Astarion Ancunín

Astarion Ancunín was a high elf rogue and vampire spawn who dwelled in Baldur's Gate during the late 15 century DR.

Description
The noble high elf had grey curly hair, and was several hundred years old as of the latter half of the 15 century. He was a talented rogue who was skilled at using the bow.

Abilities
Due to his unique infestation by a modified mind flayer tadpole, Astarion could move freely during the daylight hours, move through running water unharmed, and enter homes uninvited; none of which a vampire or their spawn should be able to do.

While others with the same infection sought to rid themselves of the parasite, Astarion sought to control it and gain mastery over his new powers.

Personality
Astarion was eloquent and charming, typically valuing showmanship and finesse over strict rigor. His wry, cheeky wit made banter appear effortless. Still, he was well accustomed to violence and cruelty, often using his alluring charisma to manipulate and deceive. During the centuries of slavery he endured as a vampire spawn under the yoke of Cazador Szarr, Astarion lured hundreds of unfortunate victims back to his master's palace. Cazador's sadistic treatment also made Astarion slow to trust, as he often expected others to want to use and abuse him as Cazador did. Astarion developed a cynical outlook, seeking pleasure and power wherever he could find it, with little regard for the well-being of others. Once freed, however, he was shown to be capable of breaking these routines by showing compassion and forming genuine bonds.

Relationships
Astarion's vampire lord patron was Cazador Szarr of the noble Baldurian Szarr family. While serving as Cazador's slave, he was expected to lure back victims for his master to feed on, most often using his charm or his body.

He also underwent many forms of torture while under Cazador's control, such as being starved, solitarily confined, mutilated and being forced to sustain himself on mere rats.

History
Astarion was born in the year of 1229 DR and died in 1268 DR after being attacked by a group of Gur, making him 39 years old at his time of death. He was later turned some time before or during the 13 century DR.

As part of the torture he endured in the time of his slavery at Szarr's domain, Cazador cut writing onto his back, which he described to Astarion as "poems". Little did he know at the time that the inscriptions were in fact part of an infernal contract with the archdevil Mephistopheles, which would allow his patron to perform The Rite of Profane Ascension. Should Cazador succeed, he would be more powerful than ever, with his strengths amplified and him no longer being bound by the vampiric curses such as hypersensitivity to sunlight or inability to cross running water safer.

In the, Astarion began seducing a young fellow noble, trying to lure him towards his master. However, he was kidnapped by a mind flayer, placed into a holding pod in a nautiloid, and infected with an illithid tadpole. As the spelljammer passed over Yartar, it was assailed by githyanki who rode atop red dragons. After the nautiloid teleported through the planes, it crashed, and Astarion ended up somewhere across the River Chionthar.

Upon awaking, Astarion found himself altered, and somehow more powerful; rather than undergoing the process of ceremorphosis, Astarion was able to resist sunlight and communicate telepathically.

Appearances

 * Video Games
 * Baldur's Gate III
 * Card Games