Originally Posted by Milkfred
Thought so. Yeah, that feels like an inconsistency in how the tadpoles work. I feel like the story can't quite decide where the tadpoles turn the host into a Mind Flayer as a sort of natural process, or whether it only happens when the Elder Brain specifically commands the tadpole to do it. Act 2 goes with the first interpretation, whereas Act 3 goes with the latter then, I suppose? Seems like it could be another element that was tied up with removing Daisy.
Not necessarily tied up with Daisy but definitely hints towards the idea of a late revision. The tonal difference is just very noticeable along with the obvious contradiction on the diegetic level. This tonal shift can be seen throughout bits of act 1 and 2 but it becomes unavoidable in act 3 where the story completely shifts from "I'm infected and fighting for my survival" to a more generic adventurer vibe. Companions are so docile and agreeable at that point that they might as well be your thralls.

But I also remembered something about EA Daisy that I forgot to mention earlier. The third dream strongly implies some rudimentary Dark Urge type scenario for Tav that reveals itself in response to Daisy's advances.
Quote
Something inside you clamours for blood, for death, and only the tear of flesh will do. It wants her.

1. [Charisma] Resist both him and the urge.
2. Surrender to the urge - lash out.
3. I want to rip you open. I can't help it.
It seems entirely possible that the Dark Urge was a default scenario for Tav and they only later scrapped the idea and made it into its own, fully fledged origin character.

Last edited by The Red Queen; 23/08/23 02:26 PM. Reason: Added spoiler tags