Astarion wants real love - hug scene / Astarion Romance / Baldur's Gate 3

[@fave525]

the way he says "really?" I'M SCREAMING I CAN'T TAKE THIS ANY LONGER

[@olesyativuel]

yeeeea he is sweet boi

[@IBeMelissa]

I know right? Something really triggers my emotions they way he said that

[@rin590]

SAME😭❤️

[@PandaMonium92827]

This is heavy. He's literally conditioned to offer himself to anyone and it's violating when things are that bad. I was a sexual abuse survivor. When I escaped I had to swallow my sexual trauma and be prepared to offer myself to whoever would give me a hot meal and a bed for the night. It took years before I could embrace anyone with integrity. Now I'm celebrating my 3 year anniversary with my husband. I escaped in 2017. Thank you larian for giving us an avenue to talk about this.

[@michellenuur17]

first I'm non an English speaker so sorry for the errors. It is interesting how people can answer to trauma in different ways. I was rape when I was a 4 years old then it happen at 12 again, my answer to this was put a wall between me and everyone even my family, I didn't love them, I didn't fell empathy, I attempt suicide at 8 with rat poison, but my sister save me, I also was left to myself all the time isolated and without food. I hate sex, for me is disgusting and anybody that approachs me make me feel bad, and in danger. So I actually don't like Astarion because he approached my character in a disgusting way, make me hate him,and is ridiculous because is just a game. Today I'm 27 years old and still can even considering to be touch or hug, but I will love to have a family, become a mother. I'm working on this but, I don't know... is hard.

[@dragongirl1230]

I am very sorry to hear about both of your stories. Would y’all be ok if I prayed for you? For recovery and healing and protection against pain

[@michellenuur17]

@@dragongirl1230 thank you that's a beautiful thing, even if I'm not a believer I appreciate it.

[@Nirual]

@@michellenuur17, I’m sorry for what happened to you. It’s absolutely disgusting, but I hope you can heal. I don’t know what you mean by Astarion approaching you in a disgusting. If you’re talking about your character’s first meeting with him, most of the people have that scene with him until Tav makes it clear who she or he is; then the air is cleared. If you’re referring to that attempted bite scene, you can either kill him pr let him explain why he was going to what he was going to do. Depending on which way you go, you will find that Astarion is also a sexual assault victim who dealt with his trauma in different way. You will see that he is hurt, angry and lonely for what happened to him. He starts to change when your player shows him that he’s no longer a victim, no longer a slave and that there are people out there who won’t use him, or think of him in terms of sex. One has to get to know him fully before you judge him. I will say this for any character in the game or for anyone in real life. Anyway, again, I hope and pray for your healing.

[@cerianicaestagnier]

The wide-eyed look of surprise on his face when he gets hugged, like a confused kid, always gets me ㅠㅠ He's adorable

[@mari._.the._.extrovert5674]

Fun fact: When the drow lady asks if Astarion belongs to you and you say "Excuse me? Astarion is his own person" BOTH ASTARION *AND* KARLACH APPROVES That's why i love this game ❤

[@Nirual]

Yeah, that’s one of the reasons why I like it, too. Karlach and Astarion both know what it’s like to not have autonomy. 😢

[@kiwipops]

The "You... you're incredible" makes me tear up every time. The sheer wonder and admiration in his voice. It's so beautiful.

[@jenni5104]

Should've hugged him far longer.

[@KoeniginLogia]

My thoughts exactly!

[@explodingtomahawks7589]

EXACTLY. Like come on, we need at least another 15 seconds or so.

[@angela8533]

It's so interesting to see this version of this convo. For me it started with him wanting to thank him for supporting his agency when he declined to bite the drow. That conversation its actually quite nice too, he's incredibly open and vulnerable about his past trauma, how Cazador used to treat him, how he still struggles with not viewing himself as a slave.

[@liba]

I just got this convo, too. Without spoiling anything, did it allow your romance to continue or should we have had the convo in the video here?

[@angela8533]

@@liba Yep, it began a relationship with him! I believe these are two different versions of the same conversation you can have where ultimately he confesses he's falling for you and wants something more than just sex. Both conversations are very cute and heartfelt

[@liba]

@@angela8533 Thank you so much!

[@KungfuuSchaf]

​@@angela8533I am wondering why these conversations are different because I had the one where he is thanking me as well. What might trigger this confession?

[@RedLilyCat]

​@@KungfuuSchafIt depends on your approval with him and what happens first. The drow scene may trigger first, or this can after act 2. Basically, it's a way for the game to ensure that he talks to you about these things. Another example is you can either get him about to bite you scene first, OR he just straight up tells you he's a vampire. That way, even if the player doesn't speak with the drow or doesn't long rest often, these convos won't be missed out on

[@wiselychangedlater]

This is such a wonderful conversation. He's honest and open about his trauma and how it's causing him to struggle, and there are so many options that are just...support. Care, and understanding, and willingness to be patient and help with whatever he needs to get better. It's beautifully written, leagues ahead of game romances where you "unlock" sex at the highest tier of your relationship. This dialogue is genuine, and realistic, and kind. Absolutely lovely.

[@mykehawke5115]

shadowheart snoring her ahh off at the end did it for me😂

[@ladyselin35]

Let the poor cleric rest. She has her own problems XD

[@Nekrist._.]

This game has managed to convey feelings in a way that some "romance" novel rarely manages to convey.

[@thedeviant1453]

HE HAS MY HEART AND MY SOUL. 🥺🥺🥺😭😭 The purest, sweetest look on his face when you hug him and tell him you care its so unfamilar to him but its exactly what he deserves and needs to hear. All his suffering and he gets to finally experience actual love. There is truly nothing like that feeling. For him its the world coming from someone whos been there for him every step of the way. That is a bond that truly will stand the test of time. Tav and Astarion for eternity 🙌💞

[@cocoamonster1881]

It’s always wyd and never “You deserve something real” 😔

[@furballrage595]

He looked like he wanted the hug to last longer.

[@cassiebarber4669]

You know what would have been better if at the end where you're all sleeping you're bed is empty because you're cuddled up with astarion 🥺

[@primrosett]

I soooo wish they'd make it a thing that your character starts spooning with their love interest when you sleep once they make it offical 😢

[@wasa4403]

Man im a grown ass man and even i got water in my eyes.

[@thearcanamodernau8130]

I actually like this exchange better than the one where he thanks Tav, it feels more instense and organic

[@ManubibiWalsh]

The delivery on “you’re full of surprises, aren’t you” 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺 how is he such a chaotic gremlin and so sweet at the same time aaaaa ❤❤❤

[@marytichelaar7225]

Oh my God your character so pretty! Also I play dragon age 2, and romanced fenris ......... Needless to say I'm a sucker for those boys that have drawn the short stick in life. Plus this character is charismatic as hell. So personally I would love to go for a character like this .

[@peaches5765]

White hair- Check. Escaped slave- Check. Hates his former master- Check. Had scars drawn/caused by former master- check. Pointy ears- Check. Voice blessed by the gods- MEGA CHECK. Yes we love them

[@marytichelaar7225]

@@peaches5765 that's what I'm saying, I'm a sucker for the type of individual, oh yeah and to add to the icing on the cake I also played as a mage, because I'm very much so used to casting spells and throwing things from a distance. But regardless of the fact that he pretty much distrust mages I still had hots for him.

[@marytichelaar7225]

@@peaches5765 also that is a very consecutive checklist.

[@peaches5765]

@@marytichelaar7225 bruhhh i played Mage too :3 My playthroughs are hard coded with enemies to lovers always Poor astarion got teased to death, meanwhile im just an irritating purple hawke to fenris

[@marytichelaar7225]

​@@peaches5765I was physically a mixture, diplomatic, humorous in some and absolutely brutal in other cases. ( Kind of like my personality in real life. But anyways enough of that.) Astarion is officially the first vampire I've ever simped for. And it's just pure coincidence that he's also escaped slave.

[@explodingtomahawks7589]

I love Astarion so much. I haven't played this game yet but he's such a sweetie. He deserves all the hugs.

[@kayaa5359]

The way my heart goes doki doki for these scenes, I'm so ready to get to this part in my playthrough

[@axgelbxnny]

your character is so pretty 🖤

[@olesyativuel]

aww thank you

[@aitanaparrilla]

I would like to see the other answers he gives ! Very dramatic all of this

[@olesyativuel]

Need to restarted and tried different options, I’m curies what he will say if I asked him - so all these nights mean nothing to you?

[@aitanaparrilla]

@@olesyativuel yeees! It was a hard choice ! The other whit the whole “did you ever liked me or was it a lie” gives me so much “you where a target” vibes

[@axgelbxnny]

i want someone to do the first option sooo bad

[@jenni5104]

​@@axgelbxnnyHe looks touched by what you're showing him and then says the same "you're full of surprises" line. Personally, I like the hug better just for the look on his face. I don't think he's ever had an innocent loving touch before.

[@tj3603]

@@olesyativuel he says something along the line "of course they did, that's the problem"

[@theblackkat2164]

Im going to sob, also. I'm going to ignore that fact he might be my type. Eventhough im pretty sure a lot of people have this type too.

[@josephk9992]

Im curious why only his name is in Cyrillic and the rest is English, does the dialogue not get translated in a Cyrillic language based country?

[@Elouise-jc4wt]

Nice hug ❤

[@yepisuredolikecats3979]

(brittany broski voice) YEAAAAAAAAS

[@apdwadl4868]

Why's my the beggining of the dialogue is different, but the ending the same? Like, in my game he's strating to thanks me about I didn't force him to drink drow's blood and then hug stuff. But in that video he's telling about plan and all

[@Kennisaurus]

I imagine they didn't run into the vampire fangirl first before getting this dialogue

[@apdwadl4868]

@@Kennisaurus that was a great idea, it's worked! Thank you very much!

[@olesyativuel]

@@apdwadl4868 yeah! I checked drow after this scene

[@sophiesulaiova4258]

How do i get this scene because in my first playthrough i got scene with the drow woman

[@yepisuredolikecats3979]

i’m gonna start throwing chairs

[@IBeMelissa]

I chose not to hug him option and he seemed 'happier' imo, because he was obviously in a very vulnerable and sensitive moment and didn't seem ready for something physically 'genuine' just yet. It's hard to explain because when you go for the hug here, he seems to be confused and puts up a defense as if you mean to harm him. It's sad but just his response from trauma. I honestly think by not hugging him straight away, you are respecting his feelings and situation a bit more.

[@mischalecterTV]

The animation is so awkward, I can't get past it sadly. I feel like they shouldve worked much longer on this considering this game is extremely dependent on character interaction. The hug for example, its a huge moment for Astarion. Tav embraces Astarion, but the moment Astarion begins to hug Tav back, again, a big moment for him, Tav just pulls bag like theyve been burned. I'm like??

[@lysaworldpainter7742]

I think I understand why Tav dosen't hug Astarion or quickly ends the hug. Tav simply dosen't want to override the boundary of touching him for too long. She wants to show him that a hug can be something lovingly, something sweet but just before it could be uncomfortable for him, she stops the hug. It's supposed to be short. Me personally I would have liked another longer hug at the end of the game, but I understand why the developers decided against that.

[@mischalecterTV]

@@lysaworldpainter7742 A proper theory, but I also feel like if they were trying to set boundaries in this interaction, then the hug would totally breach it. There are far worse dialogue options. I'm not saying that Tav hugging Astarion means that they're equally expressing that they were only in it for the sex (referring to the worst dialogue options). I get that it's an option because players want to hug him, I just feel that if there is a physical touch, at all, after this confession, then if it's to respect boundaries, a hug shouldn't be an option, or alternatively, Astarion could ultimately lead and express his discomfort when he's had enough. This is why I think the options: we can stay friends or we can remain together without ever considering sex, are much better than letting him read Tavs mind or hugging, because it fully embraces boundaries and gives him a better understanding that it'd be completely at his pace and when he's willing to accept something like a hug or kiss (which is also why I'm happy they changed his kissing animation to him approaching Tav rather than Tav approaching him)

[@wildmoonchild9404]

How do you trigger this?

[@PanEtRosa]

YES HOW. omg. this is the only video I've seen of this dialogue!

[@PanEtRosa]

waaaaait ohhh okay, it's the post-Moonrise convo. but damn, what a different start to it. it doesn't match the "didn't make him bite the drow" or the "did make him" versions I've seen. o.o

[@olesyativuel]

@@PanEtRosa I didnt check drow (fangirl of vampires), I just had a conversation with half-orc on the second floor and after that take a rest

[@PanEtRosa]

@@olesyativuel huh. I thought talking to her was essential in getting more approval to trigger this convo. interesting. thanks.

[@politecat9207]

​@@PanEtRosa Depends on your approval I guess, I had 100 with him before the drow and got the custcene. I really think it's just if you go to moonrise and rest before or after the drow.

[@фантомас77]

please tell me that it is still possible to get this scene in the third act. I fucking did everything I could, but I never got it in the second 😭😭😭

[@MoonsongReverb]

Sadly you have to do so much bad stuff to get his approval high enough. I feel like it’s not working because my character does too much good

[@psykergirl3615]

I romanced him as an oath of devotion paladin being lawful good, it's possible just not the easiest.

[@oceanicGrimalkin]

​@@psykergirl3615Yeah. In a good-aligned playthrough, he'll call you naive (at first), but from his words towards the end, he'll say that he might've not appreciated it at the time, but now realizes it and says how big of an impact it is to someone like him. When it comes to approval, he also likes personal loyalty and does approve morally good actions the more you progress his story in the good direction.

[@KungfuuSchaf]

​@@oceanicGrimalkinIn Act I He was impossible to please. I am playing a goodie two shoes ranger but as I also used the tadpoles I thought to myself why not play my character a little more daring and mishevous or even cruel as a result of this and voila... approval goes up. It's also a lot more fun to play that way.

[@rin590]

I'm playing for a chaotic-good Bard, and since Act 2 his approval has not fallen below 96. And I don't remember doing anything that contradicts the "good" passage

[@MoonsongReverb]

@@rin590 Lucky you, î played a Bendict bard concept. I experienced in a way: He acrually disapproved a lot of her good girl decisions.^^

[@bblodlustt]

which act is this?

[@sillylittlesheepjax6009]

so many fat single women simping in comments

[@LeynaSept]

And one single lonely shit head that comments on things to try and ruin people having simple fun lol.

[@missmoon.]

You know them all? Wow, you have a type

[@iateyursandwiches]

A lot of the let's play and shorts posted by some of the girls on here says otherwise...though you may be right with the single part