Larian Studios Forums Baldur's Gate III Baldur's Gate III - Story & Character Discussion On Returning Characters

Even though a non-romanced Viconia underwent a less impactful, yet still similar character arc, the fact remains that the Viconia in BG3 displays a degree of wickedness that doesnt even fit Viconia in her time as a priestess of Lloth. Her relationship with Shadowheart is the prime example of this. While the way SH talks about her in act 1 and 2 would appear to fit the character, nothing she says or shows about herself in act 3 is compatible with any iteration of viconia we have seen throughout the games. The things she has put SH through would infuriate BG2 Viconia. She wanted nothing more than to be break free from the control of others, men and gods alike. If she knew then and there what she would force upon those that would come to rely on her, she would most certainly ask Gorions Ward to strike her down, in fear of what will become of her.
If this really was their vision for the character, they would have needed to atleast show the player how she got to that point. But it seems like the bare minimum was done with both the character and the finale of Shadowhearts questline. As the other person said, if this would have been playtested via EA, Viconia and Sarevok would have never made it into the game in this form.

Regarding Shar itself, just compare the depiction of Shar in Act 1 with her depiction in Act 3.
Act 1 paints Sharran worship in a very nuanced light. And while the bleakness of Act 2 does paint a really grim picture with the Shadow Curse and its Inhabitants and Victims, it is in the 3rd act that Sharran Worship is truly set in stone as nothing other than comically evil. To finish off the whole Shar/Selune Subplot, that weaves itself throughout the games narrative, making you question not only the morality of the twin godesses, but also Shadowhearts and your own, in such a fashion, disregarding the very notion of any choice or agency the player might have had or wanted, ruins the whole storyline, regardless of who the Mother Superior is.
I can only speak for myself, but I think we have enough of those types of antagonists already. There was the possibility for a nuanced, morally grey storyline, worthy of carrying on the story of Viconia Devir, one of the most nuanced, multi layered characters of any RPG, instead it ends in the most asanine black and white fashion, and ruins a beloved character in the process.