Good saying. It seems that Astarion was originally conceived and developed as an "evil character", but was later given an additional "good guy" twist. The unascended version of Astarion, in my opinion, seems somewhat secondary and less elaborate than the Ascended version. I suspect that players who had an affair with Astarion might have started "whining" and writing to the Larians asking them to "fix" him (this is just a "hypothesis", I haven't played the very early versions of the game, it would be interesting to find the opinion of those who have). Under this "hypothesis" fits why his "good ending" is so bad and the Larians aren't going to fix anything - it could be a "caustic spiel" to those who wanted a "good Astarion".
I heard that in early access he was more evil. I saw a vid where he also had a super angry remark where he threatened Tav with death for disrespecting him. He doesn't even sound as furious when facing Cazador as he does there.
If someone wants to date a good character they should go for someone who fits the criteria, instead of the obviously evil one and then complaining that he's not a friendly person.
Originally Posted by Marielle
If Astarion won't talk about his past, we could find some written evidence or even meet some member of a long-lived race who knew Astarion - that would be really interesting. It's not even clear how old Astarion was when Kasador captured him - whether he was a serious member of the "corrupt elite", or a "young slacker" who was helped into a high position by "acquaintance".
I would have loved some evidence of his past. Apparently on his grave it says he was 39 years old when he was turned and his surname is Ancunín.
Originally Posted by Marielle
Originally Posted by Ametris
His voice actor when playing BG3 reloads himself when he disapproves too, so no need to feel bad about it.
Ha-ha! I almost fell off my chair laughing when I read this! Outrageous - what an ingrate Astarion is, he was given such a beautiful voice, and how does he behave after that? A very, very bad boy...
Astarion also killed him during the bite night because of a nat 1 roll. He said it was totally worth dying for afterwards.
Originally Posted by Marielle
Originally Posted by Ametris
Him being evil and aggressive in scenes is awesome, I love how he manhandled Petras and stayed silent just to see what he'd do. The way he screams at Cazador 'Wake up!' is so good. He reminds me of Fenris from DA2 with this stuff, and I also let him give into his bloodlust all he wanted.
Yes, it's impossible not to enjoy him in these scenes... With Fenris they have something in common - both were in slavery, both are embittered, Fenris had his marks on his body too. Both are elves, by the way.
And have very similar hair colour.
Originally Posted by Marielle
I was somewhat surprised by the fact that there's no way you can tell your companions about your relationship with Astarion, even when they try to seduce you. Only the shrewd Shadowheart notices this, and tells Tav about it at the party. I liked her demeanor, she even offered Tav a drink for courage, just like a true friend.
Karlach and Lae'zel know too. Does he like to gossip with the ladies? It seems like Wyll and Gale are completely clueless.
Originally Posted by Marielle
After the dialog with Ascended Astarion in the camp before the intimate scene, when Tav has to sound like a sex-crazed nymphomaniac who helped Astarion just to sleep with him (because all other lines are not good at all)
These lines are atrocious and there is even a thread devoted to the topic.
Originally Posted by Marielle
Originally Posted by Ametris
To me it's both of these things. There is a hidden banter between him and Lae'zel when he says 'I need someone I can trust, and now I know they'll never betray me'.
Is it a mini-dialog on the map, or in full dialog? (Maybe I just haven't gotten to that scene yet).
Mini-dialogue when you walk around. For some reason a lot of these banters don't trigger.
Originally Posted by Anska
They could pin cute little bows on all of Raphael's portraits. It would be adorable - I am sure there are many pet-spirits Shart could look after. Also Duchess Lae'zel would be something! XD She'd have the Flaming Fist whipped into shape in no time.
There's a pool with healing water in there too so they could offer extra spa and massage services along with food and accommodation for the night
Originally Posted by Zayir
And I guess he has the most ridiculous break-up scene („kick in the balls“) - for making fun of Astarion aka „the evil“, isn’t that already enough caricature and ridiculousness?
That is definitely there just for the lulz.
Originally Posted by Zayir
In the romance scene, after saying „no“ to his demand of kneeling down, it would have been greater and more realistic to be forced down by him. THAT would show he IS evil and dominant. But instead he breaks up. But! The reason seems to be very simple: They don‘t want to force the player into something! They do NOT want to show this type of cruelness. It would be too hard stuff. And also instead of letting Astarion be evil in his actions, someone decided to make him only say some mean things. ['In the Epilogue scene, when you cannot break up and he says: "You're mine!'" and "there is no backing out now" with that incredible mean laugher, that's really nice! At least here we can sense his evil side!]
The kneeling seems to be some kind of test of his so I think it should stay the way it is. But there could be an additional dialogue to provoke him and he'd do it then. Imagine if they added an extra option when kneeling to get cold feet after his speech about what he'll do to you. In that moment if Tav tried to bail on him, he'd just keep them in place and bite them regardless. Now THAT would be evil. But I guess too many people would find it problematic. I love that laugh and 'you're mine!'. Real consequence of trying to mess with a vampire lord and making promises you can't or don't really want to keep.
He said it was totally worth dying for afterwards. 
It seems like Wyll and Gale are completely clueless.
