I 've been following this thread and reading everything...I feel so sad when I see confrontation between Astarion fans. When you find AAstarion hot everyone asks you if you are okay or if you need therapy, that's mean...Everyone enjoys different things and we should respect that. Astarion has two paths ('good/bad') like the other main characters and we should be able to choose which one best suits our way of roleplaying and not be judged by anyone. The decision to help him complete the ritual and become a vampire lord exists for a reason, so the player can have fun chosing this!
My summary on this subject and the problem I see with ascended Astarion romance right now:
1. Tav/Durge's facial animations in new kisses are sad and you can't really enjoy them without feeling bad. If you are asking for a kiss you should be smiling not about to cry or angry. 2. You know he becomes controlling and power hungry after ritual yet you agree to stay with him. The kisses can be rough but should also be consensual. You're in a relationship with him because you want to, that means you can break up with him and be free (at least until the final battle, after that you can't leave him...then you can start being afraid of him but not before). 3. If the game gives me the option to rule the world by his side and I accept, respect. Right now my Durge is so unhappy with him for no reason, the game gives you plenty of dialogue options to support his evil plans. Maybe a neutral face in our character would be more appropriate and let everyone imagine what they want for their story.
My real question: Has Larian made these animations to show us the tragedy of being a spawn/vampire's slave? They may have thought it was necessary to show players this relationship with him is toxic and you should regret it...I dont know what to think, I agree that's his 'bad ending' but I think everyone already knew from the beginning this path makes him a worst person, still you should be able to enjoy your decision to be with him. We have no power over how Astarion is written but we should have over how our character feels about it through dialogue options (you can freely choose to worship your new vampire lord).
I belive the real intention was to make everyone happy, this patch was mostly fanservice so why invest time and money in doing something bad for Astarion fans? They did 3 new hot kisses but Durge can't even enjoy one...it feels really uncomfortable. I believe most people who choose AA would have a smile on their face in those kisses.
This change in Tav/Durge's face is needed because we want to enjoy the 'can I kiss you?' dialogue option without feeling that we're being forced to not enjoy it.
Overall, I think we should be grateful for all the new content and improvements they're releasing. I understand they are working on fixing many things not only romances, but yea, they should be careful when they add new things. I'm not sure if they will fix those animations but at least we are trying to give our feedback and share our opinion here.
