#and it really surprised me with how sweet it was. after both that durge and minthara continuously condoned each others violence

[devotedlystrangewizard]

minthara's response to "this could be our last moment together" being just a firm "no" because "if we are to die here, we will die together", before she still grabs you SO gently for The Final Kiss. yeah

[vorestarr]

i love when Astarion is mean, and i mean like genuinely mean, saying shitty things and lashing out specifically to hurt someone or push them away. i think it really says so much about him and about the specific situations when he feels the need to lash out. i love seeing it with Durge/Tav, but i'm playing a Karlach origin to romance him right now and he's so mean during his first romance scene when he can't even kiss Karlach.

after playing it, i went to look at the parsed dialogue for that scene because i wanted to see if there were any dev notes, and oh boy are there dev notes. walk with me here while i go through them all. (i didn't add alt text to the images below, but i did transcribe the lines i'm referencing in the images below, so all the important information is in the text of the post itself.)

it's the typical Astarion scene, but after his "i've been waiting to taste you" line, he diverges with: "Although your condition means tasting you could be a risky proposition. You're quite the forbidden fruit, aren't you?"

the player (as Karlach) has a few choices in reply at that point, but as long as they pick one that progresses the scene (i.e., not the one where you reject him last minute), he goes down the same dialogue tree. this tree starts with:

Astarion: All denied to us because of what Zariel did to you. [devnote: subtext, thinking about Cazador]

so right off the bat he's upset because Karlach's situation is reminding him of his own with Cazador.

but then his next line is:

Astarion: I - you know, I have no idea what to do with you now. [devnote: Astarion's mask as the flippant libertine is cracking a bit here. He's frustrated but vulnerable here. Because he can't physically seduce or touch Karlach, his usual means of interacting with a person is punctured. He's faced with the reality that he might not know how to handle a situation where he can't bite or seduce his way to the finish line.]

wow. that's a lot in that dev note.

at this point, the player has the option of a few responses, but two options to continue the encounter. the choices to continue it are: "You don't have to 'do' anything. We can just be." or "After the life you've led, I'm not surprised."

if you choose the first option, Astarion is frustrated but less mean. he says:

Astarion: 'Just be' what, exactly? Frustrated? Bored? What do we do, if not... that?

if you choose the second option, he's a little meaner. understandably so, since the player just poked at his painful past:

Astarion: You think you know the life I've led? The experiences I've had? You've no idea the stories I could tell, sweet Karlach. But you - you're just -

then, both the paths converge to the same final statement, which is mean no matter what Karlach has said to this point:

Astarion: Urgh! Why is this so difficult? I'd have already bedded you twice if you were normal.

importantly, there are dev notes for all of his lines here, but the notes are all the same:

devnote: Masking defensiveness with offensiveness. In truth he really does want what Karlach is offering (to just hang out without having sex) but now that it's within grasp he's floundering.

again, at this point the player has two choices to continue the encounter, and one to end it. i'll go down each continue path separately, since they can diverge quite a bit.

path 1

the first choice is to say: "Twice in this short space of time? Doesn't sound very satisfying."

he gets mad. and mean.

Astarion: Karlach! You know what I mean. [devnote: Frustrated] Astarion: Or maybe you don't. Astarion: There may be an inferno in you, Karlach, but at the end of the day you've been frigid for a decade, isn't that right? [devnote: Being mean-spirited in an attempt to drive Karlach away, even though he doesn't actually want to do that.]

the player again has two response options to continue the encounter, and one to end it.

the first choice to continue the encounter is: "You want to try that again? Without being a jackass, maybe?"

in response he says:

Astarion: This is impossible - you're impossible! [devnote: Masking defensiveness with offensiveness. In truth he really does want what Karlach is offering (to just hang out without having sex) but now that it's within grasp he's floundering.]

(at this point, the path diverts to merge with the dialogue tree from the previous branch where Astarion complains about Karlach not being normal. so we'll pause here, and continue down that dialogue tree with the path 2 header below.)

the second choice to continue the encounter after Astarion says that Karlach has been frigid for a decade is to say: "What's really going on here, Astarion? Suddenly you're so vicious."

he replies:

Astarion: Suddenly? Darling, you haven't been paying attention. [devnote: Seething and mean.] Astarion: Listen, it's just - ... I'm sorry, all right? Is that what you want?

again, at this point, he diverts to the same shared dialogue tree as the other response option. that merges with path 2, so we'll continue there:

path 2

to go BACK to the previous branch we went down, where Astarion said he would have bedded Karlach twice already if she was just normal, the other response option for the player is: "I am normal. 'Fucked up' is the height of normalcy."

instead of being mean, Astarion immediately apologizes:

Astarion: Oh no - don't you tar me with your 'normal' brush. My demons keep me extraordinary. [devnote: Karlach has punctured Astarion's bad mood with a joke.]

and then he apologizes, like he does in the other paths, saying he doesn't know what to do without being able to touch her.

Astarion: I - ...I'm sorry, Karlach. It's just, not being able to touch you - having to slow down, it's... I'm just not used to it. [devnote: subtext here is on the slowing down. That IS what he wants. But it's hard for him to see that clearly.]

Astarion: So, can you -... I don't know. Help? Show me what to do? [devnote: First breakthrough. He's asking for help knowing what to do when you can't jump into bed with someone.]

again, at this point, the player has two options to continue the encounter or one to end it.

for the first response to continue, the player can say: "We can just talk. As long as we want. Then we can sleep. Near, but not too near."

Astarion responds to this one pretty positively. he's still a little mean, but it's in his fond teasing way, and not his biting, cruel way:

Astarion: Karlach, champion of the Hells, wants to talk and then fall asleep? [devnote: Incredulous] My dear, you're much more boring than I gave you credit for. [devnote: Teasing] All right, Karlach. Let's try it your way. [devnote: Gently. He's feeling vulnerable, but sees that this might be a chance to feel safe.]

the second response option from the player is: "I don't know either. This is all just as new for me as it is for you."

he doesn't respond quite as well to this one, and goes back to being mean:

Astarion: Well. To quote you: 'Fuck.' Astarion: Why don't we put ourselves out of this misery and just sleep? If I can at least look at you, I won't have wasted my whole evening. [devnote: Peak of Astarion sexy toxicity.]

then, the scene fades to black and it transitions to the morning-after scene with Astarion, where the player first sees his scars.

i also think as a whole, this scene is just so representative of Astarion's early-game state of mind. he's following a comfortable script with all his interactions, but when he's confronted with something new, he flounders.

especially when it comes to sex, which is a touchy subject for him, his first reaction to any vulnerability is to lash out and hurt people. in this scene:

if Karlach brings up his past experiences, he lashes out. ("You think you know the life I've led?")

he blames Karlach for the situation because that's easier than addressing that he doesn't know what to do without his script. ("if you were normal")

if Karlach jokes about him ("Doesn't sound very satisfying") he lashes out even further, calling her frigid and impossible and then even doubling down if she calls him out ("you haven't been paying attention").

but if Karlach jokes about HERSELF ("'Fucked up' is the height of normalcy"), it snaps him out of his toxic bullshit and he's able to take a step back and apologize to her.

then regardless, he's also able to recognize that this is an opportunity to get what he wants without having sex, and recognize that he wants that too.

and then to me, Astarion being mean in that last response choice ("I don't know either") makes perfect sense, given the context of his other lashing out earlier in the conversation. even if the player didn't make those previous choices where he lashed out at them, he can still get mean and toxic on this choice.

crucially, with this choice, he's taken that step of hopeful vulnerability where he recognizes that maybe he does want to just spend time with Karlach without having sex, but he doesn't know how to do it. he asks for help.

if the player says they don't know how to do that either, he immediately puts those defensive walls back up. he doesn't want to flounder around, he wants an answer. he wants to know that it's actually possible to have a positive experience with someone without the script he's always used. the player saying they don't have that answer just pisses him off.

wow okay this post got really long, but i really vibed with the dev notes for this scene, and i think you can see exactly these toxic behaviors from Astarion in other scenes and in romances with other characters as well, but it's just so so clear with the Karlach scene and the dev notes just really highlight that.

[animentality]

Your post about Gortash being embarrassing and cringe and not realizing it is SO real to me. I think he is perfectly suave and charming to everyone except when it comes to someone he ACTUALLY likes, at which point his usual mask is useless because he has no idea how to cover up Real Feelings. The way he 🥺 and grins and blabbers nonstop to Durge at the coronation reunion is exhibit A for this of course. Personally I think he had no idea what was happening on his face during that, it just earnestly happened, and he probably THOUGHT he was being chill but he so wasnt. He is a 40 or 50 year old teenager with a crush and he’s clueless that it gets him acting like an idiot. Important Gortash characterisation (to me!)

It just makes sense to me given his history and overall emotional immaturity that he does not know how to express casual affection for something, let alone someONE. (And yeah the whole thing where he and Durge are both really smart people capable of near-flawless teamwork but they also genuinely make each other kind of stupid when they’re around each other. It tracks.)

He wooed Jannath with unimpeachable charm because he did not actually care about or love her (im really sorry Jannath 🫣) so he was just being a fake bastard, and thats easy. But real affection? Real love? He has no framework for that. Catch the Chosen of Bane in the most unbecoming act of ducking his head to hide his stupid smile after taking Durge’s hand in his. Embarrassing!

ANON, your mind.

It's powerful.

I am gnawing on the wonderful idea, because I love the concept of, Gortash is the perfect gentleman, he's great at copying others, at pretending to be a patriar, and exuding this carefully constructed charm.

He was raised by DEVILS. He was in a GANG.

He has Raphael's bullshit charm, and all these rough edges.

But he smooths them out, when he's trying to seduce rich women or arms dealer.

But that act doesn't work on the Dark Urge, of course, and he would never even try that sort of thing with them anyway.

Because anyone who seduces people for a living knows, not everyone reacts to the same tricks.

BUT.

Maybe he starts out trying to seduce them, by being cold and practical and intelligent...but then, surprise surprise.

it ends up not being an act. he finds the dark urge is warmer and more receptive than he thought they'd be, after decades of being alone.

and they have things in COMMON.

And he IS honest with them, as his partner.

And then, when he's NOT trying to seduce then....he accidentally seduces them...by being such a fucking nerd.

And THEN.

as you said.

He is SO dorky and cringe...because he's being honest, for one thing, AND he doesn't know how to act, when he genuinely likes someone, and isn't just trying to seduce them.

And he's THRILLED that that's what gets the Dark Urge hot under the collar.

The biggest freak in all of Baldur's Gate, meets the second biggest one, and they don't know how to act "right," but their version of right ends up being healthier than anything else they might have ever been capable of.

UGH, anon.

Do not SEND ME DOWN THIS RABBITHOLE.

You couldn't pry soft dorky lovestruck idiot Durgetash from my dead claws.

I think they committed horrible atrocities together.

I also think they were so sweet on each other, it would make Bhaal gag.

[pengychan]

[Baldur’s Gate III] Hell to Pay, Ch. 20

Illustration by @raphaels-little-beast

Title: Hell to Pay Summary: Assassinating an archdevil is a daunting task, even for the heroes of Baldur’s Gate. Some inside help from ‘the devil they know’ would be good, if not for the detail their last meeting ended with said devil dead in his own home. Or did it? Characters: Raphael, the Dark Urge, Astarion, Haarlep, Halsin, Karlach, Wyll. Rating: M Status: In progress

All chapters will be tagged as ‘hell to pay’ on my blog. Also on Ao3.

*** You heard of Chekhov's gun, we had Chekhov's rapier, and now it's time for *checks notes* Chekhov's runepowder bomb. ***

“You may put that map away. We have no need for it anymore.”

Raphael’s voice rang out shortly after they set out for the day, as soon as Karlach pulled out the patched-up map of Avernus to have a look. As they all glanced over at him, he gestured for something before them. In the distance was the lake that they’d seen growing closer since the previous day, now a short enough trek away - and Raphael was now gesturing at something visible not far from it, something that looked much like… a hill?

“That’s where the Citadel is, near the shores of the Lake of Blood.”

“... Citadel? I see a hill.”

For a moment, Raphael stopped in his tracks and seemed to hesitate, as though part of him balked at the notion of giving up the information even now… but Durge caught his eye and finally, after a long breath, he nodded. He resumed walking and they followed, listening closely.

“Yes. By the lakeshore there is the aptly-named Bleeding Citadel. Surely you heard of Zariel’s assault on Avernus alongside the Hellriders, to try and end the Blood War?”

“The Ride,” Wyll said, nodding. “Yes, of course. More songs have been sung of that one ride than of any other battle the Hellriders ever took part in.”

Raphael waved a dismissive hand. “Considering how disastrously it ended, they probably would like otherwise - particularly with how mediocre most such songs are. The Blood War cannot be ended so easily, and taking on both demonic hordes and the legions of Hell was pure madness. The Ride failed, most Hellriders were slaughtered, and Zariel herself fell.”

“There was talk that Asmodeus had something to do with that defeat, as things went really wrong real fast,” Karlach muttered. “In the Flying Fortress, I mean - just a rumor that came up from time to time. Though no one brought it up where Zariel could hear it.”

“Yes, I heard of it,” Raphael said, nodding. “I could never find proof that is truly what happened, but it would not surprise me in the slightest. Either way, Zariel fell and instead of trampling her under his foot, Asmodeus had a different plan. He personally aided her recovery, and in the process-- well. The celestial she’d been was no more and the Zariel you know well rose in her place. If this had been planned by Asmodeus, then the gamble paid off. He had a new, vicious warrior he then made the new Archdevil of Avernus, demoting Lord Bel to an advisory role. Clearly, he decided that Avernus needed a more aggressive stance. Bel was a strategist, but Zariel is a warmonger the likes of which even the Hells have rarely seen.”

Astarion let out a hum. “This is all very fascinating, but what does it have to do with the sword, or a bleeding citadel?”

A sigh. “The lot of you,” Raphael lamented, “have no patience for the art of storytelling.”

“You just make tales boring, pet,” Haarlep replied, all sweetness and light. You take forever to get to the point. And yet, when it comes to action, it’s over so fas--”

“Shouldn’t you be flying overhead to make sure there are no more hordes in our path?”

“Say please.”

“Absolutely no--”

“If you please, Haarlep, we’d be very grateful.” Halsin spoke up, smiling. Haarlep paused for a moment, then grinned back. “Ah, only because you asked so nicely,” they declared, and took flight, leaving Raphael to scowl, muttering something about feeding them their own skin at the first occasion. He only stopped when Astarion patted his back, with a touch more strength than necessary. 

“There, the distraction is gone. Do go on - concisely, if you please.”

“Mph. Very well. Once it became clear that Zariel had turned archdevil, one of the surviving Hellrider generals stole the sword and fled alongside a hollyphant who was believed to have been Zariel’s war mount. They made it as far as the Lake of Blood before one of Yeenoghu’s demons caught up with them. I am not certain what they did, but a fortress sprang up, and neither the general nor the Sword of Zariel were seen again. It’s rather obvious that they’re inside, but the Citadel is inaccessible to fiends and, over time, it became… covered.”

Durge blinked. “Covered? In what?”

“Why, precisely in what you’re seeing - that is no hill. It is the Citadel, covered quite literally in a scab. Avernus itself grows it around it, as if on a wound - Hells and divine energy don’t mix well. You did stock up on explosives as I told you to, I hope?”

“Ah, that.” Durge laughed, and patted their bag of holding. “Not to worry. We have enough to blow up a Steel Watch foundry, if need be.”

Raphael raised an eyebrow. “That is curiously specific,” he pointed out. 

Durge grinned, all fangs, and said nothing.

***

“Lord Bel. Thank you for granting me an audience at such short noti--”

“Three legions of abishai, Tiamat has pledged,” Lord Bel spoke without so much looking up from the miniature armies moving across the map of Avernus. “Did the idiot you sent to relay your message speak true?”

Raphael nodded. Still reeling from Bele’s visit, he’d forgotten how eager he’d been to give the archduke the news himself, no more than an hour earlier. Now, all taste of that triumph was gone; he could only taste ashes and bile. “He did, my lord. It was a fruitful meeting.”

“The contract?”

A gesture from Raphael, a burst of flame, and the contract hovered in the air before lord Bel. He took a look, eyes scanning the writing and the signature at the bottom. Then, he bared his fangs in a smile. “I shouldn’t be surprised, I suppose. You did obtain twice the troops we usually get from Maladomini, after they told us they’d be cutting them by half.” He glanced back. “I never asked, what did you write to Lord Beelzebul?”

“That there was no reason for concern and no need for apologies, as the troops sent by my lord father Mephistopheles were twice as many and would easily make up for the shortfall.”

Lord Bel stared for a moment before he threw back his head and laughed. “Hah! I never much cared for the political posturing going on between layers, but it seems I should have.” 

“You don’t need to, my lord. I’ll gladly continue to handle this for you, if it pleases you.”

“If it pleases me?” Another laugh. “Of course it pleases me. What’s with the modesty now? You’re an asset on the battlefield, yes, but this?” He gestured to the signed contract in which Tiamat pledged three further legions of abishai to join Bel’s forces. “This is where you shine.”

Praise from an archdevil was hard-won, and always a reason for pride. Still, the smile on Raphael’s face was forced, the taste of bile still in his throat, choking him.

“Ah, don’t you mind them. Your Infernal is already near perfect, and jealousy is one ugly beast,” Bele’s voice rang out in the back of his mind. He almost felt it again, the touch of pale fingers tilting up his chin. He was no ice devil, yet he felt so oddly cold. “Learning all about contracts already, aren’t you? It’s impressive - but then again your lord father is brilliant, too. You will shine here, I am sure. If you are in need of any clarifications on our laws, do feel free to seek me out.” 

“Thank you, magistrate.”

“... Thank you, my lord,” Raphael heard himself saying, as though from very far away. Something had to show, for the grin on Bel’s face faded, and he narrowed his eyes. 

“You are not here to discuss your successes.”

“No, my lord.”

“What did Justiciar Bele want of you?”

“He came to inform me that I am no longer barred from returning to Mephistar.”

“Ah, I see. And what did you tell him?”

“That it was very gracious of my lord father to remove my status as an exile. It is what I’d hoped for. However, I did let Justiciar Bele know that as the Lord of the Eighth did not specifically summon me and I have duties here, I am not at liberty to leave yet.”

“Oh?”

Raphael bowed his head. “Unless your lordship wishes to dismiss me.”

“But you’d rather I don’t,” was the reply. A statement, not a question. Bel was not interested in knowing why Raphael would choose not to return, after supposedly joining the Canian troops specifically to be allowed back one day. All he cared for was the end result; Raphael respected that, and he was in no small measure relieved to be spared overly personal questions.  He deepened his bow before he spoke again. 

“... If it pleases your lordship, I’ll continue to serve until the day my liege summons me.”

Bel was quiet for a few moments before he gave a low, throaty chuckle. “Ah, I see. It is true he may order you to return to Mephistar at any time, as things stand,” he said. They both knew there was one thing, and one thing only, that would stand in the way of that: an official role and title at Lord Bel’s court. Then Mephistopheles may yet summon him, yes, but not keep him - let alone harm him - without Bel’s approval. 

And Raphael had every intention to be too useful to Avernus for Bel to ever give that approval. He remained bowing as he spoke. 

“I know I am very young still, and that I have not served you long. I hope you don’t think I feel entitled to a position I have not earned. But if you’d be inclined to give me a chance--”

“Ah, enough,” Bel cut him off with a wave of his hand, and stood from the table. The small armies moving across it were forgotten, for the time being. “I like to think of myself as fair, but I certainly cannot be accused of being generous. I am not in the habit of surrendering assets to others - particularly those who failed to recognize their worth when they could. Lord Mephistopheles thinks me a fool, and I have no inclination to prove him right. You may not have served me long, but you have served me well. I expect you’ll be able to serve me better still, in time. Now stop bowing so low before you break your spine.”

Raphael breathed out, and straightened himself to meet lord Bel’s eyes. Keeping the depth of his relief from showing in his voice was no easy feat, but he managed to sound, at least, dignified. “Thank you, my lord.”

“Thank your good timing, not me. That, and the fact Shummrath finally pushed my patience too far in your absence.”

Raphael blinked. He was certainly not going to mourn whatever fate befell the general, but he hadn’t expected the news. “What has become of--” he started, only for Bel to cut him off with a gesture of his hand. 

“None of your concern. All you need to know is that you shall not see him again. Leanath has been promoted to take this place. That leaves her old position open, and no archduke should be without a steward. I trust you’ll at least pretend to be surprised when I offer you the position in a more official manner?”

“My lord, there are no words to express--”

“Then don’t speak,” Bel said, and turned back to the map, making it plain that the meeting was over. “You have time until tomorrow to rehearse a speech.”

“... Thank you, my lord.”

Raphael bowed once again before he left, but he did not head to his rooms right away. He stopped at a balcony - the same, he recalled, where he had met Lady Antilia on her last visit. He stood by the railing, where he’d stood last time - only that the spot next to him was empty.

You seem to have carved a place for yourself here. Why not reconsider whether you truly wish to return to Cania? 

I left as an exile. I don’t intend to let that stand.

Now he was no longer an exile, as he wished. And Antilia had been right, after all: whether or not his lord father truly saw his worth now, why should he return under his thumb? Avernus was where he could prove himself, and despite the neverending war and the chaos it brought, something about the layer made him feel more at home than the frigid wastes of Cania, with its icy winds and shimmering glaciers. He was, after all, a creature of fire.

And now he’d have an official role, one of prestige that he couldn’t ever hope to obtain in Mephistar. Raphael, steward of Avernus; it had a nice ring to it. 

Standing alone on the balcony, Raphael looked up at the red sky and let his lips curl in a smile.

It did not reach his eyes.

***

“Well, this is disgusting. You could have mentioned this earlier, devil!”

“I didn’t think the sight of some congealed blood would make you falter, spawn.”

“This is an entire hill of… of… I am not even certain what it is. Is it even a real scab? It’s like it’s alive.”

“Well, in a manner of speaking.”

While Astarion let out a few more noises of disgust Wyll groaned, reaching up to rub his forehead before looking back up at the mound of… something that indeed looked much like a scab, towering at least three hundred feet above them. There were chains anchored to the ground, going up the hill, attached to… a dome, yes, right on top of the growth. The only part of the Citadel not yet covered, although it was hard to tell for how long that would remain the case. “And by that you mean…?”

Raphael shrugged, arms crossed as he glanced up at the hill, at the chains. “There are bound to be demons inside. The Citadel allows no fiend to open its doors, but even so, Yeenoghu's demons carved tunnels through the scab itself. They have built a burrow of sorts in there, and there’s no telling quite how many are in there.”

“Ah, I see,” Durge muttered. “So that’s what the explosive is for - not just to clear a way, but to flush them out?”

“And kill as many as possible in the process, yes. If the explosives you have are as powerful as you say, of course. If not, they may collapse the tunnels without destroying the scab itself, and make reaching the entrance exponentially more difficult.”

“Hah! Don’t worry, I am confident enough the runepowder bomb can get the job done.”

“... Where in all the bleeding Hells did you find a runepowder--”

“It’s a long story,” Astarion cut him off, and let out a hum. “So, demons digging inside - why, though? You said the doors will not open to let fiends in,” he pointed out, only for Raphael to hum.

“To be honest, I don’t precisely know what all the digging is for. The only guess is that perhaps they’re delusional enough they think they can succeed in forcing the doors open. Or perhaps they’re looking for Crokek'toeck.”

“Bless you,” Wyll quipped, gaining himself a sideways glance and a long, weary sigh. 

“... Really?”

“Ah, my humor is wasted on you,” he muttered, and looked back at the scab. “All right, I’ll bite. Who’s… the thing you mentioned?”

“I’d describe it as hunger incarnate,” he said, because Hells forbid he ever spoke plain.

“... Perhaps a slightly more literal description?” Halsin asked, more politely than Wyll would have. Raphael did, at least, comply.

“Yeenoghu's pet demon. It was the one who chased the Hellrider up to this point. No one quite knows if it died that day or if it was trapped in the citadel, or within the scab. Think of it as one immense maw with legs, and you have a clear enough picture.”

“Sounds delightful,” Karlach muttered. She looked up a few more moments before rolling her head to both sides, cracking her neck. “So, if it pops out, we kill it?”

“That’s the gist of it. Should we encounter it, there would be no other option.”

“Are you sure? How big is this mouth, exa--”

“No, Haarlep.”

Haarlep sighed, just a touch dramatically. Wyll had to wonder if they always had a flair for dramatics, or if Raphael had rubbed off them in more ways than they knew. “My talents are destined to be wasted as well, I see.”

Raphael snorted. “Any demons we encounter here will only care for one thing and one thing only - slaughter. As your talents obviously do not lie in battle, you’d do well to keep well away--”

A crudely fashioned acid arrow whistled through the air and would have struck Raphael right in the neck, had Karlach not grasped him and pulled him towards her with lightning-quick reflexes Wyll could only admire. It caused Raphael to stumble, but she steadied him. 

“You good?” she asked, letting go of his blazer to grab her weapon. Raphael nodded, reaching for his lyre.

“Yes,” he replied, and looked over at Haarlep. “Ethereal Plane. Now.”

“Oh, come now. I’m not that helpless--”

Whatever they were about to say next was covered by a cacophony of shrieks and the clang of steel. Wyll had unsheathed his rapier and turned to see that apparently, the demons burrowing in the scab were doing more than just burrowing - they were sending out patrols. And one of them had just now returned.

“Oh, finally,” Astarion exclaimed, pulling out both hand crossbows while Durge and Halsin prepared to cast. “I was itching to finally hurt someone.”

“Poor fuckers,” Karlach cackled. “Bet you I can kill more than you,” she added, causing Raphael to blink.

“... Are you talking to me?”

“I’m talking to anyone who thinks they can do better,” Karlach grinned, and then cried out, charging forward with her blade in hand. It took Wyll some effort, really, to focus on the battle. 

Even as they tore through demons, he couldn’t help but wonder what may be the perfect spot to propose once they were back in Faerûn.

***

“So, you can take the form of anyone you sleep with, but you can only use it if you’re given permission?”

“Exactly. That covered Raphael’s form as long as he owned me - although those allowed in the boudoir made an exception to the rule, as you found out.”

“And that’s what that part about swearing my body was yours was all about? Giving you permission to use it?”

“Oh, you are clever. If a bit slow on the uptake.”

Durge snorted, going through the weapons on one of the demons they had just felled. The patrol had been a small enough horde to be manageable. Most of them had little worth taking, but this one had a healing potion on it, and they pocketed it before moving on to the next corpse.

“You neglected to mention that detail.”

“You neglected to ask,” Haarlep sing-sang. “Very unwise, that. But you were still clever enough to not give up your soul.”

Durge hummed, taking a ring off a dead devil’s finger. It seemed to have no magical properties, but the ruby in it shone and it may be good to hand over to Wyll. It was Astarion’s idea, to hand any and all rings they found to Wyll while Karlach wasn’t looking. It would give him a few options to pick from when he decided to propose as he certainly was planning to. That, and watching his embarrassment while trying to hide a growing pile of rings from Karlach was hilarious.

“What would have happened if I did offer you my soul?”

“I’d have devoured it and left your body as an empty husk for further use,” Haarlep replied, in the light tone of someone describing picking the pink shirt over the blue one in the morning. Durge raised an eyebrow.

“... Do I want to know what sort of use?”

“I am certain you can guess. Oh, don’t look at me like that. I know it’s a detail easily missed, but I am a devil - more of a devil than Raphael himself, if we’re being pedantic. I couldn’t just not try to take your soul. And once the soul is gone, the husk is just meat. Still, I think it was a fair offer, as opposed to doing what I was supposed to do in case of intruders.”

“Which was…?”

“Kill on sight.”

“... Fair enough.”

“But as it was more of an expectation than a specific duty, I was able to find a way to work around it to our mutual satisfaction.”

Durge couldn’t say they were getting a lot of satisfaction out of it - on  one particularly memorable occasion, the sensation took over while they were trying to deal the killing blow on a powerful lich - but they chose not to raise the issue. It was much too late to do so, anyway: what was done was done. The main question on their mind was different. 

“Why did you help us out?” they asked instead, glancing over to the side. Raphael and Astarion were searching a few more bodies for loot, and for a moment they were pretty sure they saw Astarion slide a ring off a finger before showing it off to Raphael, grinning. “You were sworn to Raphael. Why work for his downfall?”

Turning over a corpse with a nudge of their foot, Haarlep shrugged. “Ah, but I didn’t. I was so very bored when you walked in, Raphael had hardly been home for weeks. It was all a bit of a game, and I had no idea the entire business would snowball into… well, whatever that was. No offense, but you killing him? It wasn't an outcome I'd envisioned. I was trying to give him a bit of a headache and maybe another stomach ulcer, that’s all. I thought you’d either make it out of there with the hammer, or he’d catch and kill you. Although I rather hoped you’d make it out. You were lovely in be--”

“Weren’t you worried about punishment if he found out you helped?”

This time, Haarlep laughed. “Oh, anyone else in the House of Hope would have been, and for good reason. But no, not me. He could rage, scream, make a bit of a show with fire… break some spines, perhaps, but certainly not mine. He does tend to throw tantrums every once in a while, but that’s about as far as he ever went with me.” The incubus bared their teeth in a grin. “He can’t punish me. He gave up pretending he ever could a long time ago.”

Durge picked up another potion and stood straight again, putting it in their bag. “I see. So it was a game of sorts?”

“More or less. Oh, I did think that the entire business with the Crown was not that bright an idea to begin with. Everyone knows Lord Mephistopheles covets Asmodeus’ throne. If that trinket alone was all that was needed to take it, he’d have used it himself - yet he didn’t, not for almost two thousand years, and he’s the archmage of the Hells. Which Raphael, to be honest, is not.” 

A hum. “I’ll admit, I would have expected Mephistopheles to use it, but it’s possible he had plans to do so at a later time. Something capable of turning a mortal into a god even for one moment is no trinket, and Raphael was no mortal. And a powerful enough sorcerer, too, bardic inclinations notwithstanding.”

“Ah, yes, that. Being a sorcerer was just not dramatic enough for him, I suppose.” Haarlep paused a moment before they shrugged and glanced over at Raphael, who was pocketing something he’d taken from a corpse. “He was powerful, no denying it, and the crown would have made him a force to be reckoned with. He may have taken over some layers, even most layers. But once he got to Nessus, things may have gone differently than he’d envisioned.”

Durge nodded. “Yes, I don’t imagine Asmodeus would have just let him win that easily. Raphael seemed rather confident in his odds, though. Perhaps, if he united the other eight layers first, he may have stood a chance.”

“Perhaps. Shame we’ll never know, huh?”

“You don’t seem particularly saddened.”

“Should I? Nessus is dreary, everyone knows that. I was not eager to move there. And I don’t think you fully appreciate how insufferable Raphael would have been as the archdevil supreme.”

This time, Durge had to laugh. There were worse things they thought Raphael would have been if his plan had worked, but to be fair insufferable seemed an accurate summary. “Yes, I suppose he would have been,” they conceded, and stood after making sure the last corpse of the batch had nothing of value. “I think we’re done here. We should keep moving.”

Further ahead, Halsin was doing a fairly good job keeping Karlach distracted while Astarion shoved any rings he’d found in the hands of a very flustered Wyll. Not as flustered as he’d been that morning, when Haarlep had loudly commented on how distracting the scent of the carnal desire they had for each other was and asked when they were going to do something about it, but pretty flustered nonetheless.

Had his complexion been lighter, Durge was rather sure they’d been able to see him blush furiously from a mile away. As for Karlach… well, she could be blushing the entire time and they wouldn’t know, but her flames had decidedly flared up before she’d muttered what was probably the most ill-advised ‘go fuck yourself’ in history. Leading to the predictable response that Raphael was not in the mood lately, but that they’d try again that night. 

“I’m not sure I’m clear on the ring part,” Haarlep was saying now, still looking over at Wyll like he was the most puzzling being in the world. “Is it something necessary in the Material Plane before two mortals can have sex?”

Durge cleared their throat. “Well-- not really, but some people--”

“Does he need to collect a set number? Is that why you’re giving him any you find?”

“No, that’s a jest.”

“... I don’t get it.”

“Romantic that he is, he probably wants to ask Karlach to marry him before they-- er. We do tend to use rings for that, so we’re giving him all the rings we find until he does.”

“Ah, I see. Does one need to give the other a ring every time they have sex? Because by that logic, Raphael would owe me about--”

“No, no. It’s one ring, just once,” Durge cut them off, praying whatever god was listening - well, possibly not Bhaal - that Haarlep would drop it. They didn’t. 

“That’s rather cheap,” they muttered. “I’m rather sure Mephistopheles paid a much higher price to buy me.”

“The ring is not to buy-- wait. Mephistopheles?” Durge stopped in their tracks, turning to glance back at the incubus. Who, in turn, shrugged. 

“Yes? He picked me as a gift to his naughty son, with the instructions to keep him distracted.”

Durge blinked. “What-- does Raphael know you were sent to spy on him?” 

Haarlep laughed. “Hah! Oh, you’re adorable,” they crooned. “Who said anything about spying? You spy on a threat, and the Lord of the Eighth never saw Raphael as any threat until very recently. He was an annoyance, and annoyances only need to be distracted. I was to keep him busy enough he wouldn’t make too much of a fool of himself. Believe it or not, there was a time when he didn’t only sleep with a mirror image of himself. Quite the opposite, to hear some tales.” A pause. “Do you want to hear--”

“No, thank you,” Durge replied, quickly. 

The incubus sighed. “Ah well. It’s in the past either way. My fault, really, for spoiling him. He showed some interest in your form, but when I offered--”

“You did wha-- ”

“It seemed only fair. You did ask for this form when given the option.”

Durge groaned, stopping mid-stride again to rub their forehead. A headache was building up; nothing new, but it probably had nothing to do with the improvised lobotomy that had mangled their brain matter, either. “Yes. Very well. It was only fair. Now, as I felt nothing, I can only assume he was not interested.”

Haarlep tilted their head. “That was the oddest thing. He was plenty interested, if you get what I mean--”

“Really wish I didn’t--”

“-- but he still said no. Unusual, that. I’m sure you can tell he was never one to deny himself his wants.”

Ah. Durge cleared their throat. For a moment they thought back of when Raphael had nearly collapsed mid-stride, shuddering in their arms while someone made use of Haarlep’s glamor of him and obviously hating every second of it. Had he decided to spare them that? If so, that was… surprisingly decent, they suppo--

“Hey, are you done? I think it’s about time we get moving!” Karlach called out, and to be honest it was a relief. That was neither the time nor place to go down that line of thought. 

“We’re coming,” Durge called out, and got walking again before Haarlep could say anything else, to hand the ring they had found to a very flustered Wyll. They did, at least, have the good sense to stop talking once within earshot of Raphael. Who was, at the moment, focused on something he’d looted from one of the fallen demons - a sheet of parchment, it seemed.

“... Well. This is as crude a map as one could make, but it should help,” he muttered. Durge approached to have a look; apparently, demons had indeed built a veritable burrow into the scab, with tunnels and chambers. They raised an eyebrow.

“That’s impressive digging work. This thing is hard as stone.”

Raphael hummed. “Not all of it. The further up you go, the more recent the growth is and the consistency is softer, much like an actual scab. Somewhat spongy, from what I’ve been told.” 

Karlach made a face. “Eugh,” she muttered, gaining herself a slight nod. 

“Very well put, yes. But we will have to go through that section…” Raphael’s finger traced the map, and his eyebrow went up. “... All the way down to here, it seems. They have successfully uncovered the doors - that’s unexpected. It is quite a feat, I have to admit. The scab is hardened as can be there. Perhaps we won’t need to make use of runepowder to clear the way, after all.”

Astarion sighed. “Ah, a shame. I’ve been itching to see it at work. That, and it seems a lot quicker than crawling through tunnels killing demons. Fun as killing demons is.”

Halsin didn’t look very happy either, but he nodded. “It does seem the more prudent option,” he conceded. “An explosion may have damaged the Citadel itself, perhaps?”

Raphael shook his head, folding the map. “Doubtful. It’s made of divine energy - not so easily destroyed even by the most powerful explosive.”

“The explosion in the scab may kill the demons prowling inside it, but it surely would attract every fiend, be it devil or demon, within miles,” Wyll pointed out. “There is no reason to risk it if the demons burrowed in there have so handily uncovered the doors for us. I say we wipe them out, and proceed to the entrance without attracting undue attention. Karlach?”

She nodded. “Yeah, works for me. A nice long rest, and we go in to wreak havoc. You guys agree?”

They did.

***

“It seems such a mockery, doesn’t it? All this blood right there, and I cannot sample it. It smells disgusting, ” Astarion sighed, tearing his gaze from the shores of the Lake of Blood and going back to sit down on his bedroll, leaning against Durge’s side. The cave they had found refuge in was more a hole on the side of a small hill than it was a cave, and they were packed quite tight. But it would do, especially as it was a good distance away from the scab and beneath a decent lookout point.

Durge, who’d also been staring at the lake for quite a while - did it remind them of their visions of Bhaal’s domain? Astarion couldn’t help but wonder - turned back, and chuckled. “You may drink from me as well as Halsin, if you’d like.”

“Ah, thank you, love. I may just take you up on your offer and let Wyll know I’ll keep his neck for tomorrow. Although I can think of someone who hasn’t yet offered to help sustain me.”

Sitting against the wall of the cave with the lyre on his knees, Raphael scoffed. “Absolutely not. I don’t see the tiefling contributing either.”

“Because hers burns. And don’t give me the line about yours burning hotter than wyvern whiskey, you’re technically human right now and I could drink your blood without ill effects."

"And?"

"And It would be really nice of you to contribute to our little Keep Astarion Happy blood bank, is all.”

“The answer is no. And if I wake up with your teeth in my neck--”

“Of course you won’t! What manner of creature do you take me for?”

“A vampire.”

“... I suppose I did walk into that one.”

At the back of the hole they were so generously calling a cave, Wyll laughed. “Well, maybe you can contribute with some music to lift our spirits while we finish setting up for the night?”

Raphael huffed. “Is acting as your guide not enough of a contribution?”

“No, it’s not,” Karlach replied. She was sitting against the wall as well, sharpening her greataxe. “You could stand pulling a bit more weight here.”

“Why should I, when you make such a perfect beast of burden?”

Karlach scoffed. “Careful there. Beasts cab bite as hard as vampires when you piss them off, and they don’t ask permission.”

“Threatening an artist is not precisely the best way to get art out of them.”

“Can’t see why not. Worked well enough with the painter possessed by a restless spirit bound to a cursed portrait.”

Raphael blinked. “... I could predict none of the words in that sentence.”

Still sharpening the blade, Karlach shrugged. “Long story. And a weird one too, to be honest. Don’t think you’d be interested.”

He stared for a few moments before he seemingly agreed. With a sigh, he leaned more comfortably against the wall and strummed the lyre. 

Wyll smiled. “Ah, thank--”

"High hearts and brilliant plans so bright Give many a gallant good cause to fight Yet never any lack of black-hearted knave Keeps heroes from waiting, yawning grave..."

Well, so much for lifting their spirits. It got the smile off Wyll’s face quickly. “... You know what, forget it. We’re good. No need for you to play.”

“Yes, that’s exactly what I was thinking. I’m so glad we agree,” Raphael muttered, and put the lyre down to glance towards the entrance. He frowned. “What’s taking Haarlep so long?”

“They’re keeping an eye on things from above to make sure all is well outside,” Halsin replied. “They said that they don't need sleep, they’ll stay out and wake us when it’s time to head off.”

“And you let them? They’re obviously unsuited for battle!”

“He is not to engage, only to act as a lookout. I am certain we can trust them with it.”

“... Mph. We should hope they’re not foolish enough to get themself injured again,” Raphael muttered, his frown deepening. It didn’t escape Astarion how he kept staring at the cave’s entrance for a very, very long time.

***

Haarlep was keeping an eye on a few fireballs crossing the sky above, just to make sure none would come crashing down on them, when they felt the edge of a blade at their throat. They had a fraction of a second to consider whether to immediately seek refuge in the Ethereal Plane before a very familiar scoff reached their ears, along with an equally familiar voice.

“Hmph. You make as poor a sentinel as I expected,” Raphael muttered, pulling the dagger away and coming to sit by their side, dispelling the invisibility spell that, honestly, he hadn’t even needed. “The others should have known better than to entrust our safety to you.”

Ah, picking up some tricks from the vampire spawn, wasn’t he? Haarlep chuckled, unfolding one wing to invite Raphael to shift closer. And he did, clearly not thinking for a moment that a single beat of that wing would send him falling down the small cliff, to land by the entrance of the small cave with several broken bones and a vast array of internal injuries. 

It was tempting, Haarlep had to admit, at least a little bit… but they were probably not going to do it.

“That’s unkind of you, master,” they sighed, putting the usual hint of mockery in that last word. “I’m watching out for fireballs, hordes of demons, hellish legions… we have no reason to think an assassin may sneak in on us.”

“Excuses, as always. I’d rather be on the safe side and keep watch as well.” 

Haarlep frowned a little, looking at him. He was staring stubbornly ahead while sitting rigidly, close but not touching them. For a moment, Haarlep saw him as they’d seen him the previous day - looking down at them while trying to heal them, and crying out for the druid. 

Help me, he’d called out, not just heal them. Something about that choice of words stuck out to Haarlep just as much as the taste of his fear, but they couldn’t quite tell why. 

“Have you come to keep me safe, my little brat?” they asked, and Raphael scoffed. Again. 

“I am here for everyone's safety, if this is the extent of your abilities as a lookout. And speaking of safety, I thought we’d agreed that you should not wear my likeness in the open.”

“Oh come now, who’s going to notice? If anyone comes close enough to, then we’re going to kill them either way. Or are you asking for the Archduchess? I am afraid she wouldn’t quite scratch your itch without her usual tools. I don’t have chains, nothing to chain you to, and all your toys are back in the House of Hope. If they're still there. I don't know if the current owner found--”

“Enough,” Raphael snapped, but when Haarlep chucked and folded a wing to pull him against their side, he did not protest or move away. 

“Why are you here? Surely, I’d make an even poorer guard if I were to indulge your lust…”

“I am not tired, and I don’t trust you to keep watch. That is all.”

Haarlep almost rolled their eyes at that, but decided to play the idiot just a little longer. “If you’ve come to relieve me of my duties, I’ll head ba--”

“No.”

“You don’t own me anymore, little duke. You cannot command me to stay. Or, well. You may, but I don’t have to obey,” Haarlep pointed out. They grinned when the usual scowl appeared on Raphael’s face, that familiar scrunching of his nose. They chuckled, and leaned in to kiss that wrinkle. “If you want me to stay, say as much I’ll consider it.”

A pause, a long breath, and he leaned into the touch. “... Stay.”

“I’m missing a please, little brat.”

A scoff. “You truly enjoy seeing me brought low, don’t you?”

“No. Well-- yes. But Is asking me nicely really bringing you that low? Our traveling companions, perplexing as they are, thank one another over mundane things nearly every day.” Haarlep pointed out, but decided not to insist. Partly because they were rather distracted by the fact Raphael had reached to grasp their hand, and was pressing something small against their palm, still not looking at them. It took them a few moments to realize what it was. 

A ring.

“... I was given this after my duel with Yurgir. As they also handed me a ring of regeneration, it seems redundant - you may as well have this one. It helps ward off death for a time, if you’re downed. It should give us more time to heal you, next time you're inclined do something as idiotic as attacking a balor with your bare hands.”

Haarlep blinked down at the ring, taken aback, then they laughed and slipped it at their finger. It was a simple but pretty thing, gold with light blue stones. Haarlep could sense the magic humming within. “Oh, it’s very pretty. But you know it will cost you more than this to buy me back, right?”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Oh, I do so like it when you beg.”

“What got into your mind now? Am I expected to guess? Because--” he trailed off when Haarlep turned their head and lifted up his chin to place a kiss at the corner of his mouth. A bit of a shame that they couldn’t kiss him properly without the side effects of their spittle getting in the way. Even they knew this was not the moment for either of them to get in an amorous mood. 

“I’m going to miss this human Raphael when you’re you again,” they sighed, and for a moment Raphael went quiet. For… several moments, really. He looked down and seemed to fiddle with another ring on his left hand. One Haarlep recognized quite easily, as they’d put its twin at the finger of a rather unfortunate harvester devil to pull their little swapping trick on Mephistopheles.

Any and all magic in it was gone alongside with the other half of the set, but Raphael had still put it back at his finger. They almost asked why before they recalled who had given him the ring. “... I think she’d like to meet you, though,” they finally said, and leaned their cheek on top of Raphael’s head. “Not just this half, or the other one she met. All of you. Whole again.”

A long breath, the weight of a head on their shoulder. “I am not certain that this --” a vague gesture towards himself, towards the half of his soul that form now housed, “will gladly go back to being dormant.”

“Well, that may not be all that bad, don’t you think?”

“It should. It must. Human nature will always flinch back from the fiend. To have one part of me shudder at the other is to be weakened.”

“You’re not flinching from me now, my little brat.” Another silence, and this time it stretched on. Haarlep didn’t press, and instead folded the wing over Raphael, keeping him flush against their side, their tail wrapping around his waist. They felt him lean against them and oh, he was certainly not flinching. “Maybe, even this half of you is not all human, and the one back in Mephistar is not all fiend.”

A groan. “I am begging you to leave the philosophical conundrums to me.”

“Come now, you know I’m not wrong.”

“It’s painfully simplistic.”

“No more than pretending a single soul can be truly split along some kind of dotted line.”

Raphael scoffed, but did not protest. Instead, he shifted to lean more comfortably and closed his eyes. Haarlep chuckled, and angled the wing to block out as much light as possible from his face. “So much for not being tired.”

“Jest all you want. I couldn’t sleep.”

“But you can now?”

“If you’d be so kind as to be quiet,” Raphael grumbled. “We may find out.”

So much for keeping an eye out, Haarlep thought, but chose not to voice that. They turned their gaze back at the desolate landscape before them and the covered Citadel, looking out for threats, only occasionally glancing down at the ring glinting at their finger.

***

A long distance away, across Avernus and high up in the skies, the bowels of the Flying Fortress were shaken by a wordless cry.

It was a scream of blackest fury and something else, raw and unrelenting, coming from the dungeons. There was never a shortage of cries coming from the dungeons, but this was different. The Lord of the First had crumpled on her knees, tears like molten glass falling on the golden fur of a motionless hollyphant, on the infernal dagger still plunged into the creature's heart. 

Zariel screamed again, all hatred and sorrow, and everyone in the Fortress trembled in fear, looked at one another in confusion. Mizora could feign their same confusion well enough; pretending came as easy as breathing. Her fear, that she did not need to fake. Good as she was at reigning it in, she felt it more keenly than anybody else at Zariel’s court. 

If Zariel were to ever learn that the celestial creature’s blood was on her hands, her life would be forfeit - and her death would be a slower one than the one she’d granted the blasted creature who’d somehow gotten into her mistress’ head, and ruined her enough that Asmodeus himself wanted her replaced.

And when an order came from the Lord Below, she could but obey.

If our scouts had killed it right away instead of bringing it here, this would not have happened. They thought it a gift to our mistress, and it was her undoing. All that revolting talk of goodness and old times. Why, why, why did she not end it herself? Why did she keep going down in the dungeons to see it?

So many questions, but Mizora had always considered herself a practical creature and she knew it was much too late to dwell on those, too late for second-guessing. The order had come, and she’d seen it through. The hollyphant was dead, the line had been crossed, and there could be no going back. All she could do now was play her cards, feign ignorance, and wait.

All while holding onto the hope that her favorite little warlock, his companions, and the devil who was a devil no more would be up to the task ahead.

*** [Back to Chapter 19]

[On to Chapter 21]

[Back to Start]

[mikuchan]

Throwing you the reverse card: BG3 and Dragon Age 😉

:D

BG3

The first character I first fell in love with: this is kind of cheating, but I made my girl Sabine in early access and then didn't stop thinking about her for the like 2 years or so it took for the actual game to come out. I still love her. Otherwise hmm in my first playthrough I really liked Astarion and Alfira

The character I never expected to love as much as I do now: I was actually super meh about Minthara at first. It took a little more time + learning her character to get into her. I also hated Shadowheart in EA because she was rude and I took it personally LOL they're both big faves now obviously

The character everyone else loves that I don’t: Gortash... there are a lot of other villains that have much better hair

The character I love that everyone else hates: Maybe Araj Oblodra, she had some controversy going in the fuckable bg3 character poll. I also really like Yenna, I see a lot abt how annoying she is but I think she's so sweet.

The character I used to love but don’t any longer: Astarion...I still like him, but after playing the game a few times/ways other characters just resonate with me more

The character I would totally smooch: Mizooorrrrraaaaaaaaaa

The character I’d want to be like: I'm not sure! Maybe Karlach, she has a good attitude

The character I’d slap: most of the druids...Volo...Aradin

A pairing that I love: I'm still on my Minthara/Alfira train, also deep in the Minthara/Florrick fan club right now (and this modern au!). Alfira/Lakrissa, Isobel/Aylin, Danis/Bex, Shadowheart/Nocturne, Karlach/Wyll, all very good pairings that I adore too. I've also been reading Mimetoist's Minthara/Halsin fic and loving it, I like that ship a lot.

A pairing that I despise: I don't like Durge/Gortash! I don't like Gortash and I think there are more compelling ships for Durge, like WYLL. Monster hunter hero who won't give up on the one born to be a monster?! Two souls both being forced to follow higher evil powers, mutually loving and supporting each other through that?! Also could go on about my toxic platonic ship of Auntie Ethel/Durge but we'll save it for another day

DA - so I just finished Origins (tetoman playing and me watching/backseat gaming), and have played some Inquisition but not all

The first character I first fell in love with: ✨🥰Cassandra🥰✨ my husband + bff are probably sick of me going oohhhh cassaaaaandra every time one of them mentions Dragon Age

The character I never expected to love as much as I do now: historically I'm not too keen on dwarves but I really like Varric!

The character everyone else loves that I don’t: I think Sera is annoying

The character I love that everyone else hates: idk who the Dragon Age fandom hates lol. probably not hated, but I had never heard of Wynne or Shale in general and I'm surprised, I loved them.

The character I used to love but don’t any longer: n/a since I'm still pretty early in my DA career

The character I would totally smooch: Cassandra... but she doesn't want me 😔✌🏻 so I suppose Iron Bull or Leliana

The character I’d want to be like: Leliana! She is actually my favorite, I liked what I saw of her in DAI and now that I saw DAO I love her even more!

The character I’d slap: idk probably Solas

A pairing that I love: I like Iron Bull x Dorian! and the mage guy my husband and I made x Morrigan lolol

A pairing that I despise: n/a for now, not enough knowledge of popular DA ships

[madwomansapologist]

I'M FREE TO COMMENT!!! My so different, and yet so similar request is so good! You have no idea how excited I was to see my request 😍 I'm surprised the first picture attached is how I imagined Tav to wear 😲 English is a weird language even though it's my first language and I love it so I don't blame you 😅 I love it especially Karlach can tell how cautious Tav is, she sees Tav as a side of the coin since plenty of things won't matter if no one is seeing it like no reading a book 📖, she's aware of how different Tav is from her, she also knows how similar she is to Tav, she knows how terrified Tav is yet they're brave enough to face whatever in their way to lead & protect their party 👍, she likes all of their sides 🤭, she felt terrible knowing that both Wyll & Tav were thrown away by their families at such a young age especially she used to think all nobles had good lifes 🥺, she promised to hug Tav so tightly their bones will turn to dust 🤣, Rolan genuinely thought how Tav acted is an act they put on 😅, he also hates how Tav still tried to help him even when he doesn't want to & as if he's the bad guy 😞, he knows they didn't use that against him & just wants him to stop being so harsh on himself 🥺, how he realised how much burdens they're carrying when they told him about their family, he agreed that they're not at fault 🥺, how they're a good person for saving so many people when when it's unwanted 😭, he found it quite difficult to hate them after this 👍, what he said to them though (I love Rolan but he can such a mean man who can't be honest 🤣), Zevlor could tell how many people Tav is helping in THEIR OWN PARTY (SO true though 🤣 Was it about Astarion, Gale, and Dark Urge? I really don't know! I was just guessing 🤔), he found it alluring at how sweet & caring they are with leading some of them most troubled people (He had a point!), he's grateful Tav is the leader for saving him even though he doesn't know how they got themselves in this position 🤔, he didn't expect them to defend him & go through the trouble of saving him 🥺, he thought they're the best person to judge him if they knew everything 🥺, they accepted him & told how much they understand why it was so tempting for him 🥺, he told them that they should hate him & want him dead (He's so hard on himself 🥺), and he told them he has another debt he can't ever repay them 🥺 Thank you so much for doing my request because I love it so much :) Can I request now? Only if you don't mind of course!

it was so nice to read this! got me really happy and motivated. also it was about shadowheart, gale, astarion and durge. i love those fics were people but tav and durge in the same party so i wanted to try it too!

you're free to request anytime! if i close my requests it will appear on the ask box, so feel welcome to drop as many ideas as you like!

[altughuner-blog]

India Travel is unique. There is so much you can explore that you can get lost in the options. Most of the times you are not even aware of the options available and you end up going to cliché places only.

Stock Photos – Shutterstock

While your India Travel plan should definitely have the famous monuments like Taj Mahal, it is the experiences that would give you the real flavor of this nation.

Top 12 India Travel Experiences

So, let me take you through some Indian experiences that you can include in your travel itinerary.

1. Explore the Wildlife of Indian Forests

In the culture that is overwhelming, sometimes the countries wildlife takes a back seat. Remember India is home to unique species including Tigers, Lions, Single Horned Rhinos, Elephants. Indian forests and jungles are full of animal species that would amaze you.

Collarwali Tigress at Pench National Park

Most forests come under the forests department who are responsible for conserving and preserving them. This means the entry is restricted. It is usually accessible through guided safaris, where a forest jeep and a forest guide will take you around and show you flora and fauna of the forest. Some national parks also offer elephant safaris, walking safaris and boat safaris too.

All safaris are worth exploring. Imagine sitting in a boat surrounded by lush green forest and animals just doing their regular business and birds flying all over.

Single-horned Rhinoceros grazing at Hollong

Some national parks like Pench, known for being the setting of Mowgli allow you to live in tree houses. There are some forests with lovely tribal villages or forts and this where you get to explore nature and ancient aboriginal culture.

Read More – Our Complete Guide to Planning Wildlife Holidays

2. Understand the Indian Temple Architecture

Growing up in the northern state of Punjab, I grew oblivious to the stunning temples that exist in most of India. I discovered the temple architecture pretty late in life. However, once enticed, I can not just get enough of them. The more I visit an ancient Indian temple, the more I discover, an architecture that is soaked in stories, legends, philosophy, aesthetics, and history.

I highly recommend that you visit at least one set of ancient Indian temples, whichever part of the country you visit.

If you are visiting for the first time and doing the most popular Delhi, Agra & Jaipur circuit, consider extending it to include Khajuraho.

Kandariya Mahadev Temple at Khajuraho

Heading to the Himalayas? check out Jageshwar Dham in Uttarakhand or Stone and Wood Temples of Himachal Pradesh.

Southern States

If you are doing southern states, you would be spoilt for choices, wherever you go, you will find beautiful temples. My favorite cities to explore south Indian temples would be Kanchipuram and Thanjavur. Both present the two prominent temple architecture styles – Pallava & Cholas. Kerala has its own slanting roof architecture dominated by wood.

Brihadeeswara Temple popularly called the Big Temple or Thanjavur Temple

In the West, you should not miss Kailash temple at Ellora or Kopeshwar Temple in Khidrapur.

Eastern states, check out the lovely Terracotta temples of Bishnupur or the Puri, Bhubaneshwar, and Konark in Odisha.

In the North East, there is Kamakhya temple near Guwahati and then the temple town of Sibasagar.

Even the touristy Goa has its own style of Goan temple architecture.

Look for the material used in the making of a temple, the motifs used, the stories carves, the style of Shikhara or the superstructure, the presiding deity and local folklore when you visit an Indian temple.

Check out our series on Temples of India

3. Visit a Museum for some time travel

Museums are not really our strong point when it comes to popular tourist places. Having said that, to meet India of a different space and time, you do need to check out some of our museums. Your travel cannot be complete without visiting a few museums.

Shiva Lila from Tanjore Gallery

Archaeological Survey of India has many museums full of ancient artifacts, specially excavated sculptures that are like a treasure hunt. Ask a curator to take you around the museum, and you will discover the stories and technologies of good old days of the nation.

Delhi, I highly recommend the National Museum and Sulabh Toilets Museum

Mumbai check-out the Bhau Daji Lad museum that documents the city of Mumbai and its rich & diverse history

Chennai – the Egmore Museum has the best of Chola bronzes

Kolkata, we have the oldest of Indian Museums called India Museum

Hyderabad has Salarjung museum for history and a very innovative Sudha Car Museum

Jaipur has the Albert Hall Museum

Ahmedabad has Calico Museum

Vizag has a submarine museum

Every state capital and major archaeological sites have impressive museums. Mathura museum has some of the best gems of Mathura school of Art.

Buddha statue in Mathura School of Art style in Red Stone at Mathura Museum

Do not hesitate & request the staff to show you the museum. The documentation and guided tours are still in the making. Hopefully, this should change soon.

4. Enjoy Indian Cuisine in a Thali

You would probably eat Indian food primarily during your India tour. However, make sure you try a local Thali whichever part of the country you set out to explore. A Thali is a full platter that comes with many dishes, sometimes as many as 30+.

Rajasthani Thali

Thali meal usually comes in a round plate, with different bowls carrying different dishes. Some items are common but Thali from every region is different. It is full of local cuisine, local and seasonal vegetables and side dishes like pickles, lassi or sweets.

You must experience a local Thali whichever part of the country your India Itinerary takes you to.

Satvik Thali in an Indian Ashram

I also recommend that you try a meal at a local temple or an ashram. This would be simple yet wholesome food that is served with a lot of gratitude. It is almost always served free though you are free to contribute to the temple after the meal.

Check out our detailed post on – 15 Best Indian Thalis to explore Indian Cuisine

5. Converse with an Indian River

Ancient Indian Civilizations grew on the banks of rivers. Even today, almost every major city or town has a river or two flowing through it.

Rivers are considered Goddesses for their life-sustaining waters or mothers for they nurture us with their water. The tradition today lives in the form of river worship. In many places, you will see temples dedicated to major rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Narmada, and Kaveri.

Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi

I strongly suggest that you attend at least one Arti of a river that you may be passing by. The most well-known river Artis are:

Ganga Arti at Dashashwamedha Ghat in Varanasi

Ganga Arti in Haridwar & Rishikesh

Saryu Arti in Ayodhya

Yamuna Arti in Mathura & Vrindavan

Narmada Arti in Maheshwar

Tapti Arti in Burhanpur

Most of these Artis is done in the evening, just after sunset. Lit up lamps reflecting in the waters of the river look beautiful. This is not a formal event where you need an invitation. Just land up at the place where Arti is performed, and be a part of it.

Sunset time over the mighty Brahmaputra river, Guwahati

You can also take cruises on rivers like Ganga and Brahmaputra or boat rides on rivers like Chambal and Mandovi.

6. Go Shopping in Indian Bazaars

Markets are a microcosm of a culture, an indicator of what is consumed by that land. Now, of course, we have new age shopping malls in almost all big and small cities.

My favorite go -to places are old style markets where small vendors bring their stuff to sell. You will be surprised how these markets are dominated by women.

Colorful Hyderabadi Bangles

Old markets have areas designated for different types of merchandise like one lane for clothes, another for jewelry and a different for spices. So, you get all your options in one place to choose from. In Goa, Mapusa market is even designed to make sure that you can buy the fish just before heading home.

Brassware at Chawri Bazaar

Indian markets are crowded and chaotic and buzzing with energy. I can bet this is the best place in the world to hone your negotiation skills. If you are not in a mood, just stand in a corner and see the ongoing negotiations. They are just a treat to watch.

Some of our favorite markets across the country are:

Delhi – Bazaars of Old Delhi or Chandni Chowk

Hyderabad – Laad Bazaar and the lanes around it

Goa – Anjuna Flea Market

Jaipur – Bapu Bazaar

Varanasi – Thatheri Gali

Chennai – T Nagar

Highly recommend that you spend a few hours in a local Indian market during your India Travel, no matter which part you travel to. You see a transactional world that is so much a part of any culture.

7. Hike to a Fort

In Sanskrit or Hindi, Fort is called Durg meaning something that is not easy to reach. So, the forts are usually located on hilltops from where the soldiers can keep an eye on any approaching danger of any kind. There are forts all along the long coastline of the nation.

Landscape view of Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajasthan

Many forts are as large as a mid-sized city with villages living within the fort walls. Fortified with tall strong walls on which you can literally walk, these forts are a living heritage. Each fort has some unique construction to admire like Vijay Stambh in Chittorgarh Fort or the second longest wall of Kumbhalgarh Fort.

There are sea forts like Sindhudurg that have been standing in the middle of the see for 400+ years with a source of sweet water. There are forts like Jhansi made famous by the queen who ruled from here. And there are living forts like Orchha and Jaisalmer Fort.

India was made up of many small kingdoms until 1947. So, it is not difficult to find a fort anywhere in the country. Check out our series on – Forts of India

You can also try and live in a heritage hotel, which may have been a palace or a house of a noble family once upon a time.

8. Taste Street Food & Let your taste buds go wild

I can live on Indian Street Food. You find it everywhere, in the streets, in public places, outside colleges and universities and just about anywhere.

Ravi Gol Gappe Wala – Lucknow

Indian street food is generally tangy with a generous dose of spices. They work perfectly on the tongue, though on the stomach the effect may vary from person to person. The list of street food is exhaustive, but here are some popular options:

Pani Puri also called Gol Gappe or Puchkas Pao Bahji Aaloo Tikki Wada Pao Samosa Kachori Bhelpuri or Jhalmuri Bhajjis or Pakodas Bhutta or roasted corncob

My favorite cities for vegetarian street food are Indore, Lucknow & Ahmedabad. Though every city has something unique to offer in their platter of Indian street food.

Kalkatta Dahi Wada – Mouth watering Street food in Jaipur to try

9. Weave in a Textile Stop in your India Travel Plan

India has a long history of textiles and everything to do with textiles. The world came to us for textiles, for the dyed cloth in indigo. There are different weaves and patterns that have evolved over a period of time, over which we paint and we do embroidery, sometimes even with gold and silver and gemstones. Textile heritage of the country is incredible and one that you must explore beyond just shopping.

Colorful Handloom Saris – Maheshwar

Popular weaving hubs are Varanasi, Kanchipuram, Sri Kalahasti, Pochampally, Patan, Paithan, Bhagalpur, Maheshwar, Bishnupur among many others.

You can also see weaving being done at some of the Khadi Ashrams. Try to understand how the threads are woven together to make patterns on the garment.

Saris are the most beautiful example of the textile tradition of the nation. However, the woven cloth is used to stitch all kinds of garments and home linen.

Do include Textiles in your Indian tour – it is one of the few continuously living heritage of the country.

If you are a jewelry enthusiast, do explore the jewelry along with textiles. From tribal jewelry in beads and silver to gem-studded jewelry to junk jewelry on the roadside stalls – it is a world in itself to explore.

10. Fruits – Have you tasted our Mangoes?

Fruits thankfully still belong to their respective geographies despite all the initiatives to plant them elsewhere. Mango is the king of fruits for us and the best time to enjoy them fresh is peak summers.

Mango Fruit stalls in Panaji Market, Goa Summer Delights

Sometimes I feel we manage to tolerate the summers only because it brings Mangoes and other juicy fruits like melons with it. Most Indians would have fond Mango stories to tell.

We all fight about which Mango variety is the best. Everyone likes the one they grew up with. I love Banarasi Langda while my spouse thinks Alphonso is the best mango. There are mangoes that you cut and eat, the ones you suck and eat, the ones you make drinks from and eat and the ones you pickle to savor for the rest of the year.

Litchi and Bel are some other summer fruits found mostly in the foothills of Himalayas.

Enrich your India Travel by tasting these yummy fruits.

Read More – Pink & Purple Fruits of Goa

11. Explore the Rural Life and Artisan Villages during India Travel

You might have heard that real India lives in its village. I do not agree with that. I think urban areas may have similarities with urban pockets around the world. Rural regions are little more rooted in the culture and traditions.

Gateway to the fort at Bishnupur

I recommend spending some time in a small village. Check out this list of Rural Tourism Companies that offer experiences in Indian hinterlands.

National award winner Dhokra artist Smt Budhiarin Devi at Ektaal crafts village

You can also choose to visit artisan villages like Bishnupur in Bengal, Raghurajpur in Odisha, Pochampally near Hyderabad or Firozabad near Agra. Again these places are not too difficult to find. You just need to budget some time in your trip itinerary to stop at a village and explore the simpler life of agrarian society.

12. Soak in a bit of Living Art Forms during India Travel

Culture is best communicated through native art forms and the country has so many that I always lose count. Here are some ideas for you to connect or pick up. Check out the local newspapers for ongoing shows and tickets.

Kathakali performers mix with the audience to engage

Watch a classical or a folk-dance performance

Watch a Bollywood Film – you can even take a Bollywood tour in Mumbai

Attend a painting or a Rangoli making workshop

Visit an Art exhibition

Take a Yoga class

Join a cooking course

Haleem Khan performing Kuchipudi

India Travel is all about discovering a new facet of the country at every step. We have a local saying that translates – Every 3 km the water changes and every 12 km the language changes and along with them changes everything else. This is the nuanced diversity this country holds.

Yoga Practice on the beach?

Do include some of these experiences if not all when you plan your India travel.

Best India Travel Experiences, Stock Photos – Shutterstock

Do not forget to share your experiences with us.

The post Planning India Travel? 12 Unique Experiences To Explore appeared first on Inditales.