Summary
As they journey through Faerun,Baldur’s Gate 3’scompanionsdevelop close relationships with each other. Shadowheart and Lae’zel bury the hatchet. Karlach learns from her idol Jaheira and bonds with Wyll over shared enemies. And Minsc, a returning hero from previousBaldur’s Gategames - and noted slayer of vampires - surprises everyone by developing a humorous and even heartwarming friendship withBaldur’s Gate 3’sown vampire, Astarion.
Minsc Was Once A Dedicated Killer Of Vampires
Minsc’s Ranger class granted him a specific favored enemy race inBaldur’s Gate 1and2.Initially, these were Gnolls, but became vampires inBaldur’s Gate 2.He disliked vampires because the witch Dynaheir, whom he was responsible for protecting, was killed by one while captured by villainJon Irenicus. Vampires were fought throughout the game - notably, Jon’s sister Bodhi and her henchmen - and Minsc was consistently effective at taking them down.
In a later comic book,Shadow of the Vampire,Minsc (and his hamster Boo) find themselves in the Ravenloft setting, where they face off against the vampireStrahd von Zarovich. Minsc couldn’t defeat Strahd, something which greatly shook his confidence in himself as a “hero of good” capable of crushing evil. The usually cheerful Minsc ends the comic demoralized, with his dislike of vampires only further increased.
Despite This, Minsc Fails To Recognize Astarion
Having once had vampires as a favored enemy, it seemsBG3’s Minscwould be skilled at identifying them - but, inBaldur’s Gate 3,this is not the case. He thinks that Astarion is a coward who fears blood and needs Boo to reveal the truth. After recruiting Minsc, should players ask his opinion of Astarion, the ranger has this to say:
Astarion…is a coward. How can he fight the battles to come, when he grows soft at the first sight of blood? … Just one moment…Minsc may have been mistaken. Boo presents compelling evidence that Astarion may in fact be a vampire. -Minsc
The Vampire And Vampire Slayer Form A Bond
Despite Minsc’s past poor relationship with vampires, he andBaldur’s Gate 3’s Astarionform a genuine bond. He even explicitly calls Astarion a friend when reassuring Boo that the spawn will not bite him - although the pair’s friendship does sour somewhat should Astarion become the power-hungry Vampire Ascendant.
Minsc Eagerly Suggests A New Food Source For Astarion
Should players have both Minsc and Astarion in their party when visiting the docks of Baldur’s Gate, Minsc will eagerly - and loudly - suggest that Astarion could feed on fish blood. He thinks that fish are a perfect vampiric food source both because Astarion would not have to kill sentient beings and because fish are “naught but neck.” Astarion is confused but ultimately calls it a “sweet suggestion,” withactor Neil Newbonmanaging to sound both utterly baffled and genuinely touched.
Boo And Astarion Get Along Well
It is not justMinsc, but his beloved pet Boowho forms a surprising bond with the party’s vampire spawn. This is mentioned in several party banter dialogues between Minsc and Astarion. In one, Minsc worries that Boo is beginning to develop a taste for rare meat. Another sees Astarion call Boo “delightfully vicious” when he learns that Boo (according to Minsc) is surprisingly snarky. Even Ascended Astarion is surprisingly nice to Boo, offering him his own “elegant shoulder” as a perch should he ever tire of Minsc.
Minsc Is Unsure About Ascended Astarion
Even if Astarion becomes the Vampire Ascendant, Minsc’s attitude towards him is conflicted rather than hostile. Initially, he refuses to believe his friend has truly changed, and will openly mournAscended Astarion inBG3if he’s killed by the Gur monster hunters. Minsc even seems somewhat attracted to the Vampire Lord, mentioning his “twinkly wiles” and “downy mane” of hair. This is a far cry from the man who once made exterminating vampires his personal mission.
