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{{PageSeo
{{PageSeo
| description = Astarion is an Origin character and companion in Baldur's Gate 3. He is a High Elf Rogue with the Noble background.
| description = Astarion is an Origin character and companion in Baldur's Gate 3. He is a High Elf Rogue with the Charlatan background.
| image = Astarion.png
| image = Astarion.png
}}
}}
{{CharacterInfo
{{SpoilerWarning}}
|title        = Vampire Spawn
{{CompanionTab|Astarion}}
|name        = Astarion Ancunín
{{Infobox character
|image        = [[File:Astarion.png|350px|alt=The companion and/or origin character Astarion from Baldur's Gate 3 - Baldur's Gate 3 Wiki]]
| class = [[Rogue]]
|image2      = [[File:Astarion-promotional.webp|350px|alt=Astarion's promotional art]]
| name = Astarion
|image3      = [[File:Astarion Default.webp|350px|alt=Astarion as seen in Game - Baldur's Gate 3 Wiki]]
| image = Astarion.png
|imagename    = Main
| imagecaption = Game cover artwork
|imagename2  = Promo
| imagesize = 0.85
|imagename3  = In-game
| background = [[Charlatan]]
|STR          = 8
| race = [[High elf]]
|DEX          = 17
| voice = Neil Newbon
|CON          = 14
| creator = Stephen Rooney
|INT          = 13
| full_name = Astarion Ancunín
|WIS          = 13
| age = {{ublist|
|CHA          = 10
* 39 years (turned)
|dex save    = yes
* 239 years (current)}}
|int save    = yes
| hometown = [[Baldur's Gate]]
|level        = 1
| role = [[Origin characters|Origin character]], [[Companions|companion]]}}
|race        = High elf
|type        = Humanoid
|HP          = 10
|AC          = 11
|speed        = 9m / 30ft
|size        = Medium
|weight      = 75kg / 150lbs
|proficiency  = 2
|initiative  = +2
|passive      = {{PAS|Darkvision (Passive Feature)|Darkvision}}{{PAS|Fey Ancestry}}
|class        = Rogue
|background   = Charlatan
|location    = [[Wilderness]]
|enemies      = [[Cazador]]
|va          = Neil Newbon
|alt-name    = Models
|alt-file    = Astarion Model.png
|alt-filename = Default
|alt-file2    = Astarion Model Camp.png
|alt-filename2 = Camp
|alt-file3    = Astarion Model Underwear.png
|alt-filename3 = Underwear
}}{{CompanionTab|Astarion}}
'''Astarion Ancunín''' is an [[Origins|Origin]] character and a [[Companion|companion]] in ''Baldur's Gate 3''. He is a [[High Elf|High elf]] [[Rogue|rogue]] with the [[Charlatan]] background, specialising in [[Stealth]] and [[Sneak Attack|Sneak Attacks]].


Equipped with the demeanour of a charming and confidant nobleman, as well as a biting wit, Astarion enjoys making sarcastic remarks and japes at other people's expense, all the while acting smug and haughty.
'''Astarion''' is an [[Origins|Origin]] character and a [[Companion|companion]] in ''Baldur's Gate 3''. He is a [[High Elf]] [[Rogue]] with the [[Charlatan]] background, specialising in [[Stealth]] and [[Sneak Attack|Sneak Attacks]]. He is portrayed by {{va|Neil Newbon}} and was created by Stephen Rooney.  


{{Q|And to think I was ready to decorate the ground with your innards. Apologies.|Astarion, apologising after a misunderstanding}}
{{Q|And to think I was ready to decorate the ground with your innards. Apologies.|Astarion, apologising after a misunderstanding}}
{{TOC|limit=3}}
{{TOC|limit=3}}
== Overview ==
== Overview ==
{{hatnote|For all of Astarion's starting features, see [[Rogue]] and [[Elf#High elf]].}}
As a vampire spawn, Astarion has access to a unique
{{SAI|Vampire Bite}}, but otherwise plays the same as any other character.
Unique actions:
{{div col | style = column-width: 18em; list-style-type: none;}}
* {{SAI|Fire Bolt}} (from high elf)
* {{SAI|Vampire Bite}} (from vampire spawn)
{{div col end}}
Starting skill proficiencies:
{{div col | style = column-width: 18em; list-style-type: width;}}
*[[Acrobatics]]
*[[Deception]]
*[[Perception]]†
*[[Performance]]
*[[Persuasion]]
*[[Sleight of Hand]] (x2)
*[[Stealth]] (x2)
{{div col end}}
Unlockable features:{{note|Unlocked when Astarion chooses to ascend at the end of his personal quest.}}
{{SpoilerBox|custom=story details relating to Astarion's personal quest|
{{div col | style = column-width: 18em; list-style-type: none;}}
* {{SAI|Ascendant Bite}}
* {{SAI|Misty Escape (Vampire Ascendant)|Misty Escape}}
{{div col end}}}}
=== Background ===
=== 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?
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?


=== Description ===
=== Starting class ===
At the beginning of the game's story, Astarion has recently escaped his abuser and discovered that sunlight no longer hurts him. As such, he comes off as reckless and hedonistic at times, wishing to enjoy his newfound freedom as much as possible.
Astarion starts as a [[Rogue]]. Upon reaching level three, he will default to the [[Arcane Trickster]] subclass.
 
While Astarion's decades of being a vampire spawn have left him with a lack of moral scruples compared to the more upstanding members of the party,, he does have certain lines he'd prefer not to cross – specifically killing innocent people, especially when it's for their blood.


=== Personal quest ===
=== Companion quest ===
{{hatnote|Main article: [[The Pale Elf]].}}
{{Main|The Pale Elf}}
Astarion's companion quest is called [[The Pale Elf]]. His story unravels as Astarion explores his newfound freedom, coming to terms with the abuse inflicted on him, and that he has inflicted on others.
Astarion's companion quest is called [[The Pale Elf]]. His story unravels as Astarion explores his newfound freedom, coming to terms with the abuse inflicted on him, and that he has inflicted on others.
The crux of his personal quest is whether Astarion will become as cruel and monstrous as his sire, or if he can be swayed to become a better person than his abuser.


=== Recruitment ===
=== Recruitment ===
: <small> Recruitable in [[Act One]].</small>
{{Hatnote|Recruitable 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 asks for help defeating an [[Intellect Devourer]]. Afterwards, he can be asked to join the party.
Astarion can be found standing on a road west of the crashed [[Nautiloid]] in the [[Wilderness]]. When found, a scene will play where he asks for help defeating an [[Intellect Devourer]]. Afterwards, he can be asked to join the party.


=== Approval ===
=== Approval ===
{{hatnote|Main article: [[Astarion/Approval]]}}
{{Main|Astarion/approval}}
[[File:Astarion Approval.png|44px|left|alt=Astarion Approves|link=|Astarion Approves]]
Astarion approves of displays of power and cruelty, and appreciates snarkiness and mocking. He is inspired when the player gains access to areas or 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.
Astarion approves of displays of power and cruelty, and appreciates snarkiness and mocking. He is inspired when the player gains access to areas or 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.


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


{{SpoilerWarning}}
== Personality ==
== History ==
Astarion has the demeanour of a charming and confident nobleman with a biting wit. He enjoys making sarcastic remarks and japes at other people's expense, all the while acting smug and haughty. His decades of being a vampire have left him with a lack of moral scruples compared to the more upstanding members of the party, making him come off as ruthless at best or outright sadistic at worst. While he does attempt to suck the player’s blood non-consensually during one of the first long rests after recruiting him, he does respect the player’s decision regardless of whether it is to allow him to drink or forbid him from drinking their blood.
Astarion was a young magistrate in [[Baldur's Gate]], until one day he was assaulted and almost killed by a gang of [[Gur|Gurs]]. The vampire lord, [[Cazador Szarr]], who had taken interest in him, approached Astarion and turned him into one of his slaves – a vampire spawn.
 
At the beginning of the game's story, Astarion has recently escaped his abuser and discovered that sunlight no longer hurts him. As such, he comes off as reckless and hedonistic at times, wishing to enjoy his newfound freedom as much as possible. He shares this outlook with fellow party member [[Karlach]]. Once it is discovered that his immunity to sunlight is due to the [[Tadpole]], Astarion is less excited than the rest of the party at the prospect of destroying the tadpoles, instead wishing to find a way to wield their power instead.  
 
Tragically, his demeanour belies the trauma of decades of abuse. Astarion's sire, the vampire lord [[Cazador]], performed horrifically depraved acts on Astarion that left both physical and psychological scars. He is utterly ruthless in his pursuit of revenge on Cazador and is not afraid to commit acts of cruelty or deception in the pursuit of that quest, being one of the few party members enthusiastic about making a pact with [[Raphael]]. The crux of his [[The Pale Elf|personal quest]] is whether he will follow in Cazador's footsteps and steal the power of the Vampire Ascendent for himself or kill Cazador and stop the rite.
 
== Gameplay ==
{{infobox statistics
| bodystyle = nowrap
| class = [[Rogue]]
| level = 1
| race = [[High elf]]
| name = Astarion
| weight_kg = 75
| weight_lb = 150
| movement_speed_meters = 9
| movement_speed_feet = 30
| str        = 8
| dex          = 17
| con          = 14
| int        = 13
| wis        = 13
| cha          = 10
| dex_save_proficiency = yes
| int_save_proficiency = yes
| feature1_name =  Fey Ancestry
| feature1_description = Immunity to sleep and advantage on saves against Charmed.
| feature2_name = Darkvision
| feature2_description = Can attack creatures in the dark without disadvantage, up to a range of 12 m (40 ft).
| action1_name = Vampire Bite
| action1 = Action: Target 1 creature, range 1.5 m / 5 ft. Target takes 2d4 {{damage color|Piercing}} damage. If target is Humanoid, they gain [[Bloodless]] and Astarion gains [[Happy (Condition)|Happy]].}}


After being turned, Astarion and his vampire spawn siblings lived at the [[Szarr Palace]] in the city. Cazador held complete control over his spawn, able to "puppet" their bodies and bend them to his will. He used this power to torment Astarion, torturing him physically and emotionally for centuries, as he performed horrifically depraved acts on the elf that left him with both physical and psychological scars, inscribing his back with poems.{{note|The poems inscribed by Cazador on Astarion's back are actually linked to the Ascension Ritual.}}
Astarion's default class is rogue. He can cast the [[Fire Bolt]] cantrip as a high elf, and as a vampire spawn he has access to a unique [[Vampire Bite]], however this action does not appear until after the party finds out about his vampirism.


Soon, at his master's command, Astarion was himself seducing the nobility of Baldur's Gate, luring young aristocrats back to be fed on by his master.
=== Proficiencies ===
{{hlist|
==== Equipment proficiencies ====
* {{SimpleWeaponsProf}}
* {{WeaponType|Hand Crossbows}}
* {{WeaponType|Longswords}}
* {{WeaponType|Rapiers}}
* {{WeaponType|Shortswords}}
* {{WeaponType|Longbows}}
* {{LightArmour}}}}
{{hlist|
==== Save proficiencies ====
* [[Dexterity]]
* [[Intelligence]]}}
{{hlist|
==== Skill proficiencies ====
* [[Acrobatics]]
* [[Deception]]
* [[Perception]]
* [[Performance]]
* [[Persuasion]]
* [[Sleight of Hand]] (x2)
* [[Stealth]] (x2)}}


Unbeknownst to Astarion, Cazador had secretly made a deal with the archdevil [[Mephistopheles]] to invoke the Rite of Profane Ascension. Szarr was to siphon the life force of seven thousand souls, Astarion's included, to become a vampire ascendant.
=== Unlockable actions ===
The following actions are unlockable through certain decisions in Astarion's companion quest:
{{hlist|
* {{SAI|Ascendant Bite}}
* {{SAI|Misty Escape (Vampire Ascendant)|Misty Escape}}}}


Before the vampire lord's plans could come to fruition, Astarion was kidnapped and infected with a special illithid tadpole. And so, Astarion's journey to freedom from his master could begin ...
== History ==
Astarion was a young magistrate in [[Baldur's Gate]], until one day he was assaulted and almost killed by a gang of [[Gur|Gurs]]. The vampire lord, [[Cazador Szarr]], who had taken interest in him, approached Astarion and turned him into one of his slaves – a vampire spawn.


== The Pale Elf ==
After being turned, Astarion and his vampire spawn siblings lived at the [[Szarr Palace]] in the city. Cazador held complete control over his spawn, able to "puppet" their bodies and bend them to his will. He used this power to torment Astarion, torturing him physically and emotionally for centuries. At his command, Astarion was himself seducing the nobility of Baldur's Gate, luring young aristocrats back to be fed on by his master.
{{hatnote|See also: [[The Pale Elf]].}}
Astarion starts the game simply drinking from animals, though he will gladly drink from the player when it is consensual.{{ref|Camp night event in with in Act One.|act1}}


Astarion is utterly ruthless in his pursuit of revenge on his former master, and is not afraid to commit acts of cruelty or deception in the pursuit of that quest.{{note|He is one of the few party members enthusiastic about making a pact with [[Raphael]].}}
Unbeknownst to Astarion, Cazador had secretly made a deal with the archdevil [[Mephistopheles]] to invoke the Rite of Profane Ascension. Szarr was to siphon the life force of seven thousand souls, Astarion's included, to become a vampire ascendant.


Once it is discovered that his immunity to sunlight is due to the [[Tadpole]], Astarion is less excited than the rest of the party at the prospect of destroying the tadpoles, instead wishing to find a way to wield their power instead.
Before the vampire lord's plans could come to fruition, Astarion was kidnapped and infected with a special illithid tadpole. And so, Astarion's journey to freedom from his master could begin...


==Achievements==
==Achievements==
Line 127: Line 128:


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery heights="250px" mode="packed">
<gallery heights="200">
File:Astarion-beta.png|Astarion's appearance pre-release.
File:Astarion Model.webp|Base model.
File:Astarion-ea.jpg|Astarion during ''Early Access''.
File:Astarion Model Camp.png|Camp model.
Astarion Model EA.png|Early Access Model
File:Astarion Model Underwear.png|Underwear model.
File:Astarion Model Ascended.png|Ascended Model.
File:Astarion Model EA.png|Early Access model.
File:Astarion Default.webp|Appearance in the character creator.
File:Edward-vanderghote-astarion-portrait.png|Portrait by Edward Vanderghote.
File:Astarion-promotional.webp|Promotional art.
File:Astarion-beta.png|Appearance pre-release.
File:Astarion-ea.jpg|During ''Early Access''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 136: Line 144:
{{notebegin}}
{{notebegin}}
* Can be spoken to with {{SmallIcon|Speak with Dead Icon.png}} [[Speak with Dead]].
* Can be spoken to with {{SmallIcon|Speak with Dead Icon.png}} [[Speak with Dead]].
* The inscription on Astarion's gravestone reads "Astarion Ancunín: 229 - 268 DR 468 DR -", as per the games devnotes.
* The inscription on Astarion's gravestone reads "Astarion Ancunín: 229 - 268 DR 468 DR -", as per the game's devnotes.
** The years on the gravestone are likely a writing error. In-game sources state that the game takes place in 1492 DR. This would mean Astarion has been a vampire for 1,024 years, not the "almost 200" that he often claims. Moreover, when Astarion carves the current year onto the gravestone, he writes in the "468 DR -". This is, again, inconsistent with the game's stated date of 1492 DR.
* Astarion was 39 years old when Cazador turned him.
* Astarion was 39 years old when Cazador turned him.
*BG3 Senior writer Stephen Rooney is the creator & main writer of Astarion.
* Astarion's background changed throughout Early Access and the released physical character sheets: originally, his background was listed as "Noble", then it was listed as "Trickster Hedonist" in the Character Creation screen during the Release Showcase Panel, and then "Courtesan" on the physical character sheet, with "Charlatan" accompanying the game's official release.
{{noteend}}
{{noteend}}
== Footnotes ==
{{notelist}}
== References ==
{{reflist|act1}}


==External links==
==External links==
Line 151: Line 154:
* [https://media.dndbeyond.com/compendium-images/claims/bg3/char-sheets/BG3-Astarion-Sheet.pdf Astarion's free D&D Character sheet pdf on D&D Beyond]
* [https://media.dndbeyond.com/compendium-images/claims/bg3/char-sheets/BG3-Astarion-Sheet.pdf Astarion's free D&D Character sheet pdf on D&D Beyond]


{{NavCompanions}}
{{NavCompanions|state=expanded}}
{{NavWilderness}}
[[Category:Humanoids]]
[[Category:Undead]]
[[Category:Undead]]
[[Category:Elves]]
[[Category:Vampires]]
[[Category:Origins]]
[[Category:Companions]]
[[Category:Rogues]]
[[Category:Available to Speak with Dead]]
[[Category:Available to Speak with Dead]]
[[Category:Vampires]]
[[Category:Characters in Act 1]]
[[Category: Elves]]
<indicator name="approval">[[/approval|Approval]]</indicator>
[[Category: Humanoids]]
<indicator name="romance">[[/romance|Romance]]</indicator>
[[Category: Rogues]]
<indicator name="banter">[[/banter|Banter]]</indicator>
[[Category: Companions]]
[[Category: Origins]]

Latest revision as of 11:28, 17 April 2024

Astarion is an Origin character and a companion in Baldur's Gate 3. He is a High Elf Rogue with the Charlatan background, specialising in Stealth and Sneak Attacks. He is portrayed by Neil Newbon and was created by Stephen Rooney.

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

Overview[edit | edit source]

Background[edit | edit source]

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?

Starting class[edit | edit source]

Astarion starts as a Rogue. Upon reaching level three, he will default to the Arcane Trickster subclass.

Companion quest[edit | edit source]

Main article: The Pale Elf

Astarion's companion quest is called The Pale Elf. His story unravels as Astarion explores his newfound freedom, coming to terms with the abuse inflicted on him, and that he has inflicted on others.

Recruitment[edit | edit source]

Recruitable 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 asks for help defeating an Intellect Devourer. Afterwards, he can be asked to join the party.

Approval[edit | edit source]

Main article: Astarion/approval
Astarion Approves

Astarion approves of displays of power and cruelty, and appreciates snarkiness and mocking. He is inspired when the player gains access to areas or 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.

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

Personality[edit | edit source]

Astarion has the demeanour of a charming and confident nobleman with a biting wit. He enjoys making sarcastic remarks and japes at other people's expense, all the while acting smug and haughty. His decades of being a vampire have left him with a lack of moral scruples compared to the more upstanding members of the party, making him come off as ruthless at best or outright sadistic at worst. While he does attempt to suck the player’s blood non-consensually during one of the first long rests after recruiting him, he does respect the player’s decision regardless of whether it is to allow him to drink or forbid him from drinking their blood.

At the beginning of the game's story, Astarion has recently escaped his abuser and discovered that sunlight no longer hurts him. As such, he comes off as reckless and hedonistic at times, wishing to enjoy his newfound freedom as much as possible. He shares this outlook with fellow party member Karlach. Once it is discovered that his immunity to sunlight is due to the Tadpole, Astarion is less excited than the rest of the party at the prospect of destroying the tadpoles, instead wishing to find a way to wield their power instead.

Tragically, his demeanour belies the trauma of decades of abuse. Astarion's sire, the vampire lord Cazador, performed horrifically depraved acts on Astarion that left both physical and psychological scars. He is utterly ruthless in his pursuit of revenge on Cazador and is not afraid to commit acts of cruelty or deception in the pursuit of that quest, being one of the few party members enthusiastic about making a pact with Raphael. The crux of his personal quest is whether he will follow in Cazador's footsteps and steal the power of the Vampire Ascendent for himself or kill Cazador and stop the rite.

Gameplay[edit | edit source]

Astarion's default class is rogue. He can cast the Fire Bolt cantrip as a high elf, and as a vampire spawn he has access to a unique Vampire Bite, however this action does not appear until after the party finds out about his vampirism.

Proficiencies[edit | edit source]

Save proficiencies

Unlockable actions[edit | edit source]

The following actions are unlockable through certain decisions in Astarion's companion quest:

History[edit | edit source]

Astarion was a young magistrate in Baldur's Gate, until one day he was assaulted and almost killed by a gang of Gurs. The vampire lord, Cazador Szarr, who had taken interest in him, approached Astarion and turned him into one of his slaves – a vampire spawn.

After being turned, Astarion and his vampire spawn siblings lived at the Szarr Palace in the city. Cazador held complete control over his spawn, able to "puppet" their bodies and bend them to his will. He used this power to torment Astarion, torturing him physically and emotionally for centuries. At his command, Astarion was himself seducing the nobility of Baldur's Gate, luring young aristocrats back to be fed on by his master.

Unbeknownst to Astarion, Cazador had secretly made a deal with the archdevil Mephistopheles to invoke the Rite of Profane Ascension. Szarr was to siphon the life force of seven thousand souls, Astarion's included, to become a vampire ascendant.

Before the vampire lord's plans could come to fruition, Astarion was kidnapped and infected with a special illithid tadpole. And so, Astarion's journey to freedom from his master could begin...

Achievements[edit | edit source]

A-Just a Nibble.jpg

Just a Nibble
Let Astarion bite you - ouch.


Gallery[edit | edit source]

Notes[edit | edit source]

  • Can be spoken to with Speak with Dead.
  • The inscription on Astarion's gravestone reads "Astarion Ancunín: 229 - 268 DR 468 DR -", as per the game's devnotes.
  • Astarion was 39 years old when Cazador turned him.
  • BG3 Senior writer Stephen Rooney is the creator & main writer of Astarion.
  • Astarion's background changed throughout Early Access and the released physical character sheets: originally, his background was listed as "Noble", then it was listed as "Trickster Hedonist" in the Character Creation screen during the Release Showcase Panel, and then "Courtesan" on the physical character sheet, with "Charlatan" accompanying the game's official release.

External links[edit | edit source]