#(bg3 fans can figure it out)

[spyridonya]

Attache

Fandom: Wrath of the Righteous/BG3

Major Characters: Knight Commander Kadira, Anevia, Daeran, Raphael

Pairings: Knight Commander/Daeran (if you squint), Knight Commander/Raphael (a tease)

Summary: Kadira doesn't have to deal with a certian diplomat, she has to deal with someone else all the more dangerous. AKA Spyri figured out how to get her favorite BG3 boy into WotR

This is the most self indulgent thing I've written in a while. No one can tell me Raphael wouldn't think Kadira is the best thing since sliced bread. No beta. Maybe during for AO3.

Word Count: 804

--

"It's far too early for this, Anevia."

"And yet, there you were, Commander, up at the crack of dawn and going over battle statistics and inventory requests." The shorter woman said cheerfully, though Kadira knew the scout had an excellent poker face as they walked swiftly through the halls of Drezen’s citadel, "Visiting dignitaries from Nerosyan should be like swatting a fly."

"More like the giant variety- wait, there's more than one?" 

"Could be, you never know." The brunette chuckled as they brushed past soldiers and servants in the crowded hallway who were all a part of the continuing effort in cleaning the horrors of the catacombs the demons left below. "Though I can tell you that you were this close-" Anevia held up her fingers to barely a quarter inch, "This close to getting Lady Konomi."

"I'm too much of a Kenabras city girl and spent too much time in Absalom to know that name," Kadira said apologetically. Her lie of where she learned magic was easy to say now, as both she and Anevia trotted up the stairs to the command room. "Who is Lady Konomi?"

"The envoy being sent to Kenabras to try and charm the Prelate into playing nice. Aw, don't look so worried, Kadira. I heard about her, and Konomi probably deserves it. Just be your sweet, quiet self with this guy and use that wizard brain of yours. Also, try not to listen to the Count too much? You got this.” Anevia assured her as they reached the door, the brunette pulling it open for the tiefling. 

The room still smelled deeply of fragrant roses, the mid morning light catching the flowers closest to the balcony in a brilliant red while the ones lingering in the shadows were deeper maroon color than Kadira’s own skin. Her gaze crossed the conference table and her lips quirked at the three of her companions sitting there with an unfamiliar man. 

Sosiel was sitting politely next to Lann though his gaze was settled upon the stranger in a way that Kadira could not understand. Lann was being less polite than his seat neighbor, and leaned back on the chair while his dexterous fingers fletched a new arrow, likely tipped with cold steel. Count Arendae sat across from them animatedly talking to the stranger on his right, his green gaze rapt at the gentleman who was in the middle of the story. 

"And not only did our dear Lady Lalka send Madame Calleino packing by stealing her role," The dignitary spoke brightly, his voice deep and gave Kadira the sensation of brass and mahogany while she watched his long, elegant hands frame the air, "She somehow managed to upset a chorus girl had been warming up dear Maestro Kamiński's bed."

"You don't say," Daeran breathed, hand on his chin as he listened to the other man, his lips curved in an amused feline expression, "And with one false move, of the most beautiful women in Mendev has single handedly destroyed what meager season opera we have planned this winter in Nerosyan, all because she couldn't stand her rival? Well, I thought I dodged a bullet last fall, but I’m aghast to find out I could have been a part of such a remarkable scandal."

"If the demons don't ransack the Royal Mendevian Theater, surely Laka will!" The laughter that escaped the stranger was deep, mirthful, and he turned his head to see Kadira and smiled while he rose from his seat. He was an older human man, with a patrician handsomeness that paired well with his coppery warm skin. His eyes were large and dark, yet deep set, with sharp brows and even sharper cheekbones. His chestnut hair was brushed back and sleek from forehead over his skull, but she could see the curls at the nape of his neck. 

"And what do we have here? An angel draped in the gown of the Diaboli and yet she has the eyes the color of Heaven." The human offered his hand, "The Knight Commander of the Fifth Crusade stands before me, most certainly."

"Good morning," Kadira said quietly and briefly glanced at Daeran for advice, expecting the scowl that was blooming to settle on her. Rather, the aasimar’s displeasure was settled on the dignitary.  "After all that flattery, you have me unawares, sir-?"

"I am Lord Diotallevi, Official Attache to Her Majesty, Queen Galfrey." The stranger's warm hand took her o(wn, "My credentials are being  given the most critical eye by the Paralictor and Commander Tirabade. However," His hand lifted his hers and he bowed his head, the kiss across her knuckles surprised her as the flutter beneath her chest, "Your reputation precedes you, Kadira Storadottir. You must call me Raphael. I insist."

And when he smiled up to her, Kadira found herself smiling back. 

[arshem]

[devotedlystrangewizard]

astarion tried to hook up with maze twice so now im imagining maze just standing there the second time like "... ok but hear me out. we can be friends."

[xthescarletbitch]

bg3 ladies giving the strap (x reader)

18+, minors do NOT interact

cw: afab!reader!receiving said strap-on (i could not figure out how i wanted to write otherwise, i'm sorry)

word count: 700+

author’s note: proofread? don’t be silly! these are just my goofy little thoughts that hit as i was playing the game and thinking about fucking the ladies i just wrote about. @happysparklingshadows got to this idea first, so please go give her the attention she deserves (it’s delicious). <3

lae'zel

lae'zel starts rough

(but don’t worry, she’ll get you completely ready and wet first ;))

and then she’ll end off even rougher

i swear it’s like she wants to break you in half

she has to slam into you at such an unforgiving pace 

the strength stat does not lie!!

i also think she’s a big fan of watching your face, and pussy, as it takes her strap

moaning and groaning, watching it split you open, as well as your face of pure bliss

that kind of reaction makes her want to pound even harder

she also thinks it’s an excellent workout, and that’s why she won’t do it half-assed

she just wants a big orgasm from the both of you, and she will get it

one thing about lae'zel is that she is devoted!!

there will be marks if you’re into that 

sources of each other’s bruises, you know

minthara

minthara would give you time to adjust, sure, but she can be so impatient

she’ll start rubbing your clit to get things moving (and most likely continue to do so)

once you’re ready to take her even more, that’s when she’d get rougher

her stroke game is something else

rolling her hips into yours, wanting to get as deep as she can each time 

she may even put your legs over her shoulders so she can get even deeper 

and she will not be going slowly, either

just imagine her grunting as she ruts into you, not even giving either of you a break to catch your breath

i also think she’s a massive fan of seeing your eyes roll

or honestly just the overall being so consumed by the pleasure that your face says it all

she’ll hold your hands above your head as she pounds away, looking for the telltale sign that she’s doing a good job

and while going fast and deep is a favourite, she’ll know what your body needs 

oh, and if double-sided dildos are a thing, just know she’d be using that

shadowheart

shadowheart seems like she’d be so gentle with it

she would want to give you all the time to adjust, no matter the size

her strap would go in slowly with her eyes watching your face intently to ensure she’s doing alright as she gets even deeper

she would definitely be careful about her thrusts, pulling out slowly and then keeping the same pace back in 

(she’ll still go deep, though)

(bottoms out every time she enters you)

the feeling of the strap’s base against her own clit drives her insane, though 

and she’ll chase that feeling

so, maybe she’ll get a little bit rougher to get off herself, but nothing too strenuous 

i think she’s a bit scared of hurting you, even if she knows you could take it harder

at the same time, she doesn’t know if she could take it any harder

i feel like she’d be pretty sensitive, but that’s okay

she makes up for it with the fact that she can scope out your body well, knowing which spot makes you shiver

even when she’s nice and gentle, she’ll constantly be hitting that bullseye

karlach

karlach is another softie i fear

don’t get me wrong, finally being able to put her hands on you makes her go feral

but she also wants to be as tender as she can be

she appreciates the slow love-making sessions where she can just consume you for as long as she can before it’s time to go back out 

slowly bottoming out inside of you and then immediately running her hands along your sides, up to your breasts, and then to your face

she just adds so much intimacy to the moment by wanting to feel, and kiss, all of you

she is all about skin-to-skin contact as she’s thrusting away

i also think she’s a fan of the sounds—particularly her strap exiting and entering your sopping hole

“hear that, soldier?”

she’ll say as she pulls out slowly and then slams it back into you

she’ll repeat the pattern until she’s gotten off herself

(which does not take long)

but do not worry!! 

karlach is all about multiple rounds

as many as you can take :)

[arnaerr]

I'm taking a break from Baldur's Gate 3 fan art for a while. I had lots of fun these months, and the game helped meto deal with some tough IRL stuff. But it always feels draining for me to create for active fandoms, and recently I felt like I was pushing myself to draw BG3 stuff bc it's popular + recent fandom drama made me so, so tired of it all.

I feel like I figured out the whole Savari's story at this point, and there's nothing more I can add, so it's time to move on. I want to develop further the story of my Bloodborne hunter Hildegarda and then delve into the Elden Ring lore 🫡

The latest posted Savari + Halsin piece is a departing gift of sorts - I'm so happy that so many new people managed to find my art through this fandom; I made friends with lots of cool folks and I cherish this experience. The rest of Halsin & Savari pieces will stay on Patreon!

[thedomesticanthropologist]

The BG3 characters on Tiktok

Wyll: has 2 accounts. One is for fitness, dancercize, calisthenics, and a little bit posing while flexing. The other is an unhinged BookTok account where he cosplays and acts out romance scenes with himself, stitches cosplay character actors with himself. Dramatic poetry, songs, reenacting Broadway play moments. Responds to every comment.

I would also accept a children's entertainment performer type account from him.

Shadowheart: Silent poses while staring down the camera. Almost every video is the same, but they all pop off in popularity saying she looks mysterious and beautiful. She uses the camera to do her eyeliner and outfit checks. No editing, always short videos, never replies in the comments. Manages to get makeup 💄 deals and free outfits sent to her all the time. Puts in mimal effort

Karlach: someone else films her just being herself. She has several viral videos. Sometimes she plans them, like seeing how much cereal she can eat in one sitting or if she can punch down an old shed she found without using any tools. Captions are usually just some version of a meysmash or one word in all capital letters.

Astarion: Influencer that got all his followers by gossiping and sniping at other influencers in their comment sections or making call-out posts but if they're unpopular he turns off comments or deletes them and pretends he didn't do anything. Posts thirst traps that would be extremely cringe but people fall for it because he's pretty. Never does "getting ready" videos without having already gotten ready off camera and faking that his hair is just naturally Like That. Ends up with a niche fan base that is extremely feral for him and he uses them to target other accounts and harass people who annoy him. Or when he's bored.

Laezel: her entire account is just clips the Shadowheart takes of her mispronouncing words or being irritable. She gains a surprising amount of followers. There starts to be an underground plot to figure out if shafowheart and laezel live together, with fans pointing out background items that match. Neither of them address it directly.

Halsin: it... it's a nature channel. Camera is set up on a log or something at a bad angle and he either whittles in silence for 15 minutes and then shows u a duck, or the camera is in his hands shaking and being fumbled regularly with his thumb half over the mic and the view isn't always in focus but you're pretty sure he's telling you about the symbiotic relationship of moss on a tree. Most of his comment section is people asking him to take his shirt off.

Gale: his tiktok would be exactly what is VA's tiktok already is probably honestly ajsdgjdhdhjg. But OK, so he would absolutely wear velvet outfits and spend 30+ minutes describing one book at a time per video feom his giant library. Sometimes does wine reviews, or cheese reviews. Mixed in is short videos of Tara snoring or her paws twitching in her sleep.

[exhausted-archivist]

The Veilguard Preorders, Phyical Games, and Merch

So I am a physical game person, always have been and always will be so long as digital platforms can just rip away the game you paid for under the guise of you "renting" the rights to play. Anyway, I've been digging to figure out what is going on with the bundles and preorders.

Here's what I've found:

There are four main sets: - The Standard Edition (just the game) - The Deluxe Edition (transmog cosmetics - meaning skins, you put over other armor) - The Vyrantium Set (Steel case, metal print, notebook, collector's box) [No Game] - The Rook's Coffer (Lyrium Dagger, Thedas Map with Quiver Tube, Rook’s Deck, Potion Flask, Enchanted Die) [No Game]

It depends on where you are. Some regions, like Australia, do have the physical game with sets like the Vyrantium Set

Some retailers like Gamestop do include the digital version of the game with Rook's Coffer.

Some Gamestops in certain area are saying the deluxe version comes with the Vyrantium Set, but the website listing does not echo this.

The Vyrantium Set is next to impossible to track down a retailer providing it. The BioWare store at one point listed it for sale, but has since taken down the listing.

Whether you preorder or not is up to you, I am not going to entertain the conversation on whether you should or shouldn't preorder aside to note three things I've seen about crunch, strike, and the firings.

They took steps and effort to reduce the amount of crunch for the project. It is important to note that any project, creative or otherwise, will always have a degree of crunch. Not all crunch is bad, but there is bad crunch. BioWare devs have commented on steps taken to reduce this.

The SAG-AFTRA strike for video game voice actors has not called for a boycott as of 08/16/2024. There is nothing, as of now saying that purchasing the games is crossing the picket line. You can check the Video Game Strike FAQ for Fans to see what they are asking for with regard to support for the strike.

As of now, the devs fired have not called for us to boycott the game in terms of not preordering or even buying in general. Please be mindful some of these devs are in a lawsuit with BioWare last we heard.

I understand the sentiment and support for these three topics. But for the last two of these we need to listen to those involved, boycotting in support of them can actively cause harm to their causes.

Other than that, I personally do not like how messy of a roll-out these preorders have been nor how hard they are pushing for digital game purchases. BG3 set a precedent of selling collectors separate from the game, which I do think has its place in terms of digital game buyers. However, we need to be mindful of how companies go forward with this. I think this could have been handled much better, and am frustrated and disappointed by this and their pricing.

[nemo-of-house-hamartia]

I have to be honest, and this post is going to be without my buffoonery or tomfoolery.

I am entertaining the idea of getting back into writing a bit more, because my eyes really can use a bit of rest from the long hours I spend artworking.

But , and I am not exaggerating when I tell you this, the idea literally make me paralyzed with anxiety.

Yesterday night I managed to write those 400+ words for the artwork because I felt like "the main protagonist of the post is going to be the drawing anyway, so even if I fumble, it's going to be ok".

Also, while I am just a hobbyist, I am still a seasoned artist that has been working on her skill for more than 23 years. So, in a way, I feel, if not entirely confident in my skills, at the very least competent enough to know that I can create something pleasant to look at; but even then, I have always my anxiety hanging on my back like a freaking monke that has nothing better to do but bother me.

But with writing, I just become paralyzed with what I assume is fear.

Of what, I am still figuring out.

Because I feel this specific fear and block when it comes to writing an original character with a canon character (specifically, this was caused by my resurgence for Ardyn and Luscinia).

For example, when I was brainstorming for Aranea, even if my knowledge of the setting was limited to BG3 and before I started to actually deep dive into Forgotten Realms, I felt I was going like a breeze, with no fear, no uncertitude, just the brain never stopping talking and branching out by itself (which made my work immensely easier to be honest).

With Luscinia and Ardyn (but it can be even extended to Jacob and Dorothea, if one wants to talk about OC/Canon pairing), the same doesn't happen.

There is a block, a literal wall of nothingness that prevents me from writing and entertaining myself, despite all my willingness and WANT to just dive right into it, and allowing myself to have fun, and it's HORRIBLE. It feels like a freaking bubble in my chest that doesn't leave enough space for my lungs to breathe.

And while yesterday I was too tired to actually do some self-analyses of what the reason might be, this morning, after a good dose of coffee, I think I found one possible reason.

With canon characters there are limits that sometimes cannot be crossed, lest one goes OOC with them.

They are pre-made characters, with set personalities that one must respect in order to write them, and that, I found, put a crapton of pressure over me that only fan and fuel my anxiety, and this without even considering the high standards that I set for myself EACH and EVERY time.

Also, take in consideration that when it comes to creating and imagining, the only limits I like are the one I set for myself, not the one set by others (as it had happened with Dottie and Jacob, something that has partially ruined the fun I had with them), and that do WONDERS (*sarcasm*) for my ADHD.

On top of that, add the fact that if I see someone else with even a remotely similar idea as mine, I have the tendency of not pursuing it anymore because then my inner saboteur starts doing numbers.

Sometimes I am extremely good at ignoring the voices and doubt in my head that just mock me and ridicule me and fuel my anxiety, but sometimes they are just there to stay, like unpleasant roommates that cannot keep the kitchen clean and party at all times of the night😂

All this to say that I am basically a ball of anxiety in my little corner, rocking back and forth until this too shall pass, because I want to pick up the pen again for Ardyn and Luscinia, and I am utterly terrified by the idea.

But I so want to get back on track and write. I miss that so much.

[camthecleric]

My Bg3 Modern Au Head-cannons

Meadow (my Tav): She’s trying to figure life out, she’s working at a flower store until her music gets off the ground

Wyll: Dance/Aerobics instructor, his dad wanted him to be a politician. He also does community theater and musicals in his free time

Karlach: 100% rides a motorcycle, Does peircings at a tattoo parlor, and is on a women’s rugby team

Shadowheart: Meadow’s concert buddy, and she works at a doggy day care

Lae’zel: she’s a bartender (because that would be funny) and is on the same Rugby team as Karlach. I can also see her as a martial arts instructor

Gale: He’s still a magic teacher at a magic academy. And I think it would be funny if he showed off his book collection on social media, like his actor in real life

Astarion: He went to law school, but then he was turned into a vampire, now he lives in Meadow’s attic while he figures things out. He embroiders in all his free time.

Bonus!

Halsin: He’s a social worker, definitely not based off this one fan comic series I read. And he volunteers at the Humane society and orphanage in his free time. I’m not sure I’ll do this, but I can see him fostering kids

[kaija-rayne-author]

I guess the discourse today is about Astarion being the favourite poster boy of the devs to the detriment of the other characters.

Yes. That's unequivocally true. Wyll having so little compared to Astarion is also an example of racism.

It's also capitalism. Larian can't make more games unless BG3 does well. So far it has, so in their choice of poster boy they chose correctly.

Every business, especially entertainment ones, follows a similar model. Develop stories or games that the previous game helped fund. It's common in book publishing too.

(Which, tbf, is my realm of knowledge, but the business facts are the same.)

What you, if you're indie, or the publisher, if not, chooses to spend time on is the thing/character/aspect/story that will sell the most copies so they can stay in business.

They bet on Astarion being popular because:

1. Vampire, vampire stories don't seem to get old. People want more.

2. White hair, if you're at all into gaming or anime, you should recognize the white-haired anime boy coding Astarion has.

3. He's pretty. In games & books like these, people want to get turned on or be sucked into emotions, that's rather the point. So, of course, they made him pretty and gave him an angsty backstory about it. Have you noticed that his vampire fangs are the more traditional style and the rest have funky (and likely more efficient) chompers with the fangs on the front teeth?

4. Twink, you'd have to be really not paying attention to not notice that one. They tend to be attractive to the largest section of players.

6. Slow burn, a lot of people prefer slow burn romance.

7. Classically handsome. You could turn him into a statue (and can!) and he wouldn't look out of place.

I don't experience this type of point form character building, my characters tend to march fully formed into my head and demand I write them.

But Astarion was built as a fictional character that would (hopefully) capture a broad cross-section of players and give the game some more sex appeal.

Sex sells.

I'd lay money I don't have on every aspect of Astarion's character having been a deliberate choice to encourage sales.

And that's fine. That's what capitalism does. Don't like it? Start voting for social support programs and things like ubi so that people can create without worrying about the bills.

Is it fair to the other characters and to the gamers who love other characters more than Astarion? Absolutely not. I do hope Larian gets the message and produces more content to make them all equivocal.

Especially for Wyll, they did him so dirty.

Is Wyll having the least lines and scenes racist? Yup.

Larian, despite their faults, produced something that so few games companies have done recently. A single purchase, single player RPG without micro-transactions that was an excellent game straight from release.

Other games companies are bitching about that because it's like sand in the oyster of their business models.

Which, for a while now, has been to roll out a game that wasn't ready yet and use the players as unpaid, uncompensated labour to find bugs etc. As a gamer, I've really hated that.

Did Larian fuck up? Uh, yeah. On several issues. But they also made an amazing game that was awesome from release.

It would be a shame to lose sight of that.

It's important to call out the shite when we see it, but the current 'it has to be perfect for me, or I won't play' attitude rampant on the 'net these days is disturbing to say the least.

I've read Larian has a feedback thing on fridays. If this really bothers you, hustle on over and participate in the feedback session.

They're still actively working on the game. They can still make changes and they seem reasonably responsive to fan feedback.

But just remember... the reason Astarion is the poster boy with the most content is because of capitalism. It was likely a cold, business focused decision vs anything else.

Which doesn't make it better. I just figured inserting a bit of entertainment business knowledge might be helpful to the discussion.

[antivanbrandy]

i wanted to take a crack at the relationship chart meme for bg3, but made life harder for myself in the process by doodling everyone asdfghjkl

a bit of info about the relationships under the readmore!

so to start from the top and work around clockwise:

Astarion: her best friend, her partner, and love of her life. his flippant hot-n-cold attitude at the start of their relationship (she failed that first big insight check so she didn't know it was all an act at the start) leaves her feeling bad about herself at times, but once they have their Act 2 heart-to-heart, their relationship only goes from strength to strength. we all know what a supportive and loving tav does for spawn!Astarion, but over the course of their adventure he supports her, too. they make each other stronger.

Rhapsody's self sacrificing need to help everyone, no matter how thin it spreads her, comes dangerously close to breaking her by late Act 2. Astarion talks her back from the ledge, so to speak, and helps her realise why she's doing it (Family Trauma Hour 2, Shitty Father Boogaloo) and the harm it's doing her in turn. it's purely self-interest that motivates him at first, because if she burns out then his protection and best chance at taking on Cazador goes with her, but once he comes to care for her his motives are much kinder.

i have so many post-game thoughts for these two, which includes an eventual cast of good old Reincarnation (which i honest to god rolled for and nearly squawked at the outcome) and the very specific complicated feelings that digs up for them, but if i keep typing i'll be here all day.

-

Gale: truly one of her best friends. she could sit with him in silence, just reading together, or her playing an instrument while he studies the weave, and be perfectly content. Rhaps is a lore bard, so she really enjoys swapping stories, information, and theories with him. she's also a big fan of his cooking, and enjoys the simple companionship of doing vegetable prep while he cooks and they chat together. she'd go to bat for him against anyone.

-

Wyll: a dear friend, and inspiration for more than one epic ballad (which makes him proud-blush every time). they swap tales, often together with Karlach, and he's been known to join her in a song and dance when she plays at camp if he's feeling in the spirits. they bond over complicated relationships with their fathers, love of good red wine, and most importantly, their unflinching dedication to helping people in need.

-

Lae'zel: their relationship is complicated. they both operate on a level the other just does not understand, and chafe against the others attitude to life. they grow to respect each other, but never truly become friends, which is sad because Lae'zel does get to a point where she'd like to extend that offer but has no idea how to voice her growing fondness, and then the adventure is over and she leaves with Voss.

-

Minsc: definitely a friend, even if they're not especially close. for his part, Minsc is delighted when Rhaps comes up with a little ditty about him ('from top to tail, evildoers do fear - Boo gnaws their eyes, Minsc kicks their rear!').

-

Jaheira: Rhaps' liked Jaheira immediately, as soon as she clocked the wine was spiked and Jaheira gave her that knowing smile and asked her to drink anyway. Rhaps grew up starved for parental approval and attention, and there's an undeniable current of Momther™ that carries with Jaheira's approval, stories, pick me ups, and pep talks that she latches onto very quickly. Jaheria herself is reluctant to be seen as a mother figure, she has her own kids after all, riiiiiight up until the point the gang come face to face with Rhaps and Aisling's father and she sees first hand how she's treated and how much she wilts in his company. After that it's just kind of defiant instinct, if a parental-flavoured pep talk is what the cub needs to get through the end of days, that's what she'll get, and her old man can go get fucked.

-

Shadowheart: Shadowheart and Rhapsody have a rocky start - Shart's combative attitude puts Rhaps on the backfoot, and they have a two steps forward one step back slow-crawl to understanding each other. There's a bit of a blow-up between them in the shadowlands that sets them back even more; Shadowheart's constant sneering and too-edgy-for-you remarks regarding Selune and Selunite magic grate on Rhapsody, who is already spread desperately thin by this point and is absolutely baffled Shart can't keep it buttoned for ONE minute when Selune is all that's standing between the people at Last Light -the tieflings she fought tooth n nail to save- and a gruesome death. and the more evidence they see of Shar's cruelty in the shadowlands, the more Rhaps begins to truly understand what Shar is capable of and the thinner she's spread from trying to help people in this bleak situation, the closer she gets to lashing out, until eventually Shadowheart goes one snippy comment too far and Rhaps blows up at her. they have it out, and it's bad, but when they eventually make up afterwards theyre stronger for it, and by the end of Act 3 theyre a lot closer than they ever thought possible.

-

Halsin: Halsin is a calming presence in Rhapsody's life. she thought turning down his offer was going to make things awkward for them, but it never did. there's a lot to learn from him, and a call to a calmer life and a sense of peace that Rhaps feels most keenly when she's out in nature with him. the druidic life isn't for her, but those moments of peace do wonders for her when she needs it.

-

Karlach: darling dearest bestest friend, platonic love of her life, sister from another mister, 'would absolutely ride the rollercoaster in the front car with you' bestest best friend forever. Rhapsody adores Karlach, admires and is inspired by her. Rhapsody has had very little interaction with other tieflings, and in comes Karlach full of friendly cheer and good humour and a massive heart, emotional vulnerability and honesty and cheeky smiles, all things Rhaps is drawn to and wants to be. she'd do anything for her, go to any lengths, and I can't even begin to describe how heartbroken this makes her on that dock at the end.

[sunshinebarbarian]

Hello!! You can call me Pigeon! I'm 23F, from Portugal. I'm making this long ass post to give a little background information about the blog. I'm usually not into games like BG3, so I was a little late to the party, but boy am I glad to have arrived.

Click here to see the list of what I've already posted <3

I'm also posting on AO3!

One of my best friends kept talking to me about the game for YEARS and at some point last month Instagram decided to start recommending me fan edits of Astarion (which is funny because when she first asked me years ago who I'd pick, I very decidedly said Karlach) so I caved, and asked her to let me borrow it from her. When I was about 80 hours in, I broke and actually bought the game, because her account was being used and I didn't want to wait to continue my playthrough.

Neither of us expected me to get as much into the game as I did. Seriously. There's like 12 pages of screenshots I sent on discord of my own gameplay (a lot of it is Sol and Astarion kissing, oops), not to mention the unholy amount of reels and videos related to the game that we send each other.

Anyway, after about 180 hours (if you don't count the hours lost when I fucked up and had to reload the game) I finished the story, and proceeded to go cry in the corner. Instagram once again came to the rescue, when I started seeing posts from @meanbossart and I actually got obsessed with the way he draws his characters. I'd ride his dudrow to the Feywild and back if I had the chance. I'm not much of a visual artist, but I always loved writing, so I started writing Sol's adventures, because I was absolutely not ready to say goodbye to her (we spent over a month together! that's longer than some of my relationships). I'm doing it for myself, but I figured someone out there might enjoy it too, so I'm posting it. Plus this way I can save it more neatly than if I just keep using the notes app on my phone. I'm not new to Tumblr exactly, but I have never used an account for more than just snooping for particular posts. There's also AO3, but frankly that website confuses me and intimidates me.

Now, about Sol, and her story: I'm starting it pre nautiloid abduction, and will follow the choices that I made during the gameplay. I'm going to add some filling, to flesh out her character and her relationships with the whole gang, as well as just to give uniqueness to her story (otherwise you could just. play the game. and it'd be the same thing.). When I was creating Sol, I decided that I would play her as myself, making the choices that I would make, doing the things that I would do, so, the filling will be game/lore accurate still, and it will be based on my reactions and thoughts about game events. Luckily I have twelve pages of screenshots and a lot of messages to guide me. Once the game story is finished, I have ideas for how things will continue, because I refuse to let certain things remain the way they are, and I have attachment issues.

[bakuliwrites]

Mirror, Story 4: Blood

Disclaimer: Post-Game Spoilers!!!!!!

Previous Story, Next Story

Rating: 18+ (MINORS DNI) for the fic as a whole

Fandom: Baldur's Gate 3

Relationship: Astarion x Tav (OC)

Chapter Summary: Astarion wakes from a familiar nightmare, but finds comfort in the knowledge that he is not alone.

An anthology of short, post-game stories featuring Astarion and my Tav, Orlando.

Chapter Tags: BG3 SPOILERS, ACT 3 SPOILERS, blood, fluff, angst, hurt, comfort, snuggling

Read here in this post or over on my AO3.

Astarion feels his lungs fill with dirt and ash, clogging his chest. It stifles him, fuzzy moss growing on the surface of his organs, filling the empty space between bone and flesh. He tastes peat on his lips, lips that seep dark ichor with each scrape against the sharpened edges of his fangs. Fangs that rip and shred and taste of iron and death. The sleek muscle of his tongue grazes fibrous scraps of blood clots, trapped in the spaces between his teeth. He tries to move his limbs, but the earth piling on top of him is too heavy, too crushing. Astarion is small and insignificant, a tiny pebble amongst the mountain of dirt surrounding him. A figure lords over the elf, smiling coldly. Cazador’s wicked, gleaming eyes glint as he lets out a low, mocking laugh before shrouding Astarion in endless darkness.

But as the shadows engulf him, Astarion gasps for air and, thankfully, manages to fill his lungs. Gone is the stuffy moss, the clumps of choking dirt. A tender hush, a gentle caress pulls him from this familiar nightmare. 

“Shhh,” Orlando’s voice reaches out, anchoring him to reality, “It’s okay, Astarion. You’re safe. You’re here with me and you’re safe. You’re home and you’re safe.” 

His eyes search blindly, the remnants of his night terror a near impenetrable fog. He seeks her through scent, jasmine and musk, the metal of her blood blooming in his nose, near and warm. He does not need sight to know his beloved, grasping desperately at her form before the room has a chance to swim back into his vision. His surroundings are plush, soft, and comforting. Deeply, gratefully familiar. He focuses on the sound of the crackling fire in the hearth, the gentle rush of the waves just outside the cottage windows.

Home, Astarion repeats in his mind, over and over like a mantra, I’m home. I’m home and I’m safe. We’re home. Together. And we’re safe.

Orlando’s gentility engulfs him, arms holding his shuddering form close, the thrum of her heart pounding in his ears. 

“You’re safe, my love,” she repeats, over and over in whispered reassurance, rocking Astarion back and forth. His fingers dig into her nightgown, his grasp on her desperate, fearful that if he lets go, Cazador might crawl out from the shadows and drag him away. 

“He’s gone,” Orlando gently reminds, her breath fanning through his hair, voice low and calm, “He’s gone and he’s never coming back. You’re safe.” 

It’s not been long enough for Astarion to believe this. There’s some piece of him that still thinks he’ll never be free of Cazador. Never be free of his tyranny. In a sense, he never will be. He will never feel the sun on his skin again. Never gaze upon himself in any reflective surfaces. His hunger will always be sanguine. Darkness will forever be his home. Maybe, overtime, he will learn to accept these things. Maybe, he will learn to cope. But for now, Astarion allows himself to sob into the crook of his beloved’s neck, his tears soaking the collar of her nightclothes. He lets Orlando litter tiny kisses amongst the snowy curls atop his head and rub small circles into his scarred back. He lets himself be comforted knowing that he is not alone in the world. Not anymore. And perhaps that’s all he can ask for for now. 

A/N: A short chapter to get back into the swing of things with this fic :) It's been a while since I last updated. I'm thinking I'll have the next chapter of this one out relatively soon, though. Most of it is written, it just needs to go through some editing on my end. I hope you are all doing well and that life is treating you well! Lots of love <3

[insomnikat-mused]

Paragon / Renege pretty please!!!!

You just honed in on the WIP I made banners for today, so now I guess I'm committed! It's totally spoilers for BG3, but I'm going to assume you've seen *something* already so-- I'm planning to take part in The Emperor Week!

Like, yes, Astarion was my first playthrough's romantic end game. But thoughts of The Emperor lingered and here we are. I'm a little nervous because I noticed I was writing snippets in The Narrator's voice which means first person and I have never been a fan of x Reader fics but I admit it kind of makes sense with a game like this. I dunno. I still have a few weeks to figure out the style but here's a sneak peek:

You successfully deduced what the Emperor had not: that what he valued more than freedom, more than power, was novelty. You can leverage this newfound insight to your advantage. Proposition him to explore this… unconventional, but completely unique bond towards mutual benefits that extend beyond mere pleasure. Though a part of you hopes that pleasure is not completely off the table.

[morrigan-sims]

women of the fifth crusade

I'm still going strong on my P:WotR obsession, so take some sim-ified versions of my PC Reda, Ember (& Soot!!), Seelah, and Arueshalae.

(Reference art for the 3 NPCs plus my ramblings under the cut.)

Ember's turned out by far the best and is nearly perfect, but I don't think any of them are bad per se. I couldn't find a hair that was perfect for Arueshalae, and something about Seelah's face shape / facial features is bugging me, but I can't figure out exactly what it is. Reda's not perfect either but I don't really have a reference pic for her, so this is the best I can do, seeing as I can't really visualize things in my head at all.

I was gonna make Woljif and Queen Galfrey too, if not also Camellia and Sosiel, but I ran out of steam. I'll probably make them eventually, though. I also want to make full edits of them. (Maybe tarot card edits?!?!) I wish I that I could do Lann justice in the sims, but given his appearance that's more or less impossible. Which is sad, since Reda married him in my gameplay.

For people who aren't familiar with the game, here's a quick rundown with minimal spoilers:

Ember: child/teenage witch who nearly got burned at the stake, but still wholeheartedly believes that anyone and everyone can be good, even demons. Tries to convince a Demon Lord that she can redeem herself. Absolute sweetheart, must be protected at all costs, but also can be slightly terrifying.

Seelah: human paladin who started out as an orphan thief. Saw a paladin die saving people and decided to devote her life to the Crusade. Calls herself dumb and good for nothing, carrying immense amounts of guilt and refuses to acknowledge her successes.

Arueshalae: succubus ranger who turned her back on the Abyss, leaving behind an abusive relationship in the process. (Heavily implied former sex worker, also.) Wants to do good. Gets excited about gaining the ability to dream, seeing it as a sign that she's losing her evil for good.

Oh, and Reda is turning into an angel, hence the wings and halo. (Both of which she actually has in-game at this point.)

I can't express my love for this game. In some ways I like it better than bg3. If you've finished bg3 and you're looking for something else to play, give P:WotR a try, I beg you. It's SO GOOD. The graphics aren't as beautiful as bg3, and there's not nearly as much character customization, but the story is amazing, the NPCs are awesome, and the gameplay is very interesting!! The Mythic Path system blows me away and I wish more games had something like it. Also, if you wish bg3 was longer, you're in luck! P:WotR goes all the way to level 20 (technically level 30 if you count the 10 mythic levels), and a completionist playthrough could take you 200 hours. Also, there's I think 7 or 8 basic difficulty settings, plus the ability to customize literally every setting under the sun. If you're a fan of the real-time combat in something like Dragon Age, that's an option too. I am on my knees begging people to play this game, but I'll shut up for now.

[thedomesticanthropologist]

Spoilers for Halsin?

Halsin is INTERESTING and I want to talk about this man, but I haven't done a FULL deep dive into his dialogue and romance so I'm gonna need you guys to help me out if I make mistakes here.

So we know he comes on strong pretty much from the get go, and even if you don't flirt he's got some language around admiring you/wanting you/bring with you "and now I have you" etc before the shadow curse is broken

Once it's broken man is like a bear in HEAT coming after Tav, in the most respectful way he can. He is smart, careful with boundaries, if you're romancing someone else he's great with consent but the whole time he makes it clear: he wants you. And he phrases it in a way that any romance novel enthusiast would be melting.

But then there's this neat thing about wood elves someone dug up re: Astarion being OK with you going off with Halsin that I want to make note of. Though not included in BG3 specifically in a book or otherwise for the player to read, there's this:

He says his heart does not stir lightly, he has had many lovers but his heart stirs for you, now. However, if you press him about your relationship he, though not teasing or mocking you AT ALL, does emphasize that the word relationship doesn't match his vibe Essentially, that you are BOTH free to persue others and at this time he says "you are all I want but you should -"

And a lot of players took this as oh, he only wants me and is not interested in pursuing other lovers because his heart does not stir lightly but I get to go bang whoever with his consent

And I'm like.... Kinda? But that really erases everything he says about how HE views relationships. He views them as the wood elves do, something to passionately engage in when you want it, and to freely disengage from when the time feels right, no possession involved, clear communication being important along the way.

And then at the end of the game

He leaves you.

And people flipped out over this, and I agree that the Epiolgues SUCK SO HARD

But I don't feel like this is... Out of character for him, for a wood elf, I just feel like the writers missed an opportunity to actually EXPLAIN HALSIN and Wood Elf views on romantic entanglements? They really slap you hard with his overwhelming attraction and devotion to Tav during their journey and do not prepare (except in bare hints of him tell you YOU are free OF COURSE and not that HE is also free, that part is IMPLIED and even so he never says he intends this to be an interlude, but he also has NO concept of how relationships work outside of the context of his own experience which has been rooted in Wood Elf culture)

And he never talks to you about it before the ending either "hey this was great but I'm gonna dip soon-"

Idk I wanna start a dialogue about it, because I don't have enough information but I'm trying to figure out what the writers wanted from his Character here, and how they wanted us to perceive him and his romance and like... Yeah.

Would love some extra character analysis from Halsin fans who have done a better deep dive than I have so far!!