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==Storyline== | ==Storyline== | ||
Astarion is the only companion who will actually actively seek to start romantic relations with the player character, although he will masterly conceal his genuine reasons for it. This behaviour concept stems from the very depths of his [[Astarion#Personality|personality]]. Thus, the spawn will often prompt the player to speak with him during long rests, and it is recommended to do so at least to try to understand what is driving him closer to the player character. Nonetheless, even maintaining Very Good level of approval, the player actually hasn't got any chance to fish out Astarion's true motivation from the vampire himself until as far as middle of the [[Act Two]]. | |||
===Act One=== | ===Act One=== | ||
* Early in [[Act One]], after discussing the ceremorphosis process with either [[Gale]] or [[Lae'zel]] (if any of them has been recruited), the player may speak to Astarion (this possibility won't be marked by exclamation sign). He will declare his readiness to end the player character off should the latter show any signs of turning into a mind flayer, but offer a bit of choice between assasination weapons he'd possibly use. Agreeing to be killed by Astarion's hand will give approval from him. | * Early in [[Act One]], after discussing the ceremorphosis process with either [[Gale]] or [[Lae'zel]] (if any of them has been recruited), the player may speak to Astarion (this possibility won't be marked by exclamation sign). He will declare his readiness to end the player character off should the latter show any signs of turning into a mind flayer, but offer a bit of choice between assasination weapons he'd possibly use. Agreeing to be killed by Astarion's hand will give approval from him. | ||
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* Getting a substantial lead on finding a cure: either the location of the Githyanki Crèche from [[Zorru]], finding out about [[Priestess Gut]] from [[Sazza]], or learning about [[Halsin|Halsin's]] possible whereabouts from [[Nettie]], will trigger another camp scene with Astarion. He remarks that he has grown to like the player, and the player can respond in a flirtatious manner. However, no options within the dialogue bring approval changes. The dialogue lines sound as if Astarion and the player character have been travelling together for a while, so the player may want to wait to trigger this scene till later, but that's of individual preference. | * Getting a substantial lead on finding a cure: either the location of the Githyanki Crèche from [[Zorru]], finding out about [[Priestess Gut]] from [[Sazza]], or learning about [[Halsin|Halsin's]] possible whereabouts from [[Nettie]], will trigger another camp scene with Astarion. He remarks that he has grown to like the player, and the player can respond in a flirtatious manner. However, no options within the dialogue bring approval changes. The dialogue lines sound as if Astarion and the player character have been travelling together for a while, so the player may want to wait to trigger this scene till later, but that's of individual preference. | ||
* After the cutscene of Astarion sneaking away from campsite at night triggers, the player can find an exsanguinated boar near the [[Blighted Village]]. There are several possible points to find the ill-fated animal: on the road leading from Emerald Grove just before the bridge, to the far right path of the signpost saying 'Moonhaven' (north of the village), or at the entrance of Sunlit Wetlands (south of the village), just after the point of the dialogue with Auntie Ethel. The following long rest, the player character will be waken up by Astarion trying to drink their blood {{note|If playing as | * After the cutscene of Astarion sneaking away from campsite at night triggers, the player can find an exsanguinated boar near the [[Blighted Village]]. There are several possible points to find the ill-fated animal: on the road leading from Emerald Grove just before the bridge, to the far right path of the signpost saying 'Moonhaven' (north of the village), or at the entrance of Sunlit Wetlands (south of the village), just after the point of the dialogue with Auntie Ethel. The following long rest, the player character will be waken up by Astarion trying to drink their blood {{note|If playing as [[The Dark Urge]], this episode will possibly have been pushed off further by triggering this origin's own nighttime plot-crucial cutscenes}}. | ||
: Astarion will approve of the player saying they trust him, and further approve of them letting him drink their blood. While allowing him to feed on the character, the player will have an option to stop him. If the player fails to do this '''twice''' subsequently, the character will die. They can simply be brought back to life using a revivify scroll or speaking to [[Withers]] in the morning. However, this scenario will lead to lose a fair amount of possible approval points. Note that players do not need to be aware Astarion is a vampire to sleep with him later on; not triggering this scene won't affect the possible romance. | : Astarion will approve of the player saying they trust him, and further approve of them letting him drink their blood. While allowing him to feed on the character, the player will have an option to stop him. If the player fails to do this '''twice''' subsequently, the character will die. They can simply be brought back to life using a revivify scroll or speaking to [[Withers]] in the morning. However, this scenario will lead to lose a fair amount of possible approval points. Note that players do not need to be aware Astarion is a vampire to sleep with him later on; not triggering this scene won't affect the possible romance. | ||
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* During another camp scene that might show up if the player has already found out Astarion's true nature, the latter will confess that the player character is the first "thinking creature" he has ever drunk blood from, and admit that his thoughts now swirl around palatability traits of other companions. Further in the dialogue, the player might gain some approval by helping Astarion ''theoretically'' choose next meal among party members. Thus the spawn tries to draw the player's confirmation that his true nature does not repel or disgust them. | * During another camp scene that might show up if the player has already found out Astarion's true nature, the latter will confess that the player character is the first "thinking creature" he has ever drunk blood from, and admit that his thoughts now swirl around palatability traits of other companions. Further in the dialogue, the player might gain some approval by helping Astarion ''theoretically'' choose next meal among party members. Thus the spawn tries to draw the player's confirmation that his true nature does not repel or disgust them. | ||
* When the party comes across [[Gandrel]], the Gur monster hunter found to the left of the [[Riverside Teahouse]], the player can progress their relationship with Astarion by allowing him to kill the Gur. In order to trigger this dialogue option, the player need to have already found out that Astarion is a vampire. In conversation with Gandrel, the player should ask him what he is hunting, then choose the line "Only a spawn? <…>" | * When the party comes across [[Gandrel]], the Gur monster hunter found up on the hill to the left of the [[Riverside Teahouse]], the player can progress their relationship with Astarion by allowing him to kill the Gur. In order to trigger this dialogue option, the player need to have already found out that Astarion is a vampire. In conversation with Gandrel, the player should ask him what he is hunting, then choose the line ''"Only a spawn? <…>"'' Subsequently, if the player chooses first or second of dialogue choices, Astarion will either make hints about killing the Gur or just ask the player's permission straightaway. Should the player agree, they will gain a fair amount of approval from the spawn, but also engage the party in the fight with the hunter. | ||
As soon as the player reaches Good approval with Astarion (40+) and speaks with him, the spawn might propose to spend a night together, explaining that he wants to return a favor for all good that has been done to him recently. | As soon as the player reaches Good approval with Astarion (40+) and speaks with him, the spawn might propose to spend a night together, explaining that he wants to return a favor for all good that has been done to him recently. | ||
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* Should the player agree, the cutscene itself will trigger on the next long rest, consisting of two parts. In the first one Astarion will ask the player character to confirm their intention. Doing so gains approval and proceeds the cutscene further. Later, if the player chooses dialogue options that express refusal, doubt, or distrust towards Astarion's nature, the latter will become upset and leave (nevertheless, choosing these doesn't bring any disapproval). The player character can gain additional approval by offering him their neck for a bite. The cutscene proceeds into the next morning, when the player character wakes to find Astarion who stands shirtless nearby, basking in the sunshine and flaunting his scarred back. If the player decides to ask him about the scars, they will roll a passive {{Ability check|Arcana|10}} to determine the language the scars are written in: Infernal {{note|[[Tiefling]] characters does not need the check to identify the script and will obtain the corresponding dialogue line automatically}}. If successful, telling Astarion about it won't bring further approval changes, but change slightly the narration in future dialogues with the spawn. | * Should the player agree, the cutscene itself will trigger on the next long rest, consisting of two parts. In the first one Astarion will ask the player character to confirm their intention. Doing so gains approval and proceeds the cutscene further. Later, if the player chooses dialogue options that express refusal, doubt, or distrust towards Astarion's nature, the latter will become upset and leave (nevertheless, choosing these doesn't bring any disapproval). The player character can gain additional approval by offering him their neck for a bite. The cutscene proceeds into the next morning, when the player character wakes to find Astarion who stands shirtless nearby, basking in the sunshine and flaunting his scarred back. If the player decides to ask him about the scars, they will roll a passive {{Ability check|Arcana|10}} to determine the language the scars are written in: Infernal {{note|[[Tiefling]] characters does not need the check to identify the script and will obtain the corresponding dialogue line automatically}}. If successful, telling Astarion about it won't bring further approval changes, but change slightly the narration in future dialogues with the spawn. | ||
* Through the course of the [[Act One]], a scene can trigger where Astarion is looking into a hand mirror. The player may discuss with him the problem of maintaining a fine appearance. The issue is important for Astarion, because for all his inclination toward self-admiration he hasn't been able to see his own reflection since being turned into a spawn. The player then will have an option to | * Through the course of the [[Act One]], a scene can trigger where Astarion is looking into a hand mirror. The player may discuss with him the problem of maintaining a fine appearance. The issue is important for Astarion, because for all his inclination toward self-admiration he hasn't been able to see his own reflection since being turned into a spawn. The player then will have an option to 'be his mirror' and describe his face. If complimented, Astarion will prompt the player to call him beautiful. Whatever option the player chooses next, they will gain some approval. | ||
* Another camp cutscene (that doesn't gain any approval but still helps to understand the spawn's fabula) may trigger in the [[Act One]] {{note|If the player rejected Astarion's offer to sleep with him, this scene may occur anytime until as far as the middle of the [[Act Two]], but strictly before the party meets [[Raphael]] in the [[Last Light Inn]].}}. The player will catch Astarion trying to feel his own back with fingertips. Taken by surprise, | * Another camp cutscene (that doesn't gain any approval but still helps to understand the spawn's fabula) may trigger in the [[Act One]] {{note|If the player rejected Astarion's offer to sleep with him, this scene may occur anytime until as far as the middle of the [[Act Two]], but strictly before the party meets [[Raphael]] in the [[Last Light Inn]].}}. The player will catch Astarion trying to feel his own back with fingertips. Depending on the player's previous choices on building relations with the spawn, the narration of the scene will differ. Taken by surprise, Astarion will resent at first, but then swallow the pride and take help if offered. The player character then copies the inscription onto the ground, and seeing it perplexes Astarion. Still, realizing that he can indeed get aided should he ask makes the spawn trust the player character more. | ||
* At the camp celebration (either with the goblins or the tieflings), the player can agree to sleep with Astarion afterwards. If this is the first time the player engages in close relations with him, it will first trigger the dialogue with him discussing insufficient reward for the party's heroics (and particularly his personal), which might proceed by the cutscene mentioned above, should the player confirm their choice. | * At the camp celebration (either with the goblins or the tieflings), the player can agree to sleep with Astarion afterwards. If this is the first time the player engages in close relations with him, it will first trigger the dialogue with him discussing insufficient reward for the party's heroics (and particularly his personal), which might proceed by the cutscene mentioned above, should the player confirm their choice. | ||
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Heading into Acts Two and Three, it is important to note that Astarion might disapprove of some choices the player might make, but taking these may be for the 'better'. Disapproval of an action will not lock player out of romance scenes, and the spawn may even change his outlook on the player's decisions later on. | Heading into Acts Two and Three, it is important to note that Astarion might disapprove of some choices the player might make, but taking these may be for the 'better'. Disapproval of an action will not lock player out of romance scenes, and the spawn may even change his outlook on the player's decisions later on. | ||
* The next substantial scene with Astarion occurs after the player character visits [[Moonrise Towers]] under the guise of a True Soul, with Astarion in the party. On the main floor of [[Moonrise Towers]] resides a vendor by the name [[Araj Oblodra]]. The next long rest after talking to her triggers a cutscene that might heave the romance ahead or make | * The next substantial scene with Astarion occurs after the player character visits [[Moonrise Towers]] under the guise of a True Soul, with Astarion in the party. On the main floor of [[Moonrise Towers]] resides a vendor by the name [[Araj Oblodra]]. The next long rest after talking to her triggers a cutscene where Astarion, obviously having mustered all his strength to be sincere and open with the player character, shows at last that he is able of any genuine feelings toward someone, other than hate. He finally lets the player peek under his thick shell of sarcasm and bitterness to see his true self-sentiment. | ||
:Dialogue choices made by the player here might heave the romance ahead or make the spawn break the relations. Players can pick whichever option they feel suits how they want their relationship with Astarion to be. Picking options which make Astarion understand that he's been being used by the player character just like by [[Cazador Szarr]] before (for example, manipulating the spawn into having sex with player character simply for the latter's pleasure) will be followed by a cutscene where Astarion breaks the relationship rather decisively. | |||
: A similar scene with the same outcomes will trigger if the player doesn't talk to Araj Oblodra, but has approval with Astarion at least 70 (High Approval) in Act Two and successfully completes [[Kill Raphael's Old Enemy]] quest. | : A similar scene with the same outcomes will trigger if the player doesn't talk to Araj Oblodra, but has approval with Astarion at least 70 (High Approval) in Act Two and successfully completes [[Kill Raphael's Old Enemy]] quest. | ||