Then they also altered him in act 1 romance scene during goblin party to make him look scared and worried. In patch 5 they also changed his behaviour when you're about to go with him spend the night together for the first time and he doesn't look as seductive anymore.
What's the goal here?
Yes. Goal, defang?
I will be ferocious now.
The last thing I understand in this world is - Why does Astarion fear Tav, after choosing the goblin side? I chose the "path of evil", with a man for the "path of evil" and now Astarion is afraid of evil? Nonsense. That can't be, ince would need to be rewrite the whole character from 0, since he has lines about "massacre" even in act 3. He approves too much in Act 1 to be afraid of Tav, for a little terror in the grove. Which he himself wants and calls it fun.
Fanon and Canon - going two different ways, people like to paint Astarion as delicate. He's really fragile, like with a love interest, yes. And even then, not always. Otherwise, Astarion can pierce your eye with a dagger - he's dangerous vampire. I love that duality, he's a fancy and he's an absolute predator. Larian, "Draco in Leather Pants" exists, you don't have to listen, they'll do just fine as they are.
There is a theory that Astarion is worried about the female drow camp, not Tav. There are reasons. However, no, I don't think so, Astarion knows how to stand up for himself and rip someone's throat out if need be. He is admired for strength and killing skill. Therefore, he approves of Lae. Two brothers killed in the swamp. Gale: These killings were deliberately brutal. There's something near that relishes in carnage. Astarion: Although whoever killed them did a masterful job.
And the savagery and debauchery of the goblins - there's a line. Astarion: Not that I approve of goblins, of course - filthy little beasts - but I do like a good den of debauchery. He's almost Jareth partying around the campfire with goblins.
It takes too much rewriting to make it sound like Astarion is afraid of Tav, who does what he "approves" of meta, and dialog. Seriously, just bring back the release or explain it, and that he's afraid of Tav I won't believe, that he's afraid of the drow I will believe... barely.
Act 1 and Astarion in it – is a complete masterpiece, if anything should be rewritten it's Act 3.
Astarion is an "evil" character, I love exploring complex "evil", complex, logical motivation for "evil" - and Astarion has it. Not popular, yes, "the evil path", but if Astarion wasn't like he was in the first act... Who knows if he'd be popular.
There is a belief that the game will be different in 2 years thanks to patches and guessing definitive. I just hope Astarion remains a man who is comfortable with evil and immorality, a man for the "path of evil" - therefore the only male companion for that and keep that duality fancy predator, seducing to the dark side.
