Larian Studios' acclaimed RPG Baldur's Gate 3 continues to expand its universe with a new novel focusing on the popular character Astarion Ancunin. Written by award-winning author T. Kingfisher and published by Random House Worlds, the book, titled "Baldur's Gate 3: Astarion," delves into the vampire spawn's history before the events of the game. Neil Newbon, the voice actor behind Astarion, reprises his role to narrate an exclusive excerpt from the novel.
The excerpt finds Astarion planning to rob Gurgan's Magic Emporium, a shop described as disorganized and potentially trapped. While Astarion, a vampire, can enter shops unhindered, he is wary of magical countermeasures. The narrative details his less-than-graceful ascent up the building's exterior, a climbing method he struggles with. Upon reaching the roof, he feeds on pigeons, a necessary act for his survival.
During his attempt to procure supplies from the shop, Astarion encounters Rooftop Henry, a peculiar, possibly magical avian creature that is a known informant within Baldur's Gate's Thieves' Guild. Henry, whose origins are a subject of much speculation, possesses a unique ability to recall specific details, such as when local inns put out their refuse, and offers Astarion crucial information about a less-protected entry point to the shop. This particular window is overlooked by the shop's apprentices because of the persistent annoyance of an owl's regurgitated pellets triggering the alarms.
Henry agrees to guide Astarion to this unguarded window in exchange for a 'consideration.' After some negotiation, Astarion agrees to the deal, shaking claws with the bird to seal their pact. The exchange highlights Astarion's resourcefulness and his continued involvement with the city's underworld.
Baldur's Gate 3: Astarion, by T. Kingfisher, is set for release on September 29. The novel explores the complex backstory of Astarion, a character whose transformation into a vampire spawn by Cazador Szarr has deeply impacted his life.
The narrative of Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3 recounts his past as a magistrate whose life took a dark turn after a ruling led to a brutal attack. His near-death experience resulted in his transformation into a vampire spawn by the vampire lord Cazador. The novel promises to further explore these formative events and Astarion's struggle with his vampiric nature.