A Baldur’s Gate 3 player discussed a different approach to seducing Astarion, leading to a community debate about his character.
Astarion might just be the most popular character in Baldur’s Gate 3. Sure, one could make a case for Shadowheart or Karlach, but no one really matches the instantly recognizable vampire spawn, played by Neil Newbon.
Astarion is the companion that even people who haven’t played Baldur’s Gate know, and as the most fictionalized male character in the game, his love life is one of the most developed, and Larian put a lot of effort into in its history and character.
However, a player on the Baldur’s Gate 3 subreddit posted an “unpopular opinion”about romancing Astarion, suggesting that players who romance him treat him in a similar manner to Cazador.
Baldur’s Gate 3 community debates the ethics of romancing Astarion
The player said: “He’s a great character, that’s for sure, and I’m emotionally invested in helping him find closure. But given what he’s going through, the idea of a romance with him at this time seems terribly predatory.”
Maybe unpopular opinion about Astarion byu/c_hampagne inBaldursGate3
“Also, seeing the way people online idolize him seems unhealthy to me. Yes, he is handsome and charismatic, two traits his abuser exploited for over 200 years.”
“Astarion was forced to use his body in Cazador’s name, his entire quest is to overcome years of abuse, and a portion of the fandom has reduced him to little more than an object of desire. I don’t know. It seems awkward and as a character he deserves better.”
However, others disagreed, with one Astarion enthusiast suggesting: “It all depends on how you play and interpret the interactions. Could having a relationship with Astarion be predatory given what he’s going through?”
“Yes, but it can also be seen as him reasserting his sexual autonomy and personal agency, something he hasn’t been able to do for the last 200 years.”
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