Poly is much more common then you'd think. But it's less about "poly" and more about "why and why not and why aren't we talking about that when I can (or can't) be with you without resulting in neglect". Think about it. At no point do we have any conversation like that. And you can kind of sleep with gale and Astoron but that's more of an oversight I think (that might not get fixed and left in. Why fix it if it's entertaining?). Just saw a youtube vid of it. Those two also are male and neither are female. Lucky gay people.

Jaheira from BG2 actually is understanding with that drow you sleep with if you're careful. But it's a very one sided situation the player is forced in (as opposed to working things together with all involved). This is of course if you're in a relationship with her. This is what it boils down too. "Sleep with the drow to not have the whole city attack you, or... admit you have a small penis". I'm not even joking. That's literary what it boils down too and it's done in the most immersive entertaining way. That "delicate" female companion with the wings (forgot the name) will outright go "Boo hoo, we're over" no mater what you do. If anyone knows otherwise let me know. She's just beyond reasoning with and I think I tried everything. She's extremely emotional like that. I much prefer Jaheira's interactions. And after what she's been through she actually handles it pretty well even if she is letting you have it (Her recent lover was tortured to death only recently. Of course she's letting you have it). "Logical. Debates with reason". You're on very thin ice but she also gives you a chance to get to safety. Mainly I'm pointing this out because you really FEEL the tension in the interaction. Like this could actually be happening. And that's how you handle jealousy when it gets ugly. By SHOWING it. Without resorting to "Cheap childish emotional tantrums". It makes the player feel immersed. Player choice remains intact. Multiple interactions remains intact (if you choose too). This should be how all games involving multiple companions as potential lovers. And despite that other girl being emotional, unfortunately that is a very realistic reaction at times as well. There should be multiple responses to such situations depending on who. Simply put, some people are simply more logical or/and understanding then others. And some people act like children. And that's how it should be.

If we're going for the simplest approach then simply flag companion A to talk to you at X time and companion B at Z time. Why didn't BG2 (or for that matter, Dragon Age) do this? You don't even need to add more conversations. Just let the player talk to them both. That's it. Job done. If a player wants to sleep with one or the other then that is their choice. If they want to sleep with both (and provide the emotional support) then that is their choice. What happens between you is between you. You just don't talk about it basically (but anything else added with that is a bonus). Less to code in the game. Very LITTLE effort to make it happen (using this specific approach). Basically, it should be the players choice. So if anyone has a very good reason why this can't be done beyond being judgemental then by all means point it out. I'm more interest why it wasn't in BG2.

And yes, the party in 3, I know. But you can work around that. See person B on a different night. If either person A or B is neglected, player gets punished. Likely with a break up due to neglect. Technically even BG1 has "Companions that quarrel" (and killing each other). So even here we see a very good reason to have conversations about "Let's work things out between you two". Or at the very least talking to one of them which goes "Fine. But you better make it worth my while."

Here's a quote from BG1.
Quote
Ajantis will eventually attack Montaron. However, it's possible to call Ajantis off by giving him another command when he attacks. A fight between the two can also be avoided by having Xan in the party, as he is able to talk Ajantis down.


My current thought process is this. "Why doesn't the PLAYER have the option to talk Ajantis down?" If I have a max charisma sat with max persuade and talk my way through ANY other situation it should be an option. It makes my invested charisma and persuasion in my own party feel wasted. Similar flaws are also in BG2. BG3 is an unknown factor currently. So... Devs can be bothered to code companions to be scripted first but if you don't have that companion the player can do nothing at all with not options given? Is that what I'm gathering from this?