Summary
Baldur’s Gate 3companion Astarion is a man of many secrets. When he joins the party, he hides his past, his scars, and even his identity as a vampire spawn—although that one doesn’t stay secret for long. Players who want to learn ’s Gate 3’ssnarky rogue need to invest time and effort in his story, but some of his secrets are so well-hidden that they can only be learned from paying the closest attention to everything about him, such as examining his gravestone during one late-game cutscene.
He Is Buried In The Same Graveyard As Karlach’s Parents
Players who thoroughly explore the city of Baldur’s Gate in Act 3 of the game can encounter a rather out-of-the-way graveyard. It bears a surprising number of connections to the party—Karlach’s parents are buried there, as is a former mentor of Shadowheart’s. Interestingly, Astarion’s grave cannot be found or interacted with when players visit the gravestone, although it may be the one the Narrator describes as having been graffitied with “Vampires are real.”
However, should players romance Astarion and convince him not to complete the Ascension ritual, he will bring them to see his gravestone personally. He turns out to in fact be buried in the same graveyard as Karlach’s parents and Shadowheart’s teacher. He reveals that his cruel master,Cazador Szarr, allowed him to be buried and forced him to dig his way out of his own grave when he rose as a vampire spawn.
His Gravestone Reveals Information About His Past
His Last Name Is Ancunin
Although Astarion does not openly discuss the contents of his gravestone with the player, and it is written using an in-game symbol-based language, fans have managed to translate the vampire spawn’s epitaph to learn two key facts about his former life. Throughout the game,Astariononly refers to himself by his first name.
However, he does have a last name: Ancunin, which is written on his grave. A family named Ancunin is never mentioned anywhere in the city, so it is unknown whether his parents are still alive or still living in the city. The surname’s meaning has not been confirmed by Larian Studios, but it could reference the Kurdish word “ancunin”—meaning “don’t,” the Irish word “An Coinin”—meaning “rabbit,” or the Elvish phrase “an que nin,” meaning “forgotten ritual.”
He Died At Age 39
The gravestone also contains his birth and death years: 229 DR–268 DR. This means thatAstarion was only 39when he was killed. For an elf, this is extremely young—he would have been considered a teenager. This information has caused some fans to theorize that he is lying when he claims to have been a magistrate in Baldur’s Gate, as it is unlikely he could hold that position so young.
Also, although the gravestone uses “DR” meaning “Dale Reckoning,” this may be an error, as the dates only make sense using the Waterdeep-based North Reckoning (NR) system. The events ofBaldur’s Gate 3take place in 1492 DR, and these dates would make Astarion well over 1000, when he is known to be approximately 200.
He Uses His Gravestone To Reclaim His Life
“I’ve been dead in the ground for long enough. It’s time to try living again.” - Astarion
Should players accompanyAstarion to his graveside for a romantic interlude, the vampire spawn will reveal his new determination to live fully, free from Cazador’s thrall. He will carve a new date on the gravestone, the current year, declaring that his new life begins now, as he has been inspired by his adventures with the group and genuine feelings for the player. The result is that the gravestone now reads “468 DR - " (another error, it should be NR) indicating that Astarion sees himself as having been reborn and intends to start again.
