Larian Studios Forums Baldur's Gate III Baldur's Gate III - Story & Character Discussion Problems with Halsin's character, advances, LI and general character interactions, etc.

I can't say much about Astarions romance but from what I saw, I agree that poly doesn't really seems best for him, exactly like SH, who shows a completely different side of her than before. Iirc Larian added the polyamory option at a later stage, because they had the idea quite far into the development and I guess this is why it feels not really well written (at least several people who are living in a polyamorous relationship themselves said so). Personally I think it would've been better to start with a fully fleshed out mono-romance for all characters and then work on a fully fleshed out poly-romance for all characters to add either in a patch or with a possible DE. I know it's not cool to wait but this way both sides would get a full experience and not the half-cooked stuff we have now and it would add more diversity than now (where any straight male or lesbian can't add a second woman).
Regarding the topic, the brothel scene (and the banter) would be really fine for the poly options then.

Again, of course this is a game, but this is also a game that uses a rule system from TTRPG and isn't one of the core elements of TTRPG to always check your options and to discover? Yes, it's only an option in the game, but an option with an outcome you don't know before (could also expect something like loot or a buff or a fight coming afterwards, like in DOS2).

Also, let's be honest, lots of people have become obsessed with this game or characters, I've seen people with char tattoos, people building small altars for their favorite character and such - so "It's just a game" is easier said than done for some people, especially those who maybe seek escape from reality for a while and can't get that because of some writing. This is where Larian could have shown a bit more sensitivity. I mean, nothing against drama, loss and such, but this seems to feel more like a betrayal to the players, hence the feedback.