#ascended astarion vs spawn astarion

[random-introverted-blog]

His Star - His Queen [Longfic of Across Stars and Time] - Chapter Index

Yes, a full story, not a Part 2. There was just no way in my head I could cram all of this into a Part 2 and justify it to myself. You will get your fill of Ascended vs Spawn fighting over Tav, with plenty of plot twists.

My editing/photoshop skills are barely passable you get what you get and you don't get upset

Summary: When Ascendant Astarion intercepts you and Your Astarion on your way to murder Cazador, he steals you away to his world. Where your other self has perished, and it doesn’t take you long to see why. He makes it clear you will rule at his side, his obedient, loyal queen. And he will “train” you until you comply.

But not all is lost. Already in pursuit with the aid of a mysterious Elven man and woman, your vampire spawn was coming to the rescue. Without you, his newfound freedom from Cazador was hollow. You were more than a treasure. You were his star. And he was yours. You’d done more for him than you would likely ever realize. You saved him from himself. Now it was his turn to save you.

His Star.

His Queen.

Whichever one will you be?

Link to AO3 page here

Chapter 1 [Originally a One Shot] - Across Stars and Time

Chapter 2 (more of a prologue) - You Beckoned the Stars and they Beckoned Back

Chapter 3 - Tithes To The King

Chapter 4 - What Was / What Is / What Will Be

Chapter 5 - A Lesson in Submission

Chapter 6 ‐ Your Eyes–My Mirror

Chapter 7 - Impromptu Rendezvous

Chapter 8 - Changes

Chapter 9 - Think Twice

Chapter 10 - Hunted / A Heart of Darkness and Shadow

Chapter 11 - [Drafting/Outlining]

A friendly heads up that if you're actively reading here on Tumblr, or are from AO3 and following/checking for updates, to bookmark or save the link to this post. I use it like an order tracker and will update/edit it to keep you up to date on where progress on the next chapter is

Warnings/Advisories: Violence, a ruthless, sadistic joker level tyrant, ascended astarion will do a lot of questionable/noncon/straight up wrong things because he believes he has to "teach you" and "show you sense", references to prior suicide, references to prior SA, implied SA, suicidal ideation (did your past self leave a spare disintegrate scroll behind for you to use too?), this will be less "scary violent smack you around" Ascended Astarion and more a twisted, creepy, "cute little princess, thinking you can say no" soft yandere

Hope this lives up to the high expectations. I'm posting it now because I'm an impatient undercooked, plain with no syrup pancake

[onlyancunin]

"He's only being mean because you antagonize him"

(Ascendant vs Spawn)

[graveyardcuddles]

Spawn fans: arguing with Ascended fans.

Ascended fans: arguing with Spawn fans.

Me, a true Astarion Enjoyer:

[annetdragony]

The conflict between Spawn and Lord fans in the Baldur's Gate 3 fandom reflects a general psychological tendency: people often strengthen their position by contrasting it with another's. This happens for several reasons: identifying themselves through contrast with others, creating a sense of belonging to a group of like-minded people, resolving internal conflict (cognitive dissonance), and the desire to defend their view of the character. However, it is important to distinguish between constructive criticism and aggressive humiliation. The former is based on analyzing arguments and expanding the dialogue, while the latter is a sign of weak argumentation and a low level of intellectual development. Aggression can arise from an emotional reaction, uncertainty in one's position, or the influence of cultural norms of the Internet.

It is especially interesting why Spawn fans spend so much time discussing and condemning Lord. One of the reasons is that Astarion becomes a more complex and polarizing character after Ascension, which makes him an ideal target for criticism. For some Spawn fans, their choice is perceived as a defense of a more "human" and "ethical" version of the character, and they feel the need to "call out" the other side to emphasize the validity of their path. This also ties into the "us and them" effect: active criticism helps to define clearer boundaries between groups and strengthens the sense of belonging to one's camp. Additionally, attention to another's position may be driven by a desire to prove that their chosen interpretation of the character is deeper or more meaningful.

Instead of putting down, one can choose more productive ways of communicating: explaining one's point of view, asking questions, and acknowledging the complexity of characters. Finally, instead of focusing on criticizing another's position, a person can focus on promoting what inspires them, for example by creating positive content about their chosen path. Respecting other points of view, even in debates, promotes deeper and more interesting interactions within the community. Perhaps Spawn fans could use this time to create content that celebrates their favorite version of Astarion, rather than only criticizing the other side. This approach would allow them to better express their feelings and inspire others while maintaining constructive dialogue.

[thechaoticdruid]

Me brainstorming the next chapter of The Spawn vs the Ascendant:

Me actually trying to write it:

[snowberry-pie]

thinking abt the theme of wanting in astarion’s romance.

[toxicshipsincorporated]

evil ascended!astarion is hot. I don't care if a writer thinks its a bad ending (I actually love a lot of bad endings lol) and I don't care if people think its sad. it is hot to me and I enjoy it. that doesn't mean I don't "get" the character or the character arc or that there is something wrong with me (listen...my fictional preferences is the least of my problems) because of it. I just like it.

Astarion is a 200 year old, sometimes-evil, extremely fictional vampire. I assure you, he does not need you to defend his character arc okay? Some people like shit that you don't care for. It's not the end of the world you fucking assholes.

[syn0vial]

so, i've been seeing a lot about the new BG3 epilogues, but i gotta ask: do you get a similar epilogue if you choose to become the absolute at the end? i know it's unlikely, but... i have thoughts about how that could go 👀

[bhaalsdeepbat]

i think astarion is going to always have a natural lust for power. like i think his vampiric nature will just forever cause certain desires, but spawn ending kinda reasserts that he has the power to resist AND shows he has people he can rely on to talk him down if he needs it.

[random-introverted-blog]

Someone: wow, so how many plot twists are you planning for your next chapter?

Me: yes

[graveyardcuddles]

Some rambling personal thoughts on Astarion's endings since I can't sleep.

I find myself really loving Astarion's spawn endings and ALL of their variations even more the more I think about them (the exception ofc being the cursed af endings where you don't help him AT ALL and he either gets turned into a zombie or is still being hunted by cazador even after the game, but I'm obviously not talking about those).

I think I, like many others who grew very attached to his character, were left feeling very torn over his initial spawn ending before the added epilogue. Because Astarion being free from cazador and learning to truly relish in that freedom AND use it towards more positive ends is the entire point of his spawn endings. But we don't really get the chance to see that fully paid off in the narrative. One could argue that we do see the very beginnings of it with the graveyard scene and the morning after scene and how he makes several comments about never being a slave again after he kills cazador. But then we get a rather painful reminder of the fact that he's still been forced to give up something he's come to love and cherish so much over the course of your journey. And then we just kinda end on that note.

I definitely didn't regret keeping Astarion a spawn, even after that. But I will admit there was a part of me that still really wanted to see more for him. And that's why I really do adore the epilogue. I know people have their issues with it and say it's unrealistic for Astarion to be so "healed" after only 6 months but I disagree with this take because we're literally only seeing a glimpse of him on one really good, happy night, it's not necessarily a reflection of how he usually is. He could very well still be having days where he struggles, and he almost certainly does. But comparing his previous 200 years to his possible (good) spawn endings, it's not really surprising that he's thriving. Same with the "counterweight" comment. He's not saying the 6 months you've been together completely negates and erases the 200 years of torture. He's saying his freedom and your love have been such a HUGE contrast to what he's had to live through for so long that they feel like a counterweight to the horrors.

I think about how far he has to come for him to actually get to those endings. His bounty hunter/adventurer ending? Amazing! He's relishing in violence and living his best rouge life. Leading the spawn in the Underdark? Speaks so much to his character development that he actually cares enough about them to even attempt such a massive undertaking. Lots of potential for healing of course but also: Holy shit the potential for unhinged shenanigans as well. Going to the hells with Karlach? Incredible! He's not just getting to enjoy tearing up cambions all day he's devoted to Karlach and helping her it's literally so beautiful.

Something else I really adore about his spawn ending vs. his ascended ending is that he burns down cazador's palace in his spawn ending. Burns it to the ground and destroys it for good. Whereas ascended Astarion literally moves into the palace and like...sure you can headcanon that maybe he eventually has a new, even grander palace built. But the mental image of Astarion wandering those halls is just so fucking sad to think about. He could go anywhere and do anything but he's still physically occupying the space that hosted so many horrors and tortures for him. And it to me that just screams that he's still there mentally.

I'll always defend people who like the ascended ending because I understand the appeal of it. As a dark romance enjoyer, I very much understand the appeal of the dark consort ending. And I don't even think this is the "worst" ending for Astarion because there's at least still potential for him (as opposed to the endings where he dies or is still being hunted, which ARE the worst endings for him). But it does feel like a step backward for him. And I think the people who go "Well this is just NATURAL character progression for him he's selfish af of course he would want this" Think too little of him or at least underestimate his capacity to care for others.

Because he very obviously DOES care. And allowing him to get to a place where he can foster that sense of compassion for others is truly so beautiful and so profound to see. I'm someone who is easily moved by fiction already but Astarion's story really touches my heart just because of how rewarding it is to see how far he comes in those endings.

[awfuloldmen]

Once again I am begging people to be normal about Astarion.

PLEASE. PLEASE BE NORMAL.

[thechaoticdruid]

So like Ascended Vamp Daddy said I could make a taglist for The Spawn vs The Ascendant as long as the readers who want to be on it get on their knees.

So kneel I guess...

But like seriously comment below to be tagged when the next chapter drops 👇

Heart and reblog to help me escape this madman. 🏃‍♀️🙏

[oars]

eye twitch i hate (love) how much astarions tone changes after he's free from cazador and he's thanking you. how genuine and sincere he sounds it makes me sick. i feel like im hearing an entirely different person talk but in a good way yknow.

[beekitgraphics]

Character PSD:

Astarion-inspired Icons !

[emiwrites3reads]

Alex from wizards of waverly place…. Vs astarion…

1. Yes they have to fight, 2. Tell me who’s fighting who in the tags! (I’ll add the most ridiculous combos in a reblog)