#astarions “they never answered”

[zorasapphires]

also in bg3 loving the very prominent tones of religious trauma throughout the game. there are so many gods who are very active in dnd and oh how they fail their people

[spookieloop]

You know, it's kind of baffling to me when people insist that THEIR Durge would never have so much as liked Gortash, romantically or otherwise.

Even without the new lines, The Prayer for Forgiveness has always been there, proving that, at the very least, The Dark Urge admired Gortash so much that it caused a crisis of faith.

A crisis of faith in Bhaal's own child literally carved from his gore, made specifically to be Bhaal's perfect child.

This has all been said before, but The Dark Urge is an ORIGIN character (and being able to change their appearance makes SENSE, when you consider the propensity of shapeshifters in Bhaalist lore. Literally the form you choose for Durge is just the form Bhaal chose).

Claiming "My Durge would have never liked Gortash" is like saying "My Gale never liked Mystra," or "My Wyll would have never signed a contract with Mizora," or even "My Karlach would have never worked for Gortash."

Maybe your TAV wouldn't have ever done those things, but Origin characters have solidified backstories. Even if your Durge is a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT person post-tadpole, the facts of who they were BEFORE the events of the game are as in-game factual as Gale's past relationship with Mystra, Wyll's contract with Mizora, or Lae'zel's upbringing with the Gith.

If you want to headcanon something else for your playthrough, cool, but insisting that events that are CANON cannot be interpreted in a way that you don't enjoy doesn't make sense.

[not-poignant]

New Palmarosa chapter was *chefs kiss*! I adore all interaction between your Raphael and Astarion! I’m hoping the glimpse of True Submission we see will involve some more BDSM and kink elements 🤭

Hi hi anon!

I'm also hoping that the glimpse of true submission we see will involve more BDSM and kink elements!

That being said, Raphael's not like a professional dominant or anything. He's just a torturer who likes sadism in his kink/sex life in this story. That being said, I'm sure he has a ton of tools at his disposal that he can use if he wants to.

He's been introducing Astarion to his sexual proclivities very, very slowly. He very much wants Astarion hooked into that second contract, which has no actual end-date (it's entirely possible Astarion will complete the ritual, get access to the sun, and still not ever be able to leave if he can't submit - and then one has to ask oneself: would he be okay with that? Because he might actually be okay with that. We'll find out!)

Once Astarion is in the second contract, there's no more walking away. That's it, his body and flesh belongs to Raphael until Raphael gets true submission (and the ritual is completed). At that point, Raphael can torture him mercilessly every day if he wanted to, and never help Astarion ever again re: submission. He'd own Astarion until our vampire got hold of that contract and tore it apart.

Astarion knows that, which is why he's demanding to see true submission in action.

I sadly think Astarion will see it and still not understand and still think it's easy to do. (And for the folks who asked, no it's not subspace. You can force a sub into subspace pretty easily if you have the time and tools without any sign of 'true submission' - hell you can do it to a complete stranger). I think the best place to get an idea of true submission is to look at what Raphael actually wanted from Hope. He went about trying to get it from her in the wrong way, which shows he doesn't exactly have a skillset here for what he's truly looking for, but there's at least one point where he says exactly what he wants from her and we - the reader - know just how impossible that is based on Raphael's own actions.

And once you look at Raphael's wish through the lens of turning Astarion into his new Hope, or needing someone new to obsess over, I think it becomes at least a little clearer what Raphael's aiming for.

(Tbh I thought this was so on the nose - but Raphael needs a new Hope, his last one didn't survive the battle. He wanted one thing from her ultimately, and never received it. And he planned on keeping her until he got it. To me, Astarion being the new stand-in for Hope, and Raphael being clearer about what he wants from the outset...? Like...oof. Astarion hasn't exactly realised that's what's happening to him yet, but it is).

[kawareo]

PSSSST 2 for the writer question meme

2. How does their race play into the design? Was it a conscious choice because of the racial features or did you simply enjoy the playstyle or lore?

Sooo Strike is a drow and when I made him one i admittedly had no idea about most of DnD and drow in general, I was just making my favorite OC to see what he'd look like in bg3 lol, it's why he doesn't really look like a drow or other drow ingame

BUT after getting way too into the Bhaalspawn stuff and bg3 lore and everything, I can confidently say that I found excuses reasons for why Bhaal would've made him that way.

the drow are considered a 'scary' race, Bhaal would've wanted that for his child, and they're kind of like... a degradation of a 'noble' race of elves? At least they're considered as such, they give off the high and mighty vibe and can do everything elves can but they're also considered lesser than surface dwellers.

They have a fucked up culture that's centered around an evil god(ess), but one that is not Bhaal. Strike could therefore relate to them but only from afar as they would've never accepted him as one of their own, which leads me to my next point

Isolation. That comes in two ways; one because people who aren't that familiar with elves and drow see a drow and assume the worst, so noone in their right mind would want to associate with him if they knew (Strike has to roll a persuasion check whenever he meets someone new and tells them that he's actually an elf), but because he doesn't fully look like a drow, everyone who does know them better will get this awful uncanny valley feeling about him. Like something is wrong but you can't really point it out, you know?

and another important thing is that Strike is a cis man, which puts him at the very bottom of social hierarchy of the lowest rank of an elf. Drow men are basically slaves and are treated as such, which means that his entire life he was constantly aware that without Bhaal and the title of being his scion, he would still, always, be a slave.

So yeah essentially me not knowing how drow work or look turned out really well because Bhaal is just enough of a bitch that I could totally see him make a mismatch of a person who will never be able to fit anywhere and whom noone will respect unless if he uses his Father's name and power to assert himself, but in any case, he created someone who will be unable to relate to anyone and find any other home outside of the temple.

[ghost-proofbaby]

everyone sleeping? perfect. time to put some secret soft scenes between aruna and astarion on the dashboard.

[nerdalmighty]

#NOT THE MOD TO FIX GRINCH ASTARION i dont baldurs gate what doES THIS MEAN

I am SO thrilled you asked - Larian, the company that created Baldur's Gate 3, just released a patch that includes a new cut scene at the end of the game. In it, the companion that you romanced will wake up beside you. When you've romanced Astarion, depending on what path you've decided to go down for his character, you'll wake up next to him and he'll make this INSANE face:

People on twitter have dubbed it "the grinch face" I THINK because it kinda looks like this:

Compare that to what he USUALLY looks like, and you kind of get where people are coming from:

There have been other scenes where he makes a similar face, but it's usually during a conversation and vanishes within seconds. For example, these two images are taken seconds apart during his confession scene:

In the new scene at the end of the game, he stays like that for a few seconds and it's a bit jarring. Plus he seductively says "Hello, darling." I think they've deepened the lines on his face? And made his eyelids more pronounced? And have him doing something weird with his eyebrows? Or something??? I can't properly articulate what it is exactly but it's ODD!

Make no mistake though: I ADORE this insane look. It's truly a jumpscare when it first happens.

You can watch the full clip of Mr. Grinch on twitter HERE. Highly recommend.

You can see the gifset anon is referring to, where someone created a mod to remove the grinch face, HERE.

[moonslittlestar]

You can't make this shit up, I stg. @beesmiley, a few friends and I did some fun BG3 quizzes tonight for the shits and giggles whilst in a vc earlier and I - *blinks*

Which BG3 character would date you?

Which BG3 character are you?

No because like, why do these quizzes keep calling me out so unnecessarily?! 😤 It's the damn Christmas game all over again 😂 I'm gonna start boycotting uQuizzes they are bad for my MH lol

[lillotte17]

oh how the turn tables lol

[auburniivenus]

I’m going to put you on your knees. You’re going to hate how much you love it.

Beneath   the   fluorescent   embrace   of   Selene's   gaze,   her   alabaster   feet   tread   a   path,   an   exquisite   amalgam   of   fierce   motion   and   sylphlike   glide   upon   the   plush   garnet   carpet   that   ornaments   the   rustic   oaken   floorboards.   Auburn   tresses,   reminiscent   of   autumn's   elegance,   cascade   in   a   fluid,   undulating   veil   behind   her,   delineating   the   enchanting   contour   of   her   progression—a   silhouette   ensconced   amidst   chiaroscuro   whispers   and   the   opalescent   brilliance   that   filters   through   the   manorial   windows,   gracefully   veiled   by   gossamer   curtains,   further   accentuating   her   preternatural   presence.   Elegantly   attired   in   a   roseate   nightgown,   handmade   from   the   most   exquisite   silk.   It   flutters   like   a   delicate   wraith   behind   her,   its   textile   intimately   embracing   her   physique,   emphasizing   the   curvature   of   her   limbs,   her   ample   décolletage,   invoking   an   aura   of   sensuality   both   innate   and   ineffable.

She   advances, emulating   the   splendor   of   a   primordial   nymph,   a   saunter   that   encapsulates   her   within   the   infernal   universe   he   has   diligently   orchestrated—a   Persephone,   sovereign   of   their   nocturnal   kingdom,   a   realm   now   under   his   dominion.   A   vampire   princess,   consort,   upon   whom   a   nascent   epoch   is   poised,   she   personifies   not   only   her   chosen   path   but   also   the   fate   of   the   one   whose   desire   for   her   knows   no   bounds.   To   the   observants,   she   is   the   quintessence   of   feminine   appeal   and   suppleness,   an   icon   of   disdain   and   admiration.   Her   magnanimity   knows   no   limits,   extending   even   to   those   deemed   unworthy   of   her   regard.

As   Inoue   approaches   the   throne   room,   her   delicate   palms   engage   the   barriers,   parting   them   with   a   poise   that   belies   the   profound   strength   within. "Have   you   summoned   me,   my   beloved   Lord?"   Intones,   her   voice   a   serene   consonance   that   permeates   the   majestic   expanse,   as   she   traverses.   She   advances   toward   the   throne,   where   he   presides,   an   obelisk   of   calm   and   majesty.   Her   gaze   intersects   with   Astarion's,   offering   a   bow,   a   pledge   of   obedience   and   esteem.   His   response,   a   sonorous   timbre   both   grandiose   and   ardent,   urges   her   to   elevate   her   exquisite   countenance.   A   gentle   smile   expands   upon   her   margins   as   she   rises   once   more,   her   demeanor   unshaken.   "As   many   times   as   you   wish.   I’m   here   to   serve   you,   to   please   you,   to   make   you   delighted."   Utters.   With   an   effortless   movement,   her   digits   meander   to   the   embroidery   that   secures   her   satin   vestment,   allowing   it   to   descend   in   a   smooth   cascade   to   the   floor,   her   form   denuded   before   his   covetous,   crimson   look.

@estarion - ASCENDED

[kimjunnoodle]

what's a fun detail about a character you haven't had a chance to talk about yet?

While in game Costco carries a lute with him, his actual favorite instrument to play is the flute. He enjoys how fluid players look when they play and how the music seems to dance through their whole body like a spell. Sure he can get that movement when he's rocking out on the lute but something about the flute just entrances him.

He's too embarrassed about the noise level to every play it in camp or to practice though. Instead, he just fingers along to songs in his head while the mouth piece rests on this shoulder. The night before the elder brain fight, fearing that they might die in the battle, Costco slipped out of Elfsong and went off the the cemetery since... not a lot of living ears there. He played his flute out loud for hours and felt the most free since the nautiloid.

He was only slightly saddened that he night never get the chance to show his camp mates but little did he know, his favorite vampire had followed him (for safety) and had his own little concert for one. Astarion never told him about it, just gave him a kiss in the morning with a warm smile.

[offbranddrpepsi]

Omg I freaking love karlach she's my favourite in Baldurs Gate I will definitely do more requests for karlach whenever I get some ideas :] and take your time you don't have to rush anything I'm just happy someone is reading my silly request and writing them <3

Im glad my works are able to bring you joy! Its why i do what i do lol. Karlach is such a sweetie, i sobbed so much playing with her at my side and knew the moment i fixed her heart and hugged her that i was going to Avernus with her, ;_;

[nicollekidman]

can we hear the lyra lore 🥺🥺🥺 pls

omg bestie.... i'm still actively working it out which is why i keep talking about journaling but bare bones.... she's the only child of a powerful elf family in baldur's gate, her mother is a mystery to her and her father is in Money, she's always been weird and withdrawn but like. a Dreamer in some sense.... she learns archery early and spends a lot of time alone. i don't think she's ever particularly happy or emotive but she enjoys exploring (and she's terribly vain... wants to look just like her mother). then she gets a baby sister and dotes on her to the point where she's basically raising her alone in kind of an obsessive way. when her sister is young, things start to get weird with her parents, they're gone more and more, and when they're home they're.... strange. but they want for nothing, and lyra and her sister are happy and inseparable (i'm still deciding on her name). when her sister is 20ish she's murdered, and through some set of circumstances i haven't fleshed out yet, lyra figures out it was her parents, as a sacrifice to bhaal. she kills both her parents and burns down their entire house for good measure, both so that there is no trace but also for herself.

i think she spends the next 40-50 years alone, basically doing bounty hunter work for money and drifting along. she only speaks when necessary, becomes ruthlessly pragmatic and essentially uninterested in the general population. she's basically turned off everything except her Life Functions. she gets a reputation in the lower city as the Ghost and people leave her alone because she minds her own business unless provoked or on a job (and sometimes the kids will manage to get gifts from her... they learn to read her body language and approach on good days). she keeps her rich clothes and facepaints and always looks immaculate (when you look both dead and rich, no one gets close). i think she also sometimes lets herself be bought when she's bored but if she ever ends up genuinely vulnerable or lets anything personal slip to a patron, she kills them. i think probably she's looking for something/someone to make her come back to life but she doesn't know that's what she's doing..... like being so hungry you can't feel it anymore. she's not evil and she's not robotic she's just kind of in an emotional coma, she's not even really seeking revenge bc she knows it won't bring her sister back and she can't bring herself to care enough.

i want to flesh out more of who she was before the murder but i'm waiting for her to tell me lol.

but yes, this is why she is such a freak with astarion + the party, but this post is long enough skdjfghjfkdsl canon timeline lore is insane in a different way but who doesn't want to be murdertwins with a random traumatized vamp you stumble upon, yknow.

[not-poignant]

226k in it finally happened, Ef called Gary by his name (in front of Gary)!!!🥳 And it was to APOLOGIZE my hearttt I thought maybe it was gonna be mid-sex fjfjfj. I know you said the hold off wasn't intentional and I might be thr only one who cares (I sent an ask abt it before🙈) but I *do* care so this was very satisfying😍 The apology felt more intimate and grounding bc of it. Ahh. (PS I'll still keep my fingers crossed for a spooked/alarmed/overwhelmed mid-sex 'Gary'🤭)

Ahaaa anon I haven't been keeping track of it at all, lol, so I had no idea it was the first time he's said Gary's name to Gary!

To me it just felt natural that he hadn't yet. He's really not likely to say it during sex (honestly I think it's extremely unrealistic tbh, most people aren't just randomly saying their partner's name during sex or even, frankly, pornography. It's really only in romance novels that it happens with any frequency, and well, I don't write typical romances! Unless someone has a personal kink for it, it's really not happening that often, but if someone does have a kink for it then like, good for them! They can live their best life :D - personally nothing makes me cringe more than 'oh Gwyn, Gwyn, oh GWYn, OH GWYN' and I'm sitting there screaming 'LEARN ANOTHER FUCKING WORD they're literally right there in the room with you' lmao. I hate it about as much as 'oh alpha alpha' and 'oh omega omega' - I know people have kinks for that stuff, but I'll be here firmly in the squick column.)

A lot of the time in my stories when a character uses another character's name, it's often as a show of power. It's why my top characters and dom characters do it so much more than the bottoms. It's a way of gaining someone's attention. In regular speech, people are often very rarely using each other's names to each other, but you'll actually find it happens more in some BDSM scenes, and it's a good way to establish a power dynamic.

The combination of 'people just aren't often doing this' and 'I often use it to signal a power dynamic' just means it really hasn't come up for Efnisien until now and likely may not at any other point, unless he's literally calling out for help, or wanting Gary to stop doing something. Names are an attention-getter, but frankly they're often very unnecessary, because you often have the attention of the person you're in the room with. Like, it did feel natural to write in the moment in that chapter (i.e. I didn't notice it), but it hasn't felt natural until now, and idk when it will again, and I probably won't notice when it happens!

[tenebriism]

💋 ( to you know who from my tav )

First 5 Asks Receive Kisses - [ 4/??? ( I'ma just answer all of them, lmfao ) ] :

" ... constantly, you burden me with your HOARDING tendencies, yet have the NERVE to ask me for a kiss? " He'll let that sink in, before HUFFING in defeat. " I cannot say no to you or that... FACE of yours. Fine. "

She gets one (1) small, BRIEF kiss to the lips, before he pulls back and waits for her reaction ( like it's some GRAND gesture. The grandest, really. )

" You're welcome. "

@braveryhearted ;;

[fangswbenefits]

I loved reading Breathe! As always, you’re incredible. You’re keeping us (and Astarion) well fed <3

Thank you 🙈🩷 that glorious face deserves to be ridden like that........