I've also heard that about this writer, it's strange. I have no issue with polyamory, but it should be a player choice. The way it's done with Halsin is so shoehorned in and actively alters Astarion and SH to force it to fit. It comes across as a non consensual experience. I'm not entirely convinced either of them are okay with an open relationship anyway. And if they are, the way its handled is strange.
The problem I have with their justification of Shadowheart being poly is that it stemmed from her upbringing by her fellow Shar worshippers. She says casual sexual relationships were "encouraged." But how do we know this wasn't just another way in which she was brainwashed/coerced into? And if that isn't the case, why does she have a problem with you simply kissing another companion? Why is it only Halsin that she's suddenly open to whatever with? And is he seriously looked at the same way a manipulative half devil (Mizora) and prostitutes(drow twins) are? It just feels different with him being a companion and having forced banter. The swim scene was meant to be private and special, then they went and sullied it with him magically knowing about it. And there's nothing I can do about it, aside from outright killing him.
According to others, if you aren't dating Astarion or SH, just Halsin only he doesn't show any interest in them, nor they with him. How great it is to be forced into this if choosing to date either of them...
Also, when I tell Halsin no that doesn't mean it's okay for him to start flirting with SH trying to coerce a poly relationship. He has no boundaries and I'm sick of it, sick of him. I can't even tell him he can't join my party end of act 2, he just inserts himself in.
Some have used the excuse that she's only fine with Halsinn because the other companions are a "threat" to you and SH. But she doesn't even ask what your intentions are with them or even Halsin? She just assumes how involved you are with them? Like what if I am having a casual hookup with one/some of them? Why shouldn't I be allowed to do this if she is indeed poly/open?
They specifically made companions playersexual as to not restrict anyone. Why isn't this the same with relationship preference. Why not make them all polyamorous then?
The player should be able to either accept or reject whoever and whatever they want. The game is made for the player no? At the very least make polyamory optional. But where it stands right now, it is anything but optional, on the contrary. For a game that prides itself on player choice this is unacceptable.
