OMG, win.

To summarize my points:

- a plausible interpretation of characters like Viconia that they are a test of maturity and equanimity. She is written to appeal to certain immature fantasies

- She isn't a feat of great writing to begin with. There is no need to get precious about how Larian decided to go with her.

- Viconia is cruel, selfish, racist, arrogant and a mass murderer.

- Despite this players are convinced (mostly men) that they "can fix her" - because hot.

- This interpretation lays bare the essential trap that Viconia represents.

- That falling for Viconia's manipulation represents a type of personal failure on the part of the player, especially in a "good" playthrough.

- This is especially true given that the nature of the reputation system means that to keep Viconia in the party you can't go above a certain reputation, nor can you associate with certain characters without meta-gaming.

- So association with the trap fantasy requires the player to compromise values.

- People who have fallen for the trap fantasy have displayed hostility to being confronted with it.

- Larian wrote a version of Viconia that takes into account how someone like her will end up, bitter, alone.

- Sarevok is obsessed with murder, power and control. Slaughters his own father, friends, and all his associates. Sends his girlfriend to die.

-Rapes his daughter to produce a granddaughter Bhaalspawn.

- Fans - "OMG, that's going too far for such an honorable person. How dare you Larian!"

Last edited by Blackheifer; 10/10/23 06:33 AM.
Blackheifer