Right but that's a very overt and obvious subversion of will. What if its something that's subconscious - like being the baboon with the biggest reddest ass - or if you need a human analogy, we ascribe leadership to men with very large, wide faces - regardless of actual competency or ability.
The Tadpole manipulates our behavior in obvious and not so obvious ways. I know it sounds convenient - but there is some evidence to suggest this may be the case.
Welp…it is now impossible for me to look at my boss’s face without thinking about a baboon’s ass. Thank you for making my life a little better!
The way I see it, Asterion stays because he is lost and looking for safety (self preservation is his whole deal)…and he is used to being ruled over by someone. Wyll needs your help and let’s you take the lead to keep on your good side so you will help him keep his promise to the tieflings. LaZael would make more sense if you went the creche first thing, and thus her staying with you would be to do ready herself to deal with the traitor dragon rider with a force at her side…plus, she will never talk for the group as she does not understand Faerun culture (a convo u have with her in the grove). Gale and Shadowheart make no sense…unless they have nefarious reasons or a compulsion (which they very well might).
To me…this is the classic issue of having to suspend your belief in how much time is passing and not think too much about the order you are doing things…an issue with every rpg ever. Narratively, it could make sense for each character if u pretend u did their quests first thing (except for Gale and Shadowheart).
