#I'm so sorry Kar'niss

[zenatness]

Minthara has adjusted well to the team. For an unspecified value of 'well'.

That is to say, she promptly assured my dark urge that she'd put him down like the mad dog he was if he got out of hand. She seemed to be under the impression that this was comforting. It kind of was. Everyone else took Ghaunafein's "I crave murder" confession too well.

Act 2 with Minthara and Halsin was amusing. Every time I got to camp there they were, looking like a little family with their mangled tree-son. Very cute. I hope they are happy together.

Less amusing was the bugged tiefling who kept getting involved in Every Single Fight. She was stuck at Last Light Inn and every round the camera would jump to her and what she was up to, before going back to the actual fight. Didn't matter how far away I was, tiefling lady had to be involved.

And then Halsin had to go have his solo portal adventure while the team held the line. Tiefling lady joined the fight, as usual, but this time she was close enough that she dashed over to join the battle. She arrived just in time to see us kill the last enemy and tried to arrest us. For defending ourselves. After pissing me off the entire act. Isolated and alone on the beach. With no witnesses.

So her corpse was promptly added to the collection. And it's an impressive collection at this point.

Withers gave Ghaunafein shit for having a bosom-companion. It was unclear who he was talking about.

I made the decision that it's a first come, first served situation. Whoever got their act together first and tried to make the relationship official would be the (questionable) winner.

Astarion promptly wanted to thank Ghaunafein for respecting his bodily autonomy, so that was that. Seeing how Astarion was being vulnerable, Ghaunafein made an effort to be nicer for once. I toyed with the idea that maybe we'd turn this around after all. Maybe Astarion could make us a better person.

Not better right now, of course, but in act 3. So, after killing Aylin we saved the few surviving tieflings in Moonrise tower, before doing Sceleritas' bidding and killing Isobel as well. Last Light Inn fell, Jaheira died knowing what we'd done as the remaining harpers and tieflings fell to the shadow curse. Having to kill Dammon was rough though. His Majesty might not have died by our hand, but his body was also added to the corpse pile out of respect.

I'm happy to report that my gnoll palls in Moonrise tower had left by the time I came to clean house. Less happy to report that Kar'niss was still alive in the final showdown, so I tried to banish him because that was a complication I didn't want to deal with at the same time as Ketheric. The game bugged out. Kar'niss proceeded to stand and weep loudly outside of the main room as we fought Ketheric, giving me the player psychic damage every time because I felt like a bully.

I opted to free Zevlor in the mindflayer pods. Astarion didn't approve. The "being nicer" was off to a rough start.

While Ketheric refused to tell me about my past there were some secrets to be found in the mindflayer mucus. Ghaunafein was Outraged that anyone would fail to murder him, chose to torture and tadpole him instead, and that his then would-be healer had instead kept playing with his organs. Finish the job, at least. Rude.

The team made it to Baldur's Gate and Orin instantly started trying to mess with our heads. Sceleritas revealed that Ghaunafein was a Bhaalspawn and told him that he had to murder Orin. Ghaunafein was confused at this point. The previous murders had been of people who hadn't really deserved it and Orin had already earned herself a place on the List. It was a weird demand to make.

At this point the dead tiefling counter is best described as: all but maybe 6. Rolan and his siblings left in act one (resulting in the death of all the children but Mol by act 2), Zevlor is still kicking, and one single survivor of the big group made it to the outskirts of Baldur's Gate.

I hope daddy Bhaal is proud of his murder son.

[anderswasrightt]

[archivesofthevoid]

Kissing headcanons for Raphael, Kar'niss, Dammon, and Zelvor with gender neutral s/o?

Giggling and kicking my feet because kissing hcs are definitely a fave in this house

Raphael - Heated (pun intended lmao). He doesn't give them often but when he does he's very passionate in them. His goal is to make you melt and maybe moan a little. He's a cheeky little thing for that. If you try to catch him by surprise while he's working at his desk he'll be rather quick to turn it around on you - grabbing you by the back of your hair or neck and pulling you right back in. USES HIS TEETH. I'm sorry but he does!! He's definitely drawn blood a few times but eagerly laps it up before pulling away. ALSO licks his lips when he does pull away and mumbles something about how sweet you taste.

Kar'niss - SWEET BOY... he's so clumsy and so hesitant. He's got to be careful with his teeth because more times than not they have his venom in them. Bonus points if you're immune. He really tries not to hurt you :(( but he's rather shy with his kisses. Sometimes though if you catch him in a good mood he's very excitable and will be a bit more careless on accident. He really loves your kisses!!! Will give little clicks and chirps as he's kissing you. Please be gentle with him he's learning

Zevlor - Very soft and sweet. Traditional almost? He's rather quick with them though. As much as sometimes he just wants to let it linger, you both are very busy people!! So he can't sit there and kiss you all day (as much as he really wants to-) he will gently intertwine your fingers together as he kisses you though - as if to express just how much he enjoys the kisses. Will also squeeze your hand in his own. More often than not if he can't kiss your lips he'll give you kisses on your cheeks, forehead, and sometimes on the sides of your neck if he's feeling especially romantic.

Dammon - He will kiss you every time like it's his last. He knows you're out adventuring and he's stuck with his blacksmithing duties but he can't help but worry every time that you won't come back. So he'll often kiss you any chance he gets. It's very eager and full of nothing but love and affection for you. He often leaves you breathless which deep down he absolutely loves the little pants and gasps you give after the fact. He'll give you one last kiss on your cheek or even on your hand before he lets you go on your way. Every time he begs you to promise to come back to him. You have yet to break that promise thankfully.

[fatale-distraction]

Kar’niss x Tav... Tav helps Kar'niss clean himself up after taking him in?

Not sure if this turned out how you were expecting, dearest Anon, but here’s a thing!

~~~

"Hold still, now," Qilue murmured, dabbing carefully at the drider's temple with a damp cloth. Kar'niss had settled himself near the fire pit, legs folded beneath him obediently while his newest mistress scrubbed at his face with a gentility he had become so unaccustomed to, his shattered mind couldn't recall the last time someone had treated him with such tender care. He had thought The Absolute had been good to him, rewarded his devotion with such generosity. It was nothing compared to this new mistress, her touch feather light and full of love. Even as the drider peered with mixed suspicion and curiousity around the camp, a purr began to rumble in his chest, accompanied by the occasional anxious chitter over his new surroundings. Water sloshed in the bucket at Qilue's side as she rinsed the rag and squeezed it out. Kar'niss winced away when she swept it around his primary eyes and moved on to the secondary ones dotting the left side of his face. Her touch remained gentle while she murmured comforting words in a low voice and continued scrubbing the filth from his mottled skin. She moved to the jagged scarring that split his face, blood boiling as she tried not to remember the circumstances behind it, the vicious snake-headed whip that had flayed skin and muscle to the bone.

"How long do you think it's going to take you with that little scrap?"

"Shut up, Astarion."

"Excuse me, I am asking a genuine question," the vampire scoffed. "Wouldn't it be easier to just have Gale soak him?"

Gale glanced up from his book. "I'm sorry," he quipped. "You may be curious about what an angry, soaking wet, mentally unstable drider tearing through our camp would look like, but I am not."

Kar'niss hissed and both men snapped their mouths shut. Qilue barely restrained a smirk as she washed behind his ears. "Behave yourself, my love," she instructed fondly.

The drider shrank. "Forgive us, mistress," he babbled. "We are loyal, and she is kind, we will behave."

The drow woman pet his lank white hair and whispered to him in a soothing tone. "Ssh, Kar'niss. I'm not your mistress," she reminded him. "Don't be afraid, you won't be punished. Just be nice."

His trembling eased as he stared with trepidation at the curious woman. "No punishment?"

"No punishment," she assured him, wiping down his neck. Dirt and grime flaked away from the chitin, and it began to take on a dull shine as she scrubbed. Kar'niss let his eyes drift shut. It felt so good; the abrasive cloth and her gentle touch cleaning away months of misery and leaving behind raw skin and gleaming carapace. The purr returned and tentatively he bowed his forehead to hers.

"Thank you, mistress," he said in an awed whisper. "We do not deserve your kindness, your mercy."

"I'm not your mistress," Qilue reminded him again, smiling as she attempted to continue her scrubbing with his forehead pressed to hers. "And kindness is always deserved. It is not something that needs to be earned."

"Yes, my queen."

"No."

"Savior?”

"Try again."

His eyes flickered open and considered her with confusion. "But then, what shall we call you, my lady?"

"My name," she insisted. "Qilue."

A shudder ran through his body. Moonlight. Yes. It had frightened him at first, that bright orb floating in the sky, surrounded by knife-points of glittering stars, but he had quickly grown to love it. The moon was good to him, it was kind. It lit the way in the dark and scattered the shadows. "My light," he gasped in a hoarse, pained whine.

The rag dropped from Qilue's fingers to land on the ground with a wet slap. Hope shone in her eyes and she clutched his clawed hands to her chest.

"Yes!" she cried, tears stinging her eyes. "Yes, Kar'niss, that's what you used to call me! Do you remember?"

"No!" he wailed, clutching his head with sharp claws and staggering back, his body quaking. "No, there was no one. NO ONE. There was only the Absolute, only the Spider Bitch before her. No one else. No light, no light..."

The companions' hands went to their weapons, but they held their positions at a panicked signal from their leader.

"Ssh, darling, it's alright," she murmured, approaching the shaking drider with a soft step. "Come back to me. You're safe."

"We are NEVER safe," he snarled, lips peeling back to reveal his glinting fangs. "The things in the darkness are always there, watching, waiting, HUNGERING."

A pale, bluish light flickered to life in Qilue's palm. The bard murmured a simple, soothing song for his ears alone. The tune was one she had written for him, long ago, to fit the words of his favorite poem. The effect was startingly instantaneous. His breathing slowed, all of his eyes swivelling toward her with an intent, watery gaze. He lowered his hands from his face, pin-pricks of blood left behind from his claws. The companions relaxed slightly as he quieted, lowering his body back toward the ground, entranced by the song and the light.

"Moonlight," he murmured again, broken voice choked with tears. "That was her name, Moonlight...she was my light--MY light, and she was good and she was kind...and they took her away and they broke her and they HURT her--"

Qilue shushed him again, gently gathering him into her arms. "She's okay, Kar'niss. She's alright now. Try to remember her face," she urged, taking his face in her hands and focusing his frantically wandering attention on her face. "Remember my face, my love."

It took several minutes of coaxing to calm the drider enough to resume his bath, her attempts to trigger his memories of her fruitless. Qilue's companions awkwardly relaxed their grips on their weapons and resumed their rest, each trying to pretend they hadn't heard Kar'niss' words. Astarion stormed away from the camp after a few moments, snatching up the moon lantern and muttering in a dark rage that he needed to feed. If anyone heard an agonized scream in the dark, cut off with a sudden, wet squelch, they pretended not to hear that as well. Qilue continued her work, intentionally oblivious, humming her little song every time Kar'niss began to tremble and fret again.

~

Before long, Minthara emerged from the tent she had kicked Halsin out of, bleary-eyed from a deep trance and crunching on a burnt meat-kabob of uncertain origin. She came to an abrupt halt as she came upon the drider-bath-time, eyes shot wide open, half-eaten kabob partially raised to her mouth. She swallowed and lowered the meat.

"There is a drider in our camp,” she rasped.

"Yes," confirmed Qilue, not looking up from her intent polishing of a chitinous shoulder-plate.

"Why is there a drider in our camp."

"His name is Kar'niss."

"WHY is there a DRIDER in our CAMP," enunciated Minthara raggedly.

"He's Qilue's ex-boyfriend," Astarion snapped, stepping back into camp, dragging a badly mangled body behind him and wiping his bloodied mouth with the back of his hand. He dropped the blood in front of Kar'niss. "For you, darling. If I'm not allowed to snack on our friends in the middle of the night, neither are you."

All seven of Kar'niss' eyes widened hungrily at the sight and smell of the half-drained corpse, breath quickening. Qilue put her hands on her hips. "I JUST finished washing his face, Astarion!" she complained. "He's going to get blood everywhere all over again!"

"Let the drider eat!" several strangled voices chorused. The young drow sighed and dropped her rag in the bucket.

"Very well. Try not to make a mess, my love..."

Licking his lips, Kar'niss pounced on the body, sinking his teeth in and gulping down the cooling blood with a moan of ecstasy, babbling his gracious thanks until Qilue scolded him for eating with his mouth full. Her friends averted their eyes and tried not to feel sick as he tore into his meal, with the exception of Lae'zel and Minthara who looked on with interest, and Astarion, who remained disinterested.

"I am going to need a better explanation than that," Minthara said at last, turning back to her fellow countrywoman. "How in the hells did you end up with a drider for a mate?"

"He's not my ex-boyfriend," sighed Qilue, massaging her temple and flopping down in front of the fire. "Or my mate. He's...I don't know what we were. But he wasn't a drider then."

Minthara's eyebrows lifted, a nearly sympathetic expression that fit strangely on her face. "I...see. My condolences. That is not a fate I would wish on my second-worst enemy, but any who would willingly take on a trial of Lolth--"

"It was not willingly," bit out Qilue, holding back tears. The warden's eyebrows climbed higher. "It was a punishment. The Matron Bitch offered him choice between life or death, and he chose ME."

"You surname," the Nightwarden suddenly demanded. "You hail from Menzoberanzan, do you not? What house are you from?"

"Valtaya," Qilue spat.

"House Valtaya..." Minthara mused. "Yes, I recall. Your mother was an idiot."

"I know."

The pair were silent for a moment as Qilue continued to stare into the flames.

"Would it comfort you to know that your eldest sister now leads your house?"

"Oh?" hummed Qilue lightly, eyes unfocused. Kar'niss had slowed his feasting and listened intently, his attention fixed on the drow women as blood dripped down his chin.

Minthara nodded. "The rumor was that she grew tired of your Matron's wasteful, fruitless ambitions and stabbed her ninety-five times in her sleep. The deed was praised quite highly by those who dared mention it.”

Qilue laughed under her breath. "It was ninety-seven. And my sister didn't do it. I did."

"I see." The warden didn't seem surprised. "Why ninety-seven?"

"One for every year of my life," she replied too easily. "And the poison coating the blade was for Kar'niss."

"The stories didn't mention the poison. What kind?"

"Drider vemon, ironically. I didn't even know of his fate then. They told me he was dead."

Minthara hummed. "It would have been better if he was."

"I know."

"And what of the Patron?" asked Qilue after a moment, dragging the water bucket closer, giving it a casual inspection. The water needed changing, murky and black with dirt, dried blood, and gods knew what else. "Did the rumors mention his fate?"

"He is no longer the Patron, but from my understanding still leads your family's guard."

Qilue scowled. "He was supposed to kill himself. I even gave him a clean knife, which was more than he deserved. Fucker."

A snort burst from the other drow. "If you trusted a male to do the proper thing unsupervised, you're a fool."

"Apparently." Qilue tipped the bucket, spilling water downhill. Gale, listening and watching the exchange with interest, refilled it with a wave of his hand.

"How's that for supervision?" he muttered, mocking the warden's distainful tone.

"Your males are useful," Minthara, having overheard his disrespectful grumbling, pitched her voice to carry. "But poorly trained."

Qilue stifled a laugh as Gale bristled and opened his mouth to retort just as Kar'niss licked the blood from his chin with a tongue much longer than it should have been, half of his eyes squinting in concentration. Gale gagged instead, Astarion chortling as he examined his nails and leaned back against a pillow in front of his tent, one leg propped up on the other.

"I can't speak for Gale, but I'll have you know," the vampire drawled. "That I am in fact MOSTLY house-trained, thank you very much."

"Shut up, Astarion," the drow women and Gale ordered in unison.

[dirtybg3confessions]

Meet the Mods

Hi, I'm Mod Liz! I've been here since the beginning of December, so I don't have anything specific you might know me from, except to say that I'm responsible for the Magic: the Gathering card art images which have been highly controversial--some of you love them, some of you hate them, and to the anon who was so upset about the Kar'niss confession: I'm sorry, I only plan to use each card image once so there will not be a repeat of my transgressions. 🫡

When I'm not playing BG3 or editing here, I like to read, play other games like League of Legends or The Sims, play MtG, and just other general nerdy things. I have a cat who helps with editing confessions by standing under my desk and meowing until I pick him up for pets, at which point he frantically tries to claw his way away from me.

My BG3 favorites are Gale and Shadowheart. Shadowheart I relate to and Gale I want to have tied up and spread all pretty for me to lick and fuck and love and marry.

I also have a soft spot for Abdirak...

You can find me on my main blog @galesleftearring for some fic and lots of Gale posting.

Keep scrolling one handed friends!

[kitthenameless]

I finished my weird NPC run!

I gotta be honest, I had fun doing this, but I was ready for it to be over after a while, so I focused on the main quests in Act 3. But they did also solve a murder, beat down Lorroakan, save Minsc, save Volo, and make Barcus the new Ironhand leader. They unfortunately did not save most of the Gondians, but they tried. Those two fights and the lead up the brain were a mess, but the rest went really well and were less of a mess than they usually are for me. (I know Balanced with five characters would be a cakewalk for many players, but I suck at this game lol, and I prefer roleplaying with spells, weapons, etc. over perfect builds.)

In the end, they defeated the brain and all met up again for the party. I let Jaheira, Halsin, and Minsc join the group and stay at the tavern, so they were at the party too. Zevlor and Tiefling Tav are now a happily engaged couple. Abdirak, Kar'niss, and Half-Drow Tav are a happy little throuple. My two tavs probably wouldn't have become friends in normal circumstances, but they went through a lot together and were there for each other. They couldn't save everyone, and some of them still have their own personal struggles, but a happy ending overall!

Also, if it's still working with Patch 7, I just wanted to recommend the "Recruit Any NPC" mod, if you wanna do something different to switch up your gameplay. It lets you clone characters so you can choose a class and level them up, but you still get their special abilities, attacks, etc., which was really cool. (I made Abdirak a cleric and had him use his unique Loviatar weapons for most of the game just for fun, even though they weren't the best. I made Kar'niss a ranger/druid for his hunting skills and web/poison, but he mostly used his own unique claw attacks anyway. I made Zevlor an Oath of Devotion paladin because I'm unclear on whether he's actually an oathbreaker, and necromantic stuff doesn't suit him.) Anyway, a lot of fun just for a silly, headcanon-y run!

Mods: Pretty Boys Head Presets by cedastarions. Viking Hairstyle by badwitch69. Yennefer's wardrobe by Bububull. Robes and Armor of the Absolute by Syrchalis. Weeviljester's Ethereal Heads. Ghouls Customization Compendium - Custom Heads Horns and Beards. Alternate Tiefling Tails by samplevi. Sorry if I've forgotten any, I have so many that sometimes I don't even remember what's a mod or what's vanilla.

[karniss-bg3]

Sorry, I have just saw your situation.Give you a online hug :( I think Kar'niss may have 2 respiratory system. One in his drow body another in his spider belly. He must keep both his head and belly out the water to avoid drowning, and large surface area of spiders makes he easy to feel cold. At the same time, his weight will make him sink quickly to the bottom. So I believe that he will fear of deep water, complain incessantly when we take boat trip, and stubborning curled up in tav's room. Thank you for your paitence!

Thank you for the well wishes. Things are starting to settle here which is nice. I'm keeping my chin up! I agree with you. Kar'niss is a large creature and his limbs aren't designed to swim efficiently. I wrote a fic sometime ago where Tav tried to bathe Kar'niss but his first reaction to a large body of water was fear. The boy needs a good scrubbing but it'd likely take some effort to convince him to go through with it. Baby steps, as it were.

Drider anatomy is fascinating, at least in theory. I'll always wonder how many of the organs in the human torso still function and what role they play with two very different body types attached together. Kar'niss' manner of speaking is very breathy and labored in parts which makes me think breathing is a real struggle for him. Human lungs aren't equipped to supply oxygen to a form that size and the distance air would have to travel from the book lungs on his spider body to his mouth would also cause problems. He'd probably need both respiratory systems to function just to keep both halves properly supplied with oxygen. What a mess that'd be on an internal scale. Poor Kar'niss just can't catch a break.

Thanks for the ask!

[theskeletonprior]

Emergency Commissions!

Greetings and salutations! I'm opening up some emergency commissions because times are hard and money is tight. I'm sorry to do it, when I'm not the only one in need, but I've lately been subject to some intense Paypal-related fuckery, which here means I need to work, and urgently. If you'd just like to help, my ko-fi is right here, but if you'd like some reciprocation, well... Enter Tav Tales.

Do you have Baldur's Gate 3 brainrot? Do you love your OC so much and wonder why the fanfic isn't writing itself? Do you like to support queer writers trying to make ends meet (that's me!)? I got you, buddy.

My commissions are open, so come tell me about me your Tav! (And their love-interest/favored companion, et cetera. Bring me your unromanceables!) I especially like to write rare pairs, hurt/comfort, and polyamory. If you'd rather the tale be companions only, I'm also happy to do that. While I don't mind writing intimate scenes, I don't accept graphic NSFW requests, non-con, or underage. When in doubt, just check in with me before you donate! Pricing starts at $15 CAD for a tale of 1k words.

Price List (CAD)

1000 words for $15 1500 words for $25 2000 words for $35

If you’re looking for a longer work, feel free shoot me an email at theskeletonprior@gmail.com and we’ll chat. Words are what I do.

Work Samples

You can read all my Tav Tales to date here on AO3, but here are some of the highlights.

Pheasant Raid (1.5k Tav/Karlach)

“Hey, soldier, got a letter.” Karlach tosses it on the bed, reaching out to grab a hold of Niri’s toes, give ‘em a good wiggle. “Look alive, we’re a going concern!” Niri sits up sleepily; and no surprises there, they’ve been running like it’s the Hells for weeks with no sign of slowing down. “What’s the concern?” She rubs at her eyes, pretty as emeralds, and stifles a yawn. She’s the sweetest thing that Karlach has ever seen. “No, no, we’re a going concern. Means people want to talk to us now. Check it out. We’ve got ourselves a formal invitation.” Karlach pulls off her boots, clambering up into bed beside Niri and hoping to fuck that Niri’s not about to tell her that it’s a follow-up letter from Gortash. She can’t help the sigh of relief that leaves her when it turns out to be some noblewoman in the know who just wants them to come by to a little get-together because she’s heard all about the raid on Moonrise Towers. She looks at Niri sidelong, and as she so often is, finds herself surprised that her partner can get any sweeter than she already is. Gods, she’s pretty. Prettier when she looks so excited.

To Live in Infamy (2k Durgetash)

The morning, Enver is lucky enough to have pants on. The Slayer snaps his chains as it comes screaming into the daylight, barrelling out of the bed. The force of Infamy’s awakening sends Enver rolling onto the floor, narrowly missing being crushed by the bedframe. He’s tangled in their sheets, and already lamenting that they’ll need to be replaced. This silk had come all the way from Waterdeep. That’s his first thought, even with his heart pounding in his ears. He struggles to free himself, but the Slayer isn’t coming for him. There’s the acrid smell of half-cast sorcery, and then the screaming starts. When something warm and wet splashes onto him, soaking through the sheets, Enver hopes it’s blood. The crunching of bones and the smell of bright copper gives him a little hope that it’s not something worse. It wouldn’t be the first time a would be assassin emptied their stomach or their bowels in terror before the Slayer. Enver unrolls himself at last, leaning back on his elbows to enjoy the show, even as the blood—and thank goodness it is blood—soaks through his nice sheets. The mess quite nearly defies description.

In the Spider's Parlor (3.5k Tav/Kar'niss)

She peers over her shoulder at him and then rolls her head, exposing more of her neck. Suddenly his need, that wretched appetite, is not as hideous as it has been, he feels no disgust for what he wants, for the curse that makes him want it. There’s only this moment. He nips lightly, slipping his arms around her, embracing the warmth. He reaches out with his forelegs, feeling her, holding her securely as he had done that first time. He’s heard the sound she makes when letting blood, and now he knows it for what it is. Pleasure. His purr rumbles low in his chest, but he never bites, lapping softly at the thin rivulet of blood that wells from where he’s nipped her, one delectable drop at a time. Solinore reaches up, one hand tangling in his hair, relaxing in his grip. “What you ask of me, is yours,” Kar’niss says, applying pressure to the nick he’d made to stop what little bleeding he’d caused. “You sure?” she asks, playfully. “I could ask for another ride on your back. Or...” He knows what that smirk implies. “What you ask of me,” he says again, “is yours.”

No Matter What (5k Tav/Karlach)

“I just... I wanted to make sure you’re feeling right about all this,” Karlach says. “About going back. It’s easy for me to be excited, but the way I move through the world’s same as ever, you know? Sometimes someone’s gonna be a prick about the ol’ horns.” She knocks on her good one. Depending on where you go, even that’s an understatement. “But it’ll be hard for us to travel in the open. The world won’t be so accepting, even if we don’t have to kill a dozen orthons every other tenday.” We cannot stay here, Sil says. I am not afraid of the world. We will be together. But... I am changed. I cannot be who I was before we fought the Netherbrain. I wonder if it is possible to grieve for such a thing . If you feel such grief, or our friends. Sil’s posture curls somewhat inward, and she lowers her head. Karlach takes her by both hands. “I miss that pretty face, sometimes,” she admits. “But you know what I think, soldier? I think the soul’s not the only place where all your feelings live. I believe it when you say you love me, and not just ‘cause that’s what I want. I think our friends will see what I see. And I’m not above fisticuffs in your honor.” Karlach watches for that telltale curl of the tentacles, and smiles when she sees it. “If you feel like you need a soul to run a little hotter for you, you can hold onto mine. Don’t you ever worry. C’mere.” Karlach gathers Sil up into her arms and holds her tight. “You ‘n’ me, no matter what, okay?”

[cornflowersisblue]

Oop don't mind me, just going feral over your kar'niss content 🕷️ Sorry about the spam 🙃❤️

Your screenshots are 🤌

Please go on, haha! I'm really delighted, thank you so much!! 💛~ - - - Btw, I recently created a boards in Pinterest. All my screenshots are there together.

Kar'niss: https://rb.gy/agxat0 🖤 True princess Nere: https://rb.gy/wgvsax 💖 So if anyone needs references or for any content creation, feel free to use.

[evillittlebirdie]

Salvation (Kar'niss/Tav)

Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine

Author's Note: I'm so sorry. I posted this chapter on AO3 and for some reason I forget to cross post it on my tumblr. Anyway! I hope you enjoy reading. I'm happy to be back from my hiatus.

Tav could see any number of marvelous things but watching Kar’niss spin his web wouldn’t leave her memory soon.

Kar’niss helped Tav lie back on the blanket she had given him. Her back rested on the cool wall of the cave. Once Kar’niss saw that she was settled, he asked her to extend the leg with the sprained ankle. And once she did, Kar’niss set to work wrapping the joint with thread upon thread.

No one had ever cared for her in such a manner. Tav honestly didn't know how to react as the patient rather than nurse. She lied still so she would not make the task harder on him. The spider silk was tight, but comfortable around her swollen ankle. Once Kar’niss tested the security, he skittered off to the side only to bring back the books Tav had also placed in the basket. He made a small elevation with two of the books, allowing Tav to relieve the pressure on her injury.

“You should have been a cleric. You have a natural healing ability,” Tav praised, watching as Kar’niss’ cheeks darkened in response.

“Only females can be clerics under Lolth,” Kar’niss stated, his voice low as he averted his gaze from Tav. He summoned the Dancing Lights cantrip from his locket in order to illuminate the cavern.

“You don’t worship Lolth anymore,” Tav reminded him, watching as his legs moved back and forth. “You could learn…heal the sick…protect your allies. You certainly have devoted yourself to the Absolute more than some clerics have their own gods.” She thought it over for a moment before giving a chuckle, “Except for Shadowheart. She’s given her life to…” 

Tav stopped herself. She already overplayed her hand earlier with the gods comment. She almost outed a “devoted follower of the Absolute” as a Sharran cleric. And she highly doubted Kar’niss would take that information well. Quickly, she finished her sentence, “The Absolute. She’s very devout.”

If Kar’niss noticed the slip, he didn’t show it. He merely acknowledged Tav’s words. “The half elf cleric. We have seen them pray before they rest.”

“Still. You have the air of a cleric about you,” Tav continued on, hoping that he would open up. 

The drider’s legs shifted once more, his head now bowing. “We will serve wherever we are called. We took pride in shepherding pilgrims to Her Majesty’s light.”

His pedipalps began to wring against each other. Even with that display, it was one of the calmest moods Tav had seen Kar’niss since she met him. 

“Have you met anyone interesting?” Tav questioned, hoping to engage him in a conversation that wouldn’t result in self abasement and running away in fear.

Kar’niss’ eyes lingered up to meet Tav’s. His lips pursed and he thought for a moment before shaking his head. “No one more than the other. Lost souls seeking her Majesty’s guidance. Those that deny it were not worthy of Her.” Subconsciously, he lowered his head once more. His fingers flexed against his palms as he backed away from the beautiful lights circling the center of the space. His pedipalps curled into himself and his legs bent. 

Tav wished she could tap into his mind but she was exhausted. He was not telling her everything. Instead, her gentle voice carried to him. “Come back to the light, Kar’niss.”

By this point, his body had hunched forward. At her request, Kar’niss stepped forward but still kept his face hidden, his body curled into himself. His eyes flickered up to meet Tav’s gaze.

“There we go,” Tav gently coaxed him, watching as his legs began to straighten. 

Kar’niss did not respond verbally despite his own body relaxing. But he made no movement to retreat back to the shadows. Tav subtly changed the subject, “I’m a bit embarrassed to be honest.” She laughed quietly, “Not a scratch on me all day. And I stumble in a hole leaving a graveyard.”

Kar’niss quickly glanced up a hint of indignation in his eyes. Tav wondered, humorously, if he would seek retribution on the hole for harming “Her Majesty’s Chosen”. 

“I must not have been paying attention. I have a lot on my mind,” Tav commented, shrugging her shoulders.

Kar’niss finally spoke even though his words were hesitant. “Mistress is Her Chosen. It’s an honor but we can see the weight it holds.”

Tav had her burdens to bear but that was her lot in life. To lead and care. She smiled, or at least attempted to. But something in her stopped the full rise of the expression. 

“I’m used to the weight. Being a leader is nothing new to me,” Tav explained with no further elaboration. 

She never let anyone know too much about her. Despite her empathetic, generous nature, Tav never included backstories. Especially given the tragedies that befell each one of her companions. It was never her place to reveal her own identity. 

Yet Kar’niss looked at her with an unfamiliar interest in her words. He took a step closer, this time more purposeful than not. His extra eyes fluttered open and close while his original pair gazed at her. As though waiting.

Uncomfortable at the prospect of revealing more of her secrets, Tav attempted to spin the tale, “I told you that I’m the oldest child in my family. So I’m a natural born leader.” She forced a laugh that didn’t belong, one that even Kar’niss could pick up on. 

“Do they serve Her Majesty as well?” Kar’niss questioned, indulging in a simple social reciprocity. 

Tav was never not the best when it came to deception. That was why she let Astarion do the charming when they needed to lie their way out of a problem. What she did know was that it was far easier to remember the truth than a lie. 

“My brothers and sisters are scattered to the winds. Some may have taken pilgrimage but I could not tell you with certainty,” Tav vaguely explained. 

Thoughts of her siblings led her to think of caring for them which led her to think of the group. “I need to get back to camp,” Tav stated, suddenly preoccupied with the tasks that needed completion. She set her hands on the ground and attempted to raise her body.

As quick as lightning, Kar’niss rushed to her side, chirps vibrating in his throat. “Mistress, forgive my insolence but I must insist upon your compliance. You need to rest,” Kar’niss implored. His pedipalps twitched anxiously before stilling.

Tav waved off his concern, “I can rest another day. I robbed a gravesite today after all. I have plenty of inventory to go through and clean.” 

Kar’niss grumbled uneasily before his eyes lit up with excitement, “We can bring the spoils of war to my mistress.” His abdomen began to vibrate with anticipation, something Tav had not seen before. 

Tav indulged him. It was a fair compromise afterall. “Astarion knows where my bag is. If you can fetch it from him-“ She couldn’t help but chuckle when his abdomen quivered once more, “And bring it to me, that would be a large help.”

Excitedly, Kar’niss tilted his head down in a low bow before skittering away. “Your command is my edict,” He declared at the mouth of the cavern, slipping away from her line of sight.

***

Kar’niss’s heart pounded excitedly as he left Tav alone to recuperate. He would prefer it if she rested. But Kar’niss was okay with indulging her if she insisted on some light work. 

Once outside of the cavern, Kar’niss suddenly spied the human wizard encroaching on his territory.  His eyes narrowed and a growl lingered in his throat.

“Ah! Hello there! I apologize for coming by unannounced,” Gale vocalized politely with a wave of his hand. “I’m in search of our leader Tav. She’s a stickler for her routine and it’s not typical of her not to be in camp at this hour.” He smiled at Kar’niss which only agitated him. 

Kar’niss huffed, his eyes glancing back to the cave. He honestly hoped that his monstrous form would keep any interlopers away. Gale’s loyalty to his mistress was to be commended. The drider looked back to Gale. 

“Mistress is recuperating. Her ankle needs rest,” Kar’niss explained, hoping it would ease the paramour’s nerves.

Instead, Gale frowned in concern, “Oh! Then I best check on her. Healing is not one of my stronger areas of magic-“

“Then your presence is not required,” Kar’niss replied curtly.

Gale and Kar’niss were at an apparent impasse. The two locked eyes and Kar’niss gave the wizard a stern scowl. 

“Perhaps it’s not required but I doubt it would be unwelcome,” Gale retorted, smiling once more, though more tight and forced than before. And with that, he walked past Kar’niss into the cavern.

If Tav’s paramour wanted to see her, Kar’niss had little choice but to let him go. As long as it wasn’t the Pale Elf. Kar’niss gnashed his teeth at the thought of Astarion intruding in his lair. He secretly hoped Tav would scold Gale for bothering her. Maybe Tav would allow Kar’niss to physically punish Gale for overstepping. He would be more than happy to sew the chatty wizard’s lips shut. 

Such hope was diminished when Tav’s pleased greeting to Gale echoed in the cavern. Disappointed but not surprised, Kar’niss continued on his way to camp. He could hear the conversation from the camp. 

Loud boasting of feats of strength followed by a jarring howl of laughter. The female warriors were indulging in battle stories. Kar’iss took care to step easily through the trees. He would catch Astarion’s attention, retrieve the bag of items, and return to his mistress posthaste. 

***

Astarion hoped that Gale would walk back to camp with his tail between his legs. Instead Astarion was disappointed to find that Kar’niss was the one coming into the camp. Well, this wasn’t quite the way he envisioned the evening. But he could still work with it.

“I know you’re there. And the others know you’re lingering like a lover’s perfume around camp. You don’t need to hide behind a tree,” Astarion pointed out, catching the gaze of multiple eyes in the shadows. 

Kar’niss growled, walking forward enough so Astarion could see his face. “Not in the mood for gawking. Not when Mistress demands a task to be fulfilled.” He nearly puffed his chest with pride as he declared the last sentence.

“You don’t have to call her mistress, darling. We all call her Tav,” Astarion pointed out only for the drider to sneer in response.

“No proper respect for Her Majesty’s Chosen. Fickle worshippers,” Kar’niss scolded, looking at Astarion as though he was dirt on the ground.

Rightly annoyed, Astarion knew he wouldn’t feel guilty about any of what he would say next. “Well then, what’s this task the Mistress will knight you for completing?”

“Mistress requests the bag that contains the spoils from the graveyard,” Kar’niss stated with all the pomp and circumstance of a courtier. 

Astarion refrained from rolling his eyes. Nodding, he reached for Tav’s bag. The patched satchel was almost full to bursting with trinkets. Tav had the tendency to pick up anything no matter how visibly useless. Present company included. 

Kar’niss reached for it but Astarion held it just out of touch. “Oh, one more thing, darling,” Astarion replied with a false smile not reaching his eyes. “Did you happen to see Gale?”

By the irritated scowl on Kar’niss’ face, Astarion figured the wizard made it to the cave. “Oh, well then, I suggest you get comfortable. They’ll be rather engaged for a while. You know how long winded our dear wizard is like. And Tav, darling she is, indulges him each and every time.”

Kar’niss’ eyes flashed with agitation, “Mistress needs her rest. Not listen to inane, pointless prattling from a male.” 

“Oh darling, you don’t know do you?” Astarion teased with a delighted smirk. 

[veilkeeper]

Kar'niss: One of your True Souls, my Queen! How have they survived? Roz: The Absolute protected me. Kar'niss: You blessed them too, my Queen? Where is their lantern? Roz: [ROGUE][DECEPTION] You're holding my lantern. The Absolute said you had to give it to me. Kar'niss: Majesty? Is - is this true? Did I not serve you well? Very well. If it is your will, they can have it. Roz: Good. You may go now. Brawler: ...Whatcha mean 'go'? Kansif: We can't go without you - the shadows would tear us to pieces. Kar'niss: This is not her Majesty's will. Roz: [RANGER][DECEPTION] I know dangerous terrains - you'll be fine if you stick to the path. Trust me. Kar'niss: If - if it's her majesty's will... Kansif: You can't be serious. You know what's out there- Kar'niss: IF IT IS HER MAJESTY'S WILL, THEN WE SHALL WALK! She will protect us. She - she must. [offscreen] Majesty! Please...

we're gathering an unfortunate collection of roz just watching people die in fairly brutal ways.

kar'niss i'm so sorry! you deserve better, sweetie. if i could take you home and wrap you in cozy sweaters i would. but failing that... well... hope you're somewhere better?

[madam-kumo]

Beloved Drider Pt.1

Kar'niss x Named! Fem! Tav (Alyace)

"I couldn't save you then, so let me save you now."

"For the love of Lolth, slow down!"

Alyace shouted as she caught up with her lover atop a hill. The tree in front of her had long since lost it's life from the darkness of the underground, but the various glowing mushrooms made a soft and beautiful reflection across the dead bark.

"We only have a few minutes today, you know that." Kar'niss said mournfully.

Alyace sighed after catching her breath. "Yes, I know. I wish we could have longer like yesterday..." She responded before sitting at the base of the tree, patting the spot next to her. Kar'niss sat next to her quite enthusiastically.

"Aren't you worried about your test?" Alyace asked.

"Oh! The test that will decide my faith in our arachnid mother! Yes, I must've forgotten..." Kar'niss said sarcastically.

"Ugh... you asshole. I'm just worried about you!" Alyace responded, acting offended as if she didn't have a cheeky grin on her face. "But promise me that once you pass-"

" "If" I pass-" Kar'niss tried to interrupt.

" "When!" I promise to take you out for dinner. I have the guard wrapped around my thumb now." She said, recalling how she gave her mother a good word about the male Drow, consequently giving him a raise and letting her get away with sneaking Kar'niss around.

Kar'niss grimaced a bit at the thought of her with another man. Though he was raised to not question the higher women around him, it still pained him to think she might grow bored and find a new bedmate.

"Don't look at me like that. I just got him a raise so he'll keep quiet." She said sincerely before peppering his face with kisses.

Though, hearing the nearby gates open, Alyace hurried away from Kar'niss and stood up, leaving him sitting on the ground to look like she was just leading him around.

"Alyace-rin, our Ilharess is looking for you." The meek servant spoke as he approached the two.

"Alright, you are dismissed." Alyace said, before letting out a sigh of relief once he was out of sight.

"I'll meet you outside of Lolth's temple after the test, goodnight, mrannd'ssinss" Alyace said before kissing Kar'niss head and leaving him at the tree.

Gods, she wish she hadn't.

Alyace fiddled nervously with the ring beneath her gloves as she leaned against the wall, her arms cross impatiently. She was so caught up in her thoughts that she didn't notice the woman approaching her until she placed a hand on Alyace's shoulder.

When she looked up, she was awe struck by the beauty of the Drow before her. She had dark purple, almost blue skin and majestically long white locks. Her clothes were thin and looked expensive, must be a high noble matron. Her beauty looked as though Lolth had blessed her herself.

"I wish Kar'niss the best of his test, and you have my blessing." The woman said, her voice like first drop of water on a hot summer day; refreshing and new, but incredibly welcome.

"I'm sorry?" Alyace said, wondering if she should bow out of respect for her seniors or continue to question the woman.

The ethereal Drow only smiled, clearly pleased by whatever she saw in Alyace's response. "Do not worry about it. All will be explained in due time."

The woman turned away before Alyace could question her further. She tried to wrap her head around the situation, wondering if the stress was causing her hallucinations. After rubbing her eyes, the woman was gone, just the same guests that had been waiting there before. The others around her had taken no notice to her dilemma and it didn't seem like anyone else saw the woman either, or else the male Drow would've been on their knees already.

"Jabbress, dormagyn uns'a!" A horrifyingly familiar voice cried from beyond the door before Kar'niss' screams rang through her ear like a bomb. Lolth made the horrid decision to make the doors of her temple radiate sound better to "harden" the grieving and disappointed families of her failed Drow.

Alyace bit her lip to keep a sob from escaping before the priests and priestesses entered the room. The small spark of hope in her eye disappeared when she looked up at the priest and he shook his head coldly.

She wanted to scream, wanted to beg Lolth to bring her lover back, but that couldn't happen. Kar'niss would never truly be back in her arms again, not fully alive anyway. In the middle of her internal conflict, she felt some one tap her shoulder. It was the meek servant that she had seen the previous night.

"Quick! Open your hand before someone sees!" He whispered. In a bit of a panic, Alyace did so, revealing her palm to him. The boy quickly dropped a tiny object in her hand, it was a tiny hair pin she had put in his hair when he would complain about it getting in the way.

"This was all that was left, but I have leave, I'm sorry, my lady!" He whispered before rushing off.

But the small act of empathy gave her a warm feeling in her heart. That she would continue living in the hopes of one day going against mortality and bringing back Kar'niss.

All she could do for now was hope.

------------------------------------------------💜

AH! My first fanfic with an oc! :) I hope you all like the story so far and go give some credit and love to Hrefna_the_Raven on AO3 who wrote the Web of Faith and was a major inspiration for Alyace's story. Thank you for reading!

[akizatsukinami]

I wondered what Kar'niss looked like before he got turned into a drider, so I made a little edit to get a more clearer picture. I'm playing Baldurs Gate for a few weeks now and having the time of my life so far. My first encounter with Kar'niss gave me chills. This guy is so creepy and yet I felt sorry for him. When I saw him later I played the lyre for him again, just out of reach for the General to hear.

[serendipizzy79]

Again, I am so very very bad at being bad. I'm sorry.

And I'm so sorry Kar'niss. We could've had something beautiful.

Oh hells. The Harper ambush.

Last Light, here we come.

[fire-emblem-drabbles]

My followers, my beloveds. I've pretty much beaten Baldur's gate 3 at this point so I can say I'm comfortable taking requests for it now! I've explored a lot of the game to and it's safe to say I love it (don't talk to me about the ending)

Honestly I'm in love with pretty much everyone in this game, but my favs (in no particular order, except for Gale he's my number 1): Gale, Karlach, Astarion, Halsin, Dammon, Kar'niss, Minsc, annnd Raphael! There's probably more but that's who I can think of off the top of my head <3

But also I gotta know

[myheartismadeofstars]

Tav character building questions with Clover!!

1: Where in the Faerûn is your Tav from?

Honestly I hadn't really thought about the exact location lol she's from a woodland farm so... somewhere wooded?

2: What is your character's alignment?

I honestly never bothered to assign an alignment to her, under the assumption that it might well change as the story progresses. I do think she is Good aligned, but probably Neutral Good?

3: Race and subclass?

Wood Half elf and Beastmaster Ranger!

4: If your Tav was a companion, where would they be found?

Honestly probably near animals and or children, similar to Wyll. So probably in the Grove.

5: Dark Urge or no?

She's not. But I do include a default Durge as a companion for my fic lol.

6: What companion are you platonically close with?

She really wants to be best friends with Shadowheart, and eventually gets her wish, but by that point Karlach has moved up that ladder.

7: Romantically close with?

In game? Astarion. And Halsin. In my fic? All of them. We poly-ing this party!! Yes, even Minthara and Durge.

8: Who are they suspicious of?

At the beginning? Lae'zel. Which goes to show her bad judgement, as Lae'zel is one of the most honest members!

9: Is your Tav from Baldur's Gate? Why are they travelling there?

She is not! She's never been to a big city before. She's honestly going there because other people suggest going there and hoping she finds her brother at some point, or hoping to find some information.

10: Are they proficient in playing any instruments?

No! Her brother was a bard before he left and tried to teach her but she never caught on. She loves music though (in game she probably gets proficiency from Alfira but in my fic it's actually Durge that gets that honour) her brother played Dulcimer, Lyre, flute and hurdy-gurdy, so she likely would have learned one of those.

11: Weapon of choice?

Bow and arrow! She prefers a longbow to short.

12: What is their orientation?

Sexual/romantic orientation I assume? She's bi. 💙 💜 🩷

13: What are their thoughts on killing? Is it a necessary evil or do they enjoy it?

She tries to avoid it if possible, but sees it as a necessary evil sometimes...and then there are some people that she thinks "Need to die" (Cazador, for example lol)

14: What hobbies does your Tav have?

She grew up on a homestead. She loves the work there. I think the one thing she enjoys most would be cooking, baking and brewing she still lets Gale cook at camp, but she helps him when she can. She brings home brewed Mead to the reunion party.

15: What NPC's do they like? Which one's do they dislike?

I'm sorry I'm basic 😔 she likes Rolan. But in fairness she also likes Kar'niss if I can justify saving him in my fic once I get there, he's safe. She dislikes people who are ungrateful or cruel. Wulbren Bongle is both.

16: Do they have a favorite creature in the Faerûn?

She likes all creatures 😂 she's an animal lover through and through. I do have an image of her adopting pretty much any animal she can (and a few she can't in game 👀) but I've always imagined that if she met one she would ADORE a Flumph and befriend them immediately. She also has a stuffed Hollyphant at home.

17: Do they enjoy life as an adventurer?

She does! She loves seeing new places, meeting people and creatures, she gets a bit homesick sometimes but she'd be lying if she said she didn't want to adventure anymore (except in the Shadowlands where she becomes depressed and wishes she could go home, sometimes wishing she never left...)

18: What would your Tav be doing if they weren't kidnapped on the Nautiloid?

Honestly? She got kidnapped right after leaving home to find her brother, so she'd still be doing that! And she still is!

19: How do you think they'll meet they're end?

I'd LIKE for her to die a peaceful death surrounded by loved ones, but more realistically she's going to die from some sort of accident. She's not clumsy or anything, but once she retires she's probably left with those as her most likely death.

She does canonly die to Astarion during Bite Night though so...

20: Would they destroy the elder brain or control it?

Destroy. No one should have this power.

21: What is your Tav's favorite spell?

In game? Speak with animals lol Hunter's Mark is probably her most used spell in combat though. She is also beyond fascinated with prestidigitation (which isn't in the game but you cannot tell me Gale isn't using this literally all the time)

22: What languages is your character fluent in?

Common, Elvish she doesn't really know any languages but what were spoken at home.

23: What do they do after the absolute crisis?

Honestly? Go home. She does find her brother according to my fic (considered her True Canon) learns the truth...and she misses her mom. She mostly retires from being a ranger, only using her skills occasionally. She has no issues travelling to the homes of the others, travelling on foot, horseback or cart, solving any issues that come up on the way to Baldur's Gate or Waterdeep, but she doesn't see herself as a ranger anymore. (Though that will NOT stop her from using magic lol)

24: Does your character believe in the afterlife?

She does! That's what happens when your mother is a faithful cleric!

25: What arcana major best represents your Tav?

There are several that suit her. But I think the one that suits her overall is The Star (though it is important to know that she is very much The Fool in Act 1)

26: What animal best represents your Tav?

Honestly if given a metric fuckton of time I could probably find a better answer but I'm going with: Spaniel. Friendly, loving, cheerful and outdoorsy.

27: What was their life like before the events of BG3?

Honestly? Sheltered. She lived with her Chauntea cleric mother on a homestead. Her father left when she was still little and her brother successfully hid anything unsavoury in their home from her. But she would genuinely describe it as warm and loving

28: Is your character the de facto leader of the party? Or do they consider someone else to be the leader?

She is only the leader because she's the best mediator. If you asked her who the best leader is, she'd probably suggest Gale, or maybe Karlach, though Wyll is only excluded because he was going to kill Karlach. She tries to find balance between everyone's ideas, but won't compromise her beliefs.

29: Does your Tav want to utilize the tadpole powers or not?

No. She doesn't like the idea of controlling others and so on. But at the same time, she doesn't mind her companions doing so if they want. (And she does engage her tadpole occasionally for things like communication) Minthara does end up partial Illithid while Clover watches over her.

30: What's your favorite thing about your Tav?

Honestly? I love her sweet fun personality. She can be naive, but she always is willing to offer kindness. So many people in BG3 need kindness. I even love her descent into depression, because she's so empathic that being in a seemingly hopeless situation genuinely affects her, even when she's faking a smile and trying to help everyone else. I also have made the executive decision that she is tiny and squishy and she wears her hair in braids (though I've been imagining situations where she might end up cutting her hair short) and I just...love that for her!