While certain Baldur’s Gate 3 characters were recognized within the extensive lore of Dungeons & Dragons before making their debut in Larian Studios’ 2023 RPG, others, like Astarion, were only later introduced in the tabletop game’s official materials.
The Monster Manual and Player’s Handbook are arguably two of the most vital and important D&D books available, and Larian’s cherished vampire elf is now featured in both – through illustrations and text. Astarion was first seen in the 2024 edition of Wizards of the Coast’s Player’s Handbook, where he makes a brief appearance in an illustration of the Daylight spell – a spell that creates a sphere of light with a radius of 60 feet.
EN World noted this delightful cameo, later reaching out to artist David Astruga, who affirmed that he had intentionally included Astarion: “I added him on my own to the sketch of that image, and the art directors believed it was a fun idea to leave him there as a little Easter egg for keen observers. It doesn’t carry any additional significance, but it’s nice to keep in mind that Astarion is a character from Wizards, so he could naturally show up here or there.”
Astarion referenced in the new Monster Manual from r/BaldursGate3
Since then, the legendary elf has indeed returned to “appear here or there” once more – this time, in the 2025 edition of the Monster Manual. As highlighted by a fan on Reddit, Astarion is quoted on the Vampire Spawn page of the book. “Darling,” the text states, “you are simply delectable.” These words are credited to “Astarion, vampire spawn.”
It’s certainly a fun touch, and it’s fair to say that other companions might receive similar appearances in upcoming D&D publications.
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