The epilogue also implies that he uses Tav to spy on other people, their "friends" included, which is just another tool of domination. I also don't think that the second rule means "don't give out presents" but "don't share your bank account with anyone" - literally and metaphorically - he is lavishing presents on Tav, Tav is allowed to say what she wants. That doesn't mean Tav has equal rights, but that Tav is granted permission.
I have seen a lot of comments say that Ascended Astarion treats Tav like a precious belonging or a pet. While I get were the notion comes from, I wonder if I completely agree. For me he has a certain vision of the image he wants to create of himself, both for himself and for others, one that is more hedonistic than the one Cazador maintained. So being strick and crudely cruel, wouldn't fit that image. Astarion's strategy seems to be to gather blackmail material about his "friends" so he can use them when needed and to keep Tav placated by giving them presents and the illusion of having a say. They really haven't, they are his spawn, even though he prefers to call it consort because that sounds more regal. He seems to have a vision of the perfect relationship in which Tav is given a part to play and he goes through some length to ensure that vision holds. If Tav thinks all of this is very romantic, it works well, if they don't, it probably doesn't.
It oddly reminds me of Wyll's attempt to woe you in act2. If you think dancing is cute and all, it works but if he ... say, approaches the wizard with no dex or performance skills, the whole thing is just very funny. (Why Wyll, why? What made you think this was a good idea?)
He also spies on them himself when he "stretches his wings" and flies around in his bat form. It just looks like a fun thing they like to do together. After all, their goal is to rule BG and as aristocrats they are also playing games in the political intrigue. To me they are a dark team through and through, but in case of arguments Astarion would have the last word as the dominant one he might even flaunt his power in Tav's face to remind them they're still his. They love each other and share a project together.
Yeah, that Wyll scene is completely not to my taste. I could see that happening with Astarion in his palace though after beating Cazador. A dance of triumph. ^^
Originally Posted by Anska
Originally Posted by Ametris
I don't believe him when he says he doesn't remember it. He dismisses it as ancient history and says years of torment made him forget, which sounds like an excuse. It's in his interest to present himself in such a way that Tav would feel compassion for him and to do that he'd omit some naughty stuff about himself. If I recall correctly, Dalyria remembered her mortal life very well and wrote about it in her journal.
In the beginning perhaps, by the time the graveyard roles around all the relevant uncomfortable stuff is out in the open already. Besides, I think he mostly means his sense of identity. I can't remember who I was when I was 10 or 6. I can believe that his memory of who he was two hundred years ago is murky at best or doesn't feel like him anymore.
It party sucks and partly I am glad? In the specific case I mentioned, it does suck but overall I think the tailoring that was done for Karlach feels very ... trite? It's like fawning over Karlach because she is so special, I wouldn't want that for Gale. I think that Astarion at least needs to feel like he is in control in some way and the overall bossy dialogue he has with Origin-Gale reflects that. It's like they trust each other and so Gale doesn't mind being ordered around or teased a bit. I wouldn't want to loose that aspect of the dialogue.
I don't understand why they took such special care when it comes to Karlach, even giving her a unique kiss, dialogues when it comes to Wyll and an ending, when she's the most incompatible person for him personality and alignment wise. When you play as Tav she is the only one he doesn't even attempt to flirt with or sounds tempted by anything in her. Githyanki Tav cannot take him to the Astral Plane but Karlach sure can take him to Avernus. Then there's the tragic aspect of her stupid engine, as if Astarion already didn't have the saddest background and needed even more of that crap. This ship makes me cringe so hard.
