I think that in a lot of cases, people think Mystra has to be "evil" because all the other companions have an abuser in their story, so Gale has to have one too. Personally, I think that Gale's story makes most sense if you don't try to take it completely literally. When he first introduces Mystra to you, he introduces her as identical to magic itself and as the most important thing/person in his life. As the story continues, she also takes on the mantel of his conscience when handling magic, for example when dealing with the Shadow Weave. If you approach the story from this point of view, it's a story about a man and the relationship with his craft as well how he lets it define his self worth. It's told as a romance, but it's really about Gale coming to terms with himself. He either reevaluates what is truly important to him and makes peace with his values and his beloved craft, completely steps away from it and takes up a managing position as a god - or dies.
I think all of Gale's endings are well written, the one in which he lives are fun, the ones in which he dies are heartbreaking. My favourite one is a special ending he can have with Avatar-Astarion, in which they both build a safe haven for the other spawn together in the Under Dark (it's my favourite ending in general) but I am fond of all his adventuring endings.
Edit: I also don't think she is portrayed as evil, but I think that the gods overall are seen somewhat critically by the game.
Last edited by Anska; 24/10/24 12:29 PM.
