Maybe it’s not too direct a parallel, but I love the similarity between his first and last romance scene. Astarion starts by saying Tav wanted to be known and his final scene is him saying he feels seen with Tab. It’s almost like Astarion was projecting a part of himself onto Tav without even realizing it.
Oh I think he definitely was projecting himself. What I got from his lines, I think when he says "I think you want to be known," he says that because that's what he truly wants, and he assumes you want the same thing. Same as when ascended Astarion says "That's what you want, isn't it? To be mine forever," because he himself wants you to be his forever, otherwise he wouldn't have asked you to become his consort.
@@eesamees No he doesnt. Its fine to have a fantasy of a vampire lord sure I get the appeal I am a huge fan of Vampire movies and lore I get it normally but Astarion is a abuse victim and thats how I see him firstly as and I want him to heal and feel happy and thats what you get when he is a spawn he’s happy about it! But AA does not love TAV at all he would take her love for him to his advantage! The newest kisses Ascended Astarion have gotten shows even more how he looks down on TAV he grabs her by the neck and not in a kink way she looks scared rightfully so. The way he asks her to kneel! These kisses arent kisses of love those is to try and pull TAV in and manipulate her its nothing to do with love AA doesnt see you as his equal but as a servant beneath him
What a great comment, love this! It's true of complex, somewhat antagonistic game characters, the ones that you either love or hate. Zevran in DAO, for example, either backstabs you and betrays you or he is the most loyal friend and ally, depending on how you interpret his character and react to his unique style.
It's really interesting to see all the changes in his speech, body language and demeanor too. In the first act he is so confident, suave, smooth...doing something he has done for centuries never faltering. Nothing you say or do surprises him. He takes you into his web of charm. Pleasure, passion and ecstacy is all that matters. Then he falls for you in act 2 and is a complete mess. His dialogue is full of awkward pauses, his words are no longer fancy and his voice becomes staggered...he is scared and doesn't know what's coming or what the relationship is if there is no "passion". He has never known a healthy relationship so he continues to be afraid, uncertain. By Act 3 your love story is complete. He is confident again but no longer seductive. He knows how much he means to you and he wants to tell you, you mean everything to him too which is why he takes you to his old grave - which he himself never visited. He still doesn't know what lies in his future but he is sure that his future is with you. That certainty gives him strength and you can see that.
It's interesting how Astarion reflects the Maslow's hierarchy of needs pretty well. When he starts out, he's struggling on the first tier: Physiological Needs. In this case, he needs blood. He worries about other stuff, of course, but for the first few days, this is a struggle for him. He needs to drink, and he's scared what will happen to him should his party catch him and find out he's a vampire. He needs to drink, but on the down low. Without asking for help though, he gets slower, weaker (or he says this). Desperate to fulfill this basic need, he tries to drink from the player. Should you help him satisfy this base need, he's able to worry about the next tier, which is Safety. This man hasn't been safe since before he was a vampire. The world is big and scary and he knows there are terrifying people after him. He is regularly scared about what will happen to him, which tends to come across as "I need power to protect myself." The beginning of his romance is manipulating you with sex so he can secure his own safety. Over time though, he realizes he has people at his side who will have his back, and he starts to actually feel safe, secure. In fact, it's only once he feels safe around you that he pushes on to the next tier, Love and Belonging. He begins to open up to you more. If you're romancing him, he admits attempting to manipulate you. Otherwise, it's being willing to talk about his past trauma from a more personal perspective, admitting that he's bad at saying no. Around this time, we also start to see him warming up to other party members. He doesn't like seeing his friends getting screwed over by circumstance. From there, we get the next tier, Esteem. There's a change in language when Astarion talks about Cazador. He's still afraid of him and wants to secure his safety, yes, but now there's a note of "I deserve better." There's debate over whether or not Ascension is the right way of going about this, but in his mind at this point in time, he wants all the power, prestige, and mastery. You can show him though that the way to having respect from others isn't necessarily from becoming a Vampire Ascendant, but instead by being a better person. If you Ascend him, he will always be on this rung, trying to prove how big and powerful he is now. Finally, we reach Self Actualization at the top, but only if you kept him a spawn. In his case, it takes the form of reclaiming intimacy for himself and pursuing other ways of walking in the sun again.
He also reaches Self Actualisation by becoming Ascendant. With his needs met and him getting the power he always wanted, he goes out to explore, meet new people, forge new alliances and deals (which he literally says in epilogue). He realizes himself as a powerful vampire lord he always wanted to be. If anything, Ascendant is one who reaches the top of the hierarchy - he became the first ever, unique and most powerful vampire in existence and fulfilled all his needs: now he enjoys them what he - again - does in epilogue. Self Actualisation is fulfilling all your needs and reaching your objective and he absolutely does in Ascendant, way more than in Spawn who is still both weak and lost, not knowing what to do next.
@@Deadpan_Snarker Astarion does not reach self actualization in becoming an ascendant vampire. Accomplishments on a piece of paper are not self-actualization. Self-actualization is internal enrichment and acceptance of your self and life. Its an internal feeling of satisfaction and understanding of the world. Ascended astarion cant reach self-actualization because you have to reach belonging and esteem first but he cant because he wont let anyone actually SEE the real him. He's vapid and fake as shit. he thinks throwing big expensive parties is the same as having actual friends. His actual friends he has completely cut off and calls them Tav's "so-called friends". He's annoyed that he wasnt asked to host the party because it wouldve been "better" and when he realizes laezel basically attended the party via Githyanki-space-Zoom he wishes he had done that himself instead of showing up. He tells Tav he loves them because he thinks its what they want to hear not because he has found love in them. He calls tav his "consort" because "spawn" is an ugly word and he doesn't want you to see him as another cazador but the semantics dont matter. you ARE his spawn. When you point this out his flips the fuck out. He's not focused on real happiness. Hes only focused the perception of it. When he asks Tav what else could they want from him they can say "freedom" and he chastizes them for wanting to sleep in the dirt and tells them his "consort" WILL live "the very best life whether you appreciate it or not". he wants people to SEE him and Tav as being wealthy and privileged because he conflates those things with real happiness but Tav is miserable and he knows it because apparently this isnt the first time Tav says they miss freedom. When Tav asks him if its not enough to just be together he tells them no we need to conquer everything. and even months later when he sees god gale he's jealous and fantasizing what it would be like to be a god. Ascended Astarion is a miserable fuck. He's like a crackhead trying to get his next high out of another decadent party and excess wealth and power but never quite getting the high he wants.
@@Deadpan_Snarker Ascendant Astarion gets what he *thinks* he needs. By the end of his story, he realizes those things he thought he needed out of fear and desparation aren't actually what he needs, if kept as spawn. He realizes what he needed all along was to know he was enough as he is for himself and for other people in his life. If you ascend him, he will forever be in that lower rung, like OP said, because he never learned the important lesson that he is enough as he is. Ascending him is basically confirming all of his insecurities and fears he had in Act 1, and as a true vampire he'll be fully evil and incapable of trust and love, always fueled by the fear someone will rise over him. That's why he won't even let a romanced Tav be his equal, they're a threat to his power just like anyone else. It's a sad ending. But why am I wasting my time responding? I see this person in almost every Astarion video I come across (really, I don't know if I should be impressed or worried) trying desperately to tell everyone they're wrong about the lessons of his story, even though if you pay attention to the game, they're obvious. Outside of any echo chambers you're part of, you won't find many people agreeing with you.
@@Deadpan_Snarker this is a good point. But in my opinion, non-ascendant is the better choice for him. He tells the player, after they persuade him from ascending, that at the time he could feel a part of him slipping away. He knew that a different man would walk out of that ritual. Because ascended astorian and regular astorian are two different versions of astorian. One is safe with extra power. Another is safe, but without that power he posses but power through allies and experience. Idk… idk what the real best option is. Idk what astorian himself would do, or if he can make that decision. Idk if larian released what the origin characters canon story paths are. But i think the healthy option for him is to not ascend. There’s something about that scene that just… makes it feel like that is the ideal option.
To answer to your vid description: You definitely cannot ask Ascended Astarion “what do you want?” question at all. He’s regressed back to act 1, framing his questions as assumptions again - “that’s what *you wanted to hear* , isn’t it?” and he’s again in his performance mode with the overly seductive honeyed words. The whole story arc is about him either facing his fears or succumbing to them, and what he really needed vs what he thought he needed.
Exactly!! The good ending is him facing his fears and "reborn" again. Ascended Astarion is another future Cazador. He even talk like him in differents moments :(
Ascendent doesn't say what he needs because you already gave him everything, which he literally tells you as he thanks you. He wanted to be free and powerful - he became free and powerful, he wanted to be with your MC - he forever will be with your MC. In Spawn, you force him to give up his life dream and ambition, so of course he questions what's next for him as he is now lost. Ascendant became the most powerful vampire in existence and is now free to enjoy life as a living vampire - who can walk the sun, travel, who is no longer bound to hunger; He doesn't need anything else so this question never rises.
@@Deadpan_Snarker Every companion wants something different at the beginning than what he really needs. With your comment you only show that you don't understand anything about the game. People stop embarrassing yourself and please try to understand.
I took the time to read your summary of what he wants in the comments and I think they're spot on! And honestly, while it does make me sad that he's fully aware he's the "hot vampire fantasy" as you so eloquently put it, it shows his character growth. He's willing to perform that fantasy for you at the beginning because he's desperate, sentient blood is good for him, and you can (hopefully) protect him. For you, he'll become whatever you want, and he's aware that you want the hot vampire fantasy. But when you meet Araj Oblodra in Act 2 and she wants that hot vampire fantasy, he's comfortable enough to say "I don't want to do this." He's done with being the fantasy. He's safe enough with you to realize that he doesn't have to throw himself into that hole again. Also, apparently if you play as Astarion, you can talk to the wood elf in Sharess's Caress and she'll ask what you desire above all else. Every origin character including Durge has a unique answer. Astarion's, fittingly enough, is "I want to be safe" (paraphrased).
❤Yes!! Behind the bravado and flirtatious exterior he is actually terrified in act 1. He needs an ally and will use seduction, what he believes at that point is his only talent, to get it. I personally think tav asking him what he wants in the act 1 romance scene is the first crack or chip at the "hot vampire fantasy" Astarion is performing and in general the false beliefs Astarion has of himself. I wonder what was going on in his head when tav said that. Probably panic that they are going off script haha! I like to think that the player, romanced or not, helps create an environment where Astarion feels respected and safe - where he can say no and make his own decisions. And I think that is what Astarion truly wants when he talks about having power even though I don't think he realizes it until post ritual (spawn): The power of having choices (what he really wants and frankly needs) vs power over people (what he thinks he wants). gods I could talk about him all day haha! 😄
For most of the game, Astarion is motivated by fear before anything else. When you first meet him and your minds connect, it’s his fear that stands out more clearly than any other memory or emotion. He only becomes obsessed with the idea of ascension once he’s back in Baldur’s Gate where he was kidnapped and abused. And there are so many little moments where he’s terrified but will never admit it, like coming across the gur in the swamp. Any chance you remember the other unique origin responses btw?
@@Lavendarrr Oh same haha, I love the writing for him because it's so multifaceted - and depending on how you interact with him with your character, it adds a lot to the relationship. I've started several playthroughs and this is the first time I asked him what he wanted in the romance scene in Act 1, and was kind of surprised by the answer. Considering that he likes it when you flirt/tease with him (he gives approval even if you tell him during the mirror scene that someone else in camp is prettier than him), I don't think he's too concerned during that scene - he's got you hooked. But asking what HE wants? Very much taken aback, because as he admits, no one asks him that. He's the vehicle for the fantasy, what he wants doesn't matter. Don't worry about it, darling, skip to the sex! But it does matter, and you get to show him that. And because you care about his autonomy, he cares about yours - I'm specifically thinking of meeting Araj again in Act 3. Side note, my other favorite thing about his character progression is how much more real he feels once he confesses that the game is up and he's actually caught feelings. For most of the romance in Act 1, I was laughing at Astarion's lines instead of being wooed because they're just SO bodice ripper coded. It feels like you're talking to a Fabian parody, and I believe that's fully intentional - he's not being genuine, he's feeding you the lines he's been taught and what he thinks you want to hear. But consistently, I found myself loving the real Astarion, when he shines through in Act 1 - talking to him about his scars, his concern when you interact with the Sussur Flower (if you're a sorcerer), when he's worried the Zaith'isk will fry your brain (or Lae'zel's). The first time he said "Do you want to talk about something, my dear?" in a normal, calm voice, I actually had to stop and sit there for a minute because that's the real Astarion. He's finally let down his guard. He's not playing a role, he's just your buddy/love interest. Fantastic writing from Stephen Rooney and a fantastic performance from Neil Newbon. Anyway, sorry for rambling, but thanks for this video!
@@chronoxtreme2427 love everything you wrote here! Rambling is welcome! act 1 astarion flirts always make me laugh - like babe, you don't have to talk to me like that haha I'm already yours. I think the mirror scene was my "ah ha!" moment when it comes to seeing the real astarion in my first pt. the whiplash i got from his vulnerability was crazy but I was hooked from then on
@@thecheck968 I've never encountered this scene myself in game but I believe Durge's response is "sanity" and Tav's response is to be cured of the tadpole!
Gah I love how Astarions relationship has so much emotional depth. Like, in real life, just like in game, once he's able to trust you, I whole heartedly believe this man would truly worship his partner like a god/goddess, just so happy to finally be with someone who brings him real happiness. And I'd give him endless hugs.
the way I SOBBED during the epilogue when the narrator says that Astarion told you that the past 6 months of happy memories have been a counterweight to 200 years of misery 😭😭His ending isn't perfect but gods it's still good!!
@@Lavendarrr Yesss! Our boy found real happiness, and I'm so damn proud of him. It would kill me inside to Ascend him, because he completely changes and is just isolated and continuing Cazador's cycle. But I really want more from the epilogue, I'd spend whatever the price for Tav and the crew to set out on a journey to either reverse vampirism or allow him in the sun again. And the focus could be Astarion learning to trust those outside of Tav, and getting some real friends. Make it happen Larian! And more hug options! Twice it NOT ENOUGH!
@@Lavendarrr I love that line so much, especially when you consider one of the true answers in the Love Test (one of the "deep" ones that Astarion disapproves of you airing out but admits is true all the same) is Tav saying he's never been happy before. He's finally found real happiness 😭😭
"What do any of us want?" When he gave the 'big puppy eyes' I thought he was going to be honest for a second. Then the mask was right back up with him saying what he thought Tav wanted to hear.
WTH WITH 2:34!!!! IM CRYING!!! I was so absort on the moment, then a cracking sound just appears from nowhere when Tavs looks down, like her neck was the thing that cracked OMG.... roflmao xD
Gah - I wish you could both ask him what he wants *and* hug him in the Act 2 scene. I have such a hard time not picking the hug because I feel as though he needs one, but I think asking him what he wants is sort of better for him, in a way. Thanks for showing us this arc in one collection!
I think the hug says a lot. sometimes actions speak louder than words. but the hug doesn't answer the question of what he wants. So yes, a combination of both would be nice
So here's the thing. In Act 1 astarion is not aware of what he wants in terms of relationships because he doesnt think about that AT ALL. He's too focused on survival to even consider if he wants to have sex with Tav or not for the right reasons. If you have high approval with him and he comes to you offering sex before the tiefling party he offers it "As a reward" for letting him drink blood and Tav has the option to say "you dont need to do it just because you feel you owe me" and he says "its more of an excuse if anything." even if Tav offered him a night of talking and cuddles he will still insist that he wants to have sex. What he wants is the reward of sex(safety) but those two things of tied together in his mind because they always HAVE been. You can see this very clearly when you play as Karlach. He's legitimately frustrated with her condition because he doesnt know how else to manipulate someone like her but also feels relieved that she cant have sex and just wants to talk but he is so confused by this feeling of relief that he blames it on her being "not normal" and broken. In the Dev notes it states that he blames Karlach for his feelings of confusion. By all logic he SHOULD want to have sex with her because shes so hot (no pun intended), so why is he relieved that he cant? He cant wrap his head around this feeling so he lashes out at her. In act 2 when given the safety he craves he starts to put his foot down and (in the platonic version of the araj oblodra scene) and becomes more aware of his own desires. He doesnt know it yet but he already feels safe(whether he's dating Tav or not) going against the desires of Araj and potentially angering Tav. Later on, He even admits to Platonic Tav that its "unlike him" to be so precious about it and is genuinely confused and conflicted about turning down the potion. He feels like a spoiled brat for turning it down. So now in act 2 he's trying to wrap his head around the idea of having desires not related to surviving. Which is GOOD because hes never been in a position of such privilege and safety to be able to say 'no' just because. Normally he would just do it without considering his own desires which is what he does in Act 1. While he is attracted to Tav that doesn't mean he wanted to have sex. He might've found that he did want to have sex with them but at the time his own needs weren't even on his radar. Given the attraction, their relationship actually had the potential to start on a genuine foot but he kind of ruined that by not considering his own feelings and treating Tav as a means to an end instead of real person he was courting. And now that all of these feelings about his own desires are coming up he's realizing that he does genuinely want Tav, not for survival but for genuine connection but its more complicated than just wanting someone. In act 3 he is reluctant to put a label on their relationship because he wants to get all of his other goals(killing cazador/ the ritual) out of the way before he makes promises to Tav that he cant keep. All he knows is that Tav is no longer a victim but doesn't know exactly what they are to him. He is enjoying himself being with someone for the first time ever and that's what matters right now. What he wants(safety) and cazador(the person endangering him) have been so intertwined for so long he cant disentangle them just yet. If you kill cazador without him he says that there is a blank space where Cazador should be. He built all of his wants and needs around Cazador whether it was to serve him or kill him, and now he's gone. After cazador's death If you ask him if hes going to give up on walking in the sun he tells you he just needs time to reassess what he wants and then a few hours later at the graveyard he can see more clearly and hes not sure about anything yet other than the fact that whatever it is, he wants to do it with Tav. its not a choice that he's making based on NEEDS but rather based on WANTS, what he's been denied for 200 years.
It really annoys me that this character is being so gatekept lately, I mostly see it on TikTok so it seems safe enough else where so far- but people get SO pressed and mad now if you choose to romance him because "That's clearly not what he wants/needs" "you're ignoring his trauma and abuse!" "You're sexualizing him!" Astarion LITERALLY tells you he wants you, he just needs time to get to that point. Quite frankly, I believe he starts falling for Tav in Act 1 after the first night together, he just doesn't know what those feelings are and is confused, hence the confession in Act 2 and the hesitance/confusion. I don't understand how someone can complete his full romance/story arch and STILL say "Astarion is Ace coded, he doesn't want you like that. You're forcing him to be with with." Dude genuinely fell in love with Tav but didn't know how to handle those feelings at first. Honestly, the fandoms really ruin things and this game is starting to be soured by the vocal, annoying idiots who think their pointless opinions rule above everyone else.
This community is indeed just rabid about him, and its one of the reasons I don't even interact with it much anymore: Astarion fans, at least. This sheer hate you will face if you say you prefer Ascendant Astarion is just insane, and you will be called all manner of names if you say: "I think Ascedant is better ending". It's like some people just have no grasp on the concept that you can have a different opinion, that I prefer this type of love and story more or just because I see Ascedant as a much more reasonable and REALISTIC ending to his arc. Spawn is nice in theory, but is just in LaLaLand realm of fantasy: it makes no sense psychology-wise, character-wise and motivation-wise. Astarion - even before vampirism - was obsessed with power, and was a ruthless magistrate, who was potentially a slave-dealer who sold the Gur to Cazador: he was evil before vampisim, as a vampire and throughout the story and you honestly expect 200+ years of Machiavellian worldview can be so easily changed? That a character who was craving power ALL HIS LIFE could be so easily persuaded to become "good" and give up his power-cravings? That's just so unnatural and OOC to me. Not all characters are meant to be heroes, not all characters "see the light" and its *OK* - it has a place in both fiction and reality. That's kind of what pisses me off about this fandom: they are treating that Spawn is one true, best ending, while failing to accept that someone may think differently. Those that do not meet and share their limited opinion are either idiots or "freaks who want hot vampire daddy". 🙄 Sucks that his die-hard fans turned all this into war on "what is right", while the point of the game is to have fun and write a story YOU think is right and envision - not to be bullied by armchair experts who *think* they know what is right and think they have the moral highground to preach it to you.
i agree with this but i think they cut him being a slave dealer and working with cazador in full release - it's not canon anymore. but yeah, people will really lay into you if you say you even enjoy ascended or if you say he loves MC just not in a way we know how. astarion discourse is something else tbh (vampires are KNOWN to have their feelings and everything warped, so the fact that he vampire bride/groom steps you instantly is a pretty significant sign that you aren't 100% a pawn)
@@Deadpan_Snarker it's weird that you're saying other players are insulting your choice and it's about crafting your own story while your comment is simultaneously doing what you were complaining about. O...o You seem to be as angry and have as strong feelings about it as the fans on the other side. Larian clearly intends for all players experiences to be canon to them. Yours and the others too. It's ok if others feel spawn was realistic and the good choice just like it's ok for you to choose the story you did and like that story.
Hard to not be a little angry I think. From what I know, I'm fully aware I intend to bring Astarion to be the almost good guy he says he doesn't wants to be (according to what he says).
Act 1: What do any of us want? Pleasure. Act 2: I don't know what i want... Act 3: You. I want... you! Goddamnit i love Neil, he did an amazing job TvT
I can't believe my Female Character lift Astarion up and carried him in there romance scene. I'm assuming when you have a tall big character that happens.
I cant help but feel like hes lying all the time and i have exceptional status with him. Its Act 3 and we freed him from Cazador but how his lines are delivered still sounds like he's trying to manipulate. 😂
I haven't played the game yet but lmao I did so much research on what to do to have that good ending with him, I think I know everything now...guilty as charged XD
Astarion is the charakter they catch me the most of all Video Game charakters before. His vioce, story, transformation and personality are insane. I wish that he where a real person
This makes me wonder if you can romance him without the sex part in act 1. Because knowing what I know from having played through his romance, idk if I'll be able to go through with this choice again. Knowing that he only does it because he falls into habits Cazador forced onto him, and that whenever he does it, he disassociates and feels disgust 😢. Edit: Also, the "I've been dead in the ground for long enough. It's time to try living again." 😭 The fact that his song (the one that plays in the graveyard scene here, but can also be heard on a number of different occasions, at least in the camp) is titled "I Want to Live" 😭 Edit, to answer my own question a month later: you can't romance him without the sex part first. I guess it can be justified by him viewing it as "you're not interested in him" so he doesn't start falling for your character or something, idk.
I don't even know if this is my type of game or not (I love fantasy worlds but I don't know if I'll like the gameplay) but I know someday I'll buy it for Astarion😅❤️
Perhaps you triggered the other version of this convo? There are two versions: one that triggers after helping him stand up for himself against the blood merchant in moonrise. And the second (the one in the vid) only triggers if you help with with yurgir and haven't spoken to the blood merchant yet.
🤍I get it after I have killed the Orthon and Raph has visited. And the biggest thing: you need to avoid speaking to araj until after the confession conversation in the vid. Otherwise you get the "thank you" dialogue instead. I don't think your approval needs to be super high either so I wouldn't sweat that!
You need to sleep with Astarion in act 1 to romance him! He will approach you before the tiefling party if your approval is over 40 but he can proposition you at the party as well. I don’t recall what approval you need to be at for the party since I usually end up sleeping with him before that haha
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Maybe it’s not too direct a parallel, but I love the similarity between his first and last romance scene. Astarion starts by saying Tav wanted to be known and his final scene is him saying he feels seen with Tab. It’s almost like Astarion was projecting a part of himself onto Tav without even realizing it.
Oh I think he definitely was projecting himself. What I got from his lines, I think when he says "I think you want to be known," he says that because that's what he truly wants, and he assumes you want the same thing. Same as when ascended Astarion says "That's what you want, isn't it? To be mine forever," because he himself wants you to be his forever, otherwise he wouldn't have asked you to become his consort.
Totally agree ❤
@@ShMayda99can we stop talking about AA he doesnt love you, you ascended fans are annoying
@@JessicaJohnson-vp9mthe may still love tav but i couldn’t let him give up himself like that
@@eesamees No he doesnt. Its fine to have a fantasy of a vampire lord sure I get the appeal I am a huge fan of Vampire movies and lore I get it normally but Astarion is a abuse victim and thats how I see him firstly as and I want him to heal and feel happy and thats what you get when he is a spawn he’s happy about it!
But AA does not love TAV at all he would take her love for him to his advantage! The newest kisses Ascended Astarion have gotten shows even more how he looks down on TAV he grabs her by the neck and not in a kink way she looks scared rightfully so. The way he asks her to kneel! These kisses arent kisses of love those is to try and pull TAV in and manipulate her its nothing to do with love
AA doesnt see you as his equal but as a servant beneath him
I feel like Astarion is one of those characters who, depending on how he is interpreted, tells the player a lot about the player's own mindset.
True!
What a great comment, love this! It's true of complex, somewhat antagonistic game characters, the ones that you either love or hate. Zevran in DAO, for example, either backstabs you and betrays you or he is the most loyal friend and ally, depending on how you interpret his character and react to his unique style.
How ironic it is, to make a vampire a mirror to see one's own reflection in.
It's really interesting to see all the changes in his speech, body language and demeanor too. In the first act he is so confident, suave, smooth...doing something he has done for centuries never faltering. Nothing you say or do surprises him. He takes you into his web of charm. Pleasure, passion and ecstacy is all that matters.
Then he falls for you in act 2 and is a complete mess. His dialogue is full of awkward pauses, his words are no longer fancy and his voice becomes staggered...he is scared and doesn't know what's coming or what the relationship is if there is no "passion". He has never known a healthy relationship so he continues to be afraid, uncertain.
By Act 3 your love story is complete. He is confident again but no longer seductive. He knows how much he means to you and he wants to tell you, you mean everything to him too which is why he takes you to his old grave - which he himself never visited. He still doesn't know what lies in his future but he is sure that his future is with you. That certainty gives him strength and you can see that.
It's interesting how Astarion reflects the Maslow's hierarchy of needs pretty well.
When he starts out, he's struggling on the first tier: Physiological Needs. In this case, he needs blood. He worries about other stuff, of course, but for the first few days, this is a struggle for him. He needs to drink, and he's scared what will happen to him should his party catch him and find out he's a vampire. He needs to drink, but on the down low. Without asking for help though, he gets slower, weaker (or he says this). Desperate to fulfill this basic need, he tries to drink from the player.
Should you help him satisfy this base need, he's able to worry about the next tier, which is Safety. This man hasn't been safe since before he was a vampire. The world is big and scary and he knows there are terrifying people after him. He is regularly scared about what will happen to him, which tends to come across as "I need power to protect myself." The beginning of his romance is manipulating you with sex so he can secure his own safety. Over time though, he realizes he has people at his side who will have his back, and he starts to actually feel safe, secure.
In fact, it's only once he feels safe around you that he pushes on to the next tier, Love and Belonging. He begins to open up to you more. If you're romancing him, he admits attempting to manipulate you. Otherwise, it's being willing to talk about his past trauma from a more personal perspective, admitting that he's bad at saying no. Around this time, we also start to see him warming up to other party members. He doesn't like seeing his friends getting screwed over by circumstance.
From there, we get the next tier, Esteem. There's a change in language when Astarion talks about Cazador. He's still afraid of him and wants to secure his safety, yes, but now there's a note of "I deserve better." There's debate over whether or not Ascension is the right way of going about this, but in his mind at this point in time, he wants all the power, prestige, and mastery. You can show him though that the way to having respect from others isn't necessarily from becoming a Vampire Ascendant, but instead by being a better person. If you Ascend him, he will always be on this rung, trying to prove how big and powerful he is now.
Finally, we reach Self Actualization at the top, but only if you kept him a spawn. In his case, it takes the form of reclaiming intimacy for himself and pursuing other ways of walking in the sun again.
He also reaches Self Actualisation by becoming Ascendant. With his needs met and him getting the power he always wanted, he goes out to explore, meet new people, forge new alliances and deals (which he literally says in epilogue). He realizes himself as a powerful vampire lord he always wanted to be.
If anything, Ascendant is one who reaches the top of the hierarchy - he became the first ever, unique and most powerful vampire in existence and fulfilled all his needs: now he enjoys them what he - again - does in epilogue. Self Actualisation is fulfilling all your needs and reaching your objective and he absolutely does in Ascendant, way more than in Spawn who is still both weak and lost, not knowing what to do next.
@@Deadpan_SnarkerI think it’s cute how you’re stupid enough to think ascension is actually the answer 😂😂😂
@@Deadpan_Snarker Astarion does not reach self actualization in becoming an ascendant vampire. Accomplishments on a piece of paper are not self-actualization. Self-actualization is internal enrichment and acceptance of your self and life. Its an internal feeling of satisfaction and understanding of the world. Ascended astarion cant reach self-actualization because you have to reach belonging and esteem first but he cant because he wont let anyone actually SEE the real him. He's vapid and fake as shit. he thinks throwing big expensive parties is the same as having actual friends. His actual friends he has completely cut off and calls them Tav's "so-called friends". He's annoyed that he wasnt asked to host the party because it wouldve been "better" and when he realizes laezel basically attended the party via Githyanki-space-Zoom he wishes he had done that himself instead of showing up. He tells Tav he loves them because he thinks its what they want to hear not because he has found love in them. He calls tav his "consort" because "spawn" is an ugly word and he doesn't want you to see him as another cazador but the semantics dont matter. you ARE his spawn. When you point this out his flips the fuck out. He's not focused on real happiness. Hes only focused the perception of it. When he asks Tav what else could they want from him they can say "freedom" and he chastizes them for wanting to sleep in the dirt and tells them his "consort" WILL live "the very best life whether you appreciate it or not". he wants people to SEE him and Tav as being wealthy and privileged because he conflates those things with real happiness but Tav is miserable and he knows it because apparently this isnt the first time Tav says they miss freedom. When Tav asks him if its not enough to just be together he tells them no we need to conquer everything. and even months later when he sees god gale he's jealous and fantasizing what it would be like to be a god. Ascended Astarion is a miserable fuck. He's like a crackhead trying to get his next high out of another decadent party and excess wealth and power but never quite getting the high he wants.
@@Deadpan_Snarker Ascendant Astarion gets what he *thinks* he needs. By the end of his story, he realizes those things he thought he needed out of fear and desparation aren't actually what he needs, if kept as spawn. He realizes what he needed all along was to know he was enough as he is for himself and for other people in his life. If you ascend him, he will forever be in that lower rung, like OP said, because he never learned the important lesson that he is enough as he is. Ascending him is basically confirming all of his insecurities and fears he had in Act 1, and as a true vampire he'll be fully evil and incapable of trust and love, always fueled by the fear someone will rise over him. That's why he won't even let a romanced Tav be his equal, they're a threat to his power just like anyone else. It's a sad ending.
But why am I wasting my time responding? I see this person in almost every Astarion video I come across (really, I don't know if I should be impressed or worried) trying desperately to tell everyone they're wrong about the lessons of his story, even though if you pay attention to the game, they're obvious. Outside of any echo chambers you're part of, you won't find many people agreeing with you.
@@Deadpan_Snarker this is a good point. But in my opinion, non-ascendant is the better choice for him. He tells the player, after they persuade him from ascending, that at the time he could feel a part of him slipping away. He knew that a different man would walk out of that ritual.
Because ascended astorian and regular astorian are two different versions of astorian. One is safe with extra power. Another is safe, but without that power he posses but power through allies and experience.
Idk… idk what the real best option is. Idk what astorian himself would do, or if he can make that decision. Idk if larian released what the origin characters canon story paths are.
But i think the healthy option for him is to not ascend.
There’s something about that scene that just… makes it feel like that is the ideal option.
😭They wrote his character so well, and Neil acted his dialogue so well, it makes me legitimately emotional to see our boy be ok.
I never notice how surprised he was on the first part until now.
To answer to your vid description: You definitely cannot ask Ascended Astarion “what do you want?” question at all. He’s regressed back to act 1, framing his questions as assumptions again - “that’s what *you wanted to hear* , isn’t it?” and he’s again in his performance mode with the overly seductive honeyed words.
The whole story arc is about him either facing his fears or succumbing to them, and what he really needed vs what he thought he needed.
agreed!!
Exactly!! The good ending is him facing his fears and "reborn" again.
Ascended Astarion is another future Cazador. He even talk like him in differents moments :(
Ascendent doesn't say what he needs because you already gave him everything, which he literally tells you as he thanks you. He wanted to be free and powerful - he became free and powerful, he wanted to be with your MC - he forever will be with your MC.
In Spawn, you force him to give up his life dream and ambition, so of course he questions what's next for him as he is now lost. Ascendant became the most powerful vampire in existence and is now free to enjoy life as a living vampire - who can walk the sun, travel, who is no longer bound to hunger; He doesn't need anything else so this question never rises.
@@Deadpan_Snarker please explain +3 approval he gives when you persuade him (or in your words ‘force’) not to ascend.
@@Deadpan_Snarker Every companion wants something different at the beginning than what he really needs.
With your comment you only show that you don't understand anything about the game. People stop embarrassing yourself and please try to understand.
I took the time to read your summary of what he wants in the comments and I think they're spot on! And honestly, while it does make me sad that he's fully aware he's the "hot vampire fantasy" as you so eloquently put it, it shows his character growth. He's willing to perform that fantasy for you at the beginning because he's desperate, sentient blood is good for him, and you can (hopefully) protect him. For you, he'll become whatever you want, and he's aware that you want the hot vampire fantasy.
But when you meet Araj Oblodra in Act 2 and she wants that hot vampire fantasy, he's comfortable enough to say "I don't want to do this." He's done with being the fantasy. He's safe enough with you to realize that he doesn't have to throw himself into that hole again.
Also, apparently if you play as Astarion, you can talk to the wood elf in Sharess's Caress and she'll ask what you desire above all else. Every origin character including Durge has a unique answer. Astarion's, fittingly enough, is "I want to be safe" (paraphrased).
❤Yes!! Behind the bravado and flirtatious exterior he is actually terrified in act 1. He needs an ally and will use seduction, what he believes at that point is his only talent, to get it. I personally think tav asking him what he wants in the act 1 romance scene is the first crack or chip at the "hot vampire fantasy" Astarion is performing and in general the false beliefs Astarion has of himself. I wonder what was going on in his head when tav said that. Probably panic that they are going off script haha!
I like to think that the player, romanced or not, helps create an environment where Astarion feels respected and safe - where he can say no and make his own decisions. And I think that is what Astarion truly wants when he talks about having power even though I don't think he realizes it until post ritual (spawn): The power of having choices (what he really wants and frankly needs) vs power over people (what he thinks he wants).
gods I could talk about him all day haha! 😄
For most of the game, Astarion is motivated by fear before anything else. When you first meet him and your minds connect, it’s his fear that stands out more clearly than any other memory or emotion. He only becomes obsessed with the idea of ascension once he’s back in Baldur’s Gate where he was kidnapped and abused. And there are so many little moments where he’s terrified but will never admit it, like coming across the gur in the swamp.
Any chance you remember the other unique origin responses btw?
@@Lavendarrr Oh same haha, I love the writing for him because it's so multifaceted - and depending on how you interact with him with your character, it adds a lot to the relationship. I've started several playthroughs and this is the first time I asked him what he wanted in the romance scene in Act 1, and was kind of surprised by the answer. Considering that he likes it when you flirt/tease with him (he gives approval even if you tell him during the mirror scene that someone else in camp is prettier than him), I don't think he's too concerned during that scene - he's got you hooked. But asking what HE wants? Very much taken aback, because as he admits, no one asks him that. He's the vehicle for the fantasy, what he wants doesn't matter. Don't worry about it, darling, skip to the sex!
But it does matter, and you get to show him that. And because you care about his autonomy, he cares about yours - I'm specifically thinking of meeting Araj again in Act 3.
Side note, my other favorite thing about his character progression is how much more real he feels once he confesses that the game is up and he's actually caught feelings. For most of the romance in Act 1, I was laughing at Astarion's lines instead of being wooed because they're just SO bodice ripper coded. It feels like you're talking to a Fabian parody, and I believe that's fully intentional - he's not being genuine, he's feeding you the lines he's been taught and what he thinks you want to hear. But consistently, I found myself loving the real Astarion, when he shines through in Act 1 - talking to him about his scars, his concern when you interact with the Sussur Flower (if you're a sorcerer), when he's worried the Zaith'isk will fry your brain (or Lae'zel's).
The first time he said "Do you want to talk about something, my dear?" in a normal, calm voice, I actually had to stop and sit there for a minute because that's the real Astarion. He's finally let down his guard. He's not playing a role, he's just your buddy/love interest. Fantastic writing from Stephen Rooney and a fantastic performance from Neil Newbon.
Anyway, sorry for rambling, but thanks for this video!
@@chronoxtreme2427 love everything you wrote here! Rambling is welcome! act 1 astarion flirts always make me laugh - like babe, you don't have to talk to me like that haha I'm already yours. I think the mirror scene was my "ah ha!" moment when it comes to seeing the real astarion in my first pt. the whiplash i got from his vulnerability was crazy but I was hooked from then on
@@thecheck968 I've never encountered this scene myself in game but I believe Durge's response is "sanity" and Tav's response is to be cured of the tadpole!
I came for the dialogue and I kept getting distracted by how beautiful your tav is 😢😂😂😂
haha awe thank ya!
@@Lavendarrr Seriously 😂🔥 What mods are you using?
@@jademcl4727I have the all mods I use posted on my community page! I used vemperens heads and tavs hair salon among others for this tav 😊
@@Lavendarrr ty ty 🙏
Gah I love how Astarions relationship has so much emotional depth. Like, in real life, just like in game, once he's able to trust you, I whole heartedly believe this man would truly worship his partner like a god/goddess, just so happy to finally be with someone who brings him real happiness. And I'd give him endless hugs.
the way I SOBBED during the epilogue when the narrator says that Astarion told you that the past 6 months of happy memories have been a counterweight to 200 years of misery 😭😭His ending isn't perfect but gods it's still good!!
@@Lavendarrr Yesss! Our boy found real happiness, and I'm so damn proud of him. It would kill me inside to Ascend him, because he completely changes and is just isolated and continuing Cazador's cycle.
But I really want more from the epilogue, I'd spend whatever the price for Tav and the crew to set out on a journey to either reverse vampirism or allow him in the sun again. And the focus could be Astarion learning to trust those outside of Tav, and getting some real friends. Make it happen Larian!
And more hug options! Twice it NOT ENOUGH!
Amen!!!@@mulqueen2023
@@Lavendarrr I love that line so much, especially when you consider one of the true answers in the Love Test (one of the "deep" ones that Astarion disapproves of you airing out but admits is true all the same) is Tav saying he's never been happy before. He's finally found real happiness 😭😭
Your fantasy is to be worshipped by him. My fantasy is to be with him as he finds freedom and joy for himself. We're not the same.
"What do any of us want?" When he gave the 'big puppy eyes' I thought he was going to be honest for a second. Then the mask was right back up with him saying what he thought Tav wanted to hear.
WTH WITH 2:34!!!! IM CRYING!!! I was so absort on the moment, then a cracking sound just appears from nowhere when Tavs looks down, like her neck was the thing that cracked OMG.... roflmao xD
Lol I was looking for this comment and had to double check if I was hearing things!
Sounds like astarion has a bit of arthritis
Gah - I wish you could both ask him what he wants *and* hug him in the Act 2 scene. I have such a hard time not picking the hug because I feel as though he needs one, but I think asking him what he wants is sort of better for him, in a way. Thanks for showing us this arc in one collection!
I think the hug says a lot. sometimes actions speak louder than words. but the hug doesn't answer the question of what he wants. So yes, a combination of both would be nice
So here's the thing. In Act 1 astarion is not aware of what he wants in terms of relationships because he doesnt think about that AT ALL. He's too focused on survival to even consider if he wants to have sex with Tav or not for the right reasons. If you have high approval with him and he comes to you offering sex before the tiefling party he offers it "As a reward" for letting him drink blood and Tav has the option to say "you dont need to do it just because you feel you owe me" and he says "its more of an excuse if anything." even if Tav offered him a night of talking and cuddles he will still insist that he wants to have sex. What he wants is the reward of sex(safety) but those two things of tied together in his mind because they always HAVE been. You can see this very clearly when you play as Karlach. He's legitimately frustrated with her condition because he doesnt know how else to manipulate someone like her but also feels relieved that she cant have sex and just wants to talk but he is so confused by this feeling of relief that he blames it on her being "not normal" and broken. In the Dev notes it states that he blames Karlach for his feelings of confusion. By all logic he SHOULD want to have sex with her because shes so hot (no pun intended), so why is he relieved that he cant? He cant wrap his head around this feeling so he lashes out at her.
In act 2 when given the safety he craves he starts to put his foot down and (in the platonic version of the araj oblodra scene) and becomes more aware of his own desires. He doesnt know it yet but he already feels safe(whether he's dating Tav or not) going against the desires of Araj and potentially angering Tav. Later on, He even admits to Platonic Tav that its "unlike him" to be so precious about it and is genuinely confused and conflicted about turning down the potion. He feels like a spoiled brat for turning it down. So now in act 2 he's trying to wrap his head around the idea of having desires not related to surviving. Which is GOOD because hes never been in a position of such privilege and safety to be able to say 'no' just because. Normally he would just do it without considering his own desires which is what he does in Act 1. While he is attracted to Tav that doesn't mean he wanted to have sex. He might've found that he did want to have sex with them but at the time his own needs weren't even on his radar. Given the attraction, their relationship actually had the potential to start on a genuine foot but he kind of ruined that by not considering his own feelings and treating Tav as a means to an end instead of real person he was courting. And now that all of these feelings about his own desires are coming up he's realizing that he does genuinely want Tav, not for survival but for genuine connection but its more complicated than just wanting someone.
In act 3 he is reluctant to put a label on their relationship because he wants to get all of his other goals(killing cazador/ the ritual) out of the way before he makes promises to Tav that he cant keep. All he knows is that Tav is no longer a victim but doesn't know exactly what they are to him. He is enjoying himself being with someone for the first time ever and that's what matters right now. What he wants(safety) and cazador(the person endangering him) have been so intertwined for so long he cant disentangle them just yet. If you kill cazador without him he says that there is a blank space where Cazador should be. He built all of his wants and needs around Cazador whether it was to serve him or kill him, and now he's gone. After cazador's death If you ask him if hes going to give up on walking in the sun he tells you he just needs time to reassess what he wants and then a few hours later at the graveyard he can see more clearly and hes not sure about anything yet other than the fact that whatever it is, he wants to do it with Tav. its not a choice that he's making based on NEEDS but rather based on WANTS, what he's been denied for 200 years.
Oh wow I had no idea the Karlach origin resulted in this... here's hoping someone uploaded the scenes.
I'm not crying you're crying 😭
Upvoting entirely because you were thoughtful enough to include your mod list because you know people are going to ask!
God the way I would do anything for this man
He is a bunch of pixles, but same
Beautiful Tav ❤ And wow, I actually cried watching this. I love Astarion’s chara development so much. It makes me feel so happy!
It really annoys me that this character is being so gatekept lately, I mostly see it on TikTok so it seems safe enough else where so far- but people get SO pressed and mad now if you choose to romance him because "That's clearly not what he wants/needs" "you're ignoring his trauma and abuse!" "You're sexualizing him!" Astarion LITERALLY tells you he wants you, he just needs time to get to that point. Quite frankly, I believe he starts falling for Tav in Act 1 after the first night together, he just doesn't know what those feelings are and is confused, hence the confession in Act 2 and the hesitance/confusion. I don't understand how someone can complete his full romance/story arch and STILL say "Astarion is Ace coded, he doesn't want you like that. You're forcing him to be with with." Dude genuinely fell in love with Tav but didn't know how to handle those feelings at first. Honestly, the fandoms really ruin things and this game is starting to be soured by the vocal, annoying idiots who think their pointless opinions rule above everyone else.
This community is indeed just rabid about him, and its one of the reasons I don't even interact with it much anymore: Astarion fans, at least. This sheer hate you will face if you say you prefer Ascendant Astarion is just insane, and you will be called all manner of names if you say: "I think Ascedant is better ending". It's like some people just have no grasp on the concept that you can have a different opinion, that I prefer this type of love and story more or just because I see Ascedant as a much more reasonable and REALISTIC ending to his arc. Spawn is nice in theory, but is just in LaLaLand realm of fantasy: it makes no sense psychology-wise, character-wise and motivation-wise. Astarion - even before vampirism - was obsessed with power, and was a ruthless magistrate, who was potentially a slave-dealer who sold the Gur to Cazador: he was evil before vampisim, as a vampire and throughout the story and you honestly expect 200+ years of Machiavellian worldview can be so easily changed? That a character who was craving power ALL HIS LIFE could be so easily persuaded to become "good" and give up his power-cravings? That's just so unnatural and OOC to me.
Not all characters are meant to be heroes, not all characters "see the light" and its *OK* - it has a place in both fiction and reality.
That's kind of what pisses me off about this fandom: they are treating that Spawn is one true, best ending, while failing to accept that someone may think differently. Those that do not meet and share their limited opinion are either idiots or "freaks who want hot vampire daddy". 🙄
Sucks that his die-hard fans turned all this into war on "what is right", while the point of the game is to have fun and write a story YOU think is right and envision - not to be bullied by armchair experts who *think* they know what is right and think they have the moral highground to preach it to you.
i agree with this but i think they cut him being a slave dealer and working with cazador in full release - it's not canon anymore. but yeah, people will really lay into you if you say you even enjoy ascended or if you say he loves MC just not in a way we know how. astarion discourse is something else tbh (vampires are KNOWN to have their feelings and everything warped, so the fact that he vampire bride/groom steps you instantly is a pretty significant sign that you aren't 100% a pawn)
@@Deadpan_Snarker it's weird that you're saying other players are insulting your choice and it's about crafting your own story while your comment is simultaneously doing what you were complaining about. O...o
You seem to be as angry and have as strong feelings about it as the fans on the other side.
Larian clearly intends for all players experiences to be canon to them. Yours and the others too. It's ok if others feel spawn was realistic and the good choice just like it's ok for you to choose the story you did and like that story.
Hard to not be a little angry I think.
From what I know, I'm fully aware I intend to bring Astarion to be the almost good guy he says he doesn't wants to be (according to what he says).
People are gonna complain. Let them. Play the game your way and don't worry about them.
That change of look at 0:50 dammmmmmmmmmmmn
Act 1: What do any of us want? Pleasure.
Act 2: I don't know what i want...
Act 3: You. I want... you!
Goddamnit i love Neil, he did an amazing job TvT
That was a beautiful arc - thank you for that!
Eeeeekkk!!! I love this so much! I need to get my hard drive cleared off so I can play again!!! I miss my mans!! 😢❤
The music hit RIGHT ON CUE after you asked him what he wanted! *CHEF'S KISS* 🤌🏻
I can't believe my Female Character lift Astarion up and carried him in there romance scene. I'm assuming when you have a tall big character that happens.
I cant help but feel like hes lying all the time and i have exceptional status with him. Its Act 3 and we freed him from Cazador but how his lines are delivered still sounds like he's trying to manipulate. 😂
I haven't played the game yet but lmao I did so much research on what to do to have that good ending with him, I think I know everything now...guilty as charged XD
can you explain what you've learnt? I'm a beginner and am only planning to play the game for romantic moments and good ending with him
Astarion is the charakter they catch me the most of all Video Game charakters before. His vioce, story, transformation and personality are insane. I wish that he where a real person
This makes me wonder if you can romance him without the sex part in act 1. Because knowing what I know from having played through his romance, idk if I'll be able to go through with this choice again. Knowing that he only does it because he falls into habits Cazador forced onto him, and that whenever he does it, he disassociates and feels disgust 😢.
Edit: Also, the "I've been dead in the ground for long enough. It's time to try living again." 😭 The fact that his song (the one that plays in the graveyard scene here, but can also be heard on a number of different occasions, at least in the camp) is titled "I Want to Live" 😭
Edit, to answer my own question a month later: you can't romance him without the sex part first. I guess it can be justified by him viewing it as "you're not interested in him" so he doesn't start falling for your character or something, idk.
AND NOW YOU HIT THE NERVE- 😭😭😭
And ascended Astarion ask you, how you want it 😢
Милашка Астарион,он столько мучился, хочет любви и ласки, люблю его😍🥺😘
Very cute, and a gorgeous Tav too!
I love it! God, the writing is so satisfying
I much prefer the dorky Astarion than the whole “Vampire Fantasy” act he put on in Act 1 🥲
Mm that time when tav's neck craked when astarion tried to hold hands
I did not see myself losing my shit today watching this vid but I am not mad at all
I don't even know if this is my type of game or not (I love fantasy worlds but I don't know if I'll like the gameplay) but I know someday I'll buy it for Astarion😅❤️
such a good video idea!! ty for uploading
Astarion was right on the money. Your Tav is so pretty ❤
I think I am the problem here, he does not like my tav, he just accepts her. On the night in act 1 he did not wanted to spend time with her. 😂
I love your tav!!
Thank you for this video! 😀🌺
Your Tav is gorgeous and I love the video!! 🖤🖤🖤
I found his route really awkward, a lot of those were, 'Are you sure you like me?' and he'd be like, 'Idk am I??' 😅 ifyk what I mean
Watching this makes me so devasted that im planning on ascending astarion this run.
Same. I’m doing an evil run and I’m so upset I have to do it
Ooooo she got the Orin hair 😮🫦
I must be the only one who has a hard time seducing Astarion, I'm on my second playthrough and I failed again 😅
Omg your Tav is so pretty! Do you use mod for her face?
I do! I have my modlist in the description and a tutorial for her on my channel :)
God he is such a rizzler
I cant figure out how to trigger the "you're incredible" line - is it still there? Can someone help please?
Perhaps you triggered the other version of this convo? There are two versions: one that triggers after helping him stand up for himself against the blood merchant in moonrise. And the second (the one in the vid) only triggers if you help with with yurgir and haven't spoken to the blood merchant yet.
First of all thank u second how do u get his dialogue in act 2? I’ve been trying and still can’t figure it out is it based on approval?
🤍I get it after I have killed the Orthon and Raph has visited. And the biggest thing: you need to avoid speaking to araj until after the confession conversation in the vid. Otherwise you get the "thank you" dialogue instead. I don't think your approval needs to be super high either so I wouldn't sweat that!
Can anyone tell me the mod for the face???
Why didn't i got the act two dialogue?
I am so conflicted now between ascending him or not , like this is so sweet. But Tav will eventually die on him
NOOOOOOOO I NEVER THOUGHT OF THAT my tav simply needs to become immortal
Is that hair style a mod? Because I don’t remember seeing it in the PS5 version
it's a mod! It may feel familiar to you because its made up of two hairstyles that are in the vanilla game :)
What mod did you use for Tav's hair??
Tav's hair salon!
помогите пожалуйста!!как попасть к этому моменту????
You need to sleep with Astarion in act 1 to romance him! He will approach you before the tiefling party if your approval is over 40 but he can proposition you at the party as well. I don’t recall what approval you need to be at for the party since I usually end up sleeping with him before that haha
1:24 ;____;
So, I’m not so much of a feminist that I disagree with a one-night-stand because damnnnn. But he toxic. Hit and quit. Smash, then immediately pass.
Mm that time when tav's neck craked when astarion tried to hold hands