Another thing I wanted to add, but which is maybe a bit too much to add in an edit: The whole "the guy who always asks for a library gets to be in the best library" misses the point - as do all of the other stories referred to above.
Sure he'd be content in Elysium. Anybody would be, you are by default content in Elysium. From my - arguably limited - understanding of the place that kind of is the point of it. But that Gale is insanely curious and wants to learn magic isn't his problem, that he is lonely and magic also is his crutch is. The man sees no worth in himself besides his magical skill. Everything he had or was - to his understanding, at least - hinged on him being an excellent wizard, including his romantic relationship. So when he pleads, pouts and tries to get Mystra a present (in other words: uses his persuasion proficiency) in order for her to let him in on her secrets, so he can "prove himself worthy" and "serve her better", he is looking for equality in their relationship. That is of course not going to work, due of the very nature of his lady love. Mystra is first and foremost interested in the Weave and her worshippers are simply her currency. It cannot be a good relationship because there cannot be equality in it. As Mystra's lover you have to be content with what ever she deins to grant you. Scraps from the table, fruit that have fallen from the tree. I can absolutely see where the grooming theories come from.
There is the trite saying that power corrupts, but there is the other assumption that power reveals. Gale in every version of himself is lifting others up when he has the chance to and does so gladly. Sure, part of that is to endear himself to you because he needs to make sure he is worth keeping around, but it is also his nature. Even in his god-form - which is why Raphael is so delighted that Gale's attitude will eventually bring the whole system down.
To me, the truly tragic moment is, that Elminster only learns his lesson when Gale becomes a god, but not when he Gale gets a human ending. So Arabella will probably now get much the same treatment which Gale once got, since our little idol-thief is revealed to be Elminster's new ward in the epilogue letters.
Last edited by Anska; 08/01/24 02:00 PM. Reason: Moved something around.
