Astarion: Difference between revisions

	Vampire Spawn
Astarion Ancunín
	Stats
	Level 1
Race	[[ High Elf\| High Elf]]
Type	Humanoid
HP	10
AC	11
Movement Speed	9m / 30ft
Size	Medium
Weight	50kg / 100lbs
Proficiency Bonus	+2
Initiative	+2
	Passive features
	Darkvision, Fey Ancestry
Character information
Class	Rogue
Background	Charlatan
Location	Wilderness
Enemies	Cazador
In-game

Revision as of 05:57, 18 September 2023

Astarion is an Origin character and companion in Baldur's Gate 3. He is an Elf Rogue with the Charlatan background.

Origin characters can be played as the main character, otherwise, they can be recruited as a companion early on.

Can be spoken to with Speak with Dead.

“	And to think I was ready to decorate the ground with your innards. Apologies.	„
	— Astarion, apologizing after a misunderstanding

Gameplay

As a Rogue, Astarion excels at Stealth, Sleight of Hand, and deadly Sneak Attacks. At Level 3, Astarion can become a Thief, Assassin, or Arcane Trickster. As a Thief, he gains an additional Bonus Action, granting him more martial versatility in battle. As an Arcane Trickster, he gains the ability to cast a limited number of Wizard Spells.

Astarion's Background is Charlatan.

Proficiencies

Equipment

Saving Throws

Skills

Spells Known

Cantrips Known

Fire Bolt (from High Elf)

Special Abilities

Vampire Bite

Recruitment

Astarion can be recruited in Act One.

Astarion can be found standing on a road west of the crashed Nautiloid in the Wilderness. When found, a scene will play where he is looking for help in defeating an Intellect Devourer. Afterwards, he can be asked to join the party.

Background

Astarion prowled the night as a vampire spawn for centuries, serving a sadistic master until he was snatched away. Now he can walk in the light and has the chance at a new life, but how long can he keep his past buried?

Personal Quest

Astarion's Companion Quest is: The Pale Elf

Personality

Astarion has a sadistic personality and often approves of evil, cruel or egotistic actions, though he seems to accept certain pragmatic ones. He values hedonism. He is disdainful, but not hostile, towards those he considers weak and unworthy of his attention.

Interactions

Approval

Astarion likes displays of power and cruelty, and appreciates snarkiness and mocking. He is inspired when the player gains access to areas/information by deceiving others. The player does not have to be "evil" to gain his approval, however — he approves when the player makes choices that support independence and autonomy, and when the player helps certain characters in need.

The following story and dialogue choices will cause Astarion to gain approval.

Spoiler warning! This section reveals details about the story of Baldur's Gate 3.

==== Act One Approval ====

Ravaged Beach

Attack the Tieflings holding Lae'zel in a cage. ( +1)
Ask Lae'zel to say 'please' after rescuing her ( +1)
Choose the 'Attack' dialogue option when speaking to Taman and Gimblebock

Druid Grove

Refuse to help Zevlor persuade Kagha to let the Tieflings stay. ( +1)
Tell Elegis that she is pathetic of being scared of a few goblins. ( +1)
While speaking with Arron, say the refugees will be fine due to their devilish powers. ( +1)
Tell the Tielfling kids trained by Asharak that they are going to die ( +1)
Make Zorru bow to Lae'zel ( +1)
After the conversation with Zorru tell Lae'zel that she is good at interrogations ( +1)
Let Arka shoot Sazza ( +1)
In the Underground Passage, after reviving Findal tell him you are here to finish the job and kill him. ( +1)
When confronting Kagha about the shadow druids, choose to attack her instead of persuading her
Telling Auntie Ethel about the tadpole in your head. ( +1)
When speaking to Mattis, take the ring, pocket the ring and tell him you paid him in experience.
After saving Mirkon, tell him to "stop snivelling or they'll be back."
Attack the Tieflings
The Dark Urge: When interacting with the squirrel Timber, warn Astarion about getting in front of your instincts. ( +1)

Sunlit Wetlands

When entering the Sunlit Wetlands, pass the check to break the illusion, then BAA at the redcaps when you speak to them.
Let him kill Gandrel ( +10)
Tell Auntie Ethel about the tadpole
Speak to Lorin and roar at him
When Auntie Ethel's true form surrender, pass Intimidation or Deception Check to save Mayrina and obtain the power.
After killing Auntie Ethel's true form, use the wand to resurrect Mayrina's dead husband Connor, give her the wand, then tell Astarion that it was funny

Blighted Village

Deliver the final blow to the goblin Fezzerk
Give him Necromancy of Thay.
Request to be compensated by Barcus Wroot after saving him.( +1)
Interrupt the bugbear and ogre lovers in the barn. ( +1)

The Risen Road

Side with Karlach during Wyll's confrontation with her
Tell the merchant Cyrel that you'll take the supplies.
Pass the check to order Flind, the Gnoll warlord to attack the survivors in the cave instead of you. ( +1)
Pass the check to order Flind to feast on other Gnoll. ( +1)
Pass the check to order Flind to kill herself. ( +1)
Obey and eliminate Rugan when asked by Zarys
Speak to the artist and call him a slave

Goblin Camp

Deceive the goblins, say 'you can't be serious', then fling poo at them.
Say 'Boo' to Volo as he performs. ( +1)
Tell Tracker Grikka (or another goblin NPC) that you will "get answers for them" when discussing their prisoners. ( +1)
Tell Torturer Spike in the goblin camp that you will torture the prisoner.
Tell Priestess Gut in the goblin camp that you're here to kill her.
Remove the ring from Crusher's foot after you kneel in front of him.
Make Crusher kiss your foot. ( +1)
Make Crusher kiss your foot after defeating him in a fight.. ( +1)
Continue to attack Crusher after he is defeated, if he attacks you. This will make the whole camp hostile. ( +1)
Agree to Abdirak's endure teachings on Loviatar's love.
Turn down the druid Halsin's request to help the grove in favor of saving yourself first.

Crèche Y'llek

Vandalise the portrait of Vlaakith ( +1)
When convincing Varsh Ko'kuu to give you the Githyanki egg, tell him you will use it for an omelet or sell it ( +1)
Ask the Inquisitor how he knows so much about you. ( +1)
Ask the Inquisitor what you'll get in return for producing the weapon. ( +1)
Tell the Inquisitor you accept gold as a reward

Underdark

Tell BOOOAL he is a fake god, tell him you are going to kill him and take his power
Tell Spaw "Sure, I can handle those Duergar nearby"
Tell Glut you will kill Spaw for him
Tell Glut "I'll have no part of this" or "If you're so eager for blood..." option when asked to eliminate Spaw
Ask Baelen for compensation before giving him a Misty Step scroll for escaping the Bibberbang field.
Succeed the Athletics check and push Corsair Greymoon off of the skiff on your first voyage to Grymforge

Grymforge

Decide to attack Morghal and Orgath after finding out they use slaves.
Ask Ward Magmar how to get a slave of your own
When talking to Ward Magmar about traveling to Moonrise Towers, choose "Moonrise Tower holds the answers we need"
After finding Philomeen, talk to Lunkbug and mention she wants Laridda to move on
After rescuing Nere, tell him to finish the slaves, or choose to say nothing

Camp/Conversation

Ask Astarion how he wants to die, then choose an option.
In camp on the first night, tell Shadowheart to remain cautious.
After asking about Cazador, tell him that you have his back as long as he has yours. ( +1)
Feed the Owlbear Cub when it arrives at the Camp
Pet the Owlbear Cub in your camp.
After he asks you to describe his beauty, choose "Is that all you want? Shallow praise?"
Threaten to kill Mizora during her first appearance. ( +1)

As the Dark Urge: Confess to murdering the bard ( +1)

Raphael's deal

Meeting Raphael
- "You're mad if you think I'll make a deal with a devil." ( +1)
- "Then fix it. Or die by my hand!" ( +5)
Tell him that you are not the devil's plaything in regards to Raphael's offer ( +1)

Vampirism

Tell him you trust him after he reveals to you that he is a vampire. ( +5)
Let him bite you without threats. ( +10)
Let him bite you but threaten to stake him if he goes too far. ( +1)
Tell the party that Astarion will remain in the party because you trust him when it is revealed to them he is a vampire, or tell the party that if they don't like [having a vampire in the party], that they can leave. ( +5)
While asking about biting you, agree about him biting your enemies to feed him sounding good. ( +5)
When he asks whose blood you'd hypothetically drink, choose any option. ( +1)

Act Two Approval

Last Light Inn

Tell Jaheira that you are here on holiday
Help Mol win the game against Raphael using the Sleight of Hand, Bard, or Wizard options
Tell His Majesty that you wanted to admire him up close, and then quietly admire him
Decline Jaheira's wine
Tell Isobel you should "go with the winged freak" after Flaming Fist Marcus arrives
As The Dark Urge, after Marcus attempts to kidnap her, tell Isobel that your blood is telling you to kill her. Resist the urges, and then say, "I'm not going to follow my order. You will live."

Shadowed Battlefield

Tell the drider that they are amazing, after watching them berate a goblin who "fed the shadows."
Convince the drider through deception to give you the lantern
Convince the drider through deception to walk into the shadows
If travelling with the convoy when it is ambushed, choose to protect the convoy and maintain your cover as a True Soul.
Tell Arabella her parents are dead

House in Deep Shadows

Beat Oliver at hide-and-seek without being spotted

Reithwin Tollhouse

Persuade Gerringothe Thorm that there's no one to oversee her.
Deceive Gerringothe Thorm to make her believe she is released and all gold is hers

House of Healing

Deceive the Sisters into killing each other
Deceive Malus Thorm into killing himself

The Waning Moon

Drink with Thisobald Thorm and tell him stories

Moonrise Towers

Sever the connection between Linsella and Barnabus
Tell Araj Oblodra that Astarion is his own person
At Araj Oblodra's offer, tell Astarion not to do anything he doesn't want to ( +5)
Kill Fezzerk without combat (with dialogue choice) after ordered by Ketheric Thorm
Ask Disciple Z'rell to show something real about what the Absolute has give her
Tell Ketheric Thorm that seeing your enemies cowed never gets old.

Gauntlet of Shar

Persuade Balthazar to give you the bell to summon Flesh
Tell him his scars must have hurt after the initial conversation with Raphael ( +1)
Kill Yurgir and talk to Raphael about it, then promise Astarion you'll help him kill Cazador
Tell him it's all part of the plan when he berates you for persuading Yurgir to let you look for something to help him out of his contract with Raphael ( +1)
Persuade Yurgir to murder his Merregon followers, his displacer beast, and himself ( +8)

Camp/Conversation

When he mentions enlisting Raphael's help to understand what his scars mean, reply with, "Sure, makes sense."

Act Three Approval

Rivington

Volunteer Lae'zel, Halsin (or maybe any other companion) to Dribbles' show
Give Yenna coins or food
Resist the madness when accepting the monk's curse after delivering his amulet
Answer Zethino's third question with "Most things fear him, actually."
Agree with Astarion that Ulma's children already dead when talking with Ulma in Gur Camp.
As a Baldurian, tell Saer Grotpoll that his accent sounds more Rivington than Baldur's Gate ( +1)
Get more money out of Danzo Arkwright when returning the Zhentarim letters ( +1)
Say "Woof" a second time to Mar'hyah ( +1)

Wyrm's Crossing

Accept the Deal with the Gnomes quest from Manip Falcäo
Tell Adventurer Drin in Fraygo's Flophouse that "'Adventurer' means nothing here anymore."
Pass the Investigation check to find the body in Fraygo's Flophouse during Solve the Open Hand Temple Murders questline.
In Wyrm's Rock Fortress, convince the Flaming Fist quartermaster to trade with you.
In Wyrm's Rock Fortress, tell Fist Reynash to get a grip.
In Wyrm's Rock Fortress, agree to watch Gortash coronation.
In Wyrm's Rock Fortress, escort Counsellor Florrick out of the prison.

Disapproval

Astarion dislikes displays of weakness and does not like acts of kindness or charity that offer no reward. He disapproves when the player tries to reign him in or restrict him in some way.

The following story and dialogue choices will cause Astarion to lose approval.

Spoiler warning! This section reveals details about the story of Baldur's Gate 3.

Act One Disapproval

Druid Grove

Agree to help the Tieflings for Wyll
Tell Arabella's mother that the druids are overreacting
Persuade Kagha to free Arabella
Swear to take the Wyvern Poison
Persuade Kagha to fight against the Shadow Druids

Sunlit Wetlands

Reveal his identity to the Gur
Don't let him kill Gandrel ( -3)
Disagree with Auntie Ethel and tell her you believe Mayrina is in trouble

Owlbear Nest

When Shadowheart asks you not to take the items from the Selunite shrine, say "if you insist"

Zhentarim Hideout

Purchase the artist at the Zhentarim Hideout

Crèche Y'llek

When convincing Varsh Ko'kuu to give you the Githyanki egg, tell him you will raise it as your own or find a more forgiving creche ( -1)

Grymforge

Say your disgust to Ward Magmar for using slaves.
Pay respect to the heap of dead Deep Gnome corpses after killing Brathwen and Viss.
Use Persuasion to convince Skickpit you're willing to kill his slavers.
Stand up for the deep gnome slaves when they're threatened by Nere once he's freed.
Convince Elder Brithvar to free the deep gnomes after the fight with Nere.

Camp/Conversations

Give Gale Necromancy of Thay or destroy it.
When meeting Raphael "I'll do anything to get rid of the tadpole." ( -5)
After meeting Raphael, be dismissive of Astarion's worries of the devil's cunning. ( -1)
Say "He's only a cambion, we can handle him" after you first meet with [Raphael]] (Note: this dialogue option only appears if you are a Warlock)
Letting Volo follow through with his attempt to remove the parasite
Reject him during the Party.

Vampirism

Tell him to leave after getting caught trying to drink blood OR while letting him drink your blood fail to stake him. ( -10 Causes him to leave)
Forbid him to drink blood from other people. ( -5)

Act Two Disapproval

Free Dolly from the Moonlantern carried by Kar'niss

Ruined Battlefield

Tell Harper Lassandra that you can aid in traversing the darkness (Wizard only)
Say to Harper Lassandra, "I find the best introductions are made while sitting around a fire, perhaps with drinks?" (Bard only)

Last Light Inn

Drink the wine when talking to Jaheira inside
Warn Isobel that Marcus plans to kidnap her

Moonrise Towers

Convince Astarion to drink the blood of Araj Oblodra.
Offer Fezzerk a fair fight.
Tell the guards to release Fezzerk.
Give up all your gold to Gerringothe Thorm.

Gauntlet of Shar

Talk to Yurgir the Orthon instead of attacking immediately ( -2)
Persuading Yurgir to let you search the place for him ( -2)
Agree to peace with the rats after interacting with the broken effigy.

Mind Flayer Colony

Use the Neural Apparatus to release everyone in the Tadpoling Centre.

Camp/Conversations

Saying, "Are you mad?!..." when he mentions enlisting Raphael's help to understand what his scars mean.

Act Three Disapproval

Rivington

Refuse to be arrested by the Steel Watcher at the gate between Rivington and Wyrm's Crossing.
Tell Wulbren, "Gortash is the enemy - not the Gondions. I'll find another way." when speaking to him in Angleiron's Cellar

Romance

Players should be aware that Astarion's romance and conversations in general hold mentions of and allusions to various types of abuse, manipulation, and sexual assault.

The following section explains Astarion's romance.

Romance Spoilers This section reveals details about romance and may contain mature themes.

After the cutscene of Astarion sneaking away at night triggers, the player can find an exsanguinated boar at the bridge before the Blighted Village, to the far right path of the signpost saying 'Moonhaven' (north of the village), or just after the dialogue with Auntie Ethel at the entrance of Sunlit Wetlands (south of the village). The following long rest, the player will wake up to Astarion trying to drink their blood. He will approve of the player saying they trust him, and further approve of them letting him drink their blood. Note that if the player doesn't successfully stop him the second time the choice is presented, the player will die. They can simply be revived using a revivify scroll later. Note that players do not need to be aware Astarion is a vampire to sleep with him later on; not triggering this scene will not affect the romance.

Getting a substantial lead, either the location of the Githyanki Crèche from Zorru, Priestess Gut from Sazza, or learning about Halsin's possible whereabouts from Nettie, will trigger a scene with him later in camp when you talk to him. He remarks how he likes the player, and the player can respond in a flirtatious manner. No approval changes from any options. Note that you may want to wait to trigger this scene till later since the dialogue makes it sound as if he and the player have been travelling together for a while, but that's preference

A scene can be triggered at camp where Astarion says he has fed on a bear, the following conversation nets no approval changes but he makes a few playful quips to the player and they can do so in turn. The parameters for trigger this is unclear at the moment (possibly average-good relationship), but you need to know he is a vampire.

When you come across Gandrel, the Gur monster hunter found to the left of the Riverside Teahouse, you can progress your relationship with Astarion by allowing him to kill the Gur. In order to trigger this dialogue option, you need to have found out that Astarion is a vampire beforehand. In conversation with Gandrel, ask him what he is hunting, then choose "Only a spawn? Pity. Not like he's a real vampire." The first and second subsequent choices will trigger Astarion to reveal himself to the Gur and a fight will ensue.) After this scene plays out, you can speak to Astarion, who will then invite the player to have sex with him.

A similar scene with the same outcomes should trigger when the player reaches Good approval with Astarion, even without dealing with the Gur

Once you have had the conversation with Astarion where he invites the player to spend the night with him, the scene itself will trigger on the next long rest. If you choose dialogue options that indicate distrust, he will become upset and leave. You can gain approval with him by "playfully offering your neck." The player will wake the next morning to Astarion standing shirtless with his back turned to them; scars visible. The player can make a playful quip before asking him about the scars on his back. You can pass an Arcana check to determine the language the scars are written in (Infernal), but there are no approval changes.

As early as Chapter One, a scene can trigger where Astarion is looking into a mirror. The player may compliment him on anything to effectively “flirt” with him, aside from his moles and smile lines (this will lead to him being upset and leaving). This does not affect approval.

At either the goblin or the Tiefling party, the player can agree to sleep with Astarion afterwards. If this is the first time the player sleeps with him, it will trigger the cutscene mentioned above.

If the player has already slept with Astarion, then talking with Astarion at the party will result in a much more familiar conversation, where he can even tell the player he loves them, though he is just using shallow charm (no approval changes). Agreeing to sleep with him again will result in the dialogue choice "Astarion" becoming available once you head to bed, and the player then seeks him out. There is no additional sex scene, it's simply implied.

Heavy Chapter 2 and 3 Spoilers Ahead

Spoiler warning! This section reveals details about the story of Baldur's Gate 3.

Heading into Chapter 2 and 3, it is important to note that some choices you make, Astarion will disapprove of, but they may be for the 'better'. Disapproval of an action will not lock you out of romance scenes, and he may even change his outlook on your actions later on.

The next substantial scene with Astarion happens after the player goes to bed after talking to Araj Oblodra with Astarion in the party. She is a vendor located on the main floor of Moonrise Towers. Players can pick whichever option they feel suits how they want their relationship with Astarion to be. Picking options that manipulate Astarion into having sex with you simply for pleasure will be followed by a cutscene where Astarion breaks up with the player.

A similar scene with the same outcomes will trigger if your approval with Astarion is maxed in Chapter 2, even if you don't talk to Araj

Once the party successfully completes Kill Raphael's Old Enemy, Raphael will inform Astarion about the nature of his scars and the player can then talk with Astarion about the information revealed. It is important to ponder how you want to proceed with this, as it will change Astarion's fate and the dynamic of his relationship with the player.

At Circus of the Last Days there is a dryad, Zethino, who will conduct a love test for the player for a fee. You can ask Astarion to take part in it and you will be transported to a woodsy area and asked questions about him. You may choose to respond however you wish, but choosing two or more from 'I don't think he's ever been happy.', 'He's happy right now, look at that smile!', 'Me', 'A nice, tasty rat.', and 'Sharp, wooden sticks.' will result in Astarion being upset. Note that picking more 'genuine' options 'Freedom', and 'Forever feeling like a slave to someone', will result in an 'Astarion Disapproves' message popping up, but are still considered correct answers.

Once you have made it out of the Shadow-Cursed Lands, the player can find Astarion's fellow spawn in Fraygo's Flophouse near the Southspan of Wyrm's Crossing waypoint. If the player did not interact with them, then long resting a couple times in the area should trigger a scene where they come talk to you at camp. The player is free to choose any responses they want, but may see disapproval pop up at certain choices. His siblings will attack the party, and afterwards he will talk to the player. Again, you may choose to respond however you feel. If you tell his siblings 'You can take him' when they come to camp at night, and then choose 'I wish they had', 'I panicked in the moment!', or fail the check for 'I was only teasing you.', Astarion will break up with you.

Once the player confronts Cazador, they may choose what outcome they want. They can convince Astarion to simply kill Cazador instead of performing the rite himself, or he can perform the rite and become a Vampire Ascendant. Note that if he goes through with the rite, everyone in the cells will die. An additional note: Astarion becoming the Vampire Ascendant will completely change how he acts towards everything, including the player. He will be more controlling and forceful, more stereotypical 'evil tyrant'. Some players may be uncomfortable with such a dynamic, so be sure to pick carefully.

After the conclusion of the rite, a scene with Astarion will be triggered depending on the outcome. If he went through with the rite, the player can tell him they would like to be a vampire like him, and he can and will turn the player into his spawn. The player is, as always, free to choose whatever options they want following, but becoming Astarion's spawn means you can no longer break up with him. The option is there to try, but he will not let you go. If you choose to spend one last night alive with him (become his vampire spawn and sleep with him), you will get the option to kick him in the balls when he tells you to get on your knees. Doing so will result in him permanently leaving the party.

If he did not go through with the rite, he will tell the player he would like to show them something outside the city, and take them to see his grave. You're free to choose any options you want, but note that accepting to sleep with him will result in an extra bit of dialogue where he tells the player he loves them.

Achievements

Just a Nibble
Let Astarion bite you - ouch.

Trivia

Astarion is voiced by Neil Newbon.

Gallery

Astarion's appearance pre-release.
Astarion during Early Access.
Astarion's promotional art.
Astarion's model

External Links

Astarion on the Forgotten Realms Wiki

@@ Line 37: / Line 37: @@
 Origin characters can be played as the main character, otherwise, they can be recruited as a [[companion]] early on.
+Can be spoken to with {{SmallIcon|Speak with Dead Icon.png}} [[Speak with Dead]].
 {{Q|And to think I was ready to decorate the ground with your innards. Apologies.|Astarion, apologizing after a misunderstanding}}

Astarion: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 05:57, 18 September 2023

Contents