In the epilogue without a relationship, or after a breakup, he says that now he owns his destiny, and when he finds a way to walk under the sun, now he will not miss it, nothing and no one will stop him. By the way, these are important words, the ritual was really important to him.
Yes, that's a very good point.
Originally Posted by illeaillas-san
And of course, I will always choose ascension, because this is the best development for Astarion. Objectively, the ritual makes Astarion a better person, his character does not change, he is still the same Astarion, just a better version of himself. The soul is also with him. The fact that he lost his soul is just the empty conversations of his companions, which would once again prick us for choosing.
Is the soul loss thing one of the companion lines? I just want to understand where this headcanon got its legs from. Maybe I just missed it, or more likely didn't pay attention to someone's judgmental yakking and they made a whole slogan out of it.
Originally Posted by illeaillas-san
And when he has everything he can wish for, the only thing that may be missing is a loved one next to him, and if that person is there, then Astarion is completely happy, as is Tav with him. There is no toxicity in their relationship. You know what I'm talking about... I like how Astarion reacts to the PC, that is, if we treat Astarion in a good way, then he is kind in return, and also, if Tav constantly gets on his nerves, compare with Casador, then he will be defiant in response. And it's so well done, so realistic, I like it. Therefore, if you and Astarion are on the same wavelength, then you will never see any toxicity. Tav and Astarion are doing well. And only one detail added with the sixth patch overshadows everything, it's Tav's face distorted with fear, but I'm sure that with the next big patch it will be fixed. It's not for the sake of argument, just my thoughts and reasoning.
Totally agree, as with your entire post. I haven't seen any “toxicity”. The relationship with him is beautiful and full of love. What they call “toxicity” is a reaction to stupid/harsh/traitorous remarks. And I wouldn't say that reaction is in any way excessive. Where I see toxicity in the relationship with Astarion is in the many possible lines for Tav, there are plenty of opportunities for toxic Tav to roleplay, that's for sure.
Originally Posted by Mirmi
I think, all of Ascended Astarion's words are can be interpret in different ways, and I love it. "You may walk in the sunshine, but don't stray too far line". 1.Literally, since protection is not limitless. 2. Figuratively, i.e. don't stray from him plans. Or don't go against me. (Vampires, power-hungry creatures. And he's made a possible rival in you, and given sun protection you).
I love that “don't stray too far” line. I interpret it to mean that Astarion loves me so much that he wants me to always be there for him, but also in a literal sense so that I don't get sunburned. So with this line, he shows both love and care so that Tav remembers that and doesn't get sunburned. Incidentally, he himself can't go too far away either, especially during the day, or else he'll expose Tav to the sun. The implication is that Astarion and Tav will always be close to each other, and will not be separated even for a while. Astarion will not hide any actions from Tav, they will do everything together.
Originally Posted by Mirmi
"You will be surprisingly obedient." Likewise. Either we're on the same page, or I'll make you obey me.
Since this is his answer to Tav's question about whether he would apply the control to them, it seems to me that this is just a fancy excuse by Astarion, with the “Lord's view” as it's supposed to be. He just doesn't want to and won't apply that control, but he chose to wrap it in such a wrapper.
Originally Posted by Mirmi
"You have it in you, too. You wait for my orders." Here I see the relationship dynamics. Or a kink reference. Now it's not me, it's you listening to me.
I see this as his power overflowing after the ritual, and he also begins to hear for the first time the beings who really want to obey him. And in the chorus of beating hearts of these beings wanting to obey him, Tav's heart beats as well. He's squaring his shoulders for the first time, feeling in command, he can't handle all these new feelings yet. He has a kind of “drug euphoria”.
Originally Posted by Mirmi
Is it controlling? Yes. Possessive? Yes. Is that the norm of the relationship? No. But, within the world and time frame where the action takes place, it is maybe normal. Is it an equal relationship? No. And I don't see equal in Spawn. Would it be an equal relationship with God Gale? I don't think so either. Not even with Will. If he takes his father's place, you'll be the same consort next to him. There's no equality. Liberty, my favorite argument is that AA is toxic. You've become a Spawn (or bride). What freedom. Spawns are bound to the creator. Brides are even more so, kill the bride, the creator will be screwed too. Of course he won't let go. We've seen and heard what Astarion told us about, fought Kasador who shouted "he's mine" at us, and still took the conversion. What freedom are we talking about? It's not in the game yet, but (if you leave with Karlach in Averno and watch AA's reaction to it, he says take a walk and come back to me).
I think it depends a lot on Tav. If Tav in principle does not feel themselves as a “victim”, does not consider themselves as someone possibly dependent and weak, and at the same time passionately loves Astarion and is also a proprietor like him - this is the norm of relations between two proprietors, and they are quite equal. If Tav just admires him in every way possible, and takes his dominant phrases in the vein of, “My love plays and I'll look at him” - Tav won't feel subordinate. I am sure that in any serious situation, when important decisions will have to be made, Astarion will definitely listen to the logical arguments of his beloved, and they will make a joint decision, just as Tav can make a decision and Astarion will agree. Tav, who doesn't want to leave Astarion's side and starts following him herself, won't feel constrained or in any way unfree after Astarion says, “I'm always watching you”. Neither will Astarion find such attention to himself intrusive or “stuffy”, knowing him, he will never get bored of attention. In general, there are no “perfect relationships” in a vacuum, but sometimes someone is lucky and there are perfect coincidences of characters. And in real conditions, such relationships for someone will be problematic, and for someone happy and those very “ideal”. There are no “molds” or “yardsticks” by which to measure the “quality” of a relationship, except for one - how the two feel inside their relationship.
