Why Did Cazador Turn Astarion? Unraveling the Twisted History of Baldur’s Gate’s Most Notorious Vampire
The question of why Cazador Szarr, the notoriously cruel vampire lord of Baldur’s Gate, turned Astarion into a vampire spawn is a central mystery that drives much of Astarion’s personal narrative within the game. The answer is complex, steeped in Cazador’s own sadistic nature and his desire for control and power. In essence, Cazador turned Astarion not out of any genuine care or affection, but as a means to an end – to enslave, manipulate, and ultimately, use him as a pawn in his own nefarious schemes.
Cazador, a being of immense age and power, views others as mere tools. He saw in Astarion a potential pawn. Over a century ago, Astarion was a magistrate, a man of some authority in Baldur’s Gate, when he incurred the wrath of a band of Gur. These Gur, who disagreed with his rulings, beat him nearly to death, leaving him bleeding in a dark alley. This critical moment of vulnerability was when Cazador found him. Cazador didn’t “save” Astarion out of compassion, but rather, he saw an opportunity to acquire a new toy, a new piece for his twisted game.
The brutal beating Astarion endured left him weak and susceptible. This is a prime example of Cazador preying on the vulnerable, a recurrent theme in his actions. He offered Astarion the “gift” of vampirism – a bite that transformed him into a spawn, bound to Cazador’s will. This act of vampirization wasn’t about giving Astarion a new life, but rather stripping him of his own and making him completely dependent on and subservient to Cazador.
Furthermore, Cazador’s actions were driven by a desire for absolute control. Turning Astarion into a spawn meant that Astarion would be forced to obey his every whim, no matter how cruel or degrading. The relationship between Cazador and Astarion is one of extreme power imbalance, with Cazador wielding absolute authority and Astarion existing as his property. Cazador’s history of tormenting other spawns further supports his pleasure in inflicting suffering and controlling others. The transformation into a vampire spawn also provided Cazador with a source of blood, essential to a vampire’s survival. Astarion, now forced to hunt and feed, became a living resource for his master. This ensured a consistent source of sustenance, further entrenching his dependency and servitude.
In short, Cazador turned Astarion to:
- Exercise power: To exert total control over another being.
- Exploit vulnerability: To take advantage of Astarion’s desperate situation after the beating.
- Secure a resource: To have a constant source of blood and labor.
- Indulge in sadism: To inflict torment and degradation on Astarion.
The relationship is not one of master and protégé, but rather master and slave. Astarion endured centuries of abuse, manipulation, and forced servitude under Cazador’s brutal reign, highlighting the deeply sinister nature of Cazador’s motivation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Astarion and Cazador
How did Astarion react to being turned into a vampire spawn?
Astarion experienced immense trauma upon being turned. He was stripped of his former life and forced into servitude. The experience was not only physically transformative but also emotionally scarring. He became a vampire spawn and endured horrific abuse at Cazador’s hand for over 200 years.
What is the significance of the scars on Astarion’s back?
The scars on Astarion’s back are physical evidence of Cazador’s cruelty. These scars are not accidental marks, but deliberately inflicted punishment and branding. They serve as a constant reminder of his enslavement and the abuse he endured. Asking Astarion about these scars is crucial for triggering important scenes in the game.
Can Astarion be freed from Cazador’s control?
Yes, Astarion can be freed from Cazador’s control. This is a central goal of his personal questline. The method of freeing him is achieved by confronting and defeating Cazador in his mansion in Baldur’s Gate.
What happens if Astarion doesn’t confront Cazador?
If Astarion does not confront Cazador, he remains a thrall bound to Cazador’s will. He will not have closure from his tormentor and the game will not progress in his personal storyline.
What is the ‘Ascension’ ritual and why does Cazador want it?
The ‘Ascension’ ritual is a dark rite that Cazador seeks to complete to achieve greater vampiric power. Cazador intends to sacrifice his own vampire spawn for this ritual, including Astarion. The ritual has massive negative effects for all the other vampire spawns.
What are the consequences of Astarion becoming ascended?
If Astarion ascends, he gains considerable power, but he also becomes more callous, controlling, and ruthless. Ascended Astarion is not a “good” ending for his character as he completely loses any desire for his freedom. He views the player character as a possession.
Is there a way to stop Astarion from ascending?
Yes, you can stop Astarion from ascending by convincing him not to perform the ritual after Cazador is defeated. You can achieve this by highlighting the immense cost of the ritual, such as the deaths of all the other spawns, or by telling him he will be consumed by the power and lose his free will.
Can Astarion and Cazador manipulate the player?
Both Astarion and Cazador have the ability to manipulate the player. Astarion, being a cunning rogue, often tries to influence through charm and veiled truths. Cazador also attempts to manipulate the player through fear and offers of power.
What happens if you let Astarion bite you?
If you allow Astarion to bite you, he will gain a temporary buff, and permanently acquire the vampire bite ability. The player also receives a permanent +1 to all checks after letting Astarion drink their blood. There is a small risk of death, but the player character can be revived.
Should you take Astarion with you to Cazador’s mansion?
It is generally recommended to remove Astarion from the party during the initial approach to Cazador’s mansion. This prevents Cazador from starting a ritual that gives him extra healing per turn, making the battle more manageable. Astarion can then be re-added to the party for the confrontation.
What happens if you kill Cazador without Astarion present?
If you kill Cazador without Astarion being present, Astarion will be frustrated that he was unable to confront his former master himself. However, you can still save the spawn and achieve a decent ending.
How old is Astarion?
Astarion is an elf, so he has a very long lifespan. Before being turned, Astarion was a magistrate. He was turned over 200 years prior to the events of the game. Based on estimations, he is over 200 years old, possibly around 240-250 years old.
How does the Mind Flayer tadpole affect Astarion’s vampirism?
The Mind Flayer tadpole embedded in Astarion’s head allows him to walk in sunlight, a feat normally impossible for vampires. This is a unique characteristic of his condition in the game.
What is Astarion’s best subclass?
The best subclass for Astarion is generally considered to be the Thief Rogue. It provides him with additional bonus actions, improved mobility, and utility in combat, making him a deadly damage dealer.
Can you romance Astarion if you don’t sleep with him initially?
Yes, you can romance Astarion even if you don’t sleep with him at the party. If your approval rating with him is high enough, he will initiate a romantic proposition on his own during Act 1.