I think this would be interesting if they implemented it, I also don't think it would be completely impossible for them to do in a definitive edition or something, because as far as I can see in-game, nothing about Astarion's character directly conflicts with this narrative about what was going on with him before he was a vampire. The game doesn't really talk at all about what was going on with Astarion before as-is. It's possible it was cut, but the hole wasn't really patched with much else, and could be put back without much effort.
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For me, it seems like all they would really have to do is add back in the Cazador explaining things dialogue, maybe some findables referencing it, and then the reactivity to that information, and everything would be as it was, except for the slight rewrite or softening of his EA character. It even seems to me like this might *still* be his backstory, it's just not said or talked about in the game. Which, leads me to my imagining it could be fairly easily added back.
I could totally be wrong, or misunderstanding something. Wouldn't be the first time lol. But maybe this makes you feel hopeful?
Yeah, I'm a little hopeful they will bring back Upper City and Cazador's missing part of the plot (dataminers found out he was going to give us quests and that he was a very important political figure), but at the same time I'm afraid to be hopeful
For me it looks like they had something at least a bit different in mind, but after they cut the whole district they had to quickly change the story too (I mean, Cazador's palace looks like city walls, they obviously had to quickly move his lair to put in somewhere in the lower city). I'm afraid they would have to destroy what they already did in the current game and rearrange it, if you know what I mean - and I don't know if they would be ready for it. But maybe my theory is wrong.
Also, I've watched again youtube videos with EA Astarion scenes and he really was going to be a different character - this whole corrupted magistrate fitted him well back then. Now, like I said above, he seems much more sympathetic and I'm worried this evil past is not compatible with him anymore.
I really wish I'm wrong though.
