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rpgchoices · 1 year ago

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Astarion origin playthrough: what to expect/what is added

So I did a speed run on easy mode of the Astarion origin playthrough, which is where you choose Astarion as your main character. I wanted to write a bit about the extra lore the game gives and in general what is added (and what is lost).

I added some of the videos I have taken in case you are curious. Keep in mind that some videos are embedded, others are in link for my twitter or this blog.

SPOILERS. Just know that I went through the main plot points and the quests I know Astarion has dialogue about in a Tav game, so I did not do all of the quests/areas.

First of all... I don't think there is enough content to justify losing Astarion as a companion, as Astarion will be not voiced when you play as him, and in general you actually get less characterization.

ACT 1

Act 1 is the one with the most amount of extra content.

There are a few extra lines from the narrator about you standing in the sun for the first time, and your past.

You get a whole personal quest about hiding your vampirism or revealing it. There are different ways to reveal it:

You simply tell the companions (when you think about it the narrator will ponder about how much your companion trusts you and if they will react well)

You can use "bite" on an enemy when your companions are around (or on a companion)

You can be caught while you bite someone at night

The night bite happens after a nightmare, so you will also get a Cazador nightmare where Astarion hides/attacks/cowers before Cazador (video here). After the nightmare Astarion will think about finally being free and breaking one of Cazador's rules. You can decide to bite a companion or not.

If you do not bite a companion you will have no other option to do the bite at night, and the only reveals can happen in the other two modalities. Honestly, I am not sure how long you can drag it... pretty long, I think. One time I need to find out if you can go almost the whole game without revealing it.

If you tell a companion about it you will have to pass a check, but nothing bad happens if you fail, you just get a bad reaction (Gale yelled at me).

Other extra content from act 1 is about meeting the monster hunter. If you meet him pre-reveal, he will not say your name, btw. But it is pretty much the same as in Tav playthrough.

ACT 2

In act 2 you will have another nightmare (video here). This time you do not see what happens, you just see Astarion curling in his bed and thinking about his scars. This is to introduce the scars, as we have no idea he has them, and it will happen before you meet Raphael.

You can ask Raphael about the scars, but sadly none of your companions react.

Then the rest proceeds as usual. The sad part for me was meeting the drow lady who asks for a bit in exchange of a potion, and she is so different. She suddenly is very deferential, and asks quite nicely. Astarion can refuse or agree, but nothing happens, it is just almost a funny scene if he agrees and suddenly she tastes very bad. So yeah, you get the potion and no insight.

ACT 3

Act 3 is the one which has the same content but slightly different, as you will meet the spawns and Cazador from Astarion's pov.

When you meet the Gur outside BG3 the scene is exactly the same as in Tav play, minus Astarion's funny lines. When you meet Petras and Dalyria at the tavern, you get an extended scene.

You can just talk with them and convince your sister to tell you about the ritual, or you can show them that you can walk into the sun (by walking up to the window), or you can grab Petras and threaten him into the sun. If you fail to grab him, he will insult you and call you the runt of the litter. The whole scene clarified a bit that there is really a lot of animosity from Petras towards Astarion, and that Astarion was definitely the scapegoat of Cazador.

When Leon attacks you at night you also get more insight. First, you can see that if you try to explain, Leon is quite quick to hear you out, differently from Tav's playthrough. You will also find out that Cazador ordered them to take you home broken, so if you agree to go with them they will still attack you.

Another extra scene comes from the brothel one. I posted a video on my blog a couple of days ago, but basically you can talk with the drow twins and this line will pop up:

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You can basically tell them that you used to be in their position too, but for you it was not consensual.

The rest of the game is the same.

The Cazador palace scenes are also the same, with Astarion commenting on the rooms. You will have extra from meeting Godey, of course. He will comment about Astarion needing to be broken and needed to respect the master. Video here.

When Astarion meets Sebastian you find out that he doesn't really immediately remember Sebastian's name. Astarion also has a "deception" check to tell Sebastian he really cared about him. You can see the video here. But the rest is pretty similar, same with meeting the children of the Gur, you can actually recognize their hunger and feel compassion for them.

When you meet with Cazador everything is pretty similar. It is interesting that you can tell him that you are an angel of vengeance to which he mocks you. This time you do not attack Cazador but he controls you immediately and you have to pass a constitution check to get free, otherwise Astarion will end up in the ritual (and the companions can free him).

Btw, you can see here all the options you have when you meet Cazador as Astarion.

Once the fight is over, Astarion can decide if he wants to complete the ritual or not. He can ask the companions to help him and I think they always do (borrowing their eyes) even if they disapprove. Interestingly, the narrator directly says "hey, this is a bad choice, no return", basically. You have three chances to stop for performing the ritual (also you can intimidate Cazador to beg for his life).

If you do not stop the ritual, your sister Dalyria will beg you to stop before dying.

Here I posted on twitter video options of the post-Cazador's fight.

As you can see, if you decide to stop the ritual the scene plays exactly the same and it is a rare one which is actually voiced by Neil. Your brothers and sisters will then come up to you, and as Astarion you will have to decide what to do with them. If you ask them not to feed on people, Petras will get a bit annoying and you will have to persuade/intimidate him. Then you decide what to do with the other spawns.

Interestingly, Dalyria gets really disappointed with Astarion if you decide to kill the spawns or trap them.

A very nice thing is that if you refuse to complete the ritual your companion will be SO SO PROUD OF YOU, especially Jaheira, Wyll and Karlach. You can see here Karlach in video, and here Wyll and Gale, and Jaheira here.

The rest plays exactly the same. There is no extra Astarion-specific content until the end.

If you play as lord vampire Astarion there is no specific end that I could find. I am not sure why, but basically in my playthrough I had not found the dragon, so technically I had not finished Wyll's quest. When Karlach was dying I could go to Avernus with her or be with her at her death... but after that nothing happens. My Astarion talked with Gale (romanced) and that was it.

Spawn Astarion ending instead has this extra scene which I found a bit ridiculous. The first part is heartbreaking, you see Astarion run from the sun and curl into a ball behind some shade, head on his knees. Then Karlach dies alone, because Astarion cannot be in the sun, and you get this extra scene of Astarion in Baldur's Gate killing/attacking a man and living his existence as a vampire. It is strange because in the pre-ending dialogue I chose to go to another city, and in the post ending I chose to go with Gale to Waterdeep, so it felt a bit random.

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#astarion #playing as astarion #baldur's gate 3 #baldur's gate 3 spoilers #astarion spoilers

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actuallyevilgay · 1 year ago

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Oneshot: Charmed

Ascended Astarion x male reader DNI if you are a minor. Dead dove, don’t eat. Please read my about before replying.

Content Warnings: Some Mind Control through a spell, but not for explicit purposes. Tav has a brief history of being a reluctant sex worker but has worked through his trauma. Summary: Tav runs into Astarion 10 years after the defeat of the netherbrain at a party hosted in Baldur’s gate. Notes: Tav would be of a long living race for some context. Obviously spoilers for act 3 etc. No heroic Tav.

A/N: I will be returning to the Apathy sometime soon, but holidays are busy and I had this oneshot in mind.

……

You are healthy. At least that’s what you tell yourself, strong as you are.. Some things are worse than the scars of your body from all the fighting you had to do ten years ago. Before the mind flayers and the tadpole, your life had been a mess. Living as a criminal and thief, willing to do anything morally questionable in order to survive. You shut off the part of yourself that was empathetic towards others, only to regain some of it when you made friends for the first time.

They didn’t know when they met you, what you’ve been through. And even as you told them, you could scarcely feel anything towards it yourself. Not until Astarion. Not until you met someone who understood. If anything, you thought what happened to him was even worse, but he refused to let you think that way. He couldn’t accept that.

When you were a young adult, one of your heists had gone severely wrong, a Zhentarim agent captured you. To repay your debts, you had to serve as a bed companion for some of the most heinous clients the organisation had. At the time, you didn’t care for the cost.. Just the outcome. Being a sex worker wasn’t all that bad, you had convinced yourself. You were treated well most of the time as long as you didn’t act out and did what you were asked to do. To play on every fantasy at the request of your paying customers.. Even if the money wasn’t yours to keep.

They provided you with clothing, food, and comfortable places to sleep. It was an exchange. Much better than sleeping on the streets and mobbing unwitting strangers.

The scars that were made during that time no longer itch and hurt. When the mind flayers for some reason decided to grab you on your way to escort someone, freedom was not something you had thought about in a very long time. The thought of having to find your own meals and make your own camp was strange and abnormal in the midst of everything.

You could go anywhere you wanted. If not for the parasite problem that required fixing.

The adventuring days that followed left you with many beloved memories, as well as tearful ones. When Astarion tried to seduce you with his usual script, you simply looked him up and down and finished all his sentences, adding; ‘’I know what you’re doing.’’

‘’You’re not the only one looking for protection.’’

It wasn’t long until you ran into Zhentarim again, the dread sinked in.. And so your personal quest became a plot of revenge you didn’t know you so dearly wanted.

It was so satisfying to fight side by side and kill off every damn Zhent you could get your hands on. You took great pleasure in using your newfound strength and allies for this purpose.

The rage you had subdued before spilled out with every breath you took from them.

Equality was very important to you, equal exchange.. And so, you helped Astarion get his revenge and gain the powers he so craved.

You were in love with this man, and he had loved you in return. However.. During the night after the defeat of his torturer, Astarion’s choice of words put you off really bad. You hadn’t processed your trauma at the time, you hadn’t given it space.. It reminded you too much of something you’ve gone through before. A conversation you’ve had before.

‘’I’m not.. Ready to make such a commitment.’’ You hesitated, even if you wanted to be with him forever.. To be safe in his arms, it hit a little too close to home. He wasn’t the one who hurt you, yet your instincts made you brace yourself.. Set up walls. Keep him out.

His fears and anxieties of losing you made him overreach and speak out of turn, so you broke up with him out of fear and heartbreak.

The morning after was the worst memory of your already plentiful collection of awful memories. It broke you, over and over again.

Maybe he had changed.. But you couldn’t judge him for craving power. You had craved power yourself, as it was something you literally never had access to before mindflayers kidnapped you. All you knew was petty crimes and reluctant servitude.

You didn’t hate it entirely after all.. Perhaps, had you been given the chance to become a sex worker on your own terms, choose your own clients and have your own autonomy, it wouldn’t have left you so damaged.

10 years pass by, The heroes of Baldur’s gate are invited to a party hosted as Wyrm’s crossing. Something about a statue being built in their honour.

When the invitation of Withers arrived at your doorstep, you weren’t on speaking terms.. With anyone for that matter. You avoided the city entirely.

But this new invite, came to a Tav that had long since healed from his wounds. Come to terms with the things he’s been through. Embraced his sexuality, and grew more comfortable with the world around him.

In those ten years you’ve done all sorts of things, mostly adventure.. Solving mysteries, and occasionally helping your friends on their endeavours. Sometimes, you would re-indulge your vengeance and chase out whatever Zhentarim stronghold you could find on your travels. They feared you. They tried to be rid of you so many times.. But no, If you see Tav, try to be diplomatic. Screw that. If they dared to exist near you, they were as good as dead. And after some time, you rarely saw them again. Perhaps they had designed ways to avoid you entirely, business routes, hidden caches. As long as you didn’t see a Zhentarim symbol on your travels, you stopped caring about them.

One thing you hadn’t done was fall in love again. Gale had exclusively chased after you not too long ago, which you agreed to pursuing at first. Eventually Gale ceased his attempts at courting you, when he came to realise you were not over Astarion at all.

‘’I’ve had my tribulations with my long lost affections for Mystra.. But Tav, this is different.’’

Gale eyed you with worried glances, his face had aged much the past ten years. You were trying. You wanted to fall in love again. You loved Gale, but it was clear you did not feel the same way as he did for you.

‘’I know we were planning to attend the party as a couple.. But I can’t let you do this to yourself.’’ Gale let out a deep sigh. ‘’Or to me, for that matter.’’

‘’Are you breaking up with me?’’ Your voice was more of a whispered mumble, rather than outright spoken. ‘’It.. It appears so.’’ Gale’s response made you realise he had matured more than you had the past 10 years. Not just physically. Emotionally.

You may have overcome the things that were done to you, but not your heartbreak. Whenever Gale wanted to talk badly about your past relationship, you shut down and refused to even think of Astarion that way. ‘’He has his reasons, he didn’t mean it.’’ Your defences barely made any stance. You were the one that ran away.

‘’What Astarion said to you was horrible, and if he wanted your forgiveness he should have chased after you, despite all his shortcomings.’’ Gale Reflected, only for you to stumble over your words and go silent.

‘’I can chaperone you at the party, Tav, so you don’t have to feel alone.. But let's not pretend this is something else anymore.’’ Gale put his hand over yours, giving you an assuring squeeze. ‘’I will always be your friend.’’ He smiled with such kindness, that it put tears to your eyes.

Then the realisation hit your gut. Astarion would likely be at the party, and that worried Gale more than trying to sway you over to him. Was Gale afraid of the Vampire Ascendant? Or was he simply worried for your wellbeing? No.. Gale definitely learned to care for his own wants. That’s why he broke up with you, not because of your ex being a powerful vampire lord. This relationship with Gale was never that official. You went on several dates, you’ve kissed him a few times. It didn’t get that much further. You didn’t want a rebound.

‘’You’ve gone through so many battles, Tav.’’ Gale released your hand. ‘’Focus on how far you’ve come.’’

The party at Wyrm’s crossing had a dress code. One you intended to follow. Ten years ago you wouldn’t have picked such flimsy attire, yet tonight you did. You wanted to show off as much as anyone else. And damn the hells, You looked great. Not just great- No, mesmerising.

It was somewhat revealing, showing your neckline and exposing a portion of your chest. It was loose and comfortable around the transparent fabric of the sleeves, but tight around the waist. It had a cape akin to a draping sparkling veil, gently gliding over the ground with your every step. You were not here to escort someone, you were here to be celebrated. To show your face after you disappeared for ten years.

To save yourself from the stress of potentially seeing him, you crossed Astarion out of your mind and focussed on mingling and dancing with strangers and old friends alike. You were having fun, you haven’t smiled this much in some time. It was a good idea to come.

‘’You haven’t aged a day!’’ Shadowheart exclaimed, ‘’Neither have you-’’ You quickly responded, grinning as she examined your outfit. ‘’Are you well? What am I saying.. Of course you are well! Look at you!’’ Her hands gestured towards the fine embroidery.

‘’That must’ve cost a fortune,’’ She muttered. ‘’..Do you-’’ She was unsure how to word it, because it may have come out wrong otherwise. ‘’Uhm- Which one..’’

‘’Oh, I don’t have a boyfriend.. And I didn’t like the outfits gifted by the party’s benefactors.’’ You replied, waving your hand awkwardly, hoping to cross out her assumptions of the list. ‘’I bought this myself with my own money. Have to show off I’m my own person somehow, right?’’ Some part of you felt strange saying that, even if it was true.

Your eyes glanced towards Gale, seeing him chat with Minthara of all people. The conversation must’ve been interesting enough for her to stick around.. Huh. People change.

Astarion changed.

His eyes met yours, and you both froze in place. He was standing all the way to the other side of the hall, surrounded by a large group of nobles. His expression was not the one you remembered of him.. You couldn’t tell if he was shocked or surprised.. Or- More likely, he had been staring at you for a while now and was startled to see you look back.

You turned your head abruptly, hoping he would ignore you. The walls you’ve so carefully crafted to guard your heartbreak all came back to you. Don’t even think about it.

Don’t go to him. Don’t give him that pleasure.

Every fibre in your being was fighting it. Shadowheart continued talking to you, telling you of a story about reconnecting with her parents. Her mother had passed away a few years ago, and she got a selunite hairpin to remember her by, proudly showing it off.

‘’I wonder if Dame Aylin and Isobel are doing well.’’ You muttered, making Shadowheart look at you with excitement in response. ‘’Oh trust me, they are.’’ She continued to gossip, talking about Karlach and Wyll, and even her own relationship with Lae’zel.

‘’There was some suspicion you were dating Gale, actually.’’ She whispered, leaning in, ‘’Is it true? Is that why you arrived together?’’

‘’I didn’t realise you were such a romantic, Shadowheart..’’ You shook her head. ‘’No, I’m probably not going to fall in love again. ..That part of my life is over.’’ The confidence in your voice lacked some strength, but it was enough to satisfy her.

You did want to fall in love with Gale. He was great- even if your lifespans greatly differed, you wanted to stay with him. Yet your affections were more platonic than they ever were romantic. Forcing yourself to be with him was not good for either of you. And thus, it was better to not speak of it again. Lest you hurt him or yourself more.

Out of a hint of desperation in your heart, you quickly glanced back to where you’ve caught Astarion staring back at you before. He was gone. Likely moved on to another row of nobles and high status people to mingle.. Good. He wasn’t planning on talking to you then. Good.

Not good.

Shadowheart took only a moment to wrap up another story before leaving you entirely alone.

Across the crowd, you tried to find your other friends again, casually dancing with some strangers to the music and answering redundant questions of fans.

Exhausted of all the moving around, you positioned yourself near a table, and took a break to drink some wine.

Once the dear folk of Baldur’s gate had decided to leave you be, one noble in particular decided to finally approach you.. None other than Astarion himself.

‘’Hmm, I have to say, Darling, I’m a little disappointed you didn’t accept my gift.’’ He casually uttered without greeting you, looking you over as he grabbed a drink for himself. ‘’Wh-’’ You weren’t sure what he was referring to, before he gestured to your outfit. ‘’This is.. You are.. Hmm.’’ He stopped himself, trying to think of a better compliment. ‘’Leaving me speechless, as always. Gods- You’re beautiful, just as I remember.’’ You stare at him, freezing up. Get a hold of yourself.

‘’Oh.’’ Was all you can muster.

‘’Oh?’’

‘’..You were talking about the outfits I was offered to wear.’’

He looked to you with a brow raised, only to realise you must’ve thought he was talking about his Eternal Gift. No, no, no. That wouldn’t have been just a little disappointing. It was something he regretted not being able to give to you.. Clearly. His expression said a lot of things, but disgust was not one of them.

To avoid talking about the breakup, you tried to make conversation.

‘’Which.. One was yours? There was a lot, mind you. And you didn’t leave a letter, I would’ve known.’’

He sighed. ‘’Clearly not something to your taste,’’ He smirked. ‘’Otherwise we’d be wearing matching outfits.’’ You couldn’t tell if that was a joke or a flirt. There was a glint of entitlement in his voice.

You examined his garments, recalling the surplus of outfits you unboxed. All gifts for you to keep. A Majority of which you tossed, only to recall a particular outfit you liked being shelved for another time. ‘’..Ah. That one.’’

‘’That one? Is that all I’m getting out of you?’’ He turned his nose up, trying to hide his annoyance.

You tried to understand what he was even trying to achieve with this conversation.. His tone of speaking felt bitter, condescending at times.

‘’Darling, you must realise by now that I am still not over you.’’ He admitted, leaning in closely.

‘’I hope you have been well.’’ He smiled gently, there was some mischief in his eyes.

What the hell are you supposed to do with that? Hug him- Kiss him- Tell him how you feel! Tell him what you want- Tell him. Tell him.

No! Don’t tell him! He said awful things. He’s not even acknowledging them- Does he know? Does he care? What the fuck is wrong with him? Walk away.. Walk away.. Please, feet.

You stayed as you were, sipping your wine, waiting for him to continue speaking as you forgot to answer his question. He sighed- Perhaps reciting something in the back of his mind. Nefarious plans? Scripts? No. They don’t work on you. You could tell when something wasn’t from the heart.

He could think of what to say for days on end, plan poetry, to win you back he had to be honest on his intentions.

‘’Tav, I want you to be with me.’’ Came from his lips, his expression changed, a softened gaze. Fearful. Anxious. For a moment your heart fluttered, and then.. ‘’As you should be. You should’ve been-’’ The possessive undertone made you take a step back.

The words fell out of your mouth before you could think.

‘’If I wasn’t ready then, why would I be now?’’

Your once so confident expression, replaced by a gloom. ‘’So forward, aren’t you? Always talking about what you want.’’ You let out a deep sigh as He grew quiet to your defiance, leaning in again.

‘’Don’t.’’ You held up your hand to keep him from getting closer. ‘’I can’t take it. I can’t.’’ Tears swell up in your eyes. ‘’You’re going to say hurtful things again, toss me aside like it doesn’t matter how I feel.’’ A deep breath.

‘’How could I consider Forever, when we were about to fight the Netherbrain? Rush into marriage? Right then and there? Astarion.. You were asking too much of me. I had things to work through. You too, I gather.’’

His posture straightened again as you stopped talking. Your eyes turned to the wall beside you. Hoping he’d walk off, hoping he’d lose interest in you. You wanted to be with him so bad, it hurt you more that he actually still wanted you.

He was considering what you were saying, puzzling it and turning it in his head. ‘’I admit, that was wrong of me.’’ His words broke the silence. ‘’I was more afraid of losing you, and then I lost you.’’ There was a crack in his voice- his posture changed again.

Mischievous and questionable.

‘’I’m sorry, Tav.’’ His hand reached up and turned your chin to face him, wiping away a few tears with his thumb. ‘’Forgive me, Darling.’’ A faint, but sad smile coated his lips.

What you did next, he didn’t expect.. You pulled him close by his collar, about to kiss him, only to withdraw and turn away. He wrapped his arms around you with a strength you never felt before. ‘’Please, don’t make this harder than it is.’’ He pleaded, needy. ‘’I know- You don’t trust me now, but I can’t have you walk off now. Not again. I won’t.’’

You stopped squirming, accepting that his grip on you was one of desperation and not to hurt you. ‘’If you want to talk, you don’t have to corner me.’’ You replied with a hint of discomfort.

‘’This will be over soon.’’ His response concerned you, chilling. ‘’What? What’ll be over soon?’’

You raised your brows as he buried his face in your neck, feeling him grin against your exposed skin.

Maybe you should’ve picked a different outfit.. He could bite you and drain you just there and then, easily. He is a vampire lord. The damn vampire ascendant himself. You fool.

You shivered at the thought, expecting teeth in your neck any moment.

‘’Don’t worry darling, I’ve made arrangements.’’ He removed his face from the crook of your neck and stroked your cheek. His undead lungs heaved with a breath of excitement.

‘’-What? What are you saying?’’ Fear overtook you, your eyes darting around trying to find your friends. ‘’They are fine, I promise! I would never hurt them.’’ He hoped to see you calm down, loosening his grip around your waist.

In that same second, you manage to twist yourself free, so he grabs your arm and pulls you back, placing a hand to your chin to make you look him in the eye. ‘’Impero te.’’

The Charm spell takes hold, and you stop fighting him. You knew this spell. You’ve used it yourself before, many times. It was particularly useful during heists, or to get a client to stop being rough with you. You’ve had this cast on you by foes before, as invasive as it is. Yet.. This was different. You were self aware enough to notice the change. The walls.. They just fell. All the mental defences, all the reasons to push him away and run off just dropped. The pain you felt from his hurtful words ten years ago stung one more time, as you relaxed in his arms. Frozen in time, unwilling to move away from him.

Why did you say no again? His eyes look to you with sadness, before pulling you in a hug and pushing your face into his chest. He gently caresses through your hair, sighing with some sense of relief.

‘’I would never want to hurt you,’’ The guilty tone in his voice echoes as he places a kiss on your head. ‘’Just this once. Please forgive me.’’ His sadness burns through you, you touch his face affectionately on instinct.

He stops you from trying to kiss him this time. ‘’Not like this.’’ He replies. ‘’..Not like this.’’ He repeats.

You barely hear the sound of the chaos behind you, Astarion makes sure to cover your eyes with his embrace when he notices it. The charm makes you focussed on all those feelings you pushed aside the past ten years.. Gods.. Ten years since he last held you. Ten years since you kissed.

As obsessed with you as he was, he refused to take advantage of you with the spell.

He only used it to restrain you from running off, no matter how much of your bottled feelings came spilling out.

You held onto him tightly, your fingers entangled in his fine garments. Some of the strings of embroidery had come loose from how deep your fingers dug into the fabric.

‘’My sweet, come.’’ His arms guided you to walk with him into a different direction, still making sure you could not see what was happening.

His grip then tightened a little, firm- but gently, aware the spell was starting to wane. He could cast it again of course, to make it last longer. He hesitated. Once the spell ended, he could likely not do it as effectively again.. He was thinking about it.. Too late.

‘’Harpers!’’ You expected Jaheira’s voice, but it was someone else. Likely one of their high ranking members. Dead bodies were scattered over the floor. Bodies of all sorts of people- on closer look- guards, nobles, people you didn’t expect Harpers to attack.

Vampire Spawn. These people were slain Vampire Spawn.

How many of the guests- All this time.. Were Astarion’s sleeper agents? You lost count, at the very least your friends were not among the bodies. Astarion may have done something to make them leave the building because you struggled to find them before.

The look on his face already told you what you needed to know: This was not part of his plan. The harpers had come to snuff him out. And they were failing- The battle was primarily overwhelmed by the amount of people on Astarion’s side.

Not once did they manage to get close. Astarion protectively guided you towards the exit, followed by The watch which at this point was obviously mostly made up of Vampire Spawn.

‘’You organised this party, didn’t you?’’ You questioned, allowing him to drag you along this time willingly. ‘’Why?’’

‘’This wasn’t the plan..’’ He mumbled something, cursed too, not answering. You tried to stop him from moving further. ‘’You want me to trust you? Talk. Use your words, Astarion! Use your fucking words!’’ Your anger was bursting through, rightfully so.

‘’You came either way, didn’t you?’’ Astarion’s response was a flat confession of truth.

As you stared into his eyes with the storm of emotions boiling through your own, his wicked smile turned to discomfort as an arrow found its way into his shoulder. As the Vampire Ascendant, he quickly discarded it, waiting for the wound to close up right away.

It didn’t heal. Shit.

‘’Godsdammnit-’’ He was about to curse some more, you pressed your hands to the wound to stop the bleeding. ‘’Let’s just go-’’ Without much else to say he lifted you up, shielded by his spawn who were fending off the Harpers.

The harpers weren’t winning, but he did take a good hit. The arrow must've been laced with holy water or something to keep him from healing. Necrotic damage? Illmater’s arrows? His blood coated your hands.

Certainly he was strong enough to walk off such a blow. It did hurt him, he was not immune to pain. Your panic rose even if he remained calm and firm, carrying you out of the building followed by a horde of regular looking people all swarming around you.

Gods.. He has been busy. The entire city must’ve been made of mostly spawn and loyal followers. Wherever your friends were- He found a good enough distraction for them not to notice this chaos.

The fight for the escape continued, leading back through the Basilisk gate, and making a way through suspiciously empty streets. Straight towards his crimson palace, only to stop at an alleyway and be guided into what seems to be secretly constructed tunnels.

‘’Urgh.’’ Astarion gritted his sharp teeth, the bleeding stopped, but it definitely hurt, even as it healed slowlier than it should. ‘’I Should’ve planned more, Harpers have no respect for romantics.. Oh Dear.’’

A group of Harpers found their way in, fighting the watch while Astarion focussed on keeping you safe in his arms. It bothered you, he refused to put you down.

‘’YOU!’’ A loud voice echoed, followed by the loud battle screams of other Harpers. It was Rion, Jaheira’s adopted daughter. ‘’This is all your fault!’’

You looked to Astarion, questioning what he had done.. His face contorted in anger. ‘’I have warned you once. She became too nosy. I gave you a choice, Rion. Now I’m going to have to kill you. I’ll be quick, I am not as cruel as you think.’’

‘’A little pity party to get back with the hero of Baldur's gate? How cute.’’ Rion looked to you, then back to him. ‘’Oh no, I didn’t come here for you, most Gracious Vampire lord. I blame him. For you.’’

Rion drew her weapon, fearless. Surrounded with the remainder of her harpers. You did not recognise them, but they just voiced blaming you for Astarion… Yes. Because of you, Astarion was in the position he was in. Because of you, Rion and her band walked happily to their deaths.. To do what exactly? Revenge? Jaheira is probably dead, that would explain these events.

You questioned if you cared, you were living your life happily all this time even when alone..

Now these people were after your life. And they would come after you even if you escaped.

Getting lost amidst your thoughts, the fight continued. Unable to move from your position to help, without weapons and wearing flimsy thin party clothes. It was already stained by Astarion’s blood, getting torn as Astarion pulled you from side to side while fighting off his enemies with his other hand wielding a rapier.

You managed to get a few cuts on you here and there, as he killed them off one by one with ease, even without the help of his spawn.

Silence.

Astarion huffed, his eyes Feral, holding you firmly. The clothes you were so proud of were mostly torn, the cape was gone, the scraps of the top was only supported by your waist band. ‘’..I feel naked.’’ You murmured, processing everything.

Astarion then let you go, watching you cover your exposed skin with your arms, rubbing the chill away. The tunnels are cold and dead as are the bodies of the dead harpers and vampire spawn.

‘’There’s no going back from here, it seems.’’ You spoke, turning your heel, examining the tunnel distance. Astarion’s disgruntled, stressed expression scanned over you.

‘’Their blood is on my hands, as much as it is on yours.’’ Not literally of course, the only blood on your hands was whatever would pour from his flesh wound earlier.

Any other saintly person would scream murderer at him, but not you. You were a criminal before you were a hero. You’ve done heinous things yourself in the past and the present, perhaps this was karma at work.

‘’What was your plan?’’ You asked, trying to distract him from the chaos.

‘’To sweep your delicate self off your feet and take you out to dine,’’ Astarion sighed. ‘’One last attempt.. I set up this treasure hunt to get everyone else away from you, portalled them all the way to Waterdeep. Meticulous planning that depended on you coming at all.’’ There’s a slight dishonesty in his tone. Had it gone the way he wanted, he might’ve bitten you after managing to get you in his bed again. Without asking if he could.

Knowing yourself, you probably would have accepted the date eventually, laying down all your defences. The charm spell he used earlier didn’t fully take hold of you, it just reminded you of how you felt about him, erasing the pain that kept you away. There was a breath of relief in your mind, acceptance.

‘’Perhaps you should’ve just done it rather than ask.’’ As you say this, you see it greatly upsets him, knowing what you meant instead.

‘’No.. I should have never said I’d ruin your love. This is on me. I wanted to give you everything Tav, I wasn’t in control of my emotions.’’ His frustration with himself and forcing out his own confessions hurt whatever instinctive pride was in his veins.

The bodies of the guards and harper’s stench finally reached your noise, making you lose balance.

‘’I can be patient, If I have to be.. Even if I can’t stand it. For you- My treasure. My darling.’’ He caught you as you stumbled back in his arms. Humming happily and rubbing his face against your head. ‘’Little love-’’

A sting of pain and a sensation of warmth leaving your chest.. You look up to see Astarion look in terror.

He’s been stabbed in the back by a blade, a half dead Rion holds it, shaky, weakly. ‘’Fuck. You.’’ Is all she can muster before she drops down with a final breath. Still- That is not the cause of his shock.

The blade connected you two, while Astarion would easily recover from the new wound.. You would not. His cold blood streamed right into yours, numbing you.

Would this turn you..?

Your sight blurs, and your mind slowly fades to the death thrums of your heart. Faint sounds of sobbing and screaming ring through your ears. As Astarion pulls you close.

The next time you regain consciousness, you feel even colder. A weight is hanging over you. You twitch, trying to gather what is happening.. Your eyes refuse to function. You can tell that you are lying on a bed, still wearing the same ruined party clothes. Astarion is on top of you.

There’s a sting on your shoulder, neck, as well as your wrist. The blurred image of Astarion holding your wrist affectionately comes into vision. You barely feel his teeth in your skin when the delirium begins to set in again.

‘’Astarion..’’ Your words slur. ‘’..I love you..’’

Your vision starts fading once more alongside all sensation.

When you return to the waking world, you’ll forgive his transgressions, accepting his dark kiss.

#bg3 #bg3 tav #ascended astarion x reader #ascended astarion x male reader #ascended astarion x m! reader #astarion #astarion x tav #ascended astarion x tav #ascended astarion x male tav #ascended astarion x m! tav #male tav #baldurs gate 3

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lanaevyssmoved · 1 year ago

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Baldur's Gate 3 Companion!Tav Ask List

What if your Tav was a recruitable companion, instead of the main character? (contains major spoilers for the game, and for some dark urge runs as well)

General

Where can your Tav be recruited? Are they first encountered on the Nautiloid, or in the Nautiloid crash region? Or are they not recruitable until a later act?

afhiri would be recruited in the crashed nautiloid near the dying mindflayer!! you'd find her looking around at the floor for her flute, they'd be rushing about back and fourth but not actually grabbing at or moving things around to see if it's under anything - just lots of staring and hoping it'll suddenly pop out, they'd also be yelling out "where are you? where did you go?!" "pspspspsp come out!!!" and other various things fdlfdkgdg yes yes there's a mindflayer about but there's more IMPORTANT THINGS .. when recruiting them you can be like "so that mindflayer over there" and afhiri will let you know they hadn't even noticed it <3

Do the other companions have special comments or reactions upon recruiting your Tav?

scene.. afhiri is still obsessively looking for her flute. its almost like u didnt just recruit them

gale: "well they're certainly.. enthusiastic. we best keep an eye on them else we may lose them... hm." accepting he's about to become a babysitter

shadowheart: "are you sure it's wise to bring them along? they'll be more of a hinderance than a help." literally does not want afhiri here

astarion: "wonderful, you've recruited an actual clown! at least we'll have some on road entertainment." completely sarcastic btw... also doesn't want afhiri here

lae'zel: "chk, if nothing else they will be decent cannon fodder in the battles to come." ALSO doesn't want afhiri here.. fuck man

wyll: "what a delight afhiri is, it's good to have someone around who can find the joy in things despite our predicament." happie :)

karlach: also looking around for the flute now. been dragged into it

Does your Tav have any comments or advice when you recruit other companions?

@ gale: "oh my god he came out of a rock!!!!!!!" eyeing him up intensely.. "A CLOWN!!!!!!!!!!" proceeds to lose her shit

@ shadowheart: "she's quite pretty, isn't she? i like her toy! i wonder if she'll let me play with it too" ^_^

@ astarion: eyes him up and down "i think i've seen him before...." never mentions this again and if u ask them about it they're like huh??

@ lae'zel: doesn't really have anything to say.. "lae'zel looks pretty cool" with a big smile :D

@ wyll: "I'M SO GLAD YOU BEFRIENDED WYLL DID YOU SEE HIM AT THE GATE DID YOU SEE HIM STAB THAT GOBLIN WITH HIS QUIPPY ONE LINER HE'S SOO COOL HE WOULD MAKE SUCH A GOOD PERFORMER I WONDER IF HE'S EVER BEEN ON STAGE BEFORE!!!" bursting at the seams

@ karlach: "it would have been a crime to kill someone so hot..." nods sagely. misses the literal irony in her statement

What sort of general actions raise or lower their approval?

in general afhiri is super easy-going and befriends people who don't even like them.. ^_^ so losing approval will be harder but that doesn't mean raising is super easy! afhiri is just very nice to people in general!

raise:

helping tieflings

helping the poor, the downtrodden and lower class

being disrespectful to authority figures!

making jokes and doing silly things (includes lying)

performing! (you gain a lil bit of approval on performing even if you're bad)

lose:

siding with the goblins (this is the largest approval hit)

hurting + killing animals

not taking new opportunities (refusing to do quests, attacking enemies before letting them talk, etc)

being a stick in the mud with a pole up ur ass!! have some fun!!

scolding her for her antics or otherwise talking down to her

you can honestly view afhiri's approval as similiar to sera from dai if you're aware of her general likes and dislikes !!!

Are there any instances where your Tav can permanently leave the party, depending on player character actions?

no, but afhiri really won't like you killing the tieflings. they don't really give a shit about the druids but heavily empathises with the tieflings and this is the literal only time you can make afhiri genuinely angry at you. it's super easy to convince afhiri to calm down and stay however, and you can even gain the lost approval again depending on how you approach her at the party!!! (manipulation goes a long way <3)

Do they have any secrets that can be revealed? What are the prerequisites for this secret coming to light?

afhiri doesn't necessarily have secrets, but you CAN learn that the afhiri you know is essentially a persona. it requires maximum approval and very specific dialogue choices - afhiri will reveal to you that they're running from themselves and they don't plan on stopping. if you try to encourage afhiri to accept who they are and stop running, you'll take a large approval hit and afhiri will cut the conversation short and you'll take small approval hits if you ever try to bring it up again ^_^

Do they have their own personal quest that spans the course of the game? Can it take different branching paths depending on the choices the Player Character makes?

they do but not in a typical sense.

act 1: getting afhiri a flute, once you do this you'll unlock new bardic abilities for gameplay and combat! afhiri will also be seen playing the flute in camp ^_^ you can only pursue afhiri's romance once a flute has been gotten.. other instruments don't work !

act 2: you will get a sweet scene where afhiri tells you she's written a song about you and wants to perform !! afhiri will sing and dance and play their flute for you and the song will be from a selection of pre-made ones based on various decisions made in act 1! at the end of the performance you'll be given options that allow you to continue or end the romance ^_^

act 3: you've forced afhiri to return to where she's running from :) afhiri will, if your approval is high enough, mention her family. you Cannot visit, but if you encourage afhiri to pop in to see them they will Without you. if you ask afhiri how it went they'll be super dismissive and just say it was fine with a smile, afhiri won't say more even if you press the issue. it won't be satisfying and will likely get "i wish they did more with this" "did they cut visiting her family?" "that was pretty shit"

though there is some stuff that kind of counts if you keep reading ^_^

What do they say when the Player Character asks them to stay in camp? How about when the Player Character asks them to come adventuring again?

stay: the biggest wet eyes and pout you have ever seen. you are going to make the clown cry. their bottom lip is wobbling. oh my god. if you confirm they are indeed staying they snap out of it immediately revealing it was a manipulation and just sulks like FINE

come: THIS PROVOKES PURE JOY!!!! afhiri is bouncing and resisting grabbing you (where their hands instinctively go to grab changes if ur romancing!) biggest smile ever. gonna play their absolute best for you u will NOT regret this!!!!!

Does your Tav have any escalating conflicts with one of the other companions, like Lae’zel and Shadowheart’s knife-fight?

no but afhiri will have escalating flirts :).....

Are there any unique NPCs associated with your Tav that can show up during the course of the game?

hehe.. yeah <3 candor

candor will appear and if you agree, will join as a camp companion! (ideally they'd both be companions but that isn't what this is ABOUT) you get a scene in each act where afhiri and candor interact with each other and you can chime in with your thoughts!!

act 1: they meet again for the first time since tadpole, afhiri jumps into candors arms and they have .. a moment. that feels invasive to watch. this is a scene that makes you think afhiri is Not available for romance ^_^ afhiri asks you to allow candor to come with you!

act 2: you accidentally walk in on them talking quietly by themselves. afhiri is resting her head on candors arm and it has its hand on her leg... another moment where you think afhiri isn't actually available.. extra drama if you're romancing afhiri !! this is the moment where you can ask about them, you learn about afhiri being poly, you're given the option to end the romance if you're not comfortable.

act 3: takes place after afhiri's act 3 quest, meaning you need that approval to see this! afhiri and candor are having a heart to heart about being back in the city and about afhiri's wild magic!! this is when candor confesses to afhiri that it's been protecting afhiri from wild magic for longer than originally thought. you can chime in, side with afhiri, who is upset specifically because she believes candor could have done more, befriended her sooner, helped her with her loneliness and troubled childhood, or side with candor, who believes it wasn't its place to interfere and only chose to eventually interfere because it felt it had to for afhiri's continued survival - it wasn't required sooner because afhiri wasn't in danger despite the hard life they were living. you also have the opportunity to not get involved, either by not taking a side and seeing BOTH their points, or by walking away.

in order to see afhiri's TRUE FULL QUEST!! u need to bring candor as a camp companion :) fuck everyone who refused candor to join. especially if they did it out of possessive jealousy of afhiri!!!!!!! PUNISHMENT!!!!!!! (yeah. gamers wouldn't like me)

Are there any moments in the game that trigger unique dialogue for your character? (Like Gale’s anecdote about the barfight after you save the goblin prisoner)

the first time you perform ^_^ so it requires you to either be a bard, get the instrument proficiency feat, or just play a random instrument you find very badly! so it's pretty missable!

no matter what, even if you're bad, afhiri gets excited and wants to play with you!! you also gain approval ^_^

Story Specific

How does your Tav advise the player character when it comes to the Dream Visitor?

afhiri has no advice :) it was just a dream man idk. did you eat something funky

How do they advise the player character on Raphael?

raphael looks like a rich snob with too much money so afhiri DOES NOT LIKE. so afhiri will, not really getting what's going on, not want you to take the deal on the fact that he looks like a prick they should rob instead

How do they react to Astarion biting the Player Character?

afhiri, not knowing or understanding what a vampire is, "did you at least ask for consent"

How do they react to the Player Character letting Abdirak whip them?

head tilt of curiousity and naivity until there's blood and you're screaming and then they're looking around like what the fu

How do they react to the Player Character taking their first tadpole power?

afhiri will think it's kinda icky but won't comment beyond that!

Will they stay with the Player Character regardless of siding with the goblins or the tieflings, or is it possible for them to leave the party permanently?

they'll stay!

What can they be found doing at the tiefling/goblin party?

performing! afhiri will be playing her flute in her idle animation ^_^

Do they have comments on who the Player Character chooses to spend the night with?

i'm gonna say no because i highly doubt afhiri fucking noticed or fucking cares. like if you approach afhiri and you're like HEY.... DID SMTH NASTY LAST NIGHT WITH WHATS ER FACE. yeah afhiri's interested now... but in general afhiri is not shoving nose where nose is not wanted. act 1 too early for afhiri to be a prying bitch

Do they have unique dialogue if the Player Character lets them die when they steal the Blood of Lathander?

probably smth really dumb like. "well that was bright!!!! anyway hi :D"

How do they react if the PC licks the dead spider in the Gauntlet of Shar?

"did it taste good? can i lick it?" you're both dead on the ground

What do they say if the PC tries to force them to go up on stage with Dribbles the Clown?

this is the best moment of afhiri's life. feels kinda nervous because oh my god, oh my god, it's DRIBBLES!!! this is their moment. their moment to prove themselves. FINALLY! FINALLY THEY CAN SHOW DRIBBLES THEY ARE THE BEST CLOWN!!!!! afhiri is PUMPED. this moment is EVERYTHING. this is the afhiri's nightsong moment, afhiri's ritual.. you get the point

Is it possible for your Tav to be kidnapped and replaced by Orin? How is Orin's deception revealed? How do they react to the PC rescuing them in the Temple of Bhaal?

afhiri cannot be kidnapped because afhiri would simply dodge orin. u cannot kidnap a circus weirdo. however i could have some insane thoughts about orin ATTEMPTING it and giving up with frustration :)

How do they react to the PC either allowing Astarion to ascend or convincing him to spare the 7000 spawn?

afhiri does not grasp what this means. afhiri cannot visualise 7000 souls as 7000 living breathing people - except they're not they're uh. dead. anyway. afhiri can't do it. so will afhiri react? no. very like "huh?" and no one will take the time to explain . gale might explain later at camp. then its "huh..." and u got nothing else cuz THEY CANNOT VISUALISE IT ......

How does Tav react to the PC becoming a mind flayer? Can they offer to become one themselves? Does their reaction change if they’re romanced?

afhiri would give a very chill oh that's cool!! that's pretty sick!!! ohhhhhh !!!! awesome !!!!!! type of reaction. would not offer however because afhiri don't understand what the fuck goin on thinks ur doing it just for funsies. cuz u wanna. ^_^ romance would get no other reaction beyond maybe a line about being curious how u kiss each other now and also what those tentacles do

How do they react when the Dark Urge first reveals their amnesia and murderous thoughts to them?

afhiri don't rly know what amnesia is. once u explain its very oh..... okay..... F. reaction. emotionally stunted and unavoidable gamer reaction. murderous thoughts? very haha and then what. afhiri doesn't take this Seriously.

How do they react to the Dark Urge killing Alfira?

see this will make afhiri very sad because ALFIRA BARD FRIEND. WEARING A FUNNY JESTER OUTFIT. ALFIRA :HANDSHAKE: AFHIRI!!!!!! so afhiri would be sad to find out alfira is dead but likely would not believe the durge did it because durge is friend :)

If romanced, how do they react to the Dark Urge trying to kill them in Act 2?

i basically just answered this huh. haha and then what :) its so funny how i keep saying afhiri don't take shit srsly. like afhiri would not believe ur actually gonna try and kill them. they're just vibing and think ur being a bit kinky

Romance

Is your Tav a romanceable character? Are there any specific requirements to romancing them?

afhiri is romanceable and without the flute from her act 1 quest the romance is locked out entirely. if you enter act 2 without giving the flute, romance is locked for good!

Does your Tav need to be flirted with to start the romance, or will they approach the PC themselves if approval is high enough?

afhiri needs to be flirted with at least once for her to see you in that light. if you don't keep flirting, afhiri will approach you!

Are they a polyamorous or a monogamous option?

poly!!! if you ask afhiri to be mono it will ONLY work if you didn't recruit candor or you sought to drive a wedge between them, so they never reached a romantic point, however they will STILL be very close and intimate, otherwise afhiri will say no because candor is too important to them.

afhiri will accept poly with every single companion no questions asked ^_^

Do they have a special romance scene at the tiefling/goblin party?

afhiri does!! you approach them and they're all exhausted and tired but immensely happy and in their element because they've been playing and performing the entire party, and you talking to them is giving them a short break. if you ask, afhiri will come to you after the party when they've finished performing and everyone's going to bed!

the scene will be you and afhiri by the water. u sit down and afhiri gives u a private session thats a much more delicate and gentle song just for u . she doesnt sing its just a tune. (note: if u romance her in act 2 she will play this same tune but this time will start singing a song she wrote for u) u then talk a lil bit about the party and everything uve been thru so far. afhiri is pretty useless during it but its used as a way to show the player how disconnected afhiri is. afhiri acts as escapism for the player from the story!

Does the romance have different branching paths, or just one route to take?

it'll have just one path, but micro changes (like small dialogues) based on candor things!

How do they react to the player character breaking up with them, or choosing another character over them?

hmm.. afhiri would ultimately be very chill about it. theyd be sad about the fact you cant hold hands and cuddle at night and kiss and stuff anymore. and theyd ask if you CAN still do that stuff but as friends (offering a fwb alternative!!!!) if you say no theyll be fine but a tiny bit moopy because they had fun with you and liked being close to u. but ur not gonna get no grand statements or tears from afhiri! and would be happy for you if u found love with someone else c:

What questions can Zethino ask the PC about Tav in the Love Test?

question one: what kind of performer has afhiri always dreamt of being?

available answers: a bard, a clown, something unique and different

something unique and different is the correct answer! no approval changes.

question two: afhiri has left their life behind on nothing but a whim, what is afhiri running from?

available answers: responsibility, their family, dribbles

dribbles is the correct answer and gains approval! if you select responsibility or their family it will also be considered correct but will gain disapproval.

question three: what does afhiri need the most?

available answers: to grow up and act like an adult, freedom, to become the best clown in the world

to become the best clown in the world and freedom are both correct. no approval changes!

If they’re poly, do they have a reaction to the PC engaging in a relationship with Halsin?

down for it. down to be a polycule. down to also date halsin. down for threesomes. down for it all!!!!!!!! afhiri a free spirit baby.

How do they react if the PC has sex with Mizora? The Emperor? Haarlep?

GET IT!!!!! GET IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! afhiri doesn't really have any concept of like. sleeping with a devil or an incubus is like, realistically a bad idea, so its just. DAMN YOU FUCKED THAT HOT PERSON?? NIIIICEEEE!!!! high fives!!!!! with the emperor its just the same thing. you got laid? fuck yeah. high fives!

Will they join in with the PC and the Drow Twins, or no?

ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!!!!!!!! AFHIRI IS DOWN!!!!!!!!!! u have got the most giddy tiefling right behind you, going 'eeeeee' with excitement, bouncing up and down looking at you with large pleady eyes CAN WE PLEASE? CAN WE PLEEASSE??? I REALLY WANT TO!!!!!!! if tav says no you bet ur ass afhiri is hanging around there like hehe can i anyway

What are Tav’s plans for the future? Do they propose to the PC, or is marriage not something they’re interested in?

afhiri is an independent soul .. doesn't wanna get married ... doesnt rlly wanna move in either.. being with afhiri longterm is accepting uve got a partner whos adventurous and wants to explore and see the world and meet new people!!! now afhiri WILL settle down after years together because afhiri will lowkey become commited with you without labels - if YOU involve labels thats just gonna push afhiri away. so just be patient with her.. like a stray cat who sleeps in ur house and eats ur food. one day they'll just stay if you're patient with them!!!!!! also being with afhiri is accepting her free spirited nature... afhiri is gonna date and sleep with other people, AND YOURE ALLOWED TOO!!, so afhiri long term is not for anyone who wants the domestic monogamous life

#fray.txt #oc afhiri #ok this took me forever but i finally fucking finished #im not tagging anyone cuz its SO LONG and it was an ask game first #pls let me know if i didnt answer smth or left smth unfinished. i cannot read thru this again LOL

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shivunin · 1 year ago

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WIP Wednesday

Thank you for the tags, @daggerbean @greypetrel and @idolsgf (you got me right before I got you c:)! Edit: In the heat of it all, I forgot to tag anyone back D: So (my apologies, it probably isn't Wednesday anymore for most of you) @zenstrike @ndostairlyrium @layalu @nightwardenminthara and YOU if you have anything to share! As I mentioned yesterday, I am occasionally going to be posting Baldur's Gate stuff here so I can track it down later and...well! Here is my Tav having a (totally private) little chat with her god. (Very slight spoilers for Astarion's Act 3 quest; most of this is entirely extraneous to canon)

Astarion had to close his eyes against the light; it had grown too bright, too intense to bear. Perhaps he could walk beneath the sun now, but that did not mean he could stare directly into it. He did not see what happened next. He could only turn his face away and listen.

“And what will you do about the spawn?” There was an eternity of scorn in that last word. One could buy a whole city with the wealth of that contempt.

“If you bid me do so, my lord, I will hunt them through the Underdark. Let them fight me—let them each have a chance to lift their weapon and try. If they have turned away from the dark path they were subjected to, I will leave them be.”

Even through the protection of his eyelids, the light burned. Astarion lifted a hand to cover his eyes, leaning hard against the altar beside him. The cool stone shielded him from the worst of the onslaught, but the sting of it lingered.

“And the other?” Lathander asked.

A soft sound—Astarion could not identify it. A sob? A laugh?

“Morninglord,” she said, “I honor you above all others. I would rip the very heart from my chest if you asked it of me.”

Astarion had known—he had known that it was stupid to care for her as he did. He had known precisely what she was from the moment he’d set the knife to her throat. He had thought himself clever, had thought himself delightfully wicked for tempting a god’s little warrior from her righteous path. How funny, he had thought, to find that someone like her was just as capable of being led astray by a pretty face as anyone else he’d tempted to ruin.

It was a bitter thing, ashes and gall creeping up the back of his throat, to find that he had never stopped being wrong about her.

“But,” she said, and the word echoed in his head, but but but, “I would sooner take your holy mace from the altar and forever reduce my hands to bits of bone and sinew than raise them once against Astarion.”

What. What?

“Why?”

Yes, precisely. Why?

#wip wednesday #tav tag #bg3 #shivunin scrivening #this scene was the first thing i had a solid grasp on for her character #someone who is profoundly devoted to her god and yet...still tells him no. this one thing and only this is beyond her.#anyways c:#i am gnawing on them c:

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thedragonagelesbian · 1 year ago

Note

General 3, 5, and 7; Story 11; Romance 2, 6, and 11

wahhhhhhhhhhh im crying thank you for sending so many questions.......

companion tav asks

General

3. Does your Tav have any comments or advice when you recruit other companions?

On Astarion: These are frightening times for us all, I can understand why Astarion leapt to threats first. With time, hopefully we'll all feel comfortable and safe around one another.

On Gale: You know, I asked Gale to explain that portal thingy he got stuck in. I didn't understand a word of it, but he has such a soothing voice, it was nice to listen to him talk for an hour.

On Wyll: (with a slight swoon animation) What a charming man, that Wyll, I don't know if I've ever met someone so selfless and caring...

On Halsin: Halsin is to travel with us? Wonderful! It gets a little lonely in the wee hours before trancing...

On Shadowheart: Shadowheart will be immensely helpful in the days to come, I'm sure of it, and what a delightful presence too.

On Lae'zel: Lae'zel's dedication is admirable, such intensity... I trust her and her people to help rid us of these parasites.

And there's some extended dialogue for Karlach :)

Narrator: Cyrus appears distracted, bouncing on the balls of his feet and staring off at some distant point in the camp. His attention seems to be fixated on Karlach. Cyrus: Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't... Did you, um, did you need something? PC: Looking at someone? Cyrus: Hm? Ah, yes, I- I suppose I was, I was just thinking... Ten years is such a terribly long time to be alone... [Insight Check DC 10: Success] Narrator: His hand skirts to his side. [if PC has slept with Cyrus] You recall noticing an extensive burn scar there the last time the two of you were intimate. Cyrus, muttering to himself: I could probably take it, for a few seconds at least, long enough to hold her hand or... something. She deserves something.

5. Are there any instances where your Tav can permanently leave the party, depending on player character actions?

The big one is siding with Minthara and attacking the grove (short of, perhaps, an astronomically high deception check to convince him that this is for the best, actually).

I also think Cyrus' personal quest can end with him sacrificing himself and, you know, leaving the party by dying. And even if he lives, depending on the other choices in that quest, Cyrus will gladly volunteer himself to be the one who becomes a mindflayer at the end of Act 3.

7. Do they have their own personal quest that spans the course of the game? Can it take different branching paths depending on the choices the Player Character makes?

Yes! Beyond the potential evil corruption arc, his quest would revolve around his oath, his inclinations toward martyrdom, and how that warps his self-perception. The main decision points for the PC would involve either reinforcing his view of himself as a tool for protecting others or helping him to see beyond his impulses to sacrifice himself.

Story

11. What do they say if the PC tries to force them to go up on stage with Dribbles the Clown?

"You know, I remember enjoying this more with the other orphans... I think I'll pass."

Romance

2. Does your Tav need to be flirted with to start the romance, or will they approach the PC themselves if approval is high enough?

Cyrus is a bi slut and will absolutely approach the PC first, he doesn't even need all that high approval, times are stressful and he wants to be helpful and useful and make them happy-- in whatever physically intimate way the PC is comfortable with.

If that means sex, there's a DC 20 Insight check to realize that Cyrus is solely preoccupied with the PC's wants and desires rather than his own. So early on in the relationship, he brushes this off really quickly, but depending on how his personal quest goes, you CAN eventually service top him (which as we all know is the gold standard for physical relationships with Cyrus).

A romantic relationship will require higher approval and can be initiated by the PC at the tiefling party, but it isn't necessary. You can stay FWBs with him and still pursue other romances (contingent on other companions being comfortable with that, of course).

6. How do they react to the player character breaking up with them, or choosing another character over them?

Cyrus is quite courteous during the break up, wanting to support the PC's happiness and the happiness of the other character involved (probably even saying something along the lines of them needing/being deserving of the PC's affection more than him). But there's also an insight check to reveal that he's a lot more hurt than he's letting on and is trying to repress it for the PC's sake.

11. What are Tav’s plans for the future? Do they propose to the PC, or is marriage not something they’re interested in?

In the world in which the game has the post-final fight party of my dreams, a cutscene begins with Cyrus, very clearly absolutely wasted, trying to (platonically) propose to another companion character who is humoring him until you can intercede. Talking to him, Cyrus glumly explains that he's worried about the party splitting up after this, as this is the first real family he's had in a century, and so maybe if he marries everyone, he'll be able to keep them together-- but so far, no one's acquiesced.

You can tease him by suggesting that you know someone who would probably agree. Cyrus Does Not Get It until you get down on one knee and propose to him, and the euphoria on his face as he realizes that you are acting on and manifesting something he wants is unparalleled.

There's a fade to black as he picks you up, swings you around, and tries to serenade you.

#cyrus bg3 #one day i'll type up a full scene-by-scene companion quest for him but if i started that now i wont ever publish this ask so #flirtatious intent should be read into every single comment he makes about the other companions btw #cyrusXkarlach

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the-eldritch-it-gay · 1 year ago

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no. 10 from the general questions for the Tav companion ask game? 👀

10. Are there any unique NPCs associated with your Tav that can show up during the course of the game?

Ooooh. I think there would be a few, but here's what I imagine are the 2 key npcs that would be related to their personal quest and a brief idea of their role. I did also start to write up something that would happen in act 2, but it wouldn't technically be an npc because it would be an animal so I cut that from this.

Act 1:

Calnys Greenwood (Halfling Druid) would be found in the Emerald Grove, in the Druid Chambers. If you talk to her without Majexatli in the party, she just has a few lines about being newer to the Grove and having come from a different circle further north. She’ll comment on what happened with Arabella and offhandedly mention it reminds her of something that happened in her old circle. If Majexatli is in the party, she will notice them during this and mention they look somewhat familiar. Calnys will ask if they know of her circle and where their circle is based, trying to figure out if they know each other. Majexatli will be visibly uncomfortable and say she is probably mistaking them for someone else, that they only became a druid very recently and aren’t familiar with the druid circle she’s referring to. Afterward, Majexatli will have a ! over their head. When clicked on, it will initiate a short dialogue, where they say that the group shouldn’t linger here too long and should get a move on helping the tieflings. You can choose from some dialogue options asking if they’re okay, if they know the woman they were just talking to, or asking how the grove compares to their circle. With a successful insight check during the dialogue with Calnys and a DC 12 persuasion check during this, Majexatli will admit that they are somewhat familiar with the woman and have met her before but say that they last saw each other “a lifetime ago” so there’s no reason for her to recognize them (on a failure, Majexatli says that they should be focusing on helping the tiefling refugees right now instead of looking for gossip). On a DC 20 persuasion check, Majexatli will mention that they can’t compare their circle to the grove because they’re fundamentally different (Majexatli will echo some lore about Circle of the Moon Druids) and mention it’s been a while since their last meeting with their circle. They will, though, during this dialogue, let it slip that the situation with Arabella is far too familiar, letting the player realize that they indeed are likely from Calnys’ circle. Failing the persuasion check, Majexatli will disapprove and excuse themselves from the active party and return to camp by themselves.

Act 3:

Ervalon Selydyrn (Wood elf druid) can be found in Rivington. When the player approaches him, he will come up to them and initiate dialogue. If Majexatli is not in the party, he will ask the player about Majexatli’s whereabouts, introducing himself as someone from their old circle (If the player has not at this point, learned about Majexatli’s semi-voluntary exile, Ervalon will be confused and explain that Majexatli left the circle and their title roughly 20 years ago, and share some details about it all). If Majexatli is in the party, he will explain that Calnys sent word to the circle about them and he had to come see for himself and for “His sake”. Ervalon will express disappointment and disdain at Majexatli’s current state and their forsaking of Silvanus, but will offer them a place back in the circle conditional on Majexatli rejecting Malar as their god and going on a quest to prove their faith in Silvanus and loyalty to the circle. This would be the point where Majexatli’s story could diverge (much like Vampire Ascendant Astarion vs Vampire Spawn Astarion, and such) where they could either at the player’s insistence, agree to return to their circle and return to worshipping Silvanus or refuse and continue worshipping Malar and living in exile. The “good” ending would be their continuing to worship Malar and stay away from their circle, embracing their freedom and found family rather than returning to a circle that treated them poorly and trying once again to gain their abuser’s favor.

#eldritch it speaks #eldritch it answers #anonymous #salam plays bg3 #oc: majexatli

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mediumsizedwildcat · 2 years ago

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AO3 m.list

masterlist | requests (open) | information

My work contains adult content & is written for 18+ audiences.

❀ fluff ❅ angst ♡ explicit

Comments and Kudos are always appreciated, even if you think it's weird because it's old, sexual, etc. They encourage writers to continue writing and not abandon their fics. –Love, a fic writer

Daredevil (TV)

reader is afab and, or genderneutral unless stated otherwise

A Devilish Thank You | ♡

> M.M./Daredevil x reader | 2,190 words After Daredevil saved your life, you're hiding out in his apartment. Soon you notice that he's getting a bit tense and you decide to help him. > rough oral, smutfic, some breathplay

The Lawyer, The Devil and The Public Defense Attorney | ❀❅♡

> M.M./Daredevil x reader | 17,270 words When you finally broke up with your horrible boyfriend, he took the opportunity to ask for your help -giving you a way out in return. Meanwhile, you found company at night in the arms of Hell's Kitchen's very own vigilante. As if the universe agreed with your actions, your life turned upside down, for the better. > light stalking, friends to lovers

Multiverse means Multi-Murdock

> platonic & mentioned relationships | 1,250 words After her world fell apart, she went to a friend who promptly helped her find a world in which she could settle and start a new life. Unfortunately, she didn't think the Blip would get reversed. > drabble, Matt meets Matt

Another Life | ❀

> M.M. x reader | 6,250 words St Agnes offered Matt a lot of things, including you. He'd noticed you before and decided to make a move, after all the Father wanted him to make friends. What started out as friendship turned into more the older you both got. The Father asked for your help with a very special patient, though you didn't get a name. You tried your best to help, and you were relatively good company, too. > romantical fluff, emotional hurt, first love, first kiss

Stranger Things

Guardian Demon | ♡

> Eddie Munson x OMC | 4035 words A month before shit went down, Eddie summoned a demon. Now mostly healed, the demon comes in handy again. Though, perhaps there's more to the relationship between the summoner and the summonee? / The demon saved Eddie's life and now it may be in love with him. Most certainly, Eddie gets to fuck the demon. > unfinished (readable), rough, smutfic, reader is a demon

Baldur's Gate 3

to become (Gods) | mature

> The Dark Urge questline, OMC | 1049 words things I wished I could've done or said while playing BG3 and riding on a power high OR he'd awoken without memories, a throbbing pain in his head, only his name and a weapon to himself. he'd deceived friends and foes, killed a bard and learned of his butler. perhaps he'd fallen in love. but to slay Orin, his supposed blood-kin? he could do better. he could slay Bhaal himself. > alternate universe, spoilers for Dark Urge quest

uncovering pasts | ♡

> Enver Gortash x OMC (Dark Urge) | 3050 words every day turned out more exhausting than the last. the hunger and pain became worse and worse. all he wanted was a little rest, a pause to recharge. instead, he sought somewhere quiet, where he was attacked and ended up forced to learn something new about himself. > unfinished (readable), Dark Urge Vampire AU, nameless DU

Cold Pleasure | ♡

> Astarion x Dark Urge (m/m) | 1749 words It's not that he wants to do these things. It's simply that the urge is irresistible. That his heart mourns what he did in his sleep, the poor bard, but he doesn't mourn a death; he mourns that he can't remember it. That his body ached with the act while he couldn't remember how it felt. Perhaps, it wasn't the urge alone at play. > necrophilia, drabble, dead dove: do not eat

To Desire | ♡

> Raphael x Tav (m/m) | 5090 words The very moment Raphael introduced himself, he had set a chain of events in motion not even someone as cunning as him could've foreseen. Tav's patron, though, knew the moment Tav bowed his head. In the end, the warlock's nothing if not a slut. Or: Tav and his friends visit the hells to steal a hammer and Tav ends up alone in the House of Hope, annoying an incubus with his disinterest. > unfinished (readable), porn with plot

Father's Wrath | ♡❅

> Enver Gortash x Dark Urge (m/m) | 1085 Little backstory of Durgetash. The first time in Durge & Enver's relationship that Durge bottoms is the first time Durge disobeys Bhaal. Consequences follow. > headcanon, drabble, dead dove: do not eat, heed the tags

The Lord of The Rings (film)

A Debt Owed | mature

> custom race (Dragonrider) Original Male Character | 3940 words The last of his people, the King of the Dead Race, his name forgotten, his existence a myth. He found home and lived peacefully, until an old friend called him to Rivendell. He joined the Fellowship of the Ring, and paid his debt in the war against Sauron. or: Gandalf adds a tenth person to the Fellowship of the Ring > background Thranduil x OMC (m/m), unfinished, wip

Gravity Falls

Beam Me Up, Scotty | mature ❅❀

> Ford Pines x OMC (m/m) | 8980 words The economy was in shambles and without a job, Scott ended up on the Pines' couch. With news of the twins' summer plans going down and the economy somehow better in Oregon, he offers his help to his friends. Bring their kids down to Gravity Falls and watch them until their great uncle returns. There are two great uncles, it turns out, and maybe he didn't have to leave the Mystery Shack just yet. Maybe the summer would turn out to be full of fortune. > wip, original male character is in his 40s

We're Living in a World of Fools | mature

> Stan Pines x OMC, Fiddleford x Ford Pines | 5540 words Not only did Stanford and Fiddleford become good friends at Backupsmore University, but they found a third friend, just as odd as them. So when their research in Gravity Falls slows, Stanford has the idea of inviting Denton to join their team. Fiddleford makes the call, and not long after, dares another. Thus, Stanley Pines arrives in Gravity Falls to help those three nerds to keep their heads on straight. Except that Stanley not only becomes an anchor for the three doctors, but also a love interest for one of them. And how many doctorates did a guy need to realize how far he's fallen? More than Ford, Denton, or Fidds had, apparently. > wip, autism, dead dove: do not eat

Dragon Age: Inquisition

Through the Age of the Dragon | mature ❅

> Solas x male Inquisitor/OC | 8610 words Darevas was just beginning to be fully content, when he was ripped from a world with smartphones, videogames, and gender affirming medical care into a not-entirely-new body. He'd dreamed this one up a few times… and now he could use it to stop Solas from doing stupid things. Lucky him, that the mark was too loud to give Cole access to his thoughts. > wip, modern character in thedas, trans man inquisitor

Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Calm | mature

> Stellan's backstory | 1286 words Stellan came into this world with thunder in their veins. Not quite literally, they were a mage and used magic before they could even walk. If they weren't calm, their magic would make it known. > hurt no comfort, drabble

#ao3 masterlist

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