Not always but often, special or exotic characters are a hallmark of lazy writing. The character lacks any personality so the author has to create all sorts of special traits to make the character unique. It’s why people dislike Mary Sues. Take away their perfect talent and face, they have no personality.
The irony is, Astarion may have been more interesting just being a low level snobbish noble elf caught up in all this mess. He could still be whiny and annoying but it would fit his character. Even his sarcasm and sadistic curiosity would work since an inexperienced pampered noble wouldn’t know how to deal with all that’s happening.
I agree Lae’zel is the most consistent companion.
Good points. It seems to be a symptom of Larian's penchant for the extreme. In another thread there is a quote from an interview with Swen where he essentially says that the Bless spell is boring and people want fireworks and damage, which is why they tend to create overpowered spell mechanics, etc. This template for the extraordinary seems to carry over in the personalities and stories of the companions we have so far (though I would agree on your points about Lae'zel).
I still baulk at the notion that one of our future companions will be a werewolf too; I mean, really...a vampire thrall and a werewolf in the same party? It's just a little too immature for my own liking, even though I realise some people hold the totally opposite opinion.
