Personally, I am not in favour of designing companions to be physically attractive romance options. I think they need to be compelling and interesting characters first, who are going to work in the party even if not romanced. And if they're cool characters then I reckon folk will fall for them even if they're not "pretty" by conventional lights. Look at Garrus in ME. Though I'll admit I never quite understood that, but not because of his looks. And all that said, attractiveness is extremely subjective anyway, and I think the original super-tough Karlach looks pretty hot!
And a reminder for anyone who needs it that both this forum and Larian's games are for everyone, regardless of sexuality, so let's make sure we're neither being dismissive nor talking disrespectfully of either LGB+ gamers or people who want to see LGB+ content in games. Amongst the latter of whom I'd count myself, as I'm definitely be playing gay, bi (and trans and cis male characters) as well as straight cis women like myself. I'll admit I do tend to default to the latter but for me one of the brilliant things about roleplay is being able to put ourselves in the shoes of characters with different sexualities, genders, ethical frameworks and experiences of race from our own.
And I would also disagree that there is anything necessarily gay about Astarion (or indeed Karlach) and can see them working as romance options for all genders, but would advise anyone who is not able to discuss that point sensitively and respectfully to avoid it entirely at least on these forums.
I never said anything about GLBT characters, I mean plenty of Lesbians and Bi folks prefer cute feminine women. I used to read alot of Afterellen stuff during the fun Lost Girl era, I remember Boobs O'Clock on the sight for Bo.
Honestly I might settle for being able to remove the horrifying scars from Karlach.
I assume all the characters are bi for maxium choice.
