[quote=Gray Ghost] The story isn't really about Tav and Astarion as equal participants in the romance, it's about how the romance changes Astarion and what he becomes as a result. He's the main character of the story we as players create. At least that's how I think Larian approached it and how Larian probably assumed we players would approach it as well. So of course Tav doesn't look like they're into it. Tav is just a generic entity meant to provide generic feedback to the numerous unique and complex characters that populate the world. And the generic response to that situation is fear and discomfort.
I do not agree with this. Personally, I doubt that the authors of the game imagine the TAV as an inanimate being. The fact that he is an "empty" character is a deliberate lack, because it is something that must fill the player with his imagination. As also happens for the DnD board game, it is the player who customizes his character both physically and psychologically. It's not a simple puppet that you move around the map. In fact, during the game, during the various dialogues, there are multiple response options so that the player can find in one of them the one that is most consistent with the character of his TAV. Not only that: it is the character of the TAV, his way of acting and interacting with others that determines the rest of the story, even that of the other NPCs. Earlier someone compared BG3 to FFVII. I'm sorry to say it, but it's a comparison that doesn't make much sense 'cause yes, they are two RPG games, but they are based on very different principles. FFVII, the original one, didn't give you any choice, you couldn't change the story. Cloud is an already pre-built character: he already has his own story, a character decided by the game's authors. The player only has to accompany Cloud and friends in the discovery of this story, until reaching the epilogue. FFVII don't have an ending that changes based on the choices made previously: the sole purpose of the game is to defeat Sephiroth. There are no alternatives. BG3, on the other hand, is based on a different philosophy: it is the player who influences the story. Obviously there are things pre-established by the authors, such as the personal history of the companions, but, for the rest, the player is given freedom to create his own story.
Returning then to the theme of the "TAV's terrified face" during the kisses with AAstarion, I fully agree with those who criticize this thing, because it is actually going against the power that the player has over his TAV. Power that the game itself and also the authors have given to the player. To resolve the issue it would be enough for the TAV to have a neutral expression (which it usually has during the game), so as to satisfy everyone, that is: both those who see the TAV as a victim; and those who want a romantic relationship with AAstarion.
