A few suggestions I've been thinking about for a while. I use she for Tav here, but all this, of course, is for all Tavs.
Spawn after the ritual.
I remember in Act 1 he says "I'd like to drink from Cazador's skull...", in the Spawn end might remind Astarion of his idea. He's pretty depressed after everything and wants to leave sooner rather than later, so I don't know how it would work. But it's potentially interesting. I've thought of a few options: - Tav reminds him of this and asks if he wants to make a little trophy. If Astarion agrees, afterward Tav can fill the skull with their blood for Astarion to drink from. - Tav does the whole thing themselves and offers the "trophy" with their blood to Astarion. This can be implemented beyond the Black Mass hall, bringing the head with her if Tav decides to act on her own and surprise him. - Then, one could offer to keep the skull or sell it to someone as a taunt, tavern or otherwise. Since Cazador Sarr was one of the powerful men, he had enemies who might be interested in his skull.
The Death If you improperly talk Astarion out of the ritual he attacks Tav. The fight begins. I'd like to lose on purpose so I can watch the cutscene. Also after Ascension, if Tav sides with the Gur but loses the fight. Will Tav be already killed or on her last breath. I'd be interested to see it. I think it's possible, since you can feed yourself to an illithid at the beginning of the game. Angst-bard would make a joke about it: "Not a small death, but a big one, eh Astarion?" Death is also the end of the novel. Or of course the more emotional cutscene when killing any Astarion. I agree with Nayloth it's a cliché that you can't love a villain sincerely and that a villain can't love sincerely, I'd like to break that cliché in the game.
Lord Astarion.
The Ascended Astarion likes to say that Tav is his, I love hearing that. That's the dark romance I'm here for.
I wish Tav could say, "I am yours and you are mine".
Astarion very much values his power, his independence, however, it's clear to see that no matter everything, he is bound to Tav as well as she is to him - it's his blessing, however it's also a bond that in a way, captivates and holds him back. His love for Tav is probably the only thing in the entire world that has power over him. However, it's also happiness. That phrase is sorely lacking for a romance like this. So one would like to know what Lord Astarion thinks about it.
Another phrase that's missing during the scene after the Ascension. That "little death", Astarion literally kills Tav by turning her into a vampire, giving her the gift of the dark gift of eternity. Which would also be an interesting reference to the beginning. Some spicy vampire flirting, Addams Family style.
Lord Astarion's special lines during the game, battle.
Lord Astarion really doesn't like it when Tav is heroic and gives her life for something or gives up like for example Karlach, who chooses death. However, if... Tav simply dies in battle. I'd like to hear that, geez.
After Tav turn to Spawn. Full dialog with all companions. A sea of potential.
I'd like Tav to have positive answers and bard thing about her decision and Astarion as well.
"I give him blood every night, of course I love him, and I give him everything" - something like that if the branch of re-feeding Astarion from the first act is open. Also, I think there should be key-moments included here too that would count as Tav played - a character who went to the dark side, neutral, Tav was already "evil" or chaotic but more good, who is now with the "evil" Lord and brings balance to their couple.
I'm also interested in that moment with the Ascension and the drop of blood Astarion gave Tav. Gale should help me out on this one.
After talking to the companions, since it was a life-changing decision I'd like to talk about the companions' reactions with Astarion. If Gale said something interesting about Tav's condition, Astarion's blood drop - Tav could talk to Astarion about it.
Also, Tav could: - Decide to break up after talking to the companions, I guess another conversation with them would be needed afterward. - To be confident in her decision. - Be dramatic, worried and tell Astarion about it. Influence of play style: If Tav throughout the game willingly helped everyone and listened to all companions - played the hero, I don't think Astarion would be surprised by her worry. Yes, if it weren't for that sensitivity Astarion would have stayed on the beach. He might have calmed Tav down, depending on the answers, show care.
- Tav might be kinda pushy and want more clarity. Persuade Astarion with conviction\charisma or maybe a bard thing. Or negotiate it gently with a longer dialog. - To read each other's minds with a spell. - Mind tadpole bonding, as a reference to Act 2, so that Astarion would see her thoughts and Tav his. I'd like to see where Astarion's mental voice was heard. Everywhere Tav would choose the option of what she thinks, both negative and positive about their relationship. I'd like an extremely romantic, tender thought here.
If Tav finds out that Astarion has plotted not to make her a true vampire ever - also negative responses and positive ones. It doesn't matter to me whether Tav is a true vampire or not, what matters is that Astarion will openly say what he thinks and wants, and Tav might agree.
About the bride theory a bit and the concept of a special bond.
In the end, the bride theory is so nice, not so much because the bride has free will, it matters to me that this bond is extraordinarily special. And the book has amazing vampire and bride lore - that they can feel each other's emotions from miles away. Although there are certain risks and inconveniences for a Vampire Lord. Lord Vampires hide the bride's free will from her, and still make her a bride because they want that special bond. But if there's an understanding between them, the couple is unstoppable. I thought Astarion might have read that bride ritual in the necromancy of Theia. But I know that Wizards of the Coast holds the copyright to the idea, although Astarion mentions Strahd von Zarovich. I think it is possible to write a new similar ritual that would emphasize the specialness of their connection to each other. But if technically there are only regular spawns in the game, I think a drop of blood already makes their bond more special and that they drink each other's blood - then it would be great to reveal the part more.
I would want to show that regardless of his power, if, let's say, the ritual didn't work - my Tav would be with him, and now she will be with him. Astarion is completely into a power high, and I'm guessing "feeling alive" turns his head too. It will be a gentle moment.
That could be one way trigger the romantic cutscene. I think the paths to such a scene should be several - one of them is a conversation after the companions' reactions.
Romantic Scene with Lord Astarion
Tav is the first person whose blood Astarion drank. For Tav, Astarion could be the first too. They would drink each other. Blood is more than just food to vampires, they feel the energy of the creatures as Astarion tells us. So this is going to be an incredibly intimate moment.
