So I was playing Baldur’s Gate 3 again last weekend, right? Just doing my fifth playthrough as a chaotic good half-elf. This time I decided to focus on Astarion specifically – that vampire spawn companion always has the juiciest secrets. Started wondering what headcanons people had that might actually work in-game.
First steps with Astarion
Booted up my save file near the Emerald Grove entrance. Immediately switched to controlling Astarion directly – clicked his portrait, walked him around camp poking at stuff. Wanted to see if camp interactions revealed extra dialogues most players skip. Tried three things right away:
- Made him talk to his own tent mirror – got unique narcissistic lines
- Had him steal alcohol then talk to other drunk companions – hilarious reactions
- Made him examine graves at night – special voice lines about “eternal rest”
Testing dialogue theories
Headed toward the Blighted Village with just Astarion and Shadowheart in party. Remembered that Tumblr theory about him having unique reactions to religious symbols. Made Shadowheart hold Selûne’s necklace and had Astarion talk to her while she was equipped with it. Boom! Got this sarcastic line about “gods playing cruel games” – totally unscripted interaction! Then tried something else people speculated:
- Made him stand in direct sunlight after patch 5 – new squinting animation
- Had him kill Gandrel then immediately talk to kids – special guilt dialogue
- Traded with Damon using only stolen goods – merchant actually commented!
Saved scummed before the bite scene four times trying different responses. Found a hidden option if you’re playing as cleric of Lathander – he actually flinches away from holy symbols during the animation!
Character secrets uncovered
This is where things got wild. Was poking around Cazador’s palace basement again. Noticed Astarion’s foot was tapping impatiently near torture tools – checked camera mode and saw his fists were clenched too! New details every playthrough I swear. Biggest discovery though? That “sibling bite resistance” theory holds up. Tested this three ways:
- Got bitten by Petras first – Astarion gained temporary poison resistance
- Made Astarion bite other spawn – combat buff disappeared immediately
- Got Leon to bite Tav – Astarion shouted special voice line interrupting
Also confirmed he actually smiles during certain camp scenes if you’re romancing him AND have high approval – but only if camera pans at specific angles. Spent two freaking hours reloading for that visual proof!
Honestly thought I knew everything about this character after 400+ hours. Nope. Still finding crumbs in patch 5. That bite mechanic interaction with siblings alone blew my mind. Might test elemental damage reactions next week. Anyway food’s here gotta run!