#astarion x male durge

[rielzero]

Astarion having some nommies again.

[ineadhyn]

Love how I came full circle over the span of a year. My hyperfixation on bg3 started with Astarion and for almost half a year I was unable to speak of anything else, then Raphael took the spotlight for another seven months and now with Graveside I am back on the white haired elf. (Still love Raphael and Haarlep)

Astarion x Durge really hits different.

[thechaoticdruid]

I see jealous Tav and raise you:

“Do you think you are special? That the novelty will not wear off?” Cazador leans against his staff.

“We are his family, this is where he belongs, and he will always—“

Durge… Durge laughs.

Deep from his chest and damn near manic, the tiefling scares every person on the dais with his laughter.

“I don’t know which is funnier, the fact you think I haven’t considered I’m a novelty, or the fact you think you’re worth crawling back to.”

“200 years of your shit,” Durge starts stepping forward, he can smell the old fear, can almost hear the wet squelch of bloody floors with each footfall.

“And the first man he comes across is an amnesiac tiefling, with a violent psychopathy, who gets absolutely stupid for a sharp tongue, a pretty face, and a nice set legs.”

Cazador does nothing to hide is disgust.

“Of course I’m a novelty, top it off I’m happy to kill you, or at the very least help him kill you— I bet he’d look so damn pretty covered in your blood— I know I’m convenient, hells I’m damn near a blessing.”

This is a slightly edited bit for a thing I tried writing but progress stalled. My Resistant Durge hates himself, a not insignificant part of him thinks he’s gonna die by the end of all of this. He wants to believe Astarion was sincere after they left Moonrise, but the idea of the vampire doubling down to make sure Durge didn’t suddenly change his mind in regards to killing Cazador is one that’s gotten stuck between his teeth. It’s a confession of his insecurities and him offering an out for Astarion once Cazador is dead. The poor fool, he’s not ready for the absolute chewing out Astarion is already drafting in his head. He’s gonna pull out the big words and fancy legal arguments, and Durge is gonna fall even harder.

Oooh yass. This is really good. I hadn't thought about the possibility of an insecure Durge, since I haven't fleshed out my own Durge as much as my Tav. Also absolutely on board with the idea of Astarion chewing out his partner for thinking they aren't worthy enough for him. Since he does get quite upset when you try to break up with him over the astral tadpole messing up your face.

[surprise-based-teddy-bear]

Here's the second and last part of my first BG3 fic, now with Extra Comfort. I must say this was a very satisfying return to writing. I hope you enjoy!

Fandom: Baldur's Gate (Video Games) Rating: Mature  Relationships: Astarion/Nonbinary Tav, Astarion/Male Dark Urge Additional Tags: Emotional/Psychological Abuse, Manipulation, Dubious Consent, Hurt/Comfort, Astarion Needs a Hug, Enemies to Friends to Lovers

Summary: 

Moth understands vampires. They are evil, power-hungry creatures who wield their charms to drain their victims dry. To use a vampire – for killing or for pleasure – one must control him. Lose that control, and he will wreak havoc. Moth understands this. He knows what happens when he himself loses control of his darkest urges.

Intavriel sees a different side of Astarion. The more they see of it, the more they suspect Moth is wrong.

Preview:

"Can't you talk some sense into your obstinate charge?" The drow directs her words at Moth. Intavriel is not surprised, after her earlier assumption that Astarion was the man's property went uncorrected. She claims to be a blood merchant and clocked Astarion as a vampire on sight. She asked him to bite her. He refused, much to Intavriel's surprise – and to the drow's pouty disappointment. Again the dragonborn speaks over Astarion, asking more about the potion she offers in return. Intavriel listens in silence and watches the man that the two of them treat with so little respect. When Moth orders Astarion to do as the drow asks, the dejection on his face is too much to bear. Intavriel can bite their tongue no longer. "He said no."

[pustotsvit]

ancient language, speak through fingers the awful edges where you end and I begin

[panksage]

I know Withers is a fandom fav peewpaw that stepped up, we love him, but after he refused to bring back Alfira, that line? Not cool. A step too far for my Durge. (No Withers’ were harmed in making of that comic)

[lorithescrump]

The Foolish Husbands™️

[freaky-deaky-cookies]

Can I request headcanons for Dark Urge, Geraldus, Wyll, Halsin, Gale, and Astarion reacting to shy GN s/o who always asks for permission even just to hold hands or a kiss on the cheek please?

Dark Urge, Geraldus, Wyll, Halsin, Gale, and Astarion (Sep) reacting to shy Tav who always asks for permission even just to hold hands or a kiss on the cheek

Dark Urge (redeeming)

Towards the beginning of the relationship they do not really understand why Tav asks for permission

Would initially think that Tav is afraid they would hurt them

For the Dark Urge their whole life was to take anything and everything they wanted

As time goes on and Dark Urge starts to learn from / heal from their past trauma they find Tav asking for permission to be extremely sweet and understanding

Dark Urge has never truly got to experience someone who truly loves them for who they are 

Tav’s requests for permission and their shyness would be a constant reminder that love and affection don’t have to come from a place of control or dominance

“Thank you Tav, you have shown me more love and understanding than any other soul that exists.”

Geraldus

Not sure how Tav and Geraldus even got themselves in a relationship

Geraldus, himself is on the shy side

However, when he is not blushing and mumbling out his own request for affection, his mind is fired listening to Tav ask for it

Geraldus would never say no to Tav

To him Tav is higher than the Gods, they are perfection

“Why would you ask me such a thing dear… I cannot get enough of you”

“Do you think I would ever turn down a kiss from you?”

Wyll

Total sweetheart about it

Wyll finds this to be among the most endearing things about his Tav

At heart Wyll is a true, traditional romantic, and what is more than romantic than the love of their life looking at you and asking for your love and affection

Wyll is another one to hardly ever deny Tav’s request

“You never have to ask, my dear. But I understand that you want to feel comfortable—let me know how I can make this easier for you.”

Halsin (!Halsin Backstory Spoilers!)

Halsin’s eyes are so full of love anytime he hears Tavs sweet voice ask for him

While is was long ago, Halsin appreciate Tav asking permission before they jump him with kisses and cuddles

From time to time Halsin gets in his head about that time he was used as a pleasure servant

As wild as Halsin is, he is still a mortal with a mortal mind

If Tav hesitated, he’d hold out his hand gently or give Tav a soft kiss on the forehead

“My heart, you are true perfection”

Gale

EATS THIS UP

Gale wants to be wanted, especially by Tav

Gale, who is intelligent and often a bit formal in his mannerisms, would understand Tav’s need for permission but wants nothing more than to hold Tav

He believes in the power of trust and would reassure Tav that there’s nothing to fear from him

“Ah, my dear, I appreciate your thoughtfulness, but there’s no need for permission in matters of the heart.” (Sush Gale we all know you want them to keep asking because you love it so much)

Astarion

Astarion would be the most conflicted in terms of his reaction. On one hand, he would deeply appreciate that Tav’s respect boundaries and asks for permission, as he is someone who has a very sensitive relationship with consent. 

However, because of his own traumatic past, his reaction might come across as more self-deprecating or sarcastic at first.

He’d try to tease Tav about it, making light of the situation with his usual charm and wit, but underneath his sarcasm, there’s a genuine desire to make you feel comfortable. 

He would be keen to show you that he’d never force anything on you and might even go out of his way to be overly considerate, so you know that you are always in control of the situation.

“You don’t need to ask, darling... but I suppose I do enjoy the thought of you wanting to be sure.”

[absolutehomosexuals]

The Infamous "Durge Is a Man" Essay

I - INTRODUCTION

There's one simple question that led us to developing this theory: "would Bhaal want a female heir?"

Bhaal created Durge to be his ideal successor: the hand who would've reaped death in the world, conquering it in His name.

Every detail we get about Durge's lore is tied to this objective, the entire purpose of Bhaal's creation.

The cult is obviously shown to us as patriarchal, which is hinted at from the sole fact they worship a male deity: the argument may come off as silly at first, since one could argue Gods do not understand nor care for the concepts of gender.

It would be a valid counterpoint, if it wasn't for the fact Bhaal used to be a human, having navigated the world as a fully grown man before he eventually became a God.

If we believe he created Durge in his ideal image, it seems much more intuitive for his offspring to be male.

II - THE MATTER OF SUCCESSION

We must note that Bhaal's plans heavily rely (as we can read in Durge's "diary" tab) on reproduction ; e.g "siring lots of Bhaalspawn".

This alone isn't coded as one sex or the other but, if we think of it in terms of convenience, a female heir wouldn't be your first choice for the task: women can only gestate one child per year and conceive in very specific windows of time within their cycle, while men can potentially impregnate countless women in the same time span and not suffer any physical disadvantages during gestation.

We should also consider women tend to develop a bond with their newborn and the latter needs to rely on them for survival during the first few months of their life, while a man:

1. has no such obligations from a social point view (especially in a medieval context, where bastard children were the norm)

2. isn't strictly needed by the child for survival, biologically speaking.

I doubt Bhaal was expecting his heir to keep track of her cycle, gestate for nine months with all the drawbacks that come with it, give birth risking death and spend the following months caring for a newborn – all of this, on repeat for years if not centuries.

"But he's a God, he could potentially speed up the process!"

Technically true, but why would he go through such trouble, if he could craft his ideal child as a male and avoid complications?

The game itself seems to agree with this theory, since you get the "Bhaal's stallion" line regardless of your Durge's gender, in one of the bad endings.

We could also consider the idea that reproduction = power, "spreeding the seed", to be a typically patriarchal concept.

Bhaal himself isn't fond of the idea of raising children, as he let Durge be raised by an adoptive family – a "regular" one no less, meaning he didn't even concern himself with choosing one.

III - IN-UNIVERSE MYSOGINY

There are many aspects of the religion that seem to glorify manhood, and for its leader to be a woman (by Bhaal's choice, no less) seems inconsistent.

Let's think of the infamous blessing granted to Bhaal's favourites, the Ecstasy of Murder, which basically consists in a pseudo prostatic orgasm.

Then we consider the presence of predominantly-male sexual crimes, both coming from Durge and other important figures within the cult.

We cannot deny necrophilia, for functional reasons, is extremely uncommon amongst women: necrophilic acts are typically carried out by penetrating a dead body, as it's almost the only pleasurable act you can perform on a corpse ; Durge being a known necrophiliac pre-lobotomy could be one of the many hints the character is meant to be read as male.

Not to mention the horrendous way in which Bhaalist female characters are treated in-universe, between Sarevok sexually abusing his daughter (and this concept being treated as completely normal by the narrative, as far as we know of) and Orin being constantly belittled.

We never hear of any male cultists undergoing the same treatment, meaning abusing women is the norm amongst Bhaal's faithful – yet again, a telltale sign of a patriarchal religion.

"But Orin isn't mistreated because of her sex, she's mistreated because she's not the true heir!"

Orin is, indeed, not Bhaal's biological daughter: she's related to Him by blood, but as Durge himself says, her blood is "diluted".

However, while he acknowledges she's not his biological sister, he still addresses her as such in multiple sources, meaning the cult leader himself doesn't care about her actual origins.

She's constantly portrayed as someone who gets talked down to, cast aside and her beliefs are harshly criticized both by Durge and others influential members such as Sarevok.

For Larian to choose a woman to fill this role could have been accidental, but we must admit the symbolism is quite clear.

Orin interprets murder as a form of art, while her Bhaalist peers frequently accuse of her misunderstanding her own faith, considering her too immature to lead the flock.

She's the only Bhaalist female character we're shown as remarkable, and she's coincidentally used as an example of someone the cult does not respect ; she's even biologically related to Bhaal and yet, she had to seize power by force.

IV - ROMANTIC SUBTEXTS

Another interesting matter are the characters commonly paired with Durge in fanworks: Durgetash and Durgestarion are the most popular romantic pairings according to ao3, and we cannot blame the fandom for catching up on the subtext.

Durge's "admiration" (as he calls it himself) towards Gortash is viewed as controversial and arises suspicion in-universe, to the point he feels the need to apologize to his Father and repent for an implicit sin.

While it would be scandalous to fraternize with Gortash even in a platonic matter – he's practically the leader of the rival cult –, the emphasis put on justifying their interactions has been interpreted by fans as romantic subtext.

The letter in which Durge addresses the issue is titled "Letter for Forgiveness", despite Gortash only being mentioned at the beginning, while the rest of the letter focuses on different topics entirely.

Right after expressing guilt for the way he views Gortash, Durge proceeds to repeat Bhaal's plan and promises to follow it, stressing that he would have made his Father proud regardless.

The letter overall comes off as an attempt to justify being attracted to Gortash and reassuring Bhaal that it wouldn't come in the way of their plans, as it would pose an enormous threat otherwise.

Durge being attracted to Gortash – if we choose to interpret him as a man – would come with a handful of important challenges: first of all, sympathizing with the 'enemy', implying Durge could abandon the idea of betraying him or even allow Gortash to do the same to him.

Second of all, being capable of such vulnerability that would come in the way of being a sentient weapon: a killing machine isn't supposed to feel pity, let alone experience something as foolish as forbidden love.

And thirdly, for Bhaal's heir to prefer the company of men is simply a disgrace, as it would come in the way of reproduction and possibly undermine his public image.

While all of this may have not been meant as a homosexual allegory, the fact you can find the Letter for Forgiveness on Durge's corpse if you play as Tav, still comes off as "bringing a secret to the grave".

Not to mention the note at the end of the letter, written by another cultist, reading: "Ha! Orin was right about her sibling." which is clearly a jab at what we mentioned above.

When you go to confront Orin in Act III (as Durge) about the fact she has been following you around town, she replies: "The little lordling has been whispering in your ears? He always knew how to tumble and twist your mind matter, leaving you knotted in his chords."

The matter of Durge's attraction to Gortash is seen as something silly and shameful at the same time: it's an open secret cult members dare to joke about, because they find it ridiculous.

If a hypothetical female heir of Bhaal had the slightest possibility of reproducing with the Chosen of Bane, I'm pretty sure they wouldn't find it as humorous – they find it hilarious because it's taboo, a powerful demigod developing a "school crush" on a male ally.

We should also talk about some of the in-game implications about Gortash, such as being someone who possibly "slept his way to the top": managing to charm and daze a much more powerful man on purpose sounds surprisingly in-character.

What we find even more interesting are the implications that come with Durgestarion, a pairing the writers are openly fond of.

We know both characters were characterized by the same writer, the latter going out of his way to include personalized romance interactions between the two: unlike other characters, romancing Astarion as Durge gives the player access to tons of new dialogue lines and greetings, sometimes making for a completely new experience compared to romancing him with a regular Tav.

Some hints may point to Durge being the "canonical" romance for Astarion, as many fans have speculated ; while one may disagree with that sentiment, we must admit it's not far fetched.

If we consider all of Astarion's canonical past relationships (meaning, the few ones he actually deems important and genuine) were with men, and the emphasis put on Durge's "admiration" towards Gortash + the incessant pressure Bhaal puts on him to reproduce, the thought of these characters romancing each other in an alternative timeline actually sounds liberating.

Some Durge-specific lines Astarion says during his romance arc seem to be aimed at a male character, rather than sounding gender neutral: the first example that comes to mind is "Are you alright now, or is today a 'I will wed you with a delicate veil of blood blooming over your white curls' kind of day?"

Astarion sarcastically references Durge "wedding him", thus putting the player in a stereotipical "groom" role from the start, with the veil resembling the one brides typically wear during the cerimony.

If we consider all other aspects mentioned in this theory, the line reads as somewhat... male-coded.

If we want to be truly insane about this theory – and of course, we do – , we could even add a "gay allegory" element to the equation.

A vampire and the spawn of an evil deity, excluded members of society who'd usually feel a compulsion to hide, are implied to fall in love by the narrative.

V - ACTING CHOICES

Finally, we come to the voice actor: while a specific actor was chosen to play the character and is regarded as the iconic Durge VA, Larian didn't concern themselves with choosing a female voice actor to include the possibility of a female Durge, which is why we can only hear his intro in Neil Roberts' voice.

VI - CONCLUSION

With all of this taken into account, a female Durge seems to be an after-thought, if not directly a fantasy or a headcanon that the game gives you the possibility to play out.

The original narrative, as we can see, best accomodates a male character.

[mymreaderlibrary]

Durge x Astarion where Astarion gets the idea of marriage into his head and finds himself embarrassingly daydreaming of marrying Durge. Meanwhile Durge hears about it and is instantly like “are you out of your fucking mind???” This of course is quite disheartening to Astarion until Durge describes what he thinks a wedding is. (Ie. Take your partner to Bhaal’s temple, murder them, and then commit su1c1de)

Alternatively: Durge has to learn the normal versions of customs and etiquette, not the Bhaal versions.

[hawkinshorror94]

Hi there! I was wondering if I could get an Astarion x fem reader where they help clean up and comfort Astarion after he defeats Cazador.

I hope you enjoy! As I wrote this I listened to a song called Serpents by Sharon Van Ettan and I linked it because it fits Astarion and Cazador's abusive dynamic. This reads as gn! Reader so you can imagine they are AFAB

The look on his face was one of stone, not seeing or hearing, he was effectively shut down as you cleaned the blood from his face and hair. He was numb, his fingertips and toes had little feeling and his mind was foggy with broken images of the days and years of abuse. Of the spawn, of Cazador of you.

“Are you okay?” You ask quietly as you bandage a nasty cut on his hand. It’s deep and nearly to the sinew but he seemed not to notice as you cares for it.

“No.” His voice is broken and soft as he speaks that word. No was okay, no you could deal with till the answer is different. When he looks up at you with his crimson eyes they have watery tears unshed on his lashes.

“That’s okay.” You assure him cupping the sides of his face. You wanted your touch to be grounding, a soothing balm to his breaking heart. You lower you both to the floor of his tent allowing his head to rest in your lap and he cries.

He cries for his sins and Cazador’s. For a life lost and one gained. He clung to you like a light in the darkness and maybe that’s what you were his lighthouse. His light and his love.

“I keep thinking he isn’t gone.” Astarion murmurs into your trousers as he clutches the fabric in his fist. Your hand smooths his downy curls and across his jawline, your hands ghosting against his marbled skin.

“It’s me and you Star,” You whisper softly and he clutches you harder. He moves closer to your chest so that he can hear the sound of your heart beating rhythmically in your ribcage. Steady, you are here and so is he.

“I feel like I'm still shackled to the floor on a ratty mattress while he laughs over me. I never want to be weak like that again.” He wails out softly and you feel tears prickling your own eyes. But now isn't your time to cry

“You were never weak.” You murmur pressing your lips to his forehead and he closed his eyes at the warmth of your skin. You were here and so was he, alive, living. Cazador was lying dead, amongst strewn corpses in that awful crypt but he was here with you. Free.

[rielzero]

I'm alive. Here's a random Wip.

Might edit it more a bit later, Chronic fatigue makes it harder to draw.

[ineadhyn]

What happened when Grave met Raphael

Re-up because I'm silly

Raphael got to keep his doublet and Astarion asked Grave what he sees when he looks at him right after.

[strawvee]

Bonding♡

[surprise-based-teddy-bear]

Fandom: Baldur's Gate (Video Games) Rating: Mature Relationships: Astarion/Nonbinary Tav, Astarion/Male Dark Urge Additional Tags: Emotional/Psychological Abuse, Manipulation, Dubious Consent, Hurt/Comfort, Astarion Needs a Hug (Baldur's Gate), Enemies to Friends to Lovers

Summary: Moth understands vampires. They are evil, power-hungry creatures who wield their charms to drain their victims dry. To use a vampire – for killing or for pleasure – one must control him. Lose that control, and he will wreak havoc. Moth understands this. He knows what happens when he himself loses control of his darkest urges.

Intavriel sees a different side of Astarion. The more they see of it, the more they suspect Moth is wrong.

-

My first BG3 fic! Plenty of hurt, but comfort too eventually. A snippet for your previewing pleasure:

-

The moon looms high in the sky by the time Astarion sneaks out of Moth's tent. The taste of the dragonborn's succulent blood still sizzles on his tongue, but the complaints from the rest of his body puncture what ought to be a pleasant haze. Moth had been in one of his moods again. With each step, Astarion feels the twinges from his stiff hips, the pinpricks those claws left in his skin. It is nothing, really; he has had worse. What bothers him is the memory of flaming eyes boring into him like he is nothing more than prey. Nothing more than meat.

It's strange, that it bothers him. He should be used to that, too.

The back of Astarion's neck prickles. When he raises his head he spots the sullen druid, Intavriel, sitting watch by the campfire. The slash of black paint – or perhaps permanent ink – that runs across their eyes makes their gaze both startling and inscrutable. Astarion straightens up and loosens his hips, throws a sultry smile their way. All that moves on the druid's face is the flicker of firelight reflected in their golden irises.

They don't like him. That goes for all his companions – Moth included, Astarion suspects on nights like this – but it is particularly true for the druid. They are a hand's width shorter than him, scrawny, dressed in some silly sylvan getup made of leather and feathers. They seemed like an easy mark the day they met and he put a blade to their throat; an impression quickly proven false when the stringy wood elf transformed under him into a snapping, snarling wolf with fangs far more vicious than his own.

Embarrassing as the mistake was, Astarion can't fault himself for it. Few druids venture into the watering holes of Baldur's Gate. Fewer still make their talents known.

[pustotsvit]

Swallow your hunger feeding this dark 🩸