Cosplayers embody Karlach and Astarion from Baldur's Gate 3: a contrasting duo from the "Forgotten Realms"

Cosplayers Ekaterina "Elysian Rebel" Lann and Asya "asyawrites" Mikhailova transformed into Karlach and Astarion from the game Baldur's Gate 3, traveling through the "Forgotten Realms."

The universe of the role-playing game Baldur's Gate 3 continues to delight cosplay fans with new photos dedicated to all sorts of characters and their exciting adventures.

Photographer Viktoria “Milligan” Romanova conducted a photoshoot during which models Ekaterina “Elysian Rebel” Lann and Asya “asyawrites” Mikhailova appeared as Karlach and Astarion.

The relationship between Karlach and Astarion is built on a surprising contrast of their characters and the similarity of their tragic past. When they both travel in the protagonist's party, their interaction from the outside resembles the friendship of a grumpy cat and a cheerful puppy. Initially, Astarion treats the former Avernus warrior with a degree of his usual arrogance and skepticism, but Karlach quickly melts this ice with her sincerity.

Both characters spent many years in cruel slavery under ruthless masters — Cazador Szarr and Zariel. Astarion deeply empathizes with Karlach and in one conversation even admits that he would have given anything at the time for his body to burn anyone who dared to touch him. If a love triangle arises between them and the protagonist during the game and the player chooses Karlach, Astarion gives in surprisingly gently, sincerely asking not to hurt her heart, because she deserves happiness.

If the player decides to choose one of them as the main character and start a romance with the other, their story takes on a completely different depth. Karlach's infernal engine in the first act completely excludes the possibility of physical contact, which breaks Astarion's usual tactics, who is accustomed to using seduction for manipulation and protection.

He has to communicate with Karlach on emotional and verbal levels, which makes him reveal himself as a person much faster and more sincerely. A romance with Astarion, who remains a vampire spawn, turns out to be very touching, because he is ready to support Karlach until the very end.