Be that as it may, I always take the funny worms because black hole is too fun.

I think it’s so sad that shadowheart is such a genuinely good person at heart and was beaten down and brainwashed/mind wiped every time she started to break away from shar. The fact that all it takes for her to break the cycle and turn to good is to just have someone be nice to her and for the mindflater abduction to get her away from Viconia Long enough to break through the brainwashing. She’s truly a tragic and well written character and seeing her embrace her true self in act 3 after saving Aylin is so satisfying

Why is Halsin the size of a mountain? He towers over all other characters. Unless you count monsters like ogres and dragons.

In French, they call they darkspawn "Engeance", which, in english, I would translate back into "Spawn-kin". It also has the vibe of making it sound as if wherever they come from is unspeakable. Too scary to say.

I have beat it on tactician a handful of times and just finished my first Honour Mode victory, except for the PS5 bug at the brainstem that abruptly ended my game for no reason, mfers, and never have I ever trusted the Emperor.

Aw Gortash is actually one of my favorites. I think it's worth mentioning that he admires strength and wits above all else, and sometimes killing as well. For example, there's a letter you can find where he writes to a man (can't remember the name) that did something pretty evil regarding their plot, stating along the lines of, "I could jump into your arms out of joy. Some would say we would be lovers. And I do love you, [name]. I so do love a man who kills and causes mayhem." (sorry I can't remember the exact wording at the top of my head.) But I just think it's interesting how he doesn't care about the gender or who the person is at all. Because of his sociopathic tendencies, he has an admiration for others who kill/cause destruction AND are strong and intelligent. That's why he couldn't stand Orin: she let her bloodlust consume, but Dark Urge can contain themselves. I absolutely LOVE this ship now, and can't wait to see more of it in my own playthrough. I wish my first playthrough was the Dark Urge. It would've been more interesting. I also forgot to mention that perhaps one of the reasons why their love is skewed is because of their upbringings. Gortash was unwanted and unloved by his monstrous parents. If you were never shown love, how could you know how to love someone else? He wouldn't know how. In that scene when Dark Urge shows up in Wrym's Crossing, it looks like Gortash is happy to see them, but contains himself to remain professional. However, I like to imagine that he wants nothing more than to hug and renew their old partnership again. He wants to love them, but doesn't know how. I think it's adorable and tragic. And obviously, Dark Urge wouldn't know how to love anyone as well. That's why they're conflicted with their love for Gortash (asking for forgiveness). They love him, but again doesn't know how to display it, and battle with the intense desire to kill him but wanting to be with him at the same time. That must be confusing. Perhaps that's why Orin also got rid of Dark Urge. She viewed them as 'going soft' by falling in love, and decided to take their place. It was a mix of jealously and viewing them as 'weak.'

Wulbren is a terrorist, he wants to do an “oopsie everyone die,” on his cousins, and treats the people who love him like shit. What’s not to hate?

Great video! Just some thoughts: I think his parents were just horrible monsters who didn't want him. They imply he was evil as a child to justify their hatred for him (much like evil people do). People often project their feelings toward others. Example, if you view yourself as ugly, you view others as ugly to hide the fact that you can't stand to look at yourself. People who aren't insecure never have to put others down in order to feel good about themselves. Some people want to be parents, but they underestimate the stress that comes with raising a child. He wasn't 'needy' even with his implied physical disability (which was an interesting part of the video). He was just a normal child. If the disability is true, then perhaps the reason why he was tinkering with machines so much was because he wanted to try to find a way to not be such a 'nuisance' to his parents by finding a way for his bones to not break so easily. Hence, making their lives easier. We also know they never wanted him because even after he came back home, the mother literally admits to wanting to slam the door in his face. That shows a lack of remorse. Why wouldn't they be happy to have their son be back? Why not apologize for what they did to him? Raphael showing up with that deal was the perfect way to get rid of him AND their debt. Devils are good at finding others who are desperate. On that side note, I don't understand why Raphael never took Gortash back? He was right down the street! Kinda weird. Anyway, I actually think his backstory is tragic and heartbreaking. His ending even more so. He never had a chance with that kind of upbringing. No wonder he turned out the way he did. When you're taught at a young age that your life doesn't matter, why would you value others' lives? His parents taught him that people were meant to be used. They never taught him empathy or compassion. Then to be thrown into the House of Hope and abused on a daily basis? Yeah, that would mess anyone up. As for the toys as bombs part, I also thought it was kinda random. Perhaps there are two reasons for it. 1) Gortash detests weakness. He had everyone at his ceremony killed after he had no more use for them, his guard stating, "My Lord has no use for babble" or words to that effect. So maybe he had no use for the refugees, and wanted to get rid of them? And also viewed them as 'weak'? 2) It's a part of the causing chaos in Baldur's Gate. If those bombs blew up and killed innocents, people would think it was the Absolute that did it, and look up to Gortash for safety.

just noticed your nb bracelet, what are your pronouns?

i would like to add that ghustil is her title, not her name, meaning "healer"

32:59 Ive always interpreted the emporor as an ender brain in the making? Like because of what whithers said about them having souls; balduran is dead af and the illithid dna found his mind to be a good vessel so even if he doesnt necessarily understand thats his motivation yet i always saw him as trying to evolve no matter the cost (especially if you take in durge lore; him being able to get the power of the brain with a disgarged puppet just seems very on brand to me)

Having played a Sorcadin multiclass, I think its hilarious that you can ask the Oathbreaker Knight "How tf did I became a Paladin??" (not literal quote).

Lae'zel is the most honest character in the entire game.

Interesting points, but this did become repetitive towards the end. Felt like saying the same things in a new way. Maybe an additional draft of the script (assuming you had one) would help. It would be good to be more comfortable behind the camera, too. There were a lot of awkward pauses or stilted sentences. I like that you enjoy overthinking things, too, and I think you're spot on about Orin. The link to misogyny was well called out.

I was reading the comments not knowing who barcus was because i accidently sent him flying 😅

Yeah. Ciel. He. One. Human. Now. He. New. Devil.

I think there's still plenty of drama with a redeemed Durge and Gortash too... since I like playing one, my head cannon is: The Durge never liked being Bhaal's chosen. But since Bhaal can control them through their blood, they never bothered to resist. Being with Gortash was the one thing Durge could control, and probably the only person they could get away in a relationship with. But when Orin betrayed them, it was unwittingly the best gift she could have given them. Freedom - even if that wasn't what she intended. This is also why I like Spawn Astarion x Redeemed Durge - it mirrors Durgtash in a lot of ways. Or it could have - as we all know they could be in a really toxic relationship, but they choose to be better people, to choose to fight for their right to live. Basically the power of friendship and love gives Durge the willpower to defy Bhaal I just like to imagine the "What are these feelings?" Gortash has, when a good boy Durge rolls up with their new bae in tow, and they're also a different person 😂

my own durge is a lesbian so I am taking the platonic route for Gortash and Durge relathionship but I do like to imagine that they were really close like if you didn't know Durge was a lesbian you could easily think that she and Gortash were a thing! the two of them hanging out for hours at a time discussing world domination but also just everyday things like my Durge talking about her recent acts of murder and which ones she found the most fun to commit or Gortash helping my Durge pick out her outfits to wear since my Durge had no sense of fashion before Gortash came around. Durge and Gortash being so close is also one of the reasons that I can see Orin's hate towards Durge growing as she dosen't think Durge is taking her job serious (even tho she is) since she is bff with Gortash.

@38:00 I think this is just what it’s like being on the outside of an abusive relationship looking in, especially one between a child and their caretaker. Now I’m not per se saying Will’s dad is abusive (I haven’t played the game, just interested in these types of analyses) but I’ve definitely seen these types of relationships irl before; could’ve been interesting for the game to explore something like that to explain why wyll values him in a way we can’t make sense of.

Another note to add to the hate: Wulbren Bongle is the dumbest name ever

watching video for like a 6th time something like that. how did the servants and soma all not ask "hey? wheres your eye patch?" when they thought they where around ciel? i feel like that should make them go wait a minute, ive never seen this kids right eye before

I think it’s interesting when Minthara punishes Sazza for not knowing that the PC is a True Soul. One may assume it’s just because she wants to be mean, but I see it as a really smart cult-preserving tactic. If Sazza blabs that a True Soul was associating with druids and ordinary tieflings, it calls into question the Absolute’s mission (kill the grove) and her own status as a True Soul and cult leader- she wouldn’t want anyone to see alternatives to her malicious and controlling ways. So, she twists it on Sazza, criticizing her for ruining a non-existent spy mission, and sentencing her to death. Very calculated and cunning… poor Saz

Hell yeah absolutely love dragon age

So sad I was working and missed the stream. Just wanted to say am having fun watching from the beginning and hope there is a part 2 later. Also wanted to suggest taking a look at your graphic settings. If they are set to low it causes the Black blank stare everyone has. It happened to me when playing on my laptop. So just a thought. Enjoy and hope to see another part soon.

Congrats on getting your golden dice, welcome to the club, Mel! I was sick last week and missed the live stream. On my first successful honour run, I almost lost the game a good dozen times as well! Bravo on your resilience, you success is especially poignant after the tragedy at Last Light, and nearly losing the two toughest bosses in the game- the elevator platforms in Act 2!😂 Bravo again!🎉🎉

Orin reminds me a bit of Azula. I do feel sorry for her when you tell her the truth. Bhaal steps in takes control, and says no more, Orin. Yeah, even if you despised her, it's still a brutal way to go.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Dark Urge storyline, although I've played a loyal Bhaalist Durge to see how the story plays out since I always enjoy checking out all the content a game offers. Why I've put hundreds of hours into BG3. A redeemed DU was my favorite, and I believe this is how the game was meant to be played, for me at least. Another aspect that made me like the DU even more was how much they reminded me of Revan. Both characters share many similarities, and Revan is still one of my favorite Star Wars characters. But good analysis of the character and describing all aspects.

I hate Gortash but I love this lmaooo

This is what makes BG3 a treasure trove and one I'm enjoying playing once again. Now that all the patches are out and modders are going crazy, one modder is creating a quest between Act 2 and 3 to better tie them together. This and other mods give me hope that someday, a modder may put in more content for romances and possibly NPCs, such as creating more content for DurgeTash. I am not sure how it would work, but modders made the ME3 ending wonderful, so I have no doubt it could be done. We'll see. Anyway, I enjoyed your analysis, and I'll have to check out your other videos. 😀

When she said problematic I started typing this comment. I expect I'll leave after pressing the "comment" button.

The skin color of any of the races of DnD have literally always been 6th rung on what even comes to mind. Weird caveat there.

The way I see it, Halsin is an extremely flawed leader. He's a benevolent member of the community, but he is unwilling to proactively change the social order so that people don't fall on hard times. For 100 years, he's been in charge of leading the grove, and, because he was afraid to really take charge of the situation, he allowed racism in his community to fester like a cyst under the belly. And then he's surprised when Kagha assumes leadership and has the support she needs to do an ethnic cleansing/fascist coup (ahem, "a coup in the name of the *shadows* facilitated through the exacerbation of racial tensions, which is then followed by the establishment of a totalitarian police regime where neighbors are encouraged to spy on neighbor, rampant torture/abuse of power by law enforcement, and religious freedom is crushed")? That's literally the same thing as what happened in Reithwyn. 100 years under the rite of thorns, and the land surrounding the Emerald grove would just as surely be cursed. As far as Halsin is concerned, he's "failed twice". Granted, in Reithwyn, he assumed leadership just as the situation was actively collapsing, so he can't take all the blame for this. But he repeated the same mistakes as his predecessor - to let a powerful local religious leader turn to the shadows* right under his nose and do nothing about it until it was too late - so he would have failed the same had it been up to him at the time. A minimally decent leader would have cultivated social values in the Grove that would have seen Kagha immediately tarred and feathered as she tried her shady shenanigans (But then there wouldn't be any adventure). *It's like text in this game that followers of the dark gods/shadows are casually racist and homophobic - they liberally throw racial slurs at people, and they will undermine the legitimacy of same sex marriages : - Hey, gondian? what was your *friend's* name? - My *husband*, madam? His name was Larry. - He's dead and he deserves it. Be careful not to die, too. Point is, the shadows rot your soul, makes you bad people. And if you're the leader of a community, it's your responsibility to stop it. And Halsin didn't. He tolerated intolerance, and he almost lost the grove for it ( and he would have lost it for good, too, were it not for the heroic actions of a rag tag gang of plucky meddlesome misfits).

Note that if you DON'T want to go through the entire goblin camp, follow Liam when he flees the camp. He will reveal a secret exit that will enable you to exit the goblin camp. You can assassinate Gut and Minthara discreetly, and from there, you take the fight to boss Ragzlin. With an elixir of cloud giant strenght, you can toss him into the pit, from the rafters, cast invisibility on the assassin, and then you run away. (dispatching Ragzlin in one shot means you can avoid spilling the blood of the chaff who accompany him). Assuming that, for RP reasons, perhaps, you are trying to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. Obviously this will prevent you from looting their tadpoles, but do you really want to inflict ghaikdom on yourself?

For me the reason why this show worked so well with the female audience is that it appeal to the two main type of girls in a fandom: The ''I can fix him'' girls and the ''I can make him worse'' girls. Somehow, the Matsuno brother fits the stereotype that appeal to both.

omg i've just recently discovered your black butler deep dives and i'm obsessed!! this is exactly what i needed because i stopped reading the manga a while ago and i want to get back into it, but re-reading from the very beginning its a bit much for me... so this as a refresher is amazing!! i can't wait to binge watch these <3

I absolutely love all of your Black Butler deep dives, I’ve been a fan since around 2012/2013. I used to read the manga online but I haven’t caught up to the current plot lines and archs. I do have a few theories, though they may not have any backing; but I think it’s interesting to think about. I think if the queen knows about undertaker and his ‘dolls’, she may be turning a blind eye, maybe she wants Albert back. Even if he isn’t himself. I also wonder if undertaker will attempt to resurrect Vincent and Rachel, what if he’s trying to put the Phantomhive family ‘back together’. I don’t know, I just thought it was interesting. I think it would be a brutal way to end the series, to have Our Ciel have to take out his ‘family’ to take back the title of Earl of Phantomhive. (This was just a thing I thought of and I know it’s probably nowhere close to cannon)

The origin party is very much morally gray, they are jut a rag tag team of weirdos.

If you turn in Shadowheart in Baldurs Gate even Minthara disaprooves so you know doing that is just pure evil.

A religion is a massive cult that to a degree has to worry about PR.

I think that’s why shadowheart was in that separate pod with the runes

i've always played as a custom female durge (and never watched the origin video) so i've never realized how sweet and babygirl the default (canon?) durge's voice is?! i'm a sucker for angst so i actually like that we don't get to romance gortash? (i wouldn't oppose it tho, larian.. 👀) my HC is that they never actually made advances or told each other how they truly felt, because it just makes the scene when you confront him (after dismantling his steel watch/betraying him) all the more delicious. when your durge tells him that you "think you probably liked him", he HESITATES (his whole damn life flashes before his life lmao) like a smitten puppy before finally engaging into battle. dying by our hand, i'd like to think that his last thoughts were: admiration/confirmation of how worthy we were, relief in finally knowing that his feelings were reciprocated, and how powerful they could've been if they ruled together (along with disappointment and hatred for foiling his plans/stripping him from his power). i luv durgetash RAHHHHHHH

26:42 Look at the tray with the empty plates and bowls in Ciel's nursery. There are two of each. For comparison, Rachel only had one of each on her tray ;) Maybe the twins ate together? Or did O!Ciel really manage two complete menus ...

Personally, with the dream guardian appearance being customizable, and because I like playing half-elves, I like making an elven guardian, that's kind of supposed to look like what the character, in their childish fantasies had imagined their elven parent they never met but always wondered about to look like. A figure that appeals to that deep desire to be wanted, protected and loved by that parent, who maybe they even wonder at some point if it can be their long lost parent somehow. Though that does make the scene where the emperor makes the guardian appear in a sexy revealing outfit extra awkward, though that's still on the Emperor for thinking it was a good idea.

They didn't put the effort in translating the dialogue eloquently during the climax of the arc. Go read the other on it's far better.

On Gale feeling like he's flirting with you and being taken by surprise A common aspect of the autistic experience is wanting to connect and be close to people, but understanding that different people have different ways they want to be close as, but not understanding (well, maybe you understand it on paper, but you have trouble applying it to practice) how to navigate that. So you mess up your "getting close" scripts, you flirt when you meant to be friendly, you "teach" about a thing you like, you make weird gifts. Also, you might be unsure how close you are to someone in reality, and what's an appropriate interaction to the level of closeness you're currently sharing. You might come up with a nickname when you're not at the nickname stages, offer to babysit their kids when you barely know each other, Or, in Gale's case, reveal your most intimate secret to some tav you've barely met a week ago. Also, he keeps a ball next to him at all times, but he never figdets with it while there are people around. Probably cause he's masking.

Haven’t finished the video, but I pray she comments on the mage hand interaction between Karlach and Gale. lol.