Round 1 — Match 42 / 77 — Astarion Ancunin vs. Lakrissa

Astarion Ancunín is an Origin Character and recruitable Companion who can be romanced by characters of any gender. He is a high elven Rogue with the Charlatan background. Astarion can be first found west of the Nautiloid Wreck during Act One. A vampire spawn previously under the control of  Cazador Szarr until being abducted by the nautiloid, Astarion is set on exacting revenge upon Cazador and becoming free, no matter the consequences.

"he says “darling” and suddenly i’m volunteering as a snack"

"he’s so funny i’m sorry. his commentary is top tier. even when he’s being the worst he’s at least being the worst with style"

"astarion is the character i did not expect to get attached to and then it happened anyway, because he’s such a mess and he KNOWS it. He’ll flirt, he’ll lie, he’ll posture, he’ll act like nothing touches him, and then you get these moments where the mask slips and it’s like… oh. and the best part is you can actually influence what kind of freedom he chooses. you can enable the whole “power will fix me” plan, or you can push him toward something that looks more like healing (even if it’s ugly and slow and he fights it). Also: the fact he genuinely enjoys being mean is hilarious. he’s a hater. he’s a gossip. he’s the friend who would absolutely egg you on to make the worst decision at a party. and then when you hit the cazador stuff the game stops being cute about it. it’s grim. it’s personal. it’s about bodies and consent and ownership and what you do after you get out. and he’s still standing there trying to decide who he wants to be next. i don’t care how you play him, i just think he’s one of the most memorable companions they’ve ever written."

vs.

Lakrissa is one of the tiefling refugees seeking shelter at the Emerald Grove in Act One.

"lakrissa is the tiefling who makes a 10g “we’re all gonna die lol” bet with you and somehow that’s the hottest possible energy for act 1"

"her whole thing with Alfira is very “two people clinging to something soft while everything sucks,” and finding them again is always a relief. i don’t need a giant plot twist, i just want them to get their drink and a quiet night without goblins, cults, or anyone yelling “THE ABSOLUTE.”"