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[[File:Astarionheadshot.jpg|thumb|right|{{Infobox
{{PageSeo
|title = Astarion in his default armour
| description = Astarion is an Origin character and companion in Baldur's Gate 3. He is a High Elf Rogue with the Charlatan background.
|Type = [[Companion]] / Origin Character
| image = Astarion.png
|Race = [[Elf|High Elf]]
}}
|Class = [[Rogue]]
{{SpoilerWarning}}
|Sub-class = [[Thief]] or [[Arcane Trickster]]
{{CompanionTab|Astarion}}
|Background = [[Noble]]
{{Infobox character
}}]]
| class = [[Rogue]]
| name = Astarion
| image = Astarion.png
| imagecaption = Game cover artwork
| imagesize = 0.85
| background = [[Charlatan]]
| race = [[High elf]]
| voice = Neil Newbon
| creator = Stephen Rooney
| full_name = Astarion Ancunín
| age = {{ublist|
* 39 years (turned)
* 239 years (current)}}
| hometown = [[Baldur's Gate]]
| role = [[Origin characters|Origin character]], [[Companions|companion]]}}


'''Astarion''' is an [[Elf]] rogue, who appears in [[Baldur's Gate 3]] as a side character or origin character. He is also available as a [[companion]]. You can first recruit him at the Ravaged Beach, a few meters from the Nautiloid crash, continuing from the fight with the Intellect Devourers.
'''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.  


== Gameplay ==
{{Q|And to think I was ready to decorate the ground with your innards. Apologies.|Astarion, apologising after a misunderstanding}}
 
{{TOC|limit=3}}


As a [[Rogue]], Astarion excels at [[Stealth]], [[Sleight of Hand]], and deadly [[Sneak Attack (Melee)|Sneak Attack]]s. At Level 3, Astarion can become either a [[Thief]] or an [[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#Wizard Spell List|Wizard Spells]].
== Overview ==
=== 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's [[Background]] is [[Noble]].
=== Starting class ===
Astarion starts as a [[Rogue]]. Upon reaching level three, he will default to the [[Arcane Trickster]] subclass.


=== Starting Stats ===
=== Companion quest ===
{{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.


{{AttributeBlock|8|17|14|13|13|10}}
=== Recruitment ===
{{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.


== Background ==
=== 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.


{{SpoilerBox|
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 is an Elf rogue residing in Baldur's Gate. One night, while being brutally attacked by [[Gur]], a vampire lord named [[Cazador]] appeared on his life, and made him a vampire spawn. Since that night, Astarion has been one Cazador's slaves and given the job of using his charms to bring him new victims, while being tortured almost daily.
}}


== Personality ==
== Personality ==
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 has a sadistic personality and often approves of evil, cruel or egoistic actions though he seems to accept certain pragmatic ones. He likes a sort of hedonistic life-stlye, the most important things he finds in life being pleasure. He considers weak people to be unworthy or boring, though he doesn't actively attacks or try to harm them if they don't pose an immediate threat.
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.  


It is uncertain whether his personality changed after dealing with Cazador, or if he was already evil.
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.  


== Approval & Romance ==
== 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]].}}


{{SpoilerWarning}}
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.


=== {{color|green|Astarion Approves}} ===
=== 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)}}


* Attack the Tieflings
=== Unlockable actions ===
* Ask Lae'zel to say 'please' after rescuing her
The following actions are unlockable through certain decisions in Astarion's companion quest:
* Choose the 'Attack' dialogue option when speaking to Taman and Gimblebock
{{hlist|
* In camp on the first night tell Shadowheart to remain cautious
* {{SAI|Ascendant Bite}}
* Ask Astarion how he wants to die, then choose an option
* {{SAI|Misty Escape (Vampire Ascendant)|Misty Escape}}}}
* Tell Zevlor that you have other things to do
* Let Arka kill Sazza (Do nothing)
* Tell Auntie Ethel about the tadpole
* Decline the devil's offer to remove the tadpole
* Tell hom that you are not the devil's plaything
* Crush the tadpole that leaves True Soul Edowin
* Deliver the final blow to the goblin Feezerk
* Let him bite you
* Tell him you trust him
* Give him [[Necromancy of Thay]].
* Let him kill the Gur monster hunter, Gandrel
* After killing the Hag, use the wand to resurrect Mayrina's dead husband Connor, give her the wand, then tell Astarion that is was funny
* After asking about Cazador, tell he that you have his back as long as he has yours
* Decieve the goblins, say 'you can't be serious', then fling poo at them
* Say 'Boo' to Volo as he performs
* Agree to Abdirak's ritual for Loviatar
* Speak to the artist and call him a slave
* Tell the merchant Cyrel that you'll take the supplies
* Tell BOOOAL he is a fake god, tell him you are going to kill him and take his power


=== {{color|red|Astarion Disapproves}} ===
== 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.


* Agree to help the Tieflings for Wyll
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.
* Tell Arabella's mother that the druids are overreacting
* Persuade Kagha to free Arabella
* Swear to take the Wyvern Poison
* Purchase the artist at the Zhentarim Hideout
* Reveal his identity to the Gur.
* Forbid him to drink blood from other people.
* Reject him during the Party.
* Give Gale [[Necromancy of Thay]] or destroy it.


=== {{color|pink|Romance}} ===
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.


After the Party, regardless of side '''but only with at least medium approval''', Astarion will offer the player to have ''"some fun"''. If the player accepts, he will meet with Astarion in the woods. They will embrace, and after kissing, Astarion will push the player into a tree, showing his teeth. The player can demand Astarion to hide them or give in. The lovers will fall into the ground and a sexual scene will occur.  
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...


The player will wake up next morning, observing an already awake shirtless Astarion, noticing scars on his back.
==Achievements==
{{Achievement|Just a Nibble}}


== Trivia ==
==Gallery==
* Astarion is voiced by [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0627667/?ref_=tt_cl_t_4 Neil Newbon].
<gallery heights="200">
File:Astarion Model.webp|Base model.
File:Astarion Model Camp.png|Camp 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 ==
== Notes ==
{{notebegin}}
* 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 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.
{{noteend}}


<gallery widths=300px heights=300px>
==External links==
File:Astarion-beta.png|upright=1.5|thumb|left|Astarion's appearance pre-release.
*{{FRWiki|Astarion|long}}
File:Astarion-ea.jpg|upright=1.5|thumb|left|Astarion during ''Early Access''.
* [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]
File:Astarion-promotional.webp|upright=1.5|thumb|left|Astarion's promotional art.
</gallery>


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

Latest revision as of 11:28, 17 April 2024

Overview Approval Banter Romance
Astarion
Game cover artwork
Game cover artwork
RoleOrigin character, companion
Created byStephen Rooney
Voiced byNeil Newbon
Information
Full nameAstarion Ancunín
RaceHigh elf
ClassRogue
BackgroundCharlatan
HometownBaldur's Gate
Age
  • 39 years (turned)
  • 239 years (current)

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
Level 1 Rogue High elf
Stats
Movement speed9 m (30 ft)
Weight75 kg (150 lb)
Initiative+3
Ability scores
STRDEXCONINTWISCHA
8
(-1)		17
(+3)		14
(+2)		13
(+1)		13
(+1)		10
(0)
Proficiency bonus+2
Saving throws
  • Str -1
  • Dex +5
  • Con +2
  • Int +3
  • Wis +1
  • Cha 0
Features
Fey Ancestry Fey Ancestry
Immunity to sleep and advantage on saves against Charmed.
Darkvision Darkvision
Can attack creatures in the dark without disadvantage, up to a range of 12 m (40 ft).
Actions
Vampire Bite Vampire Bite
Action: Target 1 creature, range 1.5 m / 5 ft. Target takes 2d4 Piercing damage. If target is Humanoid, they gain Bloodless and Astarion gains Happy.

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]

Equipment proficiencies

Save proficiencies

Skill 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]

  • Base model.

    Base model.

  • Camp model.

    Camp model.

  • Underwear model.

    Underwear model.

  • Ascended Model.

    Ascended Model.

  • Early Access model.

    Early Access model.

  • Appearance in the character creator.

    Appearance in the character creator.

  • Portrait by Edward Vanderghote.

    Portrait by Edward Vanderghote.

  • Promotional art.

    Promotional art.

  • Appearance pre-release.

    Appearance pre-release.

  • During Early Access.

    During Early Access.

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]


Retrieved from "https://bg3.wiki/w/index.php?title=Astarion&oldid=174324"