I can accept that evil hell magicks does something to you, turning you into something really evil, but Tav is still Tav.
It doesn't even do that, as was confirmed in that ign article. Astarion is still that Astarion we know, just one who's not ashamed of his evil side and fully embraces it instead of struggling with it. Tav is also the same and there is no good reason to not be able to roleplay as someone who is fine with his decision (they helped him after all) AND still likes him as before. Very nice post, especially pointing out the narrative dissonance!
Thanks! Ah, I didn't know about the article. Then it does make even less sense for him to act the way he does.
Originally Posted by jinetemoranco
I agree with you, honestly! I think at the end of the day I focus a lot more on narrative than the roleplay aspect so it's not in my priorities, but I understand that other people really value that (esp in an RPG game) which is why I think adding an option is def good. I see how the ascended romance contradicts the Act 2 romance but I also think that (hot take coming here) a romanced Tav who helps him ascend has either failed to see the crux of his issue or is ignoring it completely, perhaps because they hold certain views about power themselves, so either a well-intentioned naive person or evil/selfish. I always play fucked up Tavs so this isn't a problem, but I think if you're playing as an evil Tav you've already contradicted your choice in act 2 (maybe Tav was playing the long game, maybe Tav didn't care about sex so it didn't matter to them... up to the player). I agree that a naive Tav who just thinks giving Astarion whatever he wishes will help him hasn't however been inconsistent in their logic. I suck at writing my thoughts so I hope they're clear lol
No worries, I think you are pretty clear! I think there's quite a lot of roleplay possibities between "a well-intentioned naive person or evil/selfish" one. Evil is not black and white (which makes it so dangerous IMO, but also interesting to play). You might for example play an evil Tav/Durge who is happy to have found a kindered spirit in Astarion, someone who enjoys the murder and chaos and doesn't judge them or want to hold them back. They are not naive or well-intentioned, but neither is their goal to manipulate him. Being like this is a legit way of life for them. This is a game where we can play Drow or Duergar. They come from cultures where taking power and revenge is part of everyday life. Even an evil person can genuinely care for him. So I do not see a contradiction to the Act 2-scene. If anything I wish I could tell him "Ah really? You think I did not see that? I thought we're having a fun little game here. *smirk*" after his confession. Because he's anything but subtle, which is obviously intentional.
