And yes, the thread derailed a bit. I'm guilty of that too, since I brought in more examples, where I wanted to call companions out.
The same goes for me. I am sorry, Neleothesze, that I also digressed from the original topic by writing about adding more dialogue choices for role-playing purposes in general, amongst other things.
So, back on topic:
Giving shorty races dialogue choices to react when they are being insulted, dialogue choices which are available in other situations to other races already: Tieflings and Lae'zel, Gith and Shadowheart, all characters in Aradin's, Gale' and Gandrins case, etc.
Yes, I think this should definitely be added, too. I would not like to be "forced" to role-play a gnome/halfling/dwarf character who puts up with everything, just because a dialogue option is missing.I like that with early access, there is a possibility to point out where something has been overlooked.
(An argument that doesn't even hold water since you can punch Aradin from patch 1 for spouting similar stuff to Astarion)
Dialogue railroading is an example of bad writing - and unfortunately present in plenty of party-based RPGs, where the main character interacts with key NPCs (either quest relevant or writer's favorites). Said NPCs suddenly gain 'plot armor'/'protagonist halo' for the time it takes to spout some remark without the PC being able to react to it.
Regardless of whether or not you've played a shorty race or ever intend to play a shorty race, please be clear about what you are arguing for. You are not defending your option to 'be evil' or 'conform to the Forgotten Realms' social norms' (that was not in question), you are defending Tav having fewer dialogue choices because it makes Astarion look cool.
I think the range of options as to how our Tav can react should be the same for
every NPC or companion. Please no "plot armor", because I think it really limits role-playing possibilities.
Referring to the example with Aradin and Astarion: why should you only have the option to punch Aradin, but not Astarion? I think the option should be there in both cases (and for other characters as well).
When you untie the Svirfneblin at the mill, he asks: this is where you try to rob me? He expects it. The player can do it, can pretend ignorance, or not do it. Clear-cut choices which cover the majority of playstyles.
I like it very much when you have this range of options, so you can choose the option that best fits the way you want to role-play your character.
