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
