You know something that I haven't seen touched on in the last several pages of this thread I've read (I haven't followed it from the beginning) is that we actually do get evidence that Shadowheart would be open to a poly relationship. If you've been romancing both her and Karlach, you have to choose after Karlach's heart gets fixed in act 2. If you suggest to SH that you don't have to choose between the two of them, (correct me if I'm misremembering) she declines not because she necessarily doesn't want to share you, but because she thinks Karlach deserves to have all of your attention, given her situation. The clear implication being that if Karlach weren't destined to die, Shadowheart would be open to it. And honestly that is a level of concern, thoughtfullness, honesty and emotional maturity that could be the foundation of a functional polyamorous relationship. And we do see throughout that the two of them have solid chemistry together. What stands out most in my mind is Karlach's reaction after Shadowheart betrays Shar. That dialogue alone convinces me that they could work in a relationship and be part of a genuinely healthy and mutually caring polyamorous relationship.
But she doesn't. Which means she isn't open for poly or an open relationship. She gives a reason regardless of companion, but the Wyll one is most telling to me. I only have saves for the Karlach and Wyll situations.
When you start romancing Karlach:
Shadowheart: I can't help but notice you seem happier of late. There's a spring in your step that wasn't there before. Just a pity I'm not responsible for it. Tav: I'm not a swan - I don't mate for life. I want to be with you and Karlach. Shadowheart: I admire your ambition - and your belief in your own stamina - but Karlach deserves you to herself. And perhaps there's someone out there for me... Shadowheart: There's no hard feelings - genuinely. You deserve happiness, and I'm more than glad to remain with you to bear witness to it.
It is not mentioned that it's because of her situation. Otherwise, she'd be interested in hooking up after Karlach dies, no? But she's just straight up not interested in sharing. And well.. lets just remember this is what she says if you choose her over Karlach.
Shadowheart: I can't help but notice you seem happier of late. There's a spring in your step that wasn't there before. Just a pity I'm not responsible for it. Tav: I didn't realise you felt that way about me. Shadowheart: Sometimes it can be difficult to know what you want - what you need - until it's already lost to you. I know that from experience. Shadowheart: I won't lie. I won't pretend that part of me isn't hoping you'll look in my eye and still feel something. Shadowheart: Foolish, I know. But allow me to wallow in the fantasy a moment, bittersweet as it is. Tav: Wait. This is wrong. You're the one I'm supposed to be with. I see that now. Shadowheart: But what about Karlach? You'd break her heart just to be with me? Tav: Consider it done. Shadowheart: I won't lie... I feel a little sorry for her. But only a little bit. Shadowheart: You may be what's been missing from my life.
So it's quite clear she just doesn't want to share. She's straight up happy you dump Karlach and only feels a little sorry for her. The last line is defining that she wants you specifically, but if that's not enough, this is the reply if you ask for open/poly with Wyll.
Shadowheart: I can't help but notice you seem happier of late. There's a spring in your step that wasn't there before. Just a pity I'm not responsible for it. Tav: Must I choose between you and Wyll? We've travelled together, fought together, perhaps we can love together. Shadowheart: Wyll comes from an old, traditional line. I doubt his family would like their heir to introduce them to his lover's lover. Shadowheart: In truth, I don't think I'd want to be your spare lover. I'd always want more of you than you'd have to spare. Better perhaps to bow out with dignity. Shadowheart: There's no hard feelings - genuinely. You deserve happiness, and I'm more than glad to remain with you to bear witness to it.
Those are not the words of a person that's open to sharing. Ever. Because nothing at all ever indicates that she'd be any more of a spare lover to you with Wyll, Karlach, Gale, Astarion or Lae'zel than she would be with Halsin.
And it fits her main romance writing in act 3 perfectly.
Originally Posted by sezz
I guess SH generally prefers monogamous relationship. She accepts player's affair with Halsin since she is aware of wood elf nature (from wiki: Wood elven romantic and sexual relationships were often polyamorous in nature, members of the race freely engaging or ceasing relations with new partners.) very similar to Mizora case.
Unfortunately the Halsin excuse of him being a wood elf falls flat because my first Tav was a wood elf and she was still not interested in poly or open relationship. Never got a single dialogue option pop up that was related to me being a wood elf. Therefore, it is not acknowledged by the game.
