Year 6 Champion Guide: Astarion, the High Elf Rogue
Last Updated: Initial Post
This is a stand-alone information guide for this Champion that will be updated as necessary for use during Events or when doing a Time Gate.
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#Year 6 Champion - Astarion, the High Elf Rogue
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Source: The Baldur's Gate 3 video game
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Arrival Event: Brightswords
You can read their original Champion Spotlight here.
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Slot 10
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Good with: Absolute Adversaries; Desmond; Everyone
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Affiliation: Absolute Adversaries - Astarion, Lae'zel
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Eligible for Mirt, Vajra, Strahd
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Time Gate Priority: TBD
| Race | Class | Alignment | Gender | Age | Role(s) | Overwhelm Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Elf | Rogue | Neutral Evil | Male (He / Him) | 350 | Support / Gold Find | 5 |
| Strength | Dexterity | Constitution | Intelligence | Wisdom | Charisma |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 17 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 10 |
Bio: Astarion prowled the night as a vampire spawn for centuries, serving a sadistic master until he was snatched away by the Mind Flayers. Now he can walk in the light and has the chance at a new life, but how long can he keep his past buried?
Basic Attack: Sneak Attack - Astarion disappears and quickly pops in the right side of the screen and throws a dagger at a random enemy dealing 1 hit. If the enemy was attacked in the last 3 seconds, Astarion deals bonus damage equal to 1 second of BUD-based damage.
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Base Attack Type: Ranged
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Base Attack Speed: 6 seconds
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Base Critical Hit Chance: 2.5%
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Base Critical Hit Damage: 100%
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Self-DPS Buff: 7.13e15%
Ultimate: Sanguine Hunger - Astarion disappears and quickly leaps from the right side and attacks the monster with the most health with a vampiric bite, dealing ultimate damage and he heals all damage.
- Base Ultimate Cooldown Time: 60 seconds
##Passive Abilities
Vampire Spawn: Astarion counts as "dead" for the purposes of effects that care about dead Champions, but "alive" for all other purposes.
##Interesting Abilities
Ceremorphosis: Your formation gains one Ceremorphosis stack due to the mind flayer tadpole in Astarion's brain. Astarion increases the effect of Outflank by 100% for each Ceremorphosis stack, stacking multiplicatively.
- No upgrades; Supported by an Item
Generational Wealth: Astarion increases the gold find of the formation by 1% times the total age (in years) of all Champions in the formation.
- 64% after upgrades; Supported by an Item & a Feat
Well Fed: After using his Sanguine Hunger Ultimate, Astarion's Outflank is increased by 400%. This effect can stack (multiplicatively) up to 5 times, with stacks resetting when changing areas.
- No upgrades; Supported by an Item & a Feat
The Ultimate Outflank: If Astarion is buffed by his own Outflank ability, when he uses his Sanguine Hunger Ultimate attack, he reduces the active ultimate cooldown of all other Champions in the formation by 10%.
- No upgrades; Supported by Feats
Global DPS Buff: 9.33e06%
##Specialization Choice 1
Outflank (Top): Astarion increases the damage of all Champions at the top of each column by +100%.
- 4.19e08% after upgrades; Supported by an Item & a Feat
Outflank (Bottom): Astarion increases the damage of all Champions at the bottom of each column by +100%.
- 4.19e08% after upgrades; Supported by an Item & a Feat
##Specialization Choice 2
Thief: Astarion increases the gold find of the party by +100% for each gold find champion in the formation, stacking multiplicatively.
Arcane Trickster: Astarion increases the damage bonus of his Outflank specialization by 100% for each Champion in the formation that is a Rogue, Wizard, or Absolute Adversaries affiliation member.
Assassin: Increase the bonus BUD-based damage Astarion's Sneak Attack deals (when attacking an enemy who has been attacked in the last 3 seconds) to 5 seconds worth.
##Equipment
| White | Green | Blue | Purple | Gild Priority | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slot 1: Increases the damage of all Champions | 10% | 65% | 120% | 230% | 3 |
| Slot 2: Increases the effect of Astarion's Ceremorphosis ability | 25% | 87.5% | 150% | 275% | 1 |
| Slot 3: Increases the effect of Astarion's Generational Wealth ability | 25% | 87.5% | 150% | 275% | 2 |
| Slot 4: Increases the effect of Astarion's Well Fed ability | 25% | 87.5% | 150% | 275% | 2 |
| Slot 5: Increases the effect of Astarion's Outlank (Top/Bottom) specializations | 25% | 87.5% | 150% | 275% | 2 |
| Slot 6: Reduces the cooldown on Astarion's Ultimate Attack | 2s | 3s | 6s | 15s | 4 |
##Legendary Effects
- Increases the damage of all
- Increases the damage of all
- Increases the damage of all
- Increases the damage of all
- Increases the damage of all
- Increases the damage of all
Gaar's Note: Find more information on the Legendary system here.
##Feats
Here is the info for when you can unlock each Feat Slot:
| Feat Slot | Unlocked at Level | Rough Cost |
|---|---|---|
| First | 260 | e22 |
| Second | 1070 | e43 |
| Third | 2010 | e68 |
| Fourth | 3170 | e96 |
Gaar's Note: Currently, you will need to level this Champion past their current upgrade softcap which will require you changing the blue update indicator from UPG to one of the numbered options.
Here is the info on what Feats are available for this Champion:
| Obtained | Recommended | Name | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Default | Selflessness | Increases the damage of all Champions by 10% | |
| Default | Frugal | Increases all Gold found by 10% | |
| Default | Undying Savings | Increases the effect of Astarion's Generational Wealth by 20% | |
| Default | Mortal Bond | Increases the effect of Astarion's Outflank (Top/Bottom) abilities by 20% | |
| Regular Gold Chest | Inspiring Leader | Increases the damage of all Champions by 25% | |
| 12,500 Gems | Lucky | Increases all Gold found by 25% | |
| Regular Gold Chest | Pushing | Eldritch Connection | Increases the effect of Astarion's Ceremorphosis ability by 40% |
| Regular Gold Chest | Gold Find | Familiar Tithing | Increases the effect of Astarion's Generational Wealth by 40% |
| 12,500 Gems | Pushing | Blood Fueled | Increases the effect of Astarion's Well Fed ability by 40% |
| Regular Gold Chest | Mist Step | Increases the effect of Astarion's The Ultimate Outflank ability by 20% | |
| 50,000 Gems | Shadow's Embrace | Increases the effect of Astarion's The Ultimate Outflank ability by 40% | |
| Regular Gold Chest | Pushing | Sanguine Pact | Increases the effect of Astarion's Outflank (Top/Bottom) abilities by 40% |
##Level Upgrades
Gaar's Note: Level Cost is the cost to go from your current level to the stated level. It is not a cumulative total. However, since we're dealing with very large numbers, it's in the ballpark.
| Level | Level Cost | Upgrade Effect |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | NA | Vampire Spawn |
| 1 | Add to Formation | |
| 10 | Specialization Choice 1 | |
| 30 | Increases the damage of all Champions by 200% | |
| 40 | Increases the damage of Astarion by 100% | |
| 50 | Ceremorphosis | |
| 70 | Increases the damage of Astarion by 100% | |
| 80 | Increases the effect of Astarion's Outflank (Top/Bottom) ability by 100% | |
| 90 | Generational Wealth | |
| 100 | Increases the damage of Astarion by 100% | |
| 110 | Ultimate Ability | |
| 140 | Well Fed | |
| 150 | Increases the effect of Astarion's Outflank (Top/Bottom) ability by 100% | |
| 160 | Increases the damage of Astarion by 100% | |
| 170 | Increases the damage of all Champions by 200% | |
| 180 | The Ultimate Outflank | |
| 200 | Specialization Choice 2 | |
| 220 | Increases the damage of Astarion by 100% | |
| 230 | Increases the effect of Astarion's Outflank (Top/Bottom) ability by 100% | |
| 260 | Increases the damage of Astarion by 100% | |
| 270 | Increases the damage of all Champions by 100% | |
| 290 | Increases the effect of Astarion's Generational Wealth ability by 100% | |
| 300 | Increases the effect of Astarion's Outflank (Top/Bottom) ability by 100% | |
| 310 | Increases the damage of Astarion by 100% | |
| 390 | Increases the damage of Astarion by 300% | |
| 400 | Increases the effect of Astarion's Outflank (Top/Bottom) ability by 100% | |
| 440 | Increases the damage of Astarion by 200% | |
| 480 | Increases the damage of Astarion by 200% | |
| 490 | Increases the damage of all Champions by 100% | |
| 500 | Increases the effect of Astarion's Outflank (Top/Bottom) ability by 100% | |
| 570 | Increases the damage of Astarion by 300% | |
| 590 | Increases the effect of Astarion's Generational Wealth ability by 100% | |
| 600 | Increases the effect of Astarion's Outflank (Top/Bottom) ability by 100% | |
| 650 | Increases the damage of Astarion by 300% | |
| 730 | Increases the damage of Astarion by 200% | |
| 740 | Increases the damage of all Champions by 100% | |
| 750 | Increases the effect of Astarion's Outflank (Top/Bottom) ability by 100% | |
| 810 | Increases the damage of Astarion by 200% | |
| 890 | Increases the damage of Astarion by 200% | |
| 900 | Increases the effect of Astarion's Outflank (Top/Bottom) ability by 100% | |
| 980 | Increases the damage of Astarion by 300% | |
| 990 | Increases the effect of Astarion's Generational Wealth ability by 100% | |
| 1060 | Increases the damage of Astarion by 300% | |
| 1090 | Increases the damage of all Champions by 200% | |
| 1100 | Increases the effect of Astarion's Outflank (Top/Bottom) ability by 100% | |
| 1130 | Increases the damage of Astarion by 200% | |
| 1190 | Increases the damage of Astarion by 200% | |
| 1200 | Increases the effect of Astarion's Outflank (Top/Bottom) ability by 100% | |
| 1270 | Increases the damage of Astarion by 200% | |
| 1280 | Increases the damage of all Champions by 100% | |
| 1350 | Increases the effect of Astarion's Outflank (Top/Bottom) ability by 100% | |
| 1360 | Increases the damage of Astarion by 200% | |
| 1470 | Increases the damage of Astarion by 300% | |
| 1480 | Increases the damage of all Champions by 100% | |
| 1490 | Increases the effect of Astarion's Generational Wealth ability by 100% | |
| 1550 | Increases the effect of Astarion's Outflank (Top/Bottom) ability by 100% | |
| 1560 | Increases the damage of Astarion by 200% | |
| 1710 | Increases the damage of Astarion by 300% | |
| 1720 | Increases the effect of Astarion's Outflank (Top/Bottom) ability by 100% | |
| 1790 | Increases the damage of Astarion by 100% | |
| 1800 | Increases the damage of all Champions by 200% | |
| 1870 | Increases the damage of Astarion by 100% | |
| 1880 | Increases the effect of Astarion's Outflank (Top/Bottom) ability by 100% | |
| 1990 | Increases the effect of Astarion's Generational Wealth ability by 100% | |
| 2000 | Increases the damage of Astarion by 100% | |
| 2050 | Increases the effect of Astarion's Outflank (Top/Bottom) ability by 100% | |
| 2100 | Increases the damage of all Champions by 200% | |
| 2110 | Increases the damage of Astarion by 100% | |
| 2200 | Increases the effect of Astarion's Outflank (Top/Bottom) ability by 100% | |
| 2300 | Increases the damage of all Champions by 100% | |
| 2360 | Increases the effect of Astarion's Outflank (Top/Bottom) ability by 100% | |
| 2490 | Increases the effect of Astarion's Generational Wealth ability by 100% | |
| 2510 | Increases the effect of Astarion's Outflank (Top/Bottom) ability by 100% | |
| 2520 | Increases the damage of Astarion by 100% | |
| 2590 | Increases the damage of all Champions by 200% | |
| 2600 | Increases the effect of Astarion's Outflank (Top/Bottom) ability by 100% | |
| 2610 | Increases the damage of Astarion by 200% | |
| 2700 | Increases the damage of Astarion by 300% | |
| 2740 | Increases the damage of all Champions by 100% | |
| 2750 | Increases the damage of Astarion by 100% | |
| 2760 | Increases the effect of Astarion's Outflank (Top/Bottom) ability by 100% |
Current max upgrade level is 2760
#Formation & Mission Information
Once you complete the first mission, three Variants and a Free Play show up. It uses a formation that holds 10 Champions. It has a Champ-specific format that I've done my best to re-create below.
| Back Column | 3rd Column | 2nd Column | Front Column |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | |||
| 0 | 0 | ||
| 0 | |||
| 0 | 0 | ||
| 0 | |||
| 0 | 0 | ||
| 0 |
New Player Formation & Specializations:
While I recommend learning to build your own formations, here's a set of starter formations for brand new players to use while they get the hang of things. Anyone with other options should check that link for how to figure out how to make the best of them. You can also ask for help in the #formations channel in the official Discord.
| Back Column | 3rd Column | 2nd Column | Front Column |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nayeli - Oath of Devotion | |||
| Asharra - Dwarves & Elves | Bruenor - Battle Master | ||
| Calliope - College of Valor | |||
| Minsc - Humanoids | Celeste - War Domain | ||
| Hitch - Charismatic | |||
| NA | Jarlaxle - Leader of Bregan D'aerthe | ||
| NA |
This formation is for the first couple of runs where you're just not going to get enough Gold to get everyone on the field, let alone level people up into their power curves. At this point, Jarlaxle is focusing on being your Primary DPS while everyone else is set up to support him.
The following formation is for once your Hitch starts doing more damage than your Jarlaxle. You can find this out by pulling Asharra out of the formation and swapping Jarlaxle and Hitch around to see whose damage is better. If Hitch is higher, next run change Asharra's Spec to buff Hitch instead.
| Back Column | 3rd Column | 2nd Column | Front Column |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nayeli - Oath of Devotion | |||
| Makos - Dark Blessing | Bruenor - Battle Master | ||
| Calliope - College of Valor | |||
| Asharra - (Swap) | Celeste - War Domain | ||
| Minsc - Humanoids | |||
| Jarlaxle - Leader of Bregan D'aerthe | Hitch - Charismatic | ||
| Tyril - Wild Shape |
This formation should get you through the Event as a new player. If you have other options or think a different DPS is geared better, try it out and see what happens! Swapping DPS around like this can help you figure out what works best for you with your specific items.
These are the rough Favor values you need to reach to make a Variant say Difficulty: Easy. Keep in mind that this is just a generic rating system and some Variants may be harder than others, even with Favor in this range.
| Variant | Favor Level (Normal) | Favor Level (Scientific Notation) |
|---|---|---|
| 75 | 20,000 | ~2e04 |
| 125 | 15,000,000 | ~1.5e07 |
| 175 | 150,000,000 | ~1.5e08 |
##Initial Adventure: Brightly into Darkness (Astarion)
Cost: 100 Owlbear Feathers
Complete: Level 50
Reward: Astarion + whatever Tempus' Favor you earned
Info: No restrictions.
Gaar's Note: The area 50 boss is actually two bosses. The giant spider is the annoying one that stuns your Champions with their web. You may want to swap over to Asharra or Minsc (from Jarlaxle) as your DPS here to help waveclear since Jarlaxle will only attack the furthest enemy. You can also click directly on the spider once every 5 seconds or so to remove a health chunk. Once the spider is dead, the other boss and the trash mobs will fall easily.
##First Variant: Grab a Quick Bite
Cost: 1,000 Owlbear Feathers
Complete: Area 75
Reward: Gold Astarion Chest & whatever Tempus' Favor you earned
Info: Astarion joins the formation. He can be moved, but not removed. Only Champions in the top or bottom slot of each column can deal damage.
Gaar's Notes: This is pretty straightforward. Just make sure to have your DPS in either the top or bottom of each column based on what Spec Choice you pick for Astarion. it will be a little slower as not all Champions will be killing things early on.
##Second Variant: Fangs and Fortune
Cost: 2,500 Owlbear Feathers
Complete: Area 125
Reward: Gold Astarion Chest & whatever Tempus' Favor you earned
Info: Astarion joins the formation. He can be moved, but not removed. You may only use Champions that are 50 years old or older.
Gaar's Notes: So you'll be slightly restricted with your formation here, but you can always overcome that with some extra Favor. Get e01 more Favor per empty formation slot or filler Champion above the Favor shown in the chart above and you'll be fine.
##Third Variant: Fangs for the Memories
Cost: 5,000 Owlbear Feathers
Complete: Area 175
Reward: Gold Astarion Chest & whatever Tempus' Favor you earned
Info: Astarion joins the formation. He can be moved, but not removed. You may only use Champions with a base Ultimate cooldown duration of 300 seconds or longer.
Gaar's Notes: This is trying to teach you about his ultimate cooldown ability and get you some credit towards his achievement. As above, add Favor if you have empty formation slots or are using sub-optimal Champions to overcome this restriction.
##Free Play
Cost: 500 - 2500 Owlbear Feathers (Cost scales based on how many you do to a max of 2500)
Complete: Area 50 to earn a random Astarion chest
Reward: See above + whatever Tempus' Favor you earned
Info: No restrictions.
#Achievements
Gaar's Note: All of these achievements can be earned at any time, not just during their Event, except where noted.
Recruit Astarion - 1%
Recruit Astarion, the High Elf Rogue
The Pale Elf - 1%
Complete all three variants of the "Brightly into Darkness (Astarion)" adventure. (This achievement can be earned via Time Gates.)
Dress for the Occasion - 1%
Obtain a piece of gear for each of Astarion's six equipment slots. (Event Champ gear does not come from regular Silver/Gold Chests. You can earn Event Champ gear from their specific Event Chests, Time Gates, qualifying Patron Chests, and other Chests as noted.)
Further Into Darkness - 1%
Complete area 275 in any "Brightly into Darkness" free play. (This achievement can only be earned during the Brightswords Event, but it can be earned in any Champion's free play.)
The Ultimate Achievement - 1%
Reduce other Champions' ultimate cooldowns by 5,000 seconds total by using Astarion's The Ultimate Outflank ability.
Gaar's Note: This is pretty straightforward and can be done just by using him a lot. Hew Maan's ability to reduce ultimate cooldowns could help here a bit as well, but ultimately you'll just need to farm it out.
Posted Sep 6, 2023, 9:28 PM UTC