Originally Posted by Laras
Now I have new games without romance or romance with the Emperor and yes now the game is really enjoyable.

Honestly yeah, this is what I decided to do for my last two-to-three runs (if I even get through them at all, tbh).

Druid of the Spore romance with Emperor. So far, I enjoy the slow burn of it a lot more than the "be nice to them a few times or do heroic things a couple of times, and they jump on you" approach with most of the companion (before anyone tries to argue that SH, Wyll, Gale, and Karlach don't "jump on you" - I know, I'm being facetious. They all do get really attached to you really quickly though). I also enjoy how for the most part, the two of you focus on the overall narrative rather than each other and your individual issues (at first).

While I still have plenty of problems with the insane timeline of the game's major and core events, and the main campaign itself, I at least prefer the approach to it with Emperor over other romances (besides Astarion).

Which, on that note - if I get to a next playthrough, likely going to ignore a large portion of side stuff and just bring Astarion + some hirelings along, at best. Maybe finally bring Minthara, since I'll be playing a Durge again. Which means no grove, so no Halsin, so no awkward possibly-bugged dialogue flags.

I still wish Halsin - and most of the companions - were either written better or treated better than they are. Maybe DE will address it, maybe not - but it isn't really enjoyable to drag a lot of people with you anymore, tbh. I'm either bringing the two who are most decently written + a spare to swap out with Jaheira in Act 2, or just hirelings.

Last edited by MarbleNest; 29/10/23 12:46 PM.