I find it super strange that he just f's off if you romance him and don't transform. He supposedly loved Stelmane despite her being human, so why does he only continue his relationship with the MC when they fully transform? If the MC doesn't transform, then he could revive the shield without requiring a puppet. He could have the hero of Baldur's Gate as its face instead. It could benefit his cause and make his life easier to have a willing partner who can communicate things on his behalf.
So why in the world would he throw that opportunity away?! I seriously don't understand.
His actions do not reflect his motivations very well.
Meanwhile....Some players be like....![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/U5BCEMl.jpg)
The funny thing is that both of these characters are very similar. They were both mortals who got infected and turned into an evil creature against their will. After which both of them were enslaved and forced to do terrible things. Unfortunately for the Emperor, he doesn't get the same bonding experience and screen time as Astarion. Therefor, a lot of people don't see them in the same light. Add on that Astarion is conventionally good looking where as the Emperor is a hideous squid monster, and It makes the Emperor a lot easier to hate.
I honestly argue that the Emperor is more good leaning than Astarion is.
Astarion literally wants to enslave others. He loves to watch people die and he enjoys it when people suffer. The Emperor on the other hand needs to be convinced to enslave the brain. He just wants his freedom.
Sorry Astarion, but I'd trade you for the squid any day.
