Pale Elf and Pale Knight. Vampires, Mists and Legions of Wolves
All companions have quest names.
"Daughter of Darkness" - Shadowheart. It directly references her story. The most telling quest name.
"Our Fiery Friend" - Karlach. This refers not only to her problem with burning and she has bright, fiery emotions.
"The Githyanki Warrior" - for Lae’zel. Her quest is deeply connected with the githyanki people, their history, and their place in the world.
"The Wizard of Waterdeep" - for Gale. A simple name with no hidden meanings. He is definitely a Wizard. And he is definitely from Waterdeep. Perhaps the point here is to emphasize his origins - who he is now and who he once was.
That same Wizard of Waterdeep and his inner storm-power reaching toward the heavens. Or he will still be the Wizard of Waterdeep, glorified for his mortal deeds.
From this grows the beauty of his story: what a mortal wizard can achieve.
"The Blade of Frontiers" - for Wyll. His quest is named after his heroic moniker on the Sword Coast. It is connected to his path as a hero. This is also the theme of his personal struggles, whether he can truly be a real hero.
"The Pale Elf" - for Astarion.
Astarion is definitely pale. And he is definitely an elf.
The name is also very simple. Though perhaps only at first glance.
The title of his quest conceals his true nature, just as Astarion himself does when he presents himself as a mortal high elf magistrate from the Upper City, moving in high society. It’s a trickster’s move.
Pale skin was considered a mark of the aristocracy, because they didn’t have to work in the fields and therefore didn’t get tanned.
Only later do we learn the real reason for his excessive pallor - and it is far from ordinary paleness.
While I was looking through the times Astarion says the word "pale", hoping to find any mentions of it from him, for example, how he evaluates it, whether there are any comparisons, I actually found something.
There was once a vampire in the Forgotten Realms named Mordoc SeLanmere.
A character created by Black Isle Studios for the games Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance II (January 20, 2004), and mentioned by Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Astarion mentions him only under the name Pale Knight.
>Astarion: This is it. The hopeless dream dreamt by all of my kind.
Astarion: I am the greatest vampire to ever walk this land. Even the Pale Knight would have knelt before me.
\Astarion_InParty2_Nested_BlackMassFollowUp
https://reddit.com/link/1vjy3v3/video/j0l9klk96eih1/player
Mordoc SeLanmere died in 1376 DR.
He was also known as the White Prince.
The self-proclaimed Vampire King in Toril.
There is a bust of the Pale Knight in Szarr Palace, from which one can conclude that the Szarr coven respected him and keeps his memory.
Or, I don't know, just don't forget the vampires who stood out in some way.
When ascending, Astarion starts talking about him very quickly. He knows full well who this is and what his achievements were.
The lines is common to everyone, says the narrator.
Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance II Longplay Full Game Walkthrough [No Commentary] 4k
All scenes featuring Mordoc SeLanmere
1:14, 45:11, 4:04:09, 7:14:20, 8:25:50, 9:10:42, 9:11:30-9:12:55 - fight, 9:27:27, 9:29:37 - Ending
In the finale, we find out who was allied with the Pale Knight - someone in a sarcophagus named the Giver of Eternity from Mulhorand
>- The vampire's gambit has failed, Giver-of-Eternity. Baldur's Gate still stands strong.
- And what of Mordoc, priest?
- Utterly destroyed, o mighty pharaoh, in an attempt to hold the tower.
- His failure cannot be allowed to hamper my sacred mission. We will leave Mulhorand and see to the matter ourselves. Raise the tomb soldiers and prepare my sun-barge.
- As my god-king demands…
>You go to this beautiful desert with oases, cities and temples, and talk to this sarcophagus, where he [Giver-of-Eternity] tries to persuade you that the world would be better if everyone was undead.
David Maldonado on the plot of the unreleased final act of BG:DA II
But he talked about zombies rather than vampires, although vampires clearly don't bother him, although what they would eat in that case.
The underground halls beneath Szarr Palace resemble ancient motifs, maybe Egyptian.
According to the Book of Hungers, Astarion was born in 1261 DR and was turned into a vampire in 1300 DR, at the age of 39.
^(About the age)
^(Which should be corrected by WotC, because Astarion is a high elf who at 39 should look like that Korean mod. Or did the poor diet affect him that much? I don’t know. Shadowheart is a half-elf and in her ~40s looks about 25.)
^(Shadowheart: Forty years of my life, documented like I was some sort of specimen.)
Mordoc SeLanmere is mentioned only in the games. But by two different studios in the Forgotten Realms setting. This makes him not merely the homebrew of a single studio, but already a distinct character of the games’ lore.
Astarion is officially written into D&D canon and is mentioned in the books. And are all his words also canonical? Who knows.
In any case, Astarion lived through Mordoc SeLanmere’s time during his unlife.
Astarion heard the news and rumours of how some vampire became the Vampire King, gathered an army and set out to conquer Baldur’s Gate.
The question is what this story looked like in the canon of BG3.
The Pale Knight even entrenched himself in the city and began turning the inhabitants into undead. In this way he continued to swell his ranks for the further conquest of the Coast and the entire world.
Baldur’s Gate would have become the capital of his Vampire kingdom.
It is unknown whether Astarion knew the Pale Knight personally or ever saw him. Theoretically he could have. Let’s assume that he did.
I imagine their meeting like this: the Szarr coven swore loyalty to the King, and Astarion among them - he bowed. And then he carried out orders.
Did Astarion admire him? Most likely yes.
The very fact that he recalls him during his own triumph, savouring the knowledge that he has surpassed the Vampire King, shows that remembering him does not spoil his mood or stir anything painful. So if Astarion did meet him, the encounter was not personally unpleasant for him.
Astarion, as a servant of the Szarr family, bowed before the White Prince who stood above his master. Perhaps this also showed him that there are vampires far more powerful than even those who have ruled a coven in Baldur’s Gate for years.
Now his status and power as an Ascended Vampire are so high that the Pale Knight himself would have bowed before him.
It’s a very rich lore moment that Asatrion recalls this particular figure from vampire history.
It was Pale Knight whom Astarion considered such a great figure.
How interested is Astarion in figures such as the Pale Knight?
How interested is he specifically in the world of vampires?
First, quite a bit.
Second, as well.
This section focuses on these two aspects of his personality.
Astarion has the idea of shrouding the city in mist and ruling it. In part, the White Prince may have inspired this.
>Astarion: Everything lies ahead. I can see my path to a waking dream.
Astarion: From the crimson palace, I will govern day and night. Create a city of spawn who bow before me, cast a fog over the world for my children.
\Astarion_InParty2_Nested_BlackMassFollowUp
When Astarion takes control of the Absolute, he chooses to become the Sun King regardless of the outcome of his personal quest, he offers the city up as a feast for vampires.
>Synopsis: Asrarion's evil ending, in which he plunges the city into darkness and gives it over to his vampire spawn.
\END_BrainBattle_FinalDecision_Nested_EvilAstarion
It is important to remember that Astarion wanted to rule this city even when he was still a mortal elf, that is why he was a magistrate.
Astarion is clearly proud to call himself a magistrate of the Upper City. He tries to remain noble in many ways.
Cazador believed he was meant to be a worm and his servant, Astarion knew who he really was and wouldn't let that go.
And, of course, he remembers quite a bit.
In his origin ending as the Sun King, he specifically recalls his past as a magistrate - not the figure of a Vampire King.
>Narrator: It's been a long time since you stood in judgement over others, holding their lives in your hands. But after everything you've done, doesn't this feel right?
.
Player: Infuse yourself with the power of the Absolute - become the ruler you were destined to be. REALLY_ASTARION
(This line is also exclusive to Astarion Origin)
\END_BrainBattle_FinalDecision_Nested_EvilAvatar
There are two parts to his triumph.
The first is the restoration of his status, quality of life, wealth, and overall elevation, the return of the sensations and very feeling of being alive - the world of mortals
The second already belongs to the world he long inhabited - these are the powers of vampires, mists, wolves, bats, and his coven - the world of immortals.
The Pale Knight is mentioned as part of the world of the immortals, where he is now one of the most powerful beings.
Being the ruler of his own coven is a desire that Astarion has expressed.
I think this is a rather deep desire of his, one he is in no hurry to share in full detail with someone he has known for less than a month in Act 1. That is why it is only a brief explanation of what will happen if he drinks Cazador’s blood.
>Astarion: In theory, the next step is to drink their blood. Once you've done that, you're free and a true vampire.
Player: You'd have to drink Cazador's blood to be free?
Astarion: Free and a true vampire, capable of creating my own coven? Yes.
Astarion: Although I'd settle for just killing the bastard. I wouldn't be a 'true' vampire, but I'd be free of him.
\Astarion_InParty2
That hand gesture at the moment he says "my coven" - his body language shows that he’s excited by the idea.
An open, proud posture, with sweeping movements, reveals his most striking, free side.
And then he seems to snap himself back, clenching his fists. Although this also conveys confidence, by clenching his fists, he’s as if holding onto that idea - "yes".
Then Astarion shifts the topic to the victory over Cazador.
Even his voice shifts to "although", with a slight sigh-laugh, "well, that's already a lot". He obviously considers this a safer request to voice to his companions.
When Astarion learns of the tadpole's power (though he doesn't know the consequences of turning into a tentacled thing), he isn't just talking about his own personal freedom - he's talking about that he could be the most powerful vampire in the realm. Astarion says this as a statement of fact, and he's so proud of it.
It's clear what the focus of his thinking is here - the most powerful vampire. He's into this idea.
>Player: It sounds like you're enjoying it.
Astarion: What's not to enjoy? I can walk in sunlight, trespass upon any home, manipulate minds - I'm the most powerful vampire in the Realms!
.
Astarion: Oh don't be so glum. Look at the power it's bringing us.
Astarion: I can walk in sunlight, trespass upon any home, manipulate minds - there isn't another vampire in the Realms like me!
\Astarion_InParty2
The way Astarion talks about the abilities of vampires clearly shows his admiration for these powers.
>Astarion: Do you know the power a vampire lord possesses?
Astarion: He can change shape; turn into mist; call wolves to do his bidding; shrug off blows like they're nothing.
\Astarion_InParty2
He certainly makes it clear that the threat is significant. However, his tone, the way he describes it, and other aspects of how he speaks about vampire powers, his coven reveal his attitude toward vampire things as a whole.
Astarion is fascinated by the powers of true vampires.
Admiration he voices in the moments right after his ascension
...the crows in the night above!
>Astarion: You probably expect me to turn into a sea of mist, run wrongside-up on roofs, and to call on legions of wolves in battle.
Astarion: That will all happen in due time. But for now, patience is required. I hear the whispers of the night, but I can't yet speak its language.
Astarion: It's going to take a while to become acquainted with my new self.
\Astarion_InParty2_Nested_BlackMassFollowUp
Mists and legions of wolves. I wonder how much he thought about it omg
Astarion really does start by learning to turn into mist rather than a bat. He really loves that mist thing.
By the final battle, he’s already able to summon his legions.
>Minthara: Lord Astarion, unleash your nocturnal servants!
Jaheira: Come then, Astarion - introduce us to your new friends!
Gale: Lord Astarion, the armies of the undying must join this fight
Astarion: Come, my unholy minions - fight for your master!
Synopsis: PAD when you summon Vampire Lord Astarion's 'Army of the Dead', including Skeletons, Werewolves, and Shadow Creatures.
\END_GatherYourAllies_AD_PlayerSummonVampireAlly
What style of leadership does Astarion choose when he becomes a man of influence once again?
In Faerûn, a vampire coven in a large city is a parasitic thing.
Telling mortals how Astarion would like to rule his own coven and, I don’t know, build secret passages and taverns for kidnapping people is not something you tell companions whose help you are counting on. He reveals this only after he has already become a Lord.
>Astarion: Look at this place. From a symbol of the city's power and grandeur to a brain-infested husk.
Astarion: Maybe I should help fund the repairs when this is all over. It would be the civic-minded thing to do.
Astarion: And it means we could install secret tunnels, spy holes, maybe even a murder pit. Everything we'd need to rule from the shadows.
\Astarion_InPartyEND
Mortals without exception would all like to get rid of this cluster of leeches.
In her prime, Jaheira burned vampire spawn in the square.
>Astarion: Cazador always warned us to stay clear of this neighbourhood. Never said why, though.
Jaheira: The last spawn who tried was sunk into the cobblestones and left for the sun to find. I had an unfortunate taste for theatrics, in my youth.
Astarion: Ah. Yes, that was probably it.
\PB_Astarion_Jaheira_OskarsBeloved
But vampires exist one way or another wherever there are people. Big cities will sooner or later acquire a new parasite. Cities are teeming with vampire clans with whom Cazador corresponded.
Mrel Alkam is the Master of the clan that now rules in Athkatla.
In Baldur's Gate 2 (Sep 21, 2000), the city was ruled by Bodhi's clan.
Mistress Bodhi - clan leader, an elven vampire, and sister of John Arenicus.
In the ending, the heroes destroy this vampire clan. It's unknown whether Mrel is from that same clan, but the fact remains - vampires once again lurk in the shadows of Athkatla.
It is only a matter of time before vampires learn about the unguarded blood. Thirty or fifty years will pass, and the vampires will wait for the right moment to claim their prey. Especially such a tasty morsel as Baldur’s Gate.
Therefore, Jaheira accepts Lord Astarion as a new, unavoidable neighbor, whose appetite she will keep an eye on.
If Astarion saw the story of the Pale Knight, it rather showed him what even more grandiose things a vampire is capable of.
Even if he had only read about him, it clearly made an impression on him. Although Astarion’s ambitions and desire for high status existed long before that.
The Pale Knight died trying to become a king with a crown and a throne. Grotash, too, he was very well known.
If Astarion possesses the power of the Absolute, he becomes the clear ruler, carrying out his plan to cover the city in fog. There is no reason to hold back.
Being a bright leader isn't something Astarion would avoid if he had the chance. However, as Lord he's choosing not to rush.
Astarion prefers to rule from the shadows, as this is exactly what he talks about with Tav. In the romance, it also depends on the Tavs - how bloodthirsty they are. If so, then he's not really against it.
>Narrator: *Power that is now fully unleashed and yours to command. All you have to do is decide what you're doing with it.*
Player: Well, obviously I'm going to rule Baldur's Gate. What else?
Narrator: *You picture the city, its politics and power structures, its beating heart. It would be so easy to bite into it and make it your own.*
Narrator: *Not to rule as a tyrant, of course. You don't need a throne - you can rule quietly from the shadows.*
Narrator: *Although... you wouldn't say 'no' to a throne. But not yet.*
Narrator: *There's no need to rush things after all - you have an eternity to play with. And you're going to have some fun.*
\END_GameFinale_SoloFates_Astarion
Astarion Origin emphasizes that he knows this city, its politics, and its power structures very well - these are the things that interest him.
Having become a Lord, Astarion feels comfortable ruling from the shadows. The art he knew and had embraced - the art of the rogue’s invisibility.
>Astarion: Oh I wouldn't say 'ruler', any old fool can sit on a throne. I would be more of a... puppet master?
Astarion: For all my freedom to walk in the sun, it's still much more fun to pull the strings of power from the shadows.
\EPI_Epilogue_Astarion_Lord
Astarion’s simping over the Pale Knight requires more exploration.