Just wanted to say that I love Astarion. I think Astarion is such an interesting character and his ascended vampire ending is my favorite. I think it's great that he gets all of the power, especially the power to turn into a bat. I never completed the game since I keep starting over, but I usually just play as Tav. I imagine Astarion's deceitful comments encourages Tav to become less selfless throughout the journey. Tav is often treated as the therapist of the camp and grows tired of running into dead ends in order to find a cure. I always liked the idea of my character just being somewhat altruistic at the start and slowly falling into cynicism until she finally snaps. Astarion approves.

astarionhappy