That Astarion would be broken and evil after Ascension was something hinted at multiple times, so I think that’s not surprising, but the scenes should not trigger common traumas (and sadly domestic violence traumas are common in our society).
This is more than surprising, as it completely contradicts both the story and the logic of the game, previous and subsequent lines, dialog, etc. Just like you and Lae'zel and all the other companions - the kissing scenes have nothing to do with the plot of the game. Broken, thankfully Astarion won't be made, Swen said the plot of the companions won't change. Do you remember if that was hinted at in any articles? About Astarion being “broken” I haven't seen it. As written above, the romances are not related to the game's plot, without the romance Astarion ascends fine, without any problems or “consequences”. All the “evil” is solely in the romance. The hints can probably be considered the romance author's desire to make the player feel like a failure:
I didn’t even romance Astarion and for me the evil of ascended Astarion was obvious. Before the ending he is distant and fully selfish and In the new ending he becomes the new lord who oppresses people in the region, only caring about his new powers.
You just said it: "I didn't even romance Astarion". Point. It doesn't matter, how evil, narcissistic and mean Astarion is in an UNromance playthrough, what matters is, how Astarion treats Tav in the ROMANCE. This is a HUGE difference, and you cannot compare them. The romance is made to be enjoyable for (certain) players, at least this aspect predominates. It's for people who like to romance an evil character. We (or certain players) like, that Astarion is mean and narcissistic and cruel to others, he isn't like this to Tav. Yes, Astarion is caring about his new power and he is narcissistic (by the way, since act 1). But as much as he might treat his enemies, the citizien of Baldur's Gate or others bad or worse after the ascension, it doesn't count for how he treats his partner. If you play the romance, Astarion is treating his partner more or less well ( as much as a selfish man is capable of) and doesn't want to lose his partner. He is grateful for Tav staying with him. He wants to share his power with his partner. He wants a consort, who flourishes with him. He is giving Tav the best life (in his possessive way and eyes). So he treats Tav very well in his narcissistic way. (It's a fantasy game, and in real life, this would be nearly impossible. BUT. The story is not made realistic, both paths - Spawn and Ascended - are completely and pure fantasy. Both are meant for fun and to enjoy.) You mention the new Ending. Astarion and Tav are shown as a happy couple. Both are smiling. Astarion is always saying "us". The epilogue says: "You AND Astarion were hosting a grand masquerade in the refurbished ballroom of Cazador's palace (...) Astarion pouted, when you read the invitation to him. He gladly accompany you, but he would have been happy to host the party himself." The only one, he might think low of in the Epilogue, are the others: "And? How have our dear friends been without US to guide and protect them?" Tav: "Oh they're completely falling apart." Astarion: "Yes, well, that's to be expected. They were never anything without US (..) Still it is good to see them. And good for them to see US, side by side, flourishing. WE do turn every head the moment WE walk into a room. And rightly so. I may have power, but it would be nothing without you. You complete me". Tav: "It is wonderful, I am glad to get share this with you." Astarion: "And I am blessed to share it with you, my love."
I know you don't mean any harm. But there are many people who haven't played the romance and think (or say carlessly) that just because he's evil and cruel, he's also evil and cruel to his partner. And that's just not the case.
To add: I think Marielle particularly stumbled over the word “broken”. Astarion is definitely NOT broken in many eyes. You and others, not romancing him, are free to see it that way, but most of us, who are partnered, experience and see him to be a self-confident, proud, narcissistic and sarcastic (and also funny) villain. He was already narcissistic and manipulative when my Tav met him in act 1. So - for us - there is nothing odd, when he is narcissistic and manipulative after the ascension. On the contrary, it's the reason, why I enjoy this character.
Originally Posted by ArneBab
The GDC talk on animation said that the facial expressions are separate from the motion capture, so it might actually be possible to first fix this in mods and maybe also fix it in an update later.
Because I think that this is really an error: it is inconsistent.
Two reasons:
- If they say “but that’s perhaps what you like”, then the face “hurt, fear, pain” isn’t the right one. The main character is not Astarion but Tav, and if you (only) get to this point if you like this, you won’t make this face. - Kissing is initiated by Tav, not by Astarion, so having it be something Tav doesn’t like isn’t plausible.
So — in addition to being damaging to players with experience of domestic violence — Tav should not make this face for plot reasons.
(feel free to quote me if you decide to report this as bug)
Well said. Thank you!
"I would, thank God, watch the universe perish without shedding a tear."
