His change in attitude is part defusing bitterness (where Ascended ending clings to this, railing at the world that created Cazador, and spawn ending has him move beyond it, 'we deserve happiness, they all do'), but Astarion spent 200 years living in a microcosm that enforced that people didn't care about each other
In the end spawn from also comes to "redemption" even if 7k die, just not for power, but as a mercy killing. That's another topic of discussion.
In my opinion the main question here is: power by bloody payment or nothing, but right.
I think Astarion's quest should have been more morally complex and with the revelation of his past - so that I could accept the "redemption" arc as something whole and relevant.
Even the narrator says "...perhaps redemption" - redemption of what is my question.
Redemption implies guilt. Astarion, however, had no choice - it was all Cazador's fault, it was an order.
Plot hole.
I think only the player could cooperate with Cazador. But those details I don't know.
Either way I think the backstory of a corrupt magistrate who sold prisoners as food to vampires is alive and doing well. Until I'm told otherwise. It's not headcanon since it's been mentioned with the media, but it's not canon either since the game is coquettishly silent. Which fits the theme of redemption just right.
He also remembers his past - wealth and power.
Maybe the new artbook that Larian is working on will say something or confirm the EA artbook.
Ah, I didn't know that Stephen Rooney was no longer at Larian. What a shame! Though I wish him all the best in his future endeavors. In that case, I agree that it's better Astarion be left alone, because there isn't any executor who can decide what's in character for him, and splitting his approvals/disapprovals requires a fine-toothed understanding of his character that none of us can claim.
Without a direct character creator, yes, as much as I too would like the polishing of the story, it's best to leave it as it is.
Yes, despite all the obstacles and setbacks along the way he is a talented, neutral author with interesting ideas. I wish him only good luck and success.
