Originally Posted by ash elemental
On the other hand letting Astarion drink blood, while making him happy, feels like a "trap" choice for a good aligned character. It allows him to engage in his monstrous nature for the first time, something he couldn't before, ironically due to Cazador's orders. So it is a step away from redemption.

I usually play Neutral/Good, and usually support the companions in pursuing their own personal interests rather than blindly forcing them to follow my authority.
I'm not sure about that being a step away from redemption... I see it as a step towards him reclaiming his power as a free vampire ("after all, you know what I am now, I can fight with all my weapons - teeth included"). He IS a vampire, has been for 200 years, this can't be changed. But whether he becomes a true monster by his actions in the rest of the story, and what he does with that power - that remains to be seen. Is betrayal likely? Oh probably very likely during his personal quest. Do I have a hope of redeeming him somehow? Certainly I hope the option will be there. smile

Again the fact that we all see him differently, and not just in black & white, proves how well-written AND well-acted he is as a character. smile