#Why would this be different? At least for Wyll he can become that

[the-weeping-dawn]

I firmly think the more and longer term gay/bi masc friends you have the less punch the emperor/ansur drama has.

[tcustodisart]

Connecticut Tav | Wood Half-Elf | Beast Master Ranger

So, this is my sheet for @bareee's @tav-dex. Went a little overboard and made a whole ass character sheet (man the last time I made one of those was so long ago). I want to write something about my cringe boy so. Buckle up because it's going to be long and poorly written (I suck at writing).

One edit because I'm a dummy, his alignment is neutral good not true neutral idk why I did that.

He was born and raised in his mom's and step-dad's tavern called Crow's Perch (not as fancy as Elf Song but in a different category as Blushing Mermaid)(the tavern thing is just for the sake of a joke that the most popular drink they serve is called 'Connecticut Water'). He has an older brother, who's a bard. Despite the description for Urchin background ("After surviving a poor and bleak childhood") he had a happy childhood, filled with love and support. The two brothers treated the whole Lower City as their playground: breaking into places just for fun, pick pocketing nobles, climbing Wyrm's Rock Fortress etc.

His love for beasts and creatures of any kind comes from the stories told by his step-dad (both him and Tav's mom are retired adventurers). Step dad was the one who told Tav about Darkmaw the Wicked *wink wink*.

At one point he got tired of the city life and decided he wanted to become a ranger. After successfully fulfilling some contracts he became so confident of his skills he tried to build a trap all by his own. The trap exploded right into his face (he himself has no idea how it didn't kill him or damaged his eyes). After that he was sulking in his hunting hut for a month. The experience humbled the boy. Most of his adventuring prior to the nautiloid could just be boiled down to hanging around one village and talking local boars out of destroying potato fields, and occasionally getting rid of poachers.

Before the abduction he was on his way to Baldur's Gate to see his family (which he hasn't seen in months).

Trivia (because it's easier to write stuff this way):

His hair started to go grey at the start of Act 3 from the weight of responsibility and stress.

In Act 1 he was corresponding with his family thanks to Faust. After entering The Underdark he stopped sending letters (In Underdark because it would be hard, in Act 2 because he didn't want the bird to be killed by Shadow Curse).

Despite being close to his family in Act 3, he didn't visit them or send any messages in fear that Gortash and/or Orin would hurt them.

He carries with him a razor and some fancy oils for his beard.

His brother wrote one ballad about him, soon after that Tav forbid him from writing more (it was very much not accurate).

His step-dad taught him how to fight with a sword, while his mom taught him archery and the art of stealth.

Tav's biological father died when he was very young so he has barely any memory of him.

Tav's a walking Merlin app, he can identify any bird by just listening to it.

He loves climbing trees. Either to rest on a branch or to scout the surroundings.

He loves picking up herbs and making potions.

Despite growing up in a tavern he's not much of a drinker.

He's very self-conscious about his height and chest-to-belly area. He tries his best not to show it.

At one point he was persona non grata at Sharess' Caress.

He enjoys fishing.

Sir Daisy Dewdrop Fluffington is a name of his childhood plush.

He knows how to play lanceboard (he often plays against Gale and tries to teach it to Wyll).

He draws in his journal. He drew all of his companions at least once.

He almost cried when Jaheira called him 'cub' and almost called her 'mom' in response.

He's scared of Lae'zel. But tries his best to understand and help her.

He had countless heart-to-hearts with Karlach.

In his journal he described Astarion as 'his equal on the battlefield'.

[amysgiantbees]

I just find it strange that the developers chose to rewrite Wyll. I love new Wyll I think he's fantastic and I don't necessarily want the previous version. But I find it bizarre that there was somehow so much negative feedback about old Wyll that they risked completely rewriting him.

Now I love all the companions. This is not Dragon Age Orgins where I debate recruiting Ogrun every time. But I just find it strange that the reason given was Wyll's negative feedback when most of the other characters have been unpopular too. Like Lae'zel is infamously unlikable to a great many people.

People love to bully Gale and there's even lines in game that call him pathetic. The DEV's in the IGN interview even agreed that Gale killing himself can be a good ending, " I really liked Gale setting off the bomb with the brain, and actually that felt like the right ending to me.

AS: In many ways it is, yeah." Which feels problematic to say the least, like I get supporting player choices but suicide is never the "right" way to do things.

Or even I'm pretty sure I remember Neil Newbon talking about how he was sure a lot of players had killed Astarion permanently in their playthroughs.

Then there are people being absolute freaks on the internet about Halsin all because he's polyamorous.

Like these characters are wildly popular too but they certainly have their haters. So why did they lack such confidence with Wyll? The best source I could find on early access Wyll is this article https://gamerant.com/baldurs-gate-3-wyll-early-access-story-change-karlach-explained/. It says that this change was made to make his story stronger, make him more unique, and give him more complicated emotional ties. Unless he was really basic before they did not accomplish this. He has less content so his story lacks the depth the other's do. It's also inconsistent, with you being able to put him off being a duke by telling him he'll be too power hungry which he has never been. His emotional ties are rushed. He never really confronts his father, having the tadpole do most of the work and never hashing out his feelings beyond that he's fine.

It wasn't supposed to be this way. According to the article he was meant to have a dark side like Shadowheart "According to the panel, depending on whether players allow him to go through with killing Karlach, he will become a radically different companion instead of if she is recruited." Which would have been cool but if they didn't have enough time to do that maybe they should have tweaked what they had.

Plus, according to the article in early access he was "a straightforward hero who develops a violent side regarding his patron or goblins." This article too show's that his early approval matches current Wyll pretty well except for dealing with Aunty Ethel and more goblin hate https://fextralife.com/baldurs-gate-3-early-access-companions-guide-wyll/.

I just don't know I just find it so frustrating that it was the black main character they chose to tweak and ran out of time to complete his story and still haven't fixed it with a patch. And in the IGN interview the devs kind of sounded like there wouldn't be anymore patches and it's just frustrating. Wyll deserves just as much content as any one else.

[starfall-dream]

Okok hi, I had more thoughts regarding this AU and a little headcanon I had about our poor little friend Withers... and also the Gods in this au- but mostly Withers. (Since I've been playing around with him for my own yan BG3 isekai thing)

I feel like this might be very different from what you have in mind for the worldbuilding (as I remember you mentioning how this isn't the game at some point but I might be thinking wrong), but I thought this was on my mind, and just in case this might inspire something, I thought about saying it. So don't feel pressured to reply to this. It's just me getting my thoughts out there because why not and I wanna hear your thoughts too!

With Withers I've been playing around with the idea that, since in BG3 he is the one who let's us play around with classes, stats, reviving long lost party members, stuff like that I thought it would be pretty neat if he actually knew of other timelines or had some sort of magic that had some sort of ability tied to it for Withers to know/look into the knowledge of things like stats, classes, and possibly the fact that reader is from a whole other realm/world. Possibly even knowing the meanings for when they talk strange. He definitely lets on for more than he shows in the early game at least.

So in my AU I sorta lean into that and have Withers and the reader character get really close as friends because, "at least someone has a sense of what is going on and can explain in a way that I can understand". Probably has to explain that they're a human fighter or a ranger (especially later on when characters like Wyll get way more protective, he might start trying to move them away from the front lines at some point. Even if he taught us swordfighting it's still 'too dangerous' for his darling out there so they gotta pick up being a ranger to even think about contributing to the combat)

That actually leads me to my second batch of thoughts! Reader's class. I know you said they were leaning towards a fighter class but as I said before I feel like soon enough archery or being a ranger might be more viable, or if they get the attention of a god they might just get cleric (not as plausible as ranger but one can assume). The thought of them playfully or jokingly making an oath and becoming a Paladin is also funny but just as impossible. Still, always fun to play around with, especially since clerics in general sometimes don't even get a say in becoming a cleric, poor reader might just suddenly become the cleric to someone like Sune who even covers more darker aspects of romance (as a god of romance)... at least from what I've read off her Forgotten Realms wiki page. For all we know, someone might just "you're my cleric now, we're getting soft tacos later" the poor reader and they'd have no say in it.

The possibilities could be endless!

Honestly I love withers, he's great.

In my head, reader technically doesn't have a class, they just fall into fighter since it would make the most sense in my head. I didn't even think about ranger though, even though that was the first class I played as. I feel like they would be a mixture of any class that doesn't use magic, since they really can't.

I think since withers has more of an understanding of things, reader and him and a nice relationship. I think reader just confides in him about a lot of things and he offers very wordy and lengthy advice. It's like a grandpa and grandchild relationship.

[shenanigans-and-imagines]

My brain is melty but something something “you want to bet on it?” Not exactly astarion and Tav but like. The rest of the camp talking about them?

Feel better soon!

A/N: This was actually a lot of fun! You didn't specify so I decided to go with Ace!Tav AKA Evie for this prompt. Hope that's okay.

Consider this a continuation of this headcanon.

Astarion x Ace!Tav (Evie) Masterlist

“You know what? I don’t think they’re fucking.”

Gale choked on his drink, following Karlach's eye line to a familiar corner.

Astarion and Evie had found their own little piece of no where, as was becoming habit with them at this point in the evening. Astarion had an arm wrapped about them and he whispered something in their ear, causing them to laugh. Astarion answered this with a playful nip of their neck which is right about when Gale averted his eyes. They were entitled to some privacy.

"My ears would beg to differ," he said, dryly. "I swear I didn't get a wink last night."

"Well that's just the thing innit?" Karlach pressed. "I mean, I can understand getting that riled up every now and again, but every night?"

"Astarion is a vampire," Wyll pointed out. "Even a spawn is liable to have higher than average...stamina."

Karlach let out a snort. "You read too much. Besides, even if that was true, doesn't stop E from being human."

"Why though?" Gale said. "What would be the point of pretending engage in such, ah...enthusiastic intercourse? I mean, we all know they're together. Why the extra show?"

"I would not be surprised if Astarion is putting on, as you said, an extra show," Lae'zel said. "He has boasted many times of his prowess in giving carnal pleasure. Not to mention, he likes to make clear what is his. Ravaging sex would accomplish both quite easily."

"Still doesn't explain E's half of all this," Karlach insisted. "It does take at least two, last I checked."

"Trust me, just two is enough," Gale grumbled. "If you want proof for yourself, I am more than happy to switch rooms."

"No good. I'm just below them."

"Oh for Gods' sake!"

"You've been oddly quiet, Shadowheart," Wyll interrupted, giving the cleric an assessing look. "Care you share your thoughts."

Shadowheart shrugged, carefully setting down her glass of wine. "I don't see what more I have to add to the conversation. You all seem set in your opinions."

"And I am curious to hear yours," Wyll pressed.

She rolled her eyes. "I think you all are putting a lot of thought into something that is frankly none of your business."

That got Gale's attention as he turned to her suspiciously. "Do you know something?"

"Nothing of importance. Besides, weren't you the one who said that some personal matters should remain personal?"

"Certainly," Gale said. "But when they are shared so openly, they can hardly be considered wholly personal."

"Well, that clenches it for me," Karlach said. "They're not fucking."

"I would be inclined to disagree, although now, I'm not so sure," Gale said, his brow furrowed in thought.

Lae'zel gave an exasperated huff. "Is it common in this realm to over analysis something as simple as mating?"

"It's extremely common," Wyll said, with a smile. "I take it that means you think they are, mating?"

"Obviously."

"Would you put money on that?" Karlach said.

Lae'zel raised an eyebrow. "A wager?"

"Sure. Ten gold says if we open the door on their room tonight, they're doing something stupid like moving furniture. And if I'm wrong, that's ten gold for you and spit in my eye."

The gith's eyes narrowed, before giving Karlach a stiff nod. "A fair wager. Although, I do not think spitting in your eye in necessary."

"I wouldn't go that far," Wyll said. "Depending what's on the other side of that door, it may be very necessary."

[rinriya]

BG3 ending (spoilers)

I finished BG3. And I.. I'm so devastated right now. Not in terms of relief or "oh, such a good game has come to an end, idk what to do next", I just don't understand what happened. I am disappointed. I need to speak out. Otherwise I feel like I can burst into tears because of indignation.

And I beg DON'T READ THE POST FURTHER if you haven't reached the end. There will be plenty spoilers. DON'T READ IF YOU HAVEN'T FINISHED THE GAME.

So. Is this really the end? Is this… what we've been so actively waiting for 3 years? Maybe there will be DLCs no less than another full-fledged act? Otherwise, I cannot understand what was the point MC to do all of this?

I.. damn, this is hard. I waited so long for this game, but now I criticize it. Okay, phew. I'll get myself under control. Phew. Sorry.

We were promised different outcomes, different endings, many choices. But what did we actually get? You either save Orpheus (the Emperor becomes an enemy), or help the Emperor (Orpheus dies), or you/your companion turns into an illithid. And like.. who cares if you continued to refuse the powers. It's unavoidable in any case. You cannot form an alliance, you cannot win without a tadpole. You are linear in your final choice.

Your companions?

Wyll leaves to Avernus. Karlach returns to Avernus. Astarion can no longer stay in the sun, he begins to burn and therefore runs away. That moment… it broke my heart. My MC romanced him, couldn't he followed Star? Was it not possible to add some extra scenes? It doesn't matter to anyone. He ran away? Well meh who cares. Only Shadowheart says something like "oh, how sad, he can no longer walk in the sun."

I wanted to help him damn it! Both him and Karlach. And Lae'zel too, but game not allowed me to do so, forcing to choose: either the giths fate, or your ally. Choose.

I wanted my friends to live happily even without tadpoles! Why the hell I was saving the world, if my companions can't be happy? For the sake of a good ending, I should have let Stari to perform the terrible dark ritual? Or turn Karlach into a squid? Minsc and Jaheira are just fanservice for old fans. More or less good end has Gale (still with bomb inside him), Shadowheart and the Emperor himself.

And what about all my decisions? Where are their consequences? What happened to the vampire spawns? With a grove? With the forest? With Hell, where we killed a mighty devil?! With the Ironhand clan, who now have a new leader? Larian Studios, was it really so hard to write at least in text about everything that happened? Like in DOS2 at least? Or about our companions future life. At least about them!

It feels like even if I decided to play as pure evil.. there would be no difference, because I just don't know what my actions led to. But I can't play evil, I just can't hurt anyone. Yes, I'm boring person who loves happy endings and when everyone doing great.

BG3 received its fame, glory, attention. Obviously will receive a bunch of awards, because its ratings beat all records, but inside me.. there is just emptiness. I can headcanon a happy ending with Astarion, truly free Lae'zel, who will be no longer chased by Vlaakith's servants and Karlach with repaired heart. But it will all be in my head. Not in the game. Baldur's Gate 3.. is like a beautiful (really beautiful) wrapper, but the candy inside turned out to be simple and not very different from the others.

I'm sad. Very sad. And I'm sorry for this flow of words. I had to speak out. Now I feel a bit better. I really want to hear your opinion, because now I'm mentally hurt. I obviously triggered the high expectations for this game and get a painful kick for that.

[animentality]

I love Baldur's Gate and the Dark Urge and all -

And the idea of the Dark Urge redeeming themselves after a lifetime of horror by literally choosing to die and go to purgatory forever is really amazing. In fact, it's why I'm so dedicated to the Dark Urge as a character.

The idea of a villain losing their memory, becoming a hero, and then realizing that they need to die not just once, but twice to truly DESERVE their redemption is honestly brilliant.

But.

But.

Withers revives you way too fucking fast.

You literally die...and then Withers instantly brings you back.

In fact, it takes him fucking longer to revive your COMPANIONS than you, and your companions dying and being revived at camp aren't even part of the story, it's just you fucking something up and not wanting to waste a revive scroll.

Withers bringing you back instantly comes across as like, oh, so dying for your morals, being a true hero in the end, a martyr, defeating the villain, which is you...it's totally negated.

You died for about twenty seconds.

I've known people who died for longer on the operating table.

Where is my lover crying and clutching my body?

Where are my friends, all looking devastated, because they're all gotten to know me and root for me and truly care about me after I've done ALL THIS for them???

So that they could be safe from me?

Where is the emotion?

He brings you back and then your companions have a single line that's essentially just, "good job buddy."

Karlach says something like, I'm proud of you and Wyll says I'll drink in your name or whatever.

And Astarion has a really obnoxious line about how this means you aren't going to attack him anymore...and it's like... okay.

Cool.

So you guys are totally unphased by the fact that you just watched me die...but I suppose death doesn't mean shit in this game, since you have Withers to constantly bring you back.

Cool.

So then what? Nothing matters?

It's just frustrating because I know it's the cut content curse. They had more planned for Orin and the Dark Urge and Bhaal...but it just feels so underwhelming.

I think BG3's primary flaw comes in the fact that they wanted to build this richly crafted narrative, while also accounting for player choice. And they did a magnificent job of adding SO MANY extra scenes and alternate interactions, to the point where I'm still finding new shit, after like 800 hours of playing...

But the tradeoff is that the character stories...fall really flat, because they want so desperately for a Tav to be the main character, and no one else.

The Dark Urge especially suffers from this, because they made them a murder hobo in one ending, and basically just a Tav in the other ending.

As soon as you are brought back by Withers, you might as well just be a Tav. It has no bearing on anything anymore.

And that's such a shame.

I just wish it had some weight. The Dark Urge has spent their entire life ending lives... it should be beautiful, that they would end their own life to atone...their last victim, would be themselves, as they always knew...but for different reasons-

oh wait, withers is here.

cool, i'm back, guys, let's go to arby's and celebrate.

i just think the game should legitimately make you think you died, at least until a long rest or two.

force the squad to go on without you, make someone else your fourth member.

THEN withers can come to you, maybe in some kind of new Jerrgal-form, so you know he's Jergal for sure, and then reveal he was secretly a retired god.

And honestly, that makes Withers a far more interesting character too. To give him this huge hero moment, and have him say, no, this will not stand. I know he HAS that moment, but it's so rushed.

Let the player breathe on it. Let them FREAK OUT. Can you imagine how much stir it would've created, if Dark Urge players LEGIT thought they were dead permanently?

That would've given their sacrifice real weight.

But Larian was scared, probably, of players being upset that their characters are dead, even though that kind of sacrifice is literally the most heroic thing you could do in the game, besides become a damn mindflayer.

So some sacrifice! You sacrificed ten seconds of your life, and your companions barely care.

Alright. Fine.

I'll just be over here writing your story for you!

[istoleyoursk1n]

How would they (Origin + Halsin) react to a Tav that's taller than them? If it's even possible to be taller than Halsin lmao

•❅───────────✧❅✦❅✧───────────❅•

How would they react to a Tav that's taller than them?

( Added the possibility of your Tav/Durge carrying them so I have more to work with. All for more content tho lmao )

.

.

: ̗̀➛ ASTARION

“Why not ask our walking street lamp if they can see anything from here? Gods, with all that height they ought to do something useful with it.”

Irritated.

He’s already shorter compared to the others in their camp, what more when he's standing next to you?

If anything he's frustrated that he has to break his neck every time he needs to speak with you.

Demands that you Crouch/get on his level instead if you both need to talk. He’d rather you get all the neck aches than him.

He only gets mildly defensive when he senses you looming over him but he eventually becomes accustomed to it, and soon enough, he learns to like it.

Having someone tall enough to reach things for him without having to exert so much effort is a lovely little advantage for him.

And if you have the ability to ever so easily lift him up? He’d love it even more. Now he doesn't have to walk! Plus being in your arms is something he finds oddly comforting. He wouldn't admit it out loud just yet but being encapsulated by your warmth does something to his undead heart.

: ̗̀➛WYLL

“Nothing wrong with having a particularly height-boosted companion tag along in our exciting misadventures! Though I do hope we manage to find some armor to fit you.”

Surprised but he didn't find it all too bad. People come in all shapes and sizes after all.

He doesn't exactly treat you any differently because of your height, he’ll make the usual playful remark here and there about it but nothing more.

A small chuckle would come out of him every time your height causes you to bend your head to fit through doorways or if you accidentally hit something but he’d be there to make sure you weren't too hurt.

Similar to Astarion, he's grateful for your height advantages since you can grab things for him or even run longer distances.

Would be a laughing mess if you do manage to pick him up, he's never actually been picked up from the ground so easily that it startles him in the best way possible.

Would playfully call you his knight in shining armor just until you put him down.

: ̗̀➛GALE

“I’m not quite sure if this is the result of some sort of magic elixir or if you were given the extra growth spurs by chance.”

‘Well alright then-’

It's not as if he hasn't seen people taller than him, sure the neck pains are going to be bothersome but it's not something he wants you to feel bad for.

Depending on the species you are, he’d question how you’d somehow come to be so tall.

Nothing but harmless questions honestly, he’d probably ask a story in regards to your height at some point but he wouldn't make a big deal out of it.

Besides, if he wished to be tall too he could have used a spell on himself but he doesn't need to.

Your imposing height can be used to intimidate enemies so there's that. Regardless, he sees your height as something that has its own perks.

Baffled when you manage to lift him up. He spends at least five seconds struggling because he doesn't quite understand what just happened and he doesn't know what he should be holding onto. Somehow his hand ends up on your face at some point.

Relaxes soon enough and happily stays in your arms for however long you wish to keep him there. Now he won't stop talking your ear off and praising you as per usual.

: ̗̀➛KARLACH

“And just when I thought I was tall, in came you! I mean just look at you! I bet you can see damn well anything from up there!“

WHOA. <—Her inner reaction

She's the one of the tallest in your little group so of course she's surprised to see someone who towers over her.

She can't get over the fact that she has to look up at you every time you both speak to one another.

With your permission, she refers to you both as ‘ Tall buddies ‘

I mean hey! The taller you are the more huggable you must be right? At least that's what she thinks.

Surprised if you do manage to lift her off the ground, practically squealing and laughing out loud from the mere fact that someone had managed to lift her even an inch off the ground.

She'd have the time of her life in all honesty.

If your body could manage it, she’d be so on board with going on a piggyback ride. She hasn't had one since she was a mere little tiefling! You haven't seen her laugh so loudly in such a long time, it's wonderful.

: ̗̀➛SHADOWHEART

“And your height proves what sort of concern for me? Unless you're bumping into doorways I doubt we’d have any trouble.”

She isn't bothered by it in the slightest, she hardly even cares about the fact that you're taller than her.

While it is sort of tiresome to constantly frame her neck so that she's constantly looking up at you, it's not something she ever complains about.

She won't make a single comment on it unless you’re visibly struggling to get through door frames and or average-sized spaces (if you are then how tall must you be lmao)

It’s more of her asking a single question as to how you manage with your height and if there is anything that could be done. Other than that, she’d move along.

A bit tense if you ever do decide to use your height advantage to pick her up.

She doesn't know what to do nor if this is something she’s comfortable with but she slowly eases into it, even holding you properly with a warm smile carefully forming across her face.

She takes this time to look around, noticing how much she can see from being lifted up by a taller person. She’d thank you for such a lovely little experience after you put her down.

: ̗̀➛LAE’ZEL

“Tsk’va, must we really bring this istik with us? Any charith could spot them from a mile away.”

She doesn't really care either unless your height proves to be some sort of perk in the coming battles.

And hey, if you can somehow intimidate your foes with your height advantage, she’d be impressed. Good for you.

Though at first, she does get out some harsh jabs about your height proving to be a disadvantage when stealthing. However, she’d slowly warm up to you and cease to make such comments.

Would probably punch you if you ever tried picking her up without warning her beforehand (0/10 do not recommend)

Like others mentioned before her, she hasn't been picked up before. She tenses the moment you lift her and it takes a while for her to relax.

She’d probably have to be softly talked out of her tension in order to properly relax in your grip and take a moment to look around.

The moment she does, she finally lets down her guard, taking a moment to look around now that she has a better view from above.

As soft as this little moment is, she now sees this as a way for to get a better advantage whenever she's using a bow. She can see her foes from afar from this height. Now you two can work even closer in combat!

: ̗̀➛HALSIN

“Hm. It has been quite some time since I've encountered someone as towering as you. Not that I mind. Simply one of nature’s many gifts. I find that it only adds to your charm.”

What?

I mean have you seen this man? He’s towered over everyone the majority of his life, he's only met a select few that were actually taller than him.

It was a pleasant surprise for him when you first met. He isn't quite used to having to crane his neck upwards. It aches the first few times but he eventually gets used to it.

Similar to Karlach, your height is something that constantly comes to his mind. It simply baffles him but he doesn't comment too much about it after the first time he brought it up.

He finds it kind of amusing if anything.

Watch this man’s life flash before his eyes the moment you manage to lift him up. Who has managed to lift him up before? Apparently you now.

He stays silent, shocked, and confused for about five or more seconds till he finally lets out a chuckle.

He can't believe it! He's being carried! He can’t stop himself from grinning from utter disbelief.

He’s even more enamored by you now, utterly delighted by this otherworldly experience.

•❅───────────✧❅✦❅✧───────────❅•

[lisbeththefirst]

I am wondering: How would be the Story of BG3 without Tav/Durge or especially without a player that influences the Companions?

1. Which Companion would walk their good/evil way?

2. Which one would be the leader of the group?

3. Who would be part of the group?

4. Which allies would join?

5. Most important: What are their sexual/romantic preferences? Realistically they are not all bi or pan. The Companions are Player-sexual. But in real-life they would have preferences.

(Please don't kill me for that take. I think it's okay that we can romance everyone with every gender, age and race. Nobody is left out. It's just my opinion that preferences would add extra spice in roleplay aspect)

Therefore question 6:

Who fucks who?

My Take:

1. They save the tieflings and would destroy the absolute. The emperor would digest Orpheus. No gith revolution.

Shadow Heart: Without the player she would struggle much but would betray Shar. Deep down she is a good person, that wants to help people. She wouldn't the tadpole.

Lae'zal: As much I love her rebellion- storyline. She would obey Vlaakith. Wouldn't use the tadpole, obviously.

Karlach: Thats tricky. She is kindhearted as fuck, but without someone helping her regulate she would blast. But Wyll exists anyway, so she will find her way. But she would never go back to hell. Without post game solutions, she would die. Would try to use the tadpole to control the engine and beeing close to people.

Astarion: He would follow the leader just to be save. He would hunt down and kill every threat, helping people just for "manipulateling". He wouldn't be evil, but scared as fuck. But I think he would open up to the others. Especially Karlach, Gale and later Wyll. He would kill Cazador and every other vampire. He wouldn't accent if he has got different options. (What he does in my head canon) Without them, he accents without hesitations. He would use the tadpole for himself.

Gale: He would try to humble mystra until he knows about the crown. He would try to become a god, just to be a better one than mystra. Just out of spite. He would at least use the crown for himself and to help his friends and loved ones. He would use the tadpole out of curiosity.

Wyll: The goodest of them all. He would destroy himself on his journey just to save everybody else. He even would go to hell with klarlach. He sacrifices his father, not because he wants to be free, but because means he will not harm others anymore without the contract. He would become archduke. Again not because he wants to. He will hate it, but he does for the people.

2. Wyll or Gale would take the responsibility. I think Wyll would be more trustworthy.

That's why I think it would be a "good" run.

3. Everybody would be in the group, but lae' zap would join later because she would head for the creche.

4. As Wyll would be the leader in my canon, they would have the conventional good allies. Halsin, Harpners, Dame Aylin, Gondians etc. Nothing special.

5 an 6

Shadowheart is a girls girl. In every sence. She's a lesbian and would go for Karlach first and would have at least one hatefuck with lae'zal. Wyll would calm them down. No one dies. Maybe she would end up with her.

Lae'zal is horny for everyone who can kill with a weapon. Is that Pan? Don't know. She would like to fuck Wyll and Karlach. She hates that she wants Shadow Heart too.

Karlach (again don't kill me for my option) is hetero. I bet she was at least a little bit in love with gortash, thats why his betray hurts so much. He wouldn't date anyone even if she falls in love again. She knew it would break a heart when she dies. Maybe she goes for comfort sex but not romantic anymore.

Astarion is difficult. He is drawn to power, but for security not for sex. I think he would prefer not to have sex at all. He is able to have sex with every gender but he doesn't like it with anybody. Romantic attraction on the other hand... I would go for homoromantic orientation.

He clearly had an affair or relationship with Cazador and feelings for Sebastian. It sets a vipe.

I think he would try for Wyll, since he is the leader but going to settle with gale. He is easy to manipulate but very powerful. Even without a tadpole he could provide solutions. But he honest love would let Astarion fall for him.

Gale: I think Gale is Bi with preference for woman. But if there is the right guy who knows how to push his buttons, he is head over heals.

Wyll: Yes I make him even more generic. He is hetero but goes for bad girls.

[bananasfosterparent]

Update on my current runs!

Silkina the Bard Waveservant -

She got the Volo eye (not pictured) and has been helping her friends while looking for a cure. This is my first "good" solo run, so it's a lot of content, more than I'm used to! Definitely going slower than my usual, but still a lot of fun! Also never realized how funny Karlach is lmao. Just getting to the goblin fight so we'll see how it goes! Very excited to get Wyll's party scene!! Silkina is sassy, but kind and really an outlier among other waveservants because of it. Well, she's really good at connecting with others at least. Despite it being odd, since most Waveservants (especially clerics) are quite standoffish and introverted, Silkina focuses on making her outgoing nature work for her, sharing the might and fury of Umberlee with her words (and music).

Also.. after getting the Volo eye and almost everyone disapproving, I noticed Wyll didn't.. but he didn't have a ! either. I had her talk to him anyway and he was like "Welcome to the one eye club! A woman with one eye is very intriguing c:" and I giggled.

Efeniti (Spawn Astarion ending AU run) -

In the exact same place it's been for a few weeks lmao I have not touched this playthrough. I AM SCHTALLING. I know what you're thinking... because I'm an AA fan... but really, I just can't emotionally handle the break down scene after he brutally stabs Cazedor. Or the brutal stabbing. I am really not ready for that. I have my own feelings for why and what it makes me experience, but maybe if I actually go through with it this time, I can talk about it (it's not that bad, I'm just procrastinating).

This version of Efenity is who she would be if she hadn't lost the woman who was like a mother to her. If she had been able to have a somewhat normal life and become a private magic teacher in the upper part of the city. She's much kinder and able to temper herself much better.

Efenity (Canon AA romance run #whatever) -

This is idk like the 5th time I've played as Efenity. I've lost count 🤷🏽‍♀️ Most of these runs, I only got to Act 3 and only 2 I've gotten to the final fight and couldn't win it after trying over and over. This time I plan to finish it!!! I want my epilogue, dang it! I killed Minthara this time, at the party. There was a leftover from EA with a voiced Tav scene. If you killed Minty and the goblins at the party, that night or morning after(?) there's some conversation and Tav says something in the cut scene! ANYWAY... I tried it and it didn't happen 😭😭😭 I either did it wrong (I attacked before Minty had her murder cutscene) OR they patched it out of the game! I could go back and try it again, but I barely won that fight and it took me SO many tries (mostly due to needing to long rest).

But! Regardless! Even though I didn't get that cool voiced Tav scene... I have added Efenity killing Minthara and the goblins at the party to her canon story. Because it just makes sense that she'd do that. Originally, she just uses her to get to Moonrise but I scrapped that. While Efenity just sees the tieflings as collateral damage, she knows Shadowheart was struggling with that whole ordeal which did bother her... she cares for SH and she is her first real friend. And with Minthara insulting her for not wanting to sleep with her, on top of it...

Efenity was like OKAY. Time for you to go, ma'am.

Solenia Omraebra, the Drow Cleric -

I've only had her for about a week and I love her. She's also been through at least 6 different hairstyles 😭 Solenia is my newest Tav, a Drow and cleric of Eilistraee! She's very studious and scholarly. I don't know much about her beyond that yet. Still working on her backstory and whatnot, BUT she is good to a fault. She wants to save everyone, in every way that she possibly can. Even those she probably shouldn't get close enough to, to try to save. Even those she is told are irredeemable. She's romancing Gale! She's just getting through Act 1 stuff and almost to the goblin camp!

[rim-draws]

Faerûnian Writing Challenge

Day 6 | SFW

Teaching each other how to do something

Tav strums the strings. Everyone immediately groans.

“When will you just give up? You do realise you and that are never going to work out?” Astarion motions at the instrument and Tav.

“I like how Alfira made it work.” Tav strums again. Another audible groan from the whole camp. “I will make it work, somehow!” They had the same mentality about themself and Astarion at one point. It didn’t work out.

Shadowheart groans on her side of the camp. “Where is Halsin when you need him? They always listen to him!”

Halsin was a few metres away from camp gathering berries and selecting wood for his new whittling project.

The gang are on their own with this one.

“Tav, I don’t think instruments are something you can just… ‘make work’.” Wyll, finally revived, spoke as soft as he could, potentially to not offend Tav - potentially again.

His soul was trapped somewhere within death and living for about a week. On the verge of coming down to Hell but also not yet their time to be allowed to leave. Only to become, on technicality, a citizen of Hell right after being revived.

Life is cruel. Or perhaps he’s just stuck with lunatics.

Tav strums again. Even the little owlbear covers its small ears, hiding behind Scratch to escape the noise. “I made this operation work, I can make this instrument, or any instrument, work!” They can’t and they won’t. They just don’t know it yet and have the audacity to try.

Wyll pinches his forehead. Is it the horns, the tadpole or the horrid music that is making his head hurt so badly??

“Ok, Gale, you’re a good teacher. Maybe assist our friend here before the spider lyre is reduced to ashes.” Wyll quickly shoots Gale a pointed look who shoots back an equally pointed one.

A beat of silence.

“You don’t know how to play an instrument, Gale?” Karlach asked offhandedly.

Gale turns to her, then to Tav. Another beat of silence.

Astarion immediately bolts up. “You don’t know. You seriously don’t know. Oh finally, we found something the wizard can’t tell stories about.”

“Hold on, hold on. I never said I know nothing!” Gale quickly jutted over, yanking the lyre of Tav’s hands. “I watched many plays in my years, it’s nothing out of the ordinary…” His hands hovers above the strings, sweat is beginning to form.

Tav’s eyes trail up slightly. His fingers are shaking. His arm is trembling. He has his tongue out and he’s seconds away from biting it clean off out of stress. His hair is sticking to his forehead.

He strums.

It’s chicken scratch against a board.

A collective groan, hands covering ears.

Tav yanks it back, finally understanding the reason why everyone has been throwing rocks at them all morning.

“That was… certainly an attempt!” Karlach smiles, a lot more lopsided than how it usually is.

“No need to sugarcoat it. That was trash. Absolutely horrible.” Astarion rubs his ears as if that would help him forget the collective horrible sounds Tav and Gale had forced him to endure.

“He does magic, he’s smart and he can cook. At least with this, we can confirm Gale is still human.” Shadowheart teases, playing with the fire with her stick.

Gale perks up a little.

“He is as human as they come. Frail, egotistical and knows not of his limits.” Lae’zel hisses. “You are lucky you are still of use. Do not indulge this buffoon further,” She’s clearly talking about Tav with the way her hands move, “You have nothing but knowledge while they have none. You’ll only make them worse.”

Gale deflates again. “It’s not often our friend here seeks out means of hobby other than stealing, lying and looting. It’s healthy to have a lighthearted skill, for once.” Gale tried to defend. Tav strums. His defense is crumbling.

“Well, maybe this is not the right hobby. Perhaps a different one would be healthier for all of us.”

Tav strums again. It’s proving Lae’zel’s point.

Wyll charges forward, “Maybe if you’re looking for a hobby, I could… teach you a dance or two? I did take a few classes back in my youth.”

“No. I don’t like dancing.” Tav strums again. Another collective groan.

“How about some magic? I can show you the basics! Show you the power and the embrace of Mystra once you enter the Weave—”

“I’m not interested. You know I’m not good enough to figure that stuff out.” Another strum. Groans.

“Gods, someone make it stop or there will be blood on this night!” Astarion stands. His voice softens as he leans onto the lyre, putting on his seductive charms. “How about you drop this lyre and I’ll show you something much more interesting later tonight?”

“Too late on that. And I know too much about you to wanna fuck.” Tav strums again.

Astarion physically recoils. “Are you doing this out of spite??”

“Okay, how about we put down the lyre and I’ll show you, um… some of the teachings of my Goddess I serve? Maybe show you a cantrip or two?” Shadowheart has never sounded so defeated.

She knows she has no chance even before she started but she just needed to at least try. Tav strums again, as if to rub it in her face. “I have speak with animals. That’s all the cantrip I need.”

Lae’zel pulls out her sword, large and long. The type of sword only her and one other camper can use. “Cease your strummings or I will cut it into pieces!”

Unfortunately for her, the other person happened to be Tav. “You won’t dare! I will fight you to the death for it!”

“This will not be like the fight between Shadowheart and I! We will settle this with no mercy!!”

Karlach jumps in between them. “Woah woah, hey! Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, alright?” She places her hand on Tav’s shoulder. It burns. “Say, I don’t really have anything to teach you but maybe you’re… going too quickly. All skills need time and careful practice, right? Can’t expect things to just go your way immediately! Reminds me of the time when I was still serving under Zariel. Was still young at the time. I had been trailing the tail of this particular demon,”

Tav slowly lowers their sword along with the lyre. They latch onto Karlach’s words and stories of her misadventures.

Everyone shared a look.

“At first I thought I had it but it slipped right under my finger! So I had to re-adjust. Learn about the species, the weaknesses, the strengths and once I cornered it… BAM. Easy as pie!”

Gale jumps in. “Oh yes, reminds me of the time back when I first started studying magic. It must sound crazy now but I wasn’t good at it the first time I started. My first spell was fire bolt. Simple and easy. Yet at one point I couldn’t figure, for the life of me, how the fire element worked. I poured over it days and nights trying to get that in my head otherwise the spell just won’t manifest! And finally, I figured it out! But, shamefully, I didn’t put enough hours on aiming!”

Just as one finishes, another jumps in. Wyll tells tales of his youth, days spent as the son of the duke, standing in his shadows, struggling to find a place to stand on his own. Lae’zel speaks of her time spent at camp, slowly figuring out the life and habits of Faerûnians, how different it is to her people, how lively and seemingly strange yet… interesting they can be. Shadowheart expresses her slow and steady learning curve of taking on more than just a cleric, learning spells from both Wyll and Gale, wanting to pull her weight. It then circles back once more to Karlach. Then continues as the campfire crackles nearby.

Tav didn’t learn how to play an instrument that day, or any day soon. But the time spent with their new found friends, family?, taught them more valuable lessons than stubbornly working at an instrument they can’t play ever could.

[tavshortfortavern]

Reaper!Tav

Reaper is a job in ffxiv where the person makes a deal with a voidsent (being of pure dark aether) to share their power and fight with them in exchange for aether. They fight with a giant scythe and can absorb souls to gain a new form where they merge with the Reaper and look even more demonic. A voidsent is always consumed by hunger and can never really be satiated.

Characters: Wyll, Dammon, Rolan, Zevlor

Warnings: None

Notes: Some crossover stuff. Reaper is the coolest job. Aesthetically and storywise. I really need to get back on track instead of coming up with new ideas

Wyll

Has never heard of a voidsent so assumes your a warlock like him

In a way the two classes are similar. Devils are a lot more cunning and into contracts. Your voidsent is simply a ravenous beast.

The voidsent won't manipulate you into anything. But you feel their bottomles hunger like its your own, making you act rather scary in battle especially when you channel them and become enshrouded

There are clear ups and downs. But if you had to ask, you rather deal with the beast than annoying fucks like mizora or raphael

Once he meets your avatar his alarm does grow. Its definitely different from Mizora but no less dangerous

Overtime he does come to see that you and the voidsent do have a fairer deal. No power plays or manipulation tactics, both of you stand to gain something frok each other.

The voidsent gets to feed and experience light for the first time coming from an eternally darkness ridden world and you get a powerful boost in strength

Has an easier time opening up to you about his deal with mizora and his origins

The two of you understand sacrifice and the want to protect something with everything you had

Admires the way you fight with a scythe. He hasn't seen people fight with such a weapon

You really do look like an avatar of death

But he trusts you to have a hold of that hunger

Dammon

The most open minded of the characters

First noticed you by that giant scythe you carry on hour back. He quickly knows its not a simple farming tool. Really it was a work of art. He's happy to repair it whenever you ask

Not a common weapon either but he's seen the way you weild it. Its enough to send enemies running

But he's also seen you enshrouded, a horrifying spectre clawing out of a dark portal, like Myrkul himself appearing, merging with you

He's been to the hells and seen his fair share. But seeing your new intimidating form made him almost run as well

Doesn't really understand magic as well as wizards but he's always been fascinated with infernal machinery which is a tabboo subject

So when he sees your voidsent out and about with you, is the least bothered by it. Not that he isn't, just less so.

You say you've kinda bonded with them. Telling him the story of a world consumed by darkness, its people turned into voidsent. Your voidsent was just a regular person at some point. he's horrified at the revelation

It was the reason you were willing to bring the avatar around. To see a world with light and color. It delighted him how sympathetic you were, changing his view on the voidsent

He's happy to hear you have a fair relationship, both being equals. Something not at all true for warlocks and their patrons

Might actually greet it when you come over with the voidsent still around

Rolan

Will never admit it but your enshrouded form genuinely scares him. He puts on a brave front

The actual voidsent scares him even more. Doesn't want it anywhere near him. Thank you

Early on he just wishes to avoid it. But when you end up saving him multiple times does he begin to care about your situation

Is the most openly against your deal with the voidsent. He's seen how infernal pacts go, nothing good comes from it. He can't imagine why you would want to lend it your mana. When doing so too much would kill you

And how do you know if this things won't take over?

When he notices you drained on mana, he'll lend some of his own. You did save him and his family after all

He really wants you to get out of this deal but you reassure him that the deal it equitable

You voidsent doesn't want you gone or worse, your its main source of food after all. And you'd like to think you've bonded with them after all this time fighting side by side

He'll huff and call you a fool but doesn't push it. He knows you can handle it better than most people, your kind and good, less likely to be consumed by the temptation of power

Just dont go pushing yourself for other people too much ok? He doesn't want you dying when he hasn't really paid you back (thats all no other reason- shutupyoutwo i can see you giggling!)

Also lectured you once not to bring your voidsent into the shop you'll scare his customers

Zevlor

During that first fight at grove he noticed the strange weapon you carried. It was odd to use a farmer's tool but maybe you needed to improvise?

Then he saw you weild it and the hairs on the back his neck stood up

You were a forced to be reckoned with. Suddenly it wasn't a farmer's tool but an instrument of Myrkul. Reaping souls of your enemies

It was almost mesmerizing watching you hack and slash everything around you. But he noticed the dark energy your attacks emitted

Like Rolan, majorly concerned when he witnesses the voidsent fight by your side

He eventually asks about your abilities and you don't hide the deal you made with this 'voidsent'

Quickly grows concerned for you. There's a chance you could drain yourself dry from fighting this way

At one point he sees you merge with this things and take on a menacing appearance. The scream you let out chilled him to his bone as it sounded inhuman. You dived into battle ravenously, like a man possessed, like a hungry beast

But he couldn't take over fighting, not when you outclass most people. Still he makes sure your not overexerting yourself

The voidsent wasn't a higher being and needed you just as much as you did. It soothed his worries a little but he never likes seeing it hang around

[lemonyfrog]

I don’t think I’ve posted my own bg3 related things here, so here’s Rosalind, aka Rosie!

She’s my bard and currently one of my favorite OCs lol. She had barely experienced life out of her egg before tragedy struck and most of her crèche was slaughtered. Saved by Idalia, my half elf sorcerer, she raised her the best she could. She gave her a name and protected her. Rosie’s interest in folklore and music grew as she got older and soon enough, she left to begin training as a bard. She took a particular shine to the lyre and singing. Her sister helped nurture her interests and fully supported her becoming an entertainer. She’s an optimist and tries to be kind to everyone she meets, although she knows what to expect when most others see her. She isn’t the strongest fighter, and focuses more on aiding her allies. She and her sister, Idalia, had a falling out a few years before the events of bg3 took place when the half elf’s magic backfired and nearly burned Rosie alive. This tore a wedge between the sisters and left Idalia full of regret as her sister left to pursue life on her own after physically healing.

She has tried to read as much as she can on gith culture, and tried to blend in at first by acting as if she were raised her whole life in a crèche. She thought they’d leave her behind otherwise since she didn’t view herself to be as strong as the others and therefore easily left behind. Surprised to still find herself welcome after her failed attempt, she tries her hardest to support her friends and promises to save them all no matter what.

She’s currently closest to Shadowheart and Wyll, and Astarion likes her the least. I think she’s too selfless for his tastes, but that’s why I have Siobhán who I’m romancing him with (or Shadowheart with if, worst case scenario, he doesn’t care for her). I’m not quite sure who will be Rosie’s true love, so I’ll just have to wait and play more.

I wrote a ton about her in my notes and how interactions would go with different characters but I’m not putting all of that here 😭 but yeah there’s some rambling about my gith Tav

[silver-horse]

So in order most to least excited, which companions arcs are you the most eager to see play out?

That's so difficult to answer because I can't wait to find out more about all of them but for different reasons.

If I only take into account who my favourites are then it's Shadowheart and Astarion. I'm super curious what she might discover about her past. Also Shadowheart is absolutely the most important companion for the main story! She carries the artifact that is the key to everything probably and everybody wants it. Larian even talked about how difficult it was to write around this. (Because what if somebody doesn't recruit her and they want to allow complete freedom in that.) With Astarion I feel like there is actually a bit less mystery. But I am very curious who that Maiden Fel is and why she sent the hunter after him etc.

If you had asked me a year or two ago, I would have said Lae'zel is third, then Wyll and then Gale would have been my least favourite. (not that I didn't like him, I am interested in all of their stories) Anyway their stories are changing and I dunno who my favs are anymore. lol

I'm curious if we can turn Lae'zel against the githyanki or maybe she could gain influence among them and then we could use them as allies against the mindflayers and the absolute??

In Wyll's case I am mostly concerned. Maybe that worry will go away once I see that they didn't change him too much. His story still the same, they just added extra scenes. But right now I can't be sure. And if they had to change the voice actor then they had to record every single line again, so they could have thought… oh we might as well change it more. (Plus it will be a bit difficult to get used to a new voice after 2+ years of playing this game.)

Gale is quickly becoming more interesting. When they added those circles under his eyes it was an improvement. lol Then he had the whole makeover with the earrings. And of course now we know about his intent to usurp Mystra. So yeah, I do like ambitious characters.

With Jaheira and Minsc I expect they won't do anything too drastic because they are far too beloved. I have now played the original games (in a rushed fashion so I will have to return to them) so I am curious what they will do with them. For me Jaheira is more of a fav than Minsc.

Karlach is in a very bad position so I wonder how that will play out. But I don't know her all that well yet. Ofc that means there is more to discover...

And Halsin wasn't originally designed to be a companion, so I dunno how important he will be? Fans liked him from the beginning (which was almost 3 years ago) and Larian immediately noticed and commented on it. lol So they had time to integrate him into the story more, I suppose.

Minthara was originally the one I had the least interest in. Just because in my main playthrough I know I will have to kill her. So that will be it. But I am planning a playthrough where I will recruit and probably romance her. And the panel from hell made me more interested because they showed a scene where she is attacked by the bigger baddies and we have to protect her. So I wonder if even she can be swayed to become a bit less evil after her own allies treated her like that. In truth an evil playthrough is sooo tempting. I might actually end up playing it simultaneously with the good.

[synchodai]

BG3 thoughts

I'm still on Act 1. Restarted to play the game as Dark Urge so it connects more to my decade-old BG playthroughs.

I thought I would like Astarion more. He's my least favorite so far because he complains about camping. He does realistically feel like, for lack of a better word, a fuckboy, and I am an IRL fuckboy repellent.

I thought I would like Gale less. He's surprisingly charming while also having the very obvious character flaw of hubris.

I thought I would be indifferent to Shadowheart. I'm actually liking her a lot so far because of how her character talks about faith and religious trauma.

I can see why people like Karlach. She's one of my favorite tropes of someone who has the darkest past but instead of being broody about it, they're a ball of positivity because they're happy that they came out of it alive.

Out of the three good-aligned characters, I can see why people think Wyll is the most boring. He has a lot of plot hooks but doesn't have an obvious character flaw like Karlach or Gale. I'm not sure if the game wants me to think he's naive or a showboat because all his mistakes so far have been reasonable and not his fault. Compare him to Gale thinking he can outmagic a goddess or Karlach running around a burning house with reckless abandon that she kills herself, Wyll seems like just a guy.

I thought I would dislike Lae'zel because the online grapevine made me think she's an abrasive murderhobo. She's not. If anything, Astarion is the abrasive murderhobo. Lae'zel is my fave so far because she's actually very friendly for a Githyanki character. BG2 Gith threw you in the ocean without hesitation and didn't listen to any excuses how you have a sacred Gith weapon in your possession. Compared to them, Lae'zel is a bleeding heart hippie.

I love Minthara's voice. I wish I could recruit her but I'm not leading her to the grove.

Halsin is huge.

When I finally got past the huge learning curve of combat (the tutorial pop-ups do not explain dashing, disengaging, action economy, etc.), it was such a huge bump in my enjoyment. Compared to other CRPGs, BG3 combat is so much more reliant on set-up and environmental reactions rather than stacking numbers or builds. You CAN brute force battles, but fights become 10x easier if you identify chokepoints and take advantage of terrain.

I'm playing a Drow and this game has surprisingly been on easy mode because of it. BG1 and BG2 was the opposite with certain NPCs outright refusing to associate with you if you even had a drow in your party. A (female) drow breezing through Underdark interactions make sense, but I am disappointed that people on the surface aren't more wary of me.

The ability to knock out opponents instead of killing them is a revelation, but it feels like a last minute addition because NPCs act no differently whether you kill or just render them unconscious.

[kudzuoath]

Hello!

Based on a scenario with my friend where a camp dialogue ended in a wild magic cats and dogs situation, how do you think the companions would react to Scratch being a cat for a bit and/or the owlbear being a dog?…and in case you were wondering, after the magic wore off we had every companion nearby in a murderous fury so that was a hilariously unexpected reason to reload a save >.<.

That is so incredibly funny, omg. More and more my inner chaos gremlin wants to play a wild magic sorcerer!

As for how the camp would react...

Jaheira thinks it's funny, and comments on how much easier our Owlbear son will be to smuggle into the city. She probably also is coaching cat-scratch how to cat because honestly our poor dog is probably so confused. I picture him like a dog wearing socks on a kitchen floor.

Something something; "Nature's fury can wait for all of us to laugh ourselves sick about this for a little while."

(Owlbear son is both pleased and full of fury. Pleased because hey! He matches his dog brother! Only not right now. Full of fury because he's suddenly so much smaller and actually less deadly, boo. But on the flipside, he can now be carried like a baby because since he's a cub this means he's not just a dog he's a PUPPY)

Halsin is in a similar boat to Jaheira but also concerned about the mental health of the animals. I'm being so serious about this. The Owl-puppy finds him easiest to manipulate for the duration. In general he's the least amused by the situation, if not actually upset by it.

Wyll is immune to owl-puppy's manipulations, but is very amused by them. He babies the stressed out Scratch though, and has him calmed down and purring in his lap long before anyone else can manage it. If asked he'll just smile and say something like 'The Blade isn't just about hunting down the wicked, it's about providing comfort, too." And to Cat-Scratch something like 'No worries my fine friend, this is a temporary trial. You'll come out the other side all the stronger for it."

Astarion is groaning and pouting a little bit about his favorite murder-loaf (unless you're playing Durge) becoming a sweet little puppy. Right until those puppy teeth go for his ankles when the Owl-puppy realizes he CAN bite now without killing anyone. Then he senses the potential for chaos and encourages the Owl-puppy to go after Gale's things. On the flipside he's charmed to by cat-Scratch and dotes on him. Which is really just him being more open with how much he actually likes our dog.

Gale is busy fending off the Owl-puppy from his books, his boots, the ends of his robes, etc. But he's also entertaining the newly presented concept of polymorphing animals into other animals and probably have a one sided conversation with both animals about how the spell works, in particular 'true polymorph' and if the animal in question would choose their new form or their old one. He will also later question the wild magic sorcerer responsible for this why their magic so often turns everything small and fluffy.

Karlach laughs, but is fighting every ounce of cute aggression in her soul at the mere sight of the owl-puppy. Unlike an owlbear cub, the puppy is soooo much more fragile and soooo much tinier. Actually clutching at her chest. Cat-scratch is similarly tinier, and just as adorable as normal. Attempts to get cat-scratch to ride on her shoulder like a parrot.

Lae'zel sighs. Like Astarion she finds the Owl-puppy a disappointing change. Unlike him she does not have the chaos instinct. She laments his far less effective teeth and claws and size and solemnly promises to find him a set of metal claws and beak should his new state of being become permanent.

Shadowheart is in the same boat as Karlach (though she thinks both animals as just as cute normally) the only difference is her attempted act of indifference. Maybe a touch of concern -- mostly due to the fact that the Owlbear is going to need to learn not to bite all over again. Like Wyll, cat-scratch ends up purring in her lap. She rather likes both of them being smaller -- they're more portable. And easier to smuggle into the city.