Larian Studios Forums Baldur's Gate III Baldur's Gate III - Suggestions & Feedback The Emperor's romance feels like an after thought

I want to preface this by saying: yes, I am aware The Emperor is a bit (understatement) manipulative and such - but I looked at those red flags and said "hot". Also I'm use it/its pronouns for The Emperor.

So The Emperor's "romance", is not good. They way its initiated makes sense - you learn everything you can about it, and in return it's interested in you, but there's nothing more, aside from telling Raphael The Emperor is your lover. I understand the limitations as all of the interactions with The Emperor are in cutscenes, but there were multiple opportunities within those cutscenes to flesh it out a little more. For example, in the Creche when you enter the Astral Prism, there could be a dialogue option along the lines of, "I just wanted to see you". Of course, The Emperor would scold the player for being stupid and obtaining Vlaakith's wrath just the see it,
"There are bigger problems, and you decided to incur the wrath of Vlaakith just so you could see me?! I'm flattered, but you need to be going to Moonrise!"

Another instance could be with the "dryad" in the Circus of the Last Days, there could be an option to think of the Astral Prism and The Emperor within. Then The Emperor could say, "Do not tell her anything." Then boom Orin makes fun of you for being 'distracted' saying should could strike you whenever she wanted.

Finally, Sharress Caress could offer some rather humours interactions with him. Upon learning of Raphael's presence and that he wants to talk to the player, The Emperor could say something like, "The only thing you should be getting from that devil here is obvious, do not even consider that deal."
Then dialogue options like, "I won't", "I should at least hear him out", "You can't stop me", and a romance based one, "I was hoping to find you here." (It's not that good a line, but I'm no professional writer.)
And The Emperor's response could be, "Why would you- oh. Well, you have certainly proven yourself a... devoted ally."

I dunno, it's just what I think. Larian has the seed, but they need to water it a bit more.

I agree that's it's not good. Though I wouldn't say it's an afterthought but more of a reworked aspect of the game that just ended up being very poorly reworked and most likely rushed.

Because the original idea of the Dreamer during Early Access was quite sensual and flirtatious in nature, so Larian most likely always intended for the Dreamer to be a romance option (otherwise their customization and flirtation would serve no purpose). But with full release they just went a completely opposite direction while still trying to hold onto some original ideas.

By doing so the Guardian ended up not being flirtatious at all, yet... one thing that I personally cannot wrap my head around is why in the Nine Hells is our Guardian in their underwear during the first scene in ACT II. Like I truly do not understand why since the scene is not flirtatious, sexual nor romantic in nature nor is the character either... yet they're just there casually in their underwear while stating how the Absolute is bombarding them with psychic energy. So... WHY ARE YOU IN YOUR DAMN UNDERWEAR THEN!?

But yes, I wish there was an actual solid romance as I really loved the potential of having an Illithid partner and seeing where it goes, which is unfortunately nowhere. All these reworks and rewrites just killed so many interesting aspects of the story. #Disappointed