You are definitely not alone. I absolutely agree with what you say about Tav with the new kiss animations for Ascended Astarion.
I don't think they fit with the narrative. It's definitely not in chacter for a Dark Urge to be so passive and terrified of him. Even on a non-Dark Urge playthrough, it's unlikely that Tav is going to be like that. Tav is clearly a strong character, they have faced numerous monsters and demons and triumphed, so these scenes just don't feel right to me.
Tav still has the option to break up with Astarion so it's unfathomable why they would submit so meekly to something they are not enjoying. They are not a damsel in distress and they've been an active leader in every other respect.
It's not consistent with Astarion's character to be so abusive. Elsewhere, Astarion asks Tav what they want and clearly wants to please them.
I too, would like to see Tav asserting more control here and looking like a willing participant. I do think it's in character for Ascended Astarion to play power games and try to dominate, but for me to enjoy these kisses I'd need to see Tav being more active (e.g. bite him back if spawn), and to get more out of it, making it clear they are indulging him and happy to play along up to a point.
As it stands, I don't find the new kisses hot. Astarions actions are abusive and I found it disturbing to see the player avatar looking plainly terrified and with no agency in this situation.
I also agree that spawn Astarion needs a little more love. He is the most popular romance partner, if I recall correctly.
Last edited by Sereda2; 21/02/24 03:04 PM.
