Conclusion: Dinosaurs

Today, we’re highlighting Astarion from Baldur's Gate 3 – the charming vampire spawn who quickly became the fandom’s “Little Black Dress” after release and one of the most beloved (and dissected) characters in modern RPG fandom.

Astarion’s story is widely praised for its exploration of autonomy, trauma, and abuse, shaped by centuries of servitude under his master Cazador Szarr. His strong presence in fandom spaces is driven in large part by his highly reactive romance arc (especially with Tav or Durge players) and morally flexible characterisation, where players can shape his path as either a Spawn or Vampire Ascendant.

Astarion has inspired a vast range of fanworks exploring themes of breaking free from his past, reclaiming his identity, or embracing power at a cost. Recurring tropes include portrait painting (due to his lack of reflection), grief or altogether darker explorations, such as sexual slavery.

Want to learn more about this fandom favourite? Check out his Fanlore page!

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V1: ahh being a vampire is terrible, I need to find a cure! All of the prim and proper vampires don't want me, I can only rely on myself to overcome this curse

V2: being a vampire fucks actually let’s team up with Samuel Haight and that Ravnos elder pretending to be Caine and blow up a Baali methuselah inside a volcano

Revised: Being a vampire is an intense struggle with your inner Beast, you have to cling to those scraps of humanity you still have, even when the monsters around you are trying to strip it away.

V20: Me and my Sabbat Pack all follow different versions of the Path of Lilith, we have hella vampire sex and practice forbidden blood magick, and there’s a weird guy with shark teeth telling us about a cool club in the underworld

V5: Being a vampire means being hurt, first by your sire who killed you and turned you into a monster, and then by the elders who expect you to bear the brunt of their burdens, including the bigoted hunters who consider your very existence a crime. I fear the apocalypse is upon us

Round 1 — Match 2 / 152 — Hellfire Orb vs. Shield

Hellfire Orb is a level 6 evocation spell. It allows spellcasters to unleash a streak of fire from their hands that ignites into a large explosion at a chosen point within range.

"20d6 fire damage. twenty. d. six. i know bigger number = better is caveman logic but unfortunately i am a caveman. also the fire straight up ignores resistance AND immunity which is just rude 😭 like what do you mean being immune to fire doesn't help."

"regular fire was apparently not doing the job so somebody invented EVIL FIRE"

vs.

Shield is a level 1 abjuration spell. It allows spellcasters to avoid being hit by an enemy attack at the last possible instant. It also nullifies Magic Missile damage against them.

"+5 AC as a reaction is kind of nuts for a level 1 spell"