I think, that is a very black and white way to look at it, either become a god or grovel before Mystra.
Ok, I accept. If I completely dislike Mystra as a person (because of what she does to Gale), that doesn't negate the fact that she's quite effective as a goddess of magic and the world isn't going to be made worse off by having the Crown in her hands. But why doesn't Gale deserve to gain power himself and get closer to the divine? He's intelligent, rational, he's not violent or bloodthirsty, and I think he'd be a good use of that power. When I persuaded him to use shadow magic and make a lantern in Act 2, he was genuinely pleased with the result.
Originally Posted by Anska
That leaves the Crown - and it's probably for the best if Mystra keeps it safe, otherwise it's just a matter of time before someone causes havoc with it again - most likely Raphael..
Raphael? I kill him in both cases - the first time, more on emotion, because the devil could probably offer me a deal in exchange for healing Astarion (or show me the right way to do it), and then he'd get his Crown and whatever else he might want. Now I'll kill him to save Hope (and the loot in his house is worth a visit for that alone). You have Raphael alive? Then how can you complete Laezel's quest with the Hammer if you don't kill him and promise him the crown?
Originally Posted by Anska
At the same time the Graveyard Scene doesn't leave me with a mournful feeling, quite the opposite.
In the graveyard, Astarion looks as sad as ever, except more sincere and warmly demonstrates his love for Tav. But his phrase, "Thank you for your patience..." strikes me as humiliating to him. What "patience" can we talk about when I've enjoyed every minute of his company? (Except for those moments when you have compassion for him and you're hurting for him). One can only speak of "patience" with Astarion regarding the acceptance of some of his behavior after the Ascension, but not with Astarion in chapters 1 and 2. And the way he dutifully folds his arms and acquiesces if you happen to pick the wrong line in dialog (in the case of Tav seemingly refusing to be intimate with him). I don't see him starting to respect and value himself.
Originally Posted by Anska
Starting something new is always scary.
I like these words. But for me they refer more to the relationship with Ascended Astarion, because the change of behavior of a loved one (especially if it happens so abruptly) is not always easy to accept at once. And although Astarion shifts Tav's aligment closer to "evil" in relation to the world, he teaches wisdom and understanding in close relationships, shows how important it is to look not "inside yourself" but at the other person, not to take words literally, but to understand what feelings and emotions are behind these words. And in the case of refusing the ritual, what new things happen? Just that Kasador is dead at last, but otherwise Astarion remains a spawn with all the problems that come with it.
