I think you're confusing what the issue for most of us is. The issue is not the polygamy as such, but the rigid uncomprosing approach to relationship anarchist that comes of like a manipulate fling at Tav's expense.
The other part is Halsin going from seeming to want attachment over sex, and then makes a 180 i acvt 3 and wants sex over attachment. That combined with the disturbing drow stuff, and his overall behaviour that disregards that he just an act before was lecturing Shadowheart like she was a child, and his comeplete distaste of Astarion's morals - that suddenly goes out the window because the shadow curse was cured and now his bear is horny.

His romance from act 3 becomes such an incoherent mess that it's constant whiplash.

But you make an interesting point: If Tav is not allowed to say "I prefer monogamy myself, and do you think you might consider exploring that possibility?" Why is Halsin allowed to say "If you want to be with me you HAVE to be polygamist and you HAVE to respect that I am RA, and thereby refuse to call it a relationship."

And yet the same man says: "I can scarcely imagine my life without you now", "I only want you", and "I belong at your side"

Not to mention "Now is the time to take care of each other" But I have made this decision to leave without your input in the discussion at all, but I would very much like it if you come by and bang okay?

And let us not fdorget the way Halsin says "Come now. You know what we have is more founded in the principles of nature." Completely dismissing that Tav is asking specifically about having a relationship and he trivializes it to "You know better" (I am pretty sure this wasn't the writers intend, though).

The way he is written, there is subtle manipulation and gaslighting going on, and his trauma from multiple sources makes the polygamy and RA seem like a defense mechanism and NOT a healthy polygamy ideal.

And that is what is the issue. Not necesarrily that Halsin is polygamous (personally, I am not bothered), but the way it is portrayed and negates the severity of struggles in male SA victims.

And yes, Halsin has an unhealthy drow fetish, because it is directly tied to trauma that hasn't been resolved and is instead being charged into his sexuality.

Last edited by Cowoline; 24/09/23 01:33 PM.