Gale, all by himself, hiding on the nautiloid, trying not to be recaptured, sees you unconscious and surrounded by intellect devourers.
He's one guy. A first level wizard. Is he going to:
A. charge in and get killed in the hopes that he might be able to save you assuming you're even still alive?
-or-
B. try to get away?
*
I don't believe that the average person would notice Shadowheart's armor. That said, I do think a religion roll would be in order, which, if passed, should initiate a conversation.
The idea of getting romantic with Shadowheart creeps me out a little when I think about it.
1. She's super up front about how she's a liar. Red flag.
-and-
2. She doesn't even have her memories. And here you are developing a relationship with her. When she gets her memories back, who is she going to be? She could be married for all the two of you know. She could have a *completely* different personality.
*
Regarding Laezel sticking around... it's a game. Games always make allowances for doing side quests. The main quest is always super important and demanding immediate attention... but somehow the character finds time to go off and do side quests anyway.
That's just the way it is.
If Laezel left the party after a couple of nights, folks would be screaming in protest.
*
Say what you will about Astarion, but at least his introductory scene is interesting. Something happens. As opposed to: "Hi, I'm Astarion, and gosh, I'm scared out here alone. Who are you?" <--boring.
