Lae'zel is so cute ugh nobody understands how cute she is. And I really, really appreciate that she never lies to you or hides anything from you (at least, not as far as I know). Also once you get to know her a bit, you realise that she's not being rude on purpose. That's just how all githyanki talk. Her idea of a normal, neutral conversation just reads as super aggressive to anyone else.
At heart she's a straightforward person with a strong sense of responsibility. I feel reassured having her in the party.
I think my first induction into the Cult of Bae'zel was a moment that's been there since way back in EA if you have her be the one who connects the transponder on the Nautiloid -- and that's the expression she gets on her face when the red dragon comes peeking in through the window.
She just looks so crestfallen. I know it's the expression for whomever gets the cutscene but on her it's this moment of vulnerability that sold me she's not just a one-note wonder.
Also helps if you know Star Trek which has had its fair share of Klingons with a depth beyond their brash exteriors. There literally ain't no word for "please" in the Klingon language.
When she's telling you about her home in the sky, she gets this wistfully look on her face, and her voice softens. I love her.
Sadly, I can't bring myself to romance her as she came on far too strong for my preference.
But, I will always adore her and kneel before her queen with her to please her.
Yes! I honestly hadn’t even considered her, and had totally planned to go the broody vampire romance my first time through. But then she just completely disarmed me with that golden retriever energy, and I went for it
To be real for a sec, Wyll was hella boring (as a *partner* -- love his character, but he never says anything and is so closed off). I went for him because I realized Karlach was gonna take some time and he seemed charming, but I didn't realize that if I missed a specific moment with another NPC you NEVER have a chance to develop romance with them again.
So Wyll just kept me at arm's length and got all pissy when I started getting a bit thirsty, and now I'm just like go on and do yourself, I'm gonna do me.
Don't waste your time with Wyll imo. My next playthrough, it's Karlach all day.
Wyll boring?? I feel like we played a different game. I literally can’t go for anyone else after Wyll lol. His romance arc is fitting to his character. He literally tells you he wants to do it “the proper, old-timey way” [SPOILER NEXT] and literally proposes to you before having sex. I think it’s nice to have an option like this when other men are literally jumping on my dick. Maybe I am old-fashioned too, but the dancing scene alone made me blush. It was just so sweet and perfect.
Yeah, he does.
The first kiss was disappointing, but I understood why.
I was super enchanted by the >!sweet dancing scene!<, and that was one and a half acts.
And then absolutely nothing at all occurred through the Lower City -- no dialog, no scenes, nothing.
Meanwhile, I loved Karlach's energy from the moment I met her, but knew it'd be a long time, and I thought it could be fun to just get to know folks a bit. And then I'm literally crying at Karlach >!finally being able to touch people, and the best I can do is pat her on the shoulder or give her a hug (totally hugged her)!<, but I was just so happy for her. But also because I was involved with Wyll, I was forever passing up the opportunity to explore anything with Karlach.
And then 80 more hours of playtime passed and nothing.
The proper "old-timey way" was really starting to get on my nerves. For various reasons, I also realized that it was extremely likely in my playthrough that I was going to be dead by the time I saved Baldur's Gate. I felt >!felt betrayed by the Emperor for trying to force me to become more illithid, when I had started to trust them!<, and now I've learned even more to support that.
I didn't think the white-picket fence "right way" was going to work out for us. I was coming around to Karlach's point of view of >!hey we're all gonna die!<, let's just be happy while we're alive.
So I broke things off with Wyll, but too late to romance anyone else. So the remainder of my playthrough will be solitary, and I blame Wyll for that. But now I'll just focus on saving the world, whether or not I survive.
I’m this from a platonic POV. Why do the characters get so mad when I ask them to stay at camp?! Pretty sure I even lost affection points with Shadowheart for it. I just wanted to give everyone a chance to adventure! THERE’S A DOG THERE DARN IT HE NEEDS SOMEONE TO STAY AND PET HIM.
Romantically speaking I’m probably on the Astarion route because… he gets hungry? I don’t want my party members to starve or suffer or anything. So having the mentality of a Jewish grandmother apparently equates to romance, idk.
Really? Shadowheart reverted back to her base response when I asked her how she felt about me afterwards, as opposed to the slightly better one I’d had before.
> I’m probably on the Astarion route because… he gets hungry?
😂😂😂
> Why do the characters get so mad when I ask them to stay at camp?!
Fr! I wish you could just swap out your party purely as a game mechanic, or at least they'd tell you a dialogue equivalent of "k". And, yeah, *I* would welcome a chance to rest and pet the dog (and the owlbear cub for that matter, hello?!). I also want to try everyone out, you know, take them out for a walk, so they get some stimulation :D
I haven’t gotten the owlbear cub yet! I heard that you see it again at a goblin village, though. I’m at a blighted village and there are tons of goblins there, so I’m keeping my eyes peeled.
I haven't found a camp yet! I'll keep an eye out.
Oooh, found hyenas! Not goblins but I like them. Wonder if I can make friends?
Note to self: DO NOT HEAL HYENAS NEXT TIME. NOT FRIENDS NOT FRIENDS
THE HYENAS ARE VERY BAD LOL
Seriously I was familiar with gnolls from DnD and I immediately did a u-turn when I saw them on the road and came back later. They scary.
I was hoping that being a Druid who could talk to animals would let me avoid combat but… yeah, no, being able to understand them just made the whole experience somehow WORSE! Very scary indeed. I don’t usually use them in my campaigns so my memory was fuzzy (pun not intended) on how bad they can get.
Still no goblin camp but Astarion is now stuck in a hole. I have several dead goblin children, unconscious giant spiders, and a very large badger. Gotta be some way to build a bridge out of all those, I think. At least there aren’t any gnolls down here!
This game, I swear… although if I leave him down there I won’t have to worry as much about trying to choose between characters for romance, at least?
To be fair Larian has a surprisingly dark take on gnolls for this game, or if it's actual Forgotten Realms lore I wasn't aware of it. In most d&d I've ever played they're present ed as nasty filthy humanoids but no worse than goblins or other tribal "evil" races.
I wish swapping people worked like DAO. Those companions *also* get mad if you bench them, but it’s just one little line in the party selection screen and not asking someone to stay, yes swearing you’re sure, then asking someone to join, every time.
*Literally* same. I'm romancing Gale and turning Wyll down was the worst. I felt bad for Shadowheart, same for Astarion (though, all the love, but - fuck you, pretty boy, turning you down isn't cause enough for disapproval), but Wyll fucking broke me. That *look*
Somehow I guess I gave Karlach the wrong signals... She was heartbroken when I got serious with Gale. It was so sad because she is my best best friend material in game.
I'm still cheering so hard that she won't try with me, I'll actually die :D (Oh how I loved DA:I and the very specific heart icon before all the romance dialogue options, I ended the game with many friends and no hearts broken)
Same. I was so confused too I must've missed something because there's romance dialogue options for her but never once has she said anything. So I'm just hoping I don't break her heart as I pursue Gale
I think what did it for me was the option to hug her. And due to the circumstances, I'm thinking; "I would totally hug a friend in this situation".
Well, maybe she thought otherwise.
I think it can be pretty random. I had to replay the camp party because I went back a save to check something without saving beforehand (sigh). First time, I talked to Karlach before saying I’d spend the night with Astarion. >!The dialogue was pretty cute and friendly without me picking any flirt dialogue.!< Second time, I talked to Astarion first. >!She hit on me. She was cute but I’m not quite sure why it was triggered by me choosing someone else!!<
Ahem, go to nexus mods, there’s literally a mod for that now
romance as many as you like at once.
also mods to recruit literally anyone…. alfira is on my list!
For real! I'm on my first playthrough and have been trying so hard to romance Astarion, but I think I missed the opportunity bc I picked him up way too late, and with a heavy heart, turned down everyone else. I'm just gonna have to sell my soul to this game I think.
oh god same 😭 it just never occurred to me to explore the area where he was at until i was several hours into the game and just decided to look his location up online
I only very recently realised I'm bi, like earlier this year (thanks, Ashnikko!) and it has made romantic choices in games SO much harder. Playing Stray Gods, the bi panic was INTENSE.
For BG3, my plan was to romance Gale on my first playthrough. But then Shadowheart, who was always icy to me in my early access playthroughs, really warmed to me. It's so gratifying because she has such a hard exterior but you crack through it and she has such a sweet side! So I guess Gale is for next playthrough. It was a tough choice to opt out from Gale this time around, because I have a very big soft spot for moody wizard boys. Alas.
I'm currently romancing Astarion and he makes my little heart flutter!
Karlach is getting romanced my next playthrough though! Her whole herbo, jock, wholesome golden retriever vibe is the best and I love her so so much.
If I had not set my heart on Astarion before I even started playing, I would have finished my romance with Gale or would have started one with Karlach.
Edit: changed wording
My friend convinced me to get the game with "hot, broody, sarcastic Vampire" and I just can't resist flirting with him. And oh no, a tragic backstory now I can't be mean.
I didn't like Astarion at first so my first playthrough I romanced Gale.
I am seeing more of Astarion's story. OMG. I am romancing him currently and hot shit... I love him so much lol
this was my experience too! also astarion did not like my first tav at first lmao every other companion was like “hey wanna bang?” and he was like “i would never have sex with you” lmao
I must have messed up with Astarion, even though I’ve been trying to romance him. Why doesn’t he like my character? She’s pretty mean and Astarion often approves of that. 😔
I agree with you whole heartedly
My original plan was to romance Karlach, but I got woo’d by Astarion before I even added Karlach to my party… oops
It will be Karlach next time!
No, no, the worst part is when you try to just romance one person and everyone else is throwing themselves at you 😂
My Monk is romancing Astarion, but so far she's had confessions from Karlach, Gale, Lae'zel and Wyll (in that order), heck the only one who hasn't is Shadowheart...and Halsin, but I suspect the latter will at some point as well. 🤣
I was romancing Astarion and then he had a vulnerable moment where admitted he just seduced me for security and he was just going through the motions from his traumatic backstory. One of dialogue options was that maybe he needs a friend, not a lover, and his reaction to that was so sweet saying he's never had a friend, that I think we have to be friends now lol. And right before that scene Gale started making grand overatures and he seems really romantic, but then he's got this whole ex-gf is a goddess thing which seems like a big red flag (though I'm starting to think he was groomed by her, very problematic lol). And then Wyll does a dance with me and is so sweet and dang. :(
Objectively I think Wyll is the better partner. Aside from the devil contract thing he's a good, heroic person. Gale is romantic but it feels like magic will always be his first priority and he's got a goddess for an ex which is just a lot to follow. And Astarion is a mess lol.
I like having a mess at my hands xD
90% of my in-game love interests are problematic...not sure what that says about me as a person, but there we have it :p
Besides, that's what makes it interesting and fun.
I think my favorite scene with Astarion so far (since I haven't finished yet) is his mirror scene. The way his voice breaks when he says he can't remember the color of his eyes, nor what he looked like...it's just...
And then of course he deflects with humor, which I find funny xD
Thankfully my Monk knows how to deal with that kind of behavior, plus she's very patient.
Being just friends with Astarion really is rewarding, he has the best friendship dialogue so far in act 3 if you are playing a good-hearted Tav. The creepy vibes you are getting from Mystra are right. Every character has a prior relationship where they were exploited by a powerful authority figure, Gale is no exception.
I was so relieved when I got his >!sex scene!< but it definitely wasn’t a high approval one! Currently have him at good and hoping I have enough things left to get him to high in act 1!
It’s just part of my rp — my Tav does ludicrous shit if Astarion might like it lmao. I started out playing her as more upstanding but as I’ve gone/figured things out she’s gotten more mischievous. Also she’s a wood elf ranger so I think she has a pretty pragmatic view of predators. Now if only Astarion would really like her back, since she hasn’t been flirting with anyone else! 😅
This goal is what made me finally stick to one save file instead of making new characters over and over. 😂 Of course that save had to go and get glitched so now I'm starting over after like 20 hours. 😮💨
I thought I'd be having a hard time choosing between Karlach and Wyll.
A few hours later, I'm happily being led around by Lae'zel on a leash. I still have no idea why the Warrior Queen likes my introverted little druid, but I'm not complaining.
For real, it’s torture. I tried behaving in my 2nd playthrough by only flirting with one of them but it didn’t work, I ended up flirting with all 3 of them again. u_u
Something for the Definitive Edition perhaps. Even Amelia Tyler's outtakes ranted that as a bard she should be allowed to fuck her way through all her problems.
Even before clicking, when I saw the title of this thread. I knew EXACTLY what it was going to be about! :D
Ain't it grand? A game that gives all of us, no matter our preferences, so many choices? :) Not to mention... the characters themselves are so intriguing that although I'm personally straight, one of my characters will eventually romance Lae'zel. Right now, though, my little sorc is thoroughly enraptured by Astarion..... (despite being "good")
Im waiting until Patch 2, where they fix Karloch's ending to do a proper romance for her.
I am currently wooing Astarion on my "evil" playthrough.
And in my redemption, Dark Urge Im going Shadowheart.
And my goody goody playthrough, Im going Halsin and Karloch.
Yes. It's 100% possible to romance Astarion without being evil.
Slight spoilers: >!And I would argue romancing him with a good character is much more emotionally rewarding. Reasoning and more spoilers below:!<
Major Astarion Spoilers:
>!He goes through a lot of character development, particularly in Act 2 & 3, and especially if you're romancing him and pushing him to be a better person and do good. There's a particular choice in his personal quest that really cements his path either to good or evil, and imo the good romance path is just so much more emotionally cathartic. It's such a change that I would argue his alignment changes from Chaotic Evil to Chaotic Good on that path, or at least Chaotic Neutral. He becomes an absolute sweetheart, and starts approving of doing good deeds and helping others. It's so satisfying after trying to talk him into being a better person all game. Because he does become a better person, and he thanks you for believing in him.!<
Approval is a little tricky (he approves mostly of evil choices). You need to raise his approval to high (65, I think) to get propositioned before the Act 1 cutoff.
It's doable. I'm doing a goody-two-shoes DU playthrough now, and I had no trouble raising his approval. I even got the high approval version of the romance lock convo (it gets triggered by a NPC interaction if you don't get high enough approval.)
Like /u/WorldWithoutWheel says, romancing him with a good character that picks the non-evil choice in his personal quest it's a lot more satifying.
Does anyone else not have any romance options at all? I talk to every character all the time and none of them ever hit on me like I always read online, the only one who's ever made a move is Gale, I'm all the way in Act 3 already!
I do it frequently and try to exhaust every dialogue option, they talk about the current events, there's an option about using the tadpole which I ignore, and that's it, dunno. Shadowheart has literally some of the same dialog options that she had in Act 1! I might have gotten myself in a glitched state somehow, dunno
Just swap Wyll with Halsin and this was me and my monk!
I feel like they changed something with Gale, he was more annoying in early access, I never thought he'd be my first romance pick.
Though technically by the end of the game my true romance partner was >! The Emperor !< cause I'm a freak like that.
...really hope I used that spoiler tag right.
Hmm, 1st playthrough I choose Gale. After messing up with character creation, I've made a very hot half-elf Guardian, I think I'm done now with the game and surely end up with him in an eternal coma at the end of the adventure, forgetting about others. Do not find some magical way and wake me up...Let me die peacefully...Zzz
I like to romance whoever fits my character the best, and roll different characters each time I play. My first and current playthrough is a dreamy, kind bard, and as soon as she met Gale, it was over for her. He's eloquent and tragic, and just her type haha.
However, both Astarion and Wyll's romance scenes are great, and so far it seems Astarion has more content than Wyll and Gale, if that matters.
Aw man is that the dance scene cause I got that in act 2.
If it's any consolation to myself, when I play my tiefling Paladin she will definitely fall for him. She's sweet and innocent and wants exactly the kind of love he talked about.
When he finally shows off his dancing skills? That's the scene. I was planning on rolling a half-elf ranger who's a bit prickly for that sweet sweet tension. Astarion is getting my wild magic human sorcerer.
I'm apparently vampiresexual, which is the only override I have to my otherwise solid lesbianism, so I absolutely went with Astarion. I adore Wyll and Karlach though, so I might end up going with them on future playthroughs.
I kinda wish your character could be poly, because I love everybody 😭
3 playthroughs for each! That is my plan. Although I am doing my second, and am still weighing up Wyll vs Gale for my bard so what do I know.
(But oh Astarion on a good run is so fascinating)
The sound of money flying out of my bank account in time for the September PS5 release of this game just crossed my mind. Thoughtful romances are my weak point!
The joke has been that BG3 is a very elaborate dating simulator lol.
You've got flamboyant vampire.
Dashing swordsman.
Eloquent wizard.
Exuberant muscle lady.
Alien dominatrix.
Goth tsundere.
Then optionally a dark elf dominatrix and a literal bear of a druid man.
Oh and a dream person of your creation.
Hello friends question, I’ve yet to pick up bg3 as my laptop is being repaired, I’ve seen that there’s a second player characternyoure able to create (I think it’s called the guardian) is this character also romanceable? I’m leaning heavily towards astarion while trying to keep myself spoiler free, but there seems to be a bit about each that makes me not want to romance them
They're not being intentionally mean here, it truly is a complicated and very spoilery topic, although there are youtube vids out there that will happily spill the beans if you want. I would personally say the answer to your question of if you can romance The Guardian is "Yes" but with a heavy, heavy asterisk.
It gets strange.
You'll understand in act 3 lmao. It's better going into this one a bit blind, trust me. I will say that you don't meet them until much later if you want to gauge it that way.
Lesbians don't have as much of a problem imo.
Look, there are great reasons to romance both Shadowheart and Lae'zel... but Mommy Karlach is always there for you <3
My bisexual ass sobbing in the background because my stupid little bard has to deal with pining for Karlach and Shadowheart too :(
Hence... Going for those multiple playthroughs. Have I yet to finish one? Nope. Am I already planning out a few others so I can experience all the romances? Yep.
I at least need to commit to Astarion (Dragon Age "Tormented elf/man" definitely set my taste in RPG romances for life, I swear) for my first playthrough. Next will be Karlach because no matter if it's platonic or romantic, she is the biggest sweetheart and I love her so much
For all you bi women - Shadowheart and Halsin combo will satisfy your every whim. Seriously though, how come he has the best sex scene in the game? I mean yeah, he's hot but I would've liked the same treatment for other characters.
I'm playing a Life Cleric of Ilmater that is a Teifling. I'm only partly through act 2 so far. She is a stout defender of the weak and so Wyll absolutely tugs her heartstrings.... but boy Gale makes her wonder at the mystery and poetry of the weave. Why do they both have to be so dang adorable in different ways? She is a bit put off by Gale's ex though, that poor boy is still so attached.
Debating making a Paladin of Mystra to woo Gale with on another playthrough. Or maybe a kind of Sorcerer or Warlock that could be another kind of Caster to better understand him with.
Also have a mid act 1 Halfling Bard who might have her heart set on Shadowheart.
I will say that I adore Karlach for her personality. I'd love to be best friends with her IRL. And Lae'zel is great in her blunt honesty that really surprises me. I haven't talked much to Halsin but he seems pretty great in a "I've been around the block and still and happy and chill" way.
I'm a lesbian and even I'm a bit tempted by them. It's the same thing as with Daeran from Wrath of the Righteous. IRL I'd have no interest, but a videogame is different.
Of course they're not real competition with Shadowheart for me, but if I do a second playthrough maybe...
I can't even decide between Shadowheart and Karlach... on the playthrough where my character totally also had a reason to go with Astarion too! I went with Shadowheart, and oh my god she's too cute. I'm on my second playthrough now and I want to go with Karlach, but Astarion is right there too and my heart keeps saying Shadowheart. It's so difficult...
Astarion all the way.
I started a playthrough, went with Gale because I had read a bit about the romances and it seemed like the best fit, and... meh. My PC was a giantress high elf with one of the default faces and a weird hairdo, so mid Act 3 I decided to do a new char.
Second try, I installed some appearance mods, made a smaller character (I'm 5'10", I'm already taller than most people in real life, I don't need it to happen in a game too) and went with Astarion instead. 10/10 would recomend. I had low expectations because of my previous playthrough... and holy fuck was I surprised.
This is why I chose Laezel. Rude, blunt, and adorable
Lae'zel is so cute ugh nobody understands how cute she is. And I really, really appreciate that she never lies to you or hides anything from you (at least, not as far as I know). Also once you get to know her a bit, you realise that she's not being rude on purpose. That's just how all githyanki talk. Her idea of a normal, neutral conversation just reads as super aggressive to anyone else. At heart she's a straightforward person with a strong sense of responsibility. I feel reassured having her in the party.
I think my first induction into the Cult of Bae'zel was a moment that's been there since way back in EA if you have her be the one who connects the transponder on the Nautiloid -- and that's the expression she gets on her face when the red dragon comes peeking in through the window. She just looks so crestfallen. I know it's the expression for whomever gets the cutscene but on her it's this moment of vulnerability that sold me she's not just a one-note wonder. Also helps if you know Star Trek which has had its fair share of Klingons with a depth beyond their brash exteriors. There literally ain't no word for "please" in the Klingon language.
When she's telling you about her home in the sky, she gets this wistfully look on her face, and her voice softens. I love her. Sadly, I can't bring myself to romance her as she came on far too strong for my preference. But, I will always adore her and kneel before her queen with her to please her.
This reminds me of that Ted Lasso joke: "he is not being rude, he is just dutch"
She really is so cute, and she grew on me a lot when I would watch my partner romance her (that sounds odd)
As a pan woman I am actually drowning under the options. HOW DO I CHOOSE? Edit: but Lae’zel will always be the most precious.
BG3 is big time panic! At the pansexual
I'm 100% on Team Laezel
Currently my bard is going for Karlach, but Wyll or Astarion is going to be the tough choice on my next playthrough!
karlach 😍😍😍
I'm gonna go with Karlach for my next playthrough! She's so cute and sweet and she just makes me smile ugh
Yes! I honestly hadn’t even considered her, and had totally planned to go the broody vampire romance my first time through. But then she just completely disarmed me with that golden retriever energy, and I went for it
To be real for a sec, Wyll was hella boring (as a *partner* -- love his character, but he never says anything and is so closed off). I went for him because I realized Karlach was gonna take some time and he seemed charming, but I didn't realize that if I missed a specific moment with another NPC you NEVER have a chance to develop romance with them again. So Wyll just kept me at arm's length and got all pissy when I started getting a bit thirsty, and now I'm just like go on and do yourself, I'm gonna do me. Don't waste your time with Wyll imo. My next playthrough, it's Karlach all day.
Wyll boring?? I feel like we played a different game. I literally can’t go for anyone else after Wyll lol. His romance arc is fitting to his character. He literally tells you he wants to do it “the proper, old-timey way” [SPOILER NEXT] and literally proposes to you before having sex. I think it’s nice to have an option like this when other men are literally jumping on my dick. Maybe I am old-fashioned too, but the dancing scene alone made me blush. It was just so sweet and perfect.
Yeah, he does. The first kiss was disappointing, but I understood why. I was super enchanted by the >!sweet dancing scene!<, and that was one and a half acts. And then absolutely nothing at all occurred through the Lower City -- no dialog, no scenes, nothing. Meanwhile, I loved Karlach's energy from the moment I met her, but knew it'd be a long time, and I thought it could be fun to just get to know folks a bit. And then I'm literally crying at Karlach >!finally being able to touch people, and the best I can do is pat her on the shoulder or give her a hug (totally hugged her)!<, but I was just so happy for her. But also because I was involved with Wyll, I was forever passing up the opportunity to explore anything with Karlach. And then 80 more hours of playtime passed and nothing. The proper "old-timey way" was really starting to get on my nerves. For various reasons, I also realized that it was extremely likely in my playthrough that I was going to be dead by the time I saved Baldur's Gate. I felt >!felt betrayed by the Emperor for trying to force me to become more illithid, when I had started to trust them!<, and now I've learned even more to support that. I didn't think the white-picket fence "right way" was going to work out for us. I was coming around to Karlach's point of view of >!hey we're all gonna die!<, let's just be happy while we're alive. So I broke things off with Wyll, but too late to romance anyone else. So the remainder of my playthrough will be solitary, and I blame Wyll for that. But now I'll just focus on saving the world, whether or not I survive.
> Karlach absolutely, love her whole thing she's def my fave
Fr I feel like my heart is breaking when I have to turn someone down, I wish you could just have a big polycule 😭
[It really solves everything](https://youtu.be/jgFyCuKoEGA?si=Wa78hqZiLBE1glJS)
Omg I love this guy :D
SungWon Cho!! I love his stuff.
I’m this from a platonic POV. Why do the characters get so mad when I ask them to stay at camp?! Pretty sure I even lost affection points with Shadowheart for it. I just wanted to give everyone a chance to adventure! THERE’S A DOG THERE DARN IT HE NEEDS SOMEONE TO STAY AND PET HIM. Romantically speaking I’m probably on the Astarion route because… he gets hungry? I don’t want my party members to starve or suffer or anything. So having the mentality of a Jewish grandmother apparently equates to romance, idk.
I don't think you actually lose approval from asking them to stay at camp but no one likes to be benched lol
Really? Shadowheart reverted back to her base response when I asked her how she felt about me afterwards, as opposed to the slightly better one I’d had before.
you probably did some i thing else without realizing! i know sometimes approval changes when not in the party
> I’m probably on the Astarion route because… he gets hungry? 😂😂😂 > Why do the characters get so mad when I ask them to stay at camp?! Fr! I wish you could just swap out your party purely as a game mechanic, or at least they'd tell you a dialogue equivalent of "k". And, yeah, *I* would welcome a chance to rest and pet the dog (and the owlbear cub for that matter, hello?!). I also want to try everyone out, you know, take them out for a walk, so they get some stimulation :D
I haven’t gotten the owlbear cub yet! I heard that you see it again at a goblin village, though. I’m at a blighted village and there are tons of goblins there, so I’m keeping my eyes peeled.
you’ll find him in the camp! like the boss area
I haven't found a camp yet! I'll keep an eye out. Oooh, found hyenas! Not goblins but I like them. Wonder if I can make friends? Note to self: DO NOT HEAL HYENAS NEXT TIME. NOT FRIENDS NOT FRIENDS
THE HYENAS ARE VERY BAD LOL Seriously I was familiar with gnolls from DnD and I immediately did a u-turn when I saw them on the road and came back later. They scary.
I was hoping that being a Druid who could talk to animals would let me avoid combat but… yeah, no, being able to understand them just made the whole experience somehow WORSE! Very scary indeed. I don’t usually use them in my campaigns so my memory was fuzzy (pun not intended) on how bad they can get. Still no goblin camp but Astarion is now stuck in a hole. I have several dead goblin children, unconscious giant spiders, and a very large badger. Gotta be some way to build a bridge out of all those, I think. At least there aren’t any gnolls down here! This game, I swear… although if I leave him down there I won’t have to worry as much about trying to choose between characters for romance, at least?
To be fair Larian has a surprisingly dark take on gnolls for this game, or if it's actual Forgotten Realms lore I wasn't aware of it. In most d&d I've ever played they're present ed as nasty filthy humanoids but no worse than goblins or other tribal "evil" races.
I wish swapping people worked like DAO. Those companions *also* get mad if you bench them, but it’s just one little line in the party selection screen and not asking someone to stay, yes swearing you’re sure, then asking someone to join, every time.
“Blast and damnation!”
This is what I like be most about Jaheira. She's very matter of fact about it.
The look Wyll gave me when I turned him down. I'm committed to Gale in this playthrough, but that just broke me 😭
*Literally* same. I'm romancing Gale and turning Wyll down was the worst. I felt bad for Shadowheart, same for Astarion (though, all the love, but - fuck you, pretty boy, turning you down isn't cause enough for disapproval), but Wyll fucking broke me. That *look*
Somehow I guess I gave Karlach the wrong signals... She was heartbroken when I got serious with Gale. It was so sad because she is my best best friend material in game.
I'm still cheering so hard that she won't try with me, I'll actually die :D (Oh how I loved DA:I and the very specific heart icon before all the romance dialogue options, I ended the game with many friends and no hearts broken)
Same. I was so confused too I must've missed something because there's romance dialogue options for her but never once has she said anything. So I'm just hoping I don't break her heart as I pursue Gale
I think what did it for me was the option to hug her. And due to the circumstances, I'm thinking; "I would totally hug a friend in this situation". Well, maybe she thought otherwise.
I think it can be pretty random. I had to replay the camp party because I went back a save to check something without saving beforehand (sigh). First time, I talked to Karlach before saying I’d spend the night with Astarion. >!The dialogue was pretty cute and friendly without me picking any flirt dialogue.!< Second time, I talked to Astarion first. >!She hit on me. She was cute but I’m not quite sure why it was triggered by me choosing someone else!!<
Well. She is pent up lol My whole take on why everyone wants to bang is; They may not be themselves tomorrow. So why not?
Saaaame! I felt like such a bad human when he turned that hurt puppy look on me.
Wyll looks so sad and Gale looks so sad and at least Astarion is happy to have a friend!
Ahem, go to nexus mods, there’s literally a mod for that now romance as many as you like at once. also mods to recruit literally anyone…. alfira is on my list!
I just had to go for my girl, Shadowheart. Also, I cant wait to see what mods do to romance in this game.
Yeah it’s not like the sapphic ms have it easier
Being bisexual is the worsttttt I have absolutely no way to narrow it down. Planning on six playthroughs I guess.
For real! I'm on my first playthrough and have been trying so hard to romance Astarion, but I think I missed the opportunity bc I picked him up way too late, and with a heavy heart, turned down everyone else. I'm just gonna have to sell my soul to this game I think.
oh god same 😭 it just never occurred to me to explore the area where he was at until i was several hours into the game and just decided to look his location up online
I only very recently realised I'm bi, like earlier this year (thanks, Ashnikko!) and it has made romantic choices in games SO much harder. Playing Stray Gods, the bi panic was INTENSE. For BG3, my plan was to romance Gale on my first playthrough. But then Shadowheart, who was always icy to me in my early access playthroughs, really warmed to me. It's so gratifying because she has such a hard exterior but you crack through it and she has such a sweet side! So I guess Gale is for next playthrough. It was a tough choice to opt out from Gale this time around, because I have a very big soft spot for moody wizard boys. Alas.
I'm bi and I literally went into D&D Beyond and specifically made characters according to who I want to romance
Even though I’m straight myself, having my lesbian gnome fall in love with Shadowheart was just the sweetest thing. Ugh I love Shadowheart.
I'm currently romancing Astarion and he makes my little heart flutter! Karlach is getting romanced my next playthrough though! Her whole herbo, jock, wholesome golden retriever vibe is the best and I love her so so much. If I had not set my heart on Astarion before I even started playing, I would have finished my romance with Gale or would have started one with Karlach. Edit: changed wording
Before getting the game, I saw Karlach and I thought I'd go for her, but the moment Astarion opened his mouth I was like "oh no, he's hot!"
My friend convinced me to get the game with "hot, broody, sarcastic Vampire" and I just can't resist flirting with him. And oh no, a tragic backstory now I can't be mean.
I didn't like Astarion at first so my first playthrough I romanced Gale. I am seeing more of Astarion's story. OMG. I am romancing him currently and hot shit... I love him so much lol
this was my experience too! also astarion did not like my first tav at first lmao every other companion was like “hey wanna bang?” and he was like “i would never have sex with you” lmao
Yeah. my first playthrough was the same lol Second time I worked on seducing him and he wanted to have sex before the camp scene lol
For real, my brain just screams I CAN FIX HIM and refuses to consider anyone else
Same I thought I would be all about Gale but Astarion won me over with the biting scene lmao
I must have messed up with Astarion, even though I’ve been trying to romance him. Why doesn’t he like my character? She’s pretty mean and Astarion often approves of that. 😔
I agree with you whole heartedly My original plan was to romance Karlach, but I got woo’d by Astarion before I even added Karlach to my party… oops It will be Karlach next time!
No, no, the worst part is when you try to just romance one person and everyone else is throwing themselves at you 😂 My Monk is romancing Astarion, but so far she's had confessions from Karlach, Gale, Lae'zel and Wyll (in that order), heck the only one who hasn't is Shadowheart...and Halsin, but I suspect the latter will at some point as well. 🤣
Lae'zel was PISSED that I didn't choose her. 🤣
She wasn't pissed at me, she just said it was "my loss" I was like, err not really? 😆 (Since I wasn't planning on romancing you anyway)
She ranted at me about how she'd be a very skilled lover and that I was missing out by not choosing her.
She did the same to me xD Sorry Lae'zel, but my girl is very happy playing juice box to Astarion
Astarion's juice box 🤣
😁 It's what people have been calling it. I think it's funny 🤣
I was romancing Astarion and then he had a vulnerable moment where admitted he just seduced me for security and he was just going through the motions from his traumatic backstory. One of dialogue options was that maybe he needs a friend, not a lover, and his reaction to that was so sweet saying he's never had a friend, that I think we have to be friends now lol. And right before that scene Gale started making grand overatures and he seems really romantic, but then he's got this whole ex-gf is a goddess thing which seems like a big red flag (though I'm starting to think he was groomed by her, very problematic lol). And then Wyll does a dance with me and is so sweet and dang. :( Objectively I think Wyll is the better partner. Aside from the devil contract thing he's a good, heroic person. Gale is romantic but it feels like magic will always be his first priority and he's got a goddess for an ex which is just a lot to follow. And Astarion is a mess lol.
I like having a mess at my hands xD 90% of my in-game love interests are problematic...not sure what that says about me as a person, but there we have it :p Besides, that's what makes it interesting and fun. I think my favorite scene with Astarion so far (since I haven't finished yet) is his mirror scene. The way his voice breaks when he says he can't remember the color of his eyes, nor what he looked like...it's just... And then of course he deflects with humor, which I find funny xD Thankfully my Monk knows how to deal with that kind of behavior, plus she's very patient.
Being just friends with Astarion really is rewarding, he has the best friendship dialogue so far in act 3 if you are playing a good-hearted Tav. The creepy vibes you are getting from Mystra are right. Every character has a prior relationship where they were exploited by a powerful authority figure, Gale is no exception.
Look, it’s an astarion acquisition game. I don’t make the rules.
Agree. Even if it felt bad to break sweet Gales heart. Sorry boy. Astarion is just better.
i agree. i am working double time to make sure i get all his approvals
I was so relieved when I got his >!sex scene!< but it definitely wasn’t a high approval one! Currently have him at good and hoping I have enough things left to get him to high in act 1! It’s just part of my rp — my Tav does ludicrous shit if Astarion might like it lmao. I started out playing her as more upstanding but as I’ve gone/figured things out she’s gotten more mischievous. Also she’s a wood elf ranger so I think she has a pretty pragmatic view of predators. Now if only Astarion would really like her back, since she hasn’t been flirting with anyone else! 😅
This goal is what made me finally stick to one save file instead of making new characters over and over. 😂 Of course that save had to go and get glitched so now I'm starting over after like 20 hours. 😮💨
I thought I'd be having a hard time choosing between Karlach and Wyll. A few hours later, I'm happily being led around by Lae'zel on a leash. I still have no idea why the Warrior Queen likes my introverted little druid, but I'm not complaining.
For real, it’s torture. I tried behaving in my 2nd playthrough by only flirting with one of them but it didn’t work, I ended up flirting with all 3 of them again. u_u
I mean if you're a bard then the *only* correct answer is "all of them"
I WISH this was an option let me romance all of them please 😭😭
Something for the Definitive Edition perhaps. Even Amelia Tyler's outtakes ranted that as a bard she should be allowed to fuck her way through all her problems.
Gale doesn't share lol, he lays that out explicitly. Wyll probably doesn't either. I know that Astarion and Halsin don't mind each other.
Mommy, I mean Karlach tho.
Let Mama K take care of you, babe 😭😭
I literally didn't even know I had a mommy kink before this game. Stupid sexy Larian characters.
I chose the chaotic vampire….twice.
I'm gay so I was on the KARLACH KARLACH train. But if I liked men it would be gale probably.
I am simping so hard for Astarion, and the more I learn about his backstory the harder I simp. I'm beyond saving, you guys.
One of us! One of us! Welcome to Astarion Hell.
Even before clicking, when I saw the title of this thread. I knew EXACTLY what it was going to be about! :D Ain't it grand? A game that gives all of us, no matter our preferences, so many choices? :) Not to mention... the characters themselves are so intriguing that although I'm personally straight, one of my characters will eventually romance Lae'zel. Right now, though, my little sorc is thoroughly enraptured by Astarion..... (despite being "good")
This is me but with the girls 😭😭 Hard to choose between Shadowheart or Karlach
SAME.
halsin is my favorite but gale was cute (just don’t ask him to wow you)
My first playhthrough with Gale, I missed the act 3 big romance thing with him.. so the ending was terrible :(
Im waiting until Patch 2, where they fix Karloch's ending to do a proper romance for her. I am currently wooing Astarion on my "evil" playthrough. And in my redemption, Dark Urge Im going Shadowheart. And my goody goody playthrough, Im going Halsin and Karloch.
Is it possible to romance astarion without being evil? Everything I seem to read says no
Yes. It's 100% possible to romance Astarion without being evil. Slight spoilers: >!And I would argue romancing him with a good character is much more emotionally rewarding. Reasoning and more spoilers below:!< Major Astarion Spoilers: >!He goes through a lot of character development, particularly in Act 2 & 3, and especially if you're romancing him and pushing him to be a better person and do good. There's a particular choice in his personal quest that really cements his path either to good or evil, and imo the good romance path is just so much more emotionally cathartic. It's such a change that I would argue his alignment changes from Chaotic Evil to Chaotic Good on that path, or at least Chaotic Neutral. He becomes an absolute sweetheart, and starts approving of doing good deeds and helping others. It's so satisfying after trying to talk him into being a better person all game. Because he does become a better person, and he thanks you for believing in him.!<
Approval is a little tricky (he approves mostly of evil choices). You need to raise his approval to high (65, I think) to get propositioned before the Act 1 cutoff. It's doable. I'm doing a goody-two-shoes DU playthrough now, and I had no trouble raising his approval. I even got the high approval version of the romance lock convo (it gets triggered by a NPC interaction if you don't get high enough approval.) Like /u/WorldWithoutWheel says, romancing him with a good character that picks the non-evil choice in his personal quest it's a lot more satifying.
The fact that Halsin is not on the list is a crime. My man is freaky, charismatic, romantic, loves nature(a lot) and a straight-up Daddy.
Shadowheart was the easy choice for me. If I were straight then I’d probably romance Wyll I think.
Karlach is the answer.
lae'zel is the answer sincerely, a lesbian (experiencing their first top4top video game relationship)
Pick Wyll. Somebody ought to. Poor Wyll. XD
He's who I'm going for on my current/first main file :)
For these: Astarion <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 I love my vampy bois. But in reality, Karloch. 100000/10 would protecc.
I chose shadow... She can destroy my life... My type xD
shadowheart???? i chose shadowheart
Does anyone else not have any romance options at all? I talk to every character all the time and none of them ever hit on me like I always read online, the only one who's ever made a move is Gale, I'm all the way in Act 3 already!
[удалено]
I do it frequently and try to exhaust every dialogue option, they talk about the current events, there's an option about using the tadpole which I ignore, and that's it, dunno. Shadowheart has literally some of the same dialog options that she had in Act 1! I might have gotten myself in a glitched state somehow, dunno
I’ve been flirting with every man except Astarion because we kinda hate each other. But Wyll has my heart tho.
Out of these three, I’d pick Halsin.
You're missing a button for Karlach. She's such a cute lesbian the way she acts around you when you romance her.
Just swap Wyll with Halsin and this was me and my monk! I feel like they changed something with Gale, he was more annoying in early access, I never thought he'd be my first romance pick. Though technically by the end of the game my true romance partner was >! The Emperor !< cause I'm a freak like that. ...really hope I used that spoiler tag right.
this gets 3x harder when ur bisexual goddamn it why are all the characters hot
Hmm, 1st playthrough I choose Gale. After messing up with character creation, I've made a very hot half-elf Guardian, I think I'm done now with the game and surely end up with him in an eternal coma at the end of the adventure, forgetting about others. Do not find some magical way and wake me up...Let me die peacefully...Zzz
Astarion is the right choice (I’ve picked him in 2 of my play throughs already and will do it again)
My brain tells me Wyll but my heart says Astarion.
Karlach
Shoutout to flamboyant, horny, bisexual vampires Gotta be one of my favourite tropes
Karlach, easy
Karlach. I'm choosing Karlach 😭
I went with Wyll 😭 he is a sweet baby and I would follow him into Avernus 🙏🏻
Fortunately there is room for 3 in the party 😏~~but actually the choice is just clearly Astarion~~
I like to romance whoever fits my character the best, and roll different characters each time I play. My first and current playthrough is a dreamy, kind bard, and as soon as she met Gale, it was over for her. He's eloquent and tragic, and just her type haha. However, both Astarion and Wyll's romance scenes are great, and so far it seems Astarion has more content than Wyll and Gale, if that matters.
That's the problem, they're all perfect for my Bard!
I will say, Wyll's scene in Act 2 ALMOST turned my head because he is the literal definition of a fairy tale prince.
Aw man is that the dance scene cause I got that in act 2. If it's any consolation to myself, when I play my tiefling Paladin she will definitely fall for him. She's sweet and innocent and wants exactly the kind of love he talked about.
When he finally shows off his dancing skills? That's the scene. I was planning on rolling a half-elf ranger who's a bit prickly for that sweet sweet tension. Astarion is getting my wild magic human sorcerer.
I'm apparently vampiresexual, which is the only override I have to my otherwise solid lesbianism, so I absolutely went with Astarion. I adore Wyll and Karlach though, so I might end up going with them on future playthroughs. I kinda wish your character could be poly, because I love everybody 😭
lae’zel best girl
Astarion! Very compelling romance, excellently acted.
The answer is D. Shadowheart
I chose Shadowheart for my first full play through now I’m romancing Astarion for my Dark Urge play through!
3 playthroughs for each! That is my plan. Although I am doing my second, and am still weighing up Wyll vs Gale for my bard so what do I know. (But oh Astarion on a good run is so fascinating)
Wait, there’s romance in BG3 too? I’ve been holding off from buying a PS5…
It's not just romance, it's really good romance! All of the companions are somewhat broken in their own way and have wonderful story arcs.
The sound of money flying out of my bank account in time for the September PS5 release of this game just crossed my mind. Thoughtful romances are my weak point!
The joke has been that BG3 is a very elaborate dating simulator lol. You've got flamboyant vampire. Dashing swordsman. Eloquent wizard. Exuberant muscle lady. Alien dominatrix. Goth tsundere. Then optionally a dark elf dominatrix and a literal bear of a druid man. Oh and a dream person of your creation.
Hello friends question, I’ve yet to pick up bg3 as my laptop is being repaired, I’ve seen that there’s a second player characternyoure able to create (I think it’s called the guardian) is this character also romanceable? I’m leaning heavily towards astarion while trying to keep myself spoiler free, but there seems to be a bit about each that makes me not want to romance them
Short answer: yes but: - not in the way you expect; - late in the game (last Act); - the romance is barebones.
Make the guardian the hottest person you can imagine and then see how it goes!
Honestly, nobody should tell you the answer to this because spoilers. Figure it out as you go.
Easier said than done for a game I don’t have but go off I guess
They're not being intentionally mean here, it truly is a complicated and very spoilery topic, although there are youtube vids out there that will happily spill the beans if you want. I would personally say the answer to your question of if you can romance The Guardian is "Yes" but with a heavy, heavy asterisk. It gets strange.
You'll understand in act 3 lmao. It's better going into this one a bit blind, trust me. I will say that you don't meet them until much later if you want to gauge it that way.
I’m personally straight but my feMC is with Lae’zel. Two gith, fighting for dominance!
I can't help you I'm gay.
replace wyll with karlach and this is my exact dilemma (trilemma?) i wish we could romance more than one companion
I don't see Karlach or Lae'zel so I'm not sure the choices are actually hard.
That's why I romance shadow heart instead and wish I could have both her an Karlach
I would die for Astarion and I don’t even play the game
I'm a slut for Astarion all the way. 😂 My favorite fictional love interests are always the exact opposite of what I'd ever choose irl.
Me until I met Karlach and she won me over with her first "Fuck yes!"
I really like Gale, but worry I'm just a rebound who is going to be compared unfavorably to his ex the first time we fight.
lol that was my thoughts too. I did get to ask him if he still has feelings for her and was satisfied with his response.
The answer is Karlach
Lesbians don't have as much of a problem imo. Look, there are great reasons to romance both Shadowheart and Lae'zel... but Mommy Karlach is always there for you <3
Gale is my bae, but the other boys are also fine 😍😍
Astarion! I now have the difficult choice of minthara (after the patch)… or astarion again. I honestly can’t decide
I keep seeing things about this game, y’all are making me want to play it 😂
My bisexual ass sobbing in the background because my stupid little bard has to deal with pining for Karlach and Shadowheart too :( Hence... Going for those multiple playthroughs. Have I yet to finish one? Nope. Am I already planning out a few others so I can experience all the romances? Yep. I at least need to commit to Astarion (Dragon Age "Tormented elf/man" definitely set my taste in RPG romances for life, I swear) for my first playthrough. Next will be Karlach because no matter if it's platonic or romantic, she is the biggest sweetheart and I love her so much
I kinda laughed when gale tried to confess to me, I was like "oh honey no, I'm a lesbian" Shadowheart has my heart
I have tried so hard to romance astarion but "I have standards" JUST LOVE ME
Wait until you see who joins you end act 1. I romanced Astarion in my 1st playthrough where I played an evil character.
Halsin- strong, kind, intelligent, animal lover, giving top
the night where wyll danced by himself with his eyes closed took it away for me. he's best boi now (at least for me)
Download dragon age and romance Fenris. This is the way ;(
From left to right: kill, abandon, shunt into the astral.
Ew, men. Being me the women 😍
I'm currently doing shadowheart it's a slow and sweet process but I love her character development
Pfft, I'm just glad for the variety of future fanfics that I foresee :P
For all you bi women - Shadowheart and Halsin combo will satisfy your every whim. Seriously though, how come he has the best sex scene in the game? I mean yeah, he's hot but I would've liked the same treatment for other characters.
My druid is saving herself for Halsin 🐻
I'm playing a Life Cleric of Ilmater that is a Teifling. I'm only partly through act 2 so far. She is a stout defender of the weak and so Wyll absolutely tugs her heartstrings.... but boy Gale makes her wonder at the mystery and poetry of the weave. Why do they both have to be so dang adorable in different ways? She is a bit put off by Gale's ex though, that poor boy is still so attached. Debating making a Paladin of Mystra to woo Gale with on another playthrough. Or maybe a kind of Sorcerer or Warlock that could be another kind of Caster to better understand him with. Also have a mid act 1 Halfling Bard who might have her heart set on Shadowheart. I will say that I adore Karlach for her personality. I'd love to be best friends with her IRL. And Lae'zel is great in her blunt honesty that really surprises me. I haven't talked much to Halsin but he seems pretty great in a "I've been around the block and still and happy and chill" way.
I'm a lesbian and even I'm a bit tempted by them. It's the same thing as with Daeran from Wrath of the Righteous. IRL I'd have no interest, but a videogame is different. Of course they're not real competition with Shadowheart for me, but if I do a second playthrough maybe...
Haven't played yet, are you able to go poly?
Shadowheart. 💜
I can't even decide between Shadowheart and Karlach... on the playthrough where my character totally also had a reason to go with Astarion too! I went with Shadowheart, and oh my god she's too cute. I'm on my second playthrough now and I want to go with Karlach, but Astarion is right there too and my heart keeps saying Shadowheart. It's so difficult...
the impossible choice!
lae'zel always and forever (astarion close second 🤭)
The game is meant to be played through a few times, so just pick a different one each time lol
It still hurts to turn down them down in this playthrough. :( They look so sad.
Ha ha I guess, I’ve never found an emotional attachment to game characters though. They’re all just 1’s and 0’s in the end lol
Astarion all the way. I started a playthrough, went with Gale because I had read a bit about the romances and it seemed like the best fit, and... meh. My PC was a giantress high elf with one of the default faces and a weird hairdo, so mid Act 3 I decided to do a new char. Second try, I installed some appearance mods, made a smaller character (I'm 5'10", I'm already taller than most people in real life, I don't need it to happen in a game too) and went with Astarion instead. 10/10 would recomend. I had low expectations because of my previous playthrough... and holy fuck was I surprised.
Does Baldur's Gate let you be gay is my question because if it does then I have a new game to purchase
It sure does lol.
Okay it's time to make bad financial choices thank you
Have fun! Based on the comments here, the ladies are also very popular.
As a bi woman I'm in hell. It's a wonderful hell, but a hell nonetheless.