#they/them for the durge pls and thank

[camelliagwerm]

THE BLACKGUARD SET IN SINFUL RED ON BONE WHITE

[feyascorner]

NO BECAUSE I NEED TO TALK ABOUT ASCENDED ASTARION FOR A SECOND

I feel a lot of people think he just lost his soul when he went through with the ascension (myself included) but replaying for the third time (this time w/o rushing lol), it’s more obvious that he’s still him.

Of course, there’s a very obvious difference between spawn astarion and ascendant astarion in his dialogue, especially if you romance him. Ascendant astarion, in the state that he is immediately after ascension, is absolutely not a healthy representation of what a relationship should look like and should not be desired. Obviously some people think he’s hot but for the sake of the argument just go along w me here.

Regardless I don’t think the ascension changed him THAT much as a person. In fact I’d argue that NOT ascending changes him more (for the better). Ascending just made parts of him (the less forgiving traits) that much more prominent.

Looking back on Act 1 during the tiefling celebration (assuming you don’t side w the goblins), he clearly says he doesn’t revel in being a hero. And throughout the game he makes it very clear he’s willing to be selfish because he hasn’t been allowed to be selfish for the past 200 years.

And this selfishness manifests into him wanting power so he won’t face the same environment again. He’s always wanted power, and if he chooses not to ascend, he’s letting go of that part of himself. Not only does he go against what he’s believed for most of his life as a spawn, but accepts that being a spawn is okay with him. If he chooses to ascend, he’s amplifying that power hungry aspect of himself, putting act1/2 astarion’s personality in the basement, but he’s still there.

This applies to how possessive he is of Tav after the ascension too. He’s always been possessive, even if he doesn’t make it alarmingly obvious. Though rather than possessive I’d describe it more as a fear of being abandoned in act 1/2.

For example, when you drop the Githyanki Crèche on him he gets genuinely annoyed for a few seconds and then he thanks you for apologizing in a much softer tone, like he’s trying to repair any damage he might��ve done by getting mad at you. At the time, he still thinks of himself as weak, and therefore cannot bring himself to be possessive since he has no power to back it up. Instead, he manifests these feelings by doing everything in his power to please you even if it goes against his emotions. And while he doesn’t particularly love Tav going off with other people (as seen with the dialogue after you sleep with Mizora), he pretends that he’s okay with it just to keep you by his side. This tendency to please Tav in hopes they’ll stay is also seen in how he asks for your permission before he kills the Gur at the hag’s house.

Now, once he does ascend, he realizes he has the power to support all these darker emotions he feels. It turns twisted as a result, bringing us to the ascendant astarion we have today.

Spawn astarion, however, lets go of these emotions in a way, or displays them in a more healthy manner. It’s why his arc feels much more satisfying this way because ascendant astarion isn’t really changing, just adjusting. Spawn astarion goes through more raw character development which is also why I cannot bring myself to ascend him even in my evil durge play through!!

anyway yeah I made this account to do stuff like this hope you enjoyed my little rant🫶 this is just my personal opinion obviously but pls lmk if anyone thinks differently bg3 lore is so interesting

[scuttlingcrab]

Can you pls do a Durge x Raphael after their first kill at the camp? Would LOVE to see what you do with him in that situation. ;)

Thank you for this, Anon! I’ve gotten a few Durge prompts that I hope to fulfil this month, as I’m finally making my way through playing The Dark Urge for the first time! (This run is Durge resisting the Urge, haha) Hopefully by the time they release the new endings in September, I’ll go fully evil. One thing though.. I am OBSESSING over Minthara… so I’m hoping to start writing some fics focused on her real soon because MAMA MIA!

Summary: After Raphael witnesses Tav committing a gruesome murder, he begins plotting how he could use their vulnerability, and lack of memory, to his advantage.

Notes: Warnings for violence.

Link to my other work in the Devil's Archive.

In the Dark of the Night

(Image via red-dead-sakharine)

Raphael spent another night at Tav's camp, lurking from the comfort of the treeline as he watched them eagerly, playing with his fingers in anticipation for what he hoped would be a bloody spectacle. He failed to keep count of how many nights he stood there, spying on them since their first encounter at the Druid Grove. 

Far too many at this point, embarrassing even for a Devil’s standards. 

He obviously had other imperative things to be getting on with, he would never be able to succeed in uniting the Hells by simply dawdling about and waiting for things to fall in his lap. Though much to his chagrin, being present at that wretched mortal camp slid to the top of his priority list. Even more than his infernal duties and all the discarded contracts that piled up the longer Raphael bid his time. He could practically feel the mounting pressures digging into his shoulders, his knees buckling from the weight of it all. 

Then there was the Crown of Karsus, always that damned Crown with Raphael. Since the fall of Netheril, he had been swept away by the promises of glory, of dethroning Asmodeus and occupying his seat of power in Nessus.

The wounds of that fiasco, of letting his father get the best of him, never fully healed. The mistakes played repeatedly in his memory. Over and over. As a lesson and as a punishment.

Raphael cursed all three of the Chosen for wasting the relic’s true potential on an Elder Brain, thinking that alone would aid their plights for total domination. The crime of the millennia. Those damned imbeciles! By the Gods, Raphael laughed, cried, and raged at the notion when he first heard Gortash had succeeded in breaking into Mephistopheles' vault, stealing the one and only artefact he had ever desired. 

It would all spectacularly blow up in their faces soon enough. The Crown’s earth shattering waves, its raw power, could be felt even in his House of Hope as the strength intensified, the doomsday clock proceeding with its countdown. Raphael would be there, watching their work crumble at their fingertips, witnessing firsthand the Chosen's faces warping in horror at their doomed fates. 

Despite everything, unseen forces still managed to push Raphael in the direction of those foolish mortals again and again, and towards one individual in particular. The Devil had watched each companion closely, but his obsession grew with Tav. No magic or potion could dislodge them from his waking thoughts in the days after the Nautiloid crash, or rid them from invading his dreams.

In truth, the other companions were dull, uninspiring, and Raphael quickly discarded them like a worthless piece of garbage. Of course, he could use their souls, he would never say no to that, but he had no interest in going out of his way to secure a deal when Tav offered him so much more.

At their first meeting, Raphael instantly recognised the rotting strength of Bhaal oozing from Tav, his nose twisting in repulsion from the memories the smell elicited. Yet something was different about them, unlike the other Bhaalspawn he had come in contact with. He couldn’t quite place it at first until he focused on their visage. Their skin was pale and their eyes bloodshot, flashing nervously around the room, as if they heard voices scratching against their skull. 

When was the last time Tav killed, truly? Made a glorious sacrifice in the name of Bhaal? He had never seen someone suffer such a withdrawal or resist Bhaal’s murderous temptations. They could only go on for so long until something snapped, satisfying their urge, and quieting their God.

Something big was brewing and Raphael wasn’t going to miss a moment. 

Raphael peeked his head through some bushes as he gave the camp another once over, his eyes darting to Tav near the campfire. They still remained lying on their bedroll, sleeping soundlessly. 

Without notice, Raphael’s skin prickled and he stiffened, holding on to the nearest tree trunk as his chest spasmed. His upper body continued to be yanked forwards in an abrupt, and rather rude, summons. 

“Korrilla…” Raphael hissed.

He clenched his jaw in anticipation, loud drumming filling his ears as he flickered in between the forest at the campsite and his House of Hope. The two locations could not have been more different, the contrast assaulting his senses. Images of Korrilla filled his vision as he was pulled further from the mortal plane. She stood in his central chamber, arms crossed and impatiently tapping her feet.

“You are late for a meeting, Master.” Korrilla warned, her voice rattling through his head. 

“I am busy.” Raphael growled, practically tearing the final syllable apart in his mouth.

“I can keep them waiting for only so long before they will start asking questions… I do not want to hear your complaints when they retreat back into their Iron Tower.” Korrilla raised an eyebrow as a final plea.

Raphael paused as the pair engaged in a staring contest.

“Very well. Tell Dispater I will be with him shortly. I am willing to forfeit a few more souls to appease him, that should be an effective enough apology for the Archdevil. I will join you once I am finished with this prospective client.”

With that, Raphael viciously snapped his fingers, cutting off any further communication with the Warlock. 

Raphael groaned, removing his hand from the tree. The wood was scorched, leaving a deep charred imprint where he had grasped it. His fingertips still sizzled and he blew on them, hoping to cool himself down. Let the Lord of Dis wait. This was far more pressing. He rubbed his temples, blinking away the rest of the discomfort from the summons, the world around him finally stilling. 

He peeked through the bushes again and gasped, his heart dropping to his stomach. Tav was no longer sleeping, but stood tall. They were speaking to a bright-eyed Tiefling named Alfira, who had only just joined the camp. The other companions around the campfire, Shadowheart, Astarion, and Karlach, remained lost in their dreams, undisturbed by whatever conversation the pair were having. 

Raphael’s scalp tingled as goosebumps ran down his spine and across his arms. And he had nearly missed it! He held his breath, remaining frozen in place, on the off chance Tav might hear his quickening heartbeat. 

Alfira smiled at Tav, looking at them with adoration and warmth, seeming to have an overall pleasant exchange. As she talked, Tav reached for the dagger at their belt, slowly unsheathing it. They aimed it at the Tiefling’s throat, unmoving as their knuckles grew whiter from squeezing the hilt. Alfira jumped back, arms out wide in shock. She laughed nervously, eyes dancing between the dagger and Tav. 

The poor thing... 

Raphael barely saw it, the movement was smooth, swift, and clean; faster than lightning, but the damage was done before Alfira could even register what happened. Within seconds, her eyes grew in terror, nearly bulging from her head as a cut appeared across her throat. She held onto the wound as blood began to gush through her fingers, quickly soaking her dress. She opened her mouth, attempting to call out for help, for anyone, but she never had a chance to utter another word. Alfira collapsed, falling onto her back. Tav lunged at her, as if caught in a trance. Their stabs were deep and personal, and seemingly never-ending. They somehow found a new spot to dig their dagger in again and again long after Alfira expired.

Blood rushed to Raphael’s head, his ears pounding like war drums as Tav began gutting the Tiefling. They proceeded to use the gore spilling from Alfira to paint the markings of Bhaal around the corpse. 

So the deed was done. It all happened in a matter of minutes, but to Raphael it felt like hours had passed as he observed from the shadows. He couldn’t pull his eyes away from the scene, they sparkled with curiosity and acclaim for the sheer skill of the murder. And for the possibilities that awaited him. 

With the dagger back in its sheath, Tav stood as still as a statue, their arms outstretched, basking in the kill.

Raphael took a deep breath, running his hands through his hair. The second act was about to begin. 

He would need to compose himself before making a grand entrance, otherwise it would scare Tav away. His usual flair for theatrics might not suit their tastes on this occasion; he needed to ease their nerves, guide them back from the spell they were under and use that to his advantage. 

Snap! 

Raphael teleported behind Tav, sitting casually on one of the massive boulders next to the campfire. 

“You are quite the artist.” Raphael began, crossing his arms in front of him. “I should applaud you, but I’d risk waking the others.” 

Tav twirled around, drawing their dagger at his sudden appearance. Recognition flickered in Tav’s eyes and the weapon staggered for a split second as they nearly lowered it, but they quickly changed their mind. They took a step towards Raphael, the dagger aimed at his heart.

Raphael raised his hands as an act of surrender, he wouldn't dare trigger another murderous episode so soon. Though, he let that thought remain… wondering if they would go so far as to massacre their entire camp?

“I must admit, I was rather taken by your commitment and overall execution. The nature of your work always piqued my interests. Although I don’t think I could ever stomach something such as…” Raphael tilted his head towards the corpse. “Truly, it was an honour getting to see a master perform such barbarity in the flesh.”

Raphael rose from the boulder, giving his deepest bow as a sign of respect. 

Tav turned around, only just realising the body behind them. They backed away from it, dropping the dagger as their hands trembled. 

“I… huh? No. No! W-what is going on? What is the meaning of this? Is this one of your cruel jokes, Devil?”

“A joke? Hah!” Raphael promptly covered his mouth as the laughter escaped his lips. He looked around the camp cautiously, waiting for at least one of the companions to stir, but they all remained asleep. 

He resumed, in a quieter, hushed tone.

“No, no, my murderous friend, there is no blood on my hands. See?” Raphael twirled his digits, taking a moment to admire his nails amid the glowing campfire. “Look carefully, the evidence is all around you.”

Tav’s head dropped to their hands, their eyes deepening with dread as they took in all the blood. They desperately tried to wipe away the evidence on their trousers, their nightshirt… but it remained stuck to their skin. They fell to their knees, grabbing their head and pulling at their hair.

“Oh Gods… NO! I-I don’t know… no…I… it makes no sense, I was only…”

Shadowheart stirred in the sleeping bag next to Tav. Warily, Raphael raised his index finger to his lips. 

“Hush now, else you’ll rouse the entire camp. I don’t imagine you’d find that very helpful.”  

“This is all a nightmare. Yes. A nightmare. This whole thing, it’s not real. No. Nothing is real. You’re not real. I’ll wake up and everything will be back to normal. That’s it. You’re OK. You’re OK…”

Tav folded into a ball, holding on to their knees as they rocked back and forth, muttering nonsense. Raphael titled his head, his face a mask of serenity but his eyes burned, radiating with excitement. 

“Do you have no memory of… ?” Raphael pointed towards the corpse. 

Tav shook their head, staring coldly at Alfira’s body.

“I… I don’t remember anything. Nothing. Not from tonight or before that fucking crash. I barely know who I am. It’s like I never existed.”

Tav’s face curled with distaste at the situation, their eyes glazing over in resignation. Countless opportunities flooded towards Raphael like a dam bursting, nearly knocking him over. Oh, the things he could do with this newfound knowledge, how he could shape and mould Tav as he saw fit. How utterly delicious.

All he had to do was snap his fingers and their memory would be restored… It was that easy. But the truth would destroy them. They weren’t ready to learn what they were, what they were capable of. They’d self-destruct, surely. Dooming all his future plans, the thousands of years he spent planning, scheming. No, it was not a gamble he was willing to take. Not yet.

“Perhaps I can be of service then?”

Tav slowly looked up at Raphael, their eyes concentrating on him.

“You’re unfortunately too late.” 

“My, we give up easily. The body. Allow me to dispose of it for you.”

Tav opened their mouth, their forehead scrunching. 

“I don–”

Raphael raised his hand dramatically above him, cutting their words short as he prepared his thumb and middle finger.

Snap! 

Alfira’s body disappeared in a flurry of sparks. Tav jumped back, suppressing a scream at the sudden fiery display.  

“I’ll give you this one for free. And mind you, this is entirely an altruistic act. I don’t ever want to hear you or any other mortal say a Devil can’t be sympathetic again.”

“Why…?”

Tav’s eyes filled with tears as they looked away from Raphael, shaking their head in confusion. In denial. The Devil kneeled down, placing a comforting hand on their shoulder, squeezing it lightly. He allowed his fingers to soak up the warmth from Tav, leaving his hand to rest on their body for perhaps a second too long.

“Merely a taste of what’s to come, of what I can offer you in the days ahead. The next one will come at a price however, which we can negotiate in due time.”

“And my memory…?” Tav sniffed, their eyes locking with Raphael’s.

"It will return. You might not want to know who you really are, in the end. But when you’re ready, I will find you. I’ll be watching.”

Raphael stood up, patting away the dirt from his knees.

“Oh, I’d wash the blood off your hands if I were you. And maybe get rid of that little shrine to Bhaal while you’re at it. Your companions will be asking questions in the morning and you don’t want to cause any more suspicion.” 

Snap! 

A flaming portal appeared behind Raphael, leading straight to his Chamber of Egress.

He made one final flourishing bow to Tav, before turning away from them and walking through the gateway.

"Oh, the fun we’ll have." Raphael whispered, humming a tune as he disappeared. "Together, we’ll paint the town red."

[geezmarty]

id love to know more about any backstory u've been spinning for ur tav ! i love their design sm

Thank you! I’ve been holding off thinking about a backstory proper until I finish the game bc I know Vaguely that the dark urge gets into some plot shit and I like the prompt at the beginning of the game that tells durge they have no memories of their past…that being said, one headcanon I have is that Whatever her guardian is (no spoilers pls I have no idea yet!) they took the shape of one of her parents to try and make her trust them, even if she just has like, the shadow of a recollection on who her parents were or what they looked like.

It makes role playing the scenes with the guardian very tense and conflicting bc Brigha does Not trust them but she can’t bring herself to do anything but be wary of them and try to keep her distance even though there is something strangely familiar and comforting about them. canon events may render this headcanon null but I think it's juicy larian don't shatter my dreams

(another small thing is that the choker/amulet I keep drawing her in feels very important to her and is probably a family heirloom - she never takes it off. Maybe I’ll land on a proper design for it lol)

[centipede-legs]

started a durge play through (resisting the urges bc #redemption and second shot at life) and by the tiefling party, i already had exceptional approval with gale and medium approval with everyone else, so i did as one does and spoke to every companion at the tiefling party, and ALL OF THEM were like “i’m in the mood for some ;) ;) but obviously not with you EW grosssss could you imagine??? ewwwww” with the exception being gale who thanked me profusely for acknowledging that he exists, followed by a tasteful "I WANT YOU SO BAD PLS PLS PLS PLS PLS"

[astarionposting]

hey!! Could you share your favourite tav's of others? I'd love to connect with other people who posts their tav's! Also thank you for your tutorial's, they helped me so much <3

Hello! I got a similar ask but about male tav’s as well, so I figured I’d post it all in one. I don’t really follow that many Tav-centred blogs, mostly Astarion/Halsin/Gale, BUT a lot of my lovely mutuals have some BEAUTIFUL Tavs and I’ve even had the privilege of being able to photograph and edit some sets of them! &lt;3

My lovely mutuals with their beautiful Tavs/Durges/OCS:

@vspin (I love her drow baby she is so beautiful I wanna give her a little smoochie smooch)

@cheekylittlepupp (BEAUTIFUL GORGEOUS GODDESS ANGELIC OC I am going to be doing some edits of her soon hehe)

@anderwelt (their OCs are so beautiful and unique, I had the pleasure of editing Ceres, but working my way towards editing Tae who is equally as cool and awesome and amazing)

@tadpole-apocalypse (so much beautiful artwork of their oc I luv Morgan sm)

@honeysulani (ALSO MAKES BEAUTIFUL SIMS IF U LIKE SIMS AS WELL)

@stinkrascal (pls pls look at their ocs i beg u they are all so beautiful and handsome)

@mercymaker (beautiful beautiful ocs AND incredible edits, just u have to see for urself ok??)

@asykriel (really hot and sexy male tav but I didn’t wanna say it out loud)

@narrayya (they make their own self-sculpted heads and they are absolutely gorgeous and ethereal and SO SOOOO UNIQUE)

@tugoslovenka (a gorgeous DRACONIC BLOODLINE drow lady and a new pretty pretty elf gal-also most badass names I’ve ever seen-I just steal mine from other video games 😭 )

@bhaalbaaby (many beautiful tavs, but I must say Penelope is my absolute favourite she is just so so soooo cute)

@julietvoid (NOW HER OCS ARE SO BABYGIRL I LOVE THEM THEY ARE AO BEAUTIFUL I JUST WANNA GIVE THEM SMOOCHES AND TWLL THEM HOW MUCH I LOVE THEM OK???)

@korcariiwitch (super fucking cool drow oc I love love LOVE)

@haarleps (i forgot to add but then remembered, VERY VERY BEAUTIFUL TAVS/OCS, especially Freyr also bc i am biased since that is freyja's-the goddess my tav's name was yoinked from-twin brother's name in norse mythology so i rlly like)

@malewife-mansplain-magus (this one is for the male oc anon- u just need to look like their ocs are just 👌👌chefs kiss ALSO INCREDIBLE AMAZING BEAUTIFUL ARTWORK I WAS LIKE WTF WHERE DID THAT MASTERPIECE OF GALE COME FROM ITS ONE OF MY FAV GALE FANARTS)

So there are probably so many more of my beloved mutuals that have incredible tavs/durges/ocs, I’m just really bad with my memory but I also tried to focus on those who (I think) post their ocs consistently 😭 so if I didn’t mention you and you are mainly a Tav/Durge/OC blog, PLEAAASE comment like I wanna see it and I also would love to share it for others to see &lt;;3

[banes-favourite]

What kind of pet do you think Gortash would have or want, if any? I could imagine the possibility of some kind of robot that may or may not mimic a real creature. Though something like a pseudodragon could be neat too(pseudodragons are like intelligent cat-sized dragons. They have a stinger at the end of their tail and can communicate telepathically. They also act much like cats in being mischievous little creatures and are sometimes used as familiars. They also can understand various languages even if they can't actually speak them)

But it's also fun to imagine him having some kind of creature that can be found in the hells purely out of some form of spite.

Or maybe he could have something like a mouse or rat, since they're pretty intelligent and are actually very clean(also it's just fun imagining him with a little rat buddy)

Actually thinking about it I'm kind of sold on the idea of a pseudodragon companion. Since they can communicate psychically it could probably easily help him when he's tinkering, even if it would just act as an assistant and possibly help him fetch tools or reach areas that he can't easily get to for whatever reason. They're resilient to magic, and because they are a kind of dragon and not the most common companions it would fit with his dragon iconography and his want to stand out.

They're also rather playful and have chameleon-like abilities to change color so that could add some interesting dynamics between the pseudodragon and Gortash(Maybe it would even try to cheer Gortash up after Durge goes missing?). Normally pseudodragons are hesitant to work with people who are evil aligned but are willing if they're treated well and given respect

I'm pretty sure I've kind of gotten off topic in my rambling but oh well

Sorry for taking so long to answer this, I want to draw something for it but my drawing pen broke 😭

I had no clue pseudodragons were a thing and honestly they sound like they fit him perfectly?? Like having one dressed all in pretty jewellery for appearances, bro just showing up with a mini dragon perched on his shoulder. Having it fetch him tools and each time it does, Gortash gives it a little chin scritch. It cuddles up in his lap when Gortash has spent too much time in his office and he pets it like a cat. I can also imagine a scene of him going "No, don't-" as it pushes his cups off of the table cat-style. I love it thank you for the idea pls ramble more if you find the time ❤️

[thywheelof-fate]

I know you said you will not elaborate but pls elaborate I just know that if I was Durge seeing Ketheric being such a dedicated father when mine is...yeah the worst I would collapse.

Ketheric: lol,i betrayed shar for some quasi-god to have my daughter back and even if she hates me idc I still have her letter in my pocket all the time. Bhaal: *order your sister to kill you,even when you were like doing THE plan to make him powerful again*

ok ok I will elaborate just for you, beloved anon

To Durge, Bhaal's- and therefore a father's- love is something not freely given, something used to justify pain and hurt and suffering, something that seeps into every cell they have and chokes them out.

Then there is Ketheric- who loves his daughter deeply, despite her hatred. A man whose love grasps at forgotten echoes and wants to hug that little girl, not choke her. Ketheric, whose morals are based around his child, who has a child that he does not bend and break around his morals (he wishes she were by his side, but that is because she is his own).

A man who frets. Who worries. Who grieves. Who does this without expecting that child to pay back the debt of raising them.

Seeing this would tear them apart, but they wouldn't be able to articulate why. They'd assume that Thorm is too soft, too weak, too unambitious. Still part of them grieves. Still part of them wonders.

And then there is Enver- whose love feels like Bhaal's, but there is something else, too. A sense of respect, of admiration that is not a one way street. Suddenly it is not so bad to choke, so long as the hand wrapped around their throat will caress their face afterwards. Enver knows they like it. He can see it in their eyes, feel it in the tips of his fingers that were scorched by hellfire and betrayal when he was still a child. He sees Bhaal's love and forces his own over it, smothering it as much as he could.

Love and power and lust blend together. The power part is key: Enver still has a bit of control over them, or at least he likes to pretend to and the Dark Urge allows it. They admire him, so they must admire the way he treats them, no? That's how it always has been with Bhaal.

They worship Bhaal, so they must worship the way Bhaal treats them. Bhaal loves them, so Bhaal must love the way He treats them.

So, in summary. Seeing Ketheric causes Durge to acknowledge and work through their daddy issues a bit. Seeing Enver causes Durge to acknowledge their daddy issues and also spiral deeper into them, thanks to some crossed wires.

[wafflerageface]

Alright indulge me here:

Does her meaning have any name?

Recap her fav date with the tyrant for me pretty pls?

How's it going with them siblings? Who's her fav, who does she dislike the most, why?

Fav dish (besides the durge cannibalism bit)

AAAAAHHHHH thank you so much!! I’m so excited I get to talk about my Durge!!

1) Does her name have any meaning?

Aria has Italian origins meaning “air” or “melody”. I chose this name because I made her a bard necromancer and her instrument is a violin. Violin was invented in northern Italy, so I based her appearance on a “stereotypical” northern Italian, and gave her a name to match. Since I based so much of her characterisation off of music, I decided to make sure her name reflected that.

2) Recap her favourite date with the Tyrant

Before meeting Enver, she had never left the undercity before, so being topside was incredibly overwhelming. She was assigned to be Enver’s bodyguard/assassin by Durge as a show of good faith, and obviously he couldn’t have someone following after him wearing obvious Bhaalist robes, so he took her shopping. They went to the dress shop (Fierro’s? I think? I’m bad at names) where he had several custom outfits made to wear (I headcanon the one she wears in game is the first one he bought her) Having that many unfamiliar hands on her body was extremely uncomfortable and when Enver noticed he gave her one of his anti anxiety rings. They went and had dinner afterwards and he introduced her to fine dining. The only other date they’ve had that could rival this one is a date set after the events of the game (because I refuse to let him die 💅🏻) and after some very intense and personal drama between the two of them, they took a mini vacation to the beach. It was very relaxing.

3) How is it going with the siblings? Who is her favourite v least favourite and why?

Okay SO there’s literally so many fucking Bhaalspawn. I will list them first in age order (bear with me)

a. Corvir, a massive vampire barbarian warlock (he sold his soul to Strahd to become a vampire to avenge his dead wife and daughter)

b. Nezryn, a drow archmage who raised all of the other Bhaalspawn (she and Corvir are upwards of 90 at this point) She comes up with nicknames for everyone.

c. Anezka, a half elf ranger. She likes to primp and prim the most of the spawn. She’s kinda sassy too.

d. Fallon, a half elf battlemage. She’s the Durge of the group so she’s the only one who wasn’t raised by Nezryn, however she did learn a lot of magic from her.

e. Aria, a half elf necromancer bard with magpie tendencies. She’s physically small and weak comparatively to her other siblings, but she makes up for it with vast intellect.

f. Illanthir, a half drow cleric of Eilistraee. He is Nezryn’s actual child after a…forced and unsavoury night with Sarevok. His twin brother is Ellandar.

g. Ellandar, a half drow paladin of Eilistraee that has taken an oath of Devotion specifically towards his family. His twin brother is Ilanthir

h. Nepthys, a tiefling monk that is incredibly pastel goth. She has a few more marbles in her jar than Orin.

i. Anemone, a tiefling draconic sorcerer that is very pink. Like VERY pink. She has a very bubbly personality. She has like two more marbles in her jar than Orin, but she’s too happy to have the unhinged murderous rage of Orin

j. Orin, a channeling…rogue? I think is her technical class. I’m not actually sure. We all know her, we all love her.

Aria’s favourite sibling is probably Nezryn for the fact that she was raised by her and she taught her wizardry. Without Nezryn she wouldn’t have half the necromantic abilities that she does, and she probably wouldn’t have lived this long either.

Aria’s least favourite sibling is Orin. It can be really fun playing the “Which one is Orin” game, sure, but in a den of assassins where some games of hide and seek turn deadly if you don’t spot Orin fast enough? Besides, she’s the first one to run and tell “daddy” anytime you misbehave. No one likes a snitch.

4) What’s her favourite dish? (Sans roasted dwarf)

She loves strawberries. She loves strawberry anything she can get her hands on. I headcanon that Enver has a massive sweet tooth (part of that autism adhd combo he’s got) and he got Aria hooked on eating strawberry cakes. If we wanna included drinks as a “dish” she drinks hot milk with honey and lavender every night before bed while Enver reads to her

[silent-moons-camp]

Got some Q's for Stigandr Tavrinth pls and thank you!

Random selected but I like these questions: (if it's too much sorry!!! got excited lol)

-What is your character's favorite physical trait they possess?

-What is something your character would refuse to wear?

-What is something your character is proud to own?

-Who would your character ask first if they needed medical help?

-Who would your character say knows them best?

-Where is your character's safe space?

Aaaa thank you! Love answering questions about Stigandr because he's still not fully developed yet and these questions help me make decisions about him. No need to apologize!!!

-What is your character's favorite physical trait they possess?

Stigandr takes GREAT pride in his beard and hair. This man is hairy as fuck and probably has a whole routine he goes through every morning to ensure it's perfect. Stigandr is not a vain person, but appearances are important when it comes to being a Paladin. He's gotta strike a balance of being intimidating enough to his enemies and approachable enough from those he seeks to protect. (Maybe there's some personal backstory regarding his affinity for braids. My friend has a character whose culture holds great importance on braids and their meanings, and I've been inspired by that since, lol.)

-What is something your character would refuse to wear?

I don't think he's actually too picky on clothing. I would say clothing of the enemy, but I did put him in some Absolute apparel when the gang infiltrated Moonrise. I suppose... maybe he wouldn't want to wear lighter armors? I mean he would if he had to, but he prefers heavier sets of armor that are more likely to protect him.

-What is something your character is proud to own?

He is VERY proud of the Amulet of Greater Health that he snagged from the House of Hope. Not only is it super useful, but he finds great pleasure in stealing from Raphael.

(Considering I play on Explorer difficulty and with a no party limit mod... this amulet feels like cheating, even moreso than usual lmao)

-Who would your character ask first if they needed medical help?

He would probably try to take care of the wounds himself first. He has his own healing spells, of course, but if he's unable or out of magic, he'd go to Shadowheart. Stigandr is a humble man who knows he needs to be in good health in order to help others and find a cure, so he doesn't dawdle when it comes to wounds. If Shads is unavailable, he'll go to Jaheira or Halsin.

(Also, of course he'd go to Shadowheart. The inherent eroticism of being healed by your love interest is too great to pass up.)

-Who would your character say knows them best?

I would say that my yet-to-be-created Dark Urge character knows him best. Stigandr is a werewolf, and so is this Dark Urge character I'm rotating around in my brain. I think the two have been traveling together for some time in search of a cure for their lycanthropy, and as such, the two become good friends (in spite of her murderous thoughts and bloodlust, lol). Obviously him and Shadowheart grow close and I would say she ends up as one of the people who know him best, and in ways that my Durge probably never would.

-Where is your character's safe space?

Stigandr finds himself most safe within nature, or within distance of a religious site. Stigandr is an Oath of Devotion paladin, yes, but he is a paladin of Tyr also. While he spent his early years in Baldur's Gate, he spent most of his young life in Fortress Faithful, the Church of Tyr in Tethyr. Nature also because he just finds it to be beautiful, and of course, because of lycanthropy. (Image nabbed from the Forgotten Realms wiki.)

Thank you for the ask!!! I had fun answering these and providing some images :)

Ask me questions about my OCs from this post!

[truly-sincerely]

Okay let's try this again from the top (Now with AO3 link)

Dark Star Falling 1 - hot and cold

This is gonna be:

reasonably high fidelity to game canon

starting in act 3, at Wyrm's Rock Fortress

a series of vignettes, mostly between canon scenes

an agender/tiefling durge x astarion

mostly about dealing with intense durgetash feelings

Elient 22

“So… Thank you. For being that evil bastard.”

Darling is only half paying attention. Astarion can see the wheels turning in their head–an expression which has, in the past, foretold some of their more elaborate crimes. It was easy to see how the party had made it this far–with Darling doing the battle math and checking for exits as casually as breathing. They aren’t like any bard Astarion has ever met.

Even their aggravating predilection for rescuing every pathetic urchin and bedraggled gnome they come across is only a minor inconvenience in the larger scheme of playing their enemies off each other and picking off whoever’s left. Darling always seems to find a way to make a profit off of even the most pathetic victims.

Karlach has stormed off to the far end of the hall. Darling’s gaze follows her thru the crowd. Wyll is standing nearby waiting impatiently to talk to his father, or what’s left of him.

“Hey, Star? Do me a favor?”

“Whatever you need, precious bhaal-babe,” Astarion says, sliding into Darling’s field of view. Darling snickers in spite of themself and paws his chest, eliciting a self-satisfied smile from the vampire. He’s known about Darling’s heritage for all of ten minutes and he’s already teasing them about it.

The revelation that they’re Bhaalspawn and one of the architects of the Absolute hoax is certainly a shock but the more he thinks about it, the more it makes sense. Darling has always been hot and cold–not one and then the other, but both simultaneously. Playful, dangerous, and insatiable. A creature that acts wounded to lure predators in and then snaps them up. 

“Talk to Ravengard with Wyll, would you?” they ask, looking back in the direction of the Grand Duke as tho not sure he’ll still be there. Ravengard is standing to the side of the throne, looking like little more than one of the many Fists strewn about the hall.

“I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but all that’s beneath that eminently smooth pate is a tadpole.”

“Then talk to the tadpole,” Darling snaps, and then their expression softens into something apologetic. “Maybe Wyll can get thru to him. I dunno. And tell Karlach to go back to camp, please.”

“That’s probably for the best. Wyll had to physically restrain her when Gortash was calling you his ‘nearest and dearest’,” he titters. “I haven’t seen her this angry since she was turning that Paladin of Tyr into paste.”

“If I find out I had something to do with Gortash betraying her I’m going to throw myself into the Chionthar,” Darling says, and they have such a pained look on their face that Astarion is overwhelmed by an alien desire to say something gentle. Fortunately, Darling turns and walks away before he can embarrass himself.

– – –

The Archduke is just standing there, surveying the nobles as they mingle. Darling can hear one of the patriars complaining about cheese. Gortash doesn’t have a tadpole, but Darling thinks he’s wearing the same expression that they’ve seen on their companions when one is making use of their parasites–eyes unfocused, almost but not quite nodding, listening to nothing, generally distant. As they watch him they think they can see him subvocalizing. He’s connected to someone or something telepathically.

Darling reads the Weave around him. He’s protected by multiple enchantments from his equipment and otherwise. Magic that grants him more presence, more authority, more confidence. Too much confidence. He’s drunk on it.

His languid gaze passes over Darling. His eyes meet theirs and his expression changes–his smile changes–it moves up into his eyes. Darling’s breath catches as he holds their gaze.

They catch themself making battle plans and–realizing that their best course of action would be to lay down cover and let Karlach get in his face and chop him to pieces before he can invoke the powers of his god–they let slip the tiniest of smiles on one side of their mouth. His expression shifts again. They see recognition in his look. He’s reading them too.

Darling whispers an almost silent expletive to themself, covering their face with a hand, pretending to brush stray hair out of their eyes. Suddenly he’s standing before them.

“Follow me up to my office,” he commands, and then, seeing their eyes narrow, adds in a softer tone, “We could be good for each other.”

“What will you tell me?” they ask stiffly. He looks down at the creak of leather as Darling’s glove tightens around the grip of their blade. Gortash shifts closer as if to shield Darling’s indiscretion from sight, but who’s sight? They glance over at Astarion and Wyll who are engrossed in whatever Ravengard is saying. Gortash moves his hand over Darling’s, brushing his fingertips across their knuckles. He smells like vanilla. Their voice cracks as they whisper, “I don’t know you.”

“Join me upstairs and we can use that dagger for whatever you like,” he proposes. Darling’s body responds with what feels like the expenditure of every chemical at its disposal. They stumble half a step back, suddenly keenly aware of an oven-like heat between his body and theirs. Gortash wonders pleasantly at their outsized reaction.

“Is this guy bothering you, darling?” Astarion’s voice comes from behind Darling moments before he touches their back gently.

“Yes!,” they respond, loud and shrill. “I mean no. No! Gods...”

Gortash and Astarion take a moment to size each other up while Darling recovers their composure. Astarion is accustomed to Darling’s occasional fits of nausea and twitching, and from observing Gortash’s demeanor in the moment, he is as well. It seems he really does know Darling as well as he claims to.

It doesn’t last long. Darling straightens up and turns their body into Astarion’s and says, “We’re going back to camp.” Astarion links an arm around Darling’s and leads them toward the door. Wyll follows them out, looking back at Gortash and leveling a particularly diabolic stinky eye his way.

Gortash watches the trio of adventurers exit, still wearing that smug smile.

They’re alive and they’re still themself, more or less.

[roleplayfinder]

Baldur's Gate 3 doubles, Discord, 18+ only

Hello, I'm 21F looking for some double oc x canon for BG3! I'm looking for someone to play Astarion [spawn only pls] against my Durge tav because I'm totally living for the double redemption arc right now. For your oc, I can play any canon for any gender of tav/Durge. I'd love to give Minthara, Lae'zel or Wyll a try but I've also played Gale and Karlach a lot and would love playing them again all the same.

A little bit about me, my writing ranges semi-lit to lit for the most part. I'm someone who loves yapping about headcanons for our characters/pairings, sending memes, playlists, etc. etc. I'm generally a busy person and can't reply daily, so in turn I'm also super patient about reply frequency. I also prefer writing over Discord.

If you are interested, please interact and I'll reach out so we can start discussing and exchange Discords. I will only be accepting 18+ partners. Thanks!

.

[bladesandbhaalspawn]

Hi hello I see you are potentially open for moodboards and I really loved the one you did for a friend of mine and I was hoping to ask what info you wanted/needed for them. I can see the main categories but would you also want picture refs, etc?

Thank you very much!

Hello! ❤️ My availability is always in my header 😊 but to confirm, yes, I am currently open for moodboards xx

thank you so much by the way!! I’m so glad people are enjoying them! 🥰

Here is a link to a previous ask where I share what I need to make a moodboard for Tavs and Durges

Pictures are always a nice addition, but not necessary. (pls just send a few, like 3 max)

[keldae]

BG3 ships for the top 5 thing! Romantic or platonic. :)

Oooooh! Thanks for the ask! =D

To nobody's surprise, Gale/Tav is at the top of my ships for this fandom. I'm sure the fact that Devi has taken over my brain has nothing to do with that whatsoever. But I also love reading about other people's Tavs with the Rizzard!

Astarion/Tav or Astarion & Tav. I might not have personally seen the romantic appeal for our favourite vampire, but I LOVE that others have seen it and are feral for it! I do love reading spawn!A/T fics. And Astarion and Tav as friends/platonic soulmates just sings to me! (Not a big fan of Ascended!Astarion/Tav, but to each their own. ;) )

Karlach and Wyll. I love them romantically, I love them platonically, I just LOVE them together! They're meant to be together, either as lovers or as platonic soulmates. I also love seeing both of them with other Tavs.

Halsin/everyone from Team Tadfool, Tav/resist!Durge included. I just love seeing our big bear man get love and affections from his partner(s)! I also love seeing him portrayed in a more platonic setting too. (Why I haven't done a Halsin romance run yet is a surprise to me.)

Jaheira and Tav as a familial ship. Jaheira cemented herself as a mother figure for Devi the first time she said called Devi 'cub', and now I'm a sucker for any fic that shows her adding the player character to her cluster of adopted children.

Honourary mention to Rolan/Tav. Much like the Astarion shippers, I've never really felt the urge to boink the grouchy tiefling wizard, but I can fully appreciate those of you who go absolutely feral for him. (pls keep writing your filthy smut and send me links. For reasons. ;) )

[daemon-in-my-head]

1 & 13 for the durge creator asks 👉👈

Thank you for asking!

1. How did Durge come to be? Why them? Was it a vibe you tried to capture or a specific visual you wanted to represent? Did you borrow them from previous works or were they handcrafted for this story you have in mind?

I've already answered it here, but tldr; I am a horrible simp and I wanted rep.

13. Final and spiciest question. How down bad are you for your durge. Would you hit it even though you'd probably not make it out alive?

Ahahahahahaha pls don't judge me but, it's a death worth dying.

Elli is straight up stunning. He's my pretty little boy. He's arguably gorgeous to me and yk, I'd hit it but actually I'd probably get the same pleasure out of just braiding his hair. He's just very handsome and hot and I wouldn't regret whatever happens. He's a beauty and honestly yeah he deserves to be worshipped, I'm with Gortash on that one. Godlike pretty boy and tbf even completely broken he's still very cute. Very insane too but eh I like it spicy.

As for the other fuck though, yk the black haired bastard on my pfp who even I think is horribly nasty... I'M SO NORMAL ABOUT HIM. He's essentially 100% my type cuz he was just a stupid ass test run and I was feeling brave enough to create a self indulgent durge and stick him into pretty clothes and make him look absolutely gut churning hot (for my taste anyway) but then it somehow escalated and yk. I mainly use him to write smut and I'm definitely not jealous of Gortash or smth nah never. I'd kill to hit it (which would probably be required and the fact that I can't actually do nasty shit to him is a crime actually).

Yeah I am very normal. Very good taste too.

[vialae]

Hello - just wanted to let you know that I greatly enjoy the things you write! I am so grateful for any Durgetash content bc I genuinely feared it would be too small a pair to get much content. I do enjoy the way you write them as well, the (head)canons about Gort and I think your Durge is very interesting! It’s always a joy to get to meet other players’ durges.

So pls don’t give up hope, those of us who do read your things do love them and cherish any new piece you post! <3

Aaa thank you so much!!

It really does mean a lot to read these types of things!!