In Baldur’s Gate 3, both the Dark Urge and Astarion grapple with the legacies of their creators. The Dark Urge, as a Bhaalspawn, was molded by the Lord of Murder himself, while Astarion endured centuries of torment under Cazador, a sadistic vampire lord. Though their origins differ, the psychological control they experience — and their subsequent fight for autonomy — create a striking narrative parallel.
This connection is emphasized through player choices. Baldur’s Gate 3’s Dark Urge can succumb to Bhaal's call for bloodshed or resist it, mirroring Astarion’s moral struggle when confronting his former master. The two characters are not merely victims of their pasts — they are opportunities for players to explore how trauma shapes identity. The choices players make determine whether these characters break free from the chains of their creators or become embodiments of the very horrors that defined them.
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Trauma and Control in Baldur's Gate 3's Narrative
The most overt link between Astarion and the Dark Urge is the concept of control. Cazador’s domination over Astarion was not merely physical; it was psychological. The centuries-long servitude inflicted unimaginable cruelty, conditioning Astarion to act on his master's whims. Even after gaining freedom, Astarion remains haunted, struggling to reclaim his sense of agency. Players witness this internal conflict throughout his Pale Elf quest, where the prospect of revenge and ascension tempts him.
Similarly, the Dark Urge is driven by uncontrollable compulsions tied to its murderous lineage. Bhaal’s influence manifests in disturbing episodes of bloodlust, like the infamous scene where Alfira, the tiefling bard, is slain during a long rest. Players are faced with the moral dilemma of accepting responsibility or embracing the Dark Urge’s violent tendencies. This ongoing tension between autonomy and submission mirrors Astarion’s decision to either destroy Cazador or usurp his power through the vampire ascendant ritual.
How Baldur's Gate 3's Choices Reflect Their Journeys
Player agency is at the core of both characters’ arcs. Choosing to help Astarion overthrow Cazador without performing the ascendant ritual showcases his potential for growth. Rejecting the path of unchecked power allows him to forge a new identity, free from his past tormentor's shadow. On the other hand, players who indulge Astarion’s darker desires may witness his transformation into the so-called “Sun King,” a ruthless figure ruling over countless vampire spawn.
The Dark Urge offers similarly impactful decisions. Surrendering to Bhaal and becoming his chosen leads to one of the most sinister outcomes in Baldur’s Gate 3, cementing the protagonist as a true agent of death. Yet resisting the Dark Urge, forging meaningful connections with companions like Astarion, and defying Bhaal’s influence represent a powerful statement of personal agency. A particularly poignant moment occurs if the Dark Urge pursues a romance with Astarion. In one blood-soaked scenario, Astarion attempts to stop the Dark Urge’s violent spiral, reflecting his understanding of what it means to lose control.
Thematic Lessons for Baldur's Gate's Future
Both characters serve as reminders of how Baldur’s Gate 3 uses narrative to explore agency, trauma, and redemption. Larian Studios crafted layered character arcs that challenge players to confront difficult choices with lasting consequences. This approach sets a precedent for future installments in the Baldur’s Gate series, even as Larian steps away from the franchise. Developers could expand on this narrative style by introducing characters with similarly conflicted backgrounds, providing even more opportunities for morally complex storytelling.
Additionally, interactions between characters like the Dark Urge and Astarion are a testament to the importance of dynamic companion writing. Astarion’s ability to empathize with the Dark Urge’s struggle — especially when other companions may condemn their actions — creates a bond that feels earned and authentic.
Ultimately, Baldur’s Gate 3 uses the Dark Urge and Astarion to pose a fundamental question, that being whether people are bound by their pasts or if they can forge a new destiny. The answer lies in the hands of the player, making their stories two of the most memorable and emotionally resonant in the game.
Baldur's Gate 3
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 96 /100 Critics Rec: 97%
- Released
- August 3, 2023
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Larian Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Larian Studios
- Engine
- Divinity 4.0
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op
- Cross-Platform Play
- Full cross-platform play.
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- RPG
