Astarion, are not protected from sunlight by a tadpole, approaching them with certain daylight-issuing weapons equipped (for, example, the [[Blood of Lathander]]), will result in them gaining [[Sunlight Hypersensitivity]] condition and teleporting away, before the party can interrogate them. This doesn't have any impact on quest progression}}. | * Later in [[Act Three]], the player will meet Astarion's 'siblings' (other [[Cazador|Cazador's]] spawn) twice. First, the party will encounter two of them in [[Fraygo's Flophouse]], a hostel in the [[Wyrm's Crossing]]. The player may choose to interact with them to find out some additional info about Cazador's plans {{note|As other spawn, unlike Astarion, are not protected from sunlight by a tadpole, approaching them with certain daylight-issuing weapons equipped (for, example, the [[Blood of Lathander]]), will result in them gaining [[Sunlight Hypersensitivity]] condition and teleporting away, before the party can interrogate them. This doesn't have any impact on quest progression}}. | ||
: Regardless of whether the player manages to speak with these spawn or not, after a couple of long rests in the area a scene will trigger where four other spawn assault the party at camp, | : Regardless of whether the player manages to speak with these spawn or not, after a couple of long rests in the area a scene will trigger where four other spawn assault the party at camp, either to convince Astarion to return to their master or to kidnap him should he refuse. If the player chooses to take Astarion's side, his siblings will attack the party, but teleport away as soon as they are reduced to 1 HP. In the dialogue with the spawn and another one that follows the fight, the player is free to choose any lines they want, but certain choices will result in Astarion disapproving of the player character and even breaking the relationship if they were partnered. | ||
* Once the player confronts and defeats [[Cazador Szarr]] in his [[Cazador's Dungeon|dungeon]], the player must make a decision before concluding Astarion's quest. Astarion will seek the player's help to ascend. As a companion, he is not able to ascend on his own | * Once the player confronts and defeats [[Cazador Szarr]] in his [[Cazador's Dungeon|dungeon]], the player must make a decision before concluding Astarion's quest. Astarion will seek the player's help to ascend. As a companion, he is not able to ascend on his own. | ||
There are four potential outcomes: | There are four potential outcomes: | ||
* '''Convince Astarion not to ascend''' (requires a {{Ability check|Persuasion|18}}, or {{Ability check|Persuasion|15}}, if the player previously used discussion lines and passed {{Ability check|Insight|20}} to see what really drives him); Astarion remains in the party. | * '''Convince Astarion not to ascend''' (requires a {{Ability check|Persuasion|18}}, or {{Ability check|Persuasion|15}}, if the player previously used discussion lines and passed {{Ability check|Insight|20}} to see what really drives him); Astarion remains in the party. | ||
* '''Refuse to help Astarion''' (or '''fail any''' of the Persuasion checks described above), | * '''Refuse to help Astarion''' (or '''fail any''' of the Persuasion checks described above), resulting in Astarion leaving the party permanently. | ||
* '''Start the ritual, but interrupt it in the middle''', which will result in Astarion attacking the party. | * '''Start the ritual, but interrupt it in the middle''', which will result in Astarion attacking the party. | ||
* '''Help him to complete the Rite''' and become the Vampire Ascendant. | * '''Help him to complete the Rite''' and become the Vampire Ascendant. | ||
{{hatnote|Companion quest article: [[The Pale Elf#Outcomes|The Pale Elf]]}} | |||
If Astarion is allowed to ascend | If Astarion is allowed to ascend, his dynamic with a romanced player character will change significantly, reflecting on the fact that he is following in Cazador's footsteps. | ||
The player will have several occasions to comment on his changed behaviour. | |||
The player will have several occasions to comment on his changed behaviour | |||
===Romance conclusion=== | ===Romance conclusion=== | ||
If the player long-rests after the Rite of Profane Ascension | If the player long-rests after the [https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Rite_of_Profane_Ascension Rite of Profane Ascension] concludes, an additional scene with Astarion will be triggered. The scene will vary depending on the outcome of the rite – ascended or not. Both options have additional content, along with the potential for a love confession and a subsequent romance scene. | ||
* If Astarion ascends, the player has the option to become a vampire spawn. Dialogue selection will determine whether the suggestion to become a vampire comes from Astarion or the player. During this conversation, multiple dialogue options can lead to Astarion telling the player he loves them (4 variations). Note, that as with other scenes, Astarion’s tone and response will generally match the tone of the dialogue option selected by the player. | |||
** Astarion will not continue the relationship with a player who does not want to become a spawn, but he will remain in the party. If the player does not long-rest and instead goes straight to the end-game fight, the relationship continues with Astarion and a mortal player. | |||
** If the player initially consents to becoming his vampire spawn, the player can then consent to sleeping with him again or not - neither option impacts Astarion's decision to turn the player into a spawn (this offer can come from Astarion or the player depending on dialogue selection). During the romance scene, Astarion bites the player. | |||
*** Immediately following the romance scene, another scene occurs where he turns the player into his spawn. He will ask the player to kneel, you can consent to kneeling, refuse to consent and say no, or kick him in the crotch. Note: If the player assaults Astarion by kicking him, he will permanently leave the party. If the player says no to kneeling a second time, the relationship will end. If the player continues to consent to becoming his vampire spawn, Astarion will bite the player a second time; the player can ask for a gentle (on the hand) or rough (hand around the neck) option. | |||
*** Either way, Astarion will thank the player for giving him everything and bite the player a third and final time. After awakening, the player will have received the [[Vampire Bite|Bite]] ability which provides the [[Happy (Condition)|Happy]] condition. The location of the romance scene depends on the location of the player’s camp (e.g., if the player’s camp is in [[Elfsong Tavern]], the romance and turning scene takes place in a private room there). | |||
* If playing as [[Karlach]] origin, there is no romance scene, as Astarion is not able to turn her into a spawn. If he attempted and failed to turn her, Astarion blames Karlach for it and become derisive towards her. {{note|During their next conversation, depending on dialogue selections, Astarion may call Karlach '' "pathetic" '', ''"broken"'', and ''"doomed"''}}. | |||
* If Astarion was convinced not to go through with the Rite and remain a vampire spawn, he will tell the player he would like to show them something outside the camp, and take them to see his grave in the [[Lower City]] [[Graveyard]] {{note|The player cannot find this tombstone by visiting the graveyard outside of this cutscene, but judging by other cutscene landmarks it seems to be located under the willow tree, next to Karlach's parents' graves. The name on the stone is written in Thorass alphabet and might be read as <br>'' 'Astarion Ancunin' '' <br> (which is the only possibility to find out his last name). However, the dates below do not match other dating found throughout the game and in FR lore <br>{{FRWiki|Thorass_alphabet|long}} }}. After the initial discussion, Astarion will chisel the current year as a new 'birth' date on the tombstone and confess he wants the player character to remain his partner. There is no option to end the relationship during this interaction. After the initial discussion, the player can consent to sleeping with Astarion or not; again, neither option impacts the further relationship. If the player agrees, Astarion will confess his love and the scene will proceed into romance. The scene always occurs outdoors, next to his grave. | |||
** The next morning, the player may discuss with Astarion what has happened in the dungeons in retrospective, and he will sincerely thank them again for leading him away from the edge of irrevocable losing his true self. | |||
* | * If the player does not long-rest and instead goes straight to the end-game fight, the relationship continues between Astarion and a mortal player. In that case, the final partnered cutscene with Astarion the Ascendant will include the option to ask him make the character his spawn {{verify}}. | ||
If the player does not long-rest and instead goes straight to the end-game fight, the relationship continues between Astarion and a mortal player. In that case, the final partnered cutscene with Astarion the Ascendant will include the option to ask him make the character his spawn {{verify}}. | |||
===Epilogue party=== | ===Epilogue party=== | ||
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* '''Astarion the Vampire Ascendant''' has spent time passed spinning assiduously his web of power in the city of Baldur's Gate. | * '''Astarion the Vampire Ascendant''' has spent time passed spinning assiduously his web of power in the city of Baldur's Gate. | ||
:* Partnered: If the player chose to become a vampire spawn and remained by Astarion's side, the latter will express ultimate arrogance and sense of superiority over all former companions, player character included | :* Partnered: If the player chose to become a vampire spawn and remained by Astarion's side, the latter will express ultimate arrogance and sense of superiority over all former companions, player character included. Astarion will also ask the spawn player character to mingle with former companions - but not as much as to have fun and catch up with them, but rather to pick any information that could possibly be useful in the future. | ||
:* Broken-up: Astarion | :* Broken-up: Depending on dialogue selection, Astarion discusses his current plans with the player and tells the player he misses them. The player has the option for a positive or negative response to his comments, positive dialogue selections lead to Astarion opening up more to the player. | ||
* '''Astarion the Vampire Spawn''' has become a wandering adventurer | * '''Astarion the Vampire Spawn''' has become a wandering adventurer. | ||
:* Partnered: Astarion simply prompts the player to mingle with other companions, reasoning that they both have ahead a great deal of time to spend together. He confirms he'll always be there for the player. | :* Partnered: Astarion simply prompts the player to mingle with other companions, reasoning that they both have ahead a great deal of time to spend together. He confirms he'll always be there for the player. | ||
:* Broken-up: Astarion will update the player on his activities which will vary depending on whether he is leading the spawn in the Underdark, seeking a new way to stay in the sun, or simply adventuring | :* Broken-up: Astarion will update the player on his activities which will vary depending on whether he is leading the spawn in the Underdark, seeking a new way to stay in the sun, or simply adventuring. He also may confirm that he misses the player character. | ||
==Romance mechanics== | ==Romance mechanics== | ||
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* '''Romancing [[Halsin]]''': The player is able to romance both Astarion and Halsin at the same time in [[Act Three]]. Upon attaining high enough approval with Halsin, the druid may approach the player character and express his love interest while acknowledging their existing relationship with Astarion. He will suggest to share the player character with Astarion, but only if the latter agrees. | * '''Romancing [[Halsin]]''': The player is able to romance both Astarion and Halsin at the same time in [[Act Three]]. Upon attaining high enough approval with Halsin, the druid may approach the player character and express his love interest while acknowledging their existing relationship with Astarion. He will suggest to share the player character with Astarion, but only if the latter agrees. | ||
: When approached by the player with Halsin's suggestion, Astarion won't object their wish. However, he will ask about the reason that caused the player to accept Halsin's proposal, and give various reaction (from flattered to mordant) depending on chosen answer. The player's relationship with Halsin does not affect their relationship with Astarion. Following this interaction, only Halsin will bring up the other during unique party/camp dialogue options (specifically when the player asks him about their relationship). | : When approached by the player with Halsin's suggestion, Astarion won't object their wish. However, he will ask about the reason that caused the player to accept Halsin's proposal, and give various reaction (from flattered to mordant) depending on chosen answer. The player's relationship with Halsin does not affect their relationship with Astarion. Following this interaction, only Halsin will bring up the other during unique party/camp dialogue options (specifically when the player asks him about their relationship). | ||
* '''Romancing [[Sorn Orlith]]/[[Nym Orlith]]''': When approached in [[Sharess' Caress]] in [[Act Three]] while the player is in a relationship with Astarion, the Drow twins Sorn and Nym will offer the player the option to be with both of them at once, but only if both the player and Astarion participate. The results of this interaction depend on whether or not Astarion's [[the Pale Elf|companion quest]] has yet been completed or not: | * '''Romancing [[Sorn Orlith]]/[[Nym Orlith]]''': When approached in [[Sharess' Caress]] in [[Act Three]] while the player is in a relationship with Astarion, the Drow twins Sorn and Nym will offer the player the option to be with both of them at once, but only if both the player and Astarion participate. The results of this interaction depend on whether or not Astarion's [[the Pale Elf|companion quest]] has yet been completed or not: | ||
:* Before the completion of Astarion's companion quest, Astarion will express hesitation at the proposition and will tell the player he's not ready for that again. Should the player assure the spawn that they would never ask that of him again, they will be awarded with his approval (if it hasn't been maxed out already). | :* Before the completion of Astarion's companion quest, Astarion will express hesitation at the proposition and will tell the player he's not ready for that again. Should the player assure the spawn that they would never ask that of him again, they will be awarded with his approval (if it hasn't been maxed out already). | ||
:* After the completion of Astarion's companion quest, he will be glad to participate in the orgy proposed by the twins. However, the narration within the cutscene itself that describe his actions and reactions will differ depending on the outcome of the quest. | :* After the completion of Astarion's companion quest, he will be glad to participate in the orgy proposed by the twins. However, the narration within the cutscene itself that describe his actions and reactions will differ depending on the outcome of the quest. | ||
:* If the player is romancing both Halsin and Astarion and both are in the party when the twins are approached, Halsin will enthusiastically volunteer for the task and can take part in the orgy either with just the player character and the twins (if Astarion does not want to participate) or with the player character, Astarion, and the twins (if Astarion does want to participate). Regardless of options chosen, this will not affect the player's relationship with Astarion moving forward. | :* If the player is romancing both Halsin and Astarion and both are in the party when the twins are approached, Halsin will enthusiastically volunteer for the task and can take part in the orgy either with just the player character and the twins (if Astarion does not want to participate) or with the player character, Astarion, and the twins (if Astarion does want to participate). Regardless of options chosen, this will not affect the player's relationship with Astarion moving forward. | ||
* '''Romancing [[Mizora]]''': Astarion | * '''Romancing [[Mizora]]''': Astarion will not end the relationship after sleeping with Mizora. Depending on chosen lines, Astarion might express mild jealousy about the player not inviting him to participate, slight envy towards their newfound experience (confessing that he hadn't ever a chance to gain one such himself), or give some advice on outliving an awry tryst. | ||
* '''Romancing [[The Emperor]]''': | * '''Romancing [[The Emperor]]''': Romancing the Emperor does not impact the relationship with Astarion. | ||
* '''Romancing [[Haarlep]]''': | * '''Romancing [[Haarlep]]''': Relationship with Astarion does not affect the possibility of agreeing to '' 'play a game' '' with Haarlep, nor does sleeping with the incubus have any impact on further romance with the vampire. However, the decision to pledge their body to Haarlep itself will gain minor disapproval from Astarion. Afterwards, when the player character first feels the physical repercussions of the vow they made, Astarion will notice it and say that he feels sorry for them, explaining that he himself knows all too well what it is like - to lose control over one's own body due to someone else's whims. | ||
== Footnotes == | == Footnotes == | ||