Wow, I didn’t even know Cazador could do that again after the cutscene. He never tried to in any of my playthroughs.
As for Astarion being permanently dead if his wisp gets imprisoned, I would hope you can target the wisp again once Cazador is defeated? As all the other spawn are released at that moment, too.
Of course, it might as well be like when a character dies on Orin’s altar, which is permanent. I think the kidnapped character even retains that permadeath risk until the next long rest, so I’d always Long rest immediately after the Orin fight (or at least not take the kidnapped character out of camp before the next long rest).
Sadly I think Astraions body or wisp is gone in the ritual even after Cazador is defeated if he manage to transpose him to the cage. Cazador instantly ascends if I remember right and all the spawn die. It's the same if you are too slow in rescuing Astarion. I have never seen it though, I think I would have rage-quit, lol.
I didn't know there was a risk after the Orin fight. After knowing the mechanics I always have my fav characters in party so she pick someone I like less. So not so stressful as it was the first time, wish it was a bit more random tho.
Also having Gale romance and the blow-up ending got to be so romantic.
