Summary
Baldur’s Gate 3’sDark Urge is tormented by thoughts of murder and violence, but that doesn’t mean they cannot find love. All ofBaldur’s Gate 3’s romance options will ultimately accept the Dark Urge, amnesia, twisted thoughts, and all. One particularly touching and memorable romance is formed between the Dark Urge and the vampire Astarion, who feels a connection with a fellow “monster” seeking freedom and desiring to establish their own identity.
The Dark Urge And Astarion Have Many Similarities
From the moment theDark Urgeconfesses their hidden impulses, Astarion sees a kindred spirit in them. He recognizes someone who has suffered like he has, who is afraid they will never be more than a monster, and who has a powerful authority figure desperate to regain control over them.
History of violence
Finding victims for Cazador
Becoming Vampire Ascendant/Staying a spawn
Astarion Is Kind And Supportive To The Dark Urge
Astarion may not always be the nicest guy - he’s generally guarded and defensive, focused on self-preservation, and unafraid to make a cutting remark at any time. But when the Dark Urge confesses their secrets to aromanced Astarion, he supports them without question. Should the Dark Urge’s butler, Sceleritas Fel, encourage them to kill Astarion, the vampire spawn will help them fight through the Urges and reassure them that they can get through this.
When the Dark Urge discovers that they are aBhaalspawn, a child of the god of murder, Astarion immediately draws parallels to his own situation. “I felt paralyzed to do anything about Cazador for so many decades,” he confesses. “Bhaal controls you in much the same way. I don’t know how you can beat him, but I do know this: you must try.” Usually so eager to grab power in any way - embracing the tadpole, reading the Necromancy of Thay - Astarion forsakes his lust for power to stand by his love.
Some Of Astarion’s Best Lines Are Exclusive To A Dark Urge Romance
Astarion’s dialogue is some of the best of the game - he’s snarky and witty, fluctuating between suave confidence and honest vulnerability.Actor Neil Newbon even earned a Game Awards nominationfor bringing Astarion to life. But some of the vampire’s best lines are only experienced when he is romanced as a Dark Urge. These include:
He Doesn’t Mind The Carnage
Some of the game’s love interests are less than thrilled should the Dark Urge embrace Bhaal and become theGod of Murder’s Chosenrather than resisting the Urge. Astarion, on the other hand, is more than okay with it - he’s familiar with violence and carnage, and is happy to stay with the Dark Urge as they carve their bloody path through Faerun.
Having Astarion become the Vampire Ascendant is a dark, tragic ending for the character. However, the romance betweenAscended Astarionand Bhaal’s Chosen brings some levity to this macabre ending, as the pair snipe almost humorously about their plans for each other. “When I conquer the world over, perhaps I shall spare you,” the Dark Urge muses. Ascended Astarion is confident enough to joke back, “Not if I get there first. The game is on, darling.” Their love is a strange one - but, at times, oddly heartwarming.
