#astarion rambles

[r0semaryrambl3s]

Little Nh’ara update. Apparently she forgot to “post” a few pictures before I took over -or something along those lines- so I’m here to correct that mistake:

(Ok ok but Astarion’s little takeover aside, here’s my half of an art trade I did with the fantastic: @divinelyrotting / @dogtoothselfships -sorry for the double @- !! It was lots of fun to draw Bearhug and I do hope to get the chance to draw them again!)

[adinafay]

Okay, Astarion origin run.

We're all well-versed in getting his approval and romance arc, but what are we collectively thinking he'd be most-likely to do without Tav/Durge around? As, himself, the de-facto leader of the group? With Tav/Durge around he really only needs them on his side; they'll protect him from the rest of the party and he's pretty free to be as honest as he wants to be with his approval/disapproval of things. Then, obviously, as things progress we see the growth from or cyclic regression into his trauma and the ways in which we, as the player, have influenced his outcome.

But, without Tav/Durge, I'm thinking without that, yes, he'd still be trying to manipulate his way into everyone's good graces BUT, as not just another member of the group but its LEADER, he's now going to have to be MUCH more mindful of what everyone else thinks of him.

All those snarky, naughty, murder-laced quips we love so much? The constant angst against helping other people? The impulses to instigate or kill instead of talking things through with anyone that annoys him? Power-hungry interest in the tadpoles/Absolute? He's going to have to try his 10 CHA best to tone ALL that shit down if he wants to befriend everyone instead of focusing on a single source of protection.

He's gana be both mentally and physically exhausted, more-so than he would have been otherwise, and he's going to be even more scared of all the things to come because he's gotta be the face spear-heading the group - the meat-shields don't work as well if they're behind you, after all.

Alao: the big Feelings revelation, positive or negative, he can have post-Araj? Entirely moot because the other companions don't seem to comment at all -it's solely, 100%, his choice.

So, if he has a turning point in an origin run, what/where would it be? Is it an even slower story than the one we love from romancing him as a player? One that starts from the beginning, when he, suddenly free of Cazador's immediately influence, is thrust into the position of group leader and everyone just... goes along with it?

Is it him eventually realizing that he cares some amount for ALL of these people? Maybe because they all respect his autonomy? Respect it so much, in fact, that they seem to follow him near-blindly?

Or would there not be as much personal growth for him, being in charge of this haggard band? Would he find security in having “followers” that defer to him and be even more sure of his need to accumulate power?

[atsadi-shenanigans]

So, if Astarion starts picking up English words from Eleanor, he’s gonna be picking up her Oklahoma twang. He’d actually be Y’allstarion.

[r0semaryrambl3s]

Yo?

Well well well, if it’s isn’t our dear friend Dave. What do you want?

—

Takeover aside - this is indeed the one and only: Dave’s player! Here he is, it’s the lad! Apparently he has a tumblr and apparently I was the one who made him make it but have no memory of this!

[r0semaryrambl3s]

Say Astarion, what’s it like dating Nh’ara? There anything you learnt that surprised you?

It’s as you’d expect. I think.

Well, no point being shy about it I suppose. I’ve still not entirely figured this whole “us” thing out if I’m being honest. I don’t really think she has either. Though, for now I’d say it’s nice, quite nice in fact (well I mean of course it is, I’m wonderful)! It’s certainly something different. I’ve found her bardisms are less pestersome than I would’ve assumed them to be -it wouldn’t be too far a stretch to label them almost endearing- which came as quite the surprise when she spun up a short ditty round the fire one night.

So, that’s something that shocked me I guess.

But let’s face it, you’re not here to hear me admit that I’m not entirely against the fact that the bard does bard things, now are you?

Gods I sure hope you aren’t. That’d be a boring thing to want to hear, not to mention obvious.

Nh’ara is herself something different, entirely different to me. A thought and feeling that I can’t quite place nor -at this moment in time- feel I want to. She’s a soft thing, a stern thing, a deliciously violent thing and wonderfully new to me. I’d label the whole ordeal as pleasant, it’s a bonny little thought: the knowledge that there’s someone waiting for the opportunity to talk to you; who will wait for you after dark - simply just wishing for your company.

On that note, the tenderness is certainly a surprise. And now, that’s not just because of…prior experiences. Have you seen those claws? Why when she first pat me on the back in friendly jest I feared she’d tear through my blouse! Yet, now I’ve found she’s entirely capable of gripping onto me like her life depends on it all the while not causing a single scratch.

It’s sweet. Dating Nh’ara is sweet.

[r0semaryrambl3s]

I’m not entirely sure what in the Hells is going on but considering I’m currently sat staring at my dear play the most out of tune jargon, I never thought possible from a damn lute. I’m supposing it’s not good.

Anyhow, I am going to be your glorious host for the next Tenday. Or more. Who knows, I may not want to give this little box back by the end of it

[r0semaryrambl3s]

🍹☀️the latest takeover ask game:3

🍹- I personally prefer a lastbowl if I really need to cool off -though that’s hardly often- and when it comes to Nh’ara…well I don’t think she has a go-to. I’ve seen that woman bite down on mounds of ice to cool down.

☀️- I’m not a fan of the glaring sun it’s still not something not something I’m used to I must say. Though, I’m too bothered with the heat that comes with it. Nh’ara handles hot weather fairly well herself, I suppose it’s something to do with being a Tiefling?

[r0semaryrambl3s]

w/ the tags u had on the post im not sure if ur participating but just in case u are or just wanna answer some stuffs!!: 🍝 🌤️🃏🌈

I do seem to have answered one of these (🌤️) already…no matter seeing as you’ve so graciously provided plenty of choices (Tysm!!)

🍝- I’d never dream of going near the camp cook pot. Not with the pouches full of rotting trash that scaled health hazard paladin pulls from the pockets of corpses. Nh’ara however has helped out from time to time, from when I’ve observed she mainly peels vegetables. I would quite like to cook with her in a proper kitchen one day though.

🃏- hmm, well there’s plenty to be said but the ask does demand a tidbit so let’s see now. I suppose our shared undead lineage is interesting.

🌈- I myself am Demi (both romantic and sexual) and Pansexual, I can’t say I’ve ever felt disconnected to my body (in the sense of gender anyways). And, as far as I’m aware, Nh’ara is bisexual, she’s always referred to herself as she/her and is presumably cis.

There’s no real special way we support each other in that regard. However, she gives me my space and we work at my pace which I do appreciate.