As per forum rules, for the time being, the Moderator Team have been asked to close any new discussions or debates involving Astarion's character ending (Ascension vs. Non-Ascension). This measure will be re-evaluated at a later date. Discussing the character and the general narratives surrounding him is acceptable as long as the discussion remains civil and respectful of all forum members.
This thread has been locked pending advice from Larian’s Community Management team whether or not it falls under the scope of that rule. I do recognise that it’s about Astarion as origin, and therefore may be permissible as long as all involved are respectful of others’ preferences and game narratives and resist the temptation to insist their interpretation is the only valid one when others disagree.
I’m afraid, though, that the rather provocative tone from the OP which seemed to be trying to shut down alternative perspectives in advance probably means this isn’t the right thread for us to try to see if, with a bit of time and distance from previous problematic debates, we can manage an open and constructive discussion about Astarion’s character arc.
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*** UPDATE *** Okay, new year, new chances!
We've consulted and agreed that, despite some concern about the tone with which it started, this thread can be reopened for
discussion of the experience of playing Astarion as an avatar. It's an opportunity to show that we can discuss the topic in a civil, constructive way that is respectful of others' preferences and game narratives - and given those are forum rules, hopefully that's the sort of discussion we're all here for!
To help avoid the toxicity that we've seen in related discussions before, let's try to apply the following guidelines:
- Keep the heat down and try to be measured in tone.
- Talk about the game not fans or other individuals.
- Keep close to the topic and be concise: no walls of text or long posts with lots of quotes from others.
- Try to make the positive case for your own position rather than trying to pick holes in that of others: allow others the space to express alternative viewpoints and accept their right to their preferences.
- Don't take disagreements with your opinions or preferences as personal attacks.
- Don't repeat yourself even if others disagree, and be ready to agree to disagree.
- Avoid as far as possible discussion of potentially traumatic topics: given Astarion's back story some mention may be inevitable, but let's recognise when topics can be personally difficult for others and steer clear of real world specifics.
Further posts in this thread that aren't in line with forum standards and the above guidelines may be removed and attract the normal sanctions for rule-breaking. If you're not up for a discussion of this topic on these terms, then please consider steering clear of the thread.
