I want to give my 2 cents as someone who is:

- afab, but queer
- poly themselves with over 10 years of poly relationships
- over 30, and a parent
- European

Because I feel like a lot of this criticism is very... Hmmm... How do I put it... From an Anglo-American, non queer, very much not poly standpoint. And I get, that you don't feel this romance is handled how you want it to be, but uhm... You might not be the target audience for once?

I like the Halsin Romance. I see your critique. There's a few things you've missed (he does state some of his views if you're reading between the lines), but that doesn't mean it couldn't get more obvious.

So what do I like about the romance?
He's very open about his feelings. No playing games. He's not promising you the stars, either. He's open about his lack of jealousy, although he states in some variants (e.g. when you get it on with Mizora and then tell him you'd wish he was there with you) that he wants to have a lot of awesome moments with you. He wants to share your laughter, your joy, your pleasure. He wants you, he wants Tav, to be *happy*.

What could be better?
I think if he would mention his state of thinking earlier, maybe with a nod to Jaheira who was married(!), that would solve a lot of the issues you guys have.

Tav: "You say there were lovers, but were you committed to one of them? Married like Jaheira maybe?"
Halsin: "My heart commits to each of them on their own, but I would not want to promise something nature has not intended for me. I respect Jaheira for her choice. It is not mine. While some animals may bond forever, it's not what I can do. It's always sad when a relationship has to end because I can't give them what they want. I can assure you: my love for them will not end just because I cannot provide the type of bond they wish. I will stay a true friend for them as long as they want me."

And maybe even another dialogue later:

Tav: "Is there ever a time where your... appetite... gets lower, and you might look for someone else?"
Halsin: "I have quite the large appetite, in and out of bed. You're not telling me I've put on weight, do you?"
Tav: (1) "I meant more between the sheets. Or leaves in our case."
(2) "Maybe."
Halsin: (answer to 1) "No. But feelings can change, like the seasons. We met during a crisis. You're constantly in danger of losing your sense of self. I... who would I be to deny you anything? And maybe you'll find that I am not what you're looking for once this danger is averted. I dream of rebuilding this land... When we solved your tadpole problem... that's when you can make a decision. Until then, I just want to cherish every moment with you, my love. It that too much for you?"
Tav: (1) "I'd like to be cherished like this some more." (Leads to another sex scene)
(2) "Thank you for your understanding. It's rough." (Leads to Tav putting their head on his shoulder, and he puts an arm around you, before he kisses your forehead)

And then he should totally ask you to come with him later!

I would add another scene for when you're in the city and rest there. Have them share a bath, and Halsin washes your back with a sponge. Let them talk about what they want to do in the future. Maybe Tav can talk about wanting kids, not wanting kids, if they're a druid they can plan to make their own circle, have them talk about a marriage for a short time if Tav is a short lived race, Halsin tells a story about his childhood, or his parents, and then the scene fades while showing a wooden ducky he carved.

It doesn't take much!

Since both Astarion and Shadowheart are also okay with sharing, a scene in which the companions talk things out could be beneficial. For example:

- Astarion and Halsin talk about how A doesn't like sex as much, but he wishes Tav to be happy, and H checking in if sharing is really okay for A. And then A saying they are more afraid of loosing Tav emotionally to H, since he has problems to commit. Ending in a bear hug from H, which makes A relax.

- Halsin checking in on Shadowheart after her quest is done, asking how she's coped within the temple. She actually mentions sexual relationships were encouraged in her quest, so she could re-iterate this. Then they could talk how SH feels like she can choose for herself now, and since Tav has given her the freedom to choose, she feels like she doesn't have to monopolise them anymore. H could then talk about his feelings of it being unfair to make them choose between himself and SH, but that he also wants to enjoy his time with Tav. They come to an agreement, that nobody loses out here, and they can make it work.

Those scenes would tie the romance together with the poly options, promoting a healthy way of polyamoury.

Talk to your metamours.
Make your boundaries clear.

Maybe Tav should get an option to say "I can't share. I know you do, but I want exclusivity." and that ending the romance.

It would be fair for everyone.

So what do you guys think?