#he reminds me so much of minsc

[blackseafoam]

✨Wrecker appreciation✨

Kind of parallel to this painting I did a lil bit ago.

[wysteria-bloom]

↪" you amaze me "

Bg3 x reader

Giving them a surprise kiss

Warnings : suggestive on Halsin's part... Spoilers for bg3 (duh).

Genre : fluff

A/n : I have 367 hours in this game so I believe that I am worthy enough to write for these characters I love so very much. I am extremely open to requests for bg3 please send me all the stuff you want to see! I'm not gonna include minsc and jaehira for obvious reasons.

Characters : halsin, astarion, wyll, gale, gortash, rolan, raphael

▢ astarion

Leans into the kiss almost immediately. Its usually how he responds to any affection coming from you. Rests a gentle hand on your arm as he deepens the kiss with a pleased little smile on his lips.

When you break from the kiss, still has the smile on his lips, his eyes looking down at you softly, " can't get enough of me, darling?" He cooed out teasingly, a giddiness to him that wasn't there a few minutes ago.

You nip his jaw," stop getting cocky. I caught you off-gaurd, admit it."

He gasped in offence," and here I thought my beautiful partner was merely expressing how much they loved me." Shaking his head at you with an exagerrated pout," shame on you."

"... That's a 'yes'." You smirked.

"Oh shut up," pulls you into another kiss full of laughter.

▢ gale

Blinks for a good 5 seconds before finally responding to the kiss in full, hand curling through your hair to cup the back of your head. A wistful sigh blows through his nose as he leans into the kiss more.

When you pull away, he still holds your head. You smile happily at him," Hello, love." You greet cutely.

Sends you a bashful little smile, pressing his forehead to yours," Well... hello to you too."

"Were you surprised?"

"Oh-hoh?" He grinned with amusement," there was a goal behind all this?"

You tilt your head from side to side," eh... I did have one. But I also just wanted to kiss my handsome husband."

Clears his throat, cheeks warming," Oh, well consider me th..thoroughly surprised, then."

▢ wyll

It only takes him a second to respond to your kiss, cupping both sides of your face so gently and rubbing a thumb across your jawline. A small happy hum falls from his lips as he's kissing you.

When pulling away, his lips chase after yours, giving you a final little peck," You amaze me. Everytime." He breathed out, always has something cheesy to say after every kiss but it never fails to make your heart stutter.

You huff," You're impossible to surprise, yknow? You're too smooth."

He laughs," will it make you feel better if I said you gave me butterflies?"

A hum and then a smile you nodded to him," I believe that's substantial. However, you need to pay for your indiscretions with a kiss."

"Whatever will I do?" Wyll leans down, nose pressing against yours," I have no choice but to give in, hm?"

"No choice." You agreed, hands moving to his waist as he cups your face.

He presses his lips to yours excitedly.

▢ gortash

He's doing some paperwork when you give him a little kiss on the cheek. Not reacting at first, he finished his signature before looking up at you, a softness to his eyes," Can I help you?"

You merely give him an innocent smile," just reminding you that I love you."

He blinks for a moment before he hums, a slow grin reaching his lips," I see.." He places a hand to your hip, rubbing it slowly with a thumb," Well, I fear I need another reminder then, my dear."

"Greedy," You cooed out before pressing a proper kiss to his lips.

▢ raphael

Is certainly shocked for a split second. He was only telling you about a recent poem he had read and enjoyed.

He cups the back of your neck with his clawed hand, deepening the kiss with huff of amusement. Before breaking the kiss he nips at your bottom lip with his sharp teeth," It's rude to interrupt."

You hum, pressing another kiss to his jaw," You're too endearing when you talk about your poems." You reply honestly.

"Oh good, I was afraid I was boring you." No, he wasn't. He knew how engaged you got in his little speils. That was endearing.

"You could never." He drags you into another kiss with a lot more flames stoked beneath it.

▢ halsin

A low hum of surprise and then a slow smile reaches his lips. His large hands rest on your waist as he deepens this kiss, feeling heat build between the two of you the more passionate it grows.

When you pull away from eachother there's a trail of saliva left between your lips. His eyes are a lot darker now, a yellow shine to them," is there something you need, my heart?" He questioned with that low tone of his.

"Just you."

Pins you to a nearby tree and kisses your neck," that I'll give you in abundance."

▢ rolan

Was in the middle of complaining to you about how you put a book in the wrong place. He had that cute little frown on his face, the grouchy furrow to his brows and the agitated swish of his tail.

You just couldn't help yourself. Leaning forwards, you caught his lips with yours, making him shut up completely. He stared down at you with wide eyes before he moans a little and leans into the kiss.

His tail curls around your leg, dragging you closer to him as he leaned back against the bookcase behind him.

When you pulled away for a breath, he still had his eyes closed for a good five seconds.

Looks into your eyes for a moment before he cups your jaw," you can't kiss your way through an argument." He huffs out.

"I just did."

"Did you? What if I'm still mad at you?"

You grinned at him," Your tail says otherwise, love."

He scoffed and tried to frown but his lips kept twitching," You're impossible." Pulls you into a more heated kiss, arms wrapping around you protectively.

[fkitwebhaal]

Anyway, here are my thoughts about what each of the companions would present on if they had to give the rest of the party a PowerPoint presentation:

Gale: A completely accurate and detailed lecture regarding the theories of teleportation magic, how it works, and the differences between it and plane shift. There are multiple charts and graphs.

Wyll: “Choosing your hero name: an adventurer’s guide” He does have suggestions for the entire party.

Karlach: “Ranking bars in the gate based on how much they remind me of Avernus.” She has provided illustrations that she made herself. Anything in the Upper City is ranked “like Avernus” because “occupied entirely by pricks.”

Shadowheart: “So I was wrong about Shar: a reluctant apology.” It’s mostly a debunk of Shar’s lies but the entire time it does look like she is pulling teeth. However, she cheers up considerably when she presents on some of the church’s secrets, including the weird ass code names for things that she always thought were a little silly.

Lae’zel: a very educational and complete history of her people’s war against the mind flayers. It’s all rather academic until the last slide which says “AND THIS IS WHY WE DON’T EAT THE WORMS” in all caps.

Astarion: “Ranking you by whose blood I’d want to drink most.” In order, it is as follows Gale (rancid), Karlach (spicy), Minthara (probably is poisonous after all the poison she’s been exposed to), Jaheria (that story about what she did to one of the spawn was memorable), Shadowheart (does cleric blood taste radiant?), Lae’zel (curious how Gith taste, doesn’t want to die), Minsc (large and has extra blood to spare), Halsin (can turn into a bear, think of all that real estate), Wyll (canon verified snack)

Halsin: “Foraging: what’s edible and what isn’t” Gale takes very dutiful notes given someone gave him a mushroom two ten days ago that gave the entire camp food poisoning. Astarion, the only one who did not get food poisoning, who has completely forgotten what he foraged was the culprit, takes 0 notes.

Minthara: Battle orders and tactics. All of these fools need to get whipped into shape.

Jaheria: “Get it Fucking Together: Stop Doing this Shit.” What follows is a callout of everyone’s worst habits and decisions. One slide just says “stop snitching.”

Minsc: it’s just pictures of Boo.

[thisaccountisagainstmywill]

BG3 Characters Safest Driver Headcanons

I've been thinking about that poll from months ago way too much, so I've pulled this from my drafts. In this essay, I will explain why Boo is the best driver. Astarion: Terrible. Absolutely terrible driver. He is doing his makeup with the visor down, looking at the mirror more than the road. Suspend your disbelief, he's driving in this universe. He can use mirrors. ♥ You have to grab the steering wheel, regularly. Without warning, the man twists around to find his purse in the back seat because he wants a different eyeliner than what he grabbed. You are on aux duty. He hates everything you've picked. 2/10, he lawyered his way into that license Gale: You would think he would be safe, but then you remember that Gale didn't pay attention in boring classes. And how hard could driving really be?? The man knows how to drive perfectly textbook. He also thinks he knows how to do it better than everyone else. He does not adapt well to poor drivers. The roads are full of poor drivers. He is yeling "Zipper!" at the merging traffic. You spend five minutes in the parking lot so he can find just the right song for the trip.

6/10, you will probably not die Halsin: The man drives slow, I'm sorry. He's fuel efficient as you can get with the windows down. He pulls over and stops traffic for ducks crossing the road, no matter what the current road conditions are. He stops to show you the new tree the neighbor got. He is a Yellowstone Park tourist. He wants to show you the world, one traffic-stopping mid-road parking job at a time. There is no music, we are listening to nature today. 4/10, you will be rear-ended with him and not the way most people want Jaheira: I stand by what I said last time: Jaheira reminds me of so many older women I know. She drives like she wants someone to start shit with her. She's so conditioned by having 5 kids fighting in the backseat at all times that every time she's behind the wheel she's having Vietnam-level flashbacks. Her blood is pumping in her ears. There is no road, there is only the red of her vision. She won't start the road rage incident directly, but by god, she will end it. (You tried to ask about music, but the look she gave you when asked killed the question.) 5/10, you make it to your destination intact. But at what cost? Your pants are a different color at the end of the trip than they were at the beginning. Karlach: Karlach is talking with her hands while she drives. She's fiddling with the radio constantly. You've blown four red lights. Three of them were the same red light because she took a wrong turn. She will not use GPS, she's got the vibe of where she's going. She was trying to show you something on her phone at the same time. It cannot wait. It was so good you have to see it right now. The tunes are so loud she hasn't heard the sirens behind her. 4/10, the tunes almost make up for it Lae'zel: You are helping her check her mirror distance before you get in the car. You are buckled in before the car even starts. You are not allowed to touch the light in the car if it is dark out. She was taught that it's illegal to have on at night and she takes that shit seriously. You are on blindspot-watching duty at all times. You're not allowed to have music on the in car, it is a distraction. 7/10, we are efficient, but we are miserable Minsc: Minsc cannot drive. Minsc was meant to drive today, but Minsc got into the wrong seat. We are all relieved. Jaheira trained him wrong on purpose and will kill you if you correct him. 0/10, don't even try. He will survive the accident, you will not. Minthara: Minthara, light of my life. She is gremlin cackling and riding bumpers the whole time. People are pulling off constantly to get away from her. You are white-knuckling in the passenger seat and are too afraid to let go of the bitch-bar. You pray her airbags are up to date because your life has not stopped flashing before your eyes since you got onto the road. We are exclusively listening to The Flight of the Valkyries. 7/10, it is shockingly efficient when no one else is on the road anymore

Shadowheart: I have been in many a 'Shadowhearts' car. The car is more of a problem than she is. She drives the type of car that makes people go, "You live like this?" She drives a manual. She was not trained to drive a manual. Almost every single dash light is on, the ones that aren't had their bulbs die out years ago. We don't know how old that trash is, but it lives here now. She has one of those cassette players that has to hook into your phone to come out the speakers. Good luck finding the right adaptor in the mess. 4/10, girl get your shit together Wyll: Wyll is the best driver, hands down...when he is alone. Like all things in his life, his greatest flaw is being too polite. He turns his whole fucking head to look at you when you talk because that is the polite thing to do. The road is secondary to how important your conversation and companionship are to him. And you can't not talk him! He's asking you genuine questions about your day because he's interested. You get to listen to whatever you want and he's totally down for it even if it's not normally his thing. He'll find something he likes about it. Alone: 100/10, he somehow makes everyone better drivers by just being on the road With you: 5/10, Wyll, please, look at the road. ;_;

Boo: My eyes are closed. It's better this way. We made it there in record time. I don't know how it happened. I don't need to know how it happened. ?/10, it's best if you don't think about it

[galedekarios]

minsc & gale

recently i've been doing a playthrough taking minsc along during the limited amount of time we do get to connect with his character in the game and i have to say he's growing on me in a way he didn't in previous titles.

i wanted to take the opportunity here to write a short post about his relationship with gale because that, too, is something i found myself enjoying despite the (too) few interactions that we have between them.

minsc's initial thoughts about gale

Player: How are you and Gale getting along? Minsc: I do not wish to speak of the wizard. Minsc: I could not have said it better myself. - Player Option 1: Gale's great - what's your problem with him? Minsc: He came to me one night with a little book of mischief - full of words and their meanings. Minsc: 'Posterior', he says. 'Can you say 'posterior'?' I refused! Minsc does not need to know the language of wizards. Player: 'Posterior' isn't wizard-talk - it's another word for 'butt'. Minsc: It is an inferior word. Far too long to use in a battle cry, which is where a 'butt' belongs. Minsc: Gale would do better to educate himself in the ways of sword and steel than to throw these pointy words at Minsc. Minsc: Ai, yes. Gale also owns a cat. A cat with wings! That is most unnerving for poor Boo. Player: You should give him a break - he's only trying to help. Minsc: Never! If he is not careful, Boo will shred his books and use them as bedding! - Player Option 2: Did you know that he has an explosive magical orb in his chest that could destroy a city? Minsc: WHAT? Minsc: That is a thousand times more interesting than anything that has ever been written in a book. Minsc: GALE! MY GOOD FRIEND! WHERE ARE YOU? MINSC AND BOO WOULD LIKE TO HEAR ABOUT THE EXPLODING.

they may not start off on the right foot, but with gale's genuine interest in other people's cultures as well as his perception and easy-going nature that changes:

sorcerous sundries

Minsc: Minsc has never trusted places such as this. Too much of a wizard's power can be simply packaged and picked up. devnote: Grumbling as we make our way through the shelves of Sorcerous Sundries Minsc: Well, picked up by all but Minsc. When he touches the many delicate little jars, oh how the wizards shout and stare! devnote: Revealing that his objection of Sorcerous Sundries is not in fact a deep philosophical belief that wizards have too much power - they just make him feel stupid and awkward when he pokes at their things Gale: Fear not, Minsc. You have a wizard at your side who positively encourages such curiosity. You'll fit right in. devnote: Reassuring Minsc: Obliged, wizard. Should we find our way to a weaponsmith, Minsc will rough you up a little - so that you too can fit in. devnote: Warm, comradely, would genuinely be doing Gale a favour

i feel like it truly speaks to gale's character that he doesn't dismiss minsc here - neither his feelings of inadequacy nor his innate curiosity about the things he perceives as wizardly.

it would've been very easy for gale - the wizard prodigy, the former chosen, to archwizard - to act the part of the haughty scholar, akin to the arrogant wizards that minsc describes in this banter, looking down on him, shouting at him, but gale doesn't.

gale reassures minsc, encourages him, telling him he'll fit right in. it reminds me of the way he treats karlach and fostering her interest in books and reading. another pair of seemingly polar opposites that still find a connection. i do think gale is quite natural at this, despite his long time spent in isolation.

and minsc does appreciate it - his tone changes to one of warmth, one of camaraderie - and i think this is also when minsc's perception of gale changes: from the annoying wizard to someone he sees as a companion and friend.

rashemi traditions

Minsc: Gale. Minsc worries you might send a fireball up his butt, with all of this stringy hair in your face. Gale: Is that why you keep your head shaved? I assumed it was a custom of some sort. devnote: Curious, referring to Minsc's origins Minsc: Oh, no! Most warriors of Rashemen wear long battle-braids, weighed down with stone. Minsc can show you, when next we camp? Gale: Thank you, but I'm more wizard than warrior. I'm not sure my scalp would stand up to such a plaiting. devnote: Very politely declining

i like this banter for several reasons: i think not only does it show the progression of their relationship with minsc offering to show gale the traditions of his homeland, gale also shows the same curiosity he shows many different cultures and ways of life, same as he does with lae'zel for instance and githyanki culture.

when he declines minsc's offer, he does so politely, without insulting minsc's traditions, putting the onus on himself instead. he's the wizard, not the warrior.

house of hope

Minsc: Gale! You will perhaps able to explain where Boo has not - what exactly is the difference between a devil and a demon? Gale: A fascinating question, one that boils down to which criteria we choose to apply. Are we speaking about the physiological? Theological? Etymological? devnote: In teacher-mode - up for an in-depth, intellectual discussion Minsc: Eh. Just how-to-kill... -ical. devnote: Non-plussed, echoing Gale's ending every word with 'ical' Gale: Oh. Then for your purposes, they are exactly the same. devnote: Disappointed

this banter genuinely made me laugh. again, i like how it shows the progression of their friendship, to the point of where minsc goes from finding gale annoying to imitating his speech. and gale doesn't put it beyond minsc to have an 'in-depth, intellectual' discussion... even if he is disappointed by the end of their banter, realising that minsc's priorities are... elsewhere.

wychlaran

depending on your party composition and who you take with you, minsc can also call gale his wychlaran.

The Wychlaran, meaning "wise old women" in the ancient language of Halardrim, also known as the Witches of Rashemen outside their lands, were the spiritual leaders of Rashemen, communing with the spirits and guiding the souls of the Rashemi people.

minsc does use it, too, to describe a special bond and a sense of duty and protectiveness to the people he ascribes this title to. he did so in bg1 with dynaheir and in bg2 with aerie.

elminster

Minsc: It must be difficult for Gale to imagine great Elminster a-courting. Writing poems. Doing... certain... deeds. Gale: Long before my time, thank goodness. That's not an image I care to dwell on. Minsc: Ugh. It is difficult for Minsc to think of, too. Let us speak no more of it. Minsc: ... Minsc: Of Elminster and the sex, I mean.

another banter that did genuinely make me laugh despite the seriousness of the situation, especially given the bond that elminster and gale share as well, which speaks of paternal feelings on elminster's part that come with a certain sense of responsibility, as well as gale's admiration, but also often exasperation with his former mentor.

on a more serious note, minsc offers great insights in his interactions with gale and gale's story:

mystra and the vremyonni

The vremyonni or Old Ones were an arcane brotherhood in Rashemen. Men that were arcane spellcasters in Rashemen had two choices, exile or to join the vremyonni. Many vremyonni were kept alive for eons by longevity magic. Vremyonni were expert weaponsmiths and magic item creators. On very rare occasions, vremyonni would fight in the defense of Rashemen. Vremyonni used secrets of magic that even the Witches of Rashemen did not use, destructive spells forbidden among the wilds of Rashemen, in case such magic was needed. The Running Rocks harbored secret strongholds of the vremyonni. All vremyonni wore masks.

Minsc: Gale reminds me of the vremyonni of my homeland. The man-mages of Rashemen. Minsc: While the girl-folk go on to rule as wychlaran, Weave-touched boys were hidden away. Trained to work their craft in silence and secrecy. Minsc: It is an old custom, not well-observed. In truth I thought it born of caution, after some catastrophe wrought by wizardly men-folk of old. Minsc: Now I wonder if it was not done to hide them from Mystra, and the snares she sets for young and prideful boys, hm? Minsc: Though this suggests that Mystra has never tempted a witch into foolishness. Not that I would blaspheme by suggesting otherwise. Minsc: I forget why I began this long and winding story. Yes Boo - we have been spending too long around the wizard.

i think this is a very interesting banter, especially since it's also only marked to trigger if gale agrees to return the crown to mystra.

it's easy to dismiss this banter, laugh it off as just another instance of minsc being minsc, but i think it's important to consider it within the context of game canon and what has been shown to us.

it's a story and everything within a story is there for a reason.

another great insight from minsc comes if gale is pushed towards the crown by the player:

gale and godhood

Minsc: Who among us has not been spurned by a lover? But a word of advice, if Minsc may be so bold: Minsc: Let the wizard lick his wounds. Write some rickety rhymes, and weep most manfully into his hamster's hide. Eh - his cat's hide. Minsc: But... his boasting is unbecoming. 'Claim godhood', he says? Will this make him any less a man with a half-mended heart?

again, minsc does at times share great insight into other characters and he does so here again with gale:

will this make him any less a man with a half-mended heart?

i think it quite accurately goes straight to the crux of what makes it so very easy to push gale towards godhood: he is hurt. he feels abandoned. by his goddess. by his former lover. both as a mystran and on deeply personal level.

he is drifting, seeking something to hold his head above the water. if it's not the protag's love or friendship, it will be the crown.

anyhow, i never expected to write this when i first learned that minsc would be a companion, but i truly did enjoy him and his interactions with gale in particular.

[yes-these-obsessions-are-healthy]

DAI x BG3 matchups I need to see. I’m not good at writing crossovers nor am I clever at all. This is very much non-exhaustive and very much not the end point of these characters’ potential interactions with each other.

Karlach + Sera + Iron Bull

The absolute chaos. The absolute CHAOS. A powerhouse. Putting aside Karlach’s demon heritage aside, she and Iron Bull tossing back tankards and swapping war stories as vets that have been dealt shitty hands but continue to chug along despite it. Karlach and Sera connecting over growing up mainly on the streets and having soft spots for little ragamuffins. Plus they all talk about women’s tits a lot. I feel Sera would find Karlach sexy and funny.

Wyll + Cole

Like Solas and Varric, Wyll would take to Cole because he recognizes Cole’s desire to help others, even if his methods are a bit unorthodox. He would recognize Cole’s soul as gentle and kind, and his efforts to atone for the murders he committed in the Tower as proof of his humanity. He will join the Uncle-Dad Duo and complete the Uncle-Dad Trio. Cole would gravitate toward Wyll’s goodness in turn, and probably tell Wyll that him making a contract wasn’t foolish because in the end he saved a city, and if that was his desire, then he committed no sin in doing so.

Solas + Astarion

The messiest shit can only occur, and my messy bitch self wants to see it. Watch as Solas’s upright and stiff demeanor utterly bores Astarion. Watch as Astarion’s selfishness, penchant for violence, and casual disregard for the well-being of others utterly pisses Solas the fuck off. Watch as Astarion yawns or interrupts Solas’s lectures with a “yes, yes, we get it” or the most dramatic eyeroll and overwrought “ugh”. Watch as Solas and Astarion immediately sniff each other out as liars and schemers from first jump and hold each other at a distance, the tension spiking at random moments early in them knowing each other where the other prods at their falsehoods. Watch as Astarion is dumbfounded by Solas expressing his condolences to Astarion upon learning of Astarion’s enslavement to his master, because how could a man who holds such reproach for him still manage to feel pity? ‘It is not pity, but compassion, which you are at liberty to reject. That is your right as a free man, just as it is my right to feel it.’

In the best case scenario, Astarion calms down eventually, teasing Solas but still treating him like that friend of a friend that you grudgingly admit is useful. I think a part of Astarion would find Solas’s penchant dislike of him funny.

Vivienne + Astarion + Dorian

We are all doomed. The haughtiness will be scarcely contained. Dorian and Astarion are definitely flirting. Fucking? Not sure. But definitely flirting and enjoying killing bad guys, playfully arguing over wine, snickering over Solas’s shabby dress.

Shadowheart + Leliana

Tools forged to serve a religious order? Check. Crisis of faith? Check. Subterfuge preferred? Check.

Lae’zel + Cassandra

Soldiers recognizing soldiers. 🫡 ‘Why are the men around me so annoying.’

Minsc & Boo + Cole

Cole might be able to understand Boo! If not his speech, then his little hamster feelings. Minsc might be wary of Cole for the information that he manages to glean from Minsc’s head, but his unquestioned understanding of Boo would probably smooth that bump in the road, right?

Solas + Gale

A friend remarked that Gale would remind Solas too much of himself (prideful, ambitious) and thus they would not get along. There is that. I think that Gale would get a small smile out of Solas every now and then with his quips, because Solas himself is clearly a fan of banter; Gale would provide more of the energy in the same way Dorian does with his and Solas’s more civil banters. Gale and Solas also both hold a great measure of respect and adoration for magic as a force, an element, a piece of entirety that is beautiful for its own existence. Not simply just what magic can do for them as wielders of magic, but what it is and how it does so much to enhance a person’s understanding and interaction with the world, as precious as sight or sound.

Minthara + Iron Bull

Oh she will have him cowed in a goddamn minute. Oh man. Oh no. ‘Yes ma’am’, ‘no ma’am’.

Minthara + Cassandra

Oh this would be so interesting. Disciplined, serious bulwarks with little time for silly little men—Minthara would share Cassandra’s frustration and lack of amusement with Varric, though Cassandra would consider her suggestions to maim him.

Solas + Halsin + Iron Bull

I see potential here. Iron Bull and Solas already have a dynamic of Iron Bull’s “I have a pretty good idea of who you are, and it’s a liar” toward Solas, while Solas grudgingly respects Iron Bull’s strength and mental acumen in the same way you would respect a very intelligent bear—do not draw attention more than necessary, but stand tall lest it smell fear. Halsin feels like a softer Iron Bull, a mediation between the two. Like Iron Bull, his stature and build belies a thoughtful and sharp mind. Like Solas, he sees everything as connected, feeding into the other as part of a system, and would too feel a sense of loss at magic and mundane being so dramatically split as it is in Thedas—an aberration against what is natural. Also like Iron Bull, he’s frank with his sexuality. I’m certain the two would swap stories over booze. The trio would be arguably the three most mature and experienced in a room in any given situation. Not only that, but Halsin is far more actively in touch with his heart and honest with his feelings than Solas or Iron Bull. The latter two very much care about their loved ones, but with Solas it is under the surface and with Iron Bull it’s mixed up in cultural trappings of romance not being a “thing” in his culture, and thus both struggle with their feelings. Halsin however is very much in touch. There is next to nothing obstructing what his head and heart wants. He listens to his heart and he follows it. Solas and Iron Bull could learn a thing or two from him, tbh

Also I feel like Iron Bull, Halsin, and even Solas have a bit of a brat tamer streak in them so there’s that

Also Astarion would outright reject the notion of drinking Cullen’s blood cuz it smells like battery acid.

[tethys-the-aquatic-sea-godness]

Perhaps Viconia and Sarevok are changelings 🥲

I'd take any explanation that fixes the shitshow that are these two quests, major quests mind you, not side quests you can ignore. It'd be funny if they were changelings, because they'd be pretty lousy ones. Or rather a lousy one, and one who doesn't have to do much work (warning: I started ranting)

I mean, for reminder, this is viconia:

And this is... a drow:

Skintone: wrong

Age: they were drunk or they didn't try, possibly both. Viconia is a drow, a full elf, meaning +700 years of life expectancy, and they made her look as old as Jaheira, a half-elf. A 100 years should be nothing to her, she should look basically the same.

Distinctive marks: her beauty mark above her lip on the left side of her face isn't there. It's like Jaheira's braids or Minsc's tatoo, it sets her apart. Without it, it's not her.

As for Sarevok, well, with his armour and his helmet, you see like 1/4 of his face, you could put anyone in there, and slap face paint on. So not too much work for a changeling.

But if it makes you feel any better, you can actually get in game clues that hint neither of those characters are who they claim to be. These hints are never remarked upon or pointed out by any characters, you have to find them and take the time to read them.

This, for example, is the description of the drow's dress (also BG 3 has a problem with treating its clerics like anime healers. This is DnD, clerics wear mail or plate, unless they multiclass with wizard, but I digress):

Dulls senses, thoughts, feelings... sounds like a good dress for brainwashing, not having an efficient cleric. It's not hard to imagine Shar being salty enough that Viconia left her cult that she picked another of her drow cleric to take Viconia's identity. Keep her 'working' for her in spirit as payback. One of Shar's whole thing is about forgetting all, including yourself. Switching her followers' identity to suit her whims wouldn't be out of place. I could see a 'Shadowheart' mother superior in the future, with little in common with her template beside being a half-elf. Shar is the type to hold grudges. Ask Selûne.

Now Sarevok comes with a failsafe too. Let's ignore's Jaheira's delirious episode where she spouts absolute nonsense that has no basis in either BG 1 or 2. She's not that young anymore, she's spent time in the shadowlands and she has kids to look after, she's under a lot of stress. We'll call it a breakdown.

If you dig around for loot, you can come across this book: Disorders of the Nerves and Mind: A Treatise

Here you read about how a totally random guy started calling himself 'Sarevok' and talking about 'raising the father', after finding (and reading?) a strange book.

If you remember the previous games, you may recall a dream sequence in SoA:

Bhaal is perfectly capable of using Sarevok's appearance for his avatar. If you add to that the fact that before he was killed by Cyric, he was already too weak to have his own form and only existed through possessing the bodies of murderers, well, it's not hard to imagine Bhaal using a random murderer's body and passing it off as Sarevok. He's the first Bhaalspawn who rebelled and tried to usurp him, you can't tell me Bhaal isn't salty about that.

Now obviously, this is me drawing conclusions from scraps found within the game. I don't think it's a 'fix-it', or that it makes Sarevok and Viconia's butchered characterization alright. Especially since these scraps don't mean anything in the narration. I've said it before, but they read like room for deniability, they feel too specific not to be. Like someone knew it was trash and they tried to patchwork an exit. But like I said, without relevance to the narrative, it's meaningless.

Regardless of any explanation, as far as I'm concerned, neither of the people we encounter are the real Sarevok, or the real Viconia.

[recitedemise]

𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗲'𝘀 𝘃𝘂𝗹𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗴𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘂𝗺𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝘀, 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗽𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿. This lengthy headcanon will refer to canon dialogue from mostly Gale, sometimes others. Reader's discretion is advised. There will be in depth explorations into grooming, emotional abuse, heavy manipulation, and suicide.

First, let it be said that Gale, a mortal man, will always be the powerless one in his dynamic with Mystra. Of course, nearing forty years of age, he remains entirely responsible for his own actions, his own blunders and every hurt he'll cause, but it's important to remember who formed much of who he is: his goddess, his deity, and egregiously, his lover.

Mystra is power. Mystra is possibility. She knows what sway she holds over her Ioyal, vulnerable, and entirely mortal followers. In all ways that matter, they are but lambs she can steer and herd as she sees fit. She knows they can't deny her and knows they'll never want to. Gale's sheer servitude and complete devotion. Mystra, knowing that, used him to filth.

Gale: I was just... practising an incantation. Player Character: No, there's more to it than that. I know devotion when I see it. Gale: What can I say? She's—she's Mystra. I can't describe it, the need I sometimes feel to see her - to draw the filaments of fantasy into existence... Mystra is all magic. And as far as I'm concerned, she is all creation. Player Character: I didn't realize the depth of your devotion. Gale: Magic is... my life. I've been touched with the Weave for as long as I can remember. There's nothing like it.

Gale, orb in his chest, doomed to be eaten by the very thing he loves the most, still speaks so reverently of the goddess, of his lover that has left him to die. He conjures images of her memory—and she is all the while forgetting about his.

Minsc: Gale reminds me of vremyonni of my homeland. The man-mages of Rasheman. While the girl-folk go on to rule as wychlaran, Weave-touched boys were hidden away. Trained to work their craft in silence and secrecy. It is an old custom, not well-observed. In truth, I thought it born of caution after some catastrophe of wizardly men-folk of old. Now, I wonder if it was not done to hide them from Mystra, and the snares she sets for young and prideful boys, hm?

Tales of Mystra's treachery spreads far, leaving those familiar waters surrounding Gale's tower in Waterdeep. They whisper her name, afraid to utter it one time too many, suspecting, perhaps, that she'll show in their mirror like some Faerûnian Bloody Mary.

Talent rouses Mystra. She can see who uses the gift of the Weave and feel them, sampling whatever delight sings their veins as they pull from her domain. Not unlike a spider, she'll follows every tremor that strikes her as just a sliver more profound; and Gale, a prodigy, plucked the Weave's web to so garner her focus. And like some black widow scurrying, she surged down that ripple to prey on a boy. There, Gale, so impressionable, was just a mite older than twelve whole summers. He sat so stunned, beholding Mystra as she lured him into the cradle of her Astral domain. Bathed in her magic, pleasantly coddled within that glittering cosmos, Gale felt blessed in a way he'll struggle always to recount, no word, no language, fit to describe it. He felt chosen. He felt seen. And potently, to a child, he felt loved. Now, imagine a child experiencing something like that. Imagine what they'd think, how brilliant they must be when stood beside the rest. She told him he was gifted, made his heart swell not unlike a child's appetite for praise. She knew what she was doing by offering these morsels, by preying on a child's most delicate mind, and Gale, child prodigy, was already so awash in the idea that his value was in magic. Unfortunately, Gale, susceptible, had no way of squirming out of his goddess' grasp.

Reality: She's laid down the seeds to creep into his heart. When he's just old enough—seventeen's sufficient, she thinks—she stakes her claim and makes him hers.

Gale: My virtuosic talent once caught the eye of the goddess of magic herself, Mystra, who named me her chosen and her lover.

Gale is stunned when she takes him to bed the first time. (Is this really happening?) Mystra claims his mouth in a kiss, taking everything she knows he offers so willingly. Mystra, of course, is not so stunned.

Dream Visitor: An elder brain... one of the cruelest and most powerful creatures in existence, enslaved by mere mortals. Gale, tasked with Mystra's missive to sacrifice himself: This is it... I must do as Mystra commands.

Gale has worryingly low self-esteem beyond his magic. As already explored, his entire worth as a man hinged on and was built entirely off his talent as a wizard. He fought tooth and nail for any crumb of affection Mystra would offer his way, something she only gave him at all seeing his gift as a child. He wants her forgiveness. He desires it genuinely. He believes so firmly that he has wronged his goddess, buying into the idea that sacrificing himself will right his wrong. She holds such dominion over him, making him reduce his confidence in himself into a mere, trifling pittance; after all, she wasn't just his lover, but the patron deity he prays to. And regardless, Gale is a people pleaser, his initial acceptance of her missive coming as no surprise.

After all, Gale, at times, goes to incredible lengths to appease his audience. This habit, compulsion, impulse, whatever you want to call it, is a quality that was relentlessly exacerbated in his relationship with his immortal paramour. He wanted to content her, felt all he did was never enough, for as a matter of principle, he was oceans, leagues, and entire galaxies beneath her. Gale figures: well, how can a short-lived dalliance satisfy a god? He had to make her happy. Indeed, he'd done everything she'd ask. He'd bedded her how she liked, kissed her how she wanted, and of course, even said those words she'd said tasted best. She was his lover, a lover that never tended to his own needs and pleasures, and he fooled himself into thinking that's enough. He won't bend backwards for everyone, mind you, but if you're of the ones he would, he would stop at nothing to make you happy. After all, people pleasing is a way to keep oneself safe, a trauma response to sidestep discomfort, and though it achieves only a direly tentative peace, when that is all you've been fed, you will pursue it.

Gale did not want to lose Mystra; he couldn't bare the sting of it. And so, when Elminster visited him, Mystra's call for his death offered oh so callously, Gale, heartbroken, felt that part of him kick up. He couldn't endure the guilt, was so hungry for a chance to let his weighty heart breathe, even if it meant dying in the process.

At least this way, he'll finally do something right. At least this way, Mystra will forgive him, and all his friends will survive.

Gale: After I was afflicted with my condition, I locked myself in my tower for an entire year. I was inconsolable, wallowing in my self-inflicted tragedy. I'd given up on myself.

As a byproduct of people pleasing, Gale, too, is all too quick to accept all guilt. He self-deprecates, gaslights himself to a venomous degree, and twists his reality in so cruel a way as to make him the villain Mystra'd led him to believe. He self-flagellates himself, the first one in the world who will throw Gale of Waterdeep a mental punishment. Mystra's a goddess, after all, seen as utterly faultless, and twined so tightly with a being so mighty in esteem, Gale slipped into the role of the guilty often. When tied with anyone with grandeur like this, so immeasurable in their own self worth, it's important to keep in mind this: you are nothing but a prop in which to fulfill their ego. Gale was not Mystra's, not by a long shot. Rather, Gale was a tool, simply her mortal extension.

And he took every blow meant for her... a common and terrible habit for many people in imbalanced, ego-fueled relationships.

Gale's life beyond her wasn't something that interested her. She took most of Gale's devotion, manipulated his life to be her sole mantle of attention, for Mystra is not a goddess that shares very happily.

Indeed, long before his self-imposed isolation, this jealous deity did well at keeping him isolated.

Player Character: Picture kissing him. With tenderness. Then, with passion. Gale: I... I didn't think— Narrator: You perceive quick-fire embarrassment, trepidation, and finally... elation.

And so, cheated out of love, so reduced in his value as a man and lover both, suffice to say, Gale's slow to believe he can ever be loved. That's what happens when you're with someone so cold, consistent only in their infinite lack of respect. Gale looks at fondness, and he feels—confounded, to be sure. He thinks, is this truly mine to have? He doesn't know what to do, is nearly forty in game, and despite having lived decades devoted to one relationship, he feels, at the same time, entirely out of depth. To be frank, he greets it with embarrassment, like he's been caught red handed with something not his at all. He's like a child caught rummaging with his hand in a cookie jar, all this isn't mine to enjoy, not mine to indulge in, but he thinks, startled, but god, do I want. He wars with disbelief, uncertainty, and need, and in so many ways feeling utterly starved, with just a glimmer of affection, he falls fast into love.

Scenario: (And if properly romanced, it changes his world.)

Gale: In her (Mystra's) likeness, I used to read a thousand stories. She was beauty, wisdom, elegance, power... she contained universes. But now... it is hard to see any redeeming qualities in a lover who condemned you to death. I'd much rather gaze into your eyes than hers. Yours are capable of tenderness and feeling... No god could ever compare.

He says it with sincerity. There is such wonder, such love, and such awe in his eyes. He makes the act of kissing him feel like you've just reached into the trenches to but pluck him soundly from his ruin and despair. You think, Gale Dekarios, how unloved have you been all this time?

Gale: To know you love me for the man I am, and not the magic I command… none have loved me so purely before.

The answer is: entirely.

For so long, Gale thought love was simply being chosen. He knew nothing of being favored for the quality of his character, to be cherished and accepted even in those ways he fumbles and lacks. Again, his needs were seldom met, often treated with utter indifference by Mystra herself, and to meet someone so eager to treasure him, dote on him in a way his heart, his body is somberly new to, raptures his spirit and captures his soul. He's seen for who he is. He's... loved, desired for his silly quips, his easy smiles, and his growing affections. He bares himself to them, and in turn, they cradle his heart like something entirely precious. Gale thinks this has to be dream. He says, at times, you are more than I deserve.

Scenario: (But sometimes, he hopes too strongly and loves too greatly. As it always does, then, like he's once more wanted too much, he watches something beautiful slip right through his fingers. Of course, Gale Dekarios. Of course it does.)

Player Character: I didn't know you felt so strongly, Gale. Gale: Perhaps I should have done more. Been more charming, more flattering, harder to reach... but I was only myself, and sometimes that isn't enough.

They don't love him anymore. It breaks his heart. He hurts so much, so profoundly and deeply, and he doesn't realize that he breaks their heart in turn.

Unable to ever voice his feelings with Mystra in any way that amounted to much, Gale's a tendency to wallow, expressions coming off as potentially 'guilt-tripping' and even, on occasion, passive aggressive. Firstly: Gale NEVER means to manipulate emotions, and he's no intention of twisting anyone's arm, either. Fact is, Gale, never taken seriously when he'd bared his vulnerabilities to the Mother of the Weave, can end up saying just a little too much. He feels very deeply, and for most his life, seldom had an outlet for these weeping sentiments. He sometimes lets slip raw words and oftentimes heart-wrenching expressions; all the same, it's not so pitiful as to shepherd an outcome, but rather, is a gesture taken by a man so desperate to be heard. It may feel like scheming, but the truth is far, far greyer: feeling as though he's no right to share the depth of his heart, Gale simply lets it geyser out in a way he can't cork up. In ways he doesn't realize, he's adapted to this ache, passively reacting so his feelings can at least be seen and recognized—no matter how pitifully unwhole. With someone who values so little his thoughts... well, when he slips into these moods, one can hardly feign shock.

Situation: (And if no one shows him trust and tenderness, any true care in his character or worth, Gale gets swallowed up by how wronged he was.

He thinks: Let me be a god. Let no one hurt like me anymore.)

Gale: They only want us to serve them, pray to them...and ultimately, to die for them. But what if we didn't need them? What if we wielded their power instead and helped ourselves in all the ways they refuse to? I could make that happen.

Gale is not above anger, and as stated, he is not above pettiness; however, more than that, he is not above righting himself whatever wound he was struck. Gale, if not offered much by ways of affection, understanding, is made to believe that one idea that's lived growing in his mind: Gale Dekarios is far from sufficient; he has to be more. He has to be better. Gale, in such an unkind ending for himself, sips too desperately—and perhaps greedily, too, but desperately serves as a far better word—at that idea that he needs power. And so, wresting the Crown of Karsus for himself, he spites Mystra in his own way, becoming a god he feels is leagues better than she will ever be. Damn her thoroughly. Damn her ego, her power, and her endless indifference. He will serve the people, protect them, and in ways Mystra never could, better the world.

Situation: But as a god, he loses all sense of his kindness. Humanity. All who loved him leave him, and even Tara spurns the image he's become. With power, he's gained the respect he thought he always wanted... but in turn, he lost in even greater measure all the love he's known.

Endnote: But healing, knowing to forgive himself and knowing he's deserving of care simply for being Gale Dekarios will remain, always, the best path for him.

[beesxrated]

A Noble Exercise

Tav x Wyll wedding with some spice. 🪻

The wedding starts out with an orange sun just above the horizon. The house is buzzing with energy and excitement. You never get to catch a glimpse or hear anything about Wyll. As all of the preparations begin getting finished your palms start to sweat. After all your time fighting the cultists and your years in Avernus this is the most nervous you've been. All that time you had several friends and allies who knew exactly what you were going through and may have been going through the same. Now, however, it's just you and Wyll. Some of your friends are still by your side, but none of them are married, let alone in a long term relationship.

The long flowing sleeves of your dress begin to frustrate you as you try to keep your hands busy. You angrily throw the train over your shoulder and push the fabric up. You would be more comfortable getting married in your armor. Karlach bursts through the door at the perfect time. You were just about to change into your usual armor.

She grabs you with tears in her eyes, "You look so beautiful."

Her hug is extremely tight and you can't manage any words. When she finally releases you she sees how distraught you are. She immediately goes into Momma K mode. She brushes your hair and puts it out of your face. She tells you all the things she's heard about Wyll getting ready and how nervous everyone is saying he is. Hearing how Wyll is as nervous as you are, makes you feel a little less scared.

When the time comes you make your way down the aisle. Halsin agreed to marry the two of you. Grand Duke Ulder Ravengard agreed to walk you down to Wyll, seeing as you had no family left. Gale, Minsc, and Lae'zel stand next to Wyll. Shadowheart, Karlach, and Astarion stand on the other side.

When you pictured your wedding growing up, you never imagined a vampire or githyanki being your most important people, let alone marrying a well-known folk hero. You'd always pictured a comment that had smitten you, made you feel as though you were some sort of noble. Wyll thought writing vows to each other would be more personal and fit the life you have and will continue to lead. It's another thing you never thought about when you were younger.

When Halsin finally reaches the vows it's your turn first, "I promise to dream with you, to build a family with you and to encourage you. I admire you. Simply because of your kind soul, tender heart, and positive mindset. I especially appreciate your endearing sense of humor. I am ever so grateful for your love and selflessness. In return, I offer these promises. I promise to always be your perfect dancing partner."

"Love is a word that is much too soft and used far too often to ever describe the fierce, infinite and blazing passion that I have in my heart for you. Falling for you wasn't falling at all—it was walking into a house and knowing you're home. Everything in me recognizes your heart as my home and your arms, my shelter. Your youth may fade away, but your smile will always remind me of that time I first saw you in the moonlight at the teifling party." Wyll says it all so effortlessly. He somehow pours the love he has for you into every word.

The rest of the ceremony and kiss feels rushed and it begins to make your head spin. The party is about to begin and you have barely been able to sit down. The moment your lips parted everyone was pushed to the ballroom. You see the sun is just an hour above the horizon. Has the day really been that fast?

You and Wyll dance and meet all the guests, many of whom he knew growing up. The two of you barely have time to talk with lines waiting to congratulate you when you take a break from the dancing. Wyll's hand stays interlocked with yours and squeezes when he notices how tired you are.

When the party is finally over the moon is almost at its peak in the sky. You make your way to your room, Wyll follows close behind. You turn to him and he shuts the door quickly behind him. As he begins to strip you give him a pointed look. It's been a long day, you haven't been planning on any sort of extra curricular activity.

Once he gets down to his undergarments he sighs and flops onto the bed, "Do you need help with your dress?"

"Yes, I just..." You drop your arms to your side, "I don't have the energy to do... Anything..."

He jumps up and begins unlacing your dress, "I was not looking for sex if that's what you mean. It's been too long of a day. I just want to hold you, make you feel less stressed." He pulls the dress off your shoulders and falls to the floor, "I am happy to wait for morning, or however long it takes."

Wyll pulls you down to the bed and holds you close to his chest. With little effort the two of you fall asleep. In the morning you feel more refreshed and rested. Wyll is awake next to you, reading a book. You shuffle over and lay on his chest.

"Good morning, myn lykyng." Wyll smiles down at you.

You lean up and kiss him. As you try to pull away he follows you. His hand cups your face as he attempts to place the half read book on the table. But when you hear a loud thud you know he's missed. He follows you all the way onto your back. The tension between the two of you begins to grow as he kisses you deeply, placing his hips between your legs.

He pulls away quickly, "Is this okay?"

You nod before pulling his lips back to yours. The two of you agreed to doing nothing physical for three months before the wedding. It was hard, but it's not like you actually had sex with each other. You touched and that was about it. Not from lack of trying, but in the Hells simply touching was hot enough.

He pulls away and rips the remaining clothes you had on, off. His lips feel as hot as the Hells as they make their way down your stomach. His tongue pushes into you, his nose grazing your clit. He seems surprisingly good since he'd never done it before.

He begins to slow his movements and pulls away, "Is that good?"

"Yes." You laugh as he gets back to it.

You grip his horns to guide him to the right movements. He's a fast learner and soon you're holding on for your sanity. He pulls away for a few moments, kissing your thighs. His teeth graze your skin. He continues kissing your tights and up to your hips, causing you to beg.

"Wyll." You moan and try to redirect his head using his horns, "Please."

He smiles into your hip bone before plunging back between your legs. You see him moving more than he was before and he groans into you. You pull at his horns asking for more friction. Wyll pulls his face away and climbs you. He rubs against you, letting you feel how aroused he is through his underwear.

He drags a hand down his face quickly, places a kiss on your lips, and pulls off his underwear. You admire him kneeling in front of you before he pushes himself forward. It's slow and slightly painful as you get used to him. When you finally start taking pleasure from him he quickens his pace and strengthens his thrusts.

Wyll keeps his lips locked with yours as it all comes way too quickly to an end. He pulses inside you and you feel shaky under him. He holds himself above you, not wanting to collapse and hurt you, he slowly falls onto the bed next to you.

Wyll breaks the silence, "I like when you grab my horns."

"Oh?" You smile at him, never expecting him to enjoy that.

"I don't know how to explain it. It feels nice."

You reach over and stroke the smooth horn. He shivers at the touch. You wish you would've known before, it seems like a good way to tease him or even give him some sort of pleasure while he pleases you. You let your hand fall down and brush his hair from his face. He's let his hair grow out and curl. The curls extenuate his horns and for some reason you find it very attractive. In fact the aging he has done in the past few years has made him far more attractive to you. Nothing looks bad on him.

[paganwitchisis]

Elven Judgement Chapter 6

Chapter Six Title: Argument

Rating: E for Explicit

Summary: Set after the events in Baldur’s Gate 3, Tav and spawn Astarion are expecting a new bundle of joy when Astarion reconnects with his parents. Things don’t go as planned with the soon to be grandparents! Expect drama, suspense, fluff, smut and an overly protective Astarion!

Word Count:

Pairing: AFAB Female Tav/Astarion

Warnings: Smut, pregnancy, oral, anal, PinV smut, creampie, breeding (kink), hurtful parents, mental abuse, violence (bandits), blood drinking, blood (wounds), protective/soft Astarion, adult language.  

Thank you @alyssac9 for proofreading :) You're a blessing!

AO3 link here!

Story:

After getting cleaned up and changing their sheets, Astarion lay in bed, still bare of clothes and holding his equally nude lover.

“We still need to talk about this, my love.”

“This?”

“My parents.”

Tav turned her body and laid on Astarion’s chest as she gazed up at him. “What would you like to do?”

“While you were asleep, I gave them one more chance, but I’m worried about how Silwen and Folas will treat you.”

“Folas?” Tav asked as Astarion drew the covers up and around them both closer.

“Oh, I forgot to mention. That’s apparently my father’s name. He keeps throwing his weight around and forgets I’m a vampire. I assume he forgot because otherwise, he is a bigger fool than I give him credit for.”

“He is your son’s grandparent,” Tav tried to rationalize.

“The bear, Halsin, would be a better grandparent than him.”

Tav snuggled into Astarion some more and kissed him fondly before replying.

“I’m surprised you gave them another chance.” Tav was astonished and moved to the side so she could sit up.

“I did it for you. I remembered our conversation as we left the woods and offered the proverbial olive branch. She did apologize, but how much did she really mean, or was it because she was afraid of losing me after what she put you through?”

Tav slid out of bed and began to get dressed, which surprised Astarion. “What’s going on?”

“Regardless of her intentions, we should still ask Halsin to look her over.” Tav went to the dresser while still half-naked and grabbed a few clothes for Astarion. “As much as it is a crime to not see you in your full portfolio, we should get dressed and ask before it gets too late. Maybe share the news about our engagement as well? We can go tomorrow to High Hall and register there.”

“As much as I rather not get out of bed, I do like sharing that news.” Astarion joked as he got dressed and playfully smacked Tav’s ass. Once the pair were dressed, Tav held Astarion’s hand and left the room with him in tow. In the companion room, they gathered Gale and Halsin and filled them in on the details about what was going on, rather than letting them piece together the details on their own. Gale seemed shocked a mother could act like that, but Astarion was quick to remind Gale that not everyone had the kind of relationship that Gale had with his mother. Meanwhile, Tav was detailing to Halsin what little they knew about Silwen’s heart condition.

“Do you think you could help her?”

“Possibly, I’d have to examine her first. Bring her to me the next time you see her, and I’ll see what I can do.” Halsin gave a warm smile and patted Tav on the back.

“Should we tell them?” Tav asked Astarion regarding their news. He smirked and nodded.

“After you, my sweet.”

Tav looked at her two friends and excitedly announced, “I’m engaged! We’re due to wed tomorrow! I’d like to celebrate with my friends, but I know that may be difficult. Karlach is with Wyll in Avernus, Lae’zel is still fighting against Vlaakith, and I believe Jaheira and Minsc are on a mission for the Duke.”

“Don’t forget that Shadowheart is off purging a Sharran Sanctuary.” Astarion interrupted to remind his beloved about Shadowheart’s predicament in Neverwinter.

“Now, who else does that leave me with?”

Halsin laughed deeply and replied, “With us three.”

“I guess it is up to us to celebrate enough for everyone else who will not be in attendance,” Gale concluded. Tav just smiled. She was happy she would have some friends to be around and celebrate her marriage to the man she loved dearly. She leaned up and kissed Astarion’s cheek, who did not shy away from public displays of affection.

“Now, if I remember correctly, I asked that she be put on bed rest,” Halsin gently reminded the couple.

Astarion smiled and picked up Tav who yelped in surprise.

“You heard the druid. I guess I gotta come up with ways to keep you in bed.” Astarion whispered and made Tav blush.

“Oak Father, preserve me,” Tav whispered back as a joke and giggled at her humor.

Astarion brought Tav back to their room and was about to lock the door after putting her back into bed when a knock came at the door.

It was Silwen and Folas.

Astarion took a breath to steady himself and he greeted his parents with an obvious mask. The mask was obvious because he dared not try to hide it. He was upset over his mother’s actions still, even if he had given her another chance.

“Hello, son. We heard the news.” Silwen commented, as Folas looked upset.

“News?” Astarion moved aside so they could see Tav sitting up in bed, still wearing her under-armor clothes she had on before when she went to speak to Halsin and Gale.

“A young wizard told us that your lover had woken up.”

Astarion shook his head and Tav giggled. This seemed to agitate the older elven man, but Astarion refused to let his agitation be a problem for him. Whatever it was, was Folas’s problem now.

“She isn’t my lover... well... not just my lover. Not anymore.”

“What do you mean?” Silwen asked curiously.

“We mean, that this time tomorrow, she will be my wife.” Astarion crossed his arms and warily watched Folas. When the news broke, Silwen had a look of surprise but not Folas.

Folas looked incensed.

“You stupid, stupid fool! Do you have any idea how much we sacrificed, for you to throw it all away and marry a common human?”

“Folas!” Silwen intervened. “That isn’t appropriate. Can’t you see they love each other?”

“A man can love a dog; that doesn’t mean you marry it,” Folas snapped, and Astarion had heard enough.

“Get the fuck out and never come back!” Astarion glanced back at his soon-to-be wife and saw the look on her face, and it broke his heart. “She may be a human, but she is better than any elf! She is the Hero of Baldur’s Gate, and she saved this city and you all from the Absolute. You should be grateful to her, but instead, you think you’re superior because your ears have a point? Ha!” Astarion pointed at the door and then at Folas. “You will leave and forget you ever had a son. I see why I turned out to be a prick when I was alive.”

“Why you! I’ll summon the guard you pompous little…”

“Do that, and I will cleave your head from your shoulders.” Gale, of all companions, had overheard the commotion and came to investigate. When he saw an angry yet tearful Tav on the bed and a pissed off vampire, he had thought enough was enough.

"What are you going to do, wizard? You’re human too! You can’t…”

“I know a great many things. Like for example, I have you held in position with a Hold Person spell. I also know Power, Word Kill, and Dominate. Do not tempt a wizard, my friend, or you will lose every time, and I am very pissed. Astarion and I may butt heads once in a while, but we agree on one thing, her.”

“I don’t agree with him, Astarion,” Silwen pleaded. “Please don’t lump me in with him!”

“He is an Ancunin and will behave like one,” Folas seethed, venom dripping off his tongue over the race of Astarion’s betrothed.

“I guess we’re starting new traditions, my love, because I want nothing to do with him.” Astarion kissed Tav’s hand and pulled out his daggers. “You’re too dangerous to leave alive.” Astarion went to stalk the man, who was frozen in place, but Silwen dropped to her knees in front of him and pleaded.

“Please don’t kill him. He is a fool, and I want nothing to do with him, but please don’t…” Silwen began to sob and Tav pulled on Astarion’s wrist. When he looked back at her, she shook her head no and murmured low, but loud enough, all in the room could hear.

“One word from us to Duke Ravengard and he would be hunted. Let’s just leave him be, and if he causes trouble, then we strike, but for now, I’d appreciate not having to get more blood off our clothing.”

Gale nodded and put his hands down as he was maintaining the spell and Folas looked around the room and shuddered. Astarion bared his fangs, Gale had his prowess, and Tav had her hand near her blade against the side of the bed. All these people were formidable on their own but together? Folas didn’t have a chance.

“Tsk, fine. Come on, Silwen”

“No.”

“Excuse me? First the whelp and now you?” Folas stared into Silwen and held his angry stare. “We have no son. Let’s go.”

“I refuse! Just because you lost our son doesn’t mean I have to! You stick to such antiquated thinking and think I will follow you? I made a mistake when I first showed up for the same reason, but this girl is part of our family now, whether you like it or not. She will be an Ancunin, and I want to live long enough to see my grandchild!”

Astarion held Tav’s hand but said nothing as he watched Folas throw up his hands and leave them alone.

“That is assuming you will let me stay in your life.” Silwen looked at Astarion, asking for his mercy. Astarion turned to look at Tav, but she gave him a supporting smile before speaking.

“It’s your decision, honey. I support you no matter what you choose, though.”

Astarion thought for a moment, then two, and finally spoke up.

“I’ll give you one chance but know this. I will not accept any disrespect to my future wife, and you will not be present for our wedding. No one will. It will be intimate and between the two of us. You may join our celebration after but that is all. I don’t give out chances. This is Tavaria’s influence.” Astarion crossed his arms and leaned against the headrest of the bed. Tav was next to him as usual, her place forever by his side.

“Thank you!” Silwen stood up from her place at Astarion’s feet, where she groveled and thanked him for not judging her based on her husband’s viewpoint. Before Silwen left for the evening, Gale gave her a sending stone so she would know when the celebration was. Astarion and Tav wished Gale their thanks and finally kicked everyone else out of their room.

Finally, when the door was locked, Tav allowed her mask to slip, and she began to cry. This was overwhelming, and a lot had gone on, but Astarion and Gale had stood up for her. She felt the pain Astarion was going through, and she desperately tried to pull herself together, but it was difficult.

“Shh, it’s okay, my love. I’m here for you.”

“But I should be here for you!”

“Tav, you’ve been strong for so long. It’s okay to need help right now.” Astarion held Tav in a tight hug until her sobs became whimpers, and soon, her whimpers calmed down into sniffles. She kept on holding him in their embrace as he needed the support as well.

The couple got a bath and retired to bed, looking forward to finally being bound to each other, officially, the next day. Astarion was happy that there was no ceremony and that it would be a simple visit, but that didn’t mean that it wasn’t important to him.

Astarion was jittery with excitement.

Tomorrow, he’d have a wife.

[bloodyarn]

𝙱𝚊𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚎'𝚜 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚘 𝚁𝚎𝚌𝚛𝚞𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙽𝚎𝚠 𝙲𝚘𝚖𝚙𝚊𝚗𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜

Astarion:

❝ Astarion reminds me of a kitten we had in my childhood. Instead of backing off when scared, he would hiss  &  fight back, no matter how much taller his opponent was. He died after getting in trouble with a stray dog. We . . . got a new one a few weeks later. ❞

Shadowheart:

❝ What a pretty lady. And very mysterious, too   !   I can't help but compare her to a warrior princess. The ones in the fairy tales, you know   ? ❞

Gale:

❝ Oh, he sounds very smart. We can use smart, can't we   ?   My auntie lives in Waterdeep, I think. She is very clever too. Always found a way to not show up at family gatherings. ❞

Lae'Zel:

❝ Lae'Zel is so scary . . . Suppose we can be glad she is on our side. No doubt she would make 'quick amends' with us otherwise. At least me. Hooray . . . ? ❞

Wyll:

❝ So, we're travelling with the famed 'Blade of Frontiers'. I feel safer already   ! ❞

Karlach:

❝ Wow, my mother would hate her. I wonder if there are any clothes she would not incinerate after trying them on. ❞

Halsin:

❝ I was always very scared of bears. What was the saying again . . . If it's brown, lay down   ?   Ah, whatever. Halsin looks like a nice bear. Not bear, he is a druid. Sorry. But a good druid   !   I approve. ❞

Minthara:

❝ Well, at least Minthara appears like she knows what she is doing. The whole leader-type sure is something commendable. Maybe we can get her to drop the whole killing-stuff-attitude one day . . . ❞

Minsc:

❝ I feel like Minsc will be a phenomenal addition to our group. He looks strong  &  trustworthy. His hamster's name is Boo  !  Boo   ! !   I should definitely go over  &  ask if I can see the little guy again.❞

Jaheira:

❝ Jaheira, hm   ?   If she treats us like the Harpers, I feel like we will find a great friend in her, honestly. ❞

[sorcerous-caress]

Hi!

Loved your last response, especially the Gale one made me think again.

So instead of dark and twisty, I have had this perhaps even a bit silly fluffy one stuck in my head.

Tav has a bit of me, myself and I day exploring nature and finds a litter of young dogs maybe few months old, hitting that teenage stage so its a bit of a happy chaotic sitaution.

Upon returning to an empty camp, Tav decided to make as much as possible gourmet dinner for all the pups she has adopted now and ofcourse scratch.

How would the companions react to the sight of Tav sitting on the ground having dinner with them and telling stories (has animal speech but not a druid)

Shadowheart / Minthara / Jaheira / Minsc

- undecided Anon

Shadowheart would only look from the distance, amused a bit at the this display of pure goodness amongst their daily life of bloodshed.

The puppies look adorable, cuddling to each other and to Tav for warmth as they messly finish their bowls of food. Your ever gentle voice reassuring them that there is still more food and they can slow down.

She almost wants to join this feather soft paradise of happiness, but she feels too impure herself to be allowed this joy. As if the puppies might run away at the sight of her. The picture she sees of you amongst the puppies looks perfect, she doesn't want to ruin it with her presence and tarnish its purity.

Minthara stands around the edges of your circle of adopted puppies. Eyeing them with a cold look as she appeases their worth and your fast attachment to them.

Would tell you it's a good idea to bring potential hunting dogs back to camp, she herself is also big on pets. Her spiders helped discipline and stir fear in the heart of many that dares to question her before.

One puppy is brave enough to approach her, not shying away from her ice cold stare as he sniffs her boot then gives it an experimental lick. Minthara nods in approval at his bravery.

She tells you to pay speical attention to that one, his fearlessness should be rewarded with a bigger portion of meat.

The fact you talk to them is very normal to her, at this point she could probably communicate fluidly with any spider without having to cast animal speech. Just make sure to reminder them that you are the one in charge and raise them to be obedient.

Jaheira hides how delighted she is, trying to frown her way out of the excitement that flashes across her face for a split second.

She beelines to your spot immediately upon her arrival, very clearly interested in the puppies. And they adore her, it takes a couple sniffs for them to recognise the scent of a druid and immediately dogpile her.

Honestly at that moment, as she is buried under so many fluffy dogs with wagging tails, she thinks she'd die happily.

But she sternly orders them to behave, they ignore it and keep licking her face. Forcing her frown away as her guards drops more and more.

Minsc he is completely overjoyed and delighted when he sees you've made a lot of new friends, maybe even your very own gaggle of oversized Boos.

Sits down next to you and pets the puppies, they climb him like Boo does and pile into his lap. He is impressed by the fact you can also speak with animals like him despite not being a druid.

He shows you some tricks he has learned about handling puppies, even helps you pick names for them.

He doesn't exclude Scratch either, he is still a puppy in Minsc's eyes and he gets as many pets and treats as all the other puppies. Scratch gets spoiled that night.

[verawhisk]

i dont know dick or shit about dnd or baldur's gate but i looooove how much minsc's line "in my homeland we hid young wizard boys away so mystra wouldn’t take them” reveals so much about the gender roles in certain civilizations… like imagine a culture in which girls are bred to be rulers and leaders but the boys are forced to practice in silence and secrecy because of this predatory goddess… if gale grew up in that sort of climate it would totally explain why hes like that. he's super clingy and emotionally attached after knowing you for like a second and how can you blame him when he's been essentially trapped in a tower his whole life (a la rapunzel) and you're this daring dashing leader gently guiding him towards his destiny (a la flynn rider) -- ESPECIALLY if you're a female tav because for all he knows WOMEN are the rulers and leaders of this world. of course he thinks you're the sun and the moon and the stars. he barely has the faintest concept of male supremacy and sees himself as like this plaything at your disposal but sees you as a being with greater purpose and meaning in this world. he also has this yearning to be equal to mystra much like a woman yearns to be equal to a man… IT'S SO…. RRGJUHRGGHFJGFGFGH!!!!!!! GALE!!!!! I LOVE YOU POOKIE BEAR!!!!!!!

gale is once again reminding me that my favourite character trope/trait/characteristic is just "man experiences misogyny" LIKE THAT'S MY FAVOURITE OF ALL TIME SERIOUSLY LMFAO. a male character being systemically feminized and oppressed really makes him ten times more interesting to me. AND I MIGHT BE VERY VERY DELULU HERE but i think it informs even the little things about his character in the game… like how he's always the one in camp cooking meals and wearing the most modest pjs and sporting multiple brands of his goddess all over his body with his earring, tattoo, even the vaguely spiderish vein below his eye that looks like it might be attached to his tattoo acts as an indrect brand of mystra… OOH OOH and the way he always introduces himself as "gale of waterdeep" instead of "gale dekarios", the same way a woman takes her husband's last name and abandons her maiden name -- as if he sees himself as more valuable when associated with his home and not standing by himself…. definitely not by choice mind you but because it's just an innate belief drilled into his head from childhood… LOL IM SERIOUSLY FUCKING DELULU HERE but idk idk i just love this weird trope of male-misogyny that i just absolutely eat up and see in everything i play/watch because i'm insane. idk. gale is just so girl-coded, like he's such a girl to me. only the girlies understand him fr. like almost every man and about half of the women i've seen talk about the game HATE gale but you know what? the REAL ones will get him. TRUST.

[blackjackkent]

Reading over my Cazador showdown liveblog from the other night, @springagainafter reminded me that even though I wrote a bunch about Jaheira's viewpoint on the situation -- even though I mentioned Hexxat at one point a bit back -- I somehow completely forgot to mention the BG2 crew's ACTUAL most important encounter with a vampire. Just forgot one of the big bads of the game, that's all, no biggie.

This seemed like a grievous oversight given how much I like writing these throwback references for Jaheira and Minsc, so...

-----

"Jaheira!" Minsc looks up with evident delight as he sees her wandering back wearily towards her tent. "You are back! And not food for a vampire's gullet!" He hesitates in the process of bounding over towards her, registering her injured state. "Though with so much blood outside and not in, that Minsc wonders if they did take a bite indeed."

Jaheira smiles slightly, letting herself fall in a heavy heap in the tent's entrance. She does indeed look a mess, battered and bloodsoaked after the showdown with Cazador. "I am all right, Minsc," she says quietly. "We live, and Astarion's master does not."

"Good! Good!" Minsc says brightly. He is jovial as always - and yet there is a tension slowly bleeding out of him that seems to have been long-held.

Jaheira looks up at him curiously, a slight smile tugging her lips. "Were you worried for me, Minsc?"

Minsc crosses his arms firmly across his chest. "Minsc would no more doubt his friend Jaheira in battle than he would doubt the sun to rise!" he says indignantly. A slight pause, and then he adds more quietly, "But Minsc also remembers what happened to Aerie…"

Jaheira's smile fades. Ah. Of course…

She too has not forgotten their showdown with Bodhi in the catacombs of Athkatla. How that vampire queen snatched Aerie from among them, stealing away all the earnest kindness of the young elf and turning her into a mindless thrall meant for servitude. How Aerie died in that room and very nearly could not be brought back.

She remembers Caden's scream of despair, the first sound of true emotion that had come from his soulless body in days. And she remembers Minsc, almost catatonically still with grief at the loss of his second witch, all his usual energy lost in a deathly silence.

Her voice softens. "I am neither thrall nor corpse, as you can see, Minsc," she says gently. "And Bodhi and Cazador both lie dead within the tombs of their own making."

"Good," Minsc says, and his voice is quiet but hums with unspoken emotion. "Had Cazador done to Jaheira as Bodhi did to Aerie, Minsc would not have rested until a bloody hole was torn through Baldur's Gate at the point where the beast slept his coffin-sleep."

He hesitates, tilts his head questioningly. "And our friend Astarion-- he is free, yes?"

"In a sense," Jaheira says thoughtfully. "In another, he is more trapped than ever. He handled himself with bravery, spawn though he is. We should all hope for such courage in our own hour of trial."

Minsc grunts. "It is not easy to have pride in a vampire," he mutters. "Astarion is Minsc's friend, because he is Jaheira's friend and Hector's friend… but Minsc has watched him in his nighttime prowls and wondered…"

Jaheira shakes her head slightly. "I think him fully capable of having become a monster tonight, but he did not. I will grant him due credit for that, and I suggest you do the same."

Minsc nods slowly. "Then I shall celebrate his victory with both fists held high," he says earnestly. "And I will fetch you a potion and some bandages to ease your wounds."

"You need not trouble yourself, Minsc. I only need rest--"

She is cut off by a sharp squeak from Boo on Minsc's shoulder, and Minsc laughs softly. "Boo speaks wisely and you would do well to listen!" he says brightly. "Rest is well and good, but you shall have Minsc's help and rest, which is better!"

[ryttu3k]

astarion: lasombra

gale: tremere

halsin: gangrel, of course

jaheira: brujah

karlach: brujah who had an unfortunate incident with a tzimisce

mizora: the tzimisce in question

lae’zel: banu haqim (“assamite is our word, ishtik”)

minthara: ravnos

minsc: malkavian

shadowheart: setite as dark justicar, salubri as cleric of selûne

wyll: toreador

durge: malkavian

gortash: ventrue

orin: tzimisce

ketheric: setite

sceleritas fel: frequently mistaken for nosferatu but no. he’s just a very small gargoyle

cazador: baali of lasombra descent

mystra: you probably expect me to say tremere but she actually gives me strong tzimisce vibes from her ascension to godhood to her sadistic nature to how the weave reminds me more of koldunism than thaumaturgy

Oh, I had a few of those! Lasombra!Astarion, Tremere!Gale, Gangrel!Halsin, Brujah!Karlach, and yeah, infernalist-flavoured Lasombra!Cazador.

For Jaheira, Lae'zel, Minsc, Shadowheart, and Wyll, already mentioned my thoughts on them, although I do really like Banu Haqim for Lae'zel too!

Minthara, tragically, I don't know well enough yet. Durge... yeah, Malkavian, or just someone with a tenuous grasp of control on their Beast. Gortash as Ventrue is pretty perfect, although I could also see Tremere? Orin, definitely Tzimisce, yeah. Ketheric... I had Isobel as Tzimisce from a Revenant family, and Ketheric is both her father and sire, so he'd be Tzimisce too. Probably much more Old-Clan, compared to Orin and her meat crimes - another point of difference there.

Sceleritas is definitely a bitty Gargoyle. And Mystra I had as Tremere as well, and Gale's sire. Definitely found him as a baby mage and groomed him for the Embrace. It does have Koldunic overtones, but I just... see the whole Mother of Magic thing fits in better with Tremere. Maybe she's from a Revenant family too, so she's picked up a Tzimisce 'flavour'? Or she's one of the originals (replacing Meerlinda, maybe) and the ritual used Tzimisce blood, and she just developed more latent traits?

[optiwashere]

How do you rank the companions? Favourite to least favourite?

This question is the worst. How do I even answer this? I love all the companions, and that's not a joke, so this is just unfair lmao.

Uh.

Shadowheart - She's babygirl, she's cutthroat, she's trauma, she's tragedy, she's anger, she's bitterness, she's softness, she's warmth, she's a scared little girl, she's a proud and powerful cleric; she's my everything in this fandom. I literally bought BG3 at launch without even thinking about companions or romance or anything like that, and I didn't even really like her that much when she first joined. Not because of the weird shit about her being "mean" (lol) but because she just seemed like a generic Evil Cleric archetype at first blush. As a writer, her dialogue caught my ear every time she spoke. Everything she said was laced with this... obliviousness to her own situation, her own approval/feelings, that I knew it had to be either intentional or tremendously awful writing. Regardless of which path you take her story, even if I prefer the "good" path, she is just full of details to explore and dissect.

Minthara, Karlach - I love Minthara to the point where the Minthara fuckers are genuinely worse off that Shadowheart even exists lmfao. Karlach is the kinda character that other fandoms would be fucking lucky to have; she's blunt, she's funny, she's crass, she's tough as hell, and she's seven feet tall.

Wyll, Lae'zel - Wyll is a phenomenal romantic, suave, funny, tragic character hiding under a lack of content (including the ability to make his own decisions/take control of dialogue situations like the other origin companions) and I love Lae'zel because she's the intelligent warrior trope that rarely is given to a woman. Even if she is indoctrinated. Also, I adore her hair so much it's unreal.

Gale - I actually love Gale in the playthroughs where I take him along. I understand a lot of people had issues with him coming onto them in unexpected ways, but I personally didn't so he was always a very solid bro. His stargazing scene is actually something that I wish a lot of characters had. The fact that you can share that with him platonically is so very sweet.

Astarion - His story in the game, while not as connected to the main plot as pretty much everyone else, was really touching the first time I played through it. He's enjoyable to have in a party, he has good banter, his quest is great... I'm just not that interested in exploring him beyond that, I guess?

Jaheira, Minsc - The only reason they're this low is because you get them so late. They have tons of great additions and dialogue, and the VAs did a perfectly good job of emulating the characters. I have always loved these two characters throughout BG1 and 2, and having them there in 3 was actually amazing. Jaheira dropping a, "Nature's servant awaits?" Yeah, that hit me in the nostalgia. Minsc and Boo just... in general? Same.

Halsin - I'm trying my best not to fall into the same trap that people who dislike Gale fell into when the game first came out. However, he really would not take "no" for an answer in my first playthrough, and combined with his "I believe in all love" polyamory, he reminded me so much of the worst strain of men in my actual life that it's a genuine struggle to separate those things. I'm working on this every day lmao.