Speaking of Astarion’s evilness.
The good side and redemption arc depends a lot on Tav - it definitely develops before the player's eyes.
However, I'm interested in exploring the evil side of things in general and the evil and dark side of Astarion.
I get the impression that his dark side leads the way throughout the game, especially if play the path of evil. There is a culmination, the Ascension. But there's no deepening, no clear exploration of its dark complex side that people saw at EA and still in release. Therefore, the endings look abrupt, and the subtlety can be noticed by people who play EA and\or deeply understand the inner evil of Astarion.
The interview says it's still Astarion. I still wouldn't mind some clarity in the game. About the rules of True Vampirism and how they work with Ascension.
In any case, I take it as the Vulcano of his dark desires and dark will has awakened. I can only assume that this dark will was in his mortal past. I'd like to explore the dormant volcano before the ritual in Act 3, it would clarify many, many things in his approvals and reactions.
On one hand I know that Larian didn't want to make Astarion too evil, on the other hand I know that Astarion changed the least. In different interviews.
I know a lot of different kinds of rumors that the moral issue of Astarion's past didn't have time to be realized as well as the Upper City due to lack of time, but the key idea remained. I think it's only fair to bring clarity to those who bought EA and the artbook.
