Of course there are limitations in a game, the player does not have the ability to act as they would in reality, the player's options are limited to what the developer provides them.
Exactly. So leave it as it is. You chose this path, why do you want everything UA has when you deliberately choose AA? When I choose either one or the other, I do so for the reason to play with that version of Astarion, not to have the other‘s interactions. The developers and writers did this on purpose so just respect their decision. When they reworked the AA kisses, this was already enough resources spent on a game that is not a dating sim nor has Astarion as the main character, just to please the minority of players who wanted it. Sharran Shadowheart has a completely different act 3 scene than selunite Shadowheart, yet no fan is complaining about wanting that scene for selunite shad, because *they are different* and must be treated as such. Otherwise there is no reason to have different versions of the characters in the first place and their companions quests and the choices become unnecessary.
Originally Posted by Marielle
Ascended Astarion is the only LI in the game who cannot even be touched in any way in the epilogue.
As I am very sure is very much intended. Please stop trying to rewrite everything about AA. I’m sure you’d like to be able to hug him, that’s good for you. The amount of reworks he’s gotten is enough.
Originally Posted by Marielle
Okay, if Astarion in act 2, let's say, wouldn't want to hug in public, it would be possible to add that option in case the player goes alone with Astarion with no other companions, then it wouldn't be public.
Come on, now we are adding entirely new code to the game for a hug? You are very welcome to get the hug mod, hug Astarion as much and anywhere you want. Just please stop making the entire game about Astarion for everyone else.
I beg you, stop trying to rework and rewrite the character you claim to love. You choose this path for a reason, so play with it as it is. Just like all other players play with the choices they make in Astarion and other romances. I’d much rather not go to Avernus, but if my Tav romances Karlach, she is happy to go. This is the consequence of the choices I made, Tav has to go to hell and leave all their friends behind.
The reworked kisses already did a number on a bunch of people. Only because you see support for it here, doesn’t mean the changes were supported generally (see Reddit, there are *good* and *constructive* discussions there, not hate). Not by Astarion / AA haters, mind you, AA fans themselves have spoken out about the changes that already happened. Most were bullied in disgusting ways. If this is what you want to keep happening for a few hugs, man, I don’t know what to tell you. It’s clear people have differing opinions and views of Astarion as a whole and AA specifically, I am not here to change your mind. But please do keep in mind that there are real people suffering, not because „they can’t hug their vampire Hubbie“ but because they are being bullied in vile ways, and personally I find the latter a lot worse. I’d give up all hugs in the game to protect these people.
Astarion in all versions is already a fleshed out and incredibly well written character with much depth. Of course not perfect, but at this point this is really not something we could in good conscience demand from larian regarding this.
