Baldur’s Gate Modern AU (1990s Russia edition)

In 1990s Saint Petersburg mafia, KGB, oligarchs and deathly cults strive to control the "northern capital". Six people find themselves in the midst of events — who shall they become, puppets or revolutionaries?

Astarion

Looks much younger than he is, native to Leningrad. His family are a part of old soviet intellectual elite (educated and classist). Graduated from the Leningrad State University (degree in Law). Astarion was making a political career but alas perestroika started and the crime rate increased — got almost killed by gang members and was saved by a mysterious figure who used his fragile state to kidnap him and force into sex work (also put Astarion on drugs). Now, ten years later Astarion has no fucking clue what to do with his life and how to obtain freedom after years of abuse, drugs and prostitution.

Gale

Until recently Gale was a teacher in a private boarding school for the oligarchs' kids. Was groomed by an older woman who was also a wife of a politician. The lady infected Gale with AIDS and also blackmailed him. Now his life and health are in ruins and he is being hunted by goons hired by Mystra's husband.

Wyll

Transmasc and native to Northern Caucas. Disowned by his clan and family, he comes to what is now Saint Petersburg snd becomes a hitman for a local authority, a cruel woman called Diavolitsa (she-devil). Wyll doesn't give up and is always in a good mood tho it seems like you can't run from russian mafia even if you go straight to hell.

Shadowheart

Raised in one of many cults that grow abundant in the country, Shadowheart remembers neither her real name nor childhood. She believes in the cult leader, the Dark Lady, who claims herself a goddess, and suffers from chronic pains. Her beliefs will be challenge as she starts rememebering more and more. Who kidnapped her? Where are her real parents? And where does the line lie between a hippie commune and a totalitarian cult?

Laezel

An illegal immigrant, she is at least dissapointed with the current state of events in post-soviet Russia. She is on a secret mission and actually a a spy. But considering her age she has never truly experienced life and all its opportunities.

Karlach

A former child sportstar. Perestroika and the collapse of the USSR took her future and life opportunities. Worked as a bodyguard for an oligarch Enver Gortash but he sold her to mafia who tortured Karlach relentlessly. Her health is ruined and she needs drugs that aren't sold in Russia so she has to ask drugdealers for help. Many people think she works for mafia but it isn't true

Minthara

A KGB agent (was and is). Believes in whatever the state tells her to believe but misses good old communism. Very loyal and doesn't forget betrayals. Knows sambo, comes from a big all-women family, despises men.

Halsin

Eco-activist and a protester. He is the oldest in the group. Much more educated than he looks like but doesn't think intelligence is a merit of a good person. "Lenin was educated, look where it all took us". His full passport name is Serebryakov-Vetkin Mikhail Dobroslavovich. Probably comes from some tzar time nobility but he will never tell.

Bonus:

- Oligarch Enver Gortash (Gortashev Enver Igorevich), heavily involved with military

- Mafia leader Raphael (everyone calls him Rafik and he hates it, has a mansion built on his dad's money)

- Dammon, people call him Dimon. A talented inventor, has little to no ambition. If he emigrates, will probably become a millionaire

- Elminster (Emil). Once a member of science academy he is downgraded to a personal tutor of a greedy politician whose wife Mystra seduced Gale. The only reason why Gale is still alive is because Elminster managed to persuade the powerful couple to let Gale go for now

- Volo (Vova). A bard and a menestrel, he is heavily involved into fantasy RPG subculture. Meanwhile he is a huge Tolkien fan and makes ballads based on Silmarillion, he mostly cosplays Jaskier from the popular Witcher series. Once performed a lobotomy in a communal flat

- Jaheira (Yana). She was against USSR when it wasn't trendy. Spent some time in prison for anti-communistic ideas. Was pardoned in 1992.

- Minsc (yes, he is from the capital of Belarus). Jaheira's friend he was put into mental facility in the 1970s. Everyone thought he died but he is here with us, ready to fight for freedom and peace (though years in the ward affected his mental health). Has a pet hamster.

- Cazador ("why spanish name, fancy yourself Pablo Escobar?"). Well, in his head he is the scariest man in Saint Petersburg (Leningrad). In reality, no one knows him. Literally. He is no one. He isn't even rich. Kidnaps people and makes them slaves in his mansion. Has a deal with Rafael's father. Sadist and pervert, makes money by forcing his slaves into sex work. Basically just a greedy pimp.

- Ketheric Thorm. Oh this man, a victim of relentless history. He witnesses the October revolution and civil war, dedicated his life to the USSR and communism and then it collapsed leaving Ketheric old and miserable. He works for Enver and has no hope for the future.

- Isobel. Ketheric's daughter and a talented surgeon. Was considered dead.

- Lady Aylin. Isobel's gf and a professional fighter. Was held hostage by Ketheric who didn't want his daughter to be a lesbian.

- Araj Oblodra. A psycho pyromaniac and that person who will poison you if you cross paths with KGB. Obsessed with vampires (Twilight fan before Twilight).

- Orin. Professional ballet dancer, she will perform Swan Lake on your enemies bodies. Everyone thinks Enver sleeps with her but he is too afraid.

- Mystra. A politician's wife, grooms her lovers from young age. Into spirituality.

- Karniss. Hell no. Don't ask what was done to him in a secret KGB lab

- Petras (Piotr), Dalyria (Daria), Leon, Yossen (Esya), Violet (Violetta) - Astarion's siblings and Cazador’s victims. The relationship between them are rocky at the very least

Hope you enjoyed it! If i forgot someone, let me know!

I don't know you (yet), but I love and am now following!

I'm doing a modern AU as well, with every race from a different area of the world, and my dark elves, including my MC, will be Russian! Just seemed to fit so well, and the Russian attitude and political climate is just so appropriate. I also have always heard drow with an Eastern European accent 😁

Mine takes place in 1980s Miami, where I got my start in life, and I knew a bunch who'd escaped the cold war and set up their own fun little sketchy enterprises. So imagine little 5'2" guys being intimidating, smoking cigarettes in Adidas tracksuits and wife beaters, chilling on street corners, getting drunk and acting up, driving aggressively, etc, lol.

And don't worry! I got permission from @karlachismylife , who lives in Russia, to be stereotypical and annoying. 🥰

P.S. in mine, my MC (male drow) is a ballet dancer. That was even before the Russian idea, and I forgot how popular that is there! The stars align.

Oh, that sounds so cool! Then I am giving you my permission as well as a russian resident XD Be annoyingly stereotypical! And Drows who are russian mafia is such a neat idea!

Oh god, how did I miss this gem when it was originally posted?!

Crawling under the table, howling with laughter.

@vera-king-hrfl - feel free to hit me up for any russian stuff as well!

@vixstarria if i ever get paypal and patreon i will post those au for subscribers XD

Baldur’s Gate Modern AU (1990s Russia edition)

In 1990s Saint Petersburg mafia, KGB, oligarchs and deathly cults strive to control the "northern capital". Six people find themselves in the midst of events — who shall they become, puppets or revolutionaries?

Astarion

Looks much younger than he is, native to Leningrad. His family are a part of old soviet intellectual elite (educated and classist). Graduated from the Leningrad State University (degree in Law). Astarion was making a political career but alas perestroika started and the crime rate increased — got almost killed by gang members and was saved by a mysterious figure who used his fragile state to kidnap him and force into sex work (also put Astarion on drugs). Now, ten years later Astarion has no fucking clue what to do with his life and how to obtain freedom after years of abuse, drugs and prostitution.

Gale

Until recently Gale was a teacher in a private boarding school for the oligarchs' kids. Was groomed by an older woman who was also a wife of a politician. The lady infected Gale with AIDS and also blackmailed him. Now his life and health are in ruins and he is being hunted by goons hired by Mystra's husband.

Wyll

Transmasc and native to Northern Caucas. Disowned by his clan and family, he comes to what is now Saint Petersburg snd becomes a hitman for a local authority, a cruel woman called Diavolitsa (she-devil). Wyll doesn't give up and is always in a good mood tho it seems like you can't run from russian mafia even if you go straight to hell.

Shadowheart

Raised in one of many cults that grow abundant in the country, Shadowheart remembers neither her real name nor childhood. She believes in the cult leader, the Dark Lady, who claims herself a goddess, and suffers from chronic pains. Her beliefs will be challenge as she starts rememebering more and more. Who kidnapped her? Where are her real parents? And where does the line lie between a hippie commune and a totalitarian cult?

Laezel

An illegal immigrant, she is at least dissapointed with the current state of events in post-soviet Russia. She is on a secret mission and actually a a spy. But considering her age she has never truly experienced life and all its opportunities.

Karlach

A former child sportstar. Perestroika and the collapse of the USSR took her future and life opportunities. Worked as a bodyguard for an oligarch Enver Gortash but he sold her to mafia who tortured Karlach relentlessly. Her health is ruined and she needs drugs that aren't sold in Russia so she has to ask drugdealers for help. Many people think she works for mafia but it isn't true

Minthara

A KGB agent (was and is). Believes in whatever the state tells her to believe but misses good old communism. Very loyal and doesn't forget betrayals. Knows sambo, comes from a big all-women family, despises men.

Halsin

Eco-activist and a protester. He is the oldest in the group. Much more educated than he looks like but doesn't think intelligence is a merit of a good person. "Lenin was educated, look where it all took us". His full passport name is Serebryakov-Vetkin Mikhail Dobroslavovich. Probably comes from some tzar time nobility but he will never tell.

Bonus:

- Oligarch Enver Gortash (Gortashev Enver Igorevich), heavily involved with military

- Mafia leader Raphael (everyone calls him Rafik and he hates it, has a mansion built on his dad's money)

- Dammon, people call him Dimon. A talented inventor, has little to no ambition. If he emigrates, will probably become a millionaire

- Elminster (Emil). Once a member of science academy he is downgraded to a personal tutor of a greedy politician whose wife Mystra seduced Gale. The only reason why Gale is still alive is because Elminster managed to persuade the powerful couple to let Gale go for now

- Volo (Vova). A bard and a menestrel, he is heavily involved into fantasy RPG subculture. Meanwhile he is a huge Tolkien fan and makes ballads based on Silmarillion, he mostly cosplays Jaskier from the popular Witcher series. Once performed a lobotomy in a communal flat

- Jaheira (Yana). She was against USSR when it wasn't trendy. Spent some time in prison for anti-communistic ideas. Was pardoned in 1992.

- Minsc (yes, he is from the capital of Belarus). Jaheira's friend he was put into mental facility in the 1970s. Everyone thought he died but he is here with us, ready to fight for freedom and peace (though years in the ward affected his mental health). Has a pet hamster.

- Cazador ("why spanish name, fancy yourself Pablo Escobar?"). Well, in his head he is the scariest man in Saint Petersburg (Leningrad). In reality, no one knows him. Literally. He is no one. He isn't even rich. Kidnaps people and makes them slaves in his mansion. Has a deal with Rafael's father. Sadist and pervert, makes money by forcing his slaves into sex work. Basically just a greedy pimp.

- Ketheric Thorm. Oh this man, a victim of relentless history. He witnesses the October revolution and civil war, dedicated his life to the USSR and communism and then it collapsed leaving Ketheric old and miserable. He works for Enver and has no hope for the future.

- Isobel. Ketheric's daughter and a talented surgeon. Was considered dead.

- Lady Aylin. Isobel's gf and a professional fighter. Was held hostage by Ketheric who didn't want his daughter to be a lesbian.

- Araj Oblodra. A psycho pyromaniac and that person who will poison you if you cross paths with KGB. Obsessed with vampires (Twilight fan before Twilight).

- Orin. Professional ballet dancer, she will perform Swan Lake on your enemies bodies. Everyone thinks Enver sleeps with her but he is too afraid.

- Mystra. A politician's wife, grooms her lovers from young age. Into spirituality.

- Karniss. Hell no. Don't ask what was done to him in a secret KGB lab

- Petras (Piotr), Dalyria (Daria), Leon, Yossen (Esya), Violet (Violetta) - Astarion's siblings and Cazador’s victims. The relationship between them are rocky at the very least

Hope you enjoyed it! If i forgot someone, let me know!

I don't know you (yet), but I love and am now following!

I'm doing a modern AU as well, with every race from a different area of the world, and my dark elves, including my MC, will be Russian! Just seemed to fit so well, and the Russian attitude and political climate is just so appropriate. I also have always heard drow with an Eastern European accent 😁

Mine takes place in 1980s Miami, where I got my start in life, and I knew a bunch who'd escaped the cold war and set up their own fun little sketchy enterprises. So imagine little 5'2" guys being intimidating, smoking cigarettes in Adidas tracksuits and wife beaters, chilling on street corners, getting drunk and acting up, driving aggressively, etc, lol.

And don't worry! I got permission from @karlachismylife , who lives in Russia, to be stereotypical and annoying. 🥰

P.S. in mine, my MC (male drow) is a ballet dancer. That was even before the Russian idea, and I forgot how popular that is there! The stars align.

Oh, that sounds so cool! Then I am giving you my permission as well as a russian resident XD Be annoyingly stereotypical! And Drows who are russian mafia is such a neat idea!

I love my job, but reblogging employment jelly for someone else I love.

me and my last working brain cell at work:

When your boss shows up to the meeting in full armour and you're standing there sincerely regretting your decision to wear a hoodie.

do not start your day. fuck all of this.

[Image ID: A cartoon smiling blob with a cup of coffee in its hand. The picture has a grayscale filter on it, and in the eyes of the depicted creature only existential emptiness can be seen. The Ukrainian text says: "Do not start your day. Fuck all of this." /End ID]

'The necklace stays on'

The WIP title of this was "Finrod in red" because Curufin likes that because it symbolizes Curufin's growing influence over Nargothrond (and its king?). Also made 2 alt versions because I'm not Curufin and usually prefer Finrod in blues and greens.

Ok so I've been working on this for like half a year and set myself a deadline to finish this in time for @silmsmutweek when I saw how well it matched some of the prompts, but well…I failed.

But in case it still counts, here is a super late Curufinrod submission for @silmsmutweek - day 6 (complicated relationships, jewellery, hair, politics, oaths)

Just found out about Marion Zimmer Bradley's daughter and it got me wondering how many people become reactionary weirdos because they where abused by the absolute worst elements of the post 60s counterculture (ie "free love" = abuse people and fuck kids)

Disclaimer: Yes, I am aware it is November and I'm late, but I had other stuff to do. I'm still committing to finishing it though.

oh my fucking god

Was about to read the mists of avalon, then learned about the author being a child molester.. That's enough arthurian legends for today, i'm returning to merlin fanfics

And then I remembered why Thomas Malory was locked in prison where he wrote Le mort d'Arthur