I’m also feeling very uncomfortable with Ascended Astarion’s new kisses, not because of what Astarion does (evil vampire is going to be evil after all), but because of Tav’s expressions and their responses. It’s clear Tav is not enjoying Astarion's kisses and that they are scared of him. Tav has no agency. This is an abusive relationship and we are unable to frame it as anything else. I honestly didn’t expect to have such a strong reaction, but seeing Tav completely scared and helpless was triggering. I guess I wasn't prepared for RL trauma to be shoved into my romance fantasies. The sad thing is, those kisses could be so very, very hot, if only Tav’s body-language was different.
This is the sort of thing I’d prefer to see from Tav:
-Wicked/knowing smiles instead of looking terrified -Coyly wiping the blood from their mouth and then licking their finger, slowly, teasing him with it -Enthusiastically kissing him back -Biting him (yes, please!)
I’ve no problem with violence and power-play in a dark romance, but to me, the ‘romance’ element seems to be completely lacking here. I know Larian said in interviews that they want the player to know they’ve made a bad choice if they ascend Astarion and they want us to regret it, but I don’t think railroading us like this is a good idea, especially when it's a topic as sensitive as abuse within a relationship.
Considering what Tav does, even on a morally good playthrough, it seems unlikely they'd be so cowed. We've killed demons, defied gods... An evil Durge Tav definitely wouldn't be cowering and helpless. I can't understand why we're suddenly getting this message that A.Astarion and Tav can't have a relationship that is satisfying for both of them. Especially when that message is contradicted in some of the new lines that were added where they seem to have a more equal partnership.
It’s even more strange when you consider what the game does allow; up to now it’s been very much ‘play it your way’ when it comes to the romance, and I really loved that. Any pairing you like, go wild Want some fantasy hentai? Game’s got you covered Want fantasy sex with the druid in bear form? Larian says have fun Want to play consort to a powerful vampire without seeing your avatar portrayed as a scared and helpless victim? Not happening. I can’t help feeling a little judged here.
I did have an evil Durge playthrough romancing A.Astarion on my BG3 bucket-list but for now I’ve crossed it off.
