#i adore the avernus ending with karlach - but she is going to avernus *for* karlach

[trappedinafantasy37]

One of the things that had my mind spinning for a while is that in the Shadowheart origin, if you reject Shar, Minthara will apologize. She will believe that she and the rest of the companions held Shadowheart back from achieving her destiny. She blames herself for Shadowheart making a choice completely on her own, thinking that Shadowheart's concern for herself and others held her back. Minthara feels it to be her fault that Shadowheart is not as powerful as she could be and she is to blame for Shadowheart walking away from her destiny. Minthara sees herself as having failed for Shadowheart making the choice that she did.

I know it is cut content and cannot really be considered canon, but she does something similar in the breakup. Where she's yelling at Durge and asking why they rejected Bhaal. And Durge can tell her it's cause they love her. When the breakup was slipped in, I was initially so angry because Minthara calls Durge stupid for choosing love over power (when Minthara herself chooses love over power). Especially since the breakup happens like 10 minutes after the alurlssrin confession where she says the two of you have an unbreakable bond. I used to be so confused on why she would be so upset that you actually loved her. Then I realized that she's not upset that you love her. She's upset cause she fears that your love for her held you back.

Even though she sees you as her equal, she keeps putting herself as less than you. Where your wants and desires are more important than her own, and your greatness should be put above any affection you have for her. She wants you to love her of course, but she does not want to be what holds you back from reaching for power. To Minthara, power is safety and she has never felt safe. She wants you to keep elevating yourself cause the stronger you are, the safer you will be and by extension, the safer she will be. So you picking her over power means you are less safe and by consequence, she is less safe. And as much as Minthara loves loves, she needs to be safe first. It's why it seems like she keeps making the same dumb mistakes over and over, getting herself into precarious situations. It isn't because she's necessarily blinded by love, but she feels her proximity to power should keep her safe.

I also had a discussion with someone on Reddit, talking where it almost seems like Minthara keeps putting herself in positions of servitude, despite having some pretty ambitious goals involving world domination. We are talking about someone who has been a servant of Lolth her entire life. She tells us she was raised to be a soldier in Lolth's army and that was all she was meant to be. For 200+ years she was a servant and has never been anything else and doesn't know how to be anything else, and I believe she is too afraid to try to be anything else.

As a paladin, she was responsible for keeping social order, follow the word of whatever Priestess was in charge and enacting Lolth's will, partake in surface raids, and kill any of Lolth's enemies. There was very little room for her to achieve what she wanted, because Lolth had to come first. And even if there were things she wanted for herself, they still ultimately had to please Lolth in the end. Her time in the Absolute is no different. She just swaps the Absolute for Lolth and keeps up with the same shit (although she is too brainwashed to tell). So of course she is stunned when Lolth abandons her and the Absolute attempts to kill her and throws her deep into a crisis of faith. 200+ years of service has always bought her safety, until it didn't. So when you come along, she just swaps you for the Absolute. Telling herself, "I just need to be better than I was for the Absolute, better than I was for Lolth, and I should be okay." And her little rant about the gods, Lolth, Bhaal, the Absolute. Minthara is not anti-god. Minthara is anti-gods who do not reward their followers for their service. Because to her, service should be rewarded with something (other than death). She plays both sides when it comes to Shar because although she does think Shar is a poison in Shadowheart's life and believes Shadowheart is better off without Shar, at least Shar did reward Shadowheart for her service by making her a Dark Justiciar and elevating her to Chosen.

You would think she'd learn, but she doesn't. Not because she's stupid, but because her basic need for safety isn't being met. And so be fair, her "mistakes" with Lolth and the Absolute were relatively recent. So she keeps pushing people down the path of ruin and never going down the path herself directly, thinking that if she helps you become powerful, she will be safe. Where if she stands beside as you walk down this path, you will reward her for her service. Where she does not believe you would betray her because she helped you get that power. Where she thinks her service to you should buy her safety. Because to her, the most important thing she can be to you is useful. And she is terrified of being useless. So she provides you with unbreakable loyalty, devotion, and servitude, (and perhaps love). Where she will help you achieve your ambitions, whether it be to become a Dark Justiciar, the Vampire Ascended, the Slayer, or a god. Her path to safety, and greatness, and true power is forever lost to her down in the Underdark. So all she can do is help you walk down yours.

She keeps doing the same stupid shit over and over, making the same mistakes with people over and over, cause her fundamental need to safety is never being satisfied. And her service to various gods and entities technically did buy her safety, but only for an unknown period of time. And when she loses that safety, she thinks that the problem is her. That she was punished because she was not a good enough servant. That if she was a truly good servant, she won't lose your safety and your protection. And she thinks love interferes with your perception of her as a servant. She wants you to see her as a loyal servant first, lover second, because the only things in her life to be truly rewarded was her service, whereas her love got punished.

[hellspawn-enjoyer]

Another thing I need to rant about because I find it incredibly adorable is how these dorks have the nerve to have elements of a reincarnation romance in their romance together.  

What do I mean by this?

I mean having dialogue that lampshades that one feels like they’ve met before and the other feels like they’ll meet again. Karlach’s dialogue in her date night romance scene you get in Act 3. You and each companion get a different special response to asking her if being mysterious suits you.

This is her response for Astarion-

Karlach mentions feeling like there's something familiar about Astarion. The second picture is a common dialogue other characters can get, but it does add various meanings to her line specific to Astarion. Overall adding to their special connection and how they just sort of click when they first meet each other.

Feeling something familiar between them also plays nicely into them having similar woven parts in their unfortunate traumatic history. As well as them being a sort of mirror to each other. One that shows what they could've been, but also what they can still become since they can either improve or descend into becoming worse versions of themselves down the road.

This dialogue on its own is cute because of the fact it shows that she feels connected and understood by Astarion to the point that she feels they’ve been together for longer even though their time together at present is so short.

So the fact that Astarion has a similar feeling, but with her death makes it all the more gut-wrenching.

When Astarion tries to convince Karlach to go with him to Avernus to look for a way to fix her engine, if she declines Astarion will tearfully accept her decision but remain hopeful that somehow their paths will cross again. Basically, saying that maybe her death isn’t the end of their love, but instead the beginning.

So now we're getting into the whole Reincarnated/We’ll meet in another life romance trope. Obviously, you can roleplay this with any romance, but it just makes me particularly insane that it’s hinted a few times as a theme in their romance with special dialogue between the two of them. That they have a connection so deep to each other that they can feel it from another life.

Now, of course, I've got to talk about Ascended Astarion's dialogue if Karlach declines his offer to go with him to Avernus because it's interesting in it's own way as well. He essentially says the same thing to Karlach, but the way he says it comes across as being more confident that they'll meet again.

This, of course, can be read similarly with him planning to find her reincarnation and romancing her again or as Astarion willing to do some questionable things in order for them to be reunited with each other. You can see this as sweet, concerning, or both. All valid takeaways from this scene. Either way, he holds on to the feeling that their romance has only just begun and that they have something more awaiting them in the future.

Karlach's origin epilogue if she chooses to die on the docks also adds to this with Withers coming to her and saying that her death isn't the end of her story.

So even if you play their romance in a way that ends with her choosing to go out on her own terms their dialogue and this ending scene connects in a way that reinforces that they'll have a chance to meet again someday. Also implying that they're a fated pair, soulmates, romantic or platonic that have met before and will meet again, that just gets to me.

Overall another reason why I'll never be normal about these two and their relationship with each other! 😭

[moonselune]

idk how you feel about "fix it" endings, but do you have any headcanons for karlach's engine getting fixed before having to go back to avernus and getting that happily ever after with her s/o?

i personally adore fix it endings, if my fiery sweetling karlach doesn't have to suffer then i am all here for it

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Karlach x Reader | The World Is Ours

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

It had taken blood, sweat, and every favor you could call in across the Sword Coast, but finally—finally—you’d done it. Karlach’s infernal engine, that hellish machinery that had cursed her to a life of torment and threatened to drag her back to Avernus, had been fixed. Her heart was at peace, no longer running on a devil’s borrowed power, no longer burning her from the inside out.

As she ran her hands over her chest, where the engine once roared and burned, the pure shock and disbelief in her face made your heart swell. Her hands trembled, her breath catching as she looked up at you with eyes glistening in the dim evening light.

“Wait—really?” she asked, her voice almost a whisper, like she couldn’t trust herself to believe it just yet.

You took her hands and nodded. “It’s real. It’s done, Karlach. You’re free.”

The joy that bloomed on her face was nothing short of breathtaking. She pulled you into a bear hug that nearly lifted you off the ground, her laugh echoing through the streets, full and rich and full of life. And in that moment, all you could think was that this was exactly what she deserved. Karlach, unburdened, free of the ever-present fear of being dragged back to hell, laughing and unbound.

“Well,” she said, beaming and breathless as she finally released you, “I don’t know about you, but I think this calls for a celebration!”

And celebrate you did. The tavern was alive with the sounds of laughter, cheers, and music as you ordered round after round of drinks. You’d never seen Karlach so carefree, so completely in her element. She slapped you on the back, clinked her mug with yours, and, for the first time in a long time, laughed without restraint. The sound was infectious, filling the room with a warmth that rivaled the fire of her heart.

The two of you were soon roped into a rowdy drinking game with a few of the locals. Karlach, competitive as ever, knocked back pint after pint with ease, each drink met with a triumphant laugh as she challenged the burly blacksmith beside her. You did your best to keep up, but you were quickly outpaced. Still, her enthusiasm was infectious, and even though you could barely see straight, you couldn’t help but laugh right along with her.

“Think you’ve had enough, fireheart?” you teased, slurring slightly as you lifted your own mug in a mock toast.

Karlach gave you a playful glare, downing another drink with ease. “Never enough! Not after what we’ve been through.”

The hours slipped by in a haze of celebration, the room spinning around you as you danced, sang, and stumbled through the night. Finally, after far too many drinks and even more laughter, the two of you found yourselves outside the tavern, arm in arm, the cool night air sobering you just enough to feel the full weight of everything you’d accomplished.

“You know,” Karlach said, her voice softer now, her eyes locked on the stars above, “I never thought I’d get this far. To be here, free and alive…with you.”

You squeezed her hand, feeling a rush of affection that was nearly overwhelming.

“We did it together,” you replied, your voice just as soft. “And now, there’s nothing holding us back.”

The two of you shared a quiet moment, the city quieting around you, bathed in the glow of lantern light and the faint whispers of distant celebrations. Finally, Karlach broke the silence, grinning as she turned to you with a mischievous glint in her eye.

“So…what’s next?”

“Well,” you replied, a grin spreading across your face, “we could see how many taverns we can visit before anyone notices we’re missing.”

Karlach laughed, pulling you close and kissing you with a fierceness that made your head spin all over again. “Lead the way, my fearless love.”

Over the next few months, you and Karlach carved a life that felt more like a dream than reality. From the soaring peaks of the Spine of the World to the golden sands of Amn, you traveled together, diving headfirst into whatever adventure came your way. Bandits, monsters, hidden treasures—you tackled them all side by side, unafraid and unstoppable. Each night was a celebration of the day you’d survived, a toast to the life you were building together.

With Karlach by your side, every day was vibrant, full of laughter and stories shared under the stars. She threw herself into every experience with the same enthusiasm she had for life itself, always eager to explore new places and meet new people. And, in turn, you found yourself looking at the world with fresh eyes, inspired by her joy and curiosity.

But it wasn’t just the adventures that brought you closer; it was the quiet moments, too. Those stolen evenings by the campfire, where Karlach would lean against you, her head resting on your shoulder, her engine humming softly—a gentle reminder that she was truly, fully alive.

One evening, as you sat together watching the sun dip below the horizon, Karlach took your hand, her fingers warm against yours.

“I used to dream of this,” she murmured, her voice barely more than a whisper. “Of being free, of having a life…a real life, with someone who didn’t just see me as a weapon. And now, here we are.” She looked at you, her eyes glistening with emotion. “Thank you. For giving me this. For being here with me.”

You felt a lump rise in your throat as you squeezed her hand, unable to find the words to fully express everything you felt. So instead, you leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her lips, letting your actions speak for you. In that moment, surrounded by the warmth of her embrace, you knew that this was exactly where you were meant to be.

With each passing day, Karlach’s gratitude became a constant refrain, her whispered “thank yous” filling the quiet spaces between battles and journeys. She’d lean into you, her voice filled with a fierce, unwavering love, a promise wrapped in every word.

And every time, with a smile or a laugh, you’d reply, “I wouldn’t choose any other life but this.”

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

this was so wholesome to write !! I really do adore karlach my beloved and i hope you guys enjoyed it ! - Seluney xox

If you want to support me in other ways | Help keep this moonmaiden caffeinated x

[skoffinid]

my love, mine all mine..

pure tooth rotting fluff yall

The cabin is filled with a comforting smokey scent carried out from the fireplace, logs cracking faintly as sparks snap in the air. "Why are you still awake?" Karlachs distinct voice snaps you from your thoughts, an almost childish pout on her lips as she stares down at you. "Nothing, love. Go back to sleep." You mumble, resting your head atop her chest, her infernal engine clicking quieter than before.

Never did either of you imagine ending up here in life. She, who spent a decade fighting in the hells. A decade of cruelty, without even a sliver of kindness. You, who spent your whole life yearning for an unachievable future now come true. And now, after a tadpole filled adventure and a few extra less than desired months in Avernus, you'd built a life. Together.

"Only if you also go to sleep.." She grumbles, pulling you impossibly closer as her tail coils around your leg. "Feeling extra clingy tonight?" You tease, smiling against her skin. A clawed hand comes up to gently scratching the back of your neck, mindlessly tracing patterns. "Can't I love my amazing, perfect, stunning spouse?" You practically feel her gaze drilling into your skull. "We're not even married?" You hold back a laugh. "We don't need some stupid ring to say we belong to eachother." She huffs.

"I happen to think rings look quite pretty." You grin widely, raising your head to look up at her. "But.. you're prettier." You add in a sing-songy voice, adoring the way her cheeks turn a deeper red at the compliment. "Well, then you're the prettiest!" She challenged with a proud smile. "Awwe, thank you." You say, knowing that if you continued you'd be in a loop all night along. "Now, go to bed." She says in a playfully commanding voice. "Yes, ma'am." You chuckle softly, practically burying your face in the crook of her neck.

"I love you."

"I love you too!" Her response is instant.

[chaoticbardlady99]

She's My Religion (Part 1: She's Cold, She's Dark, She's Cynical) Astarion x F! Reader

   Hello! I have been plagued with an idea! Enjoy! This will probably be a four part story, but I am not sure just yet!

Title from song “She’s My Religion” by Pale Waves

CW: Parental death, grief, murder, domestic violence, mentions of physical abuse, mentions of emotional abuse.

Synopsis- You are a paladin under the Oath of Vengeance. You escaped the noble life that was unwillingly thrust upon you. Now, on your way to kill your evil step-father while trying to find a solution for the parasite in your head- you find out he’s promised your hand in marriage to Lord Cazador Szarr and that he’s taken your mom’s life. Looking for some comfort- you go to Astarion, but you don’t hear the words you were hoping for.

*Gif does not belong to me- could not find original owner

Karlach whoops and cheers as she releases you from a rib crushing hug- Wyll and Gale are grinning from ear to ear. You are all elated for her that Dammon was able to figure out how to cool down her engine- even if temporarily.

  You know that she doesn’t want to hear about the future and the harm not going back to Avernus will cause so you don’t say anything while Wyll tries to lecture her. You are barely listening as the two of them go back and forth, but when Wyll glances back at you with a look that screams, “Can you please help me out over here?”

  You chuckle at your close friend’s distress and shake your head at him. Wyll adores Karlach- you know he would give her his own heart if he could. He just needs to let her come to her own decision- you’d like to think that Karlach might decide to go back until they can come up with a permanent solution. However, at the end of the day, it’s Karlach’s decision. You are just as unhappy with the impending doom your bubbly companion is facing, but that is not your weight to carry.

  “Unfortunately Wyll, I am going to support whatever Karlach wants to do for as long as I can emotionally tolerate it,” you give Karlach a playful punch in the arm, “you’re not allowed to die on me, ya know?”

  Karlach rolls her eyes and smiles- pulling you in for an awkward walking side hug.

 “Don’t worry Soldier- I’m not planning on going anywhere.”

    You all begin to head back to camp from Last Light Inn when Jaheira calls you from afar, waving you over. You look at your companions and they look back at you- equally as confused. You tell them that you will catch up with them in a little bit and they leave you there alone. Cautiously, you walk towards her- she did just threaten to kill you not even 72 hours ago and what an eventful 72 hours it has been. 

  You killed a devil, almost died killing that Devil, found out Astarion’s life is in far more danger than initially thought, watched Astarion convince a weird man to drink himself to death, watched an even weirder man be inhabited by a dead lady, fought shadows, and now, Karlach can hug people. 

  Life could not be any weirder, but you gladly welcome it over the mansion you had been trapped in after your mother married your step-father. The day you escaped from there had been bliss- despite how much you miss your mother. Your mother had been of noble human blood before she met your father (an elf). After one late night tryst and falling pregnant, her title had fallen significantly. She married your father and you had all lived happily together in Baldur’s Gate. You grew up poor, but Duke Ravenguard always tried to make sure you and your family had been taken care of. You grew up with Wyll Ravenguard and you have been tight knit friends almost your whole lives. 

  Until you were 14.

  Count Bridril Von, a high Sorcerer, had not forgotten your mother nor her breaking her promise to marry him by becoming pregnant by another. After your father died, he found your mother and enchanted her to become a mindless puppet. She would break occasionally, but ultimately you were left to fend for yourself against your 9 step-siblings (5 girls, 4 boys) and Bridril Von- who enjoyed taking out all his anger and hatred for your father on you. The only times he would claim you as one of his own would be when you had competed in various competitions and won- outranking his sons. The publicity he got from having a little sharp shooter and for “raising his darling step-daughter after she so horribly lost her hero father” was incredible. You became a show pony- a pretty, malleable little thing that was forced to perform and excel so that she could be treated with basic respect.

 The minute you were able to escape the Mansion from the Hells, you ran to the docks, bought a ticket to Silverymoon, took an Oath of Vengeance, and now you are here with an illithid parasite in your head. At first you had thought you were the unluckiest person in the world when you were kidnapped by a mind flayer, but your companions have quickly made the whole journey worthwhile- Astarion especially.

  You had met him before in your previous life as a troublemaking bastard and you had had conversations before- nothing too crazy nor serious, just quips and flirting back and forth. Astarion had been at the mansion frequently or you at the palace because your oldest step-sister, Daisy Von, is (was?) due to marry Lord Cazador Szarr. It was no secret to anyone, not even Daisy, that Cazador wants to marry you due to your likeness of a long lost love of his, but you are not of royal blood. Cazador would lose his alliance with Bridril if he married his boorish, rebellious, and unwanted step-daughter- despite your many achievements. You were grateful. You didn’t want to marry the man and Daisy was foolishly smitten- she could have him for all you care. That was your mentality before you knew he was a Master Vampire.

  Your family and Astarion’s ‘family’ spent a lot of time together. Astarion had become your escort around the palace grounds because Bridril did not want you to take the spotlight away from Daisy. 

 Originally, it had been Pale Petras, but you had unceremoniously kicked him in the balls after he had said something rather unbecoming towards you and had to be physically dragged away by Leon before he tried to kill you or worse. Astarion had immediately taken a liking to you for that alone. 

  When you had stumbled upon each other at the beach after the Nautiloid crash, it had been a little over two years since you had last seen each other. Without the watchful eyes of Cazador, your friendship and romantic relationship has blossomed. 

   You had been weary at first, worried that he was just getting close to you because he knew how much it would piss off Cazador if Astarion were to be with the one person Cazador could not have. Now, you are about 95 percent sure that isn’t the case, but you remain alert- just in case. 

  You are used to being used for an upperhand in the world and you hope everyday that you are more than an advantage against Cazador to him because he truly means everything to you. 

  Which is maybe why you are quite agitated with Jaheira taking precious minutes away from you that could be spent with your love. You offer her a smile as she holds out a letter.

 “A letter? For me? Oh Jaheira, you shouldn’t have!”

   Jaheira hides her amusement behind a scowl, “it came through here magically. Rolan was able to calm down the little portal it came flying through- I suggest waiting until you reach Baldur’s Gate to be sending and receiving mail.”

   You apologize and walk towards camp, opening and reading the contents in the letter. The letter rips open your entire body and it feels like the ground is going to cave in. You read and reread the letter multiple times- standing between the edge of Last Light Inn and the edge of Camp, not even 5 feet away. 

  Tav,

  My name is Mary, I was your mother’s lady in waiting. You were always so busy that we never got the opportunity to meet. I am sorry to tell you that I only have bad news.

 The Count had received an offer from Lord Cazador Szarr two weeks ago regarding marrying you that he is not going to refuse- initially he was, but then you continued to not come home and he became bitter. 

  Cazador expressed urgency regarding getting you back to Baldur’s Gate. Bridril has hired mercenaries to hunt for you.

  Bridril killed your mother- the whispers in the castle say it was not an easy or quick death. My understanding is that you took an Oath of Vengeance so I hope Bridril is on your list. Your mother was the kindest woman I have ever had the privilege of meeting.

   I know she would want you to know that she loves you, is proud of you, is watching out for you, and knows you are off to do great things. 

  Keep vigilant and may Selune bless your path.

  -Mary

     No. This isn't happening to you. You are only days- maybe even a week or two away from going back home, killing Bridril, and freeing your mother. You were going to be a family again. You wanted to introduce her to your companions and buy a nice little home to live in with her like you used to when you were little. You were going to tell her all about your adventures, your time on the Pirate ship that took you to Silverymoon, your life there as a Paladin, and his whole fucking excursion.

   She’s gone and the wail that threatens to crack open your chest is suffocating. You quickly walk to Astarion’s tent, where you have been sleeping most nights, and he’s not there. Of all the times you really need him to not be doing anything and yet! You shove the letter back in the envelope and absentmindedly throw it to another part of the tent- not looking and not caring. Your grief feels like it may kill you and you just need to be held- to know and feel like you aren’t completely alone in the world right now. 

    After a brief chat with Halsin, you discover Astarion is hanging out with Shadowheart behind her tent. You make haste that way- hoping they won’t be too mad that you are interrupting their wine and gossip time. You had gotten back earlier than anticipated and in other circumstances you might wait until he is done, but you aren’t in your right mind. 

  You approach the tent and hear them talking on the other side, facing the forest, and sitting on a log. The tears begin to manifest in your eyes as relief floods you- you are so close to feeling okay again.

  “How bloody hard is it to nicely, lovingly tell someone that you’ve been deceiving them this whole time?”

  You stop dead in your tracks. 

  No. 

  “Look, there is no good way to say it,” Shadowheart says, “you just need to own up to it and then be honest about all of it.” 

 “Oh yes because ‘I planned on seducing you, sleeping with you, and manipulating you from the start’ is such a great opener,” Astarion scoffs, “there has to be some other way to make it flow with the rest of it. A better way to tell her.”

  “No need,” you speak up miserably, coming around the corner, “you just did. Wasn’t that hard was it?”

  Astarion and Shadowheart look absolutely shell shocked to see you standing there. Astarion looks like he’s about to throw up as he gets up and looks at you softly, a pleading, panicked look in his eyes.

  “Darling!” he says, getting up, laughing nervously“you’re back early. I- can we-”

  “Whatever we are,” you say with a glare, tears now pouring and with as much hatred in your voice as you can muster, “or whatever you were pretending I was to you- it’s over.” 

  Astarion’s entire face falls while he’s staring at you and he looks like he might cry, he opens his mouth, “Darling, pl-”

   Shadowheart looks like she is about to speak up for him too, but you are far too angry, far too hurt- far too lonely right now in the world to let yourself be tricked into staying with him. They are best friends, she’s probably in on it too. 

 “No! I hate you so much!,” the venom in your voice being watered down by your anguish, “I hate you more than I thought I could ever hate anyone- undead, dead, or alive! I trusted you and you used me for your own gain- so unkindly, go fuck yourself!”

   You spin around on your heels, race over to your tent, and tie the flaps tightly shut. You slump to the ground and just sob- grabbing your mother’s old blanket that you had stolen before you left. You scream into it silently and all the pain in your body is threatening to make you burst apart at the seams. You wouldn’t be surprised if you did. 

  In less than an hour you have lost your mother, Astarion, and potentially your freedom. Astarion had used you to get one up on Cazador and he succeeded. Now that he knows what Cazador’s ritual is- he’s decided he’s done with you and every step you make has to be done cautiously because one slip up and you are going to be the consort to a fucking Master Vampire after fighting to avoid this for so long. All because Astarion just had to poke the bear. 

Astarion signed your fate using your blood as ink.

   Your throat is raw and your head is pounding by the time your lungs feel like they know how to properly breathe again. You hear someone knock on one of the wooden beams of your tent and you scoff.

  “It’s just me Tav,” Wyll says softly, “can I come in.”

     You get up and untie the tent flaps numbly. You look at Wyll, eyes puffy and red- your face streaked with tears. As Wyll walks into your tent, you get a glimpse of Astarion looking crestfallen as you invite Wyll in. You just scrunch your nose up in disgust at him before closing your tent. 

    Wyll is sitting down on your bedroll and you sit down right next to him- both of you looking at the ground. Wyll gently puts his hand on top of yours and smiles at you with his signature gentle, I’m here, grin.

 “My mom’s dead, Wyll.”

  “What?” 

 “Bridril killed her. She had snapped out of whatever hold he had on her when he agreed to marry me off to Cazador,” you choke out between sobs, “he killed her for trying to protect me. Now? I am officially going to be married off to a Master Vampire the minute I step foot in Baldur’s Gate if Bridril has his way.”

  “Oh Tav…”

 “And then! To make matters even worse?,” you look at him with disbelief and your voice sounds borderline hysterical now, “I overheard Astarion and Shadowheart prepping his ‘I’ve been using you this whole time and I’m ready to break-up’ speech. He was trying to figure out how to be nice about it.”

  Wyll stares at you with bewilderment. He is absolutely silent as you break down sobbing again, but he pulls you into him and you put your head on his shoulder.

  “I fe-feel so alone,” you manage to say coherently, “and so frightened.” 

  “I know you do my dear friend,” Wyll strokes your hair as make a mess of his shirt, “but you have Karlach, Gale, Lae’zel, Halsin, Scratch, and even an Owlbear Cub for Gods sake!”

  You smile at the emphasis on your rather dangerous furry friend. Wyll had asked what you were going to do with him when you got back to Baldur’s Gate and when you didn’t have a plan- both of you were a little horrified. You both decided to send it to Daisy as an engagement present once it’s big enough to stomp on Cazador and Daisy mid-wedding.

  “And besides,” Wyll says, “you’re my closest friend. I won’t allow you to be alone nor face this alone. I’m probably the best monster hunter you know.”

 “You are also the only monster hunter I know.”

  Wyll rolls his eyes and smiles brightly at you, “That’s besides the point, but I am going to let you sleep. You look like you need it.” 

   Wyll places a soft kiss on your forehead before he leaves your tent.

  “Thank you Wyll.”

    He turns around and smiles, “Any time Tav.”

_________________________________________________

Tag-list: @spacebarbarianweird @domainoflostsouls

[marvelhead17]

Baldur's Gate 3 Dribble

Do any of my mutuals play? This game is absolutely addictive, especially when trying to get certain outcomes. If Marvel had come out with anything similar I would have sold my soul for it probably.

In the last week and a half I've played another 70+ hours so I have 389+ hours and do you know how many playthroughs I've completed? Just the one. Only have 36/54 achievements. Some people have played 1500 hours and said they've discovered new things along the way (whether exaggerating or because they've played since it's earlier phases, it's constantly getting patch updates and new content).

I've got another campaign going that is nearly there, but I've been into character creation again and UGH it's just so fun to do the stuff for the Emerald Grove in Act 1.

But also, there so many companions whether you romance them or not, just to do their quests sometimes. And then you can still get good and bad endings for EACH?

Lae'zel, Shadowheart, Astarion, Gale, Wyll (these first ones are the main ones that you can even play yourself and get g/b endings for), and then Halsin, Jaheira, and Minsc can join you later. I don't know if the last 2 on the list are romanceable, but there are still bad characters you can have that I haven't explored yet.

Gushing about my Tavs below, and possibly spoilers for anyone who hasn't gone beyond Act 1 if you are playing, so just be aware.

In my first playthrough it was Karlach that I romanced, gods what a beautiful Devil. My character is a wood half-elf barbarian named Narriel. And she joined Karlach in Avernus when she had to return, so they look so badass in leather and everything!

Second playthrough, the beefcake and 'my heart' Halsin (no I did not do him in bear form, as tempting as it was, maybe on another run). I stuck with Narriel, (it's my fave name for a fantasy character okay?) as a wood half-elf cleric. This campaign is nearly there and I hate to see it go.

Third playthrough (I tried Astarian with another Tav but lord is that man difficult to please unless you are playing a bad guy) is with Gale. They are a non-binary wizard wood half-elf named Phoenix and they are stunning. I've just arrived in Baldur's Gate and so the final quests begin.

Fourth, I've started a Durge (Dark Urge) Playthrough, a White Dragonborn named Minerva, and it's going good so far for her (I'm not accepting The Urge, because I'm a simp for these characters and they don't like you doing bad shit). I've only completed the Grove so there is much more to go. I'm not quite sure who to romance yet, but I like that idea of Halsin saving her.

Possibly restarting Morgan's story (again, which sucks cause I played nearly 70 hours, realised Astarion was never gonna make a move based on a missing cutscene in Act 1, and now dedicated another 8 hours just to be frustrated) to go for Shadowheart instead, as being a tiefling makes it impossibly difficult for Act 1 to please Astarian without going against your own race, like damn. But also she's not that dark and Shadowheart is so easy to please, in most of my playthroughs she's tried to come on to me in the beginning, so I see how she was the most romanced.

Made a bard named Callon, he is (surprise) a wood half-elf who is starting off with the Lute. Going for Wyll the Blade of Frontiers because I watched Neil Newbon (Astarian's actor) play BG3 and invited the actor to speak about him, and it made me want to try! It's been adorable so far and I'm barely in it yet.

Made a character for fun named Nixie (based off of the All for One DnD YouTube series by Deerstalker Pictures), who is a pink tiefling sorcerer that loves casting firespells and is mischievous. We'll see where she takes us, but without that in mind I've decided to ignore her playthrough so far haha.

That leaves us with Lae'zel who I haven't decided a character for just yet, and Astarion who I need to reconsider for. As well as Minthara? I'm not sure what other companions can be romanced that aren't in the initial party, all I know is Minthara is easy for a Durge playthrough. I also think there was a possibility with Mizora? I don't know.

Send help.

[elijasz]

features I'd like for future bg3 patches:

- manual grouping: [exists!]

sometimes I dont want to move the whole party at once, or split everyone. I would like to have the option to group party members to each other. Like grouping my 2 rogues together because they give each other proximity advantage for sneak attacks, or grouping the melee fighters together, while leading the casters to a save spot where they can attack from above and be save. Something similar is already happening in multiplayer but I would like it for single player aswell (I have been informed this feature already exists and I just didnt know. Very cool)

- scenic spots:

Exactly what it says. I just want spots where I can move the camera more freely and have a good view of something cool or beautiful. It does sound pretty hard to implement though.

- more enemy last words:

I would really like the option to get an additional cutscene or something if I don't kill boss enemies or important npcs in a fight, but instead knock them out in the fight. I was honestly expecting a cutscene after knocking out Gortash or Raphael. Even if it's just them begging for mercy and we have the chance to kill them or to spare them. Banning Raphael from the house of hope and making him aware that you could easily kill him seems more satisfying than just plain killing him and then its over. (Especially because the fight was a bit too easy.) I know this is a lot of effort and the voice actors would have to be up for it aswell so I dont expect much but it would be really cool!

- Zevlor romance.

You heard me.

- illithid memory sharing cutscenes

I'm all for more story cutscenes. We got one for shadowheart and I would absolutely adore seeing other characters backgrounds in visual form. As much as I love the narrators voice I just want to see baby Lae'zel and tiny Wyll. OH young Gale in his mothers kitchen with the bunnies! I have a lot of imagination and visualisation skills, but other people don't and I want them to experience those scenes aswell!

- consequences for using the tadpoles and mindflayer powers

I used the mindflayer tadpole powers ONCE in my entire playthrough. Didn't put any more tadpoles into my head. I was a bit bummed out when I found out there were no consequences for using/not using them. Seems like the final fight should be harder the more tadpoles have made Tav's little pond of a brain their home.

- manual insight and perception checks

This one is not going to happen but I would like to have it anyway. In DnD I'd sometimes ask/get asked "what do I see?/Do I believe them?/Can I use an action to check the room for anything like traps etc before entering?" Some of that is already happening automatically but I would like to have the option to manually trigger it ONCE every scene/location. Not once per character. Just one check, no reroll.

- access companion inventory

this might already be possible but I'd like the option to access the inventory of companions who aren't on my team currently. It would be incredibly helpful for un-/equipping items when a character isnt on your team currently. maybe the solution to this would be items being stored in a chest when the companion isn't in your team. a chest that is bound to their camp, cant be destroyed or moved etc. and once they join your team youll have to reequip them BUT they'll already have all their stuff right there? idk how hard it would be to implement the auto reequip option when you have the companion join your team

- give Karlach a good ending dammit

She deserves to be happy and I know you can go to Avernus with her but you have to leave your love interest behind unless you romances Wyll and that sucks so much ass.

What would you like to see in future patches? What do you think won't ever happen but you'd wish to see anyway?

[shewolfofvilnius]

I have a fic idea for my cambion tav Furiella that still lives rent free in my head and it's kind of terrible and def angsty as the hells but hear me out.

She romanced Wyll (at first it was just to spite Mizora but she was clearly changing as a person, and they both caught real feelings as she helped Wyll get out of his contract)...even got engaged to him. But when the moment of truth arrives on the dock and Wyll wants to go to Avernus with Karlach...Tav develops cold feet, absolutely does not want to go back never ever (even less than Karlach) bc she hates who she was there, then...so Wyll goes with Karlach alone, while Tav makes a new life for herself on the surface. She just can't do it. She loves Karlach like a sister, she adores Wyll with everything halfway decent inside her...but she knows especially once freed of the tadpole, if she goes back to Avernus, it will destroy every good thing about her. And with time and distance, Wyll realizes he was mistaking gratitude, friendship, and a little attraction for love, while Furiella realises that she really needed more than "spiting Mizora" and a single adventure to discover herself and eventually find a more honest and less storybook love. And what does it mean to be mortal anyway. One of her parents was (she could use the guidance rn tbh). Most of the people around her are. People. She's a person. What's that realization like.

Six months later they reunite. (Is Tav with someone new? HOW DOES THAT GO? Does she give back that damned acorn? Is this a timeline where she gets to know, say, Rolan a little better and they wind up adopting?) Does she wind up finding someone new in the intervening months that she's growing sweet on? (perhaps a certain tiefling wizard newly the master of a tower?) Or, removed of both tadpole and friends, does she run the risk of regressing to her old ways and becoming that child of the hells once more anyway (the very fate she was so afraid of with Wyll and Karlach) Inspired by: I played through several endings with her trying to find which one felt right, and as fun as "all three of them go on a rampage through the hells" is, and as precious as "Wyll becomes Grand Duke and they adopt a daughter" mostly is...there's something about "she's just not self-sacrificing enough to go back there. Not yet, anyway." that just feels...true.

[ryttu3k]

BECAUSE I AM DUMB (and it is almost 2am) I sent you an astarion ask for the ship ask, but my brain meant wyllstarion! (apparently my brain decided that astarion is intrinsically connected to wyllstarion)

Haha, all good! <3

[ship meme]

Ship It

1. What made you ship it?

lmao it was a post about that clip saying that Astarion used to dream of marrying a man like Wyll. Just the thought of Astarion feeling like he's too old and jaded and cynical for this very pure romance, but Wyll still being young and idealistic and intensely romantic and, you know what, he's going to woo the heck out of this mysterious and charming elf he's crushing on.

2. What are your favorite things about the ship?

Okay so. I have a List.

They bring out the best in each other. Wyll encourages Astarion, by his actions, to help people, to do good, to be heroic. Wyll so wholeheartedly believes in being a hero that it just... starts rubbing off on Astarion too. Conversely, Wyll can be selfless to a fault, and Astarion can sort of reel him back a bit, get him to think about himself and his own needs. I absolutely believe that left on his own, Wyll would agree to Mizora's deal and sacrifice his own freedom for his father, and Astarion is probably the one best positioned to get Wyll to think about his own future and reject the pact.

The contrasts and parallels in their story. The obvious contrast, monster vs monster hunter, starting out (more or less) chaotic evil vs lawful good, but eventually meeting somewhere in the middle (see: above point about bringing out the best in each other). And then the parallels - both of them are heavily under the influence of someone else, seemingly abandoned by the gods and any other important support structures (Astarion being cut off by Cazador from any kind of support, Wyll being disowned by Ulder who I still haven't forgiven, he was seventeen years old!!), and their main narrative arc is about breaking free from their respective tormentors, and working out who they can be as their own free people. Why not do that together?

The romance is so healing for Astarion. More one-sided here, in that it's more of a benefit for Astarion than it is for Wyll, but a slow courtship is exactly what Astarion needs, with this foundation of trust building, knowing that Wyll cares about him for more than just what he can do in bed.

The mutual attraction. They're so down bad for each other. Using your own post here, Astarion critically fails a charisma roll and Wyll is just. Lucky for you I'm into that shit.

The hands the hands. The hands!

3. Is there an unpopular opinion you have on your ship?

Honestly, I think they genuinely do work best as a poly ship (or like, a QPP thing) with Karlach. I love all three relationships individually, but I also love them together (there's a lovely post on their dynamic as a trio here, looking at them platonically, but it still holds out for a romance). Wyll and Karlach's storylines are intrinsically bound together, and indeed the only way for Karlach to have a happy ending at this point is with Wyll and/or a love interest accompanying her back to Avernus. I... can't really see Wyll being able to brush off not helping Karlach, leading to her death; I think if she does die, he'd be deeply depressed and feel a lot of guilt for it.

Astarion, too, really values Karlach. He's the most gentle about her if Tav is torn between them, there's just this very sweet dynamic between them. And Karlach clearly adores both of them too! She and Wyll become best friends, she's basically ready to go to war against Cazador to protect Astarion, there's just... so much love and care between the three of them that I can't see any one of them wanting to leave one of the others behind. My 'canon' ending for them would be all three going to Avernus (which Wyll openly offers to do and which Astarion is 100% willing to do as well), finding a solution for Karlach's engine and Astarion's sun issues, and then returning to Baldur's Gate to start working out a future - together.

So in conclusion:

Astarion/Wyll: Good shit.

Wyll/Karlach: Good shit.

Karlach/Astarion: Good shit (but please fix the Origin spawn Astarion ending, Larian!!)

Karlach/Wyll/Astarion: 👌👀👌👀👌👀👌👀👌👀 good shit go౦ԁ sHit👌 thats ✔ some good👌👌shit right👌👌there👌👌👌 right✔there ✔✔if i do ƽaү so my self 💯 i say so 💯 thats what im talking about right there right there (chorus: ʳᶦᵍʰᵗ ᵗʰᵉʳᵉ) mMMMMᎷМ💯 👌👌 👌НO0ОଠOOOOOОଠଠOoooᵒᵒᵒᵒᵒᵒᵒᵒᵒ👌 👌👌 👌 💯 👌 👀 👀 👀 👌👌Good shit

[unreadpoppy]

down by the river - Chapter 14

Raphael x Warlock!Tav

Read on AO3

chapter 13

A/N: Did I rush this plot because I'm tired and want to finish this fic already? Yes. Next chapter is the finale.

As Tav had predicted, feelings were running hot in her group. 

Gale was angry at her for wanting to give away the crown to Raphael, and for not thinking of what that could mean to him. Some others were upset that she took the deal, considering how dangerous devils were. Lae’zel was the only one actually happy, as she now had the means of saving the Prince of the Comet. 

The wizard and the gith were shouting over this when Tav said “Enough! What’s done is done. I signed the contract, and I’m not turning back on it.” 

“But why not reconsider-” Gale tried to argue but Tav cut him off. 

“I can’t.”

“You can’t or you won’t?” He said and she huffed.

“Gale.” Wyll said. “She is right. Much like my contract, Tav cannot raise a hand against Raphael.” 

“Of course you can’t.” The wizard murmured and then shook his head. “I just really hope you made the right choice.” He said, as he made his way to his corner of the room.

Tav said nothing as she looked down, wondering the same thing. 

…

The next days passed in a blurry. The team had never been more focused, as they freed Astarion from Cazador and Shadowheart from Shar, saved Ulder Ravengard and even discovered the truth about the Emperor. Although tensions were still running high, they had been willing to put it aside for now. 

As they finally acquired the third netherstone, after killing Gortash, there was only one thing left to do: Destroy the Elder brain. 

“Are you ready?” Wyll asked, as they looked to the portal that would lead them back to the material plane. With the orphich hammer in hand, Lae’zel freed the Prince of the Comet, who sacrificed himself, turning into a mind flayer, to help destroy the brain. 

“No.” Tav briefly looked back at Gale, wondering about his fate, the crown and the orb “But we have to do this anyways.” She said, stepping in the portal. 

��

Swimming to shore, Tav felt a hurricane of emotions in her chest. 

They did it. The nether brain was defeated, and the tadpoles were gone with it. 

The Absolute was no more. 

As Tav looked around her companions, they all shared a feeling of disbelief. What had seemed impossible a few months ago, had happened, all thanks to their combined efforts. 

As everyone gathered in the pier, Tav looked at her companions. Though the road here had been arduous, they had all made it. But, even if their tadpoles were gone, their troubles weren’t. 

Lae’zel was the first to leave. After killing Orpheus and calling upon his dragons, she turned to Tav. “I can never forget you. Your name will be etched in our slates. You will be called Mla’ghir - liberator.”

A stray tear fell down Tav’s cheek as she reached forward and hugged Lae’zel. “This better not be a goodbye.” She whispered in the gith’s year. 

“It won’t.” Lae’zel gave her a tight smile, as she climbed on the red dragon and flew away. 

As they all looked to the skies, Astarion began to burn.  

“Oh no, no, no, no.” He said. Without the tadpole, his sensitivity to sunlight came back, and soon, he was running away to the shadows. Tav tried to follow after him, but something else caught her attention.

Karlach’s time had been up, too, as flames engulfed her. 

“This is it. Goodbye sun. Goodbye sea.” She fell to her knees as Tav rushed to her. “Hey, soldier. How did I do?” 

“You were amazing.” Tav said.

Karlach put a hand on Tav’s shoulder. “So were you. My friend. My companion.” She sniffed. “I adore you.” 

“Karlach…it doesn’t have to end like this. You could still go back to Avernus.” Tav urged her. 

“No. I refuse to be alone in there anymore.” 

“But you won’t have to be.” Wyll chimed in. “I’ll go with you.” 

“Please, Karlach. Go with Wyll, he’ll keep you safe” 

The tiefling looked at Wyll and then back at Tav, before nodding and standing up. “Alright, but we’ll have to leave right now.” 

And so, the two left. Tav only hoped they would be alright as she swiped a tear from her eye, looking back at the Chiontar. Gale slowly approached. 

“The Crown - it’s somewhere in the Chiontar. If I salvage the stones, I can reforge it. ” He said. “The power of Karsus would be in my hands…” He looked at Tav. “But what then? What would I do with it, once I have it?”

Tav sighed and turned to him. “Perhaps it’s best if you leave it where it is. Lest anyone should ever be tempted by such power.”

“And what about Raphael?” He raised a brow. 

“You let me handle him. He is a trouble for another time.” She took a deep breath. “For now, we should enjoy our newfound freedom.”

Gale nodded. “A wise suggestion. If this adventure has taught me anything, it’s that there are things in this world far more valuable than power. I’ve grown quite fond of this merry band of ours, and I’d quite like to see what happens to it.” He walked up to Tav. “I’m sure Mystra will summon me soon enough, but until then, I supposed we celebrate our victory the mortal way - with a drink in our hands, and reckless abandon in our hearts.” 

He turned to the others, and they all agreed. 

“I am seldom one to imbibe, but even I shall make an exception on a day like today.” Halsin said. “I think we have earned it, no?” 

Tav smiled. “A celebration sounds perfect.” 

…

After a long night of drinking and singing, when all had gone to sleep, Tav went back to the Chiontar. Her mission was not yet done. 

Jumping into the river, it didn’t take her long to find the remains of the Crown and the stones. Gathering them, she swam back to shore. She held it in her hand, thinking of all the trouble the blasted thing had caused her. For a moment, she felt compelled to destroy it for once and all, when a new idea came to her. 

Now free of the tadpole, Tav’s old warlock powers came back, and with a snap of her fingers, she opened a portal to the House of Hope. 

“Finally.” She heard Raphael say the moment she stepped in. His eyes looked at the object in her hand. “The Crown of Karsus.” He looked at her. “What a marvelous job you have done, bringing it to me. For a moment, I thought you wouldn’t honor our contract, but I knew I could always count on you, Tav.” 

The devil walked towards her, a hand extended. Tav looked between him and the crown and hesitated. 

“Tav.” He said harshly. 

“I’ll give you the crown” she said “under one condition.” 

“You are in no position to make demands.”

“After all I’ve been through, I think I am.” She replied in the same tone as his, her gaze cold and harsh. 

Raphael huffed, as the two stared at the other. “What do you want?”

Tav took a deep breath. “This is the last thing I’ll ever ask of you. I want to renegotiate our pact.” 

Raphael’s brow raised. “This is a most strange request coming from you.” He straightened his back. “Go on.” 

“I want to age again, and when my time comes, either of old age or other causes, let me die and our contract be dissolved.” Tav said. “In other words, this shall be my last life.” 

The devil looked at her with confusion. Where was the girl who once begged for a new chance? 

“Why?” He simply said. 

She shrugged. “I am tired.” 

“So you want to throw away our partnership because of tiredness?” 

“No.” She shook her head. “That is not what I meant. I want to remember what it is like to live, truly live, again. To know that my time will come and to enjoy what little I have left. I want to die, so that I may live in freedom again.” 

“Are you not free?” 

She sighed “Bound to you, I will never truly be, will I?” 

Raphael did not respond yet they both knew it to be true. He mulled over it for a moment, before sighing “I’ll abide.”

Tav breathed relieved. “Thank you.” She extended her hand. “The crown is yours.” 

In a move that surprised her, he got down on one knee, his head raised high. Tav understood what he wanted, as she placed the crown on his head.

“To the future Archdevil Supreme.” Tav said, as Raphael slowly stood to his full height, smirking. 

This was the beginning of the end.

[so-no-feint]

(ACT3/ENDING/KARLACH SPOILERS BELOW; YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED)

I finished the game and had some thoughts about stuff and things.

After finishing the game yesterday, I sobbed for a good 15-20 minutes about Karlach's ending. My party consisted of tav, Astarion, Shadowheart and Karlach. Astarion's waning sunlight protection was predictable, but still sad. I had romanced Shadowheart, so happy ending there.

But Karlach?

After everything she'd been through - 10 years of slavery under Zariel, her heart gone, unable to get close to anybody - and her closure is kicking the bucket anyways? Fuck, man. That was brutal.

Hours searching for the infernal iron to repair our favorite barbarian's engine-for-a-heart, gentle words, loving hugs, affirmations. I wasn't ready for her dialogue after we killed Gortash. Her anger and despair were so, so, SO excellently voiced by her actress and it absolutely fucking broke my heart to hear the ever-strong Karlach shatter like glass in front of us.

Her last request from us, the player, in camp before you venture off to fight the Absolute (assuming you progressed her enough to see the dialogue) being that she wants us to be there with her in her final moments just killed me, man.

Karlach deserved better (not really a dig on Larian - I understand she was the last character to be designed and added). She deserved her escape from Zariel's claws; she deserved the happiness we gave her in our adventures throughout the campaign; she deserved all of it and most of all she deserved to fucking live! We cool off her engine just enough to give her the first hug she's received in over a decade.

We give her that happiness, and its robbed from her anyways. All because of Gortash and Zariel. And we could be there for her, in her final moments; but never close enough to save her. Not really.

Sure, we have the choice to send her back to Avernus with Wyll; sparing her the painful, burning death she'd face if she stays with us in this plane. But did you speak with Karlach at all through the campaign? You'd know that she'd rather die than go back, even if Wyll could be with her. I, personally, couldn't rob her of that. I couldn't take away more from her than she'd already lost; that choice was hers and hers alone.

I'm glad, at least, that before our fight with the Absolute, Karlach is able to find some solace in us. The party, your avatar, whoever you so decide to attribute Karlach's contentedness to. But after Gortash, Karlach realizes that no matter what, she had been happy because of you. You, who broke her untouchability, showed her love and grace and kindness and adoration.

Our bright, bubbly and burning-hot Karlach. Fueled by her emotion and her rage and her wants and her love.

I think that, despite everything being against her, our favorite tiefling was happy. We made her happy. She expressed her love to and through us. And us being there for her as she faced the last ultimatum she would have to decide on gave her all the strength she needed.

Carry on, soldier. You did so well. Thanks, Karlach, and thank you Larian for creating one of the most unforgettable experiences I've had in a long, long time.

[rielzero]

POV: The adventuring party meets up yearly after the epilogue to talk about their lives.

Loki Wren: So, I realized I really liked rats, and decided to raise them by hand because I thought they were cute- Even if they live short lives, I had to think: What else could befriending those critters bring? Loki Wren: Eventually, after selectively breeding the critters, I've gotten all sorts of quirky results, healthy of course. Its important to improve the lives of the offspring. They are my friends!

Loki Wren: To improve my communication skills and to tame them better, I asked Halsin to teach me a few things- I basicially don't go a day without casting speak with animals.

Loki Wren: Then, one of my nests developed a few prodigy rats, very obedient little pets. They're kind of my children. Started teaching them how to gather information. They're cute tiny spies. Very smart, very adorable.

Loki Wren: Had to neuter a lot of my babies though- You know- Things can get out of hand, one of my favorite sons tried to breed with sewer rats, and I didn't want to upset Astarion again with my obsession over these critters.. Early on he was not very happy with my research.

Loki Wren: My precious boy was angry with me first- but then understood it as if I had given him a new great holy mission: To befriend the sewer Colonies and establish an alliance with them through education.

Loki Wren: [starts laughing, there's a giggle at the end] And now I... [wheezes] Have an army of rats at my full disposal, with emissaries of rats training and teaching each other.. Convinced I am god. They developed an entire culture surrounding me.

Astarion: From ratboy, to ratfather, to Locke- then Loki Wren. And then Ratgod. Who would've thought. [chuckles] And now all in Baldur's Gate adore the critters.

Loki Wren: Anyway, the city is now psyched about pet rats and less eager to kill the sewer rats. My ''divine'' protection. [manical laughter] Of course, they do have territorial disputes. Helps keeping the population at bay.

Loki Wren: I love my rats..

Astarion: Sometimes I wonder if you are a genius or just really enthusiastic about your little hobbies.. Then I realize you are both. Always both.

Loki Wren: So what's everyone else been up to?

Shadowheart: Uh, I learned how to swim. Properly this time.

Karlach: The usual, fighting off fiends. [yawns] I would love to pet some rats though!! Wyll: I hunted a few bounties in Avernus... Nothing out of the ordinary. Seldazr: Published another book, I think Volo's jealous of my success. He's been trying to claim my glass eye is the cause. Not much else?

Gale: I've been trying and failing at modifying a scrying spell... Elminster has been dodging my letters. Lae'zel: Could you overthrow another city with the rats? They're pretty much soldiers already. I'm disappointed you haven't tried yet. Minthara: ..I would like to know as well. I think they'd do well in the underdark. Enough space. They could potentially and easily adapt to the ecosystem in a few generations, reigning terror on the denizens and cultivating with their religion into a functioning society. We've seen it happen many times before..

Loki Wren: ..How do you think the Bhaalists were driven out? They work better as spies.

Halsin: Okay- Thank Silvanus. I was worried you were conscripting them.. From what I've seen in the city itself, life thrives better with less conflict and more equity.

Loki Wren: I AM NOT SENDING MY BABIES TO WAR!!!

Astarion: [sips his drink] Of course not, Darling. Of course not.

Loki Wren: This is why we did not invite Jaheira for our repeated reunions, next thing you know she's ruining everything with her paranoia....

Meanwhile back in Baldur's gate

Jaheira: [holds up a pet rat that has no fur] Who's my little Minsc baby- who's my little baby boy??? Yes you are. You are. [scritches the rat]

Rion: Ugh.. Jord: :(

[muffinsforthemuffinmacker]

I just finished Baldur's Gate 3 after 135 hrs. It was one of the most incredible and fulfilling experiences I've had with a game in years. The amount of freedom this game offers is amazing and genuinely effects how i experience games now.

The little moments in the game with Karlach feel personal and heartfelt. The time you spend with her, the date you go on as you try to pretend your a mystery to each other is adorable. Even with repeatable events like the kiss made me smile each time like my character because of the utter joy that is Karlach. Imagine being unable to touch anyone in fear burning them and living like that for over a decade. After finally being able to touch people she's gentle, she's caring, and thoughtful with everything. It's one of the few games that treat a romantic relationship like it should. With care and patience and communication between partners. Karlach is lovely and loving throughout it all. The game at least for me felt like it took it's time and let it play out naturally. The characters in this game feel real rather than just blank npcs. The moment that you tried to cool down karlach with water and than kiss her, only to be a burnt a little. Then you say "it was worth it", is so sweet.

I whole heartedly recommend romancing karlach, she's absolutely beautifully written and due to my playthrough, I ended up going to avernus with her and it was an epic and fitting ending. This game is one that will stick with you for the rest of your life and it's characters remembered.

[ljsarts]

All my Tav x Origin ships (currently lets be honest im going for another run as soon as i finish one of these three)

+ the TV tropes i associate with them under the cut: (its a long post)

Karlach and Malnitra (she/they)

Mal-

Lady Swears-a-Lot Malnitra grew up on the surface in a monastery by the coast. surrounded by sailors they picking up the more distasteful language along the way.

Red Oni Blue On - contrasting but somehow in harmony with Karlach Mal follows a monk's way of thinking (most of the time) focusing on harmony and moving on with the world. ( as well as literally being bluey purple to Karlach’s red orange) 

Damsel out of distress - getting themself in and out of her own straggling from the group trouble has become a hobby of hers.

Karlach-

Et Tu, Brute? - while out for fairly earned revenge Karlach takes all her hardships in her stride. 

Beware the Nice Ones- while handling alot Karlach has limits and a flaming explosive rage when it comes to oppressors.

like a duck to water  - after fighting in avernus for a decade , fighting goblins and  well, gods is second nature to her. 

M+K - battle couple - Both being not spellcasters Malnitra and Karlach are both beings of brute force.

Shadowheart and Twylla (she/her)

Twylla-

Trauma congo line - far before the tadpoles and true souls lies a tumultuous past of abuse , loss and escape for Twylla. This tadpole being the next chapter of hell.t

silk hiding steel - disguised beneath fine fabrics,bright stage tattoos and a wide smile lies a crackling storm of magic and rage beyond her years. 

shed the family name - Twylla Never received a virtue name and dropped her fathers surname in favour of her mothers maiden name Uriel.

Shadowheart-

Sheep in wolfs clothing - while clad in armour bearing Shar’s symbology and an emo exterior shadowheart has a sweet personality underneath the shades of grey.

Amnesiac Dissonance- Its a bitter irony that the very memories Shadowheart wishes to stay forgotten are the same ones that bring her further away from Shar

Hero with Bad Publicity - in spite of the nurturing she’s received at the hands of Shar Shadowheart does enjoy being the hero.

S+T- Can't Live with Them, Can't Live without Them-As much as the two bicker or fallout over supplies or plans they always end up together at the end of the day.

Lae'zel and Nimaith (She/her)

Nimaith-

Pretty princess powerhouse- beneath the gore and mud is a pretty pink armour set (hand dyed of course) not devoid of the lighter things in life Nimaith adores trinkets ontop of tussles.

Berserk Button - As a berserker Nim’s go to language is rage but a special trigger tends to be people picking on the small guy. Considering she used to be the smaller one in these scenarios. 

Lacerating Love Language - Being a mercenary in the past Nimaith takes joy in the thrill of playful combat and roughhousing.

Lae'zel-

Hypocritical Heartwarming:- For all the rolled eyes and annoyance at the grinning wood elf Laezel sure does get distraught when Nimaith falls in combat. 

good is not nice- Lae'zel isn't downright against helping people but seems to hold a more self sufficient mindset after living in a culture steeped around being self reliant.

Break the haughty - going from her high horse to level with the rest of the group Lae'zel’s change from sticking around for survival to sticking around to save the realm and themselves.

L+N-

Aw, Look! They Really Do Love Each Other-Listen they can scream and bicker with each other but don't you dare talk to them like that!

[barbwillbrb]

Finally finished my full playthrough of BG3. Here be my thoughts:

For context, I had been sitting on my first playthrough for a month, as I had 4 huge fights left that I was putting off and little else left (Orin, Ansur, House of Hope, and the last battle). I did start a second playthrough in the interim, getting that character to the Gauntlet of Shar, then decided to go back to finish my OG character. I finally finished the game a couple days ago and have been collecting my thoughts. Here are some resolutions from my playthrough and thoughts on the game/characters:

1. First, here is my first Tav— Quil, a nonbinary tiefling Bard with very high charisma. I adore the character creator, but have one gripe— why can’t we yeet the titties in the vanilla creator (I know there are mods)? I want no titties please.

2. I did not get the Volo eye during my first run; Quil knew a bad idea when they saw one (my second Tav, Rackal, not so much). Quil also didn’t fuck with the Necromancy of Thay.

3. Scratch and owlbear cub made it all the way to the end!

4. Fucked up Auntie Ethel’s quest and got Mayrina killed.

5. Minthara was killed (I only recently fully learned how non-lethal attacks work).

6. It was really hard for me to pick a romance; I spent a good hour loading/reloading the tiefling party to go through my options (everyone but Gale and Wyll were interested, as I was specifically playing a character who wasn’t openly flirting with anyone; I wanted to see what characters came to me first. That said, I had to keep pushing Lae’zel back because girl wanted me within moments of meeting). Karlach ended up stealing my heart; I adore her.

7. I also had Halsin join us. I don’t see a lot of talk about KarlachxTavxHalsin on here, and it kinda bums me out; I was sold on the polycule when KarlachxHalsin started flirting with each other.

8. As a high-charisma character, Act 2 was my favorite, especially when it came to Yurgir. I did not know you could talk your way out of that fight completely; I think I was as shocked as Astarion when it worked. I’ve never seen a game where you could just… talk people to death. It was amazing.

9. Speaking of Act 2, Ketheric Thorm’s introduction is one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen. It was perfect at conveying the magnanimity of the situation.

10. I got everyone’s happy endings I think. Wyll, Karlach and I went to Avernus and are kicking ass, Gale is a professor/crown destroyed, and Astarion did not ascend/spawn were spared (the Gur letter at the epilogue is AMAZING). Shadowheart turned away from Shar, but her parents died so she could be free; she has the owlbear cub though, so I think she’ll be okay.

11. I don’t understand the whole “Wyll can’t make a decision” discourse. I get the issue with the pact scene (I can’t remember if I had the option to let him choose, but we worked with Mizora), but people make it out like he doesn’t make any decisions about his future at all in the game. I was able to leave the Blade of Avernus/Duke decision to him, and he chose the Blade. He had some cool dialog about the decision as well.

12. The goddamn Orpheus vs. Emperor choice is about the dumbest thing ever. I feel like if you maintained an overall positive relationship with the Emperor and managed to pull Lae’zel away from Vlaakith, I think there should be an opportunity to break Orpheus free and convince him to join you WITHOUT the Emperor turning tail to the Netherbrain. You should be able to free Orpheus and then have another high persuasion check to get him to stand down/join you. I feel that given the severity of the current situation, Orpheus would accept joining forces if it meant no additional mindflayers be made. Just the fact the Emperor goes by, Orpheus gets freed, and someone has to become a mindflayer is just…. Frustrating at best.

13. I think that regardless if romanced or not, a Lae’zel with high/exceptional approval who turned from Vlaakith is in love with Tav. The emotion in her goodbye at the docks is so powerful.

14. Similarly, I think the same can be said for Shadowheart (if turned away from Shar/had high approval).

15. The Dribbles quest sucked, but worth it just to make Lucretious happy/have her say nice things to me.

16. The character that grew on me the most was Astarion. I honestly didn’t like him too much, but his growth over Acts 2 and 3 really changed my mind. Plus, when I met Yenna, he actually gave approval towards any means of helping her— I was SHOOK.

17. I think the Orin kidnapping would be more impactful if your love interest was taken instead (the angst/race against the clock would be amazing). I also think that if one of the tadpole crew gets taken, the fact that Orin doesn’t have one should tell someone something’s up.

18. My favorite companion is tied between Karlach and Lae’zel. Karlach is so optimistic/stands true to herself despite the bullshit she goes through, and Lae’zel character growth is spectacular.

19. My least favorite companion is Shadowheart, although she’s beginning to grow on me. It’s just that some of her offhand comments are so off-putting in a real hypocritical way. For example, the “I didn’t expect to feel empathy towards refugees” thing is really hard to ignore.

20. My favorite NPCs are, in no particular order, Ketheric Thorm, Rolan, Yurgir, Omeluum, Blurg, Lucretious, Barcus Wroot, Auntie Ethel and Mol.

21. My least favorite NPCs are Gortash (I think he is a great villain, but he’s the kind of manipulative, opportunistic evil that makes my skin crawl), Wulburn Bongle and honestly most of the creche. Also that lady who’s mean to the dogs, but I nuked her with fireball and don’t see her as much if an NPC.

22. WHY CAN’T I ADOPT THE FUCKING CATS?

[swashbucklcr]

1, 3, 10, 93, 94, 95, 100, 105 (dont have to answer all these, just want the world to know!)

@iron-hearts-ablaze | Questions for my Tav

This is super fucking long so it's under a read more:

1. What is their backstory and why did you choose it?

Well, I wrote up a bit on his backstory on the carrd but essentially he's a classic story of a good lad being forced into a criminal lifestyle cause of family and left events.

Finn's moral compass for most of his life is constantly spinning around, not sure which way to point. His mother raised him until just before his teens and she tried her best to nurture a kind hearted nature, a boy who loved music and arts and just wanted to play the lute and sing.

After her passing and his father returns to his life to take him "under his wing", Finn's life of music and art is torn to shreds as his father toughens him up for the life of a pirate. At first Finn resents his father, but over time begins to see it as his father trying his best to make sure Finn survives and thrives in this lifestyle. And by his late teens he certainly thrives. He earned the name Finn "The Fury" Locke for his rage during raids but mostly his constant simmering anger even out of fights.

He's fiercely loyal to his father, the captain, and the crew, having taken many injuries and killed for them throughout his life. Out of the crew, his closest friend and mentor was a half wood-elf named Jon. Jon was the chef and took wee Finn under his care when Finn was still a child grieving the loss of his mother and the life he once knew. Jon was much calmer than most of the other pirates, more patient and open-minded. The kitchen was always a space for Finn to be himself and funnily enough, the one spot on the ship where he never simmered to anger.

As for WHY I went with Finn? I've always been fond of the sea, I've sailed, dived, surfed, etc. I spend so much of my free time at the beach. I wanted to write a character that also shared the same love for the ocean and with all the plotting we've done Vix, Finn as a pirate just fell into place for me. I wanted to write someone who's maIn obstacle isn't anything or anyone but just finding himself again. For the story of the fight against the Dead Three, Finn doesn't have his own personal battles per say, just the slow crawl to self discovery and finally feeling happiness with himself. The fact he has also met Osian, the man who makes him finally believe soulmates just makes his journey all the better.

3. Do they multiclass? Why (not)?

Yes! With our playthrough we're going up to level 20 (😎) and so my current plan for Finn is:

Level 12 Rogue Pirate

Level 5 Fighter Battle Master

Level 3 Bard College of Swords ( only happens near the end of Act 3 as he begins to embrace his Bardic nature )

10. What was your Tav like as a child?

Near unrecognisable to the man now. Young lad, not well off by any means but rarely knew hunger. Carefree, happy, excitable child that had a small group of friends where he loved being the jokester with. He would sneak to watch street performers play songs and tried to set up a terrible band with his friends.

Academically he was perfectly average in most classes, with exception to music and writings where he excelled. His mother worked hard to save up to buy him a lute that he treasured until his father took it from him and cast it into the ocean.

93. What do you think happens to the party, afterwards? Do they go for drinks? Do they go their separate ways?

Finn would certainly suggest drinks, a well earned rest. He'd also be very glad the Elfsong is still standing.

Now, the question is would Finn join Karlach in Avernus? I'm between two minds on this cause Finn would adore Karlach so much, she's a very dear friend to him but he'd also know that Wyll (or Gale of we're throwing in our HeatWeave plot) would join her too.

If he doesn't join her, he'll be dashing after Astarion and using his cloak to cover him up enough until Osian can join them and help with some magic. After that, he will insist on serving all those who remain a pint or two in the Elfsong but he wouldn't feel much joy to celebrate. His best friend(s) is(are) fighting for her life and freedom in the Hells. If anything he's just grateful it's all over and he can focus on the next stage of his life.

Otherwise, he's diving right into Avenrus and smoking that fat cigar before chopping up as many demons as possible while the smarter lads work on a way to fix her engine for good.

94. Years after the game, what do you think your Tav is up to?

Most of his adventuring, and rogue lifestyle has been put away. Finn has now focused his energy on being a simple bard and author. He's trying to write the story of the journey of their adventure with the tadpoles and how a group with little in common banded together to crush the plan of the Dead Three and later the Netherbrain.

Finn has no ties to anywhere on land, his home in Waterdeep is long gone and so he will happily go wherever Osian needs to be. He will ensure to visit his favourite niece Calise as often as he can, and has regular correspondence with Osian's family who have taken him in as his own. He's far happier and more relaxed now with the love of his life and the life he always wanted to live.

One day he also meets Jon, who's left the pirate life to set up an inn in Baldur's Gate and Finn makes sure to be as much of a regular customer as possible.

95. What do you think of your Tav's development throughout the game? If you compared them to who they were at the start, what would be different?

Like chalk and cheese, Finn in Act 1 wouldn't recognise Finn in Act 3, from physical appearance to his entire personality. Finn slowly gets calmer and open to new ideas, plus Finn in Act 1 would have never expected to fall in love with a wood elf wizard and yet by Act 3 Finn can't imagine his life without him.

Yet, Finn post game finally understands how it is to be truly happy with himself. He's finding peace.

100. Did Karlach get upgraded? Did she turn Illithid? Did she return to Avernus? If so, did Tav join her, or Wyll, or both?

Mostly answered this in question 93!

No fucking way would be agree with illithid Karlach.

105. Anything you want to say about your Tav! Give a random headcanon, answer a random question, say whatever you want!

Pigeon is the real hero of the story.