Baldur's Gate 3 is an exceptionally intricate game that captures the essence of Dungeons & Dragons. If players conceive an inventive method to navigate a quest, it’s likely permissible within the game mechanics. However, certain elements seem conspicuously absent, which can be surprising. For instance, players might anticipate that a side quest would impact a companion’s storyline, but this expectation is often unmet in practice.
Astarion, a character adored by the gaming community, stands out prominently. His character development is anything but shallow; it is rich and multifaceted. While he may not be directly woven into the main narrative as other companions are, his personal story shines with unique interactions and dialogue that enhance the gaming experience. Nevertheless, there’s a noticeable absence regarding his reaction to a significant event involving a character’s rescue, which raises questions about the depth of his engagement.
Players Can Visit Oskar to Commission Unique Portraits of Companions
This Item Lacks Purpose, Yet It Could Have Been a Significant Plot Point for Astarion
Oskar Fevras is the pivotal character in the “Free the Artist” quest. Initially, players encounter him as a captive of the Zentarim during Act One. Upon rescuing him, he reappears in the third act at Lady Jannath’s estate, where players can assist him again after discovering he has been possessed. Successfully preventing him from being taken to the afterlife while maintaining his relationships allows Oskar to create a personalized portrait of your Tav or one of your companions.
Players can choose from various names for the painting including “The Hero of Baldur’s Gate,” “Portrait of an Adventurer,” “The Ghost Whisperer,” “The Mighty Defender of the Arts,” and “Skald Supreme, Orator Exroadinare, Master of Modesty.” Note that the last option is exclusively available to bards.
While freeing Oskar may simply appear to be an entertaining side quest, it is the sole opportunity for players to obtain this portrait. The item serves little purpose beyond being a unique camp decoration, a keepsake, or an item of value to sell. However, it feels like a missed opportunity that Astarion does not have any reaction to receiving this painting.
Astarion Is the Sole Companion Who Cannot See Himself and Deserves Unique Dialogue
Presenting Astarion with His Portrait Would Allow Him to View His Appearance After 200 Years of Darkness
In contrast to the other companions, Astarion, as a vampire spawn, is unable to perceive his own reflection. Players can discover this limitation when attempting to interact with a mirror while controlling him. Since Astarion has not seen his face for over 200 years, he has even forgotten the color of his original eyes. This scenario presents a poignant opportunity for him to experience emotional dialogue upon seeing his likeness again through a painting, whether as a companion or an origin character.
Commissioning a portrait of Astarion would make for a touching gesture, potentially transforming the act of freeing Oskar into an essential quest for players seeking to romance Astarion in BG3. While players can also request statues of their companions or themselves from Boeny in the Circus of the Last Days, a colored portrait holds a more intimate significance. As Reddit user Great_Art693 points out, players already have the option to gift Shadowheart a Night Orchid, making the idea of giving Astarion a portrait similarly meaningful.
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How to Successfully Romance Shadowheart in Baldur’s Gate 3
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The only instance in the game where Astarion sees his face again occurs when he gazes into a mirror after his ascension. However, this transformation into a Vampire Ascendant is generally regarded as his negative outcome, making it regrettable that there isn’t an alternative method for him to view his reflection if he remains a spawn. With the plethora of hidden interactions throughout the game, it is perplexing that such a significant opportunity was overlooked, especially given Astarion’s popularity within the Baldur’s Gate 3 community.
Source: Great_Art693/Reddit
Baldur’s Gate 3
- Released
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August 3, 2023
- ESRB
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M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
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Larian Studios
- Publisher(s)
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Larian Studios
- Engine
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Divinity 4.0
- Multiplayer
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Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op
- Cross-Platform Play
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Full cross-platform play.
