#with with deity opposite for Shadowheart

[intramoon]

Mina; a acolyte high elf storm sorcerer, for my new playthrough. ♡

[baldursgate3tempobsessed]

Astarion Very Happy Ending, Part 2

Hey y'all, so I did a part two of this because I love happy, insanely, fluffy romantic endings. So I'm going hard here. There will be one more part!

Also, don't judge my Gale x Shadowheart bs here 💀💀 Long story short, first playthrough that was abanadoned, I picked her orgin and did get sweeped up by the mage man. It has not left my brain since.

Also, this has a time skip! A pretty long one too (10 years)

~

Astarion had been having… thoughts lately. Ideas that he couldn’t quite shake. Nothing bad, no. There really wasn’t much to complain about in his life, not anymore. Not when he could walk in the sun freely, unburdened by parasites and his own vampiric nature. The two of you were free to explore the world with no shackles, not including your religious zealotry. And ironically enough, his own. 

Astarion would never have guessed that he’d ever become a Selune convert. Well… even now convert may have been to strong of a word. Yes, he was immensely appreciative for the whole sun immunity blessing and he did have a newfound respect for the work of her worshippers. But Astarion wasn’t exactly looking for a deity, or anyone, to be subservient to. Not again. No, he’d much rather watch his love do the dirty work for his savior than fully commit himself. Besides, just because he wasn’t devoted to Selune didn’t mean he wasn’t devoted to you. Which might as well have been the same thing. 

Astarion loved you, adored you really, but gods could you be nonsensical at times. He was so happy the two of you had met because someone had to keep this idiotic fanatic alive. Someone to remind you that no darling, not everyone is redeemable. Please put the goblin down.

But he’d be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy being your protector. It was the least that he could do considering everything you’d done for him. And he just… liked having a valid excuse to accompany you everywhere. Astarion had never imagined himself to be such a clingy lover, but here he was. The two of you had been attached at the hip for nearly a decade now, with no end in sight. You had built a life together, had friends together, adventures and celebrations that filled his days with endless excitement and amusements.

That is one thing Astarion had to give Selune and her worshippers, they didn’t exactly lead boring lives. Though he supposed half of that had to with just how involved the opposition was. The two of you had slaughtered enough acolytes of Shar over the years for him to know just how covert they really could be. But it wasn’t just bloodsport that made things interesting, though it certainly did help. The exploring for ancient artifacts definitely helped to fill the time, as well as the constant search to find a cure for the rest of his unholy symptoms. 

As great as being in the sun was, Astarion wasn’t quite satisfied with that being the end. It was almost certainly impossible to find a full on cure to being a vampire spawn but… that wasn’t stopping either of you from looking for it. It was morbid, but Astarion wanted his life to have an ending. A natural one like what he hoped for you, not one where he was doomed to immortality and bloodlust until the end of time. 

Thank the gods that he had managed to fall in love with an elf. It at least gave him centuries instead of decades to figure out a solution to an eternal problem. Which brought him back to his current problem. Because the two of you had many, many years ahead. And as far as Astarion was aware you both planned on spending them with each other. Which implied… certain things.

Astarion had never been someone to fantasize about marriage. He had no reason to, not when he had been too busy barely surviving. Even when things became serious between the two of you it hadn’t been on his mind. He was much more concerned with keeping you at all instead of keeping you forever. 

But that had changed recently. Maybe it was because he had seen you officiate countless weddings over the years; young couples always clamoring at a chance to get a newlywed Selune blessing. Or maybe it was how others took note of the lack of a ring on his finger, taking it as an opportunity for unwanted flirtation. But either way, he couldn’t stop thinking about it. Obsessing about it really, as he was want to do when it came to you.

He just… didn’t exactly know how to broach the subject. What was the reason? A silly little ceremony and a ring had no bearing on the depth of your relationship. He knew that. The two of you were bound to each other by choice, a love that felt as though it got stronger every day. But… it would be nice to have you in such a way. For the world to be aware of the seriousness of what you had together, shown simply through a pair of rings. And the thought of calling you his wife was quite enticing. 

He wasn’t quite sure why he was so hesitant to bring it up to you. Well… there was the slight delusional thought in his head that reminding you of forever could possible wake you up into realizing just how much better you could do than him. It wasn’t true, he was aware. But gods, your relationship had lasted a damn decade. When was he going to start feeling secure about all of this? 

It didn’t help when Gale of all people beat him to the punch. He and Shadowheart had developed quite the bond since your tadpole days. And your excitement over the announcement was adorable. Adorable enough for him to wonder just how you would react to it happening to you.

But he shoved his worries to the back of his mind, too busy being dragged all the way to Waterdeep for the week-long nuptials. You were highly involved in the wedding, which wasn’t exactly a shock. Shadowheart had stayed your best, most appreciated friend throughout the years, the two of you eternally tied through your shared goddess alone. You wrote to each other constantly and this was far from the first time you had dragged him across the realm for a visit. 

But this was probably the best time. He had to give the people of Waterdeep this, they knew how to celebrate. He wasn’t one to complain over a week filled of music, dance, and drink. The ceremony had been nice as well. Heart-warming even to watch Shadowheart walk down the aisle, smiling in a way she never could when she was devoted to Shar. With Gale sniveling at the other end and you officiating of course. 

The jealousy had been an unexpected touch. He couldn’t help but wonder what you would look like in her place. Dressed in white and silver, walking towards him with eternity in mind. 

It certainly wasn’t helping his dilemma, he could tell you that much. He was still thinking about it when they made it to the reception. It was impossible to bury thoughts of marriage when you were at a wedding. Would you want a large celebration like this? Or something more small and intimate? Hells, the two of you and a cleric in the middle of the woods would suffice to him. 

“To think, Astarion Ancunín at my wedding in the sunlight,” Gale laughed as he plopped down in the seat next to him, effectively putting an end to his internal fretting, “Who would have ever imagined?”

“Certainly not me,” Astarion scoffed with the slightest hint of a smile, “But I suppose things change.”

“I suppose they do,” Gale agreed, his eyes scanning the dancefloor for his new bride. There she was, dancing and giggling with you in the middle of ballroom,  “I just never expected it to be for the better.”

“It is a wonder that we’re all still alive,” Astarion agreed, smiling to himself when Shadowheart dipped you as you laughed hysterically, nearly falling over herself in the process, “Let alone being able to find love. Who would have thought the worshiper of the goddess of the dark would end up here.”

“Turns out she was hiding quite the personality behind the Shar mask,” Gale laughed, “Though I suppose we have Tav to thank for that. It was a real fight on who would have her as their best woman. A fight we both obviously lost. Though officiating seemed a good compromise.”

“She certainly has the experience,” Astarion sighed, “But I have a feeling this one will be her favorite. She’s happy for you two. We both are.”

“I’m happy for you too you know,” Gale added with a small smile, “I always thought the two of you would work out. I even made a killing in the pool we had going on for it.”

Astarion stared at him, brow raised, “You had a pool?”

“Oh absolutely,” Gale confirmed, completely shameless as he listed out the rules, “It got quite competitive after awhile. First, it was all about if you’d ever realize your feelings for her. Then when you went and did that we were betting on how long you’d both last before you left. And then when that didn’t happen, well. Let’s just say I got a few platinums richer.”

Astarion rolled his eyes at the news, barely even surprised, “I feel as though I’ve earned a cut of that.”

“Unfortunately it’s now our honeymoon fund. But I’ll owe you one.”

That was another aspect of this whole debacle that Astarion hadn’t even thought about. But gods, did it sound nice. Whole weeks dedicated strictly to the two of you. No religious duties or adventures to worry about, just… them. 

The joy of the thought must have shown on his face, because the next thing he knew Gale was looking him up and down, a small smirk on his lips, “What’cha thinking about over there?”

“That this wine is mediocre at best,” Astarion lied, avoid Gale’s eyes, “Tell me you at least got a good deal on it?”

But Gale wasn’t taking the bait. He was still watching him like a hawk. That was the problem with getting closer to people, and having, gods friends. 

You had to deal with the discomfort of being read like a book, “Does our little Astarion want to be wed?”

Astarion flinched at the accuracy, taking the time to shoot him a glare as he avoided the question, “I am nearly three centuries older than you.”

“Perhaps, but we both know two of them don’t count,” Gale said, barely missing a beat, “So tell me, do you already have a ring picked out?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“I can help you pick one you know, there are many fantastic jewelers in Waterdeep. I believe she has the same ring size as Shadowheart, we can bring her along.”

Astarion rolled his eyes, ignoring the small blush creeping up his neck, “I want you to know that if this wasn’t your wedding day I would have slapped you by now. Consider my reluctance as your wedding present.”

“How generous of you,” Gale chuckled. But then he started to speak quieter, his voice taking on a more gentle and serious tone, “She would say yes you know. You’ve had her wrapped around your finger since the day you held that dagger to her throat.”

That was an exaggeration, but Astarion would be lying if he said the mention didn’t make him preen the slightest bit, “You forget that I did have competition.”

“Oh, barely,” Gale laughed, “You don’t get to reminisce of what could have been when you won. Gods, no one had any chance against you. And trust me, we tried.”

Astarion blinked at him, more than a little surprised, “You did?”

“Of course we did. We all did. What do you think Shadow and I bonded over? But the pining stopped eventually. Then it became…something more. Something deeper. She’s… a magnificent woman, my little shadow. Who has gone through too much…” Gale trailed off, his eyes still following his bride as he softly smiled,  “Suffice to say, neither of us are pining anymore. And I’m sure Shadow would love nothing more than to help plan her dearest friend’s nuptials.”

“Who ever said that you two would be involved?” Astarion scoffed, just to be an ass, “For all you know we’ll elope in Neverwinter.”

But Astarion’s grip backfired, if the smile on Gale’s face meant anything, “So that means you are going to propose?”

Oh for fucks sake. Astarion glared at him for the accuracy, at a loss for words. Besides it… it was true. Of course he was going to ask, where else would this fanatic line of thinking end? He just hadn’t expected Gale of all people to be the one to force him to admit it. 

“I-yes,” Astarion sighed, finally giving in, “Are you happy now? Yes, I’m going to.”

“Extremely,” Gale grinned, “Because you just won me another three hundred gold.”

[bifflesnitch]

Baldur's Gate 3 Ship Dynamics

ASTARION

+ Shadowheart = sassy, edgelords who don't have time for your shit. Not super evil, just survivors who dont have time for sentimentality. 

+ Gale = bickering old married couple united by a power kink (Spawn Astarion + Ascendant Gale)

+ Karlach = 2 sides of the same traumatised/enslaved coin, opposites attract and heal each other and its beautiful and tender. 

+ Good Durge = beautiful trauma healing parallel, bond over lack of control/autonomy and fighting to gain it. 

GALE

+ Karlach = ADHD/Autistic couple relate over terminal chronic illness (which were both inflicted on them by the person they trusted and admired most who abused and abandoned them). Both stick it to their abusers. 

+ Lae'zel = a blunt fish out of water and a nerd who trips over his own tongue and is fascinated by her. Theyre also turned on by each others musk. Also both middle-fingering their abusive Godesses. Both familiar with the Astral Plane. 

+ Evil Durge = absolute enablers (surprisingly)

SHADOWHEART

+ Minthara = evil boss bitch and her budding sassy apprentice. 

+ Halsin = 2 poly horndogs

+ Good Durge = 2 amnesiacs both sticking it to their respective abusive deities 

+ Evil Durge = 2 zealouts enthralled by each other's malice

LAE'ZEL

+ Shadowheart = enemies to lovers, strong sapphic badasses who deconstruct their religous indoctrination together and take no shit

+ Karlach = lethal power couple

+ Minthara = ruthless evil carnal bitches

WYLL

+ Karlach = Baldurians who love stories of heroes and justice. 

+ Good Durge = relate over being owned by an evil higher power and fighting to retain their values despite their circumstances

KARLACH

+ Wyll = Hunter spares his prey and fall in love with her, she falls in love with his selfless heart of gold. Golden retriever couple.

+ Halsin = Just 2 protective cinnamon rolls

[wheretheharekissesthefox]

Why do you make me feel this way? - Chapter 4: Gift

Astarion knew why everyone had fallen head over heels for Tav. She was sweet and caring, and he'd been a fool to believe that she'd fall for his shameless attempts of seduction.

Gale made goo-goo eyes at her and stumbled over his grandiose words whenever he talked to her.

Halsin looked at her like a cleric at a statue of their deity and told her the sweetest things in the most genuine way.

Karlach was just her joyful self and wrapped Tav into a hug anytime she could since her mechanical heart was stabilised.

Lae'zel showed her affection by making less biting comments and by stopping to look down on Tav.

Shadowheart teased Tav flirtatiously and told her repeatedly how much she values her support and trust.

Wyll acted like an old-fashioned gentleman and thought that shielding Tav from danger was the right way to win her heart.

And Astarion? Astarion had held a dagger against her throat when they'd first met, fed from her every night to be even strong enough to fight at her side, and still struggled with nightmares about Cazador.

Astarion was broken and nobody wanted broken things. Tav would never choose to be his lover, everyone else was much better suited, and Astarion knew it.

Wistfully, the vampire spawn observed how the human bard praised Gale's stew, cooed at Halsin's carved wooden duck, gave Karlach a quick but heartfelt smacking kiss on the cheek, complimented Lae'zel's weapon-sharpening technique, encouraged Shadowheart regarding Shar's trials, commented on Wyll's footwork as he went through his daily training routine, and petted Scratch and the owlbear cup. Astarion's heart ached. Now, Tav walked over to him. The vampire spawn put on a cheerful smile and lilted: "Hello, what can I do for you?"

"Actually, I think I can do something for you for once," Tav replied, looking sincere. "While wandering through the ruins of Shar's temple, I found a couple of interesting books."

"Mh, yes, darling. We all know you love collecting souvenirs."

"You got me there," she chuckled, "but this is for you."

Tav thrusted a dusty tome into his hands.

"The book's about dealing with trauma and pain. I've read the first couple of chapters to see if it could be helpful to you and I think it could be. There are detailed instructions on how to work through unpleasant memories and how to 'digest' them instead of shoving them into the far back of your mind to try to forget them. You should read it and try out the techniques."

Astarion blinked at her dumbly.

"You want me to read a self-help book to 'get over' the torture that I endured for two hundred years?"

"Uhm, if you put it that way, it sounds tactless," Tav muttered and averted her gaze.

Astarion felt like a jerk, thus, he spoke his next words more softly: "I understand that you're trying to help, so, thank you. I can use a new, stimulating bedtime reading."

His undead heart skipped a beat when Tav beamed at him.

"Good. That's good."

Her hand lingered on his forearm for a bit longer than necessary before she turned around with flushed cheek. Astarion watched the bard go, holding her gift close to his chest. He desperately wished for the book to work like magic.

"Hm, your presence makes her blush like a peach that turns pink in the sunlight," mused Halsin.

Astarion jumped when the druid suddenly stood behind him and could barely hold back a startled squeak. The wood elf chuckled amused.

"No need to be alarmed, Astarion. It wasn't my intention to sneak up on you."

"But you did," replied the addressed huffily.

Halsin chuckled again, a rich, warm rumble from deep in his broad chest. Astarion imagined how cosy Tav would look spread out on that hairy torso. Next to the druid, she almost seemed dainty. The polar opposite of how she looked next to Astarion. The latter found the thought of being picked up by her alluring though – and rather hot.

Halsin cleared his throat und Astarion realised his mind had drifted away while his eyes were still staring at the druid's chest. Why was the wood elf so much taller, broader, and bigger than him? Astarion pursed his lips, slightly peeved.

"I do feel flattered by your attention, but it's a bit unnerving that you're so quiet," Halsin told him. His tone was warm, his eyes soft, and his smile genuine.

"Apologies, I was in thoughts," Astarion replied, truthfully. "Now, excuse me, druid, I have a book to read."

When he made his way past Halsin, the latter murmured: "Tav likes you."

"Obviously. Everyone likes me," the vampire spawn spoke with a wink.

The other man sighed.

"That's not what I meant. She... She has a big heart and you take up a lot of space in it. Cherish such a gift, Astarion."

The vampire spawn gaped after Halsin who walked deeper into the temple ruins to collect flammable objects to fuel their campfire.

[needleanddead]

here is who i think my ocs would romance and what they would choose to play as in bg3 btw;

constance: romances shadowheart, naturally. sees a pretty lady and is immediately like. yeah thats the one. also plays as a high elf paladin, oath of devotion because she thinks its romantic but definitely ends up an oathbreaker

cass: really think he's predictable and would romance astarion unfortunately. sees too much of himself in him. plays a lolth-sworn drow rogue (assassin subclass).

teddy: absolutely romances halsin i don't know what to tell you. is actually really good at video games and probably also romanced karlach in a save or two too. plays a human bard if he's Playing Himself but has several saves with characters he's made up who are more Gaming-Focussed.

rose: gets decision paralysis between romancing gale and wyll but unlike teddy is really not good enough at video games to have more than one save. lets teddy choose and he chooses gale for them. plays a halfling cleric (living the absolute opposite of their real life and plays life domain with selune as their deity)

percy: full of himself, romances gale too bc he approves of gale the most (and also tara). plays a tiefling warlock bound to the great old one.

van: cant play video games technology goes fucky around him. would probably also romance halsin. wood elf druid.

lucas: lol can u imagine

[thebarontheabyss]

The characters decide to play DnD to pass the time. MC is the game master. What creatures do the characters play as? What are their classes? Are their personalities similar to those of the characters or are they completely different? Who survives the campaign and who doesn't?

Another day, another prompt that makes me want to write a full-on chapter about it instead of working on the actual game, lol

(BTW! Hijacking to announce the next part will drop sometime this week!)

Now, let's play DnD!

Death plays a character quite opposite to their real-life role - a human paladin sworn to protect and serve. They get excessively invested in the role, trying hard to make every decision morally righteous. Ironically, their character meets their demise due to their unwavering commitment to face danger head-on for the sake of others. Death experiences their first death, and they find it quite enlightening.

True to their nature, Lilith\Damian picked the role of a changeling bard, using charm and wit to navigate the game. They excel at deception and persuasion, often using their skills to steer the group out of trouble - or sometimes getting them into more of it.

Morgan\a is playing an elven sorcerer (as if they would pick anything else!) who focuses on powerful spells and arcane knowledge. They enjoy showcasing their magical prowess just as usual, sometimes to the detriment of the team's strategy. Pepper sits beside them and is thankful that, at least this time, their dangerous behavior is contained in a game.

Hastur, quiet and observant, plays a disciplined Tiefling monk. He's strategic in combat and often saves the group from dire situations. His character survives, often being the last line of defense for the team.

Shelly's choice contrasts sharply with her real-life persona. As a gnome barbarian, she charges headfirst into battle, much to everyone's amusement and surprise. She's kind of the game's MVP and is the most enthusiastic player by far.

Peisinoe embraces the role of a cleric, and picks Shar as her deity (she would get along with Shadowheart lol). Guess loss and darkness kind of speak to them in a way. They are having way more fun than they though they would.

Yaga, with her penchant for numbers and details, plays a meticulous dwarf artificer. She enjoys crafting solutions and gadgets for various challenges.

The Raven plays a cunning dragonborn rogue. They excel in stealth and thievery, often gathering crucial information for the group. BTW, if you ask them, they are an actual dragon - and proud of it.

He Without Name was assigned the role of an orc fighter by the others, and they often guide his actions in the game. But, he's surprisingly effective - often saying "Time... Smash..." when the battle starts.

[omgkalyppso]

Étoile Ienith | High Elf | Paladin | They/He | 166

What is your Tav’s…

favorite weapon: mace as an elf, teeth as a vampire

most prized possession: this post is in Étoile's tag for a reason, everything is mutable / replaceable / subject to the ravages and loss of time

deepest desire: to serve Auril's interests

guilty pleasure: the thrill of combat

best-kept secret: I know I never shut up about it, but it would be that their mother was a werewolf

greatest strength: every one of Étoile's strengths is a flaw I think. Their conviction. They're willing to see their choices through, but the ability to accept their initial instincts were wrong might be better 🤪. Their determination to see an end goal realized regardless of personal cost to avoid their greatest fear - loss of autonomy - is what lands them in Raphael's pact, so, also not great. The traits that see them survive their journey land them in their Neutral Evil alignment. They want to stand up for worshippers of non-good-aligned deities, werewolves and the (un)dead, and it put them in opposition of their Paladin Order and Good people. It would feel silly to say their greatest strength is their literal strength / combat prowess aksjdfgjkahsg.

fatal flaw: self-sacrificial and not even smart about it

favorite smell: cold, pine, patchouli

favorite spell or cantrip: Auril's Flowers

pet peeve: people who are overly familiar

bad habit: "pick your battles. pick… pick fewer battles than that. put some battles back. that’s too many"

hidden talent: can repeat a tune on a flute after hearing it twice

leisure activity: reading

favorite drink: nonalcoholic - black rosehip tea; alcoholic - White Draconic Ale, Devil's Blood Whiskey, Deepwine

comfort food: bovine roast, maple butter cookies

favorite person(s): Aranea, Astarion, Lae'zel, Shadowheart, Halsin, and on and on

favored display of affection (platonic and/or romantic): platonically - hugging; romantically - completing a task or favour that brings some delight to their partner

fondest childhood memory: developing their innate high elf cantrip Ray of Frost at seven years old; their mothers, worshippers of Auril, were very proud

Tagged by @razrogue (((o(*ﾟ▽ﾟ*)o

Tagging: @umbralstars, @luinen-bluewater, @boghermit, @bosspigeon, @toucansafari, @sp3llw0rk, @lucius-the-sinful, @jackalopedread and YOU!

Also, about Étoile and being cold and swimming:

A friend has an oc who worships Umberlee and I read that worshippers of Umberlee don't learn to swim, and told them that I could picture Étoile's mothers teaching them to swim in a fucking frigid stream / river and using the reasoning "We don't worship Umberlee," and that in the ice water on their snow capped mountain, little Étoile complaining that "It's cold," would get such an earful from their priest of Auril mother, Aranea about how cold was a blessing, etc. So that even years later, if struck by an unexpected amount of cold water, like walking under a branch, or eavestroughing that spills water down their back, or if someone (cruelly?) tossed a cold bucket of water on them as they slept tranced that Étoile's instinctive reaction is to mutter / hiss / exclaim, "Praise Auril."

[wild-magic-oops]

For the dark urge asks: 1, 19, and 24!

from left to right: Lucas, The Dark Urge, Damien

1. What circumstances led to your Dark Urge becoming their Class/Subclass?

Lucas - I initially played him as a life domain cleric of Tyr because I thought it'd be hilarious and it was! Tho in my latest playthrough I made a hireling out of him as a multi-class gloomstalker rogue which is fitting imo so I might change his class for some fics/ideas etc. But back to the cleric - Lucas woke up with a very acute feeling that he served a god before so he drew the conclusion that he must've been a cleric. And his violent urges felt imposed on him, so he thought that must be a curse of some sort and therefore he must've gotten it because he served a good-aligned god.

My guy was deep in the delulu, but yet partially correct. Still, he didn't know which god he served so he did the good old tested method of guessing, and started with Tyr who looked at this poor confused bhaalspawn who wanted to do good and decided "yeah sure why not". Another option is for Withers to have always been Lucas's deity and for Lucas to just not have realized it and thought it was Tyr instead.

The Dark Urge - he's the default sorcerer class so there was no choosing there. He realized he could do magic and stuck with that. It was a bonus that he could fry people on the spot with said magic. No need to improve upon perfection lmao

Damien - I still haven't 100% decided but since he's a paladin and it's canon that paladin!Durge has broken their oath before, I'm thinking that upon waking up from the pod, even through his amnesia he still could feel the remnants of an oath and that he was wronged in some way. And because of his violent and terrible urges that he very much doesn't like, he decided to go the complete opposite route. So he swore another oath - this time of vengeance.

19. Has your Dark Urge become particularly close to anyone romantically and/or platonically in their journey? If so, who, and what is the relationship like? If no, why not?

All my Durges are Galemancers so Gale's their closest companion by far. Aside from him:

Lucas - tried the most to get to know others and give them a chance. He really likes Wyll bc he's a hero and has the whole "do the right thing" going on. But Wyll's also a bit too morally uncompromising which in itself is fine, but Lucas with his urges (and sometimes hubris) felt like he would fuck up at some point and Wyll would not take it well, so their relationship is not as strong as it could've been. He gets along with selunite!Shadowheart as well.

The Dark Urge - He's not super close to anyone aside from Gale tbh. But he does like the good-aligned companions more. And he has the most developed relationship with Jaheira out of all my Durges. He's the only one to admit he's scared of Bhaal to her. I guess from the original companions he gets along the best with Wyll and Lae'zel.

Damien - gets along with Wyll the best. I didn't recruit Karlach this time even tho I like her bc I want to see how something plays out, but for narrative reasons I imagine I did and Damien gets along great with her as well. And since this is the first time I recruited Minthara, he has a funny relationship with her bc they're both vengeance paladins and sometimes he agrees with her and then she says something out of pocket and he's like "no...!" He also respects Lae'zel once she's seen through her indoctrination and wants to fix the system for her people.

24. Does your Dark Urge have a treasured item with them? If yes, what is it and why is it special? If no, how do they feel about item sentimentality in general?

That would be a no for all my Durges. In terms of sentimentality - Lucas is the most santimental when it comes to objects, followed by The Dark Urge. Damien is the least by far.

[avelera]

I finally made a good Dark Urge run that I found narratively convincing instead of just sort of "meh". All my other good Durge attempts have just sort of been hodgepodges of whatever class or story choices I felt I hadn't yet seen in the game.

This time I went full Paladin with a backstory that's sort of Shadowheart/Karlach blend, ie, was raised in the Bhaalist cult and spent most of their life wishing they could get out of it, but being the Chosen meant she had pretty much no choice, no hope of getting out.

(Just a bit of rambling about a BG3 run I'm doing, writing about it mostly for my own sake.)

Also for flavor decided to name her Brienelle after Drizzt and Catti-brie's canonical daughter and decided my Durge convinced herself she actually "is" Drizzt's daughter. Is she actually? Absolutely not, the math does not line up. But it's a fairytale she told herself about how her "real" parents are heroes, that they're out there somewhere and miss her, that Bhaal isn't actually her father, that she was "Chosen" because she's a hero's daughter (much like Shadowheart was chosen for being Selunite). As a result, she aspired to heroism but frankly every pressure in her life, her entire upbringing, was channeled to her being the cult's Chosen so she eventually, reluctantly, fell in line. A bit like Astarion in this respect, Bhaal like Cazador was simply too powerful and too able to destroy her if she tried to escape, never mind being able to literally take her body over with the Urges. But now she's conveniently "lost".

I think what finally worked was having someone who wasn't just "good" but who was wholeheartedly dedicated to doing good after never having the chance before. So every rescued person, every kind word, every grateful companion and new friend is positive reinforcement that it is possible for her to lead the life she chooses, to be a hero. So Paladin fits that very well.

My one regret so far--as I try to balance RP with not just making the same choices in every playthrough-- is romancing Shadowheart at the party. Mostly I chose her because 2/3 of my favorite romances, Karlach and Gale, don't have anything that evening and so I've got multiple playthroughs with Astarion as the Act 1 romance before pivoting to friendship with him or romancing all the way through. Gale is the romance I keep defaulting to, I can't help it, I just love that nerd so much. So I really wanted to at least see Shadowheart's romance for once. (For the record, she was my least favorite character for a long time, I've only grudgingly started to warm to her.)

But then the day after they shared a glass of wine and slept together, Shadowheart started talking about her aspirations to be a Dark Justiciar and Brienelle's stomach just... dropped.

I don't know if I just hadn't exhausted the dialogue options for her yet or what but Brienelle... Brienelle is like the mirror opposite of Shadowheart. She was raised to be special in the Bhaalist cult and has been trying to escape it her whole life. Conversely, Shadowheart thinks she's just one of many Shar cultists and is fighting to be someone special within the cult.

Brienelle would have felt a certain kinship to Shadowheart over both of them having amnesia, but when Shadowheart began to speak so fondly of life in the cult of an evil deity, Brienelle just felt... pity. And sadness. She felt old. She could see Shadowheart working her way towards the realization that what she suffered in Shar's cult was abuse. She knows that someone, anyone outside it extending a hand to help could help pull Shadowheart free. But Shadowheart doesn't even want to be free yet.

So both in and out of game it feels like Brienelle just... regrets sleeping with Shadowheart. The intimacy was nice. And she cares for Shadowheart. But it feels like she doesn't have anyone she can lean on, no one she can be herself with or seek support from, because Shadowheart is so naive and yet had such a similar journey to her. Like she can't be open about her fight to escape Bhaal because Shadowheart just wouldn't understand, Shadowheart wanted the opposite.

Astarion doesn't appeal to Brienelle either. He's unabashedly evil and while she feels for what he went through and identifies with his suffering, she really just isn't in a place where she wants to be mocked as if being good and caring for others is somehow the weak option when it's actually the hardest but most rewarding thing she's ever been lucky enough to do. How can you have freedom, finally, and not want to be free to not have to be a monster anymore? She loves him but their morals are just too diametrically opposed for more than friendship.

Lae'zel obviously doesn't have good-aligned morals either and wouldn't begin to understand what Brienelle went through.

Wyll is the son of a Duke. He might perhaps understand the weight of privilege, but for him doing good was always an option. He's only just begun to see what evil can do. And if he ever hit her with a platitude about the importance of being a hero or how she should have just fought harder to escape Bhaal, she might actually give in to the Urge right there and stab him.

And Karlach and Gale were off the table because of their two different flavors of, "I might explode if you touch me."

Thing is, I think she might pivot to Gale over Karlach. It's repetitive for me, sure, but I think Karlach's tragedy is just too similar to her own and Karlach going through a similar hellish experience and then choosing death is just... too much. It's not something Brienelle is strong enough to bear once Karlach resolves to choose death.

Conversely, Gale is a mature adult. He has his own life. His morals are good, he always encourages heroism. And he wants to live. He can be talked pretty easily out of sacrificing himself at Mystra's command. He wants to come out on the other side of this. He resents being a god's Chosen, something Brienelle can sincerely relate to.

Their stories don't overlap much beyond that, but that's a good thing actually. They can just be two people, two heroes doing the right thing where they can and being their own people after having their younger years fucked over by being the Chosen of a god. And ultimately, that's what Brienelle wants. Not a life entirely without drama but a life where she can be her own person, with other adults, and pursue her own calling without being chained to the past.

[darkfeanix]

Last Line Tag

Not tagged directly, but saw @defira85's post and decided to say, Yes, I am a writer who needs to write!

I currently have two Erino/Shadowheart-centric stories waiting for me to finish them. As always, why share just one line when I can share a paragraph or two?

I believe I shared a bit from the first one (chronologically) last time I did something like this, so here's an excerpt from one that follows it:

With Shadowheart, though, it felt different. She was a Shar worshiper, but she was unlike anything Erino had ever expected. Erino might not have been a scholar of Faerûn's many and varied religions, but he knew the Lady of Loss was among the worst of the greater deities. Under different circumstances, he would never have let himself get to know a Sharran as he had Shadowheart. Their philosophies were just too different, practically in opposition. Erino believed in leaving the world better than he had found it; Shadowheart had made it clear multiple times that it was the duty of a Sharran to spread pain and loss. And yet… There were times when it seemed like Shadowheart was trying to convince herself of her own beliefs. And there was the matter of the wound on her hand.

Tagging @rederiswrites and @kevin-sedai if they feel like sharing, as well as anyone else who sees it.

[mass-effect-galaxy]

So, my first truly completed playthrough of Baldur's Gate 3 ended with the second-worst ending: the Dark Urge becoming the Absolute in her own name. The worst ending would be to become the Absolute in Bhaal's name.

After two abandoned playthroughs with this character (one as a full lunatic, the other totally good guy fighting his dark urges) I gave that character a few more thoughts beforehand:

I think the Druge is one of those characters that don't deserve a redemption arc. So, in the end, there shouldn't be everything good and the Druge is riding into the sunset with their lover. This character simply has been (and from my perspective, still is) way too evil for that to be a plausible conclusion of this story.

If the Druge were able to fight and overcome the urges during the events of the game, there is no reason they couldn't have done so before. It just was more convenient to not do so. Embracing the inheritance of Bhaal brought the Durge the admiration of the Bhaalist and placed them on top of that cult. This also brought the Druge into a position where they could initiate the coups of the Absolute with the other two chosen. If that involved the slaughter of innocents and reveling in blood up to necrophily, so be it.

While traveling with a group of companions, those urges are more of a hindrance because those people certainly have other standards of "proper conduct" than a bunch of Bhaalists. So, the Druge is suppressing those urges. These are anyways Bhaal's needs, not hers.

From my point of view, the Druge is more a master of deception than a master of killing. You have to learn that trait from childhood if your divine inheritance causes you to commit acts of horrific violence, often against your will. Either that or you become a complete lunatic, like Orin.

Having established that outline for this character, I made sure I betrayed as many people as possible in this playthrough:

I hid Alfira's body and never talked with anyone about my urges.

I betrayed the Tieflings to get on Minthara's good side.

I used Minthara to get me into Moonrise.

I killed my former goblin allies painfully to pretend to be a true disciple of the Absolute

I used that trust to free Minthara.

I let Astarion drink my blood to gain his loyalty and then sold him for a potion.

I talked Shadowheart into killing Nightsong to have Isobel die en passant and appease Seceleritas Fel that way.

I convinced Shadowheart to kill her parents and never told her later what she did to get the Dark Justiciars on my side.

I pretended not to be interested in the Orphic Hammer only to steal it later from Raphael.

I talked Yurgir into betraying Raphael, then sacrificed him in the final battle.

I cheated on Minthara with Harleep and a foursome with the Drow twins and Astarion.

I allied with Gortash to be free of his Steelwatch while betraying him with a pact with Orin to have my back free to destroy the Steelwatch.

I constantly ensured the Emperor of my undying loyalty while already plotting to free Orpheus.

I killed Valeria without hesitation to get into the Temple of Bhaal the easy way.

I told Orin that Sarevok was boasting about being her father and making fun of her - causing Bhaal to kill Orin himself and turn her into a Slayer.

I refused Bhaal to get rid of his tainted blood.

I then swindled immortality out of Jergal by pretending to be the good guy from now on.

I betrayed the Emperor to free Orpheus so I could get Githyanki help.

I then talked Orpheus into becoming Ilithid so that he would be of no use as an opposition against the coming Absolute Empire.

I finally killed Orpheus to gain control over the Absolute and became a deity in my own name.

[illegiblewords]

Made some adjustments to Tavs and guardians, discussing below.

First, a disclaimer: these aren't actually all of my Tavs lol. I have a male human fighter named Murad too, who looks like this:

and I plan to have him romance Minthara/betray all tieflings without being Dark Urge. But I don't remember his guardian and haven't settled on story/psychology beyond having been a soldier. I'm also still mulling over if I want to do a lady bard to pair with Karlach and what she might look like.

Top to bottom, the design ideas are basically as follows.

Anat, a Mephistopheles tiefling Great Old One warlock. Patron is Hadar. Design is cold and wet but carries vitality. Evokes both the sea and the stars. Avoided hyper-saturated colors for cast coherence and because I also wanted to visually mesh with Gale for pairings. Water/wind motifs in that pairing. Guardian meant to evoke heroic figures who have been lost as per backstory. Hot, dry, and barren visually--eyes evoke the sun a bit with yellows and reds. Contrast a living and close sun with distant stars for him versus Anat. Similar use of faded browns in design to create a mirroring effect. Relationship between Anat and the guardian should be two heroic figures who are similar in many ways but are opposites in others. Note that whether the ocean or a desert, not a lot of freshwater for either when that's necessary to survive.

Cassian, half-high elf and cleric of Selune. Wanted to evoke red elves conceptually and lunar eclipses/blood moons. Figured it'd be fun to evoke an impure/ominous aspect of the moon in contrast to what is usually associated with Selunites. Cassian specifically is noble-born and was raised in faith. That strain of worship was fairly sterilized though, mainly used as a tool to claim moral superiority--his elven mother being particularly egregious about it. Cassian was left disillusioned and Selune took note. He began to receive dreams of the Dark Moon heresy. Wanting answers, Cassian left the comforts and privileges of his position behind to learn more. It is years into this mission that he gets abducted by mindflayers. His guardian reflects how he perceives his own goddess. I'm planning to pair him with Shadowheart, with her being mainly black and white motifs versus Cassian leaning more toward red and white.

Uzal, another Mephistopheles tiefling--born a draconic sorcerer (white) but primarily a cleric of Ilmater. This is my Dark Urge run lol. I didn't want to go full white dragonborn but did want to pay homage to that with a more humanoid option. I figure the Bhaal connection also fits with some of the odd blood combinations here. My initial plan was to make the Guardian a white dragonborn with the default design, but this is beyond the game's abilities so I made an ominous red version of Uzal instead. There are probably some self-image issues there lol. I plan to pair Uzal with Astarion but with less focus on the Dark Urge by itself, more on the angle that this Dark Urge has been chosen by Ilmater. Uzal is basically Patrick Bateman from American Psycho but is doing his best to become a man of god now. He's an inverse of Anat too in that she's mainly good aligned with an elder evil patron while Uzal is mainly evil aligned with a good deity supervising. In terms of visual connections for pairings, I originally knew I wanted to make a white draconic sorcerer tiefling Dark Urge and that I wanted to pair Astarion with a cleric of Ilmater--but it was feeling like more alts than necessary even for me. Crossed my mind that for the themes and story stuff I had in-mind it'd be more efficient to just combine two concepts. Works out though--Astarion has white/red visuals against Uzal with white/blue visuals. Overall similarity makes the accent colors stand out more.

Behati, a Zariel tiefling fiend-pact warlock. Patron is either Zariel or a devil in Zariel's service. I've done a lot of fiddling with her in terms of design to visually stand out against Karlach while linking to Wyll and creating visual consistency with the Zariel tiefling subtype in character creator. I also never use orange so it was a step out of my comfort zone there lol. I wanted to set Behati up specifically to pair with Wyll in a way that would challenge him as a character somewhat. Knowing Wyll is selfless perhaps to a fault, I decided Behati would be a very selfish person initially. She's a charlatan and a cheat (embracing what people expect tieflings to be and trying to do it far better than expected) compared to Wyll trying to make himself into the Blade of Frontiers as a heroic figure. She embraces her warlock pact while Wyll wants to escape his own. When Wyll is transformed and feels upset about the changes, Behati has had to embrace her own fiendish features because there was never any getting rid of them. I like the idea that at her core, Behati is actually a better person who does care more about others than she likes to admit. Contrast with Wyll suppressing his own personal needs and justified anger/grief on his own behalf. I don't think Behati would go so far as betraying the tieflings, but do think she makes some morally questionable choices at times. Behati's guardian I think on the one hand reflects Behati having an aspirational concept of fiendish beauty (like a tropical flower here), but also--that purple has mindflayer undertones.

Tarmyr, half-drow necromancer. I haven't worked all the details out about this guy tbh and as a note, I'm trying to explain my intentions for him without spoiling buddies who haven't finished the game. I plan to pair him with the Emperor and am going to shape his choices accordingly. Tarmyr probably has weird complexes about control--over the dead via necromancy and the living with psionics. He probably went through some terrible shit to cause that. His guardian is modeled off of Balduran as best I could manage. I can say with Tarmyr's design, I wanted him to be very desaturated but with vibrant eyes. Mostly blue, a bit of violet at the center.

Kodos, a githyanki monk. Planning to pair him with Lae'zel. I've been trying to sort out what kind of character he is and I think he's specifically a negotiator. If knowing your enemy is a useful tactic, it's his job to evaluate and utilize both githyanki and non-githyanki to the greatest advantage possible through manipulation. He'd be a monk specifically because during negotiations it's sometimes expected for emissaries to disarm. This can be exploited by those approaching in bad faith. As a monk, he'll never have cause for concern. I think Kodos privately has theories about whether eusocial, presocial, subsocial, etc. forms of interaction are the most efficient. He believes Vlaakith is trying to mold githyanki into a kind of hive society, but in such situations an isolated member fares poorly. Moreover, whether such a society could be called free anymore is uncertain. It reminds him a lot of elder brains and mindflayers but to express as much would practically be treason. His guardian is a githyanki with a few features reminiscent of mindflayers, as per his own private concerns but with further subtext regarding how the guardian means to approach him. I wanted Kodos to have features common to Githyanki/not to stand out too much, but to also look visually coherent with Lae'zel. I also didn't want the green body spots to clash honestly lol, since those aren't changeable. Thematically I wanted to make a githyanki character who offers another way of seeing things to Lae'zel while still being firmly rooted in a githyanki background.

[maleficore]

*slides into you inbox* why hello there. I come bearing Tav qotd questions for the lovely Ezra <3

2 + 3 + 4 + 9 + 11

(xx - @zoneofsmites)

questions from Tav QOTD

wowza you gave me a lot to work with ily. this is going to be SO long agdjdkdk

2. What would their blood taste like to vampires?

So my headcanon is that because Ezra is a quasi-deity in his own right and just doesn't know it, his blood hits like chugging down pure ethanol. Maybe it doesn't necessarily burn a vampire's throat, but that shit is strong. Has less taste more pure, raw energy.

3. How would they kiss their LI?

Which one 😂 Because the answer differs. With Shadowheart he keeps things gentle, innocent because she gives him the worst Urge-induced intrusive thoughts and he's worried about losing control of himself and hurting her if things get too heated. Astarion he pretty much only ever kissed during the time when they were still sleeping together (they have a convoluted queerplatonic relationship past act 2 that is too complicated to explain here lol) and it was all bloodied lips and hunger back then. He was not that worried about hurting him because he believes Astarion to be able to go toe to toe with him pretty well and it's hard to worry about being a danger to someone who has their fangs in the vicinity of your throat. There's also Gortash, but with him things were different because he understood the nature of the Urge in a way no one post-tadpole has been able to wrap their heads around. They've known each other for a decade before Ezra got shanked by Orin and both of them knew how far they could push things back then. I think its safe to say there were sparsely ways in which they haven't kissed, but if he remembered it Ezra would probably say (in his head, never aloud) that the soft, most guilt-heavy kisses stolen whenever the opportunity for a peck on the lips presented itself, were his favourite.

4. How do they sleep with their LI (what position, does one steal the blankets, is one too hot/cold, etc)?

Ezra rarely ever sleeps during the events of the game for obvious reasons and when he does it's usually a case of him passing out the moment he sits down somewhat comfortably. You would often find him seated on the ground, Shadowheart on a log above him with her hand in his hair, while he naps slumped against her legs because he had fallen asleep while listening to the party talk. It's the only time he'd dare to close his eyes around her. However post-game, more or less free of the fear that kept him awake, I see him as a massive cuddler. Big spoon with no need to hoard the blankets because he is the blanket and Shadowheart's personal heater. With Astarion I don't think he's even aware they've ever shared a bedroll because that was something Astarion kept to himself, Ezra most of the time passed out from bloodloss because again, weird situationship. But post-game whenever they're on an adventure or share a bed back home, the deal is the same as with Shadowheart -- big spoon and heater. As for Gortash... I really don't think Ezra's overwhelming sense of guilt ever let him stay underneath his silk sheets after sex. He might've lingered a few times when explicitly told to or by accident, but there was no cuddling involved and unless he passed out, he wouldn't have slept a wink the entire night.

9. If they had to be put in a “get along shirt” with a companion, who would it be?

Ughh he's such a people-pleaser this question is honestly really hard to answer. But if he had to, I think it would be Lae'zel. Especially in act 2 and 3 when he seems to be straying further towards losing himself and that costs him a great chunk of her respect. But that's still more her being put into the shirt with him, not the other way around. He cares a lot about them all and any animosity is more likely to come from the opposite side.

11. What are their thoughts on clowns?

He thinks other people's strange and very strong dislike of clowns is the only funny thing about them, finds them stupid and unamusing himself, but considers a clown performance less about the performer and more about the company you bring to it. He enjoys going to the circus with people he can make fun of the entire thing with a great deal.

[solasan]

29-34 for callista/shadowheart 💕💕

ship dev questions xx

29. what compromises are they making in their relationship? 

i mean, in the very early days, an important one was just. not getting on at each other too much abt the other’s deity. this had some limited success bc unfortunately shadowheart was incapable of repressing the urge to bad-mouth selûne for longer than a few hours, but they both tried. (and in fairness it’s not like callista hasn’t had her own gripes about shar; the ensuing arguments were never just 1 person’s fault).

but since getting together?? callista isn’t allowed to make any stupidly trusting decisions that could get them killed without shadowheart giving the ok. hmm i think they definitely compromise on how they show affection, for one thing; callista’s love language is physical touch, while shadowheart’s is quality time. shadowheart takes a bit of time getting used to a kind touch — which callista knows and is therefore very hesitant about touching her, making sure she’s never uncomfortable — and it isn’t her instinct to express love like that, so in the beginning at least, that’s hard for her to keep up with, but it’s also hard for callista to go without. 

30. what completely petty topic (music taste, favorite food) do they find themselves completely at odds with their partner about?  

food. callista has a taste for spicy food — she’s a tiefling hee hee plus she didn’t get to eat much of it in the house of the moonmaiden, bc most of the food there was pretty plain fare, so she’s taking advantage of having the chance now — and shadowheart is the complete opposite; girl likes things with salt on them and that’s it. she sometimes refuses to kiss callista after she’s eaten something spicy, but that usually doesn’t last long, bc who could refuse a face like hers???

31. what little thing do they find incredibly (though harmlessly) annoying about their partner? 

callista finds shadowheart’s tendency to tap away on objects when she’s thinking annoying sometimes? if only bc it makes it difficult to focus. if it’s rly impeding her ability to think, she’ll usually gently grab her fingers and kiss her knuckles — holding her hand is a cure-all :)

shadowheart finds callista’s snoring unbearable. callista’s a cuddly sleeper — they usually sleep tangled up with each other, one of them resting their head on the other’s chest — so she’s been woken up by her snoring before. it’s less cute when it’s the third time this week :/

32. how do their friends react to finding out they’re a couple? do they have lots of mutual friends? did their friends know, perhaps before they themselves did? 

karlach (callista’s bestie for life <3) is just like OH FINALLY, NOW THE LONGING STARES ARE OVER WITH. except that they’re not, karlach, ur in for a hell of a ride. (she’s very happy for them). i think some of them are more surprised than others; wyll sees it coming, because he and callista are very close and he’s noticed how she looks at shadowheart, but gale doesn’t (and is very surprised). 

lae’zel barely even notices anything has changed LOL. astarion… isn’t close to either of them, so i’m not sure he counts as a ‘friend’, but i think (as much as he rolls his eyes at them) he does think they’re quite sweet together, in a naive and story-book kind of way. callista irritates him greatly, if that wasn’t clear.

halsin thinks they’re adorable, especially bc callista is one of the only people that can make shadowheart grin from ear to ear and he thinks she needs to smile more. jaheira also finds them very cute, in a kind of fawning grandmother way. 

33. under what circumstances would they feel jealous? 

hmmm. callista doesn’t like the drow twins coming onto shadowheart lol and they do not partake in that little tryst bc of that. i do think callista’s a little more prone to jealousy, but unless someone outright propositions shadowheart, she’s not gonna say anything about it. after shadowheart dyes her hair she gets more looks than before, and callista loves the change, but she kind of resents the attention a little bit, if only bc she’s surprisingly insecure for someone so powerful.

i think callista has more admirers than she realises (she’s beautiful, she’s good, she’s loyal, she glows with selûne’s light), and shadowheart notices a lot of things that she doesn’t. her feelings on the admiring looks and subtle flirting her girlfriend receives can range from you’re damn right, because she thinks callista deserves to be praised and adored, but also… stay away, because she’s hers, y’know?

34. under what circumstances would they feel protective? 

shadowheart gets protective whenever someone tries to screw over callista, which is surprisingly often, because bless her, the girl has no eye for guile. callista’s also a little socially awkward (9 charisma gang rise up) and some people they encounter are a little rude/mean about that, which — because it upsets callista — is a surefire way to get a 5’11 pissed off cleric up in ur face telling u to apologise or she’ll pull out your eyes.callista gets protective specifically re: shar, for the most part (she’s very angry about what’s been done to shadowheart by her). she gets incredibly alert and wary and worried in the house of grief, almost buzzing with nervous and protective energy.

[captainpriceswife]

[art by @sodalite-fulll ; he draws gale so beautifully i can't even] This is Maydra, she is a barbarian / wizard drow who was an acolyte of Selune. She pulled Gale from the rune and took him into her arms and quite literally fell in love at first sight. Her parents tried to arrange marry her away because she decided to be a barbarian instead of a cleric / holy woman. She picked the barbarian mantle because Selune spoke to her in a dream of needing to protect others with her holy light and so thus it stuck. She's very kind to others, and tries to see everything from other people's eyes. She doesn't get along well with Shadowheart at first, since they worship opposite deities, but everyone else she likes from the first moment. I love her so much she's my lil blorbo from my brain.

SHOW ME YOUR TAV!

Reblog this with a screen shot or fan art of your favorite/current BG3 Tav! I wanna meet em all! I'll comment on every one I see 😍 with compliments.

I feel like in fandom, often characters created by fantastic artists get the most attention. This makes very obvious sense 😅 but I wanna hype you ALL up and not everyone's an artist, (tho if you are please share here too! I wanna engage with everyone, no discrimination, popular OC or not!)

So show me a picture, tell me about them! Anything you wanna say. Class, romance partner, personality, back story, and I'll engage with you about them as best I can with positive words 💕