**Updated info about the trigger for Version 1** I feel pretty confident that both the Orthon quest and entering Moonrise are key events to queue up the scene. My test scenarios are below. Thank you so much for all the information in the comments, especially to @grymmoire5912 for mentioning the Orthon right away - it didn't even occur to me that I had already done that. I loaded up a bunch of scenarios today (Nov. 11) to test things and here's what I found. I did long rest after most any conversation to try and narrow it down. Approval 76 - No Orthon - No Moonrise - No Scene (baseline) Raised approval to 87 - Still no Orthon/Moonrise - No scene Approval 87 - No Orthon - Enter Moonrise - No scene Approval 87 - Already entered Moonrise - Complete Orthon quest - Scene on 2nd rest (first was Raphael coming to camp) From the save that this recording came from: Approval 92 - Orthon done - No Moonrise - No scene Enter Moonrise - Scene I wouldn't be surprised if there were a few other ways to get the scene so that players don't miss it completely by mistake, but here's at least a little more info. I'll pin this comment so I can update it if needed.
Hm….. i had that scene just today 100% approval - Yugir not yet killed - but Moonrise tower infiltration done Of course, my Seldarine drow said No to Astarion biting Araj, simply because he didn’t want to. Next long rest, he promptly wanted to talk and confessed everything. Also about his failed plan etc :D That honesty alone he deserved the highest even more ❤
MORE GAMES NEED NON-ROMANTIC HUGS! In Mass Effect, there are MULTIPLE options to hug your companions, romanced or not, especially when they're in distress (also sometimes if you just haven't seen them in a while). As a 3D artist, I can attest that while the posing/animation isn't the easiest interaction, it's still FAR from the hardest.
god its gross how Astarion is so easily manipulated into doing things he’s uncomfortable with. His character is the most intense to unfold in my opinion, while Lae’zel and Shadowheart are both pretty intense because their faith is on the line, nothing else in this game compares to Astarions sexual assult and inability to say no, and I think thats why he’s such a popular character to romance, because people want him to feel loved instead of abused.
he is a very dangerous person who wants more than anything to feel safe in his own body and responds with surprise and vulnerable sincerity when you try to help him towards it. yeah, I get it.
As an SA survivor, Astarions romance hit really close, viewing yourself in terms of what you can offer to people instead of what you want, making yourself a commodity, and trying hard to seem “useful” for fear of being seen as damaged goods and discarded. He was so well written, and Neil was absolutely amazing in his performance
I'm a guy and I had simular things happen to me. I'm glad about Astarion. He makes me feel less isolated, less of a freak. I'm sorry things like that happened to you too.
I'm a C-PTSD and childhood abuse survivor. The more inner work, psychotherapy, and healing I do, the more I'm aware of my people pleasing parts, lack of boundaries, seeking external validations, and fearful avoidant attachment style. These are all very visible on Astarion, and I feel that he is the perfect embodiment of my internal pain / layers of protectors that took years to notice. It feels relieving to have them all bare out in the open, and to see how many people relate to him, and love him.
@pingvithaya5470 I’m so sorry to hear you’ve had to go through that but glad that Astarion’s story has had such a good effect ♥️ It also sounds like you’re doing a lot of good work for yourself and you should be so proud of that! I think sometimes it’s a hard thing to care for yourself but so important. Best wishes for your adventures both in game and out ^^
I love how you label the uncomfortable options as "nope nope nope", "just ew, Tav" and "gross". Just encapsulates all my thoughts after the first time I saw that scene.
Ah the fourth wall breaks - they hurt my heart. "This is all a game to you, isn't it? It doesn't matter what I say as long as you get what you want" "After something like that, you think that's what I'm looking for? I was just defiled by that creature and you let it happen. You made it happen."
@@shivala exactly! though, same is said for good lines, too, like when you get the good ending and the narrator dedicated your victory to you, the player
@@squidzen yeah same for the "bad". I have to admit that I was devastated when I got the bad Durge ending. It was just horrible. I regretted everything.
@@shivala oh im sure!! im a very sentimental person and have always struggled to be "bad" or downright evil in video games, and when I finally looked into the durge endings, im very very glad I didn't spend 115½ hours my first playthrough just to get that gutwrenching ending 😭
@@Username-o2c3sI’m assuming not, pretty sure that’s meant to be the platonic friendship choice? I hope so at least, because it would be rlly nice if they included both a romance option and a friendship option
I love the soft "This is nice" so much, this quiet confession of connection. Intimacy can be so wild and exciting and hot. But sometimes it's a person with massive trust issues just offering their hand to you for a gentle touch, that's more intimate than the most arousing sex. That's my personal Astarion moment to relate to, to be honest. Thanks for correctly translating the dialogue options into "Uncomfortable", "Just ew, Tav", and "Gross". Had to laugh at the "Nope, nope, nope".
You’re so right, it’s such a sweet perfect moment. The depth they gave to each character is incredible and I love how people can relate to it in all different ways ♥️ I’m glad you liked my translations!
I think we should be able to get both scenes. This is such a significant event to him and he deserves to talk about it after with someone he trusts. I feel like it's especially important for having romanced him. Even if he's already confessed, he should still be able to say "thank you for not using me, I don't know how I got here but I want you"
I was thinking about this recently. I missed the scene with Araj during my first playthrough but still got the other confession, which was really nice. But I can't help but feel like I was missing out on an important, pivotal character development moment for him.
Edit: Okay no I was totally tripping. There IS a devastating break-up scene if he's already confessed and then you make him bite Araj, but the adorable thank you was the last scene you did here. The break-up one though....my god. The Tav there totally deserved it but oh it's awful. Am I tripping? You keep saying he has nothing to say if Tav is in a romance with him when meeting Araj, but I could have sworn I saw two more splits for this scene. One where Tav stands up for Astarion, and one where Tav makes him bite Araj. He either thanks Tav for standing up for him on the consent thing, or you get an absolutely devastating break-up scene as he stands up for his boundaries. I totally thought the adorable thank you scene was the norm. I didn't even know you could still get him to start a relationship *after* making him bite her.
I do think that happens? But then in my first playthrough I didn't romance him. Still, I got the thank you scene, just nothing more than that, but I was happy nonetheless
I just met Araj and stood up for Astarion last night, but I didn’t get any dialog about it even after long resting. I’ll just pretend they had the conversation. 😂
I kind of wish we could combine the options when you let him know you care. Like Tav could go in for the hug, while in the hug you then open your mind up to show him how much you truly do care, and then when you step back from the hug you look at him and express that you can stay together in a relationship without sex for as long as he needs/wants
Yessssss I agree 100%. The hug is so sweet but opening your mind to convey your feelings and understanding is so unique to their circumstances. I just want the combo!
Not to spoil but if you do continue a romance with Astarion, there's a point at which it's implied that the relationship with Tav is not currently an active sexual one, and the brief conversation that ensued was actually quite sweet. :(
Honestly, I didn't completely hate that one scene (labeled the scene I hate). I mean, the player character is completely in the wrong, but it felt kind of good seeing him stand up for himself. I've been in situations like that myself, and it just warmed my heart to see him do something I could never do: to say no. Completely inspired me and I would never have seen it unless I clicked on this video. Also, I just want to say this is the most thorough and well-organized dialogue video I've ever seen. Well done!
Tbh I think we should be able to hug him outside of romancing him. The scene you get as just friends has him talk so badly about himself and I just wanted to hold him. 😭 Trying to romance Gale is so difficult...
I swear to God this man is my joy and my ruin, all at the same time. I just don't have the heart to be cruel to him and it hurts so much seeing him suffer. Good job, Larian.
Ugh, third option always feels like 4-th wall breaking and calling out the player for being insensitive piece of shit, who just pushing buttons for his own amusement without contemplating it's borderline psychopathic choice, but at the same time encouraging to immerse into narrative a treat roleplaying aspect seriously. This game is awesome.
The trigger warnings and detailed descriptions you included here were very well written and kind. I didn't especially need them, but many people do. So thanks.
24:03 this line hurts me to my core... The trauma of having a body that isn't allowed to exist without being a sex object to others, the trauma of feeling unsafe in your own body because of it
@17:17 After lusting on all those Astarion shorts and sex scenes and whatnot this part here...this "shift" in his behavior as he prepares himself to do something he doesn't want to shows so much in his character. He isn't liking it, he doesn't want to do it, it disgusts him but at the same time he is putting an effort to "satisfy" the girl wanting that bite. A perfect satire and analogy to sex workers and prostitutes. Astarion has pretty much been a prostitute his entire life, the only difference is that he was cursed to do it forever...for an unyeilding master.
"Maybe what you need is a friend, not a lover." is such a good line, I just clicked because I was curious but I nearly kept going because it got me right in the feels 🥲But I wasn't sure if just friendship would have "boring" or no interactions, so I reloaded. Maybe in my next playthrough.🥰
Yesss it’s so very sweet but I totally get what you mean. I bet they still included a lot of depth into his friendship but haven’t tried it out myself to know for sure.
Thank you for taking the time to comment - it means so much to share these experiences with others. I agree that it’s worth seeing those options to understand the characters in a deeper way. The writing for the game is just incredible. I’ll have to keep looking for those worst choices - I hadn’t considered the tadpole conversation but you’re right it’s so rough! I know they’re just pixels but they sure know how to pull on my heartstrings 😭
@@tiph3802 I think it was if you broke up, with him still in Act 2.. when he was still very much unsure of himself and the relationship. If you choose to break up then, he says "Midnight chimes.. eh?" in that little, subdued voice with absolutely no surprise on his face. Like it was only a matter of time before Tav would discard him.
@@FauxShi playing an evil run is going to be so out of character for me but i wanna see new cutscenes haha :') (currently on my good durge playthrough)
I brought Karlach to Gortash's coronation as Tav. Went well. Brought her as Resit!Durge. I still feel bad, but also kinda miffed? Karlach, I didn't know either!!! I'm as shocked and horrified as you are. Please stop yelling at me Mama K I'm doing my best!
Had to stop and comment mid-video to thank you for the warning before the awful scene at 7:00 . It's very triggering to me because of my own personal traumas and although I have seen it before it was because another content creator did not put trigger warnings in. I just wanted to say thank you for that x
My heart goes out to you and it means so much to hear that. I was worried about that exact situation and I’m really glad that the heads up was worthwhile!
thank you so so much for creating and uploading this. Like many others I've found that Astarion's dialoge provides insight for me on my own trauma. i don't think i would ever get some of these dialoge options in my own playthroughs so I'm beyond grateful to have an opportunity to still experience them. thank you ❤️
Thank you for making this. There are choices I would never make, so the only way I will see them is through what others share. I could never not tell Araj that he is his own person, and I could never force him to bite her. The companion characters are more than "just NPCs." They are so well written and so well performed. Neil Newbon deserves all of the awards for this performance. Astarion feels... real. Using the tadpole to share how Tav feels didn't feel right to me. Entering someone's mind, even if they have to be at least somewhat open to it, seems more intrusive to me than the hug, though he does approve of both.
That’s a good perspective on the tadpole being a bit intrusive, I hadn’t considered that but you make a good point. I’m glad the video was useful! I completely agree that the whole team did an amazing job bringing the characters to life ♥️
I see a counter argument to the tadpole being that since you're showing him your literal thoughts it leaves him no way to doubt the truth of your feelings like he could with words. I can't resist the hug, though.
Giving Astarion a quick smooch daily is something my Tav is in the habit of, but it would be lovely to be able to hug him instead - I would love to hug all my companions. A daily hug for Karlach how cute would that be? Minthsra being like >_> hmmm you'd better not have pick pocketed me just now
I don’t know how I feel about being the one to ask for hugs and kisses . It would show that he’s starting to heal if he can realise he wants a hug or kiss and ask for it himself. If you’re the one to ask him, how do you know he actually wants it or he’s just saying that to make you happy?
@@Lunakitty1234 I see your point of view there. I would be very happy if he instigated affection - get a little exclamation point in camp sometimes and when you respond to it he's just like "how about a quick cuddle?"
@@Lunakitty1234if it helps, there is a response to asking for a kiss you can restore with a mod. I think it's been flagged funny in a patch? It's fully acted and animated. He says "You don't have to ask! But, um, I'm glad you did." Flirty at first, then bashful. It's my absolute favorite response! I love, love, LOVE hearing him express consent and gratitude for asking first! Consent is so sexy!
I feel so horrible for Astarion…he should always be protected, no one should be pressured into doing something they don’t want to 😕 It’s even worse with the trauma he already has 😔 My love and comprehension will be for him always ❤️
I played with a friend who didn’t listen to my romance dialogue and after he was vulnerable with my Tav about his experiences in Act 2, I became SO fucking protective of him lmao. She was like “why are you always talking hits for Astarion?” BECAUSE HE NEEDS TO BE OKAY!!! He will get his happy ending in my game istg
5:55 There is some short dialog you can only trigger if you choose that option. The MC can point out that Astarion seems to be nervous around them and he will reply that you can hardly blame him after what the MC did to him.
"It's a shame, but I don't want to risk treating you like you were one of his victims." Him saying that after being rejected just broke my heart. Not lashing out - instead making it even clearer that he cares about you. What a punch in my gut
I just got to Act II but I couldnt help but click on this video. And it broke me. I went through 10 years of just letting SA happen because it kept me safe otherwise, because I didn’t know how to say "no." I've never ugly cried over a video game before but I had to pause this video several times just to do that.
i don't often comment on videos but I wanted to thank you for how organized and clear this video was! I definitely appreciated the dialogue choices overview (and the greyed out/bunched together choices!!), it makes for a very clean and distinct and legible guide :) I also super appreciate the voiceovers and the voiced warning for the uncomfortable scene so thank you for that as well! Great guide video!
Aww thank you so much for watching and for the compliment! I’m really glad you liked it I have fun making these and it’s really good to know that the voiceovers were helpful ^^
Thank you so much for this!!! It was well arranged so it was really easy to follow! Also thank you for doing the hard stuff for us!!! I REALLY PERSONALLY CAN’T DO THAT CRINGY SCENE to Astarion! I wanted to hug him so much!!! 😢😢😢
Aww! Thank you so much for watching I’m really glad you liked it ♥️ I hate those options too but it’s a little easier to get through when I know it’s just to see and show other people so they don’t have to 😅
Anybody else wish that his heart-to-heart about Araj was a separate scene and not an important "lock-in" moment? I wanted so bad to just reassure him about Araj without talking about a romance all of a sudden, but also didn't want to lock myself out of his romance.
great work on this video. Must have taken ages to cut, but I really appreciate seeing all the options. in such a huge game it's hard to do so on your own. Thank you for the warning, too. It doesn't hit as hard when you know to be prepared for it.
This is the best video showing all dialogue options I've seen for BG3 (and I've watched a lot so far). Thank you for the time and thought you put into this. It was expertly done.
This is a really emotional video, but I couldn't help laughing at 30:08 with the lines "Are you not attracted to me?" and Astarion going "Of course I am, look at you" and the camera pans at the ridiculously-looking randomized Tav
Thank you so much for the trigger warning ! I once tried to convince him to take the astral tadpole and even though I realoaded my save, I felt incredibly awful for a whole week. It was horrible and I cannot unsee it 😢 so thanks, I skipped the scene you mentionned and saved myself another week of anxiety ahah
The trigger for version 1 changed and it no longer comes up when you reach Moonrise Towers. Now you have to complete his personal quest by killing the orthon and have high approval before it comes up. I just played it yesterday but I believe the change was made in Patch 3. Thanks for the video!!
Yeah, I heard that Othon part is so broken for people :( I am after that part but I still can't play because the kissing scenes and ending has been so buggy after patch 4 and now hotfix 10 has made the kissing scenes HILARIOUSLY bad with female characters@@selvariablackmoore3420
@@selvariablackmoore3420 I just completed this quest yesterday on patch 4, so it is not broken. Unless you mean your save game is broken, in which case I’m sorry.
I have to say that the hug option sort of makes me uncomfortable. I know that Astarion technically approves, and I guess it's the thought that counts, but so much of Astarion's story is about bodily autonomy and consent - things that had been stripped away from him for literal centuries, to the point even he started to see himself as an object with the sole purpose of being used to fulfill the wants of others. So hugging him out of the blue, without warning or any semblance of asking for consent, after that painful confession, seems... wrong. I much prefer the options where Tav emphasizes HIS wants and HIS needs and where he gets to initiate the physical contact (holding hands) himself.
That’s definitely a valid perspective. I think I always picture a more cautious hug but I know that’s my projection/interpretation because I want him to be comforted. I think a hug can be about needs on both sides of course but this one is pretty out of the blue and you bring up a good point. I really appreciate you taking the time to share it!
The seeing where you push him in to have sex with you just breaks my heart. I never had it, but when I saw it the first time on a video by accident I just couldn't stop crying. I saw it this time knowingly, but thank you for the warning in case someone was not aware.
One of the best options video I've seen. Well organized and explained. There were comments i wondered about. Now I know. I like how you grouped the comments that get the same response too!
There is an additional way, though it is not tav themselves hugging him- in the arcane tower, there is an option for you to use Astarion to speak with the automaton on the top floor and there is an option that leads to a hug lol.
Thank you for the CW. *that scene* is so awful 😧 There are SO many options where the player can be incredibly cruel and mess with poor Astarion's mind in ways you can't really do with any other companion. Whyyyyy would anyone willingly choose that when they can help him begin his healing process. I don't think I"ll ever manage an evil character. Just can't do that, even to a sweet pixel man. Also, OMG that broken up scene where he says he's being too precious and too stroppy... Poor baby 😢 I had those names weaponised against me and it makes me feel things that he's calling himself those names. Gods Tav can be such a manipulative ass. 😭 Thank you for going through this so we don't have to. I don't think I'll ever manage an evil character. Just can't do that, even to a sweet, prickly pixel man.
I’m glad it was a useful warning but sorry to hear that you had to go through that kind of situation with those names used against you 😭 I know I pick the worst options for these videos but I couldn’t bring myself to do it for a real playthrough even on an evil run I think
@@FauxShi Thank you. It's hard to articulate what I want to say. I'm kind of reassured that you find it difficult too, and I feel a bit bad that you had to see these options for the vid... but I'm immensely grateful for content that is thoughtfully presented like this, because I'd much rather see these options on a platform like this, presented in a 'safer' way with warnings, than accidentally stumble on them in game with no warning at all. Most are self explanatory from the dialogue options, but I've noticed a couple that are ambiguous enough that I *might* have accidentally clicked on them. They are much more easily watched and digested in a vacuum from the game. I love seeing the extra back story but ouch, they hurt to watch!
@noctoi I totally agree. Something about seeing some other random Tav in a video make those choices makes it easier. A little dissociation I guess! I felt the same way about the ambiguous options - could definitely get some unpleasant surprises ; -;
I feel like people who have never experienced abuse or trauma will never understand just how well Astarion was written as a character. Niel did an amazing job in delivering the writing as well. It's almost cathartic hearing a pretty video game character work through his trauma and come out on the other side in the "happy ending" choices for him.
"You could ask me to do the same - Throw myself at her, what i wanted be dammed. But you didn´t. And i´m grateful" MAN Y WANNA TREAT HIM SO WELL 😭😭😭😭😭😭❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I really wish you would get a scene after the dialogue with the drow, even if you already had a scene in Act II. This is such an impactful event for him and I honestly cannot get enough of Astarion. The writing is superb.
But if you triggered ver 1 and stay in a relationship, you can't trigger the ver 2 even if you don't make him bite the drow? common, it's an importante event in his life. Even If tav and Astarion are already in a relationship it would be sweet that you can prove to him that you care and the fact that you would never ask him to do somenting he doesnt want even if the reward is something powerfull. It should be an alternative version of version 2
Yeah I definitely agree. There should be some kind of follow up to ver 1 if you stay in the romance. I think the game just treats you as any old friend once the romance is over so you get the dialogue that you’d get if you weren’t romancing him at all - if that makes sense - but should definitely have some sort of conversation :
6:55 Damn, kinda wish it was made more clear that option 3 leads to pressuring Astarion into having sex. I've yet to romance him, but I guess I'm glad I saw this video first because seeing the different lines of dialogue, option 3 struck me as... a bit insensitive, maybe kinda pressuring depending on how it's said, but not outright forcing poor Astarion into a sexual encounter he does not want. Call me naive, but I kinda read option 3 as being more like "You should learn to enjoy sex for your own pleasure, because you deserve to have sex and enjoy it for your own sake and I would like to be the person to make that possible for you, but I also understand if you don't want to do anything sexual right now and it's fine to just take it slow, at your own pace." I didn't really interpret it as "You should learn to enjoy sex for your own pleasure by having sex with me, right here. right now." Now that I know this I know not to pick that option but had I not seen this video I might've considered it when I go to romance Astarion in my next playthrough. So thanks for the heads up, and for your sensitivity to SA survivors and potentially triggering content!
out of all the BG3 options videos that I have found I must say your layout and setup is the best. You show what happens and even explain into where the conversation is happening.
I always romanced gale till my last 3 recent play throughs. I never took the time to listen or do any other dialogue with the other origins romantically. And the last 3 I chose astarion. 1 time being dark urge and becoming the absolute cuz in my mind I couldn't even fathom my character going back in the epoligue to harm the companions. The second time letting astarion ascend and I reject bhaals gift... honestly the romance scenes I really feel they did well showing that ascension was not the better option for astarion 🥺 as much as I loved it I also hated it. This play through we are gonna be the good guys. I appreciated astarion and Neil so much more learning his story throughout the Game ❤ I understand why everyone loved astarion so much 🥹🥰
I don't blame you for choosing a different character for the unpleasant scenes, it was really hard to watch Astarion get hurt and feel used again 😢 But the tender moment with your main character out shone them, and it made my day seeing the smile grow on Astarion's face! He truly deserves to be happy and to be free to make his own choices! I love your main by the way, he is very handsome, you did excellent work! 😊 Thank you for this, it was very helpful to watch! I'm now off to give Astarion the biggest hug! ❤
You are amazing to sensitively describe and unpack and provide your insights (well-informed through high emotional IQ and I surmise a great deal of awareness of the subject matter) and offering us your thoughts and feelings. Thank you thank you thank you.
Wow, good editing and voice over- I thought you were a professional youtuber :D I wouldn't mind if you post other content as well. Very pleasant to watch
This video was wonderfully done, thank you. I bought the game because my power fantasy as a D&D player is healing others, and healing a man I relate to with similar trauma while helping him break the cycle? His storyline felt tailor-made for me. I bought this game for him and I've never been happier. That said, and I really hope this does not come off as insensitive, but where did you find those lovely undies?! I've looked all over nexus for cute underwear and found nothing! I love giving Astarion nice things. He deserves them!
The confession i got was after the drow i didnt force him to bite her Astarians story is heartbreaking i want to make him feel loved to show him what love means its more then plesure just to hug him he recats like he has never been hugged before my tav pearl dont want any presure on him i was to let him know its okay to say no and he is safe now
Still watching, but when I skipped over THAT scene, I looked at the options you put in your video to show us where you were, I laughed when I saw 3. Nope, Nope, Nope, Nope! It was perfect!!!!!
@@dominika3762 whoa that's so super early. I think I prefer it after a little more story happening but it's cool to know how things have changed and all the little possibilities so thank you for sharing!
@@FauxShi it was early, especially since I got the romance scene really super early due to a quick jump in approval in act 1, so not many things happened for most of the act 2 regarding romance :)
Hearing all of the options, it seems like Astarion is really conflicted. He's not sure if it was really his choice, or if you "made" him do it. He's not really in touch with his feelings but he knows something isn't right.
Spoliers spoilers My favorite interaction is with Ascendant Astarion while play Urge/Illithid. He asks if you wanna turn into a vampire (If your romanced obv) and the Response is just a "I'm already a Slayer and a Squid what's one more transformation"
I thought this was really well organized, I love how you chose to arrange the flow. I'm sure it wasn't easy! But this was lovely, thank you for compiling.
Thank you so much for the compliment - I’m so happy that you liked it! It was definitely a big mess of dialogue in a notebook as I was trying to figure out how it should all go but I’m glad it got there in the end 😂
as much as i love the hug (and will always pick it tbh) i also love the "open your mind so he sees you care." in a strange way it's more intimate and more certain - it's definitive PROOF that you are not lying.
I'm surprised Astarion doesn't gut Purple Tav in their sleep after some of these choices. Is your Main Tav modified or do I just suk at designing my character? I play on PS5 so I don't have the MOD options.
I romanced Astarion once, and every other game I just feel like he's my sassy bestie, but... "it isn't worth the scars anymore" gets me every time. I've been there. I get that. That's a line that feels uncomfortably personal, but I love that Larian allows him to come to that conclusion.
I probably (definitely) read to much into this, but the Fact the "Scene we all hate" exists to begin with, might be with the Trauma Neil had to go through and him wanting to share/show how a Person treating their Partner this way, >should< lead to this Consequence. How manipulating they are.
It could be! I think it’s possible that the writing is just that good though. I feel like I recall Neil talking about how very little he added/changed and all the credit he gives to Stephen Rooney. I 100% agree that is how it should be with this dialogue though. I hate the scene but that’s exactly what should happen if that’s the choice the player goes for. Such a 10/10 game!
Just a note, what triggers the Version 1 might be specifically entering into the room where Araj is or interacting with her when Astarion is not in the party, not sure which one. I got into Moonrise towers and talked to Ketheric but hadn't explored the rest of the map yet so I decided to go back, did several long rests and didn't get the confession until I talked to Araj without Astarion.
Oh interesting, I hadn’t considered talking to her without him but that would make sense as a trigger for Version 1! I have a pinned comment with some more detail, but I’ve gotten some info that it’s Moonrise+Orthon quest line that queues it up, not just Moonrise like I thought ; -;. I’ll have to check this out and add it to the list though!
@@FauxShiyes, when I got the version 1 I had already killed the Orthon before speaking to Araj so it definitely must be part of the trigger. What I've gathered from your video and my own playthrough the safest way to trigger the version 1 is 3 things: 1. Having approval of at least 90% 2. Kill the Orthon 3. Speak to Araj without Astarion in the psrty. Then long rest. Thanks for the info!
![Scars in the Moonlight - Goblin Party Romance [Pre and Post Bite] All Dialogue 4K - Baldur's Gate 3](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/3kZ65W8ANxg/mqdefault.jpg)
![Scars in the Moonlight - Goblin Party Romance [Pre and Post Bite] All Dialogue 4K - Baldur's Gate 3](/img/tr.png)
![Baldur's Gate 3: Astarion Confesses His Secret [Without Biting] 4K](/img/n.gif)
**Updated info about the trigger for Version 1**
I feel pretty confident that both the Orthon quest and entering Moonrise are key events to queue up the scene. My test scenarios are below.
Thank you so much for all the information in the comments, especially to @grymmoire5912 for mentioning the Orthon right away - it didn't even occur to me that I had already done that.
I loaded up a bunch of scenarios today (Nov. 11) to test things and here's what I found. I did long rest after most any conversation to try and narrow it down.
Approval 76 - No Orthon - No Moonrise - No Scene (baseline)
Raised approval to 87 - Still no Orthon/Moonrise - No scene
Approval 87 - No Orthon - Enter Moonrise - No scene
Approval 87 - Already entered Moonrise - Complete Orthon quest - Scene on 2nd rest (first was Raphael coming to camp)
From the save that this recording came from:
Approval 92 - Orthon done - No Moonrise - No scene
Enter Moonrise - Scene
I wouldn't be surprised if there were a few other ways to get the scene so that players don't miss it completely by mistake, but here's at least a little more info. I'll pin this comment so I can update it if needed.
Hm….. i had that scene just today
100% approval - Yugir not yet killed - but Moonrise tower infiltration done
Of course, my Seldarine drow said No to Astarion biting Araj, simply because he didn’t want to. Next long rest, he promptly wanted to talk and confessed everything. Also about his failed plan etc :D
That honesty alone he deserved the highest even more ❤
Wait you had the version 1 after Araj?? o:
Yes, no. I had the one where he thanks you and if you ask him why he sleeps with you etc, he will also confess about his "simple, nice plan"
Oh gotcha! Thank you for the clarification I misunderstood 😅
@@FauxShi NP, happns :D
We should be able to hug Astarion just like we hugged Karlach. No romance involved, just humanity.
MORE GAMES NEED NON-ROMANTIC HUGS! In Mass Effect, there are MULTIPLE options to hug your companions, romanced or not, especially when they're in distress (also sometimes if you just haven't seen them in a while). As a 3D artist, I can attest that while the posing/animation isn't the easiest interaction, it's still FAR from the hardest.
I would be happy with never hugging him if we at least OFFERED. Even after romancing I can see him refusing sometimes still.
god its gross how Astarion is so easily manipulated into doing things he’s uncomfortable with. His character is the most intense to unfold in my opinion, while Lae’zel and Shadowheart are both pretty intense because their faith is on the line, nothing else in this game compares to Astarions sexual assult and inability to say no, and I think thats why he’s such a popular character to romance, because people want him to feel loved instead of abused.
he is a very dangerous person who wants more than anything to feel safe in his own body and responds with surprise and vulnerable sincerity when you try to help him towards it. yeah, I get it.
As an SA survivor, Astarions romance hit really close, viewing yourself in terms of what you can offer to people instead of what you want, making yourself a commodity, and trying hard to seem “useful” for fear of being seen as damaged goods and discarded. He was so well written, and Neil was absolutely amazing in his performance
They’ve really done something special with this game. It’s amazing to hear how it relates to people in such real ways ♥️ my heart goes out to you
Same. It hurts me how much I relate to him as well and I just want to hug and cuddle him… that’s it ❤
I'm a guy and I had simular things happen to me. I'm glad about Astarion. He makes me feel less isolated, less of a freak.
I'm sorry things like that happened to you too.
I'm a C-PTSD and childhood abuse survivor. The more inner work, psychotherapy, and healing I do, the more I'm aware of my people pleasing parts, lack of boundaries, seeking external validations, and fearful avoidant attachment style. These are all very visible on Astarion, and I feel that he is the perfect embodiment of my internal pain / layers of protectors that took years to notice. It feels relieving to have them all bare out in the open, and to see how many people relate to him, and love him.
@pingvithaya5470 I’m so sorry to hear you’ve had to go through that but glad that Astarion’s story has had such a good effect ♥️ It also sounds like you’re doing a lot of good work for yourself and you should be so proud of that! I think sometimes it’s a hard thing to care for yourself but so important. Best wishes for your adventures both in game and out ^^
I love how you label the uncomfortable options as "nope nope nope", "just ew, Tav" and "gross". Just encapsulates all my thoughts after the first time I saw that scene.
I’m glad we’re all in good company cringing together
The Michael Scott reaction was an excellent touch.
Ah the fourth wall breaks - they hurt my heart.
"This is all a game to you, isn't it? It doesn't matter what I say as long as you get what you want"
"After something like that, you think that's what I'm looking for? I was just defiled by that creature and you let it happen. You made it happen."
lines like that, no matter the game, never fail to gut-punch me
@@squidzen yeah they are brutal. Just like we can be.
@@shivala exactly! though, same is said for good lines, too, like when you get the good ending and the narrator dedicated your victory to you, the player
@@squidzen yeah same for the "bad". I have to admit that I was devastated when I got the bad Durge ending. It was just horrible. I regretted everything.
@@shivala oh im sure!! im a very sentimental person and have always struggled to be "bad" or downright evil in video games, and when I finally looked into the durge endings, im very very glad I didn't spend 115½ hours my first playthrough just to get that gutwrenching ending 😭
The "Maybe what you need is a friend, not a lover." scene made me cry so hard, oh my GOD
They did such an excellent job with making the scenes so impactful. The face the voice all of it 😭
Can you still romance him if you choose that option?
@adelfromyourschool14a90 I also want to know!
@@Username-o2c3sI’m assuming not, pretty sure that’s meant to be the platonic friendship choice? I hope so at least, because it would be rlly nice if they included both a romance option and a friendship option
@@Username-o2c3sno. It ends the relationship but positively.
I love the soft "This is nice" so much, this quiet confession of connection. Intimacy can be so wild and exciting and hot. But sometimes it's a person with massive trust issues just offering their hand to you for a gentle touch, that's more intimate than the most arousing sex. That's my personal Astarion moment to relate to, to be honest.
Thanks for correctly translating the dialogue options into "Uncomfortable", "Just ew, Tav", and "Gross". Had to laugh at the "Nope, nope, nope".
You’re so right, it’s such a sweet perfect moment. The depth they gave to each character is incredible and I love how people can relate to it in all different ways ♥️ I’m glad you liked my translations!
I think we should be able to get both scenes. This is such a significant event to him and he deserves to talk about it after with someone he trusts. I feel like it's especially important for having romanced him. Even if he's already confessed, he should still be able to say "thank you for not using me, I don't know how I got here but I want you"
Totally agree. I’m not sure if it’s intended but I think he’d want to talk about it in some way :
I was thinking about this recently. I missed the scene with Araj during my first playthrough but still got the other confession, which was really nice. But I can't help but feel like I was missing out on an important, pivotal character development moment for him.
Edit: Okay no I was totally tripping. There IS a devastating break-up scene if he's already confessed and then you make him bite Araj, but the adorable thank you was the last scene you did here. The break-up one though....my god. The Tav there totally deserved it but oh it's awful.
Am I tripping? You keep saying he has nothing to say if Tav is in a romance with him when meeting Araj, but I could have sworn I saw two more splits for this scene. One where Tav stands up for Astarion, and one where Tav makes him bite Araj.
He either thanks Tav for standing up for him on the consent thing, or you get an absolutely devastating break-up scene as he stands up for his boundaries.
I totally thought the adorable thank you scene was the norm. I didn't even know you could still get him to start a relationship *after* making him bite her.
I do think that happens? But then in my first playthrough I didn't romance him. Still, I got the thank you scene, just nothing more than that, but I was happy nonetheless
I just met Araj and stood up for Astarion last night, but I didn’t get any dialog about it even after long resting. I’ll just pretend they had the conversation. 😂
I kind of wish we could combine the options when you let him know you care.
Like Tav could go in for the hug, while in the hug you then open your mind up to show him how much you truly do care, and then when you step back from the hug you look at him and express that you can stay together in a relationship without sex for as long as he needs/wants
Yessssss I agree 100%. The hug is so sweet but opening your mind to convey your feelings and understanding is so unique to their circumstances. I just want the combo!
@@FauxShi And after both those actions, THEN we bring up the idea of dating without sex? Peak shit 👌
I was just saying this. We need to be able to layer these responses to him.
Not to spoil but if you do continue a romance with Astarion, there's a point at which it's implied that the relationship with Tav is not currently an active sexual one, and the brief conversation that ensued was actually quite sweet. :(
@hagathachristie so very sweet, I agree 🥺 so many good but brief conversations
Honestly, I didn't completely hate that one scene (labeled the scene I hate). I mean, the player character is completely in the wrong, but it felt kind of good seeing him stand up for himself. I've been in situations like that myself, and it just warmed my heart to see him do something I could never do: to say no. Completely inspired me and I would never have seen it unless I clicked on this video.
Also, I just want to say this is the most thorough and well-organized dialogue video I've ever seen. Well done!
Seeing him stand up for himself is absolutely the silver lining - I’m glad you got to see it! Thank you so much for watching and for the compliment ♥️
I was cheering him on! "Yeah! You tell him, baby! I'm so proud of you!" Good for him.
Tbh I think we should be able to hug him outside of romancing him. The scene you get as just friends has him talk so badly about himself and I just wanted to hold him. 😭
Trying to romance Gale is so difficult...
I swear to God this man is my joy and my ruin, all at the same time. I just don't have the heart to be cruel to him and it hurts so much seeing him suffer. Good job, Larian.
As a SA survivor, the vacant stare at 7:38...someone who knows what it's like animated this. I felt that stare deep in my soul.
My heart goes out to you. The animation is painfully on point and they did such a good job making it convey what it needs to.
As far as I know, actors acted out the scenes
When did this scene happen?
@@Cantbbebotheredwatch the video.
Ugh, third option always feels like 4-th wall breaking and calling out the player for being insensitive piece of shit, who just pushing buttons for his own amusement without contemplating it's borderline psychopathic choice, but at the same time encouraging to immerse into narrative a treat roleplaying aspect seriously. This game is awesome.
The trigger warnings and detailed descriptions you included here were very well written and kind. I didn't especially need them, but many people do. So thanks.
Aww thank you for the compliment! I’m glad that you liked it ^^
24:03 this line hurts me to my core... The trauma of having a body that isn't allowed to exist without being a sex object to others, the trauma of feeling unsafe in your own body because of it
They did such a good job with the writing and acting and motion capture it just really comes together to hit hard :(
@17:17 After lusting on all those Astarion shorts and sex scenes and whatnot this part here...this "shift" in his behavior as he prepares himself to do something he doesn't want to shows so much in his character.
He isn't liking it, he doesn't want to do it, it disgusts him but at the same time he is putting an effort to "satisfy" the girl wanting that bite. A perfect satire and analogy to sex workers and prostitutes. Astarion has pretty much been a prostitute his entire life, the only difference is that he was cursed to do it forever...for an unyeilding master.
"Maybe what you need is a friend, not a lover." is such a good line, I just clicked because I was curious but I nearly kept going because it got me right in the feels 🥲But I wasn't sure if just friendship would have "boring" or no interactions, so I reloaded. Maybe in my next playthrough.🥰
Yesss it’s so very sweet but I totally get what you mean. I bet they still included a lot of depth into his friendship but haven’t tried it out myself to know for sure.
Lots of people choose that so they can romance others. I can't. I love him too much.
"We'll just grab one more hug for the road" - made me genuinely smile, thank you
Thank you for taking the time to comment - it means so much to share these experiences with others. I agree that it’s worth seeing those options to understand the characters in a deeper way. The writing for the game is just incredible. I’ll have to keep looking for those worst choices - I hadn’t considered the tadpole conversation but you’re right it’s so rough! I know they’re just pixels but they sure know how to pull on my heartstrings 😭
What's the midnight chimes one? I could never break up with him!
@@tiph3802 I think it was if you broke up, with him still in Act 2.. when he was still very much unsure of himself and the relationship. If you choose to break up then, he says "Midnight chimes.. eh?" in that little, subdued voice with absolutely no surprise on his face. Like it was only a matter of time before Tav would discard him.
making any of my companions remotely unhappy fills me with dread or guilt lmao
I know what you mean 😭 I want them all to be happy and like being around my character
@@FauxShi playing an evil run is going to be so out of character for me but i wanna see new cutscenes haha :') (currently on my good durge playthrough)
@Stormseiryu lol I totally get it. I hope you see a lot of interesting stuff!
I brought Karlach to Gortash's coronation as Tav. Went well. Brought her as Resit!Durge. I still feel bad, but also kinda miffed? Karlach, I didn't know either!!! I'm as shocked and horrified as you are. Please stop yelling at me Mama K I'm doing my best!
Had to stop and comment mid-video to thank you for the warning before the awful scene at 7:00 . It's very triggering to me because of my own personal traumas and although I have seen it before it was because another content creator did not put trigger warnings in. I just wanted to say thank you for that x
I know what you mean. I never saw it before, so curiosity got the better of me, but damn if that scene didn't feel too real.
My heart goes out to you and it means so much to hear that. I was worried about that exact situation and I’m really glad that the heads up was worthwhile!
"Just ew, Tav" is the best description for those horrible lines!
Right?? I don’t think I could pick them even on my most evil run 😑
thank you so so much for creating and uploading this. Like many others I've found that Astarion's dialoge provides insight for me on my own trauma. i don't think i would ever get some of these dialoge options in my own playthroughs so I'm beyond grateful to have an opportunity to still experience them. thank you ❤️
I’m so glad it could serve a good purpose and that you enjoyed it ♥️ thank you so much for the kind words
Thank you for making this. There are choices I would never make, so the only way I will see them is through what others share. I could never not tell Araj that he is his own person, and I could never force him to bite her. The companion characters are more than "just NPCs." They are so well written and so well performed. Neil Newbon deserves all of the awards for this performance. Astarion feels... real.
Using the tadpole to share how Tav feels didn't feel right to me. Entering someone's mind, even if they have to be at least somewhat open to it, seems more intrusive to me than the hug, though he does approve of both.
That’s a good perspective on the tadpole being a bit intrusive, I hadn’t considered that but you make a good point. I’m glad the video was useful! I completely agree that the whole team did an amazing job bringing the characters to life ♥️
I felt that way about the tadpole link and the hug, like, offer it but don't just do it...
I see a counter argument to the tadpole being that since you're showing him your literal thoughts it leaves him no way to doubt the truth of your feelings like he could with words. I can't resist the hug, though.
Giving Astarion a quick smooch daily is something my Tav is in the habit of, but it would be lovely to be able to hug him instead - I would love to hug all my companions. A daily hug for Karlach how cute would that be? Minthsra being like >_> hmmm you'd better not have pick pocketed me just now
Awww that’s so cute ♥️ Daily hugs for all companions should be a thing!
I don’t know how I feel about being the one to ask for hugs and kisses . It would show that he’s starting to heal if he can realise he wants a hug or kiss and ask for it himself. If you’re the one to ask him, how do you know he actually wants it or he’s just saying that to make you happy?
@@Lunakitty1234 I see your point of view there. I would be very happy if he instigated affection - get a little exclamation point in camp sometimes and when you respond to it he's just like "how about a quick cuddle?"
@@hannahdemon That would be divine!
@@Lunakitty1234if it helps, there is a response to asking for a kiss you can restore with a mod. I think it's been flagged funny in a patch? It's fully acted and animated. He says "You don't have to ask! But, um, I'm glad you did." Flirty at first, then bashful. It's my absolute favorite response! I love, love, LOVE hearing him express consent and gratitude for asking first! Consent is so sexy!
I feel so horrible for Astarion…he should always be protected, no one should be pressured into doing something they don’t want to 😕
It’s even worse with the trauma he already has 😔
My love and comprehension will be for him always ❤️
I played with a friend who didn’t listen to my romance dialogue and after he was vulnerable with my Tav about his experiences in Act 2, I became SO fucking protective of him lmao.
She was like “why are you always talking hits for Astarion?” BECAUSE HE NEEDS TO BE OKAY!!! He will get his happy ending in my game istg
Awwww so cute and so relatable!! I hope you have a super fun rest of your playthrough!
That very first "mean" dialogue option already broke my heart anf that's still far from the worst one 😭 I just want to protect my baby
Awwww I totally get it. There are so many options I’d never really select T-T
5:55 There is some short dialog you can only trigger if you choose that option. The MC can point out that Astarion seems to be nervous around them and he will reply that you can hardly blame him after what the MC did to him.
Nooooo I hate it 😭 they did an amazing job putting so much care and detail even into the worst options but I hate it
"It's a shame, but I don't want to risk treating you like you were one of his victims."
Him saying that after being rejected just broke my heart. Not lashing out - instead making it even clearer that he cares about you. What a punch in my gut
The tears in his eyes hurt even more.
I just got to Act II but I couldnt help but click on this video. And it broke me. I went through 10 years of just letting SA happen because it kept me safe otherwise, because I didn’t know how to say "no." I've never ugly cried over a video game before but I had to pause this video several times just to do that.
💝Hope you're in a better place now!
"where my nice simple plan fell apart"
HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN TO ME
I see what you did there 😏
It's interesting how certain phrases hit different depending on whether he has to bite her or not. I'm all for Astarion's bodily autonomy ❤
i don't often comment on videos but I wanted to thank you for how organized and clear this video was! I definitely appreciated the dialogue choices overview (and the greyed out/bunched together choices!!), it makes for a very clean and distinct and legible guide :)
I also super appreciate the voiceovers and the voiced warning for the uncomfortable scene so thank you for that as well! Great guide video!
Aww thank you so much for watching and for the compliment! I’m really glad you liked it I have fun making these and it’s really good to know that the voiceovers were helpful ^^
This video was so well done. It really helped having different backgrounds and Tavs for the different scenes/options. Helped my ADD brain keep track!
Thank you for watching! I’m really glad you liked it ^^
Thank you so much for this!!! It was well arranged so it was really easy to follow! Also thank you for doing the hard stuff for us!!! I REALLY PERSONALLY CAN’T DO THAT CRINGY SCENE to Astarion! I wanted to hug him so much!!! 😢😢😢
Aww! Thank you so much for watching I’m really glad you liked it ♥️ I hate those options too but it’s a little easier to get through when I know it’s just to see and show other people so they don’t have to 😅
Anybody else wish that his heart-to-heart about Araj was a separate scene and not an important "lock-in" moment? I wanted so bad to just reassure him about Araj without talking about a romance all of a sudden, but also didn't want to lock myself out of his romance.
great work on this video. Must have taken ages to cut, but I really appreciate seeing all the options. in such a huge game it's hard to do so on your own.
Thank you for the warning, too. It doesn't hit as hard when you know to be prepared for it.
Thank you for watching! It’s good to know that it’s worth the time ♥️
This is the best video showing all dialogue options I've seen for BG3 (and I've watched a lot so far). Thank you for the time and thought you put into this. It was expertly done.
Thank you so much for checking it out and for the compliment. I’m really glad you liked it ♥️
This is a really emotional video, but I couldn't help laughing at 30:08 with the lines "Are you not attracted to me?" and Astarion going "Of course I am, look at you" and the camera pans at the ridiculously-looking randomized Tav
Thank you so much for the trigger warning ! I once tried to convince him to take the astral tadpole and even though I realoaded my save, I felt incredibly awful for a whole week. It was horrible and I cannot unsee it 😢 so thanks, I skipped the scene you mentionned and saved myself another week of anxiety ahah
Awww I’m so sorry to hear that! I haven’t tried that scene yet but I’ve heard it’s really rough. I’m glad it was helpful to have a warning!
@@FauxShi yes thank you ! And brace yourself for when you are ready to try it 😅
5:49 I heard the sigh at the beginning of the scene and I couldn't anymore and skipped. my heart sank.
Very understandable ; -; they did a good job making it as sad and uncomfortable as it should be but so hard to watch
The trigger for version 1 changed and it no longer comes up when you reach Moonrise Towers. Now you have to complete his personal quest by killing the orthon and have high approval before it comes up. I just played it yesterday but I believe the change was made in Patch 3. Thanks for the video!!
Oh nooooo lol I knew that patch would be trouble when it came out mid-edit 😭 Thank you for the information!
Oh shi~ It would not work on patch 4 version, orthon is broken for now and qustt would not be completed :(
Yeah, I heard that Othon part is so broken for people :( I am after that part but I still can't play because the kissing scenes and ending has been so buggy after patch 4 and now hotfix 10 has made the kissing scenes HILARIOUSLY bad with female characters@@selvariablackmoore3420
@@selvariablackmoore3420 I just completed this quest yesterday on patch 4, so it is not broken. Unless you mean your save game is broken, in which case I’m sorry.
@@grymmoire hmm looks like then. Gotta replay act 2.
I am really sad i missed the option to give Astarion a hug.
Gods know he needs one.
This was well put together. Good work 👍
Thank you! I’m glad you liked it
I have to say that the hug option sort of makes me uncomfortable. I know that Astarion technically approves, and I guess it's the thought that counts, but so much of Astarion's story is about bodily autonomy and consent - things that had been stripped away from him for literal centuries, to the point even he started to see himself as an object with the sole purpose of being used to fulfill the wants of others. So hugging him out of the blue, without warning or any semblance of asking for consent, after that painful confession, seems... wrong. I much prefer the options where Tav emphasizes HIS wants and HIS needs and where he gets to initiate the physical contact (holding hands) himself.
That’s definitely a valid perspective. I think I always picture a more cautious hug but I know that’s my projection/interpretation because I want him to be comforted. I think a hug can be about needs on both sides of course but this one is pretty out of the blue and you bring up a good point. I really appreciate you taking the time to share it!
The seeing where you push him in to have sex with you just breaks my heart. I never had it, but when I saw it the first time on a video by accident I just couldn't stop crying. I saw it this time knowingly, but thank you for the warning in case someone was not aware.
It’s such a heartbreaking situation. I’m really glad the warning can be helpful but sorry to hear you had such a sad experience the first time!
@@FauxShi ❤
One of the best options video I've seen. Well organized and explained. There were comments i wondered about. Now I know. I like how you grouped the comments that get the same response too!
Thank you so much for checking it out and for the compliment! I’m really glad you liked it ^^
There is an additional way, though it is not tav themselves hugging him- in the arcane tower, there is an option for you to use Astarion to speak with the automaton on the top floor and there is an option that leads to a hug lol.
Lol trueeee. I had Karlach talk to that automation so she could get a hug nice and early 😂
@@FauxShi So many of them need hugs, I wish you could do it more than once 🥲
Incredible well made! Thank you so much for all the effort you put into this video
And an extra big thanks for making "that scene" clear and avoidable
I’m really glad you liked it!
15:04 DM, can I cast Vicious Mockery and kinkshame Araj?
This video was very well put-together! I am actually trying to write a paper on Astarion and this video had been very helpful.
I’m glad you liked it! Good luck with your paper that sounds awesome ♥️
Thank you for the CW. *that scene* is so awful 😧 There are SO many options where the player can be incredibly cruel and mess with poor Astarion's mind in ways you can't really do with any other companion. Whyyyyy would anyone willingly choose that when they can help him begin his healing process. I don't think I"ll ever manage an evil character. Just can't do that, even to a sweet pixel man.
Also, OMG that broken up scene where he says he's being too precious and too stroppy... Poor baby 😢 I had those names weaponised against me and it makes me feel things that he's calling himself those names. Gods Tav can be such a manipulative ass. 😭 Thank you for going through this so we don't have to. I don't think I'll ever manage an evil character. Just can't do that, even to a sweet, prickly pixel man.
I’m glad it was a useful warning but sorry to hear that you had to go through that kind of situation with those names used against you 😭 I know I pick the worst options for these videos but I couldn’t bring myself to do it for a real playthrough even on an evil run I think
@@FauxShi Thank you. It's hard to articulate what I want to say. I'm kind of reassured that you find it difficult too, and I feel a bit bad that you had to see these options for the vid... but I'm immensely grateful for content that is thoughtfully presented like this, because I'd much rather see these options on a platform like this, presented in a 'safer' way with warnings, than accidentally stumble on them in game with no warning at all. Most are self explanatory from the dialogue options, but I've noticed a couple that are ambiguous enough that I *might* have accidentally clicked on them. They are much more easily watched and digested in a vacuum from the game. I love seeing the extra back story but ouch, they hurt to watch!
@noctoi I totally agree. Something about seeing some other random Tav in a video make those choices makes it easier. A little dissociation I guess! I felt the same way about the ambiguous options - could definitely get some unpleasant surprises ; -;
Even if im evil, I’ll never be mean to Astarion. I’ll be one of those baddies that is mean to everyone but the person they love.
As an ace person who used to force herself to have sex bc it was 'normal' or desired by my partner, I relate so hard. I love him.
The writing in this game is unbelievable. the way I empathize with Astarion during the hard moments it just feels so real.
I feel like people who have never experienced abuse or trauma will never understand just how well Astarion was written as a character. Niel did an amazing job in delivering the writing as well. It's almost cathartic hearing a pretty video game character work through his trauma and come out on the other side in the "happy ending" choices for him.
"You could ask me to do the same - Throw myself at her, what i wanted be dammed. But you didn´t. And i´m grateful" MAN Y WANNA TREAT HIM SO WELL 😭😭😭😭😭😭❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
his little “darling! i’ve had a sudden change of heart!” made me laugh im sorry 😭 i wish that wasn’t locked behind a horrible choice though
I really wish you would get a scene after the dialogue with the drow, even if you already had a scene in Act II. This is such an impactful event for him and I honestly cannot get enough of Astarion. The writing is superb.
This was such a nice and thorough analysis of how the romance scene changes, thank you!
Thanks for checking it out! I’m glad you liked it
But if you triggered ver 1 and stay in a relationship, you can't trigger the ver 2 even if you don't make him bite the drow? common, it's an importante event in his life. Even If tav and Astarion are already in a relationship it would be sweet that you can prove to him that you care and the fact that you would never ask him to do somenting he doesnt want even if the reward is something powerfull. It should be an alternative version of version 2
Yeah I definitely agree. There should be some kind of follow up to ver 1 if you stay in the romance. I think the game just treats you as any old friend once the romance is over so you get the dialogue that you’d get if you weren’t romancing him at all - if that makes sense - but should definitely have some sort of conversation :
6:55 Damn, kinda wish it was made more clear that option 3 leads to pressuring Astarion into having sex. I've yet to romance him, but I guess I'm glad I saw this video first because seeing the different lines of dialogue, option 3 struck me as... a bit insensitive, maybe kinda pressuring depending on how it's said, but not outright forcing poor Astarion into a sexual encounter he does not want. Call me naive, but I kinda read option 3 as being more like "You should learn to enjoy sex for your own pleasure, because you deserve to have sex and enjoy it for your own sake and I would like to be the person to make that possible for you, but I also understand if you don't want to do anything sexual right now and it's fine to just take it slow, at your own pace." I didn't really interpret it as "You should learn to enjoy sex for your own pleasure by having sex with me, right here. right now." Now that I know this I know not to pick that option but had I not seen this video I might've considered it when I go to romance Astarion in my next playthrough. So thanks for the heads up, and for your sensitivity to SA survivors and potentially triggering content!
really loved the way this video was organized! very nice editing :)
Hey, great great job on the warning.
It breaks my heart so much seeing all the painful ways this could go
wonderful breakdown. there's so many choices and paths in this game, seeing them all is next to impossible. thanks for making this!
Aw you’re welcome! Thanks for checking it out and I’m so glad you liked it ♥️
out of all the BG3 options videos that I have found I must say your layout and setup is the best. You show what happens and even explain into where the conversation is happening.
Thank you so much for checking it out - I’m really glad you liked it!
thank you so much! my heart breaks everytime I see these cutscenes, I love it.
I always romanced gale till my last 3 recent play throughs. I never took the time to listen or do any other dialogue with the other origins romantically. And the last 3 I chose astarion. 1 time being dark urge and becoming the absolute cuz in my mind I couldn't even fathom my character going back in the epoligue to harm the companions. The second time letting astarion ascend and I reject bhaals gift... honestly the romance scenes I really feel they did well showing that ascension was not the better option for astarion 🥺 as much as I loved it I also hated it. This play through we are gonna be the good guys. I appreciated astarion and Neil so much more learning his story throughout the Game ❤ I understand why everyone loved astarion so much 🥹🥰
I don't blame you for choosing a different character for the unpleasant scenes, it was really hard to watch Astarion get hurt and feel used again 😢
But the tender moment with your main character out shone them, and it made my day seeing the smile grow on Astarion's face!
He truly deserves to be happy and to be free to make his own choices!
I love your main by the way, he is very handsome, you did excellent work! 😊
Thank you for this, it was very helpful to watch!
I'm now off to give Astarion the biggest hug! ❤
I like his reaction to the hug but I think it would be better if tav ask him first if he is confortable with it
You are amazing to sensitively describe and unpack and provide your insights (well-informed through high emotional IQ and I surmise a great deal of awareness of the subject matter) and offering us your thoughts and feelings. Thank you thank you thank you.
Thank you for watching the video and for such a kind compliment! I’m really glad you liked it ^^
Me everytime orange and purple dude shows up: ah crap
(This is EXTREMELY well put together, thank you so much!)
Wow, good editing and voice over- I thought you were a professional youtuber :D I wouldn't mind if you post other content as well. Very pleasant to watch
This video was wonderfully done, thank you. I bought the game because my power fantasy as a D&D player is healing others, and healing a man I relate to with similar trauma while helping him break the cycle? His storyline felt tailor-made for me. I bought this game for him and I've never been happier.
That said, and I really hope this does not come off as insensitive, but where did you find those lovely undies?! I've looked all over nexus for cute underwear and found nothing! I love giving Astarion nice things. He deserves them!
Thank you for giving context and giving a warning ahead of uncomfortable scenes.
The confession i got was after the drow i didnt force him to bite her Astarians story is heartbreaking i want to make him feel loved to show him what love means its more then plesure just to hug him he recats like he has never been hugged before my tav pearl dont want any presure on him i was to let him know its okay to say no and he is safe now
"I cant forgive you either" there you go, baby boy.
Still watching, but when I skipped over THAT scene, I looked at the options you put in your video to show us where you were, I laughed when I saw
3. Nope, Nope, Nope, Nope! It was perfect!!!!!
It seemed fitting 😂 I’m glad you liked it
The without Araj confession scene triggered for me as soon as I reached Last light Inn in Patch 1
Ohhh that seems so early 😮 I wonder how possible it is now. Did you go to last light right away I’m guessing?
@@FauxShi yes, as far as I remember, I rested once, met the first harpers and went with them to Last Light. Then camp and I think the scene.
@@dominika3762 whoa that's so super early. I think I prefer it after a little more story happening but it's cool to know how things have changed and all the little possibilities so thank you for sharing!
@@FauxShi it was early, especially since I got the romance scene really super early due to a quick jump in approval in act 1, so not many things happened for most of the act 2 regarding romance :)
Hearing all of the options, it seems like Astarion is really conflicted. He's not sure if it was really his choice, or if you "made" him do it. He's not really in touch with his feelings but he knows something isn't right.
Spoliers spoilers
My favorite interaction is with Ascendant Astarion while play Urge/Illithid. He asks if you wanna turn into a vampire (If your romanced obv) and the Response is just a "I'm already a Slayer and a Squid what's one more transformation"
We must protect him no matter what
I thought this was really well organized, I love how you chose to arrange the flow. I'm sure it wasn't easy! But this was lovely, thank you for compiling.
Thank you so much for the compliment - I’m so happy that you liked it! It was definitely a big mess of dialogue in a notebook as I was trying to figure out how it should all go but I’m glad it got there in the end 😂
My god, the version 1 did bite section was so heartbreaking. Fantastic writing and stunning acting
Ugh my heart Acctually broke when he said I don’t know how to say No
The lines are all so well done and so so sad 😭
as much as i love the hug (and will always pick it tbh) i also love the "open your mind so he sees you care." in a strange way it's more intimate and more certain - it's definitive PROOF that you are not lying.
I'm surprised Astarion doesn't gut Purple Tav in their sleep after some of these choices. Is your Main Tav modified or do I just suk at designing my character? I play on PS5 so I don't have the MOD options.
so many of these options are heart breaking
20:48 neil never fails to amaze me my gods
Thanks for your video!
(And let me just note that you have a r-e-a-l-l-y beautiful voice)
Thanks for watching and the kind words! I’m glad you liked it ^^
I romanced Astarion once, and every other game I just feel like he's my sassy bestie, but... "it isn't worth the scars anymore" gets me every time. I've been there. I get that. That's a line that feels uncomfortably personal, but I love that Larian allows him to come to that conclusion.
I probably (definitely) read to much into this, but the Fact the "Scene we all hate" exists to begin with, might be with the Trauma Neil had to go through and him wanting to share/show how a Person treating their Partner this way, >should< lead to this Consequence. How manipulating they are.
It could be! I think it’s possible that the writing is just that good though. I feel like I recall Neil talking about how very little he added/changed and all the credit he gives to Stephen Rooney. I 100% agree that is how it should be with this dialogue though. I hate the scene but that’s exactly what should happen if that’s the choice the player goes for. Such a 10/10 game!
Just a note, what triggers the Version 1 might be specifically entering into the room where Araj is or interacting with her when Astarion is not in the party, not sure which one.
I got into Moonrise towers and talked to Ketheric but hadn't explored the rest of the map yet so I decided to go back, did several long rests and didn't get the confession until I talked to Araj without Astarion.
Oh interesting, I hadn’t considered talking to her without him but that would make sense as a trigger for Version 1! I have a pinned comment with some more detail, but I’ve gotten some info that it’s Moonrise+Orthon quest line that queues it up, not just Moonrise like I thought ; -;. I’ll have to check this out and add it to the list though!
@@FauxShiyes, when I got the version 1 I had already killed the Orthon before speaking to Araj so it definitely must be part of the trigger.
What I've gathered from your video and my own playthrough the safest way to trigger the version 1 is 3 things:
1. Having approval of at least 90%
2. Kill the Orthon
3. Speak to Araj without Astarion in the psrty. Then long rest.
Thanks for the info!
I love the amount of detail you did with this video. Thank you
I’m really glad you liked it, thanks for watching ^^ !
7:56 its something i would never do to him...i mean...look how devastatet he is fgs
awww i feel like the hug ended too abruptly
Half of these dialogue options and reactions made me feel like I was going to puke.
The scene where you sexually abuse Astarion is supposed to break the forth wall and make the player ashamed :’)
And they did a really good job of it! I can’t really imagine ever picking that line for real but what a (justified) slap if someone does ‘-‘