#sorry astarion likes cats more lol

[bhaalsdeepbat]

just to add:

Using Poe rather than any other Dark Romantic writer that was his contemporary to pull a quote from was such a good choice. Of his sotries, "The Tell-Tale Heart" was the perfect one for Astarion, but Poe very specifically believed stories should be written in a circular manner - like a snake biting its tail - which fits so perfectly with all the little ways Astarion's story and romance references itself.

Direct quote from my source:

Poe believed in “fashioning a tale like a kind of ouroboros, with its tail in its mouth, beginning with the final effect and working backwards to that the story’s beginning is a natural derivation of its conclusion.”

It's the setting up of the Romantic Astarion in act 1, finding out he's not as fine as he keeps insisting as the narrative swings into Dark Romantic territory, the paranoia starts to really come out (relating back to tell-tale heart), and then he is literally given a choice: continue the cycle or break free. The cycle of abuse is literally a circle here. He can take up Cazador's place in the ritual and step into his role entirely, reentering the ouroboros I mentioned earlier.

The "Thank you" when he first bites the player being referenced later when they see past his paranoia and how unreliable of a narrator he is about his own feelings and seeing that he doesn't want power. He wants safety in a world that he believes isn't capable of kindness or good.

I love how Astarion quotes The Tell-Tale Heart every once in a while. It's a rarer line, and initially I thought it was out of place (Neil is very well versed in theater, so I assumed it was a riff from him), but since reading an analysis of the work I think it was pretty purposeful.

The piece is all about fear and paranoia, things we know Astarion is plagued by despite how he might act. Similarly, the narrator of the story also tries to convince the reader that they are not as troubled as they seem. In the end, the narrator is consumed by the beating of the heart of the old man he killed and dismembered, the sound growing louder and louder until in a fit of rage he reveals the body to the police to absolve himself from the persistent beating.

Except the police never heard the heart beat, because it wasn't the old man's heart at all. The narrator was consumed by the sound of his own heart beating more and more rapidly in his chest from fear. He was the owner of the thing that forced him to reveal his true nature, he is the owner of the tell-tale heart.

And what happens with Astarion after you romance him? He realizes over time that, while he tried to deny his feelings and was initially only interested in manipulating you for his own means, he actually has grown to care for you. You have done something to his heart that hasn't happened in centuries, you have made it feel as if it has started beating again.

Therefore, his tell-tale heart leads him to admit his transgressions, which were committed out of fear and paranoia for his safety.

So the line is actually very, very apt. His confession during Act 2 is his own version of "Villains! Dissemble no more! I admit the deed! Tear up the planks! Here, here! It is the beating of his hideous heart!" Except, of course, it is his own heart that he is unearthing for us (and it's not so hideous, after all).

[meanbossart]

LORE ASK COMPILATION: "Still not banging Halsin, Squid Games, Sun King, Failing at love quizzes, Bottoms, Tops, and Cats" Edition

He didn't, Halsin wasnt around for act 3, too busy healing land and saving ghost children or something!

THANK YOU/I'M SORRY, I'm surprised there isn't more Bhaalist Dark Urge/Spawn Astarion stuff out there. Don't get me wrong, I love a good evil power couple, but who can resist the good ol'heartbreak of a vicious unending cycle brought on by your own senselessness!

That wasn't something I was interested in previously just because acquiring the slayer form isn't part of his canon, but I've been looking at enough fromsoft games' monster designs that I might be a little inspired to try LOL

Also I am just a fan of the canon design and never before thought it needed altering. But I'll let it cook ;)

God damn it.

DU drow was VERY antagonizing towards the emperor since the moment he dropped the facade, which made the attempt ESPECIALLY hilarious - that poor guy is so, so lonely.

I don't recall the exact wording in-game, but once the emperor took his shiny squid pecs out and shot his shot, DU drow recoiled and called him disgusting. After having the visions of Stelmane forced upon him to make whatever baffling point the emperor was trying to make, DU drow smugly asserted that he had finally let the mask slip and their very terrible date ended with the Emperor enforcing their reluctant need for one another, for the time being.

In-prose, that would honestly be pretty much it. DU drow would have reacted with absolute revulsion at the prospect of being hit on by a mindflayer, and taken the Emperor's (miscalculated) moment of lashed-out vulnerability as a win - as proof that he was exactly as duplicitous as he always assumed the Emperor to be.

I can assure everyone that I am as entertained by the thought as the rest of you and it is in the cards for future art, I just have... So many prompts... I have at least 5 different mini-comics I want to make, BESIDES singular pieces, BESIDES the fanfic... I wish I had more time and more hands.

But DU drow's unlikely semi-success as a parental figure is hilarious to me. I think about it constantly.

I haven't entertained that thought much because its antithetical to DU drow's character. Whether "good" or evil, he wouldn't allow Astarion to ascend because of his fear of no longer being needed and his reluctance to watch his partner be consumed by out-sourced power and changed into something he despises. Realistically, in a world where Astarion is allowed to ascend they could only break up and inevitably kill each other soon after.

That said, I am fascinated by the Sun King and the implications that path has for his character. So far that is an arc that I can only really see Astarion taking on alone, though - that might change in the future, might not. We'll see!

IF I CAN MAKE IT NOT ENTIRELY MISERABLE, I JUST MIGHT.

He got 2 out of 3 questions wrong - which is to say he was way too honest and Astarion didn't like that.

Except for the "when is he the happiest" question, which he correctly answered with "when he's neck deep in gore".

This is not even a lore-embelishment, this is actually how that scene went for me and I cackled about it for ages.

He would love to get tied up for old-times' sake. I doubt he knows much about fancy knots but Astarion might (though I might be in a minority that doubts his enforced "sex life" was actually that interesting at all.)

Thank you so much!

You are mostly correct. Bhaalist drow, both pre and post tadpole would be much more keen on the idea of having people around who fulfill their every desire - EXCEPT for killing. That is a joy they take on for themselves.

"Canon" DU drow values his independence a lot, on the other hand. He's neutral on the idea of slavery (what a sentence) and wouldn't be opposed to temporary servicing, but the idea of having someone around waiting for orders doesn't attract him at all, or at least would get on his nerves quick. He much preffers to do things himself and makes sure that other people see how much he does not need assistance.

The answer is yes, basically LOL.

DU drow both adores and despises Sceleritas presence and he doesn't know why. It very much reflects the type of relationship they used to have prior to DU drow's memory loss, and it's one of those things that he has conflicting feelings about but not any context for them.

I sadly doubt that the boys would become parents during Shadowheart's lifetime (it's for the best, they have a lot of work to do before I would trust them not to drop a baby), but honestly she strikes me as really liking kids as long as she doesn't have to, well, have them LOL.

And thank you so much for enjoying them and humoring me!

I think it is less about bottoming-topping and more about enjoying a more submissive role during sex, as well as in other scenarios. He believes that giving control away is, in a way, a show of devotion that goes both ways - his own for the willingness to do so, and his partner's for not taking advantage of it despite his wanting them to do so.

With one-night-stands (which he occasionally had pre-tadpole) he would still bottom without any of the submissiveness. This is because he didn't have the capacity to understand what it was about bottoming that attracted him, and led him to feeling constantly unfulfilled and frustrated (he just isn't build for no-strings-attatched type of arrangements, lol.)

This means that he really could operate either way depending on the partner as long as he got that fix of docility, whether it be from the bottom or top.

I think of Astarion as being similarly versatile but leaning more in the opposite direction when it comes to power-dynamics - though it being less about dominance itself and more about being pampered and catered to - and, of course, getting to do what he wants. Though he's willing to try most things a partner is particularly enthusiastic for just to see how he feels about it.

That said with DU drow he does prefer to top for a plethora of reasons.

I didn't have this piece of lore thought-up at the time, but I should have made them look like the lady he lost his virginity to.

Him and Astarion were gobbling those things up until the emperor reveal, then they both quit it cold-turkey after DU drow stomped the astral-tadpole dead (and back then you didn't have to roll any dice to do it, because otherwise we would have weird veiny DU drow to deal with for sure because he would NOT have suceeded that save.)

DU drow's feelings towards animals is a constant in every iteration of his character. They are organic little pieces of art wandering about the world that act upon their own laws and regulations, ones which humanoids aren't privy to - except for when they intrude into that world through magic and try to understand it through their overly-complicated systems and concepts. If a cat made the temple it's home, it can stay.

[teaffrogy]

Hi! I saw you were looking for ideas so I'm going to submit a couple if that's okay! Feel free to ignore if not lol

First idea is for Gale (he needs more attention in this fandom!!) Tav who's kind but completely oblivious when it comes to flirting getting hit on and just not picking up on it, how would Gale react or not react? Would his reaction be different if he saw it from afar, up close, or just heard about it? Can be pre-relationship or during :)

Second idea can be for any or all companions (personally tho I think it'd be interesting for astarion, halsin, and gale) Their reactions (separate) to Tav realizing there's mutual attraction so they take them aside and nervously confess that they're asexual and would understand if they don't want to be partners after knowing this about them and that they wanted to tell them before things got serious.

Sorry for rambling in your inbox but I hope this was atleast somewhat helpful :D

Omg yes both I love sm omggg okay imma work on one first then the other. And I totally agree! Gale deserves more attention! I adore that man sm😭❤️ also so sorry it took me a while I have been taking care of my cat who got surgery

Oblivious Tav

Gale x Reader(Tav)

I honestly believe Gale immediately Knew Tav was super oblivious to people Flirting on them And he first found out About it when Lae'zel made the first move. Instead of falling for her words, you just gave her a puzzled look. “I'm sorry Lae’zel. I don't want to fight with you.”

The second time he saw it was with Astarion at The tiefling party. Of course he put his Vampiric charms on you but it just flew past you. And Astarion had this look on his face that made Gale burst out laughing. Some of the tieflings gave him a puzzled look.

Another interaction was when a tiefling was flirting with you. She rubbed your hand up and down softly that he himself even felt the shivers. She had tried to tell Tav how gorgeous they are and how even better they would look under her. But that left you confused. “Why do you want me to lay down?”

Like always, he found it funny because what you say and the other is the person's reaction. But Gale wouldn't lie, he had fallen in love with you the day he taught you how to cast spells just so you could feel what he feels, the magic of it. It was just the way your eyes shined as you looked around you. The moment you Two had made him realize how much he wanted you in his life, read a book beside you, be on his balcony, have a cup of tea or coffee, whatever you like to drink! And just read a book with you, watch the sunset, see the boats sail away, watch the waves of the sea. And just be with you. He loves you.

After that, he did try to make some moves.

Gale didn't know if he should feel bad or

embarrassed for you.

No matter how many times he tries to flirt, it simply just flies Over your head. You two were in the shadowlands and he took so much time and dedication to say those words to you that it simply flew past you. Astarion couldn't help but let a Laugh. Shadowheart was holding hers in. He knew you were obviously but not that much!

He tried it again, a small pick up line and you just stared at him and gods he loves you but oh my god he also is embarrassed when you simply don't get it. He had to actually say those three words.

“What I am trying to say is that I am in love with you. I love you.” Gale says and your eyes go wide at those words. “And I have been trying to make you get the hints that I am really in love with you but it just flies by you. I was thinking it was the tadpole wiggling those words out but that's just how you are.” He says and you feel embarrassed. “Oh.” You say and Gale holds your hands. “I'm in love with you Tav.” and he brings your hands close to his lips, kisses each one hand and looks up at you. “I love you too Gale.” You say and he's more than happy to hear those Words come out.

And even now that you two are together, it simply flies by you. From times you do get his little pick up lines, but there are those other times where it flies by.

But Gale loves that about Tav and finds it cute.

[astarionancuninswife]

Truly!! He would definitely make sure to find a nice spot with enough space for both of you so you could sit in the sun together or like buy matching lawn chairs 😂 He’d probably prefer a quiet sunbathing session, but be just fine having a conversation as well, just as long as you’re together.

people watching (tav x astarion)

jsfadlkjklf yes!! I love this!!

word count: 430

warnings: N/A, just fluff

"I'll keep you safe" prompts | askbox

ao3 | guidelines for requests

Karlach had convinced you that the party needed a day of rest, you in particular. You remember her words from the night before, scolding you for always being on 'go mode.' ("I get it, we're on a time crunch here, but we can't be our best if our leader is in bad shape! You always give each of us breaks, it's your turn. Let's take tomorrow off.")

So, that's how you found yourself sitting at the opening of your tent, fidgeting with your fingers because you just don't know how to sit and relax. Eventually you pick up a book, then almost immediately disregard it when you hear a pleased sigh somewhere nearby. You turn your head to the sound and admire how the pale elf stands with his eyes closed and face to the sun. You've picked up on his affinity for sunbathing, almost resembling a lizard on a warm rock when the sun comes out, and it always makes your lips curl up in a small smile when you catch him in the act.

You don't know how long you've been watching him when he turns his head to you with a brow raised, "Yes?"

"Hmm?" your trance is broken, and you feel heat rising to your cheeks, embarrassed you got caught staring, "I, it's just..." you stutter a bit, looking everywhere but at Astarion, before your eyes land on him once more and you decide on honesty, "I like seeing you this way. So... at ease. Make me wonder how anyone could ever purposely put you under stress and live with themselves afterwards."

The vampire clearly wasn't expecting that, evident by how his annoyed expression softens at each word coming from your mouth. His eyebrows relax while his lips part in disbelief of the kindness you just said to him. It takes him a few seconds to recalibrate and respond, giving you a very simple, but sincere, "Thank you."

Your own embarrassment stricken face falls into a gentle smile, "Anytime, Astarion," you close your eyes and lift your face to the warmth falling from the sky, "Oh, this is nice, I see why you like it so much," you cover the lower half of your face as you let out a small giggle before leaning back on your arms and letting the sun bath you in her rays.

It's then Astarion's turn to watch you bask in the sun before smiling and mirror your position, "It is, isn't it, darling?" He lets out another content sigh, enjoying his usual sunbathing more with your company, "It's very nice."

[sly-fin]

My Tav

They used to scam people with shitty magic tricks but, uh oh, wild magic, everyone around is now a cat or dog.

Literally, ive gotten that surge like 5 times and it’s so funny

Sorry for inactivity, I have been very ill and don’t have the energy to do anything but sleep or briefly yell about something then go back to sleep. Had a fever for like 4 days now :D

Curse my Victorian Child immune system.

I am feeling a bit better now, but not really enough to do anything except finish this sketch lol

Wanna go insane and draw my Tav and Astarion and Karlach, but eugh. I don’t have the energy to come up with more than a little doodle in my brain.

[honest-moth-of-silver-grove]

ough I am so sorry if your askbox is closed for the matchup thing, the pinned post says it’s open but the actual like, button, says it’s closed. So if it is just ignore this lmao.

ANYWAY my tavs name is Dmtryo and I’m gonna be submitting this for him :0

He’s a lolth drow, and a pretty ambivalent durge, he’s meant to be a bad person, but not a tried and true villain yk? Still saved the gate and allat but also fucked over isobel and got the slayer form bc he thought the prize might be cool.

Masc pref, poly or mono is fine!

Traits (bc most of them can’t be cleanly sorted into good and bad)

hugely protective of the things and people he likes. (Often to the point of excess.)

Seems like a shit show. Very well put together.

Often comes off as cold, but is far friendlier than people think. (As long as he doesn’t perceive you as a threat)

Will very happily murder anyone who does come across as a threat.

Brings his partner the severed limbs or bones of the creatures he has killed like some kind of fucked up cat

Violence is his go to solution for conflict but he is hesitant to kill innocents (unless he’s getting paid)

On the note of getting paid, there’s very little he won’t do for a pouch of gold and the promise of gore.

A/N: Hey, no prob! @cakeboxie (LOVE your blog handle btw lol) I just waited until the ask box reopened to answer this, lol. So now that the time has come… Let me see… Hmm. Because you specified you wanted a male match, I match your Tav with… Astarion!

🩸Astarion would be the perfect match for your Dmtryo! Astarion is pretty ambivalent himself- he’s certainly not a golden hero, but I couldn't exactly call him a villain either. He does possess a moral compass, but it’s broken, and often centered around what’s best for himself, which is one of the reasons I think he and Dmtryo would be good together. 

Astarion is fiercely protective of his things, and the people he finds himself coming to love. Everything he ever had was once taken away from him by Cazador, so anything he does manage to attain, be it physical objects or relationships, he feels he must guard intensely. Once Astarion falls for Dmtryo he is very protective, almost possessive over him. Realistically, Astarion knows that Dmtryo is his, but that doesn’t stop him from being suspicious of every NPC they talk to. I mean, who knows? What if they’d try and steal his love? He has to stay on guard. 

Although he’s not a drow himself, Astarion is no stranger to fleeing from the sunlight, and operating in the dark. He’s lived as a vampire spawn for two-hundred years after all. Although he may harbor some residual suspicions about lolth-sworn drow, so long as Dmtryo’s loyalty to Astarion and vice versa comes before their loyalty to any God, Astarion has no qualms about being partners with a lolth-sworn drow. 

I also loved how you described Dmytro as a fucked up cat because if any of the companions were to be compared to a cat, it’s Astarion. He’s sneaky, and secretive, and very persnickety when it comes to certain things. He also has a tendency to swat/claw anyone he perceives as dangerous, and being rather vulnerable, that means most people he meets end up on the other side of his blade. But the great thing is that it isn't a problem for Dmytro. Dismembering or murdering people, so long as it’s the right people, is just fine with him!

I can honestly see either Spawn!Astarion or Ascended!Astarion working out with Dmytro long term as well. Spawn!Astarion more so if your Dmytro chooses to try and fight the dark urge inside him, and Ascended!Astarion if Dmytro chooses to embrace his Bhalspawn heritage. 

Either way they end up a notorious power couple, one very few in Baldur’s Gate would dare to cross. 

Be it by taking on mercenary jobs or ruling as their respective godly selves, I see a very lucrative, very influential couplet taking charge of their future. ;) 

[thespookiestparker]

Masterlist enjoy! - Spooky

Fics (Alphabetically)

Baldur’s Gate 3

The Price of Freedom- Astarion struggles with his newfound livelihood after being bound to Cazador

Detroit: Become Human Connor and Hank on Christmas ft Sumo is exactly what it sounds like. A fluffy fic of my favorite android with his human dad and dog on Christmas!! Connor vs Cat is a little fluffy thing that I wrote about my android son interacting with the world. if you can't tell, all of my teeth will be rotted out when I’m older because I LOVE FLUFF

The Invisible Little Android is a chapter story (which I started and kind of abandoned I'm sorry, I don't know if I'm going to start it up again) to make up for the total lack of Simon appreciation in Detroit: Become Human, because he deserves love, too, guys

Marvel Stony Breathing and The Lack Therof is one of my favorite fics I’ve ever written, a super fluffy one where Tony saves Steve from a panic attack

"Goodnight, Rogers" is a fluffy lil oneshot for those like me who ship the heck out of that. This is honestly one of my favorite fics that I've written for Marvel thus far, will literally rot your teeth out with all the sweetness! Late Nights and Hot Chocolate is another oneshot in my fluff series because there's a lot of fics about Tony's nightmares so I made one for Steve's May I Have This Dance? is a no power au oneshot that I wrote about Tony and Steve meeting at a wedding :) Super Father’s Day is a drabble I wrote for Father’s Day because I needed to have a fluffy family fic for my favorite superhusbands

What A Valentine’s Day is a lil fic I wrote for Valentine’s Day (obviously) about Steve surprising Tony at their surprise holiday dinner

Stucky A Broken Man and a Winter Soldier is a Stucky oneshot I wrote that is way more angsty than I intended, it's like my high school self threw up in a hot topic onto Bucky and Steve. so enjoy that! Burning with Love is a short lil surprisingly Stucky sickfic, with cute nicknames and a feverish Stevie Stranger Things

Hey, Eddie? It’s Me, Steve is a fic about Eddie comforting Steve after a nightmare

Collections Flufftober 2022 is exactly what it sounds like! I posted a fluffy one shot for every day of October! (Ships may vary from fandom to fandom. Also, I tried, but failed lol)

Flufftober 2023 same thing, a year later!

[swordmaid]

wait i kinda like this convo. two things : shri'iia's fake ass going like 'i can't trust someone who hides secrets from me!' 🙄🙄🙄 as if she's also not hiding her whole identity and faith currently!! and she's scouting out her new companions at that moment, seeing who's useful to her and all that but i kinda ijbol giggle at the idea of her getting in her high horse going like i need u to be honest with me! meanwhile wearing the no. 1 liar sash so hypocritical of her makes her downfall much more funnier i think. second thing - astarion going like 'i need you and you need me. it's that simple' it's kinda giving early asos jaime thinking that he just needs to get rid of brienne and run back to kl and his life will be normal again - like it's not the same energy obvi jaime is more deranged (surprisingly) but it's in the same wavelength..!! you're not anticipating the deep bond you're gonna form throughout this journey you fool..!!!! astarion going like i need you and you need me it's that simple vs epilogue line abt how the last six month is a balm to his 200 years of misery and him finding genuine happiness finally cackling im SORRY this shit is cat nip to me like i know im the one picking the options to get this outcome but im like HEHEHEHEHEHE. in my head the convo is a bit longer though, and he'll probably take a jab at her that she's hiding something as well bc i think he'd catch on that she's lying through her teeth about being surface born.. i mean, it is pretty obvious lol and whenever it gets brought up in conversation she just talks her way out of the topic and they do have other pressing matters (like the tadpole dilemma bc they're still hunting for halsin in this moment) so they don't really care too deeply abt personal topics currently since they're trying their best not to transform into a pack of squids. but i kinda like this convo for them 🤭🤭🤭

[kittenintheden]

lmao look I am loathe to discourse but also lol the entire freaking argument destroys me

"he acts Gay (TM)" okay why? because he's a dramatic bitch? because of the way he holds himself? his body language? he's a hand-talker? he's a gossip? his cadence of speech? because his sneerglides are absolutely vicious? because he cares about his appearance? because he's fashion-conscious? because he does spinnies? because he casually drops references to being attracted to and having fucked men? because he's judgmental af? like yes. these things are all 100% true.

THEY'RE NOT EXCLUSIVE TO GAY CISMEN LMFAO OH MY GOD

like it's just. I am so. people really don't get how gender essentialist they're being when they do this, huh. you know who also ticks all of the above boxes? me. know who's also a queer multisexual? me. lmfao.

people will be out here like "Astarion is queer-coded and Wyll/Gale are not" when that's literally. the opposite of the truth. I can't lol. what you're actually saying is "Astarion is more effeminate coded and Wyll/Gale are more masc coded." like that's actually what's happening here. noodle on that a second.

they're all queer-coded because they're aaaaaaaaaall queeeeeeeer lolololololol come on.

"okay but straight women-" look I don't fuckin care. who cares. why do you care. why do you care if a straight woman (whether or not that's actually the case) is out here swooning over the queer vampire pixel man. literally so what. ciswoman wants to fantasize about him fillin' her all up with babies? ok. good for her. who caaaaares. why does this affect you.

also never occurs to people making this argument that maybe women are like idk drawn to men who don't embody the toxic dudebro masculinity bullshit they're exposed to every day? possibly? idk. maybe they prefer a man whose toxic trait is that he's a murder hobo hissy cat rather than a bum spouse that honks their boob like it's foreplay.

"this mentality bleeds into real li-" y'all no. no. what mentality, first of all? the mentality of The Straights enjoying openly queer media or their bits getting tingly about it? they're "fetishizing" queerness? okay that's annoying but also. it's not dangerous. not in the way the ACTIVELY POLITICAL ANTI-QUEER MOVEMENT PASSING ACTUAL LAWS AND KILLING PEOPLE is dangerous. these things have a SCALE my friends.

also-also: questioning is part of the umbrella, pals. "ally" sneaks in there not bc allies are the focus but bc, lemme blow your mind a sec, not every queer really knows or is ready to know that they're queer. go ahead and ask how many older "allies" came out later in life. go ahead.

"I hate discourse" I grumble to myself as I write out 500+ words of discourse lmao I'm sorry

but IN ALL SERIOUSNESS and WITH ALL OWED RESPECT: gatekeeping is out and welcoming cringe into the fold is in. life is just better that way I swear. you don't have to be some weird highly specified flavor of queer to blush over the bitchy vampire, it's okay.

I saw someone say Astarion bg3 is "the most queer coded man ever" and yeah. Its. Its because hes bisexual. He has canonically slept with men. He will date women, men, and nonbinary folks. "Queer coding" you mean the literal text they coded into the fucking game?

[meanbossart]

ASK COMPILATION: Miscellaneous questions about lore and art!

Tried to address some of the shorter ones, thank you everyone as always for the endless patience as I struggle to keep up with my inbox ☠️

On the upside, found a few that went into my "future art prompt" folder ;)

As someone who prefers animals who roam and largely take care of themselves, only coming around to ask for a pet, a cuddle or a treat when they very well want to - cats would be perfect for him.

Thank you! I'm glad you like her. There's plenty of Orin in the horizon, it's unfortunate that I can only draw so fast 😂

Lacking

Thank you so much for giving it a shot! And I very much understand that personal policy LOL

Hopefully between life, art, and plain occasional laziness we will both live long enough to see it finished 😂 at least the bulk of it is set!

And I'm glad you enjoy my writing! Always a pleasant surprise to hear that considering that I have no idea what I'm doing. But I do constantly try to improve it!

[MORE BELOW THE CUT]

Hmm I hadn't considered it, but you never know!

We all know the answer to that already

I really don't think there is DU drow without the DU part. It's a pivotal aspect of his development not only biologically but in regards to all that happened in his life that eventually led him to be the way he is 🤷‍♂️ Like, his name itself is kind of a joke, he really isn't much of a drow to begin with!

His size, features, strength, it's all due to being a Bhaalspawn, and not a matter of winning (or losing, depending of how you look at it) the genetic lottery. Without it, he'd just be some forgettable Jaluk.

Thank you both so much!

I'm surprised about how often I get this question. He does, but he doesn't react to fear conventionally, he just buries it, powers through, or fuels his anger with it. This ask isn't about fears, but I think it applies better here than any summary or bullet-list I could type out. Feel free to draw your own conclusions!

Thank you so much!! And I'm also sorry to anyone who's had a similar experience, because I've certainly gotten a couple of messages about it by now 😂😂😂 listen If I could make him real I would!

It depends! Usually, anywhere between 1-3 days.

(Right now I'm in the process of dropping the smokes and because of that it's become more of a 5 day process, though. Send aid in the form of nicotine patches I Beg)

What do you mean, don't YOU dress like that???

Astarion is far more Bowie to me, personally, but something to think about 🤔

The only sword I've drawn him wielding more than once is the Balduran's Giantslayer from the game itself! Otherwise, they've just been random designs I made up on the spot.

Hello!

I'm pretty positive that by the time Minthara was invited up to be enthralled, the Dark Urge had already been shipped off under Kressa's care - but feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

Either way, I don't really read too much into Minthara's and Orin's "relationship" myself, seems like a pretty clear cut victim/tormentor situation, which Orin and DU drow had plenty of prior.

[teaffrogy]

Finally Back Home

Sum. A parents first priority is to protect their child. And when you are finally back at Bulder Gate, the first thing you do is to go find your daughter.

Note: hi! So I wrote about this idea here. And I wanted to write something. So yeah, anyways, if you want more pls tell me :) any ideas help as well. Thank you :D also I randomly named the kid and she's a girl. And I may have HUGE typos so sorry and also I am too lazy to fix anything lol

You were finally at Baldur's Gate. You felt some sort of anxiety as you walked. Astarion, Gale and Shadowheart were with you. They all talked about how they remembered places or what they did and so much stuff you just ignored all of them. Your walking speed starts to increase as you start to remember those red bright roses by the old lady who took so much care of them that she would throw water at anyone and anything. Kids, adults, cats, and dogs. Astarion noticed how far they are from you. They all run towards you and he looks at you. You were biting your lip and looking everywhere. You were anxious.

“Is something the matter darling?” He asks and you just nod. He hummed, not really satisfied with your answer. Shadowheart notices the Orphanage as you all pass by it and says, “Aren't we supposed to go here?” She asks, after all there was a name of someone who could be dead or will be killed soon. Gale raised a brow at you not answering and looked at both Astarion and Shadowheart, but they both shrugged. Your eyes keep scanning every corner and place you look. And finally, you see those blue doors with green dye splattered on it. You hurry towards those doors and go to open but it is stuck.

It's locked, that's good. Or not…. My key!

You look in your pockets but remember something, you lost it when the damn mind player ship took you. It's long gone now.

“Would you like me to open that for you?” Astarion asks while giving you one of his charming smiles. You couldn’t help but smile back and nod. He moves to the door and starts to lockpick it. He opens the doors and is met with a child. He gave the child a disgusted look but the girl gave him disgusted look back. That's when he is shoved to the side. “Ugh, excuse you!” he says to you. You ignore him, looking down at the little girl as she looks right back at yours. “Mommy/Daddy?” The girl says, her voice cracking. You go down on your knees and she comes running into your arms. “Yes honey, mama/papa is back.” You say as your own voice cracks, tears falling down your cheeks as you hear your own little girl cry in your arms.

Your companions stood there as they watched you. “Is that your kid?” Gale asked. “Yes, she's mine.” You sobbed as you held her tightly. They noticed that she has the same hair as you, the nose, and even the lip shape. She looked so much like you. “Wait, so you had a kid this whole time and didn’t tell us?” Shadowheart asks. You look at your daughter and give her so many kisses on her sweet face. “Go upstairs, pack your things for me, okay? Tell grandma that I am back.” She nods as she wipes her tears away and hurries upstairs. You wipe your own tears and stand up. “Yes, I did, is there a problem, Shadowheart?”

“Well, for me, yes, I told you everything about me and you didn’t?” She says. “I am sorry, But i was doing it to protect my daughter.” You say. You go upstairs. “ I would do the same if I had a kid.” Gale says. “I mean, we are hated by a lot of gods and also chased by very powerful people.” he says and Shadowheart nods, agreeing. But she looked hurt, maybe a little betrayed. But she understood. You soon come back downstairs and smile while holding your daughter's hand. “Let's head to camp, I'm really tired after talking with gortash.”

You trust them all, you trust them so much that you decided to introduce your little girl to everyone in camp. “Wow, she looks all like you.” Jaheria says as she sees Layla chase after scratches. “I know, i've been told that a lot.” You say while smiling. Jaheira smiles and slams her hand on your back, “Welcome to the club of parenting, Cub.” She says while smiling. You chuckled and looked at Layla as she looked up at Astarion. “Thank you crow.”

“You look old.” Layla says.

“Uh- EXCUSE ME?”

You go up to her and pick her up. “Apologize!” You yell.

“No” Layla shakes her head and wraps her arm around you.

“Yes!” Astorian yells. Layla simply hugs her parents and hides her face in their neck. “I'm sorry , Astarion.” He glares at Layla as Layla sticks her tounge out at him. You sigh and tell Layla to leave Astarion alone. She hurries over to Wyll and is in awe as she sees him.

“Why hello there. I'm Wyll, and you are?” He asks as he goes on one knee. “Layla.” She says and Wyll holds his hand out. She holds her hand out as well and he grabs her small hand and shakes “it's a pleasure to meet you. You have such a pretty name Layla.” He says and Layla nods. She hurries back to you and hides behind your leg. You smiled and looked at Wyll. “She likes you. She gets shy with people she likes.” You ruffled her hair.

“Well that's good, I didn't want her to see me as any danger or someone who is bad.” He says. You smiled and saw Layla run to scratches and the owlbear Cub. “Where is the other parent Of the kid?” Wyll asks as everyone else approaches. “Out of the picture.” Is all you say as you look at how happy Layla is. “Why didn't you speak of it? Or mention you have a daughter?” Wyll asks. “Well, it was to protect my daughter.” You say. “We literally fought A man who was immortal, murdures going on around, Orin after us, Gortash wanting to make a deal with us, and lastly a whole tadpole is still in our brains. You think I'd ever bring her up when all of this is happening?” You say. Everyone nods agreeing. After all, a parent wants nothing more than For their kids to be safe, it's their first priority. And it was when you were on the ship. To get out and find the way back home.

But then you met Shadowheart, Astarion, Gale, Karlach, Lazel, Wyll, Halsin, and Jaheira. And then took down the goblin leader and the rest of the goblins, then fought Ketheric, and now the emperor wants to defeat the elder brain with the nether stones. Yet, even After all of that, your first priority was your daughter. Find her and keep her safe. “Well, you are one kick ass parent Soldier!” Karlach says and you smiled at her. “She's going to be proud to have you as a parent.” She says. “I did the same.” Jaheria said. She did tell you why she never spoke of them in the first place, and you understood her.

“I suppose you are a nice parent. But your little shi- ahem, sorry, kid here has been grabbing my things!” Astarion yells as he points at his tent. Layla touches the mirror and then gets to the books and knocks them down. “Are you serious!” he runs up to her and Layla giggles as she runs Away.

Everyone talks with Layla and plays with her. She was a mess, she is 7 years old after all. It was starting to get dark. Everyone changed into their comfortable clothes. And Layla lays in your arms as you hug her and wrap her with a blanket. She was fast asleep. After all, she was playing and running around all day.

You made a promise to yourself that after defeating the elder brain, you'd go back to your home, with your daughter, and go back to your old life.

Comments, likes and reposts help thank you :)

[littlemourningstarr]

I'm incapable of not doing this for my own tavs too, sorry folks!

So of course I start with my baby, Sekh'met (Sekh) my transmasc drow Warlock (with a touch of wild magic sorcery).

What was your tav doing before they were abducted? Nothing super exciting, actually. Sekh has been wondering since his family and home was destroyed in his youth, spending years trying to better his own magic and alchemy. He was in the midst of planning a trip back to the Underdark when he was snatched up.

How does your tav feel about the guardian? He does not care for the guardian at all. He doesn't take kindly to an invasion inside his head- his patron, Syl, is the only one allowed in his thoughts.

Does your tav have a love interest? Oh yes, Astarion. He's down bad for the vampire.

Did they like their love interest at first? Yes. His first thought when he saw Astarion was how pretty his curls looked in the sunlight. Even with a knife to his throat and Sekh considering sending Astarion flying over the cliff via Eldritch Blast, he still was drawn to him.

Do they have a secondary love interest? Rolan. If he hadn't spent the night of the tiefling party with Astarion, he would have stayed with Cal, Lia, and Rolan- and who knows where that would have gone. Who really knows where it is going, as he and Astarion definitely have chemistry with the wizard.

Do they have a companion that becomes a BFF? Shadowheart! Sekh would level a city for her.

Sweet or savory food? Sweet. Sekh has the most ridiculous sweet tooth, he would literally survive on baked goods if you let him. He's a bit awe struck when they eventually get to Baldur's Gate and there's bakeries (he kept his traveling typically to smaller towns).

Beer or wine? Wine, specifically a blush. He doesn't like beer.

Do they drink coffee? Yes and he cannot fathom how it has not been a more important part of their camp provisions.

Can they cook? Not very well. He never needed to really eat anything fancy while he was on his own. He ends up learning from Yenna once the girl joins camp and eventually joins his life.

Are they artistic? Oh gods no the poor man is not. I like to imagine that evening paint and sips are a thing in Baldur's Gate and he drags Astarion in the future and whatever Sekh paints is worse than a child's finger painting. He can't play an instrument either- hell, even his hand writing is atrocious.

What is their favorite color? He likes black, a lot. But he really likes gold too.

Are they a dress up or dress down sort of person? Dress down. He didn't have much in the 50 some years he's been wondering, so dressing up just never happened. He can definitely clean up very well though, and eventually does once life settles down a bit.

Morning person or night owl? He never had much of a preference, but once Astarion is in his life he shifts to night owl.

Do they have any siblings? Nope, he was his parents' only child (and the little love of their lives).

Do they have any family still alive? No. He was 15 when his parents were murdered- and he only survived because of his patron, Syl.

How do they feel about kids? He would tell you originally he's indifferent, but he cracks when kids have lost their family. Dealing with Arabella losing her parents cracks him (actually writing that now lol), and he doesn't even hesitate to take in Yenna.

Do they want to be a parent one day? At the end of the adventure, Sekh is still unsure. Yenna is more of a little sister to him, even though she stays with him and Astarion. He's young for an elf tho (he's only 67- going to be fun when Astarion realizes that he is so young in elf years) so he's not ready to be a parent yet. However, after years with Astarion, he comes to the conclusion it is something he wants, and they have their own little family. Sekh had to decided if he felt alright carrying a child too, but in the end he does.

What about pets? He never had them, but a certain plump, hairless cat takes quite a liking to Astarion and there is no way that Sekh could say no.

Are they going to settle down after the parasite is taken care of or continue adventuring? A bit of both. He and Astarion settle down in Baldur's Gate, and Sekh starts growing Underdark fauna in their basement. He really wants to share the wonders of the Underdark with everyone. However he really takes an interest in the Society of Brilliance, and works with them to try and further their beneficent work in the Underdark. That definitely leads to a few adventures. Besides, Sekh likes a little bloodshed- he's not ready to give that up.

Please please tell me about your tav!

What was your tav doing before they were abducted?

How does your tav feel about the guardian?

Does your tav have a love interest?

Did they like their love interest at first?

Do they have a secondary love interest?

Do they have a companion that becomes a BFF?

Sweet or savory food?

Beer or wine?

Do they drink coffee?

Can they cook?

Are they artistic?

What is their favorite color?

Are they a dress up or dress down sort of person?

Morning person or night owl?

Do they have any siblings?

Do they have any family still alive?

How do they feel about kids?

Do they want to be a parent one day?

What about pets?

Are they going to settle down after the parasite is taken care of or continue adventuring?