Astarion Romance

Astarion Romance is the non-binary ship between Astarion and Tav from the Baldur's Gate fandom.

Act 1
The player character can first meet Astarion after the prologue, near some Nautiloid ship wreckage. Here he’ll be calling for help, calling the player over. When conversation is initiated, Astarion will say he spotted an Intellect Devourer in the bushes and ask Tav to kill it. 'Easily. Stand Back' = Tav moves forward towards the bushes. Astarion guides them saying, “There, can you see it?”. Tav keeps searching, and out from the bushes comes a boar running away. If Tav passes a perception check, they quickly notice the flash of a dagger. Turning around, they see Astarion branding a knife. He demands information, as he saw Tav roaming free on the ship, and assumes that they must be working with the mind flayers. When he’s about to question further, his tadpole reacts to Tav’s tadpole.

As Tav begins to walk away, Astarion sneaks up behind them, putting a knife to their neck, then dragging them to the ground with him. He then threatens them with, “''Shh. Not a sound. Not if you want to keep that darling neck of yours.''” Astarion mentions how he saw Tav roaming free on the ship, and believes them to be with the mind flayers. Even if Tav tries to explain they themself were a prisoner on the ship, Astarion will assume they’re lying. When he’s about to question further, his tadpole reacts to Tav’s tadpole.
 * -| ‘Kill it yourself’ or Leave =

With this connection, Astarion will realise that Tav wasn’t part of the mind flayers, and lower his weapon/let the player go (if they didn’t break free) saying, “''And I was about to decorate the ground with your innards. Apologies.''” He then introduces himself, and mentions he was taken from Baldur’s Gate. If Tav brings up they’re also baldurian, Astarion will say how they clearly move in different circles. Astarion will then ask Tav if they know anything about the tadpole, to which they can reveal the ceremorphosis process - the tadpole will turn everyone affected into mind flayers. “''Turn us into - ha. Hahaha! Of course it will turn me into a monster. What else did I expect?''” After this, Tav can get the chance to suggest that they should travel together in hopes of fixing the tadpole problem. He’ll say how he was ready to go alone, but going with a group may work better. With this, Astarion can join as a companion.

If the player character is The Dark Urge, when he joins the narrator will bring up their dark urges about Astarion, “As he joins your side, your mind dances with thoughts of a perfect pretty corpse.” Also immediately talking to Astarion after he joins will have him comment on them, “''You have a manner of irresistible desperation about you. I like it.''”

First Long Rest

On a long rest not long after he joins, speaking to him at camp will have him talk about how camping out like this is new and ‘a little novel’ to him. He’ll say how he’s in ‘no place to rest’ with how much has happened to him that day, and that he’ll stay awake and keep watch. If Tav expresses trust, “''Thank you. I’ll sleep better for that''”, Astarion will approve and wish Tav ‘sweet dreams’. Expressing distrust, “''We’ll both stay up. I’m not ready to turn my back on a stranger”, will have Astarion disapprove and he will joke, “If you want to spend time with me you only have to say so.''”

If the player character is The Dark Urge, while they’re in bed, Tav may think about who they are, why they have these urges, and if they should give in or not to the dark urge. The morning after, Tav can speak to Astarion, where he will notice how they look unwell. 'I have almost no memory' or 'Something awful is brewing within...' =


 * -| 'Overwhelming violent desires fester in my skull' =

If Tav expands on their urges, Astarion believes that they've been 'dealt a vile hand', but thinks that Tav should give into their violent desires as "Nobody should deny themselves of their true nature." If Tav chooses not to expand on their urges as Astarion isn't taking it seriously, Astarion will say "What did you *think* I was going to say? 'Oh come here, I'll kiss you better?"

Bite Scene

If the player finds clues within the world towards Astarion’s vampirism, during a long rest, he may attempt to drink blood from Tav while they’re asleep. That night, Tav is struggling to sleep, as according to the Narrator, they’re ‘flitting between dreams and nightmares’. When they wake up, Astarion’s face is close to their neck, with bared teeth. Almost immediately after, Astarion notices Tav’s awakening and moves away from their neck with a “...Shit.” Both Tav and Astarion stand up, and Astarion claims that ‘it’s not what it looks like’. As he tries to explain himself, “''I wasn’t going to hurt you! I just needed - well, blood.''”, Tav realises that Astarion is a vampire. While Tav can choose to steak him here, continuing to converse with him will have him admit he doesn’t normally feed on people (or what he perceives as ‘people’), and instead normally feeds on animals. He claims that he’s ‘too slow’ right now and needs Tav’s blood to be stronger and fight better. Here, Tav’s tadpole and Astarion’s tadpole connect. If Tav asks why Astarion didn’t tell them about him being a vampire, he’ll say it was out of safety and that he wants Tav to trust him. Astarion also reassures Tav that they can still trust him. 'I do' = "I do. I believe you."

''Astarion Approves


 * -| 'You tried to *bite* me' =

If Tav doesn’t allow Astarion to drink their blood, he will understand, and stalk off into the night to find an animal to drink from.

If Tav does allow Astarion to drink their blood, he will approve. Astarion will then suggest to Tav to ‘make ourselves comfortable’. Tav will lie back down on their bedroll, where Astarion leans over their body to bite into their neck. “''It’s like a shard of ice into your neck - a quick, sharp pain that fades into throbbing numbness. Your breath catches, your pulse quickens.''” As Astarion drinks, he doesn’t stop, requiring Tav to either persuade him off or push him off. Success of either will have him come off, but failure of either (or letting him continue) will have him drink more of Tav’s blood. Once again Tav needs to either persuade or use force. Failure this time will have Tav die (Though they can be revived). If Tav gets Astarion to stop drinking, he’ll come off looking noticeably happier. He describes the experience as ‘amazing’ and how his mind feels clear. He’ll explain he’ll still need to feed on something else. Before he leaves, he’ll say "This is a gift, you know. I won't forget it." He then saunters away with the Narrator describing him being stronger and more confident.

This moment gets more context playing as Astarion as an origin character. The equivalent scene starts with Astarion having a nightmare. Alone in the woods, the words of his former Master, Cazador, reach him. They are the rules Astarion were forced to abide by.

“''First, thou shalt not drink the blood of thinking creatures. Second, thou shalt obey me in all things. Third, thou shalt not leave my side unless directed. Four, thou shalt know that thou art mine.''”

Throughout the sequence, Astarion is frightened of Cazador. The Narrator states that despite the fear, Astarion keeps smiling ‘as [he] so often did before’. After Cazador finishes the rules, he appears in front of Astarion. If Astarion tells Cazador he is free, Cazador will berate him, stating “''Free? Lie to yourself, boy, but not to me.''” If Astarion asks for forgiveness, Cazador will call him pathetic, but glad Astarion knows his place. If Astarion tries to attack Cazador, the attack will miss. Cazador’s final words to Astarion in the nightmare are “You are mine, forever.” Astarion then awakens shaken up, with immediate thoughts of getting back to his former master out of fear. After thinking about it, Astarion wonders if being free from harm by sunlight also means freedom from Cazador - free from his rules. He thinks upon the first rule, ‘thou shalt not drink the blood of thinking creatures’, before looking upon his sleeping companions. Astarion can then choose a companion to drink blood from.

The morning after the bite (assuming Tav wasn’t killed), Tav can talk to Astarion about it, and Astarion will ask them how they feel. All responses will have Astarion comment on how Tav should be glad he isn’t a true vampire, as true vampires can transform people into their vampire spawn, like Astarion. If Tav asks if being a vampire spawn is why he can walk in the sunlight, he’ll explain that he should be harmed by the sun but isn’t currently likely due to the tadpole. He also mentions the other activities that he shouldn’t be able to do as a vampire that he can do now before stating, “As for my other quirks - well, we can figure those out in time.” in a joking way. He can also thank Tav for being 'sensible' about him being a vampire. After the other companions join the conversation to express their thoughts on Astarion being a vampire, Tav can say how “We need him, like it or not.” Tav can also express trust: “I trust him, he won’t hurt us.” or adamantly defend him, “If you don’t like it, you can leave.", with the latter two gaining approval from Astarion. After this first bite, Tav is able to allow Astarion to feed on them at night for an in-game buff.

First Romance Conversation

To officially start Astarion’s romance, there are two possible conversations that can activate the romance. Both conversations lead to the same scene afterwards.

The first conversation can occur if Astarion has a high enough approval and Tav allowed Astarion to drink from them during the bite scene. The conversation starts with Astarion mentioning he’s been thinking about Tav, and how he’s ‘starting to like the whole package’. He also insists that he can tell Tav is interested in him too, “''I could feel it as I was getting lost in your neck. Your little shakes of excitement. You enjoyed it, didn’t you?''”

'A gentleman/lady never tells.' =


 * -| 'Yes' =


 * -| 'I did it to help' =


 * -| 'No' =

He will then propose that he and Tav take an evening together for themselves in private, where they can ‘indulge’ in each other. If Tav questions his motives, saying it sounds suspicious, he’ll reply, “On my honour, the only thing on my mind is depraved, carnal lust.” If Tav responded to Astarion’s previous question with either denial or saying they did it to help him, they can tell Astarion “You shouldn’t do this just because you feel like you owe me something...", to which Astarion will respond with insisting that it isn't the only reason, and that it’s ‘more of an excuse’. If Tav agrees to his proposal, Astarion promises a ‘night [they'll] never forget’, followed by him ending the conversation by calling Tav ‘Lover’.

A few long rests later, Astarion should come to Tav before they sleep, clarifying that this late-night tryst is for sex, and say how they’ve been waiting long enough. If Tav agrees, he will tell them of a place to meet up, which leads to the next romance scene.

The second conversation that can occur to begin Astarion’s romance can happen at the Tiefling/Goblin celebration. Depending on the party, the conversation can differ.

For the Tiefling party, Tav can talk to Astarion, who is drinking by his tent. Astarion will talk about how he ‘never pictured himself a hero’, and now that he’s there, he hates it. After complaining about the wine, he will say, “''I’m just looking for a little more excitement. A little more fun.''”

'What’s your idea of fun?' =

Astarion will then suggest they wait until things quiet down before they seek each other. If Tav agrees to meet Astarion later, he will gain approval, finishing the conversation with “''Indeed you will, my love. Indeed you will.''” If Tav says how they're not sure yet, Astarion will suggest they don’t take too long to decide. Tav can then talk to Astarion later to confirm they want to be with him.


 * -| 'That better not mean…' =

Astarion will then suggest they wait until things quiet down before they seek each other. If Tav agrees to meet Astarion later, he will gain approval, finishing the conversation with “''Indeed you will, my love. Indeed you will.''” If Tav says how they're not sure yet, Astarion will suggest they don’t take too long to decide. Tav can then talk to Astarion later to confirm they want to be with him.


 * -| 'We could have fun?' =

Astarion will then suggest they wait until things quiet down before they seek each other. If Tav agrees to meet Astarion later, he will gain approval, finishing the conversation with “''Indeed you will, my love. Indeed you will.''” If Tav says how they're not sure yet, Astarion will suggest they don’t take too long to decide. Tav can then talk to Astarion later to confirm they want to be with him.


 * -| 'Living in constant peril isn’t enough?' =

Tav can reply to this with “''Maybe. If you say please.” to which Astarion will respond with a playful “What?''”. If Tav says they were just kidding and that they’ll meet him later, Astarion will gain approval, and call Tav ‘cheeky’. Tav can instead try to pass a persuasion check. If the roll succeeds, Astarion will say ‘please’, and Tav can call him a good boy and agree to meet him later. Astarion will gain approval, and call Tav a ‘cheeky little pup’. If Tav says that they're not sure yet, Astarion will suggest they don’t take too long to decide. Tav can then talk to Astarion later to confirm they want to be with him.

If Tav tries to speak with Astarion after they’ve agreed to meet up later, he’ll comment that Tav is eager, but that they’ll have to wait a bit longer. Once the party is over, Tav can mull over how they’ll proceed with their evening. If they confirm they want to seek Astarion, the Narrator will say “''Your heart skips a beat. What treasures will this night bestow.''”, and Tav will wander into the woods to meet Astarion, leading to the next romance scene.

As for the Goblin party, when Tav initiates conversation, Astarion joking welcomes Tav to his ‘humble party’. He then offers Tav a drink, asking what their preferred ‘poison’ is. After they respond, he pours Tav a drink and asks what they’re drinking to, ‘other than a pile of corpses’. After they both drink, Astarion asks Tav what should happen next. The rest of the scene plays out similar to the Tiefling party, just with different dialogue options.

'What do you mean?' =


 * -| 'What would you like to happen?' =


 * -| 'I’d planned to bed you…' =


 * -| 'Between us? Nothing.' =

Tav can then choose to ask Astarion to say please. The situation plays out mostly the same as the Tiefling party, but his “What?” sounds more surprised than playful.

Romance Scene

Tav wanders through the woods until they meet a partially undressed Astarion who begins to speak. “''There you are. I’ve been waiting. Waiting since the moment I set eyes on you. Waiting to have you.''” Tav can either initiate sex immediately, stop this altogether, or converse with him a little longer.

Once again, Tav can either initiate sex or continue to talk.

'And what do you want?' =


 * -| 'Tasted?' =


 * -| 'Try to taste me…' =

If Tav agrees, the two of them will have sex that night. The next scene plays out a little differently depending on whether the goblins raided the druids’ grove or not, but serves the same purpose.

If the goblins haven’t invaded the druids’ grove, the scene starts the morning afterwards with Tav waking up on the forest floor. As they sit up, they see Astarion facing away standing arms open, basking in the morning sun. If Tav says “Not staying for a cuddle?”, he’ll reply by calling them a light sleeper and say how he thought they would be 'exhausted after last night’.

'You weren't *that* good' =


 * -| 'Did you enjoy it?' =


 * -| 'I could always go again' =

"Delicious as you were, I didn’t want to go too far."

- If Astarion bit Tav during sex

Astarion will then suggest they leave. If Tav agrees, Astarion will ask them not to brag about their night together, before adding “Given the noise you made earlier, I’m sure they already know.” Instead of immediately agreeing to leave, Tav can ask about the elaborate scar that covers most of his back. He describes the scar as a ‘poem’ and a ‘gift’ from Cazador, something he bestowed upon all of his vampire spawn. He says Cazador carved the ‘poem’ in a single night, making many revisions as he went. If Tav asks Astarion what the ‘poem’ says, he will say he doesn’t know. If Tav is a Tiefling or they pass an Arcana check, they will recognise the language of the scar - Infernal. If asked why it was written in Infernal, he will be surprised to hear it’s in Infernal, before stating he doesn’t know. If Tav is a Tiefling, they can offer to read what’s written on his back, but he will reject the idea saying it doesn’t matter what it says, it doesn’t change what Cazador did to him. He will once again suggest they leave, and both of them head back towards camp.

If the goblins have invaded the druids' grove, the scene also starts with Tav waking up to an already-awake Astarion. However, it is still nighttime. If Tav asks if he’s leaving already, he will also comment that Tav’s a light sleeper, but his tone is less relaxed. When Astarion comments they should leave, he says they head back so they can rest before sunrise. The rest of the scene plays out the same, but the way Astarion speaks is slightly different, possibly less comfortable. The reason for the slight difference for the scene may be due to Minthara’s scene afterwards, which also occurs during the night post-goblin party.

Quotes
"This is a gift, you know. I won't forget it."

- Astarion to Tav after being allowed to drink their blood.

"This is a gift, you know. Thank you - I won't forget it."

- Astarion to Tav after his personal questline (Spawn Ending).

"Look, I had a plan. A nice, simple plan - seduce you, sleep with you, manipulate your feelings so you'd never turn on me. All you had to do was fall for it. And all I had to do was not fall for you...which is where my nice, simple plan fell apart"

- Astarion admitting he's been manipulating Tav, as well as admitting he's fallen for them.

"He is so afraid. So, so afraid. Of everyone, besides *you*, who he ought to fear most."

- Sceleritas Fel to Tav about Astarion (Dark Urge).

Fanon
Astarion is one of the most popular romance options in Baldur's Gate 3, and like the other romance options within the game, can be romanced by a character of any gender or race.

On AO3, Astarion/Tav is the most written ship in the Baldur's Gate (Video Games) tag.

Fandom

 * FAN FICTION