I think Astarion has a classic case of C-PTSD (or Complex PTSD, it's often found in children from abusive homes or environments. Considering the whole "family" atmosphere of Cazador and his spawns, this seems to fit). In C-PSTD, you get stuck in one of the four trauma responses (Fight, Flight, Freeze or Fawn) and then you replay them throughout your life and on a daily basis. To survive Cazador, Astraion couldn't Fight him, he couldn't Flee from him, he couldn't hide (Freeze) from him, so he had to do the one thing that would keep him alive: Fawn. Fawning shows up as doing whatever you think the other person will approve of. How did Cazador approve of him? By seducing and luring all those people. How does Astarion present himself to you in game? By seducing you to get on your good side so you don't turn on him. He's been in Fawn mode since the very beginning. Even him Ascending, becoming like Cazador himself, is a sort of Fawn response. Emulating the abuser because sometimes that's the only way to be safe. Power has always represented safety to Astarion. But easing him out of that Fawn response by showing him that he's safe with the player character, shows him that power isn't the only way to be safe. Thank you for making this video, you've validated what I've been thinking :) (edited for clarity)
omg I couldn't have put this better myself and would give you 10000 likes on this comment if I could!!! I keep saying his behaviour makes perfect sense, his every word, every action makes perfect sense...everyone who hates on him should read this!! thank you
@@queenidragon4489in human years, yes, but considering elven lifespan he was very young. take Halsin, i think he was 300 years old and barely looked 35.
people who say he's a manipulative asshole and kill him as soon as they can are the most boring (and not very bright) individuals. the reson why so many people adore Astarion is because we see the change in him throughout the game. he lets us in to see his softer side, but also his trauma (which, sadly, many of us can relate to). you realize that him speaking so highly of himself is just a facade and he actually absolutely hates himself, and wants someone to see him for who he is not just what he looks like. he's beautifully written, multidimensional and very relatable. that's why people love him so much.
Exactly. Minor spoilers.. I saw someone say the way he acted after he kills you when feeding on you made them hate him. If you accidentally kill him in the creche by taking the mace and revive him, he has a similar reaction. That's just.. legitimately how he copes with death, even his own. 🤷♀️ I don't hate people who experience their trauma differently than me. Sometimes I have to stay away for my own mental health, but I couldn't hate them for it.
@@amandasunshine2 not mocking trauma within of itself, I’m mocking people saying that they can relate to astarion despite the fact that his life was literally torture as an indentured slave to a sadistic vampire for 100 years
I adore Astarion. Not just because of Neil Newbon’s fantastic performance but a part of his overall story of trauma was written very well. While his arc resolved faster then it would in real life it was well paced for media.
Neil Newbon has a Twitch and UA-cam channels where he plays Baldur's gate 3 and tries to romance Astarion. It's a delight to watch: he is very funny and does Astarion voice a lot, which is always a plus. Highly recommended.
Astarion is example how people deal with trauma. It is really in your face, he was controlled, in every way abused...this is why he acts the way he acts. Know from my personal life. If someone does not see it, they are lucky. All characters are deep actually, you can even see it more if you play as them and other gameplay where they are companion. I just love him and want him to heal
@@ArsinoMeteor Lae'zel is an excellent character study for people being born/growing up in dictatorships. Much of what she says reminds me of the rhetoric people who were young when my country went through one in the 70's still say to this day, they are quite literally brainwashed. Like she is/was. It's dreadful.
I found Astarion's story deeply moving and personal. Looking at Astarion is like looking in a mirror for me. Never before have I seen any form of media portray trauma from SA in a way that felt as personal and real to my own experiences as I saw in Astarion's. Astarion's lines perfectly reflect how I've felt for so many years but I just never had the words for it. I felt really seen and validated by it. Romancing Astarion gave me the unique opportunity to look at myself in a new light, see myself from the outside, and as the player character, help myself by helping Astarion through the game. As silly as it sounds, this really did help me heal. I don't think I would have had this experience if Astarion didn't exist in the way he does.
I think media is finally ready to tell stories like this. Lae'zel's character arc is similar -- recovering from the trauma of her upbringing. Critical Role's new project Candela Obscura is a way to tell horror stories that allow for hope and success despite trauma. It's a shame that is so new, but at least it's finally here. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw a lot more of this in the next 10 years.
I really enjoyed the part where Astarion finally “broke” in a way and said “I can’t sleep with you anymore because I don’t think I actually want to”, but still acknowledged that he wanted to be with you, but didn’t know how to be with a person in any way other than sexually. You see that in his response when you chose either “show him your mind” or “hug him” options - in that he is startled that you actually genuinely care about him and how he feels (and not just how he can make you feel), and also that you are okay with changing the dynamics of your relationship to not include sex (until he is ready again). I think he is also still learning that there are different kinds of intimacy, and that while he does not like sexual intimacy, he does enjoy other types of intimacy - ie he enjoys physical intimacy like hugging and kissing, or emotional intimacy like being able to be vulnerable with feelings. I understand him because it took me a long time and a lot of sleeping with people/partners just because it was what was “expected of me” or because I thought that was “normal” to not enjoy it at all, but then I realised I didn’t actually enjoy sex and I hated faking everything. So now I don’t sleep with people until I actually want to, and I got a lot of crap about “being a prude” or “being frigid”, so it’s nice to see a video game character being able to say “no thanks” to sex and have it being respected (or consequences if you push him into doing it anyway).
@@elenalizabeth I've had a very similar experience. I really like how in Astarion's confession scene in act 2, you have the option to say to him "We can be together without sleeping together, for as long as you need". I really wish there had been someone to say that to me in my life. This game gives you the opportunity to be that person for yourself though, and that means the world to me.
Astarion’s story is that of an SA survivor. A lot of his behavior stems from the abuse he suffered under Cazador. Personally, I love that they showed how Astarion’s use of sex and how he hyper sexualized himself as a tool for survival but also showing the disgust in himself for doing that to himself hit home. A lot of SA survivors tend to have the polar opposite reactions between restraining themselves from being sexually intimate with others for fear of being put into a situation that made them powerless vs putting themselves in sexual situations because since they have been hurt, at least this way, can’t get hurt again. Both go into the unhealthy obsession. Larian did a fantastic job with the show don’t tell when it comes to the companions and their struggles. From Lae’zell’ self discovery of how to make a truly significant mark for her people, Shadowheart dealing with growing up in a cult and brainwashed, Karlach’s mortality (can be seen as someone who has their life flipped around after being told that they have a terminal illness), to Astarion dealing with the aftermath of abuse. They touched on heavy subjects and handled them very well, both the positive and negative outcomes. And that isn’t an easy thing to do.
amazingly put.. Astarion, Lae’zel, and Shadowheart are my favourite. with the first two you get what you get when you don’t care enough to see what’s underneath. especially Astarion. Larian did it masterfully.. everything Astarion says or does makes sense.. those who say he’s immature - well first off, he was pretty young for an elf when he died.. second of all, I wonder how these people would behave after years long mental and physical torture. he’s developed the best coping mechanism he could considering the circumstances. the fact that he makes you “work for it” is all the more rewarding at the end (as romanced).
This is actually the direction i wanted to go about in the first place but then my bravery left me and i've put it aside for another time. I'm glad to see someone else noticing this! Actually gives me a lot of courage. 💜🙏
@@asmalltalk also thirdly, you can get mentally stuck at the age when the trauma happened. So in all honestly, no wonder Astarion comes of as "immature" to some. And yes, most definetly rewarding!
@@justan_owl someone has called him an unapologetically evil sociopath...and I wanted to punch a wall when I read that. that's literal SA survivor slander. going through abuse can trigger sociopathic tendencies at a young age and he WAS young. there's NOTHING unapologetic about the way he behaves and NOTHING evil when you as a player recognise how the trauma has shaped him. he has every right to be the way he is and if he's being a dick to you, that's on you because you did something wrong that set him off. I'm not going to pretend I didn't buy this game because of him because I did. he's designed beautifully and Neil's voice is *chef's kiss* ..I came for the fun originally and stayed for the feels and the depth. I didn't expect to feel so strongly about in-game character after all my faves like Alistair, Cullen, Fenris, and Thane... Astarion honestly takes the top spot for the best character in any game of this genre.
@@justan_owl Astarion’s story line is a very sensitive subject that UA-cam can easily get freaked out by. I love how his story is one where he can overcome the cycle of abuse and how he actively is trying to move past it, or how he can fall from grace and continue the cycle of abuse, only becoming a bigger monster than what Cazador ever could be. I’m playing a good play through romancing Astarion. And when I had the final showdown with Cazador, there’s an insight check where if you pass it, you, as the player, recognize that he is terrified. His hunger for power is that born of being powerless to protect himself. Telling him that’s he’s better than Cazador and how this is not the power that he thinks it is snaps him out of it. And when you talk to him afterwards, you have the option to basically tell him that he is enough as he is. Which, as an SA survivor, that means the world. Being told that despite everything that has happened, everything taken from you, you are still enough. And based off the letters, entries, and some of the NPCs, it sounds as though Astarion was never felt, while in Cazador’s “care” that he was never made to feel like he was good enough. It was beautifully written and VA’d.
His probably the best character to drag along. Especially his overly honest expressive reaction when you do things, be they approve or disapprove. Also when he actually stops being goofy and gives an honest reply like regarding how succubus/incubus uses PC character.
Just like how ppl had shallow reasons to hate him on site, I had shallow reasons for liking him. For being another pretty boy vampire so of course he already won my heart. And then the layers started peeling, when he opened up about Cazador abusing him. Because that was me too. I was molested when I was a teen girl in a foster home. When me and my sister got placed in another one, I was thrown down the stairs and just basically beaten up by one of the foster brothers and their mom didn't anything to help me. My sister looked the other way, she's only a couple of years older than me so I don't blame her, I couldn't blame her. Where Astarion doesn't like helping because no one helped him, I still tried despite never getting anything in return. Because I didn't know how to say no. I didn't know how to put myself first. Until fairly recently when I found really great friends, and my partner that has the biggest heart in the world. It was slow and honestly I'm still til this day, learning to be just a little selfish :>
I am glad you are at a better place with amazing friends and a great partner. Please continue to be just that little selfish, I know it can be hard sometimes but it will be worth it 100%! All the love! 💜💜
It is also so, so beautiful to see him come out of his shell. I think one of the more wonderful scenes (besides the last one of course) is the one where he confesses about trying to use you. He tries very hard in the beginning to make light of it but as he goes on he can't not be honest with you because (as he says later on, another lovely scene) _you're you_ . The one person who showed him kindness, and consistently to boot! And it goes aaaaaall the way back to how every single other party member threatens to *KILL HIM* if he were to try biting them. Anyway, as he goes on and tells you that you _deserve_ something real and aaahh!!! Gaaahh!!! He is aware he is broken, but he wants to try to give you something genuine. He is willing to put in the effort to be better for you. Because you deserve it. There is no other person deserving of his trust and *affection*, other than _you_ . Honestly I don't know how I'm not bald already because he makes me want to rip my hair out. He is so, so sweet deep down, and I love that we get to see the beginnings of that at the end of the game, even if he still likes being a snarky bastard sometimes for the fun of it. I don't even know if this comment makes any sense TLDR i love him to bits, ok? lmao
this is exactly how I feel.. I've never been so invested in a video game character!!!!!!!!! ((everything you said is on my long list of reasons why not to ascend him: romantic and emotional column lol))
TLDR it makes a lot of sense, doing great! Also (from a trauma survivor myself, hii) it is SCARY as hell when someone shows kindness of you and you cannot help but to mistrust it in the beginning. So i'm telling you Astarion slowly warming up to Tav and becoming softer as time goes on, aaah it hits me right in the feels!!!
@@justan_owlit’s so well done, honestly. even though I haven’t been through anything Iike many others who can empathize with his story on a personal level, it is very obvious to me how delicately the writers created his narrative. it’s not just some bad boy playboy or 50 shades of grey BS. it’s raw, realistic. he’s an absolutely amazing character..❤
I actually don't think Astarion has as much charm or charisma as we think. Its kind of a meme that he has 10 charisma but it makes sense to me. You can mask a lot of personality flaws by forwardness and confidence. It makes him all the more polarizing as people find that behavior either endearing or off-putting. Because I couldnt take a single one of his flirtatious lines seriously. Hes so corny. But more often he's genuinely funny, likely as a coping mechanism.
Exactly! Astarion lies so much but he's so bad at it. That's actually what got me so interested in him back when I first played. I knew he's lying and pretending so much and couldn't wait to find out why. 10/10 writing, directing and acting
The first time he starts letting the mask of the rake slip is when he let's you in on the "joke" of his best lines on you. He let's you see it is an act.
I think he does, though, in a backwards sort of way--if you look at his actual skills, he gets a +5 bonus on both persuasion and deception, so he gets decent buffs on all speech rolls besides Intimidation. He delivers his lines with such theatrical, over exaggerated flair that you can't take them seriously and I don't think he really intends you to. He readily admits to using lines on Tav and doesn't seem remotely surprised when they call him on it. Imo, there's a layer of self-aware irony to his delivery of those flirty lines. He's not trying to make Tav swoon per se, he's trying to make them laugh. He's figuratively winking and trying to make them feel like they're in on the joke, that he's just silly and frivolous, because that makes him seem less calculating. When you meet his "brother" Petras in Act 3, he also uses the same lines, nearly word for word, but they hit different. He comes across as very sleazy, because he delivers the lines in a tone that suggests he truly thinks he's being smooth. Imo Astarion doesn't, he's over the top and he knows it and he wants Tav to know it too. Astarion hides his manipulation behind a projection of a goofy rake that nobody takes seriously, and that's why he's a good manipulator.
I cant remember when but you can read his thoughts at one point and learn he is in a constant state of terror and panic, is afraid of everyone, which makes sense considered he was taken by cazador at 39, when he was still basically an elven tween. Spent 200 years a slave, and has JUST broken free ( or as free as the worm makes him).
So random fact about me (for which i need a lot of bravery): A year ago I've suffered from mutism and could not speak anymore. Even now I still have little stutters in moment of distress or nervousness. So if you notice them in this video, that is the reason.. I also have a bad cold at the moment so my voice doesn't like me either. Still, no Astarion slander in this house, I can say with 100% certainty that his story is one i resonate with a lot. I hope this video isn't too serious or at the very least a bit interesting, thank you! 💜Might also honestly remake this at some point as i didn't have the time I wanted for writing this video and am very unsure of this style of video in combination with well...me. 😅
@@Warrior_of_Symbolica Shut up i'm not crying you are. Thank you, your too sweet! I'm trying to get more comfortable with the idea of talking on my videos and it's people like you that encourage me to try it again! 💜💜
Thank you for bringing attention to this. I am still trying to heal from the trauma that my parents caused and it’s not easy. I am almost 50 and still struggling. Both my parents were controlling and used emotional blackmail.
as a person with C-PTSD and a survivor of a.... obviously not the same but quite similar situation to Astarion's... I had to legit stop playing a couple different times because I saw myself in his character in a way I hadn't been prepared for. it's saddening to know people dislike him for traits that many people with this condition carry.
for real there were moments where i'd be playing and astarion would do or say something and i would be like "astarion you can't just blah blah blah" and then i would sit there for a moment and think about how i have such similar struggles and how i could literally be saying the same thing to myself. its interesting to examine how you as the player treat him when you yourself are very very similar, makes you reconsider self talk, self blame, etc in a very self-empathetic way i guess
I like how in the end they didn't do the stupid "i can be better than him, so ill spare his life". No Cazador had it coming, in fact i cant think of anyone in baldurs gate exept for Orin and gortash who deserve to be swiss cheesed.
@@justan_owl Cazador had it coming l, just like that dog abusing lady outside the city. Astarion sobbing that it's finally over is a great moment in the game.
Totally agree. I appreciate that they actually gave Astarion (And in a way those of us who could unfortunately relate to him) catharsis. That was a level of pure anger and screaming and violence enacted on an abuser that is only acceptable to do in media and it felt good. I never even got the chance to yell at my abuser, they died before I was able to come to terms with how they hurt me, so seeing someone who mirrored me in a game not just get to speak their mind but stab their abuser 14 times (Yes I counted) felt GOOD.
I’m glad you pointed out his age and how he technically was a child when he was turned, it explains his almost childish behavior and his reactions to everything post-trauma
I have to add in that Astarion's PTSD is actually pictured in certain moments in the game. In hus final quest at Cazador's place he can get a debuff (-1 in all skillchecks), because of his trauma. When you do an insight check before the big choice (only provided with enough approval) you see how much the place is triggering him. Then there is his loud outrages sometimes. "200 years of shit, OF PURE SHIT!" You get to hear some of the cruelties Cazador did to him. One being the very start of turning into a vampire. He denys the astral tadpole because he very much fears of becoming a mind flayer another monster and the physical pain that comes with that transformation. There are also more hints in his origin story, where you play as him. But thank you for this video. I saw plenty of peopke in social media denying him from the start, but very quick to judge him. I would at least give him a chance once. After that you gave a bigger picture to judge him.
(At the point where i did the video I haven't been to Cazador's place yet so that's probably why I missed it) I will definetly put this one on my list for a part 2, like goddamn I missed so much stuff. 😂😅
Absolutely, love this video and the topic. Astarion is the poster boy for c-PTSD, no doubt, and it's sad just how much hate he gets. I have friends that absolutely loathe him and they refer to that "if you like Astarion, you need therapy" meme a lot. But I guess on the bright side, when I put forward a normal side and feel bad about it because it feels like I'm being dishonest, I don't have to feel that way because Astarion is proof that people could not deal with it. I thought your voice was just fine and the video was lovely. Glad that you were able to recover from mutism, hope you get well soon as well.
You're right, masking ourselves is the right course of action in many situations. I have had my trust betrayed by people who could not handle my own backstory and it really hurts to be rejected like that. Astarion makes a good filter for these people.
I have CPTSD and i am a SA survivor. I grew up like Astarion lived in his first decade of slavery. I went through everything he describes, not in the same way because I am not an immortal vampire, but to the extent that the things he narrates become personal to me and the similarities in our stories. To see the hatred towards Astarion's initial personality is to see the same hatred I had towards everything I experienced in my early years of recovery. I, too, manipulated and used my body to ensure protection and safety, yet no one saw beyond that. My fears, my night terrors, how scared I was of everyone around me and the fear of being abused again. The fear I had of not having any place to call 'home' or anyone with whom I felt safe enough to be my authentic self. I started playing BG3 just because of Astarion and how physically attractive he is, but ended up crying when I saw myself in him. I don't know what Larian did, but they portrayed a survivor of abuse very well in their narrative. Helping Astarion overcome his trauma was the last thing I needed to close my own cycle. Hearing him say, 'Thank you for helping me become who you saw in me,' carries more weight than I expected. Every time I need to remember to have compassion for myself, I think of those words. I wish more people could see beyond Astarion's personality, as his character arc is one of the most beautiful in the game.
I relate so much to Astarion. My parents, well-meaning as they were, were often very controlling in my life. I often didn't feel safe opening up to them because I was afraid they wouldn't take it well. They helicoptered over me to the point where I was afraid to say no, I was afraid to do anything they wouldn't approve of, and I was afraid that if I told them about problems I faced due to my own mistakes they would use that as further justification for restricting and controlling me. When I'd gotten involved in an abusive relationship in high school, I was afraid to tell my parents about it. I thought I had to suffer in silence. I was sexually abused, put into uncomfortable situations, and made to feel subservient. I tried setting boundaries, at first, but he didn't listen. Whatever he wanted, he took. And I was afraid to say no. I knew I had to get out of the relationship, but I didn't know how. I didn't feel safe going to my parents about it. It took me 3 years to finally work up the courage to break up with him, and even then I had to do it over Facebook Messenger because I was afraid of what he would do to me if I did it in person. I spent the next few years avoiding him at all costs. Every time I went to church, I'd look for where he was sitting just so I could sit as far away from him as possible. Every time I walked the dogs, I'd always check over my shoulder to make sure I wasn't being followed. And I was very hesitant to form new connections because I was afraid of getting hurt again. A few months before I started college, I decided I needed some therapy to help me overcome the trauma of my experiences. I needed to learn to trust again, but I knew I'd need professional help if I was going to overcome my fear. So I got myself into therapy, and started learning coping skills, how to set healthy boundaries, and most importantly how to say no. When I went off to college, I did end up meeting someone new. I knew right off the back that he was attracted to me, but I wasn't really into him the same way. But he seemed like a nice person from what I could tell, so when he asked me on a date, I decided to take a risk and say yes. I told him right off the bat that I wasn't ready for a committed relationship, and he said the same. But as we got to know each other, we started opening up to each other about our pasts. I learned that he'd been through trauma of his own, and so I made it my mission to help him heal as much as I knew how. About a month later, he asked if I wanted to try out a steady relationship. I was still trying to heal from my own trauma, but I knew the only way to truly heal was to start taking risks. So I said yes, but only if we could take it slow. He said we could take things as slow as I needed. So we started going steady. Every time I set a boundary, he respected it. Every time we took things a step further, he'd check in with me to make sure I felt comfortable with it first. Every time I asked if we could slow things down, he slowed things down. He was there for me during my panic attacks, he was always willing to listen if I needed to rant, and he would apologize immediately if he accidentally triggered a bad memory. Whenever he needed to rant, I was there for him too. I went to a funeral with him when one of his relatives passed away. He stood by my hospital bed when I had to go to the ER. We were honest with each other whenever there were concerns. Looking back, I can say that we both helped each other to heal. Because of him, I learned how to trust again. Because of me, he learned to become more confident in himself. I don't know if this relationship will last much longer, as we're discovering that we want different things that may be incompatible. But I can say with a certainty that we've been good for each other. As I see Astarion's character, I see myself. His good arc is similar to the journey towards healing that I've taken. It really goes to show the difference it makes when you have someone who's willing to respect you for who you are, to respect your boundaries, and to support you through your struggles.
Astarions reaction to being free is like letting a toddler loose into a toy store, they dont know what they're doing but they're definitely going to take everything off the shelf and press every button until theres a cacophony of noise emanating from every corner of the store.
Astarion is not 'better than you think', he is just THE BEST CHARACTER OF BALDUR'S GATE 3. His storyline has the grimmest, darkest and most meaningful character growth, and the romance part is just incredibly interesting in terms of 'How the fuck do you heal from so much abuse ?' The answer is : 'Trust and Consent'. And isn't that such a goddamn part of what Astarion's been robbed of during TWO WHOLE CENTURIES. This guy's been under : mental, physical, psychological torture, humiliation, sex abuse, identity erasure, starvation, been carved in with a dagger and flayed and potentially other horrors, hold captive an ENTIRE year buried in the ground with (must I remember) vampire thirst (how did he stay sane after that), and forced to become a monster luring people to their certain death to potentially avoid punishment, so a completely unstable environment. He's been broken and reshaped and crushed with absolutely no possibility to think, act or feel for himself, for 200 YEARS. And let's not forget he was basically a child when he was turned. Elves are considered adult when a century old, he was 30 ! Yes he had 30 years of experience, for humans that's a 1/3 of their life span, but for an elf ? That's their childhood ! What's fascinating about Astarion, is how rash and witty he can be, but he doesn't KNOW how to say no. He's been mind fucked long enough that this is his default mode : do as he's told or he WILL suffer. He is just terrified that suddenly he's free, suddendly his fucking Master doesn't have any hold on him, he's freed from almost all vampiric curses except the thirst and the mirror. Do you even imagine that he doesn't know how he even looks like ? Being so confident about his looks and all, but he has to rely on the other people's reactions and approval to have somewhat a sense of identity. People tell him he is beautiful, and he has to beleive them, completely. What he wanted was a protector, because somehow it was Cazador that filled this role. He wants to useful so he is not discarded because that's what Cazador would do, he was so behind his back that even his own choices weren't his to feel, and he fucked lights out when he gets intimate with someone, even if they want to ! What I love about his romance, is that we fall to his charms, he is gorgeous, and yeah, his sweet promises are obvious, but damn why not indulge. And then you hear about the trauma, but it's hidden under his sassy and petty facade, and you get to know him, and he confesses that he was manipulating you into fighting for him but he fell for you. And so, you were in for the sex, and the closer you get to him, the less you do because it's much deeper than that. That's the unique part of this romance, each character gets more intimate, but for him it's opposite. That's awesome, Larian need to give a raise to the narrative team. And Neil's voice acting
I don't understand how you can hate Astarion. Yes, he may be a little arrogant at first, but if you continue with his story you quickly realize that he's a great, but complex character. Plus I love his comments while exploring with him in the party xD I also want to say that the video is great and more like it would be most welcome! And your voice is sooo nice ^^
Yes, his comments and interactions with other characters are one of my favourites as well. 💜 Also thank you for the compliment, I'm really shy about speaking on camera so this means a lot! 🥹
He just sets off so many red flags for me on initially meeting him and the later events. Bae'zel was raised in a theocratic fascist state. Astarion is just a brat.
@@himedo1512 And Shadowheart is a Sharran, Lae'Zel is a murderous frog lady, Karlach a barbarian with an infernal engine that participated in the Blood War. But you don't have a problem with them, don't you? Or maybe you just dislike every character in the game, idk
I personally an tired of emo boys with sad back stories how many angsty sullen prickly himbos have to exist the only more often used character type is the angsty gruff loner who doesn't want to help anyone forced into doing so.
i love the way he articulate his discomfort (like saying that being with someone still feels tainted to him). It makes me feel understood also great analysis to his character!
I've still yet to play BG3, but I've been following the development on and off for about two years, ever since I got recommended a video of Astarion. We got a pretty clear image of Cazador's abuse during EA and one line that really stuck out to me when Astarion reveals that he lied about having a "enticing" dream when he dreamt about Cazador. If the player implies that they might have slept together, Astarion becomes enraged and threatens to k*ll you if you disrespect him again. That's when I knew his story had huge potential and I'm glad to say the writers delivered.
I'm so happy you made this video and knowing you overcame muteness makes it even more special ♥️ I resonated so much with Astarion due to trauma in my own life and he is absolutely my favorite character. It's so hard to do playthroughs that don't include him. You did a beautiful job and I appreciate it ❤
Thank you for the positive words, you're too kind! 💜 I am also glad you enjoyed the video, i was very unsure about uploading this in the first place. 😅
This is such a beautifully written analysis that I think makes it much easier to understand for people who haven't personally experienced trauma before. It also just perfectly highlights why I find him such a compelling character. Lovely work!
Thank you, I just realised there is a ton I haven't mentioned yet but we'll see ^.^ Definetly one of my favourites as well, probably why I felt the need to explain stuff hehe 😅
Crazy, I just finished his quest line today and it has been the one quest that has really moved me emotionally. The other stuff is great, but his reaction to overcoming Cazador really made me feel so proud of him. I couldn't bring myself to watch the cutscene where he takes Cazador's power for himself, as that would have broken my heart. I had to reload til before the battle to make sure I chose the right dialogue options to persuade him to choose the "good" path. I know he didn't get the perks of being a true vampire, but now I feel his heart is lighter and has a general optimism about life. This game's writing is too dang good.
I can also not bear to let him ascend, it hurts me physically. And from a theatre/film idk how to call it student, the writing in this game is amazing! Like damn, it's been a while since I've seen such a well written and acted out script!
I saw a comment about about Astarions outfit. I think it may have been in a tbskyen visual analysis. They daid that the perfectly done hair and embroidered clothes are his doing. He makes sure he has control over his looks which is probably all he does have control over. I'm not sure on the age i heard that 139 was more likely because he was a magistrate before he was turned. Still really young and has still spent more time "property" then free. Tbh i heard all these conversations around zevran in dragon age and all the edgy bros come out and talk about killing him straight up, etc. Its there loss. Not about astarion but halsin shows another side of trauma. Halsin was kidnapped when he was young and exploring the world and was chained to a bed in rich lolth hiusehold in the underdark. He only escaped when another lolth house attacked. He talks about healed sa trauma in what is a pretty missable line but it works because he has healed and it isnt stuck in his head like astarion.
you know..... I'm not sure Halsin *has* healed. I think the key point of his character is that he runs from things and doesn't face them until he has an extreme abundance of information. there's a gap between what he says and does because of this. he's verbally *very* forward about sex but in action, you have to complete two entire acts of the game before he actually joins the party and you still have to get a fair ways into act 3 before he'll sleep with you. he has by far the longest time between meeting and romantic options of any companion, which is, again, quite a contrast to what he *says*. you really have to do a lot to prove yourself safe before he'll open up. he also ignores how fucked up the situation is if you sleep with Haarlep and let the incubus use your body. but Astarion recognizes what's wrong about it. because he got out and when he sees you, he remembers what it was like. Halsin doesn't seem to be able to make that connection, which tells me he *hasn't* gotten out.
@PanEtRosa it's interesting that you said that because I saw a few lines I didn't get before and it does appear there is some trauma but I think he hasn't equated it with sex but loves he loves but he loves with the plan to leave so he always has a fail-safe move. I also read there were going to be some changes to the epilogue and halsins writer tweeted a writing emoji on a tweet about the va's coming back in the studio for new lines. Hopefully there is a teensy bit more resolution for his romance. Plus extra astarion scenes.
@@leighhennessy8212 gods, I really hope there is more development on Halsin. he needs it so bad, 'cause too much of his character right now is just... sex jokes. it got hard to look him in the eye once I realized that... and I *want* to like him.
@PanEtRosa the thing is I do like halsin and his sex positivity but never as a main partner. It works as it currently stands (because I struggle to not romance astarion) but he doesn't have enough in his story to be anything more. I can't really create a lot of characters who would be ok with what's going on. He says all this wonderful things about love but then acts like a fboy who ditches tav at the end of the game without a single word of love. There isn't an arc it's just an unsatisfying end. I think if they changed it to be more like dorian from dai it would be better. Inky lets dorian go to something big (even though I still find mc to create for him hard as well as he is also a bit of an fboy...)
And for Astarion's clothes, reading the descriptions they're all heavily worn and carefully mended, but the embroidery is starting to come undone despite that. He's been clinging to this visual representation of himself and trying to maintain the image of who he was before, but for all his efforts that identity is wearing away over time and the façade unraveling.
Good video, I love character alnalysis videos, and I do think Astarion gets a bad reputation (Also Lae'zel) All the companions have a lot of depth, but it's easy to ignore that and just judge them all at face level when you first meet them, but like... if you do that most of them seem awful. I look forward to your next videos, whatever you choose to do.
THIS. Astarion and Lae'zel are disliked and misunderstood by many people but it's all those who didn't care enough to dig into what's driving both of their behaviours. I'm always playing a good/neutral character and I was able to get on their good side. neither of them is EVIL and they have very valid reasons for their initial behaviour. Astarion is literally the most physically and mentally traumatized out of ALL of them yet all he does is act chaotic and a bit mean. Lae'zel is simply driven to get rid of the worm cuz who would like to turn into an ugly tentacled brain eater? especially as she was raised in the society that constantly fights against those monsters.
I would be more inclined to be nice to him but I’m playing Dark Urge and him basically calling me a pussy for feeling bad about killing an innocent person in my sleep did not help his case
@@norsethenomad5978 yet I’ve seen countless dialogues where he is sympathetic to your feelings as urge, telling you “don’t become his” and he coaxes you through your spasms when you resisted to kill him (after you refused to kill Isobel). depends really on how you communicate with him.. he is very different once he begins to trust you..
@@norsethenomad5978I’m playing the dark urge and Astarion has a lot of unique dialogue about understanding what they are going through, more than any other companion.
All the companions are wonderful dives into the beloved clichés of DnD: the bookish wizard, the rage-fueled barbarian, and, of course, the morally ambiguous rogue. But they went the extra, extra mile fleshing them out into full character with their back stories, side quests, and serious dive into how people react when under incredible amounts of stress and pressure. In Astarion's case I am pretty sure that Larian did more than some research into people that suffer abuse, SA, and subsequent PTSD from it. For some reason in the popular imagination people think that sexual abuse survivors are afraid of sex when it's more often the opposite, a way to take back power when the survivor was in a powerless situation; 'I'm going to fuck you before you can fuck me.' Which is Astarion to a T. What I love Larian for as well is giving this exploration backstory to a a male character, stories of men that survive SA are sadly under represented in media and they deserve to have a voice.
This was a beautiful analysis. He absolutely reads as a trauma survivor to me the more you get to know him. And the thing with being a trauma survivor is it’s not the first thing you want anyone to know about when they meet you. You want to be able to put it behind you but it always catches up. This is exactly how Astarion is introduced to us! Only when we get to know him to we start to understand the deep effect his past has had on him.
Thank you! 💜 I feel there is so much I didn't mention but this is 100% true. In Astarion's case it quite literally tries to catch up with him so it hits even deeper (at least for me)!
Wish I could watch this already because it touches on something I find really important. But I haven't yet experienced Astarion's story completely and can't risk spoilers. Will be back!
I honestly did this without much of a plan but if I do it again, you definetly made me include a spoiler warning from now on. Also you're too sweet, thank you!
Hi, I'm a creative writing student and I also love creating characters and worlds. And I've been fascinated by astarion ever since I realized the complexity of his character. He inspires and touches me (how can someone with a little empathy not. And how much you can fall for him if you have great empathy.) He fascinates me like no other figure has for a long time.❤❤
One of my favorite lines from Astarion is one I found recently. If you play Karlach's origin and for whatver reason dont have her engine fixed by spawn Astarion's Act 3 graveyard scene, when Astarion starts talking about living with all life has to offer, you have the option to say something along the lines of, "I really want to be close to you, but I'm too dangerous." Astarion replies, "And here I thought *I* was the dangerous one. But I'm not all that frightening at all, am I?" And then he pauses. "That's... interesting," he considers. "I may even say I like it." Astarion doesn't WANT to be a scary, powerful, murderous vampire. Not really. I love spawn Astarion so much. I haven't gone through the same trauma he has; I'm not an SA survivor, and I could never imagine what it's like. But I do have different trauma, and I have decided that I want to break the cycle- no, that I WILL break the cycle- that I've been a part of. And seeing some silly little video game man do it too, seeing him heal and find the goodness he thought was long dead, seeing him become so genuinely sweet once he allows his walls to come down and just the strength that all entails, makes me so proud of him and I just want to give him the biggest hug.
I never expected a video game to go booktok level hard with character development. I haven’t known peace since this game came out. He’s so well written and acted my god
Honestly same. I think about Astarion way more than I should tbh, simply because his story hits so deep (the others as well, no question but his somehow hit me extra hard).
What i really like is the depth of all the characters i've interacted so far. Each and every of them has a story, a past, a future, goals. I'm one of those silly people who aims for the "golden ending" for everyone. I was legit wasting hours thinking about who to romance from purely the point "who needs this kind of thing the most". And personal quests? This is absolutely stellar balance between story and gameplay. Story-wise it gives you very alive and interesting characters to be around, resonate with them, help them and see how their personal quests expand the world (being tied to the game's world and main plot, not just exist outside of it, like let's say, Mass Effect had). And on the gameplay-side you get really good items, lore pieces and fight great fights! Fighting someone like Cazador in his own home to prevent his ascension is one hell of an expirience. Sure, you can cheese it - but you actually *don't want to* because the game is so good. Not gonna lie, i would pay hundreds of evergreen US $$$ for a first/third person RPG with this kind of characters, of world and of quality game-design, but with real-time action combat. It would be legit my perfect game. Buy-and-done games like this have an insane proportion of cost to entertainment time. If the industry wasn't in the shitter with games-as-service/microntransaction/just plain awful games that have worse gameplay to 2003 ones (Oh, hi there Starfield) - we would have so much good times with it, and i would be willing to actually pay MORE.
I've noticed something about Astarion and Astarion likers. Most of us know his story well, on a very deep level and more than one of us are often trauma survivors ourselves. I'm sorry the narrower minded can't get it.
People who hate and discard Astarion because of his initial behavior lack media literacy and/or curiosity about the story. Yes, all of them, because it is obvious from the very start that there was more to him than initially shown, more than enough to at least let him (and any companion, really) develop throughout the game before passing judgement. The only way someone could think he's just some shallow, evil asshole is if this is the first piece of media that the person ever consumed in their life. What I'm saying is, don't get upset. These people are essentially paying the same you did, but choosing to experience a worse story, and it is their loss.
Maybe you could try something like this. Be good but to your own party, say all the nice things to them, support them, take care of them in any way you can . Don’t go out of your way to do evil things to innocents but if anyone or anything threatens your party , make them regret it using any means necessary . Like I have no problem killing Nettie, monsters, the two elves at the ruins, the teiflings that caged Laezarel . I think a bit of evil is ok if they do something to deserve it. If you have to be nice to others, be a bit selfish about it or make another party member talk to the person for you
he will like you even if you're good/neutral. I'll put all under spoiler just in case * spoiler" don't be too altruistic like helping everyone the second you meet them - ask for sth in return, use deception/persuasion in dialogues to get what you want.. and silly things like get yourself beaten up by that Loviatar fanatic, find and save the owlbear cub (he loves it). most importantly in act 1 however is TALK to him constantly no matter if he does or doesn't have the exclamation point above his head, prioritize talking to him first and take LOTS of long rests in order to trigger all the scenes with him (like stargazing, mirror, scars). of course the main turning point to earn his trust at the beginning is to let him bite you and do not betray him in front of Gandrel. all of that should give you his two romantic propositions and you should be on very good approval by the end of act 1...if you took the mountain pass way to moonrise important in here is to get Lae'zel out of the gith murder machine and do not give the gith the prism. in act 2, when you arrive to moonrise and take a long rest - it will trigger that vulnerable confession out of him where you can tell him you care about him and you can hug him-the hug is the best imo.. it's just.. 🥺afterwards, when you meet Raphael and Astarion asks him about his scars, fulfill the deal so that Astarion knows what Cazador is planning. I strongly warn you - do NOT break Yurgir's contract (it's not even worth it, just kill him or make him kill himself when you pass the insight check that the contract is a trick).. if you break the contract, Raphael doesn't reveal what the scars mean and your relationship is ruined. then there are two other moments which help you raise his approval: respect him not willing to bite the vampire fangirl at moonrise & distract apprentice Z'rell with lusts for him (it's hilarious and he approves)..at the end of act 2 all of this should culminate to exceptional approval.. and all that's left is to kill Cazador. he's going to approve of both persuasion options. once again a warning DO NOT tell him right away "no, I'm not going to help you" because he gets angry and permanently leaves after stabbing Cazador to death. you HAVE to coax him out of it, unless you want him to ascend which I don't think it's a good idea if you're playing a goody-goody character. spawn Astarion will be thankful you stopped him and you'll get the most beautiful love confession 🥺
He doesn't like that you wear your heart on your sleeve. He's the complete opposite and preserves himself from others only because he was punished for being vulnerable
@@asmalltalk He also approves of "cheeky" responses, like telling Lae'Zel to "Say Please" when she demands you get her down from the trap she's in or "Baa'ing" at the "sheep" near the Tea House. (you can do it twice and get approval both times)
Your analysis is a well articulated version of the conclusions I made about the character. I know the actual story is different, but I'm role-playing from the perspective of the same Bhaalspawn who went through the events of the first games. From that perspective I can conceive a character who can relate to some of Astarion's reactions. At a young age, she was cast into a life of having to constantly defend yourself from ppl trying to kill her for any number of reasons, having some ppl recoil from her if they find out about her lineage, being captured, tortured, and having her soul removed by a madman. And eventually realizing that she may not ever be able to have a nice, quiet, happy ending. This is partly why my character doesnt immediately kill Astarion despite recognizing he's a vampire. She's walked a fine line between good and evil both situationally and personally, so she's not the type of person who would make a immediate judgment about someone if they seem to have potential. And as she's prone to help ppl without expectation or reward, she wants to help this guy if she can. This may end up getting herself hurt along the way and she may fail, but I hope she learns that if you encourage someone else's autonomy you have to be prepared to disagree with the conclusions they make or actions they take. Will she end up helping him or having to kill him? She's a paladin so I cant allow him to ascend if that's the path he takes. I already like him enough to hope my character is able to help him understand his own worth and to understand why she has to take some of the actions she will have to take. This could have a tragic outcome or it could turn into something lovely. At this point my character is taking a chance, hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. Sorry for the long story. I was just insired by your thoughts. Thanks for making this video. 😊 I've loved BG for 20 years and love this entry into the series.
I love Astarion’s story because you get to know him and see more than the front he shows. He’s really well written taking the fact people aren’t black and white but the he has many layers of motivations behind things.
Thank you for this. He's such a beautifully crafted character. Also thanks for the bit of lore about him being turned at 39! I've been doing dummy google searches for weeks now trying to find this information.
i was introduced to bg3 and astarion by complete accident through a similar video. "why women love astarion" or something of the like. no idea who he was, wasn't even watching, youtube was on autoplay and I was playing sims. And as i listened to this person, similarly to you peel back his layers, talk of his vulnerabilities and trauams, and so on and so forth.. i became completely immersed. at some point i must've clicked over and saw him because my reaction was akin to "Oh shit he's hot too," Also... I swing both ways but 90% I play for the pink team. That to say, I honestly became immersed in Astarion as a character and his personality and plot before I even saw him, so it's not just because he's hot. additionally, i too was was sexually abused repeatedly when i was young -- i know how it effects people i know why it mentions him "you didn't seem fully there" after the teifling party. i understand why he sleeps with the drow even after knowing he can say "no" then still ends up "miles away". I understand why he lies and manipulates, i understand feeling nothing more than the body you are in -- pretty enough to everyone else but to you it feels dirty, tarnished and spoilt. and by god do i know what it feels like -- metaphorically at least -- to feel the sun on your skin once again after so long in the shadows. I honestly don't know if I have ever felt like this about a character before. I understand astarion and his story and motives intimately -- the good and the bad, the things i'd rather not admit. he is such a poetic, yet raw, visceral story of trauma and the beginnings of healing. those first days when you're free... And wouldn't you believe it , i haven't even romanced him. him and my character get on well enough but i always choose "maybe you need a friend not a lover" because i get it... then go for shadowheart or karlach instead. anyways. to so many people his character and his story ring so painfully true. damn near feels like someone you would meet in a therapy support group. anyways, i digress, thanks fro reading. he is so much more than a heart character and that is NOT the only reason for all the astarion love from women. its because sadly a lot of us relate very heavily too him and watching him begin to heal and become better gives us hope for ourselves. thank you for coming to my ted talk.
Thank you for making this video! I am very much an Astarion advocate. Glad to see there are others as well. To start I was abused as a kid. My mother was very neglectful, and would take her anger out on me. Growing up in the foster care system, I didn't trust anyone and no one seemed to give a shit about me. I was numb and would just go along with things, because I felt like my wants never mattered. So, GOD do I empathize with Astarion! It's funny, when I first started the game he wasn't a romance option for me in my mind. I was going to sleep with everyone and decide (probably on Karlach) later. I thought that he was arrogant and too uppity! Then I made him *spoiler* the drow... Him coming to my character and telling them that he didn't want to be forced to do something he didn't want to do, I felt so remorseful. I made a new campaign right away and decided that I was going to focus on him. After romancing him, paying attention to his actions, he has not only become my favorite character of the game, he has become one of my favorite characters of all time! I know it's a game, and as embarrassing as it sounds, Astarion going through all that and still being such a likable person, really gives me hope for myself.
It is not embarrassing at all. I wish you all the best and send all the love! And if Astarion makes you feel hopeful about yourself, then god damn, you deserve all the self love this character can give to you! 💜💜
I'm really sorry you went through all of that and I wish you the best!!!❤🩹 the fact that someone like you can empathize with Astarion is a testament Larian really didn't write some second-hand twilight or 50 shades character or emo himbo. and most importantly didn't mock SA victims. I can't stand Astarion slander and those who say he's an evil sociopathic dick. play a game however you like but stop spewing hate towards a character whose backstory is important and relatable to many people in real life.
Thank you for this. I was trying to explain to a friend why Astarion is such a lovable/likable character and was doing it poorly so I'm sending her this.
Kind of off-topic, but this whole situation reminds me of Catra's character in the 2018 reboot of She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. That character is explicitly traumatized, and even though she has an admittedly truncated "redemption" arc, many people ended up condemning her as a toxic character. Of course the intricacies of abuse and trauma are never simple, and the show simply doesn't have enough screen time to fully delve into it. The principal message of your video, about the power of empathy and forgiveness rings very true, in my humble opinion.
I really enjoyed this analysis of one of my favorite companions in this awesome game and would be interested in seeing similar videos on the other companions were you to feel like doing them.
Haha oh no, you're too sweet! For me it's the same, without Bg3 i would have never met so many lovely people such as you! Hope your day goes amazing as well.
This video makes me feel a lot better about myself. I met Astarion and immediately wrote him off as the gay or female love interest. By the end of act 2 I started to integrate him into my party occasionally, then he became a staple. I share a good bit of trauma with the guy and it's all very similar. In recent years due to trying to change myself to be an adult and be more mature, I am more reclusive, but when I was younger (10-20) I was charismatic, outgoing, and hyper sexual, and as popular as you could ask to be. Mostly I could feel good about myself because locker-room talk among bros glorifies those things, but some friends would absolutely cut me off and hate me for what little I would disclose, mainly cheating. I know, and knew it was wrong, but it all stemmed from a dozen or so traumatic incidents in my youth. I'm not an evil guy, and wasn't then. I just was cavalier, dismissive of criticism, and free. No one understood me though. Friends would reinforce my bad habits by talking me up, and detractors wouldn't give me the time of day to understand what made me think this was okay, or set me down this path. I can and have explained it to a few people I sought to hold close, because I like them as friends, but only once has it gone somewhat well. He still doesn't really like me too much for it, and doesn't wanna go in depth at all. He can juuuuust tolerate me enough to talk every other week for a min or two.
Hey there! Thank you for sharing this, it must have been a brave thing to do! I understand how friends can be a difficult factor in trying to lose old habits but hang in there! You got this! 💜
Thank you for sharing your story. I got a friend that sounds like he could be you. It would have been easy to write him off as a chauvinistic jock with nothing in his head. He was cold and demeaning to me for a good while when I first joined the friend group. But one night he cracked open a little bit, and I am so grateful for the sum of my life choices and experience that allowed me to make him feel welcome. He's one of my best friends now. Watching him "grow", or rather, continue to feel comfortable opening up, is one of the most beautiful things I've experienced in my life. I wish you the best in your journey.
So many of the characters are dealing with some form of trauma or another. 😢 I think considering and examining that would be a good topic for you to do videos on with the thought and care you put into this one.
Coming back to this video after playing further in the story, and learning more about what Astarion approves/disapproves of, and to what degree. A lot of his early game approvals that are assholish are things that reinforce the way he has experienced the world during his trauma. Use people, cut them down with wit and sarcasm, but those give very small gains. His disapprovals early game form a pattern of disbelief, and growing resentment that there can be good people out there, with no ulterior motive, who are kind, and help just because they can, and his disapprovals make sense after a later game conversation line "good people had 200 years to save me. No. The mind flayers are the ones who gave me the power to save myself." His early game approvals and disapprovals from conversations, outside of the emptionally important ones of supporting, protecting, and trusting him specifically, are wholly centered on how your behaviors line up with how he experienced the world during his trauma. If you challenge it by being altruistic, honest and kind, his disapprovals come of as more of "this can't be real, people aren't actually this nice," and his approvals are more of a "this is how the world has always worked, I know how to handle this person."
I wish there was a line, if you're playing as an elf, mentioning just *how young* he was when he was turned, seeing centuries stolen from one of their kind. Just that moment of connection with one of his species again and acknowledging how much of his life and youth were stolen, because yes he may have been grown and mature to humans but that's so young for someone who should have had centuries to live. (I'm playing as a wood elf right now, because I'm not gonna romance him as someone with a shorter lifespan)
Hi, just wanted to pop in and wanted to tell you that this video got promoted on my recommendations page :D (Whatever that says about me) Also, that I really liked your video and hope your doing more of them in the future. And, btw, I think you doing a great job. :)
That was a great video, I enjoyed it a lot and had the same thoughts about him. If you could (and want to) make more videos like this I'd gladly watch them. You did a great and very compassionate take, honestly I felt touched and a bit emotinal when you mentioned how trust can be rebuilt (myself being a person with similar problems).
I know this is an older vid, but just in case you’re still reading comments on it, thanks. A well done look at Astarion. Hope you’ll choose to do other long form character essays in the future. I enjoyed this one.
Neil has admitted his is also a survivor. He put a level a depth to his character that a lot of D&D Players put into their characters, myself included. I think people that dismiss the character arcs are not familiar with D&D Games as a Genre. Those of us who have grown up with this storytelling are very pleased with the way Larian brought our game to life. D&D is as old as I am and predates Video Games, but I have been a fan of the D&D CRPGs since the early days of Pools of Radiance and Curse of the Azure Bonds (Circa 2nd ED or AD&D). AD&D is where Faerun was born.
I must say you did a great job with your analysis :) I have basically the same thoughts about Astarion. Initially, I thought that the most interesting character was Shadowheart and Astarion will be another sassy and charming "bad boy type". I was so wrong. Taking into consideration that a) our brains, on the most basic level, don't differentiate reality from fantasy and b) fantasy realms are often reflections of processes or events from our real world, that are described in more metaphorical ways, Astarion's story can be very immersive and emotional. In our real life, you could think of him as a victim of human trafficking and different forms of abuse. Moreover, this trope is usually reserved for female characters, so seeing a male protagonist in this situation is something unexpected. It's quite interesting that ppl consider his behavior as rude and irritating but in the case of Shadowheart, who is also mean and not that compassionate (she is a Shar worshiper) it seems they don't mind. You are right, that it's not easy to see through Astarion's demeanor, but if the player gives him a chance there are a few important lines that will speak everything about him. The first one is when he is holding a mirror. If you ask him, what he wants to know, he will respond: " I want to know what the world sees when it looks at me. What do you see?" In this line, he gives you info that he is worried, that the world sees him as something he is not - a monster. That's why he sympathizes with all creatures that the world considers monsters and rejects. Another most meaningful dialog will be when you talk with him about the possibility of hijacking Cazador's ritual and you will tell him, that power corrupts and it's the duty of the strong to protect the weak. He will get angry then and will tell you that he was a victim of a corrupt man for 200 years and no hero came to save him, it was mind flayers that did it. This is an explanation of why he hates heroes and being heroic just for the sake of being heroic. That's particularly interesting because he is questioning the concept of heroism and pointing out that heroes quite often do heroic stuff for their own ego (or because of naivety) and are unable to see through things (like seeing a monster instead of a victim that needs saving) - this is what Jeahira will tell you later about "them" (people) sharing the stories full of stereotypes and misconceptions. There are of course other meaningful dialogs like the one with Arja in Moonrise Tower about free will and him not being used. I think I can say that his character arc is the most complex and tragic of all the companions. This scene when he finally has his revenge and weeps after killing Cazador left me speechless and reminds me of Ellie's killing her abuser scene in "The Last of US" series. So emotional and so cathartic. Btw, as a side thought, it's quite interesting that Gale, who initially appears as a goofy brainiac type but still likable will become way more sinister down the road.
My english is not good enough, but i wanna say something. You doing greeat job with analysing Astarion personality and you truly undestend then he not just a sweet elf and vampure spawn. At some point i thought that you were ready to cry because you were feell into his history.
People who have said those things about him have either never had him as a companion, going with him through his journey, never played his origin character or never seen any of the cut scenes that show he is a hurt, sad, cautious mortal, who was abused every sort of of way for most of his life. He hides all this behind sassiness and sarcasm. I hate ignorance when it comes to real life issues, and I also hate it when it comes to non-reality. Don’t open your mouth about someone or something unless you have ALL the facts with you.
his family is probably still alive, yes? like elves live 700+years or more, so its likely his parents and siblings (if he has any) are still around, as well as grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins etc. he might even have nieces and nephews i'd like to see a story where he reconnects with his actual family. Maybe Tav can make him to it. i suspect it would help with his healing (if they accept him. rejection could be devastating though so maybe that's why he hasn't pursued it)
Your essay is amazing!!! As a person diagnosed with PTSD AND cPTSD (i got two but they intertwined) - Astarion's character is very accurate. And i never thought about ptsd component before u bring that out, omg!! Astarion my fav character of all times. He reminds me of myself so much and I love him for it, his questline and all the hype around him was surprisingly healing experience for me (exept objectification, but like.. i get it, it`s fun, i feel that way too sometimes lol), i feel like romancing him and all those interactions (i went good way) - felt like an act of self love or something. I feel like i got a bit more space for myself. More connected to myself or something. It scrached an itch i didn`t even knew i had and i couldn`t scratch in my therapy too. I'm also very sensitive to small sad things about him in the game, but i love the realism of it. Like even when u finish his quest, he is still dissociates with drows. And I LOVE that they made like the most hot character ever and made him not about s*x, this is SO COOL, I mean, i want to see ascended scenes, but not ascended Astarion is like the biggest joy ever in fiction for me, such a cool subversion
Thank you for the compliment!! I was so unsure when I uploaded this and now there's this overwhelmingly positive feedback! 💜Additionally, thank you for sharing your story. I am so glad the game helped you get some breathing space and scratched your itch in the right way! It's amazing what this game can do and I 100% agree, I love that they made Astarion quite the opposite of what you think at first glance.
Of course they Miss what may be there. They are bias and he has many roads he can go. As you play on thru the different senerios. He closes himself off, so you can't know who he truly is. Till he finds an opening, to actually let his gaurd down, share truth's he has hidden away thus far, and thru his Sardonic humor, a Tragic figure emerges. Possibly a Sensitive who has lived blinded as a Creature who cannot see his own image yet what flowery flattery he really dismisses. I agree with you I thought PTSD as well. Astarion had me from the start, intrigued. But not thru arousal like most. He is more Kindred, his boisterous laughter, doesn't show me that he feels comfortable in situation. He appears as if he's truly timid, and definitely has no compassion he is alone. Even the ones he comes to know as his fellow Companion's thru the game. All are hopelessly lost within they're own narratives. But to pity them is not available to many. Astarion is just as fatalistic as the group. But he is Tragic ever more because he has been forced to take the form of a monster. He jests, boasts and definitely is dangerous. He will suck you dry if the dice roll is against you. You can't truly let down your barriers to allow him to take you, where he had taken in so many before. He wasn't in blinded in the dark when he kidnapped Children for Casadore to hold captive and torture. Even Astarion doesn't have guilt over them, one way or another, or the other Vampire Spawn's that have thought of him as a long lost brother. Astarion only has contempt, and conciete He regards the player with not much indifference, as he tries to seek out the answers he needs to achieve ascension. Over his Sadistic Master. Who needs him, to complete the pathetic ritual right. But it's up to the player to lead him still on the right path, to a complete redemption, or a complete fall, and loss to a fantastic Character and his Arc. Astarion, looks perfect as one would see a rare unicorn, his elfin features and incredible beauty is ever used, and taken advantage of, by his relentless Cruel Master. Taught to only use his love, and affections against everyone, he appears in a moon beam as he seeks out your very limitations, weaknesses, it is not out of selfishness, it is a Predatory instinct. A protective measure to ensure he is capable of taking anyone over need be. His defense mechanism as you called it. But once he settles, you are no longer in danger, of his advancement. He fits into your Company as much as all the others in your broken band of selfish stirrings. None better, then the other, all necessary to the further plot. And depending upon which roads you take them down, differs yet all the same destination, remains, and together face it then lose anyone you have grown fond of, over the course of fighting and journeying ever on. You and your intrepid yet determined Rouge's, follow your lead thru a trust that has grown and become fearless, with an equal tenacious spirit. However the Dark urge is just that oozing darkened implications as the Butler comes to feed your self satisfaction, and your own blood thirsty path, thru the tad pole that now offers you powers, if you let it borrow deep into your pink brain. And destroy it. If this is your fate, as the selfish player. Then you have only your selfish pursuits to value for it. The bell tolls for a blood count. And ever Darker still, you see your faithful Companion's as the payment for that toll. It gets darker where a Bard, is trying to give you a Frontal Lobotomy to try and deal with that F***Tad Pole that set up residence in your Cerebellum, with a Dwarven pick aXe, till your eye ball drops to the floor. Seriously¿? This was not in the cure brochure.seems as if everyone wants to Cure you of that Tadpole problem, but no one is really helpful. Reminds me of the bad medicine we have here in our World... We need a reminder of the bad advisements and bad people who are idiots and the idiots who take said advice to help in aiding nobody. Lustarion is my favorite Character he's just rife with Complexity. And you just have to protect him from those who have no clue, that they were not sent to hunt a monster, they were sent to capture a fellow Alie and fellow friend who is desperately in need of trust, and the knowledge that you do have his back as long as he doesn't want your throat anymore. Thank you, Frustrated with you, people just are so quick to judge, before they know what the whole story is. Sometimes rumour spreads thicker then understanding and patience. Astarion is such a Challenge tho well worth it. His predatory nature helps him figure out traps much easier for the group then anyone. His roles are usually 20 out of 15. He's equally accurate and proficient with bow and blades. He's faithfull, but does wander if you don't position him back during combat. Like a cat he can sneak, around enemies and you can even have him bite your not poisonious foes and. Later he'll take up conversation with others making them laugh in kind, or lend support and even sage advisement. So up to you, because tongues wag. And really think for thy self. To give a Character as amazing as Astarion is, your the better for it, in your game play. ✨🧝🏻♀️🦄✨🌜✨ And helping him along the way, you gain an Alie you never counted on. Take the bite, feed him willingly, keep him strong. But keep a save handy just in case he's starved for your attentions. Then gradually put up with his cheekiness, and concentrate on other Companion's till he tries to talk with you again. His tale is a sad, and dangerous one. For him, not you. He might joke, he's a lovely sex toy, he's annoying, bold, and flam, or mayhaps so much more. He's also damaged and alone, but he's there for you, need him to be. Which makes him just as worthy as any in the group you gather. A valuable asset for everyone, along thy treacherous pathe 💥💀✨🌜🦄🧝🏻♀️🌞✨💀💥 But he's worth the perilous adventure you all go on together. And fun. 🤡 I'll F***n kill U...🧛🏼🌞❤️🔥 And if anything, he's Comedy relief. 👩🏻🚀🐶✨🌜✨❤️🩹✨🧝🏻♀️✨❤️🩹🪛 And I'll bet my Tad Pole on it... Thank ye, Just OWL, for caring, about Astarion, you eloquently put it, in words I have said about him, before, but people are people and you can't shove sense down their throats, only in hope they get it. You create a Character but the Story isn't about you. It's about your unique Companions, and how you all work together in a messed up world to help each other get thru the game. Not about just doing it ** with the Camp. But helping one another thru the Trauma they are facing or faced. It's about Comrades in arms to fight thru the horror and gore. It's about the decisions you make, and the ones thru consequences you take. Depends on the Stories ending, with everyone relying on you to lead them safely to Camp, and prepared for the following day... The multi experiences you face with each Character thru your support and need to thrive and survive, your instincts and generosity and Compassion as well as Treasure seeking. And seeking out a fight your team may loose. The game only tells you what you may have missed, or see only too well. It warns you of a action you must take depending on what chances you delve. ✨👩🏻🚀🐶✨🧝🏻♀️🦄✨🌜❤️🩹🪛
I think it's more likely that he has CPTSD, due to his lack of understanding how a relationship works and what it is and the fact that in 200 years he didn't just experience one traumatic event, but multiple.
If it was a person who understands d&d and what a high elf is, there's a possibility he's not exactly as old as a normal high elf considering they live for about 200 years. He's been a vampire for 200 years. Who knows how old he technically is chronologically and if his behavior acts immature, there's a possibility he might not be of mentally mature elf before he was turned
❤Thank you for this video. It showed up as the first one in my “for you” YT feed (been watching A LOT of Astarion content😅). He reminds me to a certain degree of Spike from Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Kylo Ren from StarWars and Loki from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (and actually, in my headcanon at least, Loki in the original Norse myths). While very different characters in looks and demeanour, they share the “hiding all my hurt and brokenness behind brash bravado and sarcastic quips, while I'm only really longing for connection on a deep emotional level with someone who can see all of me. But I'm not sure if I deserve it”-vibe. They are all My Favourite Character. ..Don’t make me choose! I'm playing BG3 for the first time now (played BG2 many years ago and loved it). I'm in the Underdark as a Dark Urge female sorcerer trying to resist The Urge, and I'm so delighted and thrilled with Astareon’s lurid remarks and whiplash-inducing hot to cold, cold-to-hot behaviour. When he is flirting with my character, I blush intensely. It is, as he would say, delicious. Would have been satisfied with only this. But knowing that I get so much, in terms of character arc and depth, makes me appreciate the entire game and the developers infinitely more. The fact that he breaks up with Tav if they treat him like a boy toy, makes me so proud of him. It really drives home his theme of self-respect. It's kind of ballsy of the devs, to comment so harshly on the player’s in-game choices. Is it not always a good thing, but in this case I'm all for it. I just want my beautiful man to thrive!
First, love this. Amazing. So many people in the comments here have already said it better than I could. Second, can we talk about Gale? The dude has some seriously dangerous behavior going on, and I'm not talking about the orb. The guy cannot take "no" for an answer. He's a "nice guy" and I am dying for someone to shine a light on all his darkness.
Thank you for your kind words, i definetly put it on my to do list! Honestly I didn't expect so much positive feedback when I did this, and i'm glad people like you write encouraging comments like this! Thank you! 🙏
the thing about Astarion is that a lot of his judgement is faulty: and i am not talking about his morals, but about how cruel he can be to reach self preservation. he can kill PC and don't think much of it, he can manipulate others, while despising manipulation that he went thru when he was a slave. it's like... yeah he is traumatized, but not everything he does can be explained and excused with trauma. i feel like this is why different people see Astarion so differently: for some he is a relatable trauma survivor, who feel for him, for others he is doing inexcusable stuff, because they rather relate to his victims, so they hate him. and it's kinda... both are true guys. oh and the fact that a lot of fandom analysis of characters sadly boils down to "is this character bad\good and if they are bad are they redeemable?", which makes the convo between the two camps so complicated. god forbid a character being simply interesting anyway, feeling mad vriska discourse vibes
I hated him up until he began opening up alot more in act 2 while playing with my husband last year. I felt as if I was seeing myself but under more dire and callous circumstances to the point I cried a few times in my free time when the hubby was off working in a different department at our job. Despite being mtf he made me realize I wasnt the only one and how he was more than gay bait for thirsty white cis women looking for homoeroitc boy toy. At that point i just wanted to hug him and tell him he would be okay even if it wouldnt do much to comfort a character like him.
He does rub the wrong way when you meet him. I think maybe that turns people off right away. I mean he tried to kill you right off the bat when you went to help him with the thing he *cornered*. I am glad there are some who gave him a chance and let his character evolve. It is honestly refreshing after all the complaints about him.
I'm *never* sure what to think of this character 😅 I think that's the point in a way? I have some info to put out there though that I'm not sure people talk about as much when mentioning Astarion's personality; I think it was leaked in early access that Astarion was a corrupt magistrate back before he got turned, and I saw people talking about it online. Anything in early access though I think should not be taken as canon (unless it also happened in the full game), so this means that leak is debunked (in a way). However, now that the full game is out, we can take stuff as canon, and Astarion actually confirms that he was a magistrate in Baldur's Gate when asked about himself (before the obvious reveal lol!). Furthermore, in the deluxe dlc package, there are character sheets given to you, as well as a bunch of other cool concept art and descriptions! In Astarion's description, one of the first things it says about him is that he was a corrupt elite in Baldur's Gate. So, in conclusion, he was corrupt even before he went through all that nasty stuff?? I love his character of course! but now, knowing this and knowing it is likely canon, it makes it harder to *like* him, knowing he was not a good person even before all this. He can be redeemed of course, in act 3 after his quest, he's a completely different person; ascended or un-ascended, but I'd be lying if this info didn't make me like him less regardless. I also personally have a bit of a neurodivergent issue with only being able to see anyone in a good or bad light, and not in a more... grey light 😅 so I think this is a big part of why I have a problem with this, but, please let me know what you guys think about this info
I think Astarion has a classic case of C-PTSD (or Complex PTSD, it's often found in children from abusive homes or environments. Considering the whole "family" atmosphere of Cazador and his spawns, this seems to fit). In C-PSTD, you get stuck in one of the four trauma responses (Fight, Flight, Freeze or Fawn) and then you replay them throughout your life and on a daily basis.
To survive Cazador, Astraion couldn't Fight him, he couldn't Flee from him, he couldn't hide (Freeze) from him, so he had to do the one thing that would keep him alive: Fawn. Fawning shows up as doing whatever you think the other person will approve of. How did Cazador approve of him? By seducing and luring all those people.
How does Astarion present himself to you in game? By seducing you to get on your good side so you don't turn on him. He's been in Fawn mode since the very beginning. Even him Ascending, becoming like Cazador himself, is a sort of Fawn response. Emulating the abuser because sometimes that's the only way to be safe. Power has always represented safety to Astarion. But easing him out of that Fawn response by showing him that he's safe with the player character, shows him that power isn't the only way to be safe.
Thank you for making this video, you've validated what I've been thinking :)
(edited for clarity)
omg I couldn't have put this better myself and would give you 10000 likes on this comment if I could!!!
I keep saying his behaviour makes perfect sense, his every word, every action makes perfect sense...everyone who hates on him should read this!! thank you
Very interesting, thanks 😊
I'm pretty sure Astarion was an adult when he was turned as he mentioned being a magistrate before he was turned
@@queenidragon4489in human years, yes, but considering elven lifespan he was very young. take Halsin, i think he was 300 years old and barely looked 35.
@@asmalltalk but I don't see how an elf child could be in such a position of power unless the elfs think children belong in politics
people who say he's a manipulative asshole and kill him as soon as they can are the most boring (and not very bright) individuals. the reson why so many people adore Astarion is because we see the change in him throughout the game. he lets us in to see his softer side, but also his trauma (which, sadly, many of us can relate to). you realize that him speaking so highly of himself is just a facade and he actually absolutely hates himself, and wants someone to see him for who he is not just what he looks like. he's beautifully written, multidimensional and very relatable. that's why people love him so much.
*reason
I really hate it when a vampire tortures me and carves hell runes into my back. Very relatable indeed
Exactly. Minor spoilers..
I saw someone say the way he acted after he kills you when feeding on you made them hate him. If you accidentally kill him in the creche by taking the mace and revive him, he has a similar reaction. That's just.. legitimately how he copes with death, even his own. 🤷♀️
I don't hate people who experience their trauma differently than me. Sometimes I have to stay away for my own mental health, but I couldn't hate them for it.
@@bruhed1117if you've never experienced trauma, that's fine, but please don't mock us for it.
@@amandasunshine2 not mocking trauma within of itself, I’m mocking people saying that they can relate to astarion despite the fact that his life was literally torture as an indentured slave to a sadistic vampire for 100 years
I adore Astarion. Not just because of Neil Newbon’s fantastic performance but a part of his overall story of trauma was written very well. While his arc resolved faster then it would in real life it was well paced for media.
Neil Newbon has a Twitch and UA-cam channels where he plays Baldur's gate 3 and tries to romance Astarion. It's a delight to watch: he is very funny and does Astarion voice a lot, which is always a plus. Highly recommended.
@@tanchelka11 oh I know. He’s pure chaos and drive his writer friend Tom up the wall
Astarion is example how people deal with trauma. It is really in your face, he was controlled, in every way abused...this is why he acts the way he acts. Know from my personal life. If someone does not see it, they are lucky. All characters are deep actually, you can even see it more if you play as them and other gameplay where they are companion. I just love him and want him to heal
ikr! I fell in love with all of the characters. Every companion. I remember hating Lae'zel in the beginning and now? jesus...
All of them are so interesting, I plan to play with all origin characters too to get to know their perspective more@@ArsinoMeteor
@@ArsinoMeteor Lae'zel is an excellent character study for people being born/growing up in dictatorships. Much of what she says reminds me of the rhetoric people who were young when my country went through one in the 70's still say to this day, they are quite literally brainwashed. Like she is/was. It's dreadful.
I found Astarion's story deeply moving and personal. Looking at Astarion is like looking in a mirror for me. Never before have I seen any form of media portray trauma from SA in a way that felt as personal and real to my own experiences as I saw in Astarion's. Astarion's lines perfectly reflect how I've felt for so many years but I just never had the words for it. I felt really seen and validated by it. Romancing Astarion gave me the unique opportunity to look at myself in a new light, see myself from the outside, and as the player character, help myself by helping Astarion through the game. As silly as it sounds, this really did help me heal. I don't think I would have had this experience if Astarion didn't exist in the way he does.
I think media is finally ready to tell stories like this. Lae'zel's character arc is similar -- recovering from the trauma of her upbringing. Critical Role's new project Candela Obscura is a way to tell horror stories that allow for hope and success despite trauma. It's a shame that is so new, but at least it's finally here. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw a lot more of this in the next 10 years.
I really enjoyed the part where Astarion finally “broke” in a way and said “I can’t sleep with you anymore because I don’t think I actually want to”, but still acknowledged that he wanted to be with you, but didn’t know how to be with a person in any way other than sexually.
You see that in his response when you chose either “show him your mind” or “hug him” options - in that he is startled that you actually genuinely care about him and how he feels (and not just how he can make you feel), and also that you are okay with changing the dynamics of your relationship to not include sex (until he is ready again).
I think he is also still learning that there are different kinds of intimacy, and that while he does not like sexual intimacy, he does enjoy other types of intimacy - ie he enjoys physical intimacy like hugging and kissing, or emotional intimacy like being able to be vulnerable with feelings.
I understand him because it took me a long time and a lot of sleeping with people/partners just because it was what was “expected of me” or because I thought that was “normal” to not enjoy it at all, but then I realised I didn’t actually enjoy sex and I hated faking everything. So now I don’t sleep with people until I actually want to, and I got a lot of crap about “being a prude” or “being frigid”, so it’s nice to see a video game character being able to say “no thanks” to sex and have it being respected (or consequences if you push him into doing it anyway).
@@elenalizabethoh w o w this made me feel some things. Definitely gonna do this playthrough next, o o f
@@elenalizabeth I've had a very similar experience. I really like how in Astarion's confession scene in act 2, you have the option to say to him "We can be together without sleeping together, for as long as you need". I really wish there had been someone to say that to me in my life. This game gives you the opportunity to be that person for yourself though, and that means the world to me.
Astarion’s story is that of an SA survivor. A lot of his behavior stems from the abuse he suffered under Cazador. Personally, I love that they showed how Astarion’s use of sex and how he hyper sexualized himself as a tool for survival but also showing the disgust in himself for doing that to himself hit home. A lot of SA survivors tend to have the polar opposite reactions between restraining themselves from being sexually intimate with others for fear of being put into a situation that made them powerless vs putting themselves in sexual situations because since they have been hurt, at least this way, can’t get hurt again. Both go into the unhealthy obsession.
Larian did a fantastic job with the show don’t tell when it comes to the companions and their struggles. From Lae’zell’ self discovery of how to make a truly significant mark for her people, Shadowheart dealing with growing up in a cult and brainwashed, Karlach’s mortality (can be seen as someone who has their life flipped around after being told that they have a terminal illness), to Astarion dealing with the aftermath of abuse. They touched on heavy subjects and handled them very well, both the positive and negative outcomes. And that isn’t an easy thing to do.
amazingly put.. Astarion, Lae’zel, and Shadowheart are my favourite. with the first two you get what you get when you don’t care enough to see what’s underneath. especially Astarion. Larian did it masterfully.. everything Astarion says or does makes sense.. those who say he’s immature - well first off, he was pretty young for an elf when he died.. second of all, I wonder how these people would behave after years long mental and physical torture. he’s developed the best coping mechanism he could considering the circumstances.
the fact that he makes you “work for it” is all the more rewarding at the end (as romanced).
This is actually the direction i wanted to go about in the first place but then my bravery left me and i've put it aside for another time. I'm glad to see someone else noticing this! Actually gives me a lot of courage. 💜🙏
@@asmalltalk also thirdly, you can get mentally stuck at the age when the trauma happened. So in all honestly, no wonder Astarion comes of as "immature" to some. And yes, most definetly rewarding!
@@justan_owl someone has called him an unapologetically evil sociopath...and I wanted to punch a wall when I read that. that's literal SA survivor slander.
going through abuse can trigger sociopathic tendencies at a young age and he WAS young. there's NOTHING unapologetic about the way he behaves and NOTHING evil when you as a player recognise how the trauma has shaped him. he has every right to be the way he is and if he's being a dick to you, that's on you because you did something wrong that set him off.
I'm not going to pretend I didn't buy this game because of him because I did. he's designed beautifully and Neil's voice is *chef's kiss* ..I came for the fun originally and stayed for the feels and the depth. I didn't expect to feel so strongly about in-game character after all my faves like Alistair, Cullen, Fenris, and Thane... Astarion honestly takes the top spot for the best character in any game of this genre.
@@justan_owl Astarion’s story line is a very sensitive subject that UA-cam can easily get freaked out by.
I love how his story is one where he can overcome the cycle of abuse and how he actively is trying to move past it, or how he can fall from grace and continue the cycle of abuse, only becoming a bigger monster than what Cazador ever could be.
I’m playing a good play through romancing Astarion. And when I had the final showdown with Cazador, there’s an insight check where if you pass it, you, as the player, recognize that he is terrified. His hunger for power is that born of being powerless to protect himself.
Telling him that’s he’s better than Cazador and how this is not the power that he thinks it is snaps him out of it. And when you talk to him afterwards, you have the option to basically tell him that he is enough as he is. Which, as an SA survivor, that means the world. Being told that despite everything that has happened, everything taken from you, you are still enough. And based off the letters, entries, and some of the NPCs, it sounds as though Astarion was never felt, while in Cazador’s “care” that he was never made to feel like he was good enough.
It was beautifully written and VA’d.
His probably the best character to drag along. Especially his overly honest expressive reaction when you do things, be they approve or disapprove. Also when he actually stops being goofy and gives an honest reply like regarding how succubus/incubus uses PC character.
Yes, his completely blunt honestly is one of his favourite character traits for me honestly! 💜
Just like how ppl had shallow reasons to hate him on site, I had shallow reasons for liking him. For being another pretty boy vampire so of course he already won my heart.
And then the layers started peeling, when he opened up about Cazador abusing him.
Because that was me too.
I was molested when I was a teen girl in a foster home.
When me and my sister got placed in another one, I was thrown down the stairs and just basically beaten up by one of the foster brothers and their mom didn't anything to help me.
My sister looked the other way, she's only a couple of years older than me so I don't blame her, I couldn't blame her.
Where Astarion doesn't like helping because no one helped him, I still tried despite never getting anything in return.
Because I didn't know how to say no.
I didn't know how to put myself first.
Until fairly recently when I found really great friends, and my partner that has the biggest heart in the world.
It was slow and honestly I'm still til this day, learning to be just a little selfish :>
I am glad you are at a better place with amazing friends and a great partner. Please continue to be just that little selfish, I know it can be hard sometimes but it will be worth it 100%! All the love! 💜💜
@@justan_owl aaa thank you so much! all the love and many more to you too~
Good on you for healing!
It is also so, so beautiful to see him come out of his shell. I think one of the more wonderful scenes (besides the last one of course) is the one where he confesses about trying to use you. He tries very hard in the beginning to make light of it but as he goes on he can't not be honest with you because (as he says later on, another lovely scene) _you're you_ . The one person who showed him kindness, and consistently to boot! And it goes aaaaaall the way back to how every single other party member threatens to *KILL HIM* if he were to try biting them. Anyway, as he goes on and tells you that you _deserve_ something real and aaahh!!! Gaaahh!!! He is aware he is broken, but he wants to try to give you something genuine. He is willing to put in the effort to be better for you. Because you deserve it. There is no other person deserving of his trust and *affection*, other than _you_ . Honestly I don't know how I'm not bald already because he makes me want to rip my hair out. He is so, so sweet deep down, and I love that we get to see the beginnings of that at the end of the game, even if he still likes being a snarky bastard sometimes for the fun of it.
I don't even know if this comment makes any sense TLDR i love him to bits, ok? lmao
this is exactly how I feel.. I've never been so invested in a video game character!!!!!!!!! ((everything you said is on my long list of reasons why not to ascend him: romantic and emotional column lol))
TLDR it makes a lot of sense, doing great! Also (from a trauma survivor myself, hii) it is SCARY as hell when someone shows kindness of you and you cannot help but to mistrust it in the beginning. So i'm telling you Astarion slowly warming up to Tav and becoming softer as time goes on, aaah it hits me right in the feels!!!
@@justan_owlit’s so well done, honestly. even though I haven’t been through anything Iike many others who can empathize with his story on a personal level, it is very obvious to me how delicately the writers created his narrative. it’s not just some bad boy playboy or 50 shades of grey BS. it’s raw, realistic. he’s an absolutely amazing character..❤
I actually don't think Astarion has as much charm or charisma as we think. Its kind of a meme that he has 10 charisma but it makes sense to me. You can mask a lot of personality flaws by forwardness and confidence. It makes him all the more polarizing as people find that behavior either endearing or off-putting. Because I couldnt take a single one of his flirtatious lines seriously. Hes so corny. But more often he's genuinely funny, likely as a coping mechanism.
you can even catch him rehearsing his comedy if you click on him too much lol
Exactly! Astarion lies so much but he's so bad at it. That's actually what got me so interested in him back when I first played. I knew he's lying and pretending so much and couldn't wait to find out why. 10/10 writing, directing and acting
Exactly! :D
The first time he starts letting the mask of the rake slip is when he let's you in on the "joke" of his best lines on you. He let's you see it is an act.
I think he does, though, in a backwards sort of way--if you look at his actual skills, he gets a +5 bonus on both persuasion and deception, so he gets decent buffs on all speech rolls besides Intimidation. He delivers his lines with such theatrical, over exaggerated flair that you can't take them seriously and I don't think he really intends you to. He readily admits to using lines on Tav and doesn't seem remotely surprised when they call him on it. Imo, there's a layer of self-aware irony to his delivery of those flirty lines. He's not trying to make Tav swoon per se, he's trying to make them laugh. He's figuratively winking and trying to make them feel like they're in on the joke, that he's just silly and frivolous, because that makes him seem less calculating.
When you meet his "brother" Petras in Act 3, he also uses the same lines, nearly word for word, but they hit different. He comes across as very sleazy, because he delivers the lines in a tone that suggests he truly thinks he's being smooth. Imo Astarion doesn't, he's over the top and he knows it and he wants Tav to know it too. Astarion hides his manipulation behind a projection of a goofy rake that nobody takes seriously, and that's why he's a good manipulator.
I cant remember when but you can read his thoughts at one point and learn he is in a constant state of terror and panic, is afraid of everyone, which makes sense considered he was taken by cazador at 39, when he was still basically an elven tween. Spent 200 years a slave, and has JUST broken free ( or as free as the worm makes him).
omfg that's even sadder. Poor dude was barely legal by elf estimations T^T
People who say Astarion is a shitty character dont know shit. He is very well written and his character art is amazing ❤
So random fact about me (for which i need a lot of bravery): A year ago I've suffered from mutism and could not speak anymore. Even now I still have little stutters in moment of distress or nervousness. So if you notice them in this video, that is the reason.. I also have a bad cold at the moment so my voice doesn't like me either. Still, no Astarion slander in this house, I can say with 100% certainty that his story is one i resonate with a lot. I hope this video isn't too serious or at the very least a bit interesting, thank you! 💜Might also honestly remake this at some point as i didn't have the time I wanted for writing this video and am very unsure of this style of video in combination with well...me. 😅
I suffered from mutism when I was a kid. I feel you.
🤝
@@insufferableanarchist Oh damn, i feel you as well. That oddly makes me feel a much better, too! Thanks. 💜
You're brave as all hecc for doing what you do! The vid is solid, the stutters are far and few between and not distracting. Awesome work :D
@@Warrior_of_Symbolica Shut up i'm not crying you are. Thank you, your too sweet! I'm trying to get more comfortable with the idea of talking on my videos and it's people like you that encourage me to try it again! 💜💜
Thank you for bringing attention to this. I am still trying to heal from the trauma that my parents caused and it’s not easy. I am almost 50 and still struggling. Both my parents were controlling and used emotional blackmail.
Everyone jokes that "i can fix him" but really he fixes me.
the perfect "not-perfect-victim".
i love him, especially when he breaks the cycle.
as a person with C-PTSD and a survivor of a.... obviously not the same but quite similar situation to Astarion's... I had to legit stop playing a couple different times because I saw myself in his character in a way I hadn't been prepared for. it's saddening to know people dislike him for traits that many people with this condition carry.
for real there were moments where i'd be playing and astarion would do or say something and i would be like "astarion you can't just blah blah blah" and then i would sit there for a moment and think about how i have such similar struggles and how i could literally be saying the same thing to myself. its interesting to examine how you as the player treat him when you yourself are very very similar, makes you reconsider self talk, self blame, etc in a very self-empathetic way i guess
I like how in the end they didn't do the stupid "i can be better than him, so ill spare his life". No Cazador had it coming, in fact i cant think of anyone in baldurs gate exept for Orin and gortash who deserve to be swiss cheesed.
Listen the comeuppance to Cazador gives me life. It is so satisfying!
@@justan_owl Cazador had it coming l, just like that dog abusing lady outside the city. Astarion sobbing that it's finally over is a great moment in the game.
Exactly! There's literally no reason to leave him alive.
Totally agree. I appreciate that they actually gave Astarion (And in a way those of us who could unfortunately relate to him) catharsis. That was a level of pure anger and screaming and violence enacted on an abuser that is only acceptable to do in media and it felt good. I never even got the chance to yell at my abuser, they died before I was able to come to terms with how they hurt me, so seeing someone who mirrored me in a game not just get to speak their mind but stab their abuser 14 times (Yes I counted) felt GOOD.
I’m glad you pointed out his age and how he technically was a child when he was turned, it explains his almost childish behavior and his reactions to everything post-trauma
Yes exactly! I can also understand that people think he's childish but with good reason...
I have to add in that Astarion's PTSD is actually pictured in certain moments in the game.
In hus final quest at Cazador's place he can get a debuff (-1 in all skillchecks), because of his trauma.
When you do an insight check before the big choice (only provided with enough approval) you see how much the place is triggering him.
Then there is his loud outrages sometimes. "200 years of shit, OF PURE SHIT!"
You get to hear some of the cruelties Cazador did to him. One being the very start of turning into a vampire. He denys the astral tadpole because he very much fears of becoming a mind flayer another monster and the physical pain that comes with that transformation.
There are also more hints in his origin story, where you play as him.
But thank you for this video. I saw plenty of peopke in social media denying him from the start, but very quick to judge him. I would at least give him a chance once. After that you gave a bigger picture to judge him.
(At the point where i did the video I haven't been to Cazador's place yet so that's probably why I missed it) I will definetly put this one on my list for a part 2, like goddamn I missed so much stuff. 😂😅
Absolutely, love this video and the topic. Astarion is the poster boy for c-PTSD, no doubt, and it's sad just how much hate he gets. I have friends that absolutely loathe him and they refer to that "if you like Astarion, you need therapy" meme a lot. But I guess on the bright side, when I put forward a normal side and feel bad about it because it feels like I'm being dishonest, I don't have to feel that way because Astarion is proof that people could not deal with it.
I thought your voice was just fine and the video was lovely. Glad that you were able to recover from mutism, hope you get well soon as well.
You're right, masking ourselves is the right course of action in many situations. I have had my trust betrayed by people who could not handle my own backstory and it really hurts to be rejected like that. Astarion makes a good filter for these people.
@@mothdust1634 Absolutely, you're so right! I'm sorry that happened to you, know what it's like all too well.
I have CPTSD and i am a SA survivor. I grew up like Astarion lived in his first decade of slavery. I went through everything he describes, not in the same way because I am not an immortal vampire, but to the extent that the things he narrates become personal to me and the similarities in our stories.
To see the hatred towards Astarion's initial personality is to see the same hatred I had towards everything I experienced in my early years of recovery. I, too, manipulated and used my body to ensure protection and safety, yet no one saw beyond that. My fears, my night terrors, how scared I was of everyone around me and the fear of being abused again. The fear I had of not having any place to call 'home' or anyone with whom I felt safe enough to be my authentic self.
I started playing BG3 just because of Astarion and how physically attractive he is, but ended up crying when I saw myself in him. I don't know what Larian did, but they portrayed a survivor of abuse very well in their narrative. Helping Astarion overcome his trauma was the last thing I needed to close my own cycle. Hearing him say, 'Thank you for helping me become who you saw in me,' carries more weight than I expected. Every time I need to remember to have compassion for myself, I think of those words. I wish more people could see beyond Astarion's personality, as his character arc is one of the most beautiful in the game.
I relate so much to Astarion. My parents, well-meaning as they were, were often very controlling in my life. I often didn't feel safe opening up to them because I was afraid they wouldn't take it well. They helicoptered over me to the point where I was afraid to say no, I was afraid to do anything they wouldn't approve of, and I was afraid that if I told them about problems I faced due to my own mistakes they would use that as further justification for restricting and controlling me.
When I'd gotten involved in an abusive relationship in high school, I was afraid to tell my parents about it. I thought I had to suffer in silence. I was sexually abused, put into uncomfortable situations, and made to feel subservient. I tried setting boundaries, at first, but he didn't listen. Whatever he wanted, he took. And I was afraid to say no. I knew I had to get out of the relationship, but I didn't know how. I didn't feel safe going to my parents about it. It took me 3 years to finally work up the courage to break up with him, and even then I had to do it over Facebook Messenger because I was afraid of what he would do to me if I did it in person. I spent the next few years avoiding him at all costs. Every time I went to church, I'd look for where he was sitting just so I could sit as far away from him as possible. Every time I walked the dogs, I'd always check over my shoulder to make sure I wasn't being followed. And I was very hesitant to form new connections because I was afraid of getting hurt again.
A few months before I started college, I decided I needed some therapy to help me overcome the trauma of my experiences. I needed to learn to trust again, but I knew I'd need professional help if I was going to overcome my fear. So I got myself into therapy, and started learning coping skills, how to set healthy boundaries, and most importantly how to say no.
When I went off to college, I did end up meeting someone new. I knew right off the back that he was attracted to me, but I wasn't really into him the same way. But he seemed like a nice person from what I could tell, so when he asked me on a date, I decided to take a risk and say yes. I told him right off the bat that I wasn't ready for a committed relationship, and he said the same. But as we got to know each other, we started opening up to each other about our pasts. I learned that he'd been through trauma of his own, and so I made it my mission to help him heal as much as I knew how.
About a month later, he asked if I wanted to try out a steady relationship. I was still trying to heal from my own trauma, but I knew the only way to truly heal was to start taking risks. So I said yes, but only if we could take it slow. He said we could take things as slow as I needed. So we started going steady. Every time I set a boundary, he respected it. Every time we took things a step further, he'd check in with me to make sure I felt comfortable with it first. Every time I asked if we could slow things down, he slowed things down. He was there for me during my panic attacks, he was always willing to listen if I needed to rant, and he would apologize immediately if he accidentally triggered a bad memory. Whenever he needed to rant, I was there for him too. I went to a funeral with him when one of his relatives passed away. He stood by my hospital bed when I had to go to the ER. We were honest with each other whenever there were concerns. Looking back, I can say that we both helped each other to heal. Because of him, I learned how to trust again. Because of me, he learned to become more confident in himself. I don't know if this relationship will last much longer, as we're discovering that we want different things that may be incompatible. But I can say with a certainty that we've been good for each other.
As I see Astarion's character, I see myself. His good arc is similar to the journey towards healing that I've taken. It really goes to show the difference it makes when you have someone who's willing to respect you for who you are, to respect your boundaries, and to support you through your struggles.
Astarions reaction to being free is like letting a toddler loose into a toy store, they dont know what they're doing but they're definitely going to take everything off the shelf and press every button until theres a cacophony of noise emanating from every corner of the store.
Astarion is not 'better than you think', he is just THE BEST CHARACTER OF BALDUR'S GATE 3. His storyline has the grimmest, darkest and most meaningful character growth, and the romance part is just incredibly interesting in terms of 'How the fuck do you heal from so much abuse ?'
The answer is : 'Trust and Consent'. And isn't that such a goddamn part of what Astarion's been robbed of during TWO WHOLE CENTURIES. This guy's been under : mental, physical, psychological torture, humiliation, sex abuse, identity erasure, starvation, been carved in with a dagger and flayed and potentially other horrors, hold captive an ENTIRE year buried in the ground with (must I remember) vampire thirst (how did he stay sane after that), and forced to become a monster luring people to their certain death to potentially avoid punishment, so a completely unstable environment. He's been broken and reshaped and crushed with absolutely no possibility to think, act or feel for himself, for 200 YEARS. And let's not forget he was basically a child when he was turned. Elves are considered adult when a century old, he was 30 ! Yes he had 30 years of experience, for humans that's a 1/3 of their life span, but for an elf ? That's their childhood !
What's fascinating about Astarion, is how rash and witty he can be, but he doesn't KNOW how to say no. He's been mind fucked long enough that this is his default mode : do as he's told or he WILL suffer. He is just terrified that suddenly he's free, suddendly his fucking Master doesn't have any hold on him, he's freed from almost all vampiric curses except the thirst and the mirror. Do you even imagine that he doesn't know how he even looks like ? Being so confident about his looks and all, but he has to rely on the other people's reactions and approval to have somewhat a sense of identity. People tell him he is beautiful, and he has to beleive them, completely. What he wanted was a protector, because somehow it was Cazador that filled this role. He wants to useful so he is not discarded because that's what Cazador would do, he was so behind his back that even his own choices weren't his to feel, and he fucked lights out when he gets intimate with someone, even if they want to !
What I love about his romance, is that we fall to his charms, he is gorgeous, and yeah, his sweet promises are obvious, but damn why not indulge. And then you hear about the trauma, but it's hidden under his sassy and petty facade, and you get to know him, and he confesses that he was manipulating you into fighting for him but he fell for you. And so, you were in for the sex, and the closer you get to him, the less you do because it's much deeper than that. That's the unique part of this romance, each character gets more intimate, but for him it's opposite. That's awesome, Larian need to give a raise to the narrative team. And Neil's voice acting
I don't understand how you can hate Astarion. Yes, he may be a little arrogant at first, but if you continue with his story you quickly realize that he's a great, but complex character. Plus I love his comments while exploring with him in the party xD
I also want to say that the video is great and more like it would be most welcome! And your voice is sooo nice ^^
Yes, his comments and interactions with other characters are one of my favourites as well. 💜
Also thank you for the compliment, I'm really shy about speaking on camera so this means a lot! 🥹
He just sets off so many red flags for me on initially meeting him and the later events. Bae'zel was raised in a theocratic fascist state. Astarion is just a brat.
Pretty easily. He is a vampire.
@@himedo1512 And Shadowheart is a Sharran, Lae'Zel is a murderous frog lady, Karlach a barbarian with an infernal engine that participated in the Blood War.
But you don't have a problem with them, don't you? Or maybe you just dislike every character in the game, idk
I personally an tired of emo boys with sad back stories how many angsty sullen prickly himbos have to exist the only more often used character type is the angsty gruff loner who doesn't want to help anyone forced into doing so.
i love the way he articulate his discomfort (like saying that being with someone still feels tainted to him). It makes me feel understood
also great analysis to his character!
I've still yet to play BG3, but I've been following the development on and off for about two years, ever since I got recommended a video of Astarion. We got a pretty clear image of Cazador's abuse during EA and one line that really stuck out to me when Astarion reveals that he lied about having a "enticing" dream when he dreamt about Cazador. If the player implies that they might have slept together, Astarion becomes enraged and threatens to k*ll you if you disrespect him again. That's when I knew his story had huge potential and I'm glad to say the writers delivered.
I'm so happy you made this video and knowing you overcame muteness makes it even more special ♥️ I resonated so much with Astarion due to trauma in my own life and he is absolutely my favorite character. It's so hard to do playthroughs that don't include him.
You did a beautiful job and I appreciate it ❤
Thank you for the positive words, you're too kind! 💜 I am also glad you enjoyed the video, i was very unsure about uploading this in the first place. 😅
This is such a beautifully written analysis that I think makes it much easier to understand for people who haven't personally experienced trauma before.
It also just perfectly highlights why I find him such a compelling character. Lovely work!
Thank you, I just realised there is a ton I haven't mentioned yet but we'll see ^.^
Definetly one of my favourites as well, probably why I felt the need to explain stuff hehe 😅
Crazy, I just finished his quest line today and it has been the one quest that has really moved me emotionally. The other stuff is great, but his reaction to overcoming Cazador really made me feel so proud of him. I couldn't bring myself to watch the cutscene where he takes Cazador's power for himself, as that would have broken my heart. I had to reload til before the battle to make sure I chose the right dialogue options to persuade him to choose the "good" path. I know he didn't get the perks of being a true vampire, but now I feel his heart is lighter and has a general optimism about life. This game's writing is too dang good.
I can also not bear to let him ascend, it hurts me physically. And from a theatre/film idk how to call it student, the writing in this game is amazing! Like damn, it's been a while since I've seen such a well written and acted out script!
I saw a comment about about Astarions outfit. I think it may have been in a tbskyen visual analysis. They daid that the perfectly done hair and embroidered clothes are his doing. He makes sure he has control over his looks which is probably all he does have control over. I'm not sure on the age i heard that 139 was more likely because he was a magistrate before he was turned. Still really young and has still spent more time "property" then free. Tbh i heard all these conversations around zevran in dragon age and all the edgy bros come out and talk about killing him straight up, etc. Its there loss.
Not about astarion but halsin shows another side of trauma. Halsin was kidnapped when he was young and exploring the world and was chained to a bed in rich lolth hiusehold in the underdark. He only escaped when another lolth house attacked. He talks about healed sa trauma in what is a pretty missable line but it works because he has healed and it isnt stuck in his head like astarion.
you know..... I'm not sure Halsin *has* healed. I think the key point of his character is that he runs from things and doesn't face them until he has an extreme abundance of information. there's a gap between what he says and does because of this. he's verbally *very* forward about sex but in action, you have to complete two entire acts of the game before he actually joins the party and you still have to get a fair ways into act 3 before he'll sleep with you. he has by far the longest time between meeting and romantic options of any companion, which is, again, quite a contrast to what he *says*. you really have to do a lot to prove yourself safe before he'll open up.
he also ignores how fucked up the situation is if you sleep with Haarlep and let the incubus use your body. but Astarion recognizes what's wrong about it. because he got out and when he sees you, he remembers what it was like. Halsin doesn't seem to be able to make that connection, which tells me he *hasn't* gotten out.
@PanEtRosa it's interesting that you said that because I saw a few lines I didn't get before and it does appear there is some trauma but I think he hasn't equated it with sex but loves he loves but he loves with the plan to leave so he always has a fail-safe move. I also read there were going to be some changes to the epilogue and halsins writer tweeted a writing emoji on a tweet about the va's coming back in the studio for new lines. Hopefully there is a teensy bit more resolution for his romance. Plus extra astarion scenes.
@@leighhennessy8212 gods, I really hope there is more development on Halsin. he needs it so bad, 'cause too much of his character right now is just... sex jokes. it got hard to look him in the eye once I realized that... and I *want* to like him.
@PanEtRosa the thing is I do like halsin and his sex positivity but never as a main partner. It works as it currently stands (because I struggle to not romance astarion) but he doesn't have enough in his story to be anything more. I can't really create a lot of characters who would be ok with what's going on. He says all this wonderful things about love but then acts like a fboy who ditches tav at the end of the game without a single word of love. There isn't an arc it's just an unsatisfying end. I think if they changed it to be more like dorian from dai it would be better. Inky lets dorian go to something big (even though I still find mc to create for him hard as well as he is also a bit of an fboy...)
And for Astarion's clothes, reading the descriptions they're all heavily worn and carefully mended, but the embroidery is starting to come undone despite that. He's been clinging to this visual representation of himself and trying to maintain the image of who he was before, but for all his efforts that identity is wearing away over time and the façade unraveling.
Good video, I love character alnalysis videos, and I do think Astarion gets a bad reputation (Also Lae'zel) All the companions have a lot of depth, but it's easy to ignore that and just judge them all at face level when you first meet them, but like... if you do that most of them seem awful.
I look forward to your next videos, whatever you choose to do.
THIS. Astarion and Lae'zel are disliked and misunderstood by many people but it's all those who didn't care enough to dig into what's driving both of their behaviours. I'm always playing a good/neutral character and I was able to get on their good side. neither of them is EVIL and they have very valid reasons for their initial behaviour. Astarion is literally the most physically and mentally traumatized out of ALL of them yet all he does is act chaotic and a bit mean. Lae'zel is simply driven to get rid of the worm cuz who would like to turn into an ugly tentacled brain eater? especially as she was raised in the society that constantly fights against those monsters.
I would be more inclined to be nice to him but I’m playing Dark Urge and him basically calling me a pussy for feeling bad about killing an innocent person in my sleep did not help his case
@@norsethenomad5978 yet I’ve seen countless dialogues where he is sympathetic to your feelings as urge, telling you “don’t become his” and he coaxes you through your spasms when you resisted to kill him (after you refused to kill Isobel). depends really on how you communicate with him.. he is very different once he begins to trust you..
Lae'zel is my homegirl
@@norsethenomad5978I’m playing the dark urge and Astarion has a lot of unique dialogue about understanding what they are going through, more than any other companion.
All the companions are wonderful dives into the beloved clichés of DnD: the bookish wizard, the rage-fueled barbarian, and, of course, the morally ambiguous rogue. But they went the extra, extra mile fleshing them out into full character with their back stories, side quests, and serious dive into how people react when under incredible amounts of stress and pressure. In Astarion's case I am pretty sure that Larian did more than some research into people that suffer abuse, SA, and subsequent PTSD from it. For some reason in the popular imagination people think that sexual abuse survivors are afraid of sex when it's more often the opposite, a way to take back power when the survivor was in a powerless situation; 'I'm going to fuck you before you can fuck me.' Which is Astarion to a T. What I love Larian for as well is giving this exploration backstory to a a male character, stories of men that survive SA are sadly under represented in media and they deserve to have a voice.
This was a beautiful analysis. He absolutely reads as a trauma survivor to me the more you get to know him. And the thing with being a trauma survivor is it’s not the first thing you want anyone to know about when they meet you. You want to be able to put it behind you but it always catches up. This is exactly how Astarion is introduced to us! Only when we get to know him to we start to understand the deep effect his past has had on him.
Thank you! 💜 I feel there is so much I didn't mention but this is 100% true. In Astarion's case it quite literally tries to catch up with him so it hits even deeper (at least for me)!
Wish I could watch this already because it touches on something I find really important. But I haven't yet experienced Astarion's story completely and can't risk spoilers. Will be back!
I honestly did this without much of a plan but if I do it again, you definetly made me include a spoiler warning from now on. Also you're too sweet, thank you!
Hi, I'm a creative writing student and I also love creating characters and worlds. And I've been fascinated by astarion ever since I realized the complexity of his character. He inspires and touches me (how can someone with a little empathy not. And how much you can fall for him if you have great empathy.) He fascinates me like no other figure has for a long time.❤❤
Another analysis would be awesome, your voice is really nice to listen to.
What a lovely character study. It's nice to see someone look past his defense mechanisms to see the trauma that has led to them.
One of my favorite lines from Astarion is one I found recently. If you play Karlach's origin and for whatver reason dont have her engine fixed by spawn Astarion's Act 3 graveyard scene, when Astarion starts talking about living with all life has to offer, you have the option to say something along the lines of, "I really want to be close to you, but I'm too dangerous." Astarion replies, "And here I thought *I* was the dangerous one. But I'm not all that frightening at all, am I?" And then he pauses. "That's... interesting," he considers. "I may even say I like it."
Astarion doesn't WANT to be a scary, powerful, murderous vampire. Not really.
I love spawn Astarion so much. I haven't gone through the same trauma he has; I'm not an SA survivor, and I could never imagine what it's like. But I do have different trauma, and I have decided that I want to break the cycle- no, that I WILL break the cycle- that I've been a part of. And seeing some silly little video game man do it too, seeing him heal and find the goodness he thought was long dead, seeing him become so genuinely sweet once he allows his walls to come down and just the strength that all entails, makes me so proud of him and I just want to give him the biggest hug.
I never expected a video game to go booktok level hard with character development. I haven’t known peace since this game came out. He’s so well written and acted my god
Honestly same. I think about Astarion way more than I should tbh, simply because his story hits so deep (the others as well, no question but his somehow hit me extra hard).
What i really like is the depth of all the characters i've interacted so far. Each and every of them has a story, a past, a future, goals.
I'm one of those silly people who aims for the "golden ending" for everyone. I was legit wasting hours thinking about who to romance from purely the point "who needs this kind of thing the most".
And personal quests? This is absolutely stellar balance between story and gameplay. Story-wise it gives you very alive and interesting characters to be around, resonate with them, help them and see how their personal quests expand the world (being tied to the game's world and main plot, not just exist outside of it, like let's say, Mass Effect had).
And on the gameplay-side you get really good items, lore pieces and fight great fights! Fighting someone like Cazador in his own home to prevent his ascension is one hell of an expirience. Sure, you can cheese it - but you actually *don't want to* because the game is so good.
Not gonna lie, i would pay hundreds of evergreen US $$$ for a first/third person RPG with this kind of characters, of world and of quality game-design, but with real-time action combat. It would be legit my perfect game.
Buy-and-done games like this have an insane proportion of cost to entertainment time. If the industry wasn't in the shitter with games-as-service/microntransaction/just plain awful games that have worse gameplay to 2003 ones (Oh, hi there Starfield) - we would have so much good times with it, and i would be willing to actually pay MORE.
I've noticed something about Astarion and Astarion likers. Most of us know his story well, on a very deep level and more than one of us are often trauma survivors ourselves. I'm sorry the narrower minded can't get it.
People who hate and discard Astarion because of his initial behavior lack media literacy and/or curiosity about the story. Yes, all of them, because it is obvious from the very start that there was more to him than initially shown, more than enough to at least let him (and any companion, really) develop throughout the game before passing judgement. The only way someone could think he's just some shallow, evil asshole is if this is the first piece of media that the person ever consumed in their life.
What I'm saying is, don't get upset. These people are essentially paying the same you did, but choosing to experience a worse story, and it is their loss.
I am so glad you made a video for this! He’s not a simple character, and definitely not just a funny seductive character
I am playing a goody-goody friend-to-all druid and the fact that Astarion doesn't like me breaks my heart.
I know, right? Maybe there is a morally grey middle area? Like...be good sometimes? 🥹
Maybe you could try something like this. Be good but to your own party, say all the nice things to them, support them, take care of them in any way you can . Don’t go out of your way to do evil things to innocents but if anyone or anything threatens your party , make them regret it using any means necessary . Like I have no problem killing Nettie, monsters, the two elves at the ruins, the teiflings that caged Laezarel . I think a bit of evil is ok if they do something to deserve it. If you have to be nice to others, be a bit selfish about it or make another party member talk to the person for you
he will like you even if you're good/neutral. I'll put all under spoiler just in case
* spoiler"
don't be too altruistic like helping everyone the second you meet them - ask for sth in return, use deception/persuasion in dialogues to get what you want.. and silly things like get yourself beaten up by that Loviatar fanatic, find and save the owlbear cub (he loves it). most importantly in act 1 however is TALK to him constantly no matter if he does or doesn't have the exclamation point above his head, prioritize talking to him first and take LOTS of long rests in order to trigger all the scenes with him (like stargazing, mirror, scars). of course the main turning point to earn his trust at the beginning is to let him bite you and do not betray him in front of Gandrel. all of that should give you his two romantic propositions and you should be on very good approval by the end of act 1...if you took the mountain pass way to moonrise important in here is to get Lae'zel out of the gith murder machine and do not give the gith the prism.
in act 2, when you arrive to moonrise and take a long rest - it will trigger that vulnerable confession out of him where you can tell him you care about him and you can hug him-the hug is the best imo.. it's just.. 🥺afterwards, when you meet Raphael and Astarion asks him about his scars, fulfill the deal so that Astarion knows what Cazador is planning. I strongly warn you - do NOT break Yurgir's contract (it's not even worth it, just kill him or make him kill himself when you pass the insight check that the contract is a trick).. if you break the contract, Raphael doesn't reveal what the scars mean and your relationship is ruined. then there are two other moments which help you raise his approval: respect him not willing to bite the vampire fangirl at moonrise & distract apprentice Z'rell with lusts for him (it's hilarious and he approves)..at the end of act 2 all of this should culminate to exceptional approval.. and all that's left is to kill Cazador. he's going to approve of both persuasion options. once again a warning DO NOT tell him right away "no, I'm not going to help you" because he gets angry and permanently leaves after stabbing Cazador to death. you HAVE to coax him out of it, unless you want him to ascend which I don't think it's a good idea if you're playing a goody-goody character. spawn Astarion will be thankful you stopped him and you'll get the most beautiful love confession 🥺
He doesn't like that you wear your heart on your sleeve. He's the complete opposite and preserves himself from others only because he was punished for being vulnerable
@@asmalltalk He also approves of "cheeky" responses, like telling Lae'Zel to "Say Please" when she demands you get her down from the trap she's in or "Baa'ing" at the "sheep" near the Tea House. (you can do it twice and get approval both times)
Your analysis is a well articulated version of the conclusions I made about the character. I know the actual story is different, but I'm role-playing from the perspective of the same Bhaalspawn who went through the events of the first games. From that perspective I can conceive a character who can relate to some of Astarion's reactions. At a young age, she was cast into a life of having to constantly defend yourself from ppl trying to kill her for any number of reasons, having some ppl recoil from her if they find out about her lineage, being captured, tortured, and having her soul removed by a madman. And eventually realizing that she may not ever be able to have a nice, quiet, happy ending.
This is partly why my character doesnt immediately kill Astarion despite recognizing he's a vampire. She's walked a fine line between good and evil both situationally and personally, so she's not the type of person who would make a immediate judgment about someone if they seem to have potential. And as she's prone to help ppl without expectation or reward, she wants to help this guy if she can. This may end up getting herself hurt along the way and she may fail, but I hope she learns that if you encourage someone else's autonomy you have to be prepared to disagree with the conclusions they make or actions they take. Will she end up helping him or having to kill him? She's a paladin so I cant allow him to ascend if that's the path he takes. I already like him enough to hope my character is able to help him understand his own worth and to understand why she has to take some of the actions she will have to take. This could have a tragic outcome or it could turn into something lovely. At this point my character is taking a chance, hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.
Sorry for the long story. I was just insired by your thoughts. Thanks for making this video. 😊
I've loved BG for 20 years and love this entry into the series.
Thank you for this video! Astarion is the best boi and deserves all the love and kindness in the world! 💚
I love Astarion’s story because you get to know him and see more than the front he shows. He’s really well written taking the fact people aren’t black and white but the he has many layers of motivations behind things.
Thank you for this. He's such a beautifully crafted character. Also thanks for the bit of lore about him being turned at 39! I've been doing dummy google searches for weeks now trying to find this information.
This is so well said!! I resonate with him so much ;; Astarion protection squad unite! for real for reeaaaal 👏👏
i was introduced to bg3 and astarion by complete accident through a similar video. "why women love astarion" or something of the like. no idea who he was, wasn't even watching, youtube was on autoplay and I was playing sims. And as i listened to this person, similarly to you peel back his layers, talk of his vulnerabilities and trauams, and so on and so forth.. i became completely immersed. at some point i must've clicked over and saw him because my reaction was akin to "Oh shit he's hot too," Also... I swing both ways but 90% I play for the pink team. That to say, I honestly became immersed in Astarion as a character and his personality and plot before I even saw him, so it's not just because he's hot.
additionally, i too was was sexually abused repeatedly when i was young -- i know how it effects people i know why it mentions him "you didn't seem fully there" after the teifling party. i understand why he sleeps with the drow even after knowing he can say "no" then still ends up "miles away".
I understand why he lies and manipulates, i understand feeling nothing more than the body you are in -- pretty enough to everyone else but to you it feels dirty, tarnished and spoilt. and by god do i know what it feels like -- metaphorically at least -- to feel the sun on your skin once again after so long in the shadows.
I honestly don't know if I have ever felt like this about a character before. I understand astarion and his story and motives intimately -- the good and the bad, the things i'd rather not admit. he is such a poetic, yet raw, visceral story of trauma and the beginnings of healing. those first days when you're free...
And wouldn't you believe it , i haven't even romanced him. him and my character get on well enough but i always choose "maybe you need a friend not a lover" because i get it... then go for shadowheart or karlach instead.
anyways. to so many people his character and his story ring so painfully true. damn near feels like someone you would meet in a therapy support group. anyways, i digress, thanks fro reading. he is so much more than a heart character and that is NOT the only reason for all the astarion love from women.
its because sadly a lot of us relate very heavily too him and watching him begin to heal and become better gives us hope for ourselves. thank you for coming to my ted talk.
I appreciate your lovely & well-put comment. Hope you're doing ok
Thank you for making this video! I am very much an Astarion advocate. Glad to see there are others as well.
To start I was abused as a kid. My mother was very neglectful, and would take her anger out on me. Growing up in the foster care system, I didn't trust anyone and no one seemed to give a shit about me. I was numb and would just go along with things, because I felt like my wants never mattered. So, GOD do I empathize with Astarion!
It's funny, when I first started the game he wasn't a romance option for me in my mind. I was going to sleep with everyone and decide (probably on Karlach) later. I thought that he was arrogant and too uppity! Then I made him *spoiler* the drow... Him coming to my character and telling them that he didn't want to be forced to do something he didn't want to do, I felt so remorseful. I made a new campaign right away and decided that I was going to focus on him. After romancing him, paying attention to his actions, he has not only become my favorite character of the game, he has become one of my favorite characters of all time!
I know it's a game, and as embarrassing as it sounds, Astarion going through all that and still being such a likable person, really gives me hope for myself.
It is not embarrassing at all. I wish you all the best and send all the love! And if Astarion makes you feel hopeful about yourself, then god damn, you deserve all the self love this character can give to you! 💜💜
I'm really sorry you went through all of that and I wish you the best!!!❤🩹
the fact that someone like you can empathize with Astarion is a testament Larian really didn't write some second-hand twilight or 50 shades character or emo himbo. and most importantly didn't mock SA victims.
I can't stand Astarion slander and those who say he's an evil sociopathic dick. play a game however you like but stop spewing hate towards a character whose backstory is important and relatable to many people in real life.
Thank you for this. I was trying to explain to a friend why Astarion is such a lovable/likable character and was doing it poorly so I'm sending her this.
Oh haha, you're too kind! I honestly didn't think I explained it well but here you are proving me wrong. ^^ I hope it helped! 💜
no need to apologize, this is easily one of the best astarion videos i've seen here. ty for making this!
I'm really happy there is such content about BG3
See you in five year when I will finish this game
*Me who also hasn't finished the game but has been bombarded with story spoilers* Uhhhyeah, sure, see you in five years! :D
Kind of off-topic, but this whole situation reminds me of Catra's character in the 2018 reboot of She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. That character is explicitly traumatized, and even though she has an admittedly truncated "redemption" arc, many people ended up condemning her as a toxic character. Of course the intricacies of abuse and trauma are never simple, and the show simply doesn't have enough screen time to fully delve into it. The principal message of your video, about the power of empathy and forgiveness rings very true, in my humble opinion.
I really enjoyed this analysis of one of my favorite companions in this awesome game and would be interested in seeing similar videos on the other companions were you to feel like doing them.
Thank you for the friendly feedback, he is definetly one of my favourite companions as well! 💜Maybe this becomes a series, who knows? :)
If you the player choose to help Astarion become a better being, then the entire game is like Step One of his redemption arc.
i know you did this to show others just how deep Astarions character is but I would love to hear your deep dives on the other main companions.
Umm I might or mit not work on another part so you've been heard. :D
Not only BG3 is truly an amazing game, it also introduced me to many new interesting content creators.
Such as you!
Have a great day!
Haha oh no, you're too sweet! For me it's the same, without Bg3 i would have never met so many lovely people such as you! Hope your day goes amazing as well.
Performance of the Year Baby! Props to Newbon for acting his heart out on this one.
This video makes me feel a lot better about myself. I met Astarion and immediately wrote him off as the gay or female love interest. By the end of act 2 I started to integrate him into my party occasionally, then he became a staple. I share a good bit of trauma with the guy and it's all very similar. In recent years due to trying to change myself to be an adult and be more mature, I am more reclusive, but when I was younger (10-20) I was charismatic, outgoing, and hyper sexual, and as popular as you could ask to be. Mostly I could feel good about myself because locker-room talk among bros glorifies those things, but some friends would absolutely cut me off and hate me for what little I would disclose, mainly cheating. I know, and knew it was wrong, but it all stemmed from a dozen or so traumatic incidents in my youth. I'm not an evil guy, and wasn't then. I just was cavalier, dismissive of criticism, and free. No one understood me though. Friends would reinforce my bad habits by talking me up, and detractors wouldn't give me the time of day to understand what made me think this was okay, or set me down this path. I can and have explained it to a few people I sought to hold close, because I like them as friends, but only once has it gone somewhat well. He still doesn't really like me too much for it, and doesn't wanna go in depth at all. He can juuuuust tolerate me enough to talk every other week for a min or two.
Hey there! Thank you for sharing this, it must have been a brave thing to do! I understand how friends can be a difficult factor in trying to lose old habits but hang in there! You got this! 💜
Thank you for sharing your story. I got a friend that sounds like he could be you. It would have been easy to write him off as a chauvinistic jock with nothing in his head. He was cold and demeaning to me for a good while when I first joined the friend group. But one night he cracked open a little bit, and I am so grateful for the sum of my life choices and experience that allowed me to make him feel welcome. He's one of my best friends now. Watching him "grow", or rather, continue to feel comfortable opening up, is one of the most beautiful things I've experienced in my life.
I wish you the best in your journey.
So many of the characters are dealing with some form of trauma or another. 😢
I think considering and examining that would be a good topic for you to do videos on with the thought and care you put into this one.
He’s a rape torture and abuse survivor. His story was very well written and I love how Neil Newbon has discussed his trauma
Coming back to this video after playing further in the story, and learning more about what Astarion approves/disapproves of, and to what degree.
A lot of his early game approvals that are assholish are things that reinforce the way he has experienced the world during his trauma. Use people, cut them down with wit and sarcasm, but those give very small gains. His disapprovals early game form a pattern of disbelief, and growing resentment that there can be good people out there, with no ulterior motive, who are kind, and help just because they can, and his disapprovals make sense after a later game conversation line "good people had 200 years to save me. No. The mind flayers are the ones who gave me the power to save myself."
His early game approvals and disapprovals from conversations, outside of the emptionally important ones of supporting, protecting, and trusting him specifically, are wholly centered on how your behaviors line up with how he experienced the world during his trauma. If you challenge it by being altruistic, honest and kind, his disapprovals come of as more of "this can't be real, people aren't actually this nice," and his approvals are more of a "this is how the world has always worked, I know how to handle this person."
I wish there was a line, if you're playing as an elf, mentioning just *how young* he was when he was turned, seeing centuries stolen from one of their kind. Just that moment of connection with one of his species again and acknowledging how much of his life and youth were stolen, because yes he may have been grown and mature to humans but that's so young for someone who should have had centuries to live. (I'm playing as a wood elf right now, because I'm not gonna romance him as someone with a shorter lifespan)
Hi,
just wanted to pop in and wanted to tell you that this video got promoted on my recommendations page :D (Whatever that says about me)
Also, that I really liked your video and hope your doing more of them in the future. And, btw, I think you doing a great job. :)
Hi, first of all getting this video recommended doesn't mean you would have to click on it...so i think that says a lot of awesome things about you.
I listened to this video with barely any baulders gate knowledge, but I enjoyed your takes and your voice!
That was a great video, I enjoyed it a lot and had the same thoughts about him. If you could (and want to) make more videos like this I'd gladly watch them. You did a great and very compassionate take, honestly I felt touched and a bit emotinal when you mentioned how trust can be rebuilt (myself being a person with similar problems).
I know this is an older vid, but just in case you’re still reading comments on it, thanks. A well done look at Astarion. Hope you’ll choose to do other long form character essays in the future. I enjoyed this one.
I saw a tip video on how to stop him breaking up with you if you force him to bite the drow and it passed me off soooo much.
I would love character analysis vids. You have a chill voice and the analysis is spot on.
Neil has admitted his is also a survivor. He put a level a depth to his character that a lot of D&D Players put into their characters, myself included.
I think people that dismiss the character arcs are not familiar with D&D Games as a Genre. Those of us who have grown up with this storytelling are very pleased with the way Larian brought our game to life. D&D is as old as I am and predates Video Games, but I have been a fan of the D&D CRPGs since the early days of Pools of Radiance and Curse of the Azure Bonds (Circa 2nd ED or AD&D). AD&D is where Faerun was born.
I must say you did a great job with your analysis :) I have basically the same thoughts about Astarion. Initially, I thought that the most interesting character was Shadowheart and Astarion will be another sassy and charming "bad boy type". I was so wrong.
Taking into consideration that a) our brains, on the most basic level, don't differentiate reality from fantasy and b) fantasy realms are often reflections of processes or events from our real world, that are described in more metaphorical ways, Astarion's story can be very immersive and emotional. In our real life, you could think of him as a victim of human trafficking and different forms of abuse. Moreover, this trope is usually reserved for female characters, so seeing a male protagonist in this situation is something unexpected.
It's quite interesting that ppl consider his behavior as rude and irritating but in the case of Shadowheart, who is also mean and not that compassionate (she is a Shar worshiper) it seems they don't mind.
You are right, that it's not easy to see through Astarion's demeanor, but if the player gives him a chance there are a few important lines that will speak everything about him.
The first one is when he is holding a mirror. If you ask him, what he wants to know, he will respond: " I want to know what the world sees when it looks at me. What do you see?" In this line, he gives you info that he is worried, that the world sees him as something he is not - a monster. That's why he sympathizes with all creatures that the world considers monsters and rejects.
Another most meaningful dialog will be when you talk with him about the possibility of hijacking Cazador's ritual and you will tell him, that power corrupts and it's the duty of the strong to protect the weak. He will get angry then and will tell you that he was a victim of a corrupt man for 200 years and no hero came to save him, it was mind flayers that did it. This is an explanation of why he hates heroes and being heroic just for the sake of being heroic. That's particularly interesting because he is questioning the concept of heroism and pointing out that heroes quite often do heroic stuff for their own ego (or because of naivety) and are unable to see through things (like seeing a monster instead of a victim that needs saving) - this is what Jeahira will tell you later about "them" (people) sharing the stories full of stereotypes and misconceptions.
There are of course other meaningful dialogs like the one with Arja in Moonrise Tower about free will and him not being used. I think I can say that his character arc is the most complex and tragic of all the companions. This scene when he finally has his revenge and weeps after killing Cazador left me speechless and reminds me of Ellie's killing her abuser scene in "The Last of US" series. So emotional and so cathartic.
Btw, as a side thought, it's quite interesting that Gale, who initially appears as a goofy brainiac type but still likable will become way more sinister down the road.
My english is not good enough, but i wanna say something.
You doing greeat job with analysing Astarion personality and you truly undestend then he not just a sweet elf and vampure spawn.
At some point i thought that you were ready to cry because you were feell into his history.
Your english is amazing! Thank you for the kind words! 🙏 And yes, his story is very emotional, agreed!
People who have said those things about him have either never had him as a companion, going with him through his journey, never played his origin character or never seen any of the cut scenes that show he is a hurt, sad, cautious mortal, who was abused every sort of of way for most of his life. He hides all this behind sassiness and sarcasm.
I hate ignorance when it comes to real life issues, and I also hate it when it comes to non-reality. Don’t open your mouth about someone or something unless you have ALL the facts with you.
Amen to that :)
his family is probably still alive, yes? like elves live 700+years or more, so its likely his parents and siblings (if he has any) are still around, as well as grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins etc. he might even have nieces and nephews
i'd like to see a story where he reconnects with his actual family. Maybe Tav can make him to it. i suspect it would help with his healing (if they accept him. rejection could be devastating though so maybe that's why he hasn't pursued it)
I love Astarion. Period.
This was really good! If there is more I would not mind at all!!
Your essay is amazing!!! As a person diagnosed with PTSD AND cPTSD (i got two but they intertwined) - Astarion's character is very accurate. And i never thought about ptsd component before u bring that out, omg!! Astarion my fav character of all times. He reminds me of myself so much and I love him for it, his questline and all the hype around him was surprisingly healing experience for me (exept objectification, but like.. i get it, it`s fun, i feel that way too sometimes lol), i feel like romancing him and all those interactions (i went good way) - felt like an act of self love or something. I feel like i got a bit more space for myself. More connected to myself or something. It scrached an itch i didn`t even knew i had and i couldn`t scratch in my therapy too. I'm also very sensitive to small sad things about him in the game, but i love the realism of it. Like even when u finish his quest, he is still dissociates with drows. And I LOVE that they made like the most hot character ever and made him not about s*x, this is SO COOL, I mean, i want to see ascended scenes, but not ascended Astarion is like the biggest joy ever in fiction for me, such a cool subversion
Thank you for the compliment!! I was so unsure when I uploaded this and now there's this overwhelmingly positive feedback! 💜Additionally, thank you for sharing your story. I am so glad the game helped you get some breathing space and scratched your itch in the right way! It's amazing what this game can do and I 100% agree, I love that they made Astarion quite the opposite of what you think at first glance.
Of course they Miss what may be there.
They are bias and he has many roads he can go.
As you play on thru the different senerios.
He closes himself off, so you can't know who he truly is. Till he finds an opening, to actually let his gaurd down, share truth's he has hidden away thus far, and thru his Sardonic humor, a Tragic figure emerges.
Possibly a Sensitive who has lived blinded as a Creature who cannot see his own image yet what flowery flattery he really dismisses.
I agree with you I thought PTSD as well.
Astarion had me from the start, intrigued.
But not thru arousal like most.
He is more Kindred, his boisterous laughter, doesn't show me that he feels comfortable in situation.
He appears as if he's truly timid, and definitely has no compassion he is alone.
Even the ones he comes to know as his fellow Companion's thru the game.
All are hopelessly lost within they're own narratives.
But to pity them is not available to many.
Astarion is just as fatalistic as the group.
But he is Tragic ever more because he has been forced to take the form of a monster. He jests, boasts and definitely is dangerous.
He will suck you dry if the dice roll is against you.
You can't truly let down your barriers to allow him to take you, where he had taken in so many before.
He wasn't in blinded in the dark when he kidnapped Children for Casadore to hold captive and torture. Even Astarion doesn't have guilt over them, one way or another, or the other Vampire Spawn's that have thought of him as a long lost brother.
Astarion only has contempt, and conciete
He regards the player with not much indifference, as he tries to seek out the answers he needs to achieve ascension.
Over his Sadistic Master. Who needs him, to complete the pathetic ritual right.
But it's up to the player to lead him still on the right path, to a complete redemption, or a complete fall, and loss to a fantastic Character and his Arc.
Astarion, looks perfect as one would see a rare unicorn, his elfin features and incredible beauty is ever used, and taken advantage of, by his relentless Cruel Master.
Taught to only use his love, and affections against everyone, he appears in a moon beam as he seeks out your very limitations, weaknesses, it is not out of selfishness, it is a Predatory instinct.
A protective measure to ensure he is capable of taking anyone over need be.
His defense mechanism as you called it.
But once he settles, you are no longer in danger, of his advancement.
He fits into your Company as much as all the others in your broken band of selfish stirrings.
None better, then the other, all necessary to the further plot.
And depending upon which roads you take them down, differs yet all the same destination, remains, and together face it then lose anyone you have grown fond of, over the course of fighting and journeying ever on. You and your intrepid yet determined Rouge's, follow your lead thru a trust that has grown and become fearless, with an equal tenacious spirit.
However the Dark urge is just that oozing darkened implications as the Butler comes to feed your self satisfaction, and your own blood thirsty path, thru
the tad pole that now offers you powers, if you let it borrow deep into your pink brain.
And destroy it.
If this is your fate, as the selfish player.
Then you have only your selfish pursuits to value for it.
The bell tolls for a blood count.
And ever Darker still, you see your faithful Companion's as the payment for that toll.
It gets darker where a Bard, is trying to give you a Frontal Lobotomy to try and deal with that F***Tad Pole that set up residence in your Cerebellum, with a Dwarven pick aXe, till your eye ball drops to the floor.
Seriously¿?
This was not in the cure brochure.seems as if everyone wants to Cure you of that Tadpole problem, but no one is really helpful.
Reminds me of the bad medicine we have here in our World...
We need a reminder of the bad advisements and bad people who are idiots and the idiots who take said advice to help in aiding nobody.
Lustarion is my favorite Character he's just rife with Complexity.
And you just have to protect him from those who have no clue, that they were not sent to hunt a monster, they were sent to capture a fellow Alie and fellow friend who is desperately in need of trust, and the knowledge that you do have his back as long as he doesn't want your throat anymore.
Thank you, Frustrated with you, people just are so quick to judge, before they know what the whole story is.
Sometimes rumour spreads thicker then understanding and patience.
Astarion is such a Challenge tho well worth it. His predatory nature helps him figure out traps much easier for the group then anyone. His roles are usually 20 out of 15.
He's equally accurate and proficient with bow and blades. He's faithfull, but does wander if you don't position him back during combat. Like a cat he can sneak, around enemies and you can even have him bite your not poisonious foes and.
Later he'll take up conversation with others making them laugh in kind, or lend support and even sage advisement.
So up to you, because tongues wag.
And really think for thy self.
To give a Character as amazing as Astarion is, your the better for it, in your game play. ✨🧝🏻♀️🦄✨🌜✨
And helping him along the way, you gain an Alie you never counted on.
Take the bite, feed him willingly, keep him strong.
But keep a save handy just in case he's starved for your attentions.
Then gradually put up with his cheekiness, and concentrate on other Companion's till he tries to talk with you again. His tale is a sad, and dangerous one. For him, not you. He might joke, he's a lovely sex toy, he's annoying, bold, and flam, or mayhaps so much more. He's also damaged and alone, but he's there for you, need him to be.
Which makes him just as worthy as any in the group you gather. A valuable asset for everyone, along thy treacherous pathe
💥💀✨🌜🦄🧝🏻♀️🌞✨💀💥
But he's worth the perilous adventure you all go on together. And fun.
🤡 I'll F***n kill U...🧛🏼🌞❤️🔥
And if anything, he's Comedy relief.
👩🏻🚀🐶✨🌜✨❤️🩹✨🧝🏻♀️✨❤️🩹🪛
And I'll bet my Tad Pole on it...
Thank ye, Just OWL, for caring, about Astarion, you eloquently put it, in words I have said about him, before, but people are people and you can't shove sense down their throats, only in hope they get it.
You create a Character but the Story isn't about you.
It's about your unique Companions, and how you all work together in a messed up world to help each other get thru the game.
Not about just doing it ** with the Camp.
But helping one another thru the Trauma they are facing or faced.
It's about Comrades in arms to fight thru the horror and gore.
It's about the decisions you make, and the ones thru consequences you take.
Depends on the Stories ending, with everyone relying on you to lead them safely to Camp, and prepared for the following day...
The multi experiences you face with each Character thru your support and need to thrive and survive, your instincts and generosity and Compassion as well as Treasure seeking. And seeking out a fight your team may loose.
The game only tells you what you may have missed, or see only too well.
It warns you of a action you must take depending on what chances you delve.
✨👩🏻🚀🐶✨🧝🏻♀️🦄✨🌜❤️🩹🪛
FINALLY someone who gets it
Absolutely spot on! Thank you for making this.
I think it's more likely that he has CPTSD, due to his lack of understanding how a relationship works and what it is and the fact that in 200 years he didn't just experience one traumatic event, but multiple.
If it was a person who understands d&d and what a high elf is, there's a possibility he's not exactly as old as a normal high elf considering they live for about 200 years. He's been a vampire for 200 years. Who knows how old he technically is chronologically and if his behavior acts immature, there's a possibility he might not be of mentally mature elf before he was turned
❤Thank you for this video. It showed up as the first one in my “for you” YT feed (been watching A LOT of Astarion content😅). He reminds me to a certain degree of Spike from Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Kylo Ren from StarWars and Loki from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (and actually, in my headcanon at least, Loki in the original Norse myths). While very different characters in looks and demeanour, they share the “hiding all my hurt and brokenness behind brash bravado and sarcastic quips, while I'm only really longing for connection on a deep emotional level with someone who can see all of me. But I'm not sure if I deserve it”-vibe. They are all My Favourite Character. ..Don’t make me choose! I'm playing BG3 for the first time now (played BG2 many years ago and loved it). I'm in the Underdark as a Dark Urge female sorcerer trying to resist The Urge, and I'm so delighted and thrilled with Astareon’s lurid remarks and whiplash-inducing hot to cold, cold-to-hot behaviour. When he is flirting with my character, I blush intensely. It is, as he would say, delicious. Would have been satisfied with only this. But knowing that I get so much, in terms of character arc and depth, makes me appreciate the entire game and the developers infinitely more. The fact that he breaks up with Tav if they treat him like a boy toy, makes me so proud of him. It really drives home his theme of self-respect. It's kind of ballsy of the devs, to comment so harshly on the player’s in-game choices. Is it not always a good thing, but in this case I'm all for it. I just want my beautiful man to thrive!
Thanks so much for this video! Great job!!
First, love this. Amazing. So many people in the comments here have already said it better than I could. Second, can we talk about Gale? The dude has some seriously dangerous behavior going on, and I'm not talking about the orb. The guy cannot take "no" for an answer. He's a "nice guy" and I am dying for someone to shine a light on all his darkness.
You are amazing. Just wanted to put it out there :3
the astarion hate is real lol, my bf hates him too but cant even explain why
I'm crying finally someone gets it /lh
I love this analysis and think it is spot on. I'd love to see your analysis of all the companions.
Thank you for your kind words, i definetly put it on my to do list! Honestly I didn't expect so much positive feedback when I did this, and i'm glad people like you write encouraging comments like this! Thank you! 🙏
People really out here calling him a cheater...? What..? This character has so much depth and yes, he's fictional but just.. I'm upset.
the thing about Astarion is that a lot of his judgement is faulty: and i am not talking about his morals, but about how cruel he can be to reach self preservation. he can kill PC and don't think much of it, he can manipulate others, while despising manipulation that he went thru when he was a slave. it's like... yeah he is traumatized, but not everything he does can be explained and excused with trauma. i feel like this is why different people see Astarion so differently: for some he is a relatable trauma survivor, who feel for him, for others he is doing inexcusable stuff, because they rather relate to his victims, so they hate him. and it's kinda... both are true guys.
oh and the fact that a lot of fandom analysis of characters sadly boils down to "is this character bad\good and if they are bad are they redeemable?", which makes the convo between the two camps so complicated. god forbid a character being simply interesting
anyway, feeling mad vriska discourse vibes
I hated him up until he began opening up alot more in act 2 while playing with my husband last year. I felt as if I was seeing myself but under more dire and callous circumstances to the point I cried a few times in my free time when the hubby was off working in a different department at our job. Despite being mtf he made me realize I wasnt the only one and how he was more than gay bait for thirsty white cis women looking for homoeroitc boy toy. At that point i just wanted to hug him and tell him he would be okay even if it wouldnt do much to comfort a character like him.
Please do Shadowheart!
I think everyone think is goes real deep.
He does rub the wrong way when you meet him. I think maybe that turns people off right away. I mean he tried to kill you right off the bat when you went to help him with the thing he *cornered*. I am glad there are some who gave him a chance and let his character evolve. It is honestly refreshing after all the complaints about him.
❤❤❤ amazing
I'm *never* sure what to think of this character 😅 I think that's the point in a way?
I have some info to put out there though that I'm not sure people talk about as much when mentioning Astarion's personality; I think it was leaked in early access that Astarion was a corrupt magistrate back before he got turned, and I saw people talking about it online. Anything in early access though I think should not be taken as canon (unless it also happened in the full game), so this means that leak is debunked (in a way). However, now that the full game is out, we can take stuff as canon, and Astarion actually confirms that he was a magistrate in Baldur's Gate when asked about himself (before the obvious reveal lol!). Furthermore, in the deluxe dlc package, there are character sheets given to you, as well as a bunch of other cool concept art and descriptions! In Astarion's description, one of the first things it says about him is that he was a corrupt elite in Baldur's Gate.
So, in conclusion, he was corrupt even before he went through all that nasty stuff??
I love his character of course! but now, knowing this and knowing it is likely canon, it makes it harder to *like* him, knowing he was not a good person even before all this. He can be redeemed of course, in act 3 after his quest, he's a completely different person; ascended or un-ascended, but I'd be lying if this info didn't make me like him less regardless.
I also personally have a bit of a neurodivergent issue with only being able to see anyone in a good or bad light, and not in a more... grey light 😅 so I think this is a big part of why I have a problem with this, but, please let me know what you guys think about this info