#bw3

Time for some Shadowheart Recs! The woman with no memory, who has gods fighting over her soul... the recommended fics below explore so many aspects of the Daughter of Darkness.

a name without a body to match by amorficzna (9988, Mature) Content Notes: None Pairings: Shadowheart/Gale, Shadowheart & Astarion

Shadowheart-focused soulmate AU

Reccer says: I love the unique twist the author put on the soulmate au, and I adore all the character work and interactions in this

nightlight by rowanisawriter (2481, General) Content Notes: None Pairings: Shadowheart/Gale

Shadowheart, in the shadows of Gale’s nightlights. Character study.

Reccer says: Fantastic Shadowheart character study all wrapped into a big extended metaphor of lights and shadows. Lovely prose and beautiful imagery

home by rowanisawriter (2855, General) Content Notes: Identity issues Pairings: Gale/Shadowheart

Shadowheart has no home or a memory of home. Trying to make space for herself in Waterdeep, a place already so filled with Gale's presence , is difficult and upsetting.

Reccer says: I think about this fic periodically when I am trying to find something in the kitchen cabinets. It haunts my narrative a bit now, the way absence haunts hers. Very precise and sweet fic.

Reaching For You by eldritchelf (11490, General) Content Notes: Pairings: Shadowheart/Tav

The Sharran church in Baldur's Gate is to be declared a terrorist organisation and a bounty placed on the head of Mother Superior Shadowheart. Florwyn cannot turn down one last, very final chance, to try and bring her old friend back to the light.

Reccer says: A delectable DJ Shart redemption that will rip your heart out and put it back to together again in ways you didn't know were still possible!

Leap of Faith by lemonwood (113387, Explicit) Content Notes: VERY Slow Burn Pairings: Halsin/Shadowheart

A story about forging new paths, breaking old patterns, and choosing love when the odds are stacked against you. A Shadowheart POV slowburn longfic about being mad at the stupidly kind and emotionally constipated druid.

Reccer says: A whole longfic from the Shadowheart POV and a slow burn! Where she goes from fighting herself to fighting what her past self left behind. And she gets mad at Halsin a lot, which is funny and real.

Cool Me Down, Grease Me Up by CallMeLyrus (35065, Explicit) Content Notes: None Pairings: Shadowheart/Tav

After the AC in Tav's car stops working for the umpteenth time, the head mechanic takes on the task personally in the privacy of an empty garage.

Reccer says: Mechanic shadowheart is everything I didn't know I needed and the whole thing is so fun, surprisingly sweet, and hot!!!

Last Glimpse of the Topsail by positivejam (8800, Explicit) Content Notes: Mind Play BDSM, Femdom Pairings: Gale/Shadowheart

Zone of Truth, cast by one lovesick cleric upon one terribly lovesick wizard. Gale and Shadowheart, good endings but rougher around the edges.

Reccer says: Shadowheart takes charge and is the POV character and she is so sweet and besotted and silly and I love her. Also it is hot. :3

The Fey-Cursed Sea by BardicWantings (81447, Teen) Content Notes: Canon-Typical Violence Pairings: Shadowheart/Lae'zel, Gale/Astarion

It's a post-canon adventure fic where the main companions (sans Karlach) go on a quest to solve the mystery of poisonous magic crabs. Each of them gets an act that continues their in-game storyline, including Shadowheart who's generally a sort of main character here

Reccer says: The author is so good at writing an adventure story and setting up a mystery. The pacing is perfect, the characterisation as well and the fight scenes are always a delight

From Darkness Into Light by Haint_Blue_Moon (13400, Explicit) Content Notes: Serious BDSM--Mind every tag Pairings: Halsin/Shadowheart

In the heart of Shar’s temple, Halsin’s simmering disdain for Shadowheart’s faith collides with a desire he can no longer suppress, leading to a brutal, carnal reckoning that leaves both characters unmoored from their beliefs.

Reccer says: It's hot, in short. Also a very fun look at a dom/sub dynamic that can be cooked between these two. The themes are powerful as well as the smut.

A pet by syrupwit (51900, Explicit) Content Notes: Past Abuse, Identity Crisis Pairings: Astarion/Shadowheart

Astarion turns briefly into a bat and Shadowheart takes care of him in his new ittybitty form. This event triggers her capacity for warmth and care and it changes the course of her relationship with faith, devotion, the shadows, and Shar.

Reccer says: This is a Shadowheart fic where Astarion is fluttering around in the corners like the tiny little bat he (briefly) is and such care is taken with her character it makes my heart swell. I LOVE THIS FIC. RAAGH.

Marks by syrupwit (1743, Teen) Content Notes: Drinking, Mutual Pining Pairings: Astarion/Shadowheart

Shadowheart and Astarion have a sincere and silly moment tipsy in the Gate where she insists she's not that mysterious if you're paying attention.

Reccer says: It's wickedly cute and sincere without giving up a single edge these two characters have in canon.

a little discourse by syrupwit (2000, Explicit) Content Notes: Cunnilingus, Masochism, Service Top Pairings: Gale/Shadowheart

A Galeheart cunnilingus special where Gale provides for god's favorite princess.

Reccer says: It's both hot and very funny and the character voices are so good.

Honey by Carnivaley (10247, Explicit) Content Notes: Mildly dubious consent Pairings: Shadowheart/Enver Gortash

Pre-events of the game, the Sharrans send Shadowheart to investigate the up and coming Enver Gortash.

Reccer says: I liked it!

Shar's Entropy by sometimes angelo (35258, Explicit) Content Notes: Slow Burn, Shar-typical terrors Pairings: Shadowheart/Tav

Csaloka will come to realize she wants to give Shadowheart everything. But the cleric has other ambitions, and she serves a jealous goddess. What might be lost along the way?

Reccer says: An extremely rich and textured look at Shadowheart's journey with loss, her goddess, and the nature of love.

This time our recs are fics staring the characters we know so well, but in settings that are rather less familiar. Changes range from relatively minor divergences from canon to flat out different realities.

We got into the spirit of things here by posting from an alternative reality where recs come out on the 16th, not the 15th. We didn't just forget. Honest.

Consonance by EliteSeven (41946, Explicit) Content Notes: None Pairings: Shadowheart/Tav

Band AU in which Shadowheart and Tav fall deeply in love.

Reccer says: It's angsty, sweet, hot, hopeful... it's all the best things and a masterclass of an AU. Excellent complex characterization of Shadowheart, and Tav is the sweetest cinnamon roll. I want to hug them both.

Wild Blood by IshtaDawnstar (483737, Mature) Content Notes: None Pairings: Astarion/Original Female Character

What happens if Astarion was given to the Gur by Durge? A look at the people who Durge left behind. But this fic later on involves actual multiverses which is why I think it fits for an AU

Reccer says: Truly inspired writing, brilliant ideas, angst, sweetness and laugh out loud hilarity.

Rare by nyxueaurelia (150k, Explicit) Content Notes: None Pairings: Astarion/Gale

Chronically ill and fed up with doctors Astarion meets Gale, a doctor who is determined to find answers. Feelings happen.

Reccer says: Depiction of chronic illness is so accurate it hurts. Great side characters (Minthy as Astarion's best friend and Isobel as Gale's office partner) are fun.

One Last Call by shars_will (84650, Explicit) Content Notes: Pairings: Dame Aylin/Isobel Thorm, Karlach/Shadowheart

Incredible AU set over just 24 hours, in a steam-punk sort of world where the shadowcurse hangs over a Reithwin that has Thorm as a politician running for election, and where Karlach and Aylin are both bartenders at a bar named Last Light.

Reccer says: Beautiful prose, internalized characterization that feels real and lived in, and surprises around every turn. And Aylin as a motorcycle!

One Night Only by AlwaysMauria (8789, Explicit) Content Notes: This is hot as the hells, but also full of lovely little music details and so evocative, I really felt like I was there. Pairings: Astarion/Reader

Astarion is the lead singer of Arcane Trickster. You get invited backstage.

Reccer says: I liked it!

DOLL PARTS by Desdimonda (33, 950, Explicit) Content Notes: There are heavy themes of dubious consent, unhealthy relationships and some touching on non-con with prison life and dolls. Pairings: Voss/Tav, Orpheus/Tav, Orpheus/Voss

A story following snapshots of several characters (mostly githyanki) in a dark cyberpunk verse under Vlaakith's dystopian Empire trying to survive a difficult winter, finding comfort in who and with what they can find.

Reccer says: The worldbuilding is immersive, immense and complex, alongside the characters that fit so well with it and with each other. Even amongst the grimdark of everything that's happening there's still hope there whether they find it in each other or in the promise of carving it out through violence or change.

Broken Mirrors by ShandoraTheExplorer (145525, Explicit) Content Notes: CW: Cazador Szarr is very much appropriate for some of the flashback scenes. It has a lot of hurt/comfort too, though. Pairings: Tav/Astarion, Gale/Halsin

It's an AU where Astarion was never turned into a vampire, and Tav is Cazador's spawn instead. Canonization of the game events.

Reccer says: The author hasn't just grabbed a new face and written Astarion, the MC is very much his own person with different reactions to Astarion's canon trauma.

Barely Skating By by patheticfangirl (167000, Explicit) Content Notes: None Pairings: Gale/Astarion

A production of Starlight Express in Waterdeep ends up tangled with politics, vampires, and a guy who really loves trains.

Reccer says: The world building is top notch. The humor is on point. It's hard to not love this version of Gale and Astarion and the way their relationship develops.

Dead Men Make No Maps by LolthWoven (16927, Explicit) Content Notes: None Pairings: The Dark Urge/Rugan

A modern crime AU where Rugan’s an ageing smuggler happily retired and done with all the drama, until Bhaal’s daughter pulls him straight back into the middle of a faction war.

Reccer says: A funny, sarcastic-as-hell slow burn narrated from Rugan’s POV.

OK, Sune by totally_irritated (52302, Explicit) Content Notes: Pairings: Gale/Tav

Gale stumbles his way into a coffee date after his friends bully him into making a dating profile.

Reccer says: Great writing! Lots of familiar faces in a modern setting, witty dialogue, plenty of plot & tasty spice!

12 Days of Debauchery by chaus_cobolorum (46679, Explicit) Content Notes: Implied/Referenced Dubious Consent Pairings: Astarion/George Gordon Byron | Lord Byron

Astarion finally gets Lord Byron to come for a visit to his country estate Arkhenmyr, with an invitation Byron couldn't refuse - A Christmas Day Masquerade with a classics theme. Astarion offers his muse a special present, 12 Days of Learning the Art of Debauchery, with him as the teacher.

Reccer says: 12 Days... is a delightfully debauched regency AU fic with a surprising amount of tenderness, humor, and dark romance that has one of the more interesting takes on Ascended Astarion that I have had the pleasure of reading. Chaus put so much care and attention into getting everything just right and it shows; Lord Byron is captured perfectly, as are the dangers, thrills, and social sensibilities around sexuality and queer identity in the regency era. Came for the wanton debauchery, stayed for the incredibly plot woven throughout (...and the debauchery lol)

Quicksilver by AlwaysMauria (7434, Explicit) Content Notes: Major Character Death Pairings: Astarion/Freddie Mercury

On the Eve of the QueenRock concerts, Astarion meets Freddie Mercury, at Le Mystique. Though the encounter is brief, it kicks off something.

Reccer says: An interesting pairing, great writing, well-balanced smut

That Pure Severity of Perfect Light by TheBlindBandit (11668, Teen) Content Notes: Religious Crises, Major Character Death, Bad Fathers, Torture, Messy Reunions Pairings: Dame Aylin/Isobel Thorm

Aylin and Isobel are Lathanderian alternatives of themselves at Rosymorn and Ketheric is still who he is as a person. They go through an alternative version of their heartbreaking separation and a complicated reunion under the skeptical eye of the Morninglord.

Reccer says: This piece broke my heart and put it back together kintsugi-style like Aylin's gold-lined flesh.

A Million Points of Light by IxiaGrey (21329, Explicit) Content Notes: No Archive Warnings Apply, enemies(ish) to lovers, epic Dragonborn-body appreciation! Pairings: Gortash/The Dark Urge

What if Enver Gortash was a wildly popular model, playboy, and socialite; and what if Durge was hired as his bodyguard? A slightly modern AU still set in Baldur's Gate.

Reccer says: A fun take on their characters, with roles that play well into their dynamic. The story itself is engaging with twists you won't see coming, plenty of pining and angst!

I have known you by optimisticgrey (9611, Not Rated) Content Notes: None Pairings: Gale/Reader

The author describes a scenario where a person from this world dreams of a life with Gale but it feels very real to them.

Reccer says: I liked it!

Velvet Arcanum by Fireflyeyes (7674, Explicit) Content Notes: None Pairings: Gale/OC

Velvet Arcanum: 70s rock glamour, celestial prints, and enough ego to fill an airship.

Reccer says: I liked it!

Override & Underground by Sayl (18021, Explicit) Content Notes: Graphic Depictions of Violence Pairings: Gale/The Dark Urge, Enver Gortash/The Dark Urge

Modern AU. Think big pharma meets fast & furious! Gale returns to his former job at Harper Pharmaceuticals as head of IT & Cybersecurity. But being back in the place he met his lost love proves difficult.

Reccer says: I liked it!

Keep You With Me, Always by candles_and_moths, Wild_Magic (20756, Not Rated) Content Notes: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Depictions of Death, Depictions of Intense Grief Pairings: Astarion/Original Male Character

When a mysterious illness befalls the baronet, the most qualified but least conventional doctor is engaged to tend him. It soon becomes clear this is no ordinary sickness, and the bottom of this mystery is deeper and darker than anyone could have anticipated.

Reccer says: Reads like an original novella while paying homage to the source material in unexpected ways.

10/10, Would Recommend by Aerin67 (2970, Teen) Content Notes: None Pairings: Gale/Tav

Librarian, and yearner extraordinaire, Gale develops a crush on the mysterious vandal ruining his ‘Recommendation Wall’. A post-it note war ensues!

Reccer says: This is utterly feel-good, and I love the realistic (almost antagonistic) friendship that Gale and Astarion have in this. Also. THE YEARNING!

Once again, it's time for RARE PAIRS!! Lots of authors are hard at work in the rare pair mines, producing treasures. Here's a small selection.

Volo Tests Raphael’s Patience by Loy (2354, Explicit) Content Notes: None Pairings: Raphael/Volo

Raphael thinks about Volo while he's having sex. Also, Volo is there.

Reccer says: really hot, really funny, really feels like it Works for both characters.

Venomous by dragonologist_phd (4231, Mature) Content Notes: Major Character Death Pairings: Kagha/Tav

Evil Tav makes a deal with Kagha, things get sensual

Reccer says: Lilith is very compelling, and so is her elationship with Kagha

Am I Meant To Be Alone by CausticContemplation (2482, Explicit) Content Notes: No Archive Warnings Apply, angst, unrequited love Pairings: Nocturne/Karlach

Nocturne finds a measure of solace for her heartbreak over Shadowheart in Karlach's arm.

Reccer says: Very well written and carries a solid emotional weight, lots of feelings explored, some bittersweet and some angst, and very hot t4t smut.

Sufferer, I Shall by Isntthatrightzach (48372, Explicit) Content Notes: BDSM, explicit details of wounds and injuries, sexy wound play, strong (fictional) religious themes Pairings: Abdirak/Donnick

What happens when an injured Loviatan is brought to a Temple of Ilmater? Is it heresy for such opposing forces to find peace, or something more?

Reccer says: Come and taste the Soup! It's hot and delicious! Prepare for more emotion than you expected, and a delicious exploration between two fascinating characters who are devoted to their deities.

Minthara Meets Her Match by G4ybee (4007, Explicit) Content Notes: BDSM but nothing non-consensual or excessively violent Pairings: Wyll/Minthara

Grand Duke Wyll Ravengard seeks to tame his new Drow wife.

Reccer says: Wyll/Minthara is such a rare pairing and Sub!Minthara & Dom!Wyll are even more rare, so this fic was a lot of fun playing with expectations.

A Slippery Slope by librarypirate (1562, General) Content Notes: None Pairings: The Archivist/Gale

When Gale is given permission to explore the House of Hope, he finds himself in the Archives, facing the Archivist who proves to be a most gracious host.

Reccer says: Kink without kink, so much subtext and tension between the lines that really sells the pairing in a gen rated piece.

Pink Roses by Tynithia (15693, Explicit) Content Notes: None Pairings: Ulder Ravengard/Tav

Ellandra moves back to Waterdeep to live closer to her great-grandson, Gale Dekarios and rest of their supportive family. After a chance encounter between her and Grand Duke Ulder Ravengard, her family encourages her to start dating again, but Ellandra is not sure she is ready to let go of her past.

Reccer says: The fic was filled with heartwarming family moments, humorous sitcom misunderstandings, and bad dates! It was fun to see what life was like after the Netherbrain, not only in Waterdeep, but also Baldur's Gate.

Zenovia and the Art of Fucking Up by anotheropti (3624, Explicit) Content Notes: No Archive Warnings Apply, power imbalance, gags, spanking Pairings: Nine-Fingers Keene/Zenovia Dawg

Zenovia Dawg faces punishment from the Guildmaster for her incompetence.

Reccer says: I cannot express enough that this is among the hottest smut I've ever read, and Opti does so much work with a character that has so very little in the source material.

Doorway Effect by positivejam (2500, Explicit) Content Notes: CCNTW Pairings: Minthara/Shadowheart

Shadowheart has magic Sharran chastity tattoos, but Minthara fucks her anyway, powered by pure disdain for the gods

Reccer says: HOT

Wulbren's Little Whoretash by Ak_elan (3805, Explicit) Content Notes: Pairings: Wulbren Bongle/Enver Gortash

A fun and sexy adventure starring two of the worst men in Baldur's Gate

Reccer says: Absolute peak crackshipping, and a delicious serving of kink. Roll up and join BongleTash Nation, there's at least two of us!

Hostile Takeover by stolenglow (2814, Explicit) Content Notes: dubious consent Pairings: Minthara/Kagha

Corporate AU; Kagha needs relief, and Minthara provides it, though not kindly.

Reccer says: i’m totally in love with the voices in this. AUs are at their best and most convincing when characters still feel like themselves even in a different setting, and this fic does that incredibly well!

Chance Meetings by spacesunderstairs (5777, Mature) Content Notes: None Pairings: Halsin/Shadowheart

Ten years after the Fall of the Netherbrain and burdened with responsibilities, Shadowheart attends the annual reunion party with a heavy heart. A chance meeting after leaves her feeling a little lighter.

Reccer says: This is so beautifully, delicately observed. It feels like moonlight on the skin.

The Chiaroscuro of Szarr by TheSanguineSonnet (67659, Explicit) Content Notes: None Pairings: Cazador Szarr/Non-Tav OC

"Bernadette is a 34-year-old midwestern retail manager who just wants to enjoy her Friday night with a Bath & Body Works candle and her current BG3 playthrough. Instead, a cursed journal drags her between worlds and dumps her on the docks of Baldur's Gate."

Reccer says: It topples everything you knew about the story narrated through the companion interactions in Baldur's Gate 3. It also has a lot of hidden gems of D&D lore, besides a solid structure of its own logic. Most of all—beautiful prose that always leaves you wanting more.

Today we bring you fics from before the events of the game. There's so much history to the characters in the game, some of it only explored very briefly, giving us tantalizing tidbits that are prime starting points for authors.

Annals of the House of Hope by drownedrow (123833, Explicit) Content Notes: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Rape/Non-Con, Underage Sex Pairings: Raphael/Enver Gortash

A recording of a boy named Enver Flymm’s time in the House of Hope.

Reccer says: This is the whumpiest most brutal fic that somehow captures the slow corruption of a mortal boy's soul while packing it in an explicit wrapper

our strange duet by elinorbard (8435, Explicit) Content Notes: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Pairings: Enver Gortash/The Dark Urge

Enver Gortash hires the Dark Urge to assassinate one of his rivals in a way that happens to require a night at the opera.

Reccer says: Murder threesome! A night at the opera! An EXTREMELY Durgetash first time!

These things housed in silence by fetch_me_penguins (4862, Mature) Content Notes: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Pairings: Gen

A young Dark Urge and a younger Orin, on a family outing that turns bloody. It's a Bhaalist holiday tradition!

Reccer says: Protective Durge! immaculate prose! Literally everything is beautifully done.

Sister, Sister by Topofthelighthouse (7207, Teen) Content Notes: No Pairings: Korrila Hearthflame & Hope Hearthflame

The road to (her sister's) hell might be paved with Korrila's good intentions.

Reccer says: I liked it!

Electric Blue by tango_goes (6751, Teen) Content Notes: No warnings. Pairings: Lenore/Yrre, Blurg & Omeluum

On the care and feeding of a lonely cleric in the Underdark. Or, how Lenore and Yrre first found each other.

Reccer says: I really love that this meetcute fic is structured around meal times. Like Lenore and Yrre's growing relationship feeds and nourishes them in the same way that food does. The vibes are very cosy for a fic set in the Underdark, with moments of humour and self-reflection. And the Underdark husbands make an appearance as well, which made my day!

Threads of Fate by c_e_p (170258, Mature) Content Notes: No Archive Warnings apply. Friends to Lovers. Soft romance. Pairings: Gale/Original Female Characters

An exploration into who Gale was as a fledgling Chosen of Mystra and his relationships with his friends and family. When he meets Eliwyn, a Cleric of Lathander, he sees his own faith reflected back at him.

Reccer says: The author has put in so much thought and care into the world and character development. You truly feel the life and festivities of Waterdeep come to life. The incorporation of tabletop modules is icing on the cake!

sacrifice before the gallows by Raayide (14073, Teen) Content Notes: Graphic Depictions of Violence, Rape/Non-con elements Pairings: Karlach/Zariel, Florenta & Karlach

Karlach is sent to the Hells and learns how to kill and survive.

Reccer says: This is a super harrowing but beautifully written character study. It completely changed my perspective on Karlach as a character.

Secrets For A Shadowed Heart by sinister_quack (1000, Mature) Content Notes: None Pairings: Astarion & Shadowheart

Shadowheart and Astarion working together exchanging information between Cazador and the Sharrans.

Reccer says: It starts off sweet and then rips your heart out.

Tapestry by erelis (12516, Mature) Content Notes: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Pairings: Enver Gortash/The Dark Urge (past)

Once upon a time, Jergal gave away his domain to three mortals who would eventually be known as the Dead Three. It did not go well for anyone.

Reccer says: This traces the whole arc: precanon, postcanon, ingame--but it is rooted in Jergal's agreement with the Dead Three at the very start, and that's where it truly shines. That, in the agony of Gortash post-Durge tadpoling.

Graceless by Hollowharp (37596, Explicit) Content Notes: There are some steamy NSFW bits! Pairings: OC/Gale

What happens when Gale, a fallen Chosen of Mystra, meets one of her mysterious clerics with a dark past? Come find out!

Reccer says: Hollowharp’s writing is exquisite, her characterization of Gale is on point, and she has done a fantastic job of weaving together some really fascinating bits of lore (liches and dragons and elves, oh my!)

Heavy Petting by LulaMillay (30672, Explicit) Content Notes: Pairings: Gale/Tara

Gale has a foolproof idea to find a date for the Blackstaff Ball. Whoops! He turned Tara humanoid.

Reccer says: WHAT A JOURNEY! If you're new to crack, I think this piece is an excellent example of how incredible crack can work. This author's ability to summon (heh heh) these characters on to the page is so satisfying. You can hear the VA's voices in their work. Their compliance to lore is also just delightful. Because they've grounded so many elements that keep you tethered to the characters, adding crack to the mix completely reads as viable as they react authentically. It is a WILD ride. Do yourself a favor and check this out.

A Gardener of Wild Things by that_one_kid (12894, Teen) Content Notes: None Pairings: Jaheira & Rion

Jaheira adopting her daughter Rion

Reccer says: I love how the author writes them both. They never shy from complexity and they write Jaheira as delightfully witty

This April 1st we bring you fics focused around the funniest person we know: Minthara! Pre-canon fics, during canon, post canon, all sorts of Minty Fic!

A Spider's Lyre by Stomes4 (4914, Explicit) Content Notes: Some rough sex Pairings: Minthara/Alfira

In an AU where Alfira survived Durge's assault and joined the party, Minthara takes her to bed. Both a smutty oneshot and a character study.

Reccer says: A truly galaxy-brained pairing that works surprisingly well! Both Minthara and Alfira are really well written, and the sex scene works to further both their characterizations in very interesting ways.

The Ecstasy of Murder by WinterLyre (12251, Mature) Content Notes: graphic depictions of violence, major character death Pairings: Minthara/Araj, past Minthara/Dark Urge

Minthara enlists Araj Oblodra's help in getting back to Menzoberranzan and enacting revenge

Reccer says: It's full of drama, vengeance, and tangled emotions

Her priestess by FaunWrites (26.701, Mature) Content Notes: Major Character death Pairings: Minthara/High Priestess of Vandree

Minthara meets the high priestess of Vandree. She falls in love and is later ordered to kill her, as she says in the game.

Reccer says: I love dramatic stories! And reading about a young Minthara really was so nice!

love makes me tremble (against you there is no defense) by littlelamplight (15082, Explicit) Content Notes: Canon-typical violence Pairings: Minthara/Tav

Four times Tav surprised Minthara, and one time Minthara surprised Tav. A fic that focuses on Minthara's character growth through the game.

Reccer says: This was one of the first Minthara "redemption" fics written and immediately catapulted into my list of favorite fics. It's hard to write a believable character growth arc for a character Minthara but this fic pulls it off! The Minthara/Tav pairing is soft and surprisingly sweet.

hold you like a python by teefling (2261, Mature) Content Notes: None Pairings: Minthara/Florrick

Post-game exploration where Minthara stays in Baldur's Gate and meets Florrick, and they start a rivalry-slash-relationship.

Reccer says: A surprising pairing that works so well!

there's a million ways to pass the day by patchwork_author (3477, Mature) Content Notes: None Pairings: Minthara/Florrick

A suburban AU that reimagines Minthara and Florrick as HOA-leading, golf-playing, Trader-Joe-Shopping wives - comedic but the author also totally captures both characters, it's honestly fantastic!

Reccer says: I liked it!

Oath of Devotion by Anonymous (17556, Explicit) Content Notes: Knifeplay, consensual drugged sex, boot worship Pairings: Minthara/Tav

A romance between Minthara and a Paladin of Devotion Tav featuring lots of very kinky sex. Second fic in a series, telling the story from Minthara's POV.

Reccer says: This is the second fic in a series. I included this one in particular because it is from Minthara's POV, but the entire series is *excellent*. It's my favorite Minthara/Tav fic hands down. It's really hard to balance keeping Minthara in character while pairing her with a good-aligned Tav, but this series does it very well. It depicts her gradual shifts of perspective believably. Also the sex is incredibly hot and genuinely very kinky.

embers of tomorrow by Auvronestra (11035, Mature) Content Notes: None Pairings: Minthara/Karlach

Second person POV from Minthara; doomed yuri between Minthy and Karlach as we go through the game's events. And a datamined scene between Minthara and Halsin!

Reccer says: I liked it!

Lessons in Confidence by Ljósfari (Ljosfari) (973, Explicit) Content Notes: BDSM Pairings: Minthara Baenre/Nocturne

Minthara teaches Nocturne how to be a worthy woman (with the help of BDSM and sex)

Reccer says: Hot

Salt Farmers by elissastillstands (14614, Mature) Content Notes: Mild body horror Pairings: Minthara/Tav

Five conversations between Minthara and Tav on the shores of a lake in the Underdark.

Reccer says: One of my absolute favorite Minthara fics. It showcases Minthara's thoughtful nature very well, and focuses heavily on her grief about her exile from her home. Vivid imagery and some fascinating Menzoberranzan worldbuilding. An excellent character study. The Tav is a strictly principled, good aligned paladin but the pairing works regardless - their conflicting approaches make their interactions very interesting.

Her Softer Side by syrupwit (6159, Explicit) Content Notes: Pairings: Minthara/Gale

Gale has a visitor in the middle of the night (it's Minthara). She has intentions (you can guess what those are).

Reccer says: This manages to combine actual romance that's borderline wholesome with the hot nasty femdom that many people want from Galethara. Also the whole party are well sketched.

Minthara's New Administrative Assistant by lulamillay (1240, Explicit) Content Notes: Implied consent D/s Pairings: Minthara/Gale, Minthara & Shovel

Minthara has hired Shovel to take notes and grade Gale's performance in the bedroom.

Reccer says: Very funny crack!

Chosen by spacesunderstairs (25295, Explicit) Content Notes: Major Character Death (tho it hasn't happened yet!) Pairings: Minthara/Gale

Gale is a former wizard prodigy searching for the perfect place to die; left handless, he's hauled off to Menzoberranzan and ends up in the custody of Minthara, who is about to send her own raiding party to the surface.

Reccer says: Seeing Minthara at the height of her pre-tadpole power, deep in the spider mines and determined to make the best out of her situation--and also somehow attracted to and confused by this very wordy wizard--is absolutely delightful

Her children; despised and abandoned by HermeticPrinciples (2635, Mature) Content Notes: None Pairings: Minthara & Kar'niss

Minthara brushes the dust off of her old Spider's Lyre to calm the latest recruit to join them at Moonrise, the drider Kar'niss drawn in by the light of the Absolute.

Reccer says: I like the pre-canon Minthara angst! Reccer2 says: Incredibly beautiful, short character study. It's full of delightful drow lore and a deep yearning towards their shared home, and what has been lost

Run Through by NoOneKnowsIWriteThis (2375, Explicit) Content Notes: None Pairings: Minthara/Gale, Astarion/Gale

Minthara gets bored of waiting for Astarion to make a move on Gale, and decides to show him how's it done. She's so selfless!

Reccer says: It's Galethara with a twist! Incredibly hot, but as much for what it leaves out -- the implied future Bloodweave, as well as the implied "what could have been if Minthara decided to keep the wizard" stuff.

The Wizard's Best Attempts at Drow Cuisine by TopoftheLighthouse (5641, General) Content Notes: None Pairings: Minthara Baenre/Gale

Three times Gale feeds Minthara some drow food and one time she reciprocates.

Reccer says: Minthara's thoughts and feelings are front and center in this fic. She's shrewd, hard to impress, not prone to easy sentiment, but also not made of stone. A beautiful progression of someone who is rarely safe feeling or expressing her emotions, and lovely food writing to boot.

Whetstone by LicenseToThrall (4360, Explicit) Content Notes: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death Pairings: Minthara Baenre/Geraldus

Minthara as seen through the eyes of an Orin-traumatized Geraldus, who doesn't understand why this terrifying drow woman has started sparring with him, or waking him in the night with questions about Orin.

Reccer says: I liked it!

Everybody Wants to Rule the World - Final Mix by QueenMills (18,674 (unfininshed), Explicit) Content Notes: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death, Rape/Non-Con, canon-typical misandry, evil mothers, cults Pairings: Minthara Baenre/Original Female Character(s), Minthara Baenre/Tav

Canon love story between T'alice (Tav) and Minthara. Flashbacks to the past and their previous relationship mixed in with the present and how they find each other again in canon.

Reccer says: To say I'm obsessed with T'alice and Minthara as a couple is an understatement. T'alice/Minthara has ruined me for all other Minthara ships. This ship is like a character study of the Drow. They are both characterized with a lot of depth, and this ship really explores what it's like to be raised in the cult of Lolth, and then later be subjected to the cult of the Absolute. How love and life finds a way, but also remains rooted in who these people are and what they've been through. The love story between them is perfectly imperfect, and being together forces them through a lot of growth. Also, the narrative is lovely and beautiful. The writing is superb!

Listen up, you butt! I hate you but I still want to show you these amazing fics, all about 'enemies to lovers.' I think you'll really enjoy them.

Below find ten recommended stories where people who hate each other's guts become lovers... eventually. It happens more often than you might think! After all, the opposite of love is not hate, but indifference.

Maybe you weren't so bad after all...

Thin Ice by EverythingIsAlreadyTaken (21341, Explicit) Content Notes: Mentions of assault, canon typical violence in alignment with Astarion’s history, drug use; implied/mentioned child abuse; substance abuse; implications/mentions of past sexual abuse and incestual trauma; human trafficking (Cazador & Vampire Hierarchy) Pairings: Astarion & Tav

Vistri is a talented, rising star in the world of figure skating who has been paired up with Astarion, the skating legend she looked up to. Unfortunately, Astarion is, at this point, a washed up, bitter loser who fears that his new partner's career will topple his legacy.

Reccer One says: This creator’s sense of humor and masterful narrative style never disappoints. I love their characterization of Astarion. Vistri, their OC is important NB rep in my this environment that has rigid expectations of femininity and masculinity.

Reccer Two says: The writing prose is as fluid, dynamic and precise as the figure skating it centres; just PERFECT for the grungy, 1990s AU this fic takes place in. Vistri and Astarion feel like fully realized, 3-dimensional characters with a great depth of interiority because the author is fearless in allowing them to be the flawed and messy people they are. I believe that readers will be easily able to immerse themselves in the stakes and tensions that drive the story and its relationships.

Quiet Rituals by malef1c (278053, Explicit) Content Notes: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Pairings: Gale/Tav

Game retelling, where Tav is a warlock with a dark past and tricksy fey patron.

Reccer says: Watching a very cold Tav slowly warm up to Gale is thrilling. Also the game is creatively retold and integrated to fit Tav, so it feels like a new story.

Rubies and Whiskey by TheRubyInYourEyes (211888, Explicit) Content Notes: Mentions of suicide and self harm, mentions of abuse and physical and sexual assault, Canon typical violence and descriptions of corpse decay Pairings: Female Tav/Astarion

Two high elf rogues have difficulty deciding whether to kiss or kill each other. Spiteful banter ensues.

Reccer says: This fic has some seriously witty dialogue and great characterization. The writing has a good flow and never feels forced. Also. Flashback lore drops for the OC that fit in perfectly and are super intriguing. Also also, hot smut that is worth the wait.

Mortal Fools by FullMoonWitch (159995, Explicit) Content Notes: None Pairings: Gale/OC

Gale clashes with a shadow weave caster from his past, as he grapples with his purpose in life, post-game.

Reccer says: It has an original plot that whips along, and Gale and the OC are fully realized characters with a shared history. The OC finding her confidence is touching.

Catch Me If You Can by dramatic_chipmunk (108096, Explicit) Content Notes: Pairings: Astarion/Tav

Detective Astarion in 50's AU with a thief Tav that he tries to catch and ends up working together with to take down a bigger enemy

Reccer says: It's a unique concept with great worldbuilding and amazing relationship development. A lot of canon characters make an appearance

The Starfall Gambit by ChashuPak (74628, Mature) Content Notes: Graphic Depictions of Violence Pairings: Tav/Gale

Lyanna didn't sign up for drowning wizards, divine politics, or the way Mystra's Chosen looks at her like she's both salvation and damnation. Should've known better than to strike a deal with someone who thinks breathing is a debt to be repaid.

Reccer says: I liked it!

Long My Love Awaited by ShadowViking, dirty_whorchata (60930, Explicit) Content Notes: None Pairings: Astarion/Gale, Wyll/Karlach, and potentially Shadowheart/Lae’zel

Gale is a Viking and Astarion is the son of a Saxon noble. They are shoved into a political marriage and are enemies from the get go. Behind the scenes sinister forces scheme as well.

Reccer says: Viking Gale mostly haha, he is hot.

field notes on hubris, miscalculations, and the end of the world by ghostribs (42181, General) Content Notes: None Pairings: Gale/Tav

Game retold from Gale’s viewpoint focused around his journal entries, as we see his frustration with, and growing affection for, an impulsive storm sorcerer.

Reccer says: A great example of the Gale vs sorcerer dynamic, and the Gale prose is lovely.

The Price of Trust by LolthWoven (4501, Explicit) Content Notes: None Pairings: Rugan/Tav

After being dragged out of a gnoll cave by a paladin, Zhentarim agent Rugan can't work out why Tav has tracked him down to his hideout alone and out of uniform. He clocks her as Fist anyway because she forgot to change her boots. One thing leads to another.

Reccer says: That's such a good take on Rugan's voice in first person. It really feels like him.

The Grand Design [Part 1/Act 1 of The Grand Destiny Series] by Alliskit (262271, Explicit) Content Notes: Pairings: Tav/Astarion, Tav/Halsin

Abbi Andrews and her son, Sylas, are abducted by aliens, kickstarting the adventure of their lives to try to get back home to Earth. This the collection of stories of how the Heroes of Baldur's Gate and a Terran saved Faerûn.

Reccer says: I liked it!

February with all of its romance and rair pairs and other sexy times stuff is over! Seems like a good time for another round of Gen Fic recs!

Gen Fic is fic where the main focus of the fic is something other than romance or sexual themes. These fics might contain a pairing, but something else is taking up the majority of the work.

You're not imagining things, we've run this theme before and will run it again! This is a recurring theme as a lot of people search for fics based on pairings first, so we want to highlight things that may slip through the cracks.

99 Times Zlorb Successfully Shapeshifted, and One Time It Didn't by emfirebender (1000, General) Content Notes: None

Instead of a 10x100 format, this is a 100x10 format, with tiny snips of moments from Zlorb's experience during game events. (that's the shapeshifting Ox, btw)

Reccer says: 10 words isn't much to work with, but the author makes each one count. The moments are short, but poetic, funny, and thoughtful - and make you point excitedly, like the DiCapprio meme, when you recognize the game-thing being referenced from only a few (10, actually) words to go on.

Gale Dekarios and The Pussy Palace by GinaTeeth (3097, Teen) Content Notes: None

Gale Dekarios, feeling a little down, slips into a place he thinks is a cat cafe. When he discovers a pole dancing class, he lets a little loose.

Reccer says: Gale gets out of his comfort zone in the best way. Jaheira is a boss.

17 Things That Made This Kobold's Day PERFECT (Number 12 Will Make You Cry) by dramatic_chipmunk (2613, General) Content Notes: None

This fic is a fully-realized Buzzfeed article, written by Popper the Kobold, and realized with a HUGE amount of skin-work in AO3.

Reccer says: It's an absolute treasure chest of delightful treatos. The individual articles, the comments, the WORKING AD LINKS, it's just fun fun fun to pour over.

Fallow by Aqeldroma (1604, General) Content Notes: None

When Shadowheart's companion leaves her unexpectedly, she mourns through gardening.

Reccer says: A bittersweet story of Shadowheart moving on after having lost everything. Again.

Lies of Omission by ACrowsRockCollection (7509, General) Content Notes: None

Three vignettes about moments when Tara protected Gale

Reccer says: In addition to being a tender and intimate story about Tara's fierce loyalty to Gale, the writing quality is fantastic, and extremely effective in pulling emotions.

Promises by ACrowsRockCollection (3265, Mature) Content Notes: None Pairings: Orin & Friendship

Durge made an agreement with Withers to revive Orin. Jaheira and Gale promise to help her. Then the former chosen of Bhaal dies in the final battle. Jaheira and Gale keep their promise.

Reccer says: I wish we could help Orin in game, this is a peek of what the might be like.

Pals by Lord_Miraak (3648, Teen) Content Notes: None Pairings: The Dark Urge & Enver Gortash

Everyone thinks that Durge and Gort are having a wild, torrid, passionate sexual affair. But the truth is, they’re just really good work pals.

Reccer says: This is a very funny story!

Caricature by Bogpaddle (984, General) Content Notes: None Pairings: Astarion & Karlach

Karlach convinces Astarion to have himself caricatured at the Lower City market.

Reccer says: A great little look at Astarion having a good time with Karlach with a sweet ending

Regret by AlwaysMauria (2628, Mature) Content Notes: Mentions of Astarion's past sexual assault

A series of vignettes whereby Ascended Astarion considers if maybe he's made a huge mistake.

Reccer says: I cannot see Astarion actually being happy in that horrid mansion that was his prison for so long, joining the high society that were his tormentors... this is a great look at how Ascension might not be all he thought it would be, perhaps it is just new chains around his wrists.

The Loot and Luxury Club by aqeldroma (1303, General) Content Notes: no Pairings: Piddle & Klagga & Gribbo

Three goblins who love art and poetry create a club to celebrate the finer things in life.

Reccer says: A sweet and funny story with an interesting look at the ordinary life of goblins.

No Prattle by Gally (44875, Mature) Content Notes: Ableism

What if, after Astarion was beaten by the Gur, it was his mother who found him, not Cazador? He lives, but comes away with injuries that will never fully heal, including a traumatic brain injury.

Reccer says: Author has a great Astarion voice, and we get to see Astarion be Astarion but from inside his head where the flaws, ugly thoughts, and incredible vulnerability lives. Also funny ASF.

A Singing Scam by Tavylia_Sin (1688, Mature) Content Notes: Alcohol Pairings: Olly & Rugan

Rugan and Olly find their coin purses on the lighter side, but MidWinter is a time for giving...so surely there are some more fortunate souls willing to part with their money somewhere in the city. The pair come up with the perfect plan, and head off with a few other Zhents to see what they can make of the night.

Reccer says: A funny story about another scam devised by our beloved Zhentarim gang

Our 2026 rare pair collection is now off Anon, come see the over 80 fics putting people together, as lovers, friends, or 'it's complicated's that you do not normally see!

The collection will be taking fics until the end of Feb, so if you see a prompt you like, it's not too late...!