Baldur's Gate 3: Halsin Polyamorous Offer - All Romance Rejections & Acceptance [Custom Male]

[@elicruze7188]

Karlach: Hurt that you even asked. Lae'zel: You do it pack your shit. Astarion: Faking approval cause he's scared he's not enough. Wyll: Stating his boundaries calmly. Gale: Hoe, I will literally blow us all up. Shadowheart: "Its cool with me bruh."

[@PanKitsune]

if Astarion is spawn and after killing Cazador he is so much more chill. Something like 'its okay if things change, Im okay knowing that' and that he trusts Tav.

[@eenix0]

I don't think Astarion is faking approval, there's a lot in the game to indicate he is familiar with and comfortable with polyamory in general, but there would definitely be some stuff to navigate there to make sure he feels validated and loved and the dynamic stays healthy. If I were put in that position I would probably try to facilitate communication between Halsin and Astarion - I've found in my own experience that the best way to confront fear of a metamour is to just get to know the metamour. I think Astarion has high potential for a healthy polyamorous dynamic, but would just require some careful navigating in the early stages - most of which is stuff you'd have to navigate in monogamy anyway (fear of intimacy, etc). Anyway, I don't think he's meant to be faking it, it's just spot on for his character to be unfazed by Halsin but a bit insecure about his own performance and value. Ugh it's just so realistic, I have an ex who was exactly like this. (We're still good friends and he is still very polyamorous). I love that this game is so accurate about how complicated it can be to navigate but also how rewarding it can be if everyone is on board and communicating well.

[@itamiozanare]

Pre-killing Cazardor, Astarion seems really insecure about it. Post-kill he seems a lot more comfortable with it but it might still be teeny-tiny bit performative. Though personally I love his response to 'getting propositioned out of nowhere' he's just "bitch, you blind?"

[@Xyradis]

Yes, I've always felt this way about the Astarion response. I feel like he truly feels like Karlach inside but he won't say it. So he's faking that he's happy and all for it.

[@Givalita]

it's p real of them. I would break up on the spot with whoever dared even ask me that lol

[@franzbraga]

Shadowheart calling it "Mount Halsin" killed me. I literally choked.

[@bernardosantiago9615]

So will Tav no doubt

[@elenalizabeth]

@@bernardosantiago9615 💀💀💀

[@michellerc6967]

AND SHE WANTED DETAILS AFTER lol I just had this personally and I was like ooohhh girly its on Ill brb and w're about to be at sharesses carress....

[@DrawnByDandy]

Heck yeah Tav'll mount Halsin 😏

[@DrawnByDandy]

Heck yeah Tav'll mount Halsin 😏

[@dizzyblizzytheclown]

Poor Karlach, you can tell that she is absolutely NOT okay with it but she agrees out of fear of losing Tav.

[@biggiouschinnus7489]

Yeah - I like how Larian don't shie away from how messy poly can actually be.

[@JB-xl2jc]

@@biggiouschinnus7489Agreed, I'm glad they didn't shy away with it or make it a non-issue to just plow literally everyone. Especially considering how important the themes of loneliness and a desire to belong are to some of their personalities and arcs.

[@B1gLupu]

That is why she is forever best girl

[@TheGodLycan]

i kinda wish they changed shadows responses based on her choice between shar and selune

[@gamedove54]

I figured she agreed with it because she thinks she’s dying at this point

[@isabelle8284]

"What, like a child?" Gale, you are so precious, I can't.

[@baransimsek5943]

"Not with that Lifestyle" wow Gale very much homophobic my boy

[@Rebecca-bk9bd]

@@baransimsek5943ah yes, solely because Gale’s “homophobic” and not the mountain slew of chaos already the party has to deal with

[@elenalizabeth]

@@baransimsek5943 it’s not homophobia though? He meant your lifestyle of killing bad guys and travelling with basketcase companions

[@softouji]

pretty sure he was joking about the homophobia ya’ll… it’s obviously about the chaos of Faerûn

[@baransimsek5943]

@@softouji was 100% a joke but women don't have humor

[@frogguchi]

Gale instantly assuming you want to have a kid with him is the cutest thing

[@thesylphwind6816]

If it is a boy we will name him Squall if it is a girl Misty. ;)

[@Peytoneileen]

STOPPP he’s the BEST

[@baransimsek5943]

"Not with that Lifestyle" wow Gale very much homophobic my boy

[@taiszar]

@@baransimsek5943oh yes, current lifestyle is indeed ment homophobic and not because yall are travelling constantly and fighting a war or something..

[@elenalizabeth]

@@baransimsek5943 huh? How is he homophobic? He meant your lifestyle of adventures and near death, not exactly the safest place for a kid to be.

[@flabbergasted6231]

I feel like Karlach is still a no despite her agreeing. She doesn't want to say yes. She just doesn't want to lose you. And with Astarion I worry whether he truly means it or not.

[@hoangdung7494]

I think she knows she is dying at this point, either by her machine or by the absolute. If her lover can find someone and move on, she's fine with that.

[@tunasubbackwardsisbusanut]

His dialogue is very different if Halsin propositions you after killing Cazador - he's a lot more excited for you to be with Halsin. Astarion needs a little verbal reassurance here, but is okay with it. Post- Cazador, he reassures you that himself that he is okay with it (as a spawn I know for sure, idk about ascendent). Quotes: "The druid is unique. He has alot of experience with this type of arrangement. Thus, I'm sure it would be quite a harmless affair." "I trust you to make choices that are not going to hurt what we have."

[@lfnic]

I also thought that abt astarion but he has a lot of poly approving dialogue when you kiss or interact with halsin. It rlly just feels like reasurrance after being poly with them both for a while now

[@norelle28]

@@tunasubbackwardsisbusanut he says the same even before Cazador is killed, the sentence about Halsin being unique and it being quite the harmless affair. Just depends on what dialogue option you chose. Idk if he asks you if this is because you two haven't in a while after killing Cazador though, haven't gotten that far yet.

[@lenkagamine1104]

Astarion also says "since it's just a fling" regarding Halsin (depending on your play through). Considering there is no time where you or Halsin refer to that relationship as "just a fling" or a temporary thing-- it makes it seem like he's doing some mental gymnastics in order to feel okay with it. Hurts a bit

[@Adakechi]

Why is Gale's the funniest, he's subtly threatening to PHYSICALLY blow up if you ask again 😭

[@chainofheaven]

Relatable tbh

[@sdoaiza]

no one: gale: what if i blew myself up

[@oktusprime3637]

I thought Shadowheart would be the vanilla romance option but she's the freakiest.

[@Bladings]

you thought the emo black-haired BDSM god worshipping girl with bangs and mommy issues would be vanilla?

[@royaltoilet6807]

I mean she did come from a strange shadow cult with taboo practices

[@samlaven582]

Have her in your party when you go to the goblin camp, get hit by the loviatar guy, she gets REALLY into it

[@Fearoq]

The most vanilla is the Tiefling whose been stuck in Hell and has hell engine for a heart.

[@beyondforgiveness013]

​@@Fearoqand she is the best girl

[@altariafae]

ASTARION MOCKING HALSIN IS THE BEST THING

[@SC-qy5fe]

Literally! I missed this dialogue because I said I didn't want to right away. I love it so much!

[@degenerateangel6891]

"eNjoYinG tHE fREedoM of NAtUreS gIftS"

[@manicbeyond]

​@@degenerateangel6891"I'm sure he'd outlaw clothes if he could." So true Astarion he probably would.

[@juanrojas6063]

Gale going from thinking youre trying to make him a daddy into realizing youre trying to Sham-wow the bear is honestly so cruel

[@IrisGlowingBlue]

The phrase "Sham-wow the bear" wasn't one that I thought would exist in my head but it Does Now 😂

[@Radio-97]

From all the conversations, I think only Shadowheart really doesn’t mind Tav with Halsin. Lae‘zel, Wyll and Gale make it very clear they are against it, while Karlach and Astarion only saying yes in order to not lose Tav in the process; the happiness of their partner has their top priority, even if they don’t like it themselves. Also, Gale don’t be shy, you are DEFINITELY dad material.

[@shadowcastyt]

Astarion just seems to have an admittedly totally justified concern that he's not satisfying his partners needs, other than that his reaction seems to be more like, “ha! Yeah I'd tap him too!”

[@manicbeyond]

Karlach is definitely only saying yes not to lose you, Astarion could be taken either way, Shadowheart definitely wants to fuck Halsin as well. Which is completely fair and I agree with her 100%.

[@celestebigaignon6054]

I agree, I’ve romanced Astarion most of the time and he seems ‘okay’ with it but I also believe it’s a fear response. His ‘it isn’t because we haven’t… you know?’ Implying that they haven’t slept together since you cement your relationship. If you finish his quest and he says he loves you and this scene happens he is much more forward about not really liking it but will do it for you. Therefore, sorry daddy Halsin, you get rejected

[@adrienneinchi]

I feel like the conversation with Astarion is missing an insight check.

[@Gukkiegalaxy]

frr

[@G.F.SF55]

Ikrrr, I'm always a little scared with him, but I guess it only kinda adds realism to it, since irl you can't know for sure either unless they tell you yk

[@Crackheadcentral2188]

You don’t need one, even the dumbest Tav doesn’t

[@Crackheadcentral2188]

You don’t need one, even the dumbest Tav doesn’t

[@tinytitmouse7019]

He’s more honest if you confronted Cazador already. He says something like “I trust you wouldn’t do anything to harm what’s between us” if he isn’t ascended

[@VikingMermaid]

As someone who tried to have an open relationship and failed, this hits different. I relate A LOT to Karlach in this, because my fear of losing my (now ex) partner was bigger than my discomfort with "sharing". Damn, these characters are so so well written.

[@Collei_lily]

I’m sorry you went through that

[@welsh7858]

Sorry to hear it, truly. Hope you get well ) Here, a healing potion ) (no offense, sorry, if it's silly joke)

[@rusudenes8549]

play stupid games win stupid prizes

[@jessh4016]

I'm surprised cheating didn't work out for you.

[@GiegueX]

That's what you get for even considering and trying an open relationship lol. Deserved. Next time you want to try an open relationship just cheat or be honest and end the relationship right there.

[@razrv3lc]

Gale’s response is SO sad. His whole storyline is trying to make him realize he’s enough despite what Mystra made him feel like, then you do this and it’s like it entirely erodes everything you’d tried to convince him of up to that point. I did it my first playthrough and felt so bad lmao

[@Bladings]

Both he and Mystra were terrible partners to be fair. Gale's inability to question himself and obsession with becoming some sort of divine entity are troubling.

[@razrv3lc]

@@Bladings his original issue stemmed from the major power imbalance that would inherently exist in a relationship between a mortal and an immortal goddess. His entire thing with the Netherese magic was him trying to prove to Mystra that he was good enough for her; it wasn’t a blind play for power. SPOILERS BELOW BUT with that being said, his desire for the Crown of Karsus at the end of Act 2 and through Act 3 is alarming for sure. You can talk him entirely out of chasing after it but, still, the fact that it even crossed his mind to try to use it to control the Karsite Weave is like… did he learn NOTHING? Lol

[@drawingsticks5333]

To be fair, Gale also really wants the crown because he has accepted that all Gods suck, including Mystra who groomed him since he was young and then told him to go kill himself, so he thinks he can take that power and do better. It's a very similar reasoning to Astarion having to be talked down from ascending.

[@Shalltear773]

to be fair, I don't think many mortals could resist the chance to wield the Crown of Karsus and whatever power the Karsite Weave could give, even those who've had a run of bad luck. @@razrv3lc

[@eenix0]

Honestly this is why I can't romance Gale, the man needs therapy, not a partner haha. Just...loads of unchecked toxic monogamous expectations of your partner being single handedly responsible for your self esteem. Don't get me wrong, it's realistic AF, it's painful because I KNOW so many real life Gales, but damn, can't deal with it in my fantasy world lol. Astarion is borderline but at least becomes more self aware if you choose the right options. Gale seems more just...love me or leave me but you're everything, which is just...not...super...healthy. lol

[@Lagodota]

karlach's convo can be different - she asks if it would be only physical or sentimental too, and says something like "well everybody in camp wants to climb that oak" refering to halsin 😂😂 if you say only physical she is okayish with it - nonetheless its clear she doesnt want to and agrees out of fear of losing you. i just wanted to see what would happen and felt SO guilty i reloaded so fast

[@ВладиславБулаев-л3э]

Lmao 😂😂 Her lines are the best And yeah, poor Karlach :( Her reactions to the question make me so sad.

[@elenalizabeth]

@@ВладиславБулаев-л3э my favourite line is still Mintharas “it was a beautiful webbing” 😂 just the monotone way she says it 😂

[@Tankgirl88a2]

I tried the mizora thing out of curiosity while romancing karlach and didnt even let her finish her sentence before i reloaded i regretted that decision so fast.

[@Brodes235]

Legit man I was curious about the infamous “bear scene” so I went and asked Karlach and she made me feel so terrible I had to reload the quick save and it’s weird to me how your Tav can’t tell halsin she’s not ok with it seems like the more caring and natural thing to do to me at least is say your partner is not ok with that type of relationship when their answer is like that

[@seraphina1724]

​@@Tankgirl88a2same-ish except I was romancing Wyll and I went through with it. Mizora is the worst and I felt genuinely guilty when Wyll broke up with me. I reloaded and then fully deleted that autosave

[@Jouleside]

It's almost unfair that we don't ask Shadowheart if she wants to participate

[@manicbeyond]

I know I romanced her and the opportunity for Halsin arrived and just from "Mount Halsin" I could tell she wanted some of him too.

[@luchirimoya]

Frrr you could totally tell she wanted to join

[@bernardo.bridon]

I really like how companions have different takes on this. Shadowheart is stoked, you can tell she wants Halsin too but wanted you to bring it up first. Karlach... Gods above, Karlach is a team player to a fault. She is clearly NOT okay with it, but allows Tav to go forth anyway. I wouldn't have the heart to do her dirty like that. Astaion is worried that he isn't enough at first, but after everything is cleared up he's game. Gale, Wyll and Lae'zel are just straight up no in their own way. Gale feels like he isn't enough, Wyll wants a romance like the stories and Lae'zel is just monogamic in general. I like how they explore different facets of being accepting and unaccepting of a poligamic relationship, and how you can talk to characters about it. It's good stuff.

[@LetsPlayer493]

Actually, if you go ahead and finish Astarions quest first (I didn't acend him) he is not worried at all, he just calls it a harmless affair and wants you to have fun. And he says he trusts you to make decisions that doesn't harm what you have with him. I really like that they implemented this as well. Otherwise I would have felt so bad for picking Halsin as well

[@AlexSoulEvans]

@@LetsPlayer493 As another user said about Astarion being "okay" with this..no, he really isn't. I'll paste the message so I can explain better: "So many people thinking Astarion is completely fine with it is honestly starting to feel a little frustrating, although I totally understand no one means Astarion any harm here. But someone asking "it's not because we haven't been intimate in a while, is it?" when you ask them for consent to a poly relationship is a very clear sign that they are not okay with it, but instead feel insecure about your feelings toward them. Astarion was completely robbed of his freedom to express his boundaries, and he definitely struggles to act on them. And we can see this come to light in two very specific scenes: One is when you visit the drow twins after finishing his quest. He says he's okay with it and that he'll leave if he doesn't like it, but ends up disassociating and working on instinct. Another is when you tell Astarion "You should enjoy s/x for your own pleasure, and you should enjoy it with me" ends with him feeling very upset and literally saying "I didn't know how to say no." Sometimes you don't need an outright "no" to understand when someone doesn't want something, especially when it's a person who often struggles to express their limits and has mastered the art of hiding their true feelings."

[@LetsPlayer493]

@@AlexSoulEvans I know what you mean and that is exactly why I commented because I have not seen the outcome I got. He doesn't ask you the "it's not because we haven't been intimate in a while" question if you finish his questline first. He just laughs and says have fun. And that he trusts you that you won't do anything that harms the relationship so enjoy yourself. I think that is quite different from the dialogue you usually see in the videos. Soo I just thought I would comment this because at least in the way it played out for me (finished his quest, didn't acend, had the graveyard scene and then the halsin dialogue) he did not say or show in any way that he was insecure or uncomfortable. I just thought it might be interesting for people to know that at least in that regard in can play out differently

[@gamedove54]

@@LetsPlayer493thank you for adding this

[@AlexSoulEvans]

@@LetsPlayer493 Yes it can play out differently, but even if you finish his questline, he's not really okay with that. Take for example the drow foursome. He says that he's okay with that, that if he doesn't like it he will just go away and that he's free now, so he can enjoy things and all..just for him to take over on instinct and disassociate because of the trauma. Astarion doesn't know how to set boundaries, he's just so scared to lose Tav since you're the only person he cares about, that he just plays along with these things. Remember that in 200 years he has mastered the art of hiding his true feelings and he does it almost all the time, except some rare moments

[@BrunetteGaming]

Okay can we talk about the ROAST Astarion did? I have never laughed so hard

[@Amareatsuki]

Karlach looks a breath away from tearing up.

[@slevinchannel7589]

I'm surprised there isn't a single character that breaks up with you just for asking, which is what most people with an inch of self--respect would do.

[@MellowMink]

@@slevinchannel7589What? Why would being open about those feelings that you have but haven’t chosen to explore yet via action be a bad thing in a relationship? If your partner isn’t interested, then you respect that and that’s that, but it would be a sign that you care about them enough to check with them first and have open communication about how you’re internally feeling, which is healthier in a relationship than keeping everything bottled up and not talking that openly.

[@TGPDrunknHick]

@@MellowMink for a lot of people I think it would straight up signal 2 things. one you aren't as commited to them as they are to you. the fact you even asked says that. the other is that you don't think they are enough. you want more than them. which would be a pretty big gut punch if you come into that conversation with a particular person in mind. It's one thing if you're just trying to figure out the boundries of your relationship. another if you admit to already having feelings for someone else and want to act on them.

[@sauce2514]

@@TGPDrunknHick Yup, you have to have your brain wired differently to be completely okay with that kind of thing and not see a problem with it. Evidently, most people aren't at all.

[@jessh4016]

@@MellowMink "Hey, I really want to cheat on you but some internet people told me if I asked you I could be greedy and have it both ways. Can I cheat?" You're out on your ass, homeless, not a possession to your name after that, cheater. You're unworthy of love and anybody that talks to you should be warned that you'll cheat on them. You're complete garbage if you ever even think about bringing it up.

[@Dimonite314]

If you listen to Karlach say what she says, and you sleep with Halsin anyway, you are not a good person.

[@Z0Z33KY]

*your character is not a good person, this shouldn't reflect on the player themselves- after all this is a roleplaying game and it seems people often forget that.. odd seeing so many folks shaming others being like ''ur a horrible person if you do the evil run'' like tf this is how larian intended it?

[@diomed96]

@@Z0Z33KYdamn do I agree with that sentiment. In the same vein, see a lot of hate for characters other people enjoy, bashing their stories etc. I think it's because it's hard for most people to roleplay and they just play "as themselves". Nothing wrong with that unless you attach yourself too much. I still do playthroughs "as myself" in some games and maybe later for BG3. Can't really blame though as rewarding as roleplaying is it can be a lot of effort

[@RedLightz_TV]

@@Z0Z33KYwhen I read those comments, i always assume the shame my character unless they say otherwise

[@teriyakipuppy]

Oh honey. Life is complicated

[@Z0Z33KY]

@@RedLightz_TV nah im pretty sure that isn't what they're implying- and if it is they should work on better wording tbh.

[@moopshcelroy]

My first Tav accidentally ended up with Astarion, Gale and Halsin. All at once. I had gotten into a relationship with Astarion, but I guess I ignored the speech bubble from Gale where he was going to tell me to choose between them. I took a long rest and got the sex scene with Gale. Then once we reached Baldur’s Gate and Halsin confessed his feelings, I spoke to Astarion instead of Gale, and he allowed the relationship. It wasn’t until I watched some BG3 vids on KZbin that I realized Gale isn’t cool with polyamory 😅

[@manicbeyond]

You ignored Gale and that made him ok with polyamory. That... Sounded more toxic than in my head.

[@moopshcelroy]

@@manicbeyond They patched it out (I tested it recently lmao) so Gale’s back to wanting monogamy 😂

[@manicbeyond]

@@moopshcelroy Probably for the best, unfortunately the fictional characters made up of code make me believe they have feelings and I wouldn't want to do that to anyone. Of course I'm not saying you were in the wrong you did that by complete accident. And so you assumed he was chill with that.

[@ZeriocTheTank]

I love Halsin, but Karlach's response hit me in the gut HARD. IRL I could never do an open or polygamous relationship. If I was with someone & they desired someone else as much as it would hurt I rather let them go & have them be happy. Maybe I like to keep that large fence around my tidy garden, but I want one mate for life. If all the characters were real life romantic options I could see myself with Gale at the end of the day. Despite his clingyness he becomes such a sweetheart & he knows how to use his tongue.....his words not mine.

[@Bl4ckDr4co]

Wizards probably develop some serious tongue game after all those verbal components for spells.

[@thenameiswater2921]

I totally missed Gale’s dialogue about having a child because I am also a serial monogamist and turned Halsin down outright. I love that he thinks of the future like that. 😄

[@chaoticnachos380]

cheers bro highfive

[@Ailobyte]

Speaking as someone inclined towards polyamory myself; if I was given a response like Karlach's or Astarion's, I absolutely would not proceed with opening up the relationship. Polyamory only really works if everyone involved is enthusiastic in their consent and clear with their boundries.

[@Sylvantess]

Underrated comment!

[@exosproudmamabear558]

I still went with Astarion but yeah because I know he is quite okay with it in the advanced stages but if I didnt know that I would outright reject him. Shadowheart is kinky yes but she is actually wants to be mono after things gets serious so if I romanced her I wouldnt get into it because I know the outcome. In real life this doesnt happen of course

[@AdderMoray]

Shadowheart: "Absolutely, and tel me about it." Karlach: "Please no, but okay." Lae'zel: "No. I get it. No." Astarion: "Yes, but it's not me, right? Wyll: "I'll get over us, but no if there's to be an us." Gale: "Absolutely, unequivocally, not and I will take us all out if I have to."

[@kaitlynmccormick1310]

I think once you know Astarion's story, it's clearer that he isn't okay with it and just doesn't want to lose you. Karlach is so clearly not okay with it, it's saddd

[@slevinchannel7589]

Your right but your missing saying: Consent making polyamory valid and healthy and coola nd ok is... largely an internetmyth.

[@pheocanathebookishwitch5025]

It depends greatly on the people involved and their individual skill to communicate and navigate delicate topics like these. It can be done, but it is rare and difficult. Romantic relationships are already difficult for most people. It's definitely doable, and worth it if it works for you and your partners, but it's extremely rare to actually work out. In all things love and war, communication is the key.

[@slevinchannel7589]

I'm surprised there isn't a single character that breaks up with you just for asking, which is what most people with an inch of self--respect would do.

[@pheocanathebookishwitch5025]

@@slevinchannel7589 Well usually, you enter the relationship on the grounds that more people could be involved, much like Halsin. I think it far more self respecting to be accepting of your desires and ability to love than deny it. I think it far more self respecting to know what you want, and be able to communicate what you want in a healthy way. The chains of nonsensical moral authority, the chains of social expectations and the fears of others can only restrict and ensnare you. A person who TRULY respects themselves, will be themselves regardless of the opinions of people like you.

[@ambskater97]

@@slevinchannel7589 You're definitely white to say something that empty-headed.

[@MaddyBlu9724]

Its funny, at one point I kissed Wyll after having a romance scene with Shadowheart, and in the following conversation if you suggest polyamory with Wyll shes like "ick I dont want to be your 'spare lover'" So I guess her feelings on it vary depending on who the other party is.

[@supershepherd]

Yeah I think it depends on if you've done anything before asking too

[@sauce2514]

Just pointing out that both Shadowheart and Halsin share the same writer. Do what you will with that information.

[@manicbeyond]

The rules are really weird, it's like you can't do more than one origin character, the one origin has to be ok with it, and then the non origin companion has to be ok with it but I think both Halsin and Minthara are and you can't romance Jaheira or Minsc as far as I know.

[@cosmicprison9819]

Good to know she responds to Wyll the same way - after seeing her response to Halsin, I thought she just had a particular problem with Lae’zel being the third in the relationship. Then again, none of her dialogue suggested that - I think she doesn’t even mention the respective other origin character by name in that “spare lover” exchange.

[@Shalltear773]

I don't think I'd be able to go through with it during a romance with Karlach. her reaction is just too heartbreaking for me. but seriously though, Astarion's imitation of Halsin was bloody hilarious.

[@sam7559]

Took me a second to realize why there was no Minthara reaction

[@michadybczak4862]

Minthara and Halsin are excluding each other. When you have Minthara, you won't get Halsin and vice versa. There are some convoluted ways to get them both (with mod or some quest skipping and order in which you do some quests), but I think this wasn't intended and possibly Minthara won't recognize this scene and won't speak about it.

[@bethteemieron3966]

@@michadybczak4862 i have both in my camp. I killed all the goblin camp in act 1 and instead of killing Minthara I knocked her out to save her from Hautlune prison in act 2, so it's possible but with patience

[@gemmafire8628]

It’s really funny to see someone stand eye to eye with Halsin

[@nenmaster5218]

Poly-Normalization makes me sad.

[@falconeshield]

​@@nenmaster5218It's a game Christian, call down

[@swoluigi3828]

@@nenmaster5218 ok

[@jlog3540]

@@nenmaster5218 good be sad

[@cassi6528]

I couldn't do that to Karlach, that broke my little heart. She really doesn't want it but she doesn't want to upset or lose Tav, she deserves the best

[@airachica]

Astarion: "Gods, you're beautiful." Tav: *proposes an open relationship* Me. "IS HE A JOKE TO YOU?!"

[@LauraGheorghe-j7p]

Pissed off that you can pick "I changed my mind." with Shart but not with Astarion. Like I wanted to see Astarion's reaction to me picking him as exclusive, he deserves commitment. 😢

[@nocturna76]

this 1000x, i HATE that i can't tell halsin i'll speak to astarion without the game flagging it as me saying yes to halsin. i just want the option to talk to astarion then tell him "but you're all i want, all i'll ever want" ... PLEASE give me THAT option, larian!

[@neonbre]

Polyamory is love on hardcore, i've seen it work and i've seen it hurt people. The thing i've noticed is that if you're wired as a monogamous person, accepting poly in your relationship is the recipe for pain and jealousy.

[@loturzelrestaurant]

Yeaaah, you got somethin gwrong there mate. Your either wired right or wired wrong. Theres no healthy way to do polyaory and you have in-fact nottttz seen it 'work' you justn elieve so

[@neonbre]

@@loturzelrestaurant I'm monogamous to the root so I can't speak from my experience to say others are wrong, but I've seen it work between people that are polyamory. Not my place to say what people should do with their free time and heart

[@loturzelrestaurant]

@@neonbre Yeah but it certaily is my place so feel free to just adapt to my stance. If polyamory was unproblematic, the world wouldnt look like it doess.

[@neonbre]

@@loturzelrestaurant 😂😂 "your place" to say this stuff, you must be a delight to talk to if you have that kind of confidence to tell randoms that 😂😂

[@Bl4ckDr4co]

​@@loturzelrestaurant yes, the problem is polyamory, not the religious leaders grooming people for centuries to believe in the social norms they want so they can exercise control over the populace. Get over yourself and your ingrained bias, you can't know what is going on in other peoples' heads. It's not your place and the fact that you even think that people can be "wired right" shows that you aren't lol

[@Sunny-tj1mo]

I almost cried at Astarion's response... My poor baby. That really hurt.

[@eenix0]

RIGHT?!? Dammit Larian, I cannot stand how many emotions I feel about a bunch of made up pixels and white hair lol. But his whole story is so dang powerful, and of all the companions, his is just a little too real and relatable to so many SA survivors.

[@melaniematos2609]

curious, my response with Astarion was quite different. He says something along the lines "as long its something that doesn't hurt what we have. " and "if anything changes, and things does change" but ina general good way? (idk, i give him a fairly good amount of atention, i do love my sad vamp boy. I protec).

[@Sunny-tj1mo]

@@melaniematos2609 I can't say for sure, but this sounds like you probably did his quest?

[@melaniematos2609]

@@Sunny-tj1mo indeed! I did his quest a while ago XD. as soon as i saw it I was "OH THAT MF, GOTTA FREE MY BABY". And no, Astie is no vampire lord. It was...quite cute, tbh, the course of the storyline after that.

[@paigeturner4425]

I'm not that far in the romance with him yet, why has it been a while? Do vampires have periods or something?

[@thehuskyraccoon]

I wish I was Gale so I could win every argument by threatening to blow us all up. Just to be clear he’s still my fav romance apart from Halsin sex.

[@rattymenace]

In the non-god epilogue, he says that he keeps his students in line by letting them think that he is still has the netherese orb.

[@shibernyan2009]

Astarion's impression of Halsin, I'M DEAAAADDD!!!!!😂 Shadowheart is definitely open to it (dunno if she'd join in though. "Mount Halsin" was pretty funny too😆). Astarion is a little less open to it/not really open to it, it's always hard to tell with him (he got insecure and something tells me that won't just go away with a few sweet words. And considering that [spoilers ahead] he has a hard time saying 'no' and dissociates with the Drow twins etc, it's very possible that he's actually very against it and is just putting up a tough front with jokes and nervous giggling😔). Karlach clearly is not open to it but went along with it out of fear of losing you (as powerful and fierce as she is, she's such a precious softie on the inside. Please don't do this to her🥺).

[@Beredaman08]

If you've done this with Halsin, and had the night with Shadowheart, the Drow scene becomes a fivesome. She's definitely up for joining with you and Halsin, though the Drow scene is the only one that depicts that element of the polycule you've basically established.

[@sarahn2036]

Astarion said no to the Drow twins in my run 😊

[@ladyselin35]

​@@Beredaman08 tbh i always see halsin as a concubine as a main girl xD Id share my toy with my night orchid.

[@fenrisares]

13:49 I cannot, Gale is such a precious cinnabun puppy to me, that I could never do that to him 😭

[@JB-xl2jc]

"How could you? I thought this was important to you, like it is to me! By the way, Mystra and I are having dinner tonight. Don't wait up."

[@fenrisares]

@@JB-xl2jc nah dude, if you'd play a bit longer, you'd understand that he's not into her and also, he treasures OC more then his own life 😭🤌

[@JB-xl2jc]

@@fenrisares Lol I know, there's definitely a tumultuous relationship between the two. But he sure does talk about her a lot! I'd bet if she really put on the charm she could lure him back. Not that she probably wants to now.

[@fenrisares]

@@JB-xl2jc the thing is, idk if you know that, but she groomed him, like a predator. Like imagine, u're aspiring mage, at 16-17ish yo and the source of ur magic powers actually acknowledges you. So yeah, if generally speaking, it was a powercreep and grooming of a poor boi

[@msbroomstick1]

​@@fenrisaresin Mystra's defence, and you'll soon see it's a very bad defence. She has to groom a chosen one or several as a result of Karsus folly. That being said, she doesn't have to sleep with them, and definitely not when they are very young. I assume that in her perspective, she is just being extra generous because after all she is a god. Even if Gale wasn't that young when they met (and he was) the power dynamic is insane here. It's like a young promising college student with a Nobel prize winning professor who is also the university's (and universe) Dean.

[@eenix0]

I LOVE that they cover the whole spectrum of relationship styles and touch on healthy and unhealthy aspects of each one. Like as someone who is polyamorous in real life, this is really, really cool. When i heard there would be polyamory, i honestly thought it would just be a horny gamer trope of everyone being down with everything lol. But this is...actually pretty accurate to what you have to navigate in polyamory. Halsin: Obviously, stellar example of healthy polyamory. Very consent-driven and communicative of desire without putting any expectations down at all. The whole polyamory community could learn from Halsin haha. Polyamory, healthy. Shadowheart: healthy, stable, good to go (wouldnt have guessed it, but her dialogue would make me feel secure that she really is okay). Polyamorous, healthy. Astarion: Good to go, WITH caveats that youll likely need to be more careful, he is clearly polyamory-friendly but has some baggage to be very aware of and respectful towards as far as his value. (I have LITERALLY dated a guy like this - we're still really good friends and he is still devoutly polyamorous, but there was a lot to navigate). Polyamorous, healthy with some extra navigation. Karlach: Maybe later, not now. What a fantastic example of someone saying yes when they actually mean no. In real life, this would definitely read as no to me, but as a conversation i might be able to have again at a more stable time. Polyamorous, unhealthy. Wyll: I love that he is a firm no, but also not judgemental about it, and doesnt make you feel bad for asking, just has his boundaries. Monogamous, healthy. Lae'zel: Like Wyll, she is clear but not condescending or unkind. I have a bit more of a problem with her whole "I claim you" thing, I don't like talking about partners like property, so that gets one point towards toxic monogamy, but overall this still reads as a pretty healthy way to say "I get it, but no", which is great. Monogamous, healthy(ish). Gale: Gah this is why i cant romance Gale. Ive dealt with this too much in my life, its so real. Its fine to have boundaries like Wyll, but you dont need to insult someones character over a difference in romantic orientation. (And his response if you dont choose him is truly just shitty. Real, painful, but shitty.) Monogamous, unhealthy. Before anyone comes after me, i DO sympathize with him. I do get it. Thats what makes it so real, i KNOW real life Gales. But its definitely drenched in some kinda problematic ideas of worth, moral character, and the false equivalence with romantic commitment. Anyway, theres my TED talk. I love this game so much.

[@KFP_Prophet]

I would've liked to have seen a little bit more flexibility tbh. While multiple of them are cool with polyamory, its only really with Halsin or Minthara in the long term, and the relationship between the characters doesn't seem to have any influence. Obviously not expecting Lae'zel and Shadowheart to share a bed, but Karlach & Shadowheart or Shadowheart & Astareon being a possibility beyond act 1 would be good.

[@eenix0]

@@KFP_Prophet I absolutely empathize. I more just meant that after a lifetime of super shitty polyamory representation, where it's either represented as lacking commitment/not real, or even abusive, orrrrrr the other side where it's represented as this totally carefree world of "everyone should be fine with everything and if you're not, you're wrong and should be ashamed because monogamy is stupid so you're stupid" ...it's just really nice to see realistic, messy, complicated, balanced polyamory portrayed. I personally have never seen polyamory portrayed in media that is anywhere close to real or healthy, so it's super refreshing. Ugh I totally want a wholesome healthy Karlach/Halsin/Astarion relationship though haha, I feel you!

[@postscript7783]

⁠@@KFP_Propheton the contrary, if you convince shadowheart and lae’zel to work out their differences and don’t romance either of them they will have banter confirming they’ve had freaky sex lol

[@wolflinggon5664]

I am really happy with the variety of relationships you can have in this game. When I found out you can have a possible poly relationship with Halsien and someone else… it made me so happy.

[@kiaramcspankypants4719]

Your comment was really emotionally helpful to me and I appreciated it a lot!! I relate a lot to Astarion (just in terms of the ways we were both abused and the ways that that manifested in terms of feelings around intimacy...being afraid of people Not wanting you sexually bc you think that's the only thing keeping you safe while simultaneously feeling repulsed at it and it just being. a complicated mess) and am!! Simultaneously unpacking a lot of my ideas around monogamy because even if I still struggle with insecurity around sex and intimacy and exclusivity, I W A N T to work on it and have a very loving and sweet partner who's willing to work on it with me! It is kind of disheartening and makes me feel a bit? Ashamed how the overall response people have had to Astarion is just sort of "yeah theres NO way he could want this Tav should die for asking bc he doesn't know how to say no".... I don't know, me personally As a sexual abuse victim the idea that he couldn't possibly be comfortable with this or Want to be comfortable with this makes me feel ill. It's sort of just...robbing him of his autonomy in the Other direction? I know I would feel horrible if someone was making that decision for me because they didn't trust me to advocate for myself. And so much of his arc is about....him Getting to figure out how to do that. I don't know how to articulate myself well, but yeah!!! I appreciate your thoughts and insights so much and agree with your assessment of Astarion as someone who relates to him a great deal and Also wants to practice relationship anarchy ideals.

[@guydude6388]

Man Karlach seems more hurt despite Okaying it

[@elzitro5386]

Ong I felt my stomach turn with her reaction. She's too precious to trade for anyone

[@crimson__rain_n]

astarion has such depth oh gods......the way he asks tav if the reason is cause he is lacking in a "ehm sexual way" cause to him thats all he sees his worth in ..............he just agrees to keep up his facade gods i love lovee him (also the way he imitates him)

[@jacksonfuller5050]

imo karlach's and astarion's reactions of aprehension come from two very different places Karlach is def not OK with it, but her fear of losing you outweighs her desire to enforce her boundaries. Astarion is a bit harder to explain for me, but I feel like for him, the concept of romance and love as anything other than a transaction or a means to an end is such a foreign concept. His first thought being that it is his fault and that he isn't doing enough leads me to believe that he would truly be OK with ethical polyamory so long as your reason is that you love this other person AND you love him, not that this other person has something that he can't give. Basically, so long as you aren't doing it because you think he isn't enough, he is fine with it.

[@highlyneurotic8384]

So Shadowheart and Astarion are 100% ok with it, Karlach is technically ok with it (but c'mon she clearly does NOT want that), and everyone else is monogamous. Interesting.

[@katarinakremberg1319]

I don't think Astarion is 100% okay, I read hoi reaction as "clearly uncomfortable, but too scared to admit 'cause Tav might break up"

[@foxyfoxy-13]

Astarion is a difficult topic, he doesn't know how to set boundaries and is truly afraid of losing Tav ... moreover, he knows how to hide his true feelings. so he will say yes to almost everything Tav ask in their intimacy 😕 Shadowheart say this when you ask for a polyamorous thing with Astarion and her, in my memories... Astarion is more like "i don't want it but... i want you to be happy, so... go ahead", like Karlach

[@jacobmoretz3243]

I think both of the above people are right. Most of my partners have reacted like Shadowheart when they learn I have someone I'm fancying. "Cool! Give me the deets later!" Most don't ask for affirmation that I still adore them, or consider the fancy a "hunger". And those that do... well, they have had to look inward a lot.

[@noctoi]

@@katarinakremberg1319 Yeah totally agree with this. I know a lot of players take it as him 'checking in', but I've watched all the versions of this conversation with Halsin and it never looks like enthusiastic consent to me. It looks far more like "I'm scared you'll take me as weak if I say no, so if it's what YOU want... OK....". Even this version - which is the closest he gets to looking happy about it - the laughter seems forced, the insecurity is real, and it's decidedly subdued at the end of the conversation. It feels more like he is curious and *wants* to be ok with it, but just... isn't.

[@spirsom8750]

It's breaks Shadowheart's principals and personality. Because before Halsin's offer she refused polygamy with Lazel and Gale but with Halsin suddenly everything is okay. It looks odd and breaks immersion.

[@blueplague5911]

I bought the game because of all the Astarion romance vids, immediately ended up playing for Halsin xD

[@alduin29yrsago69]

I really think astarion lying through his teeth being okay with this and you can really tell with his question about whether they havent been doing it lately... ):

[@123Nightcloud]

Same here - in my playthrough where I romanced him, I had to tell Halsin no straight up because I was too worried he would view it as a failure on his part in some way😭 this game is sooo good at making you really feel for and get into the heads of the characters!

[@Tres1Iqus]

Wyll is so sweet holy beans

[@funa2865]

it kinda just sounds like Halsin and Shadowheart are the only poly people here.

[@slevinchannel7589]

Being clueless and defending poly as valid is gonna change what? I'm surprised there isn't a single character that breaks up with you just for asking, which is what most people with an inch of self--respect would do.

[@funa2865]

@@slevinchannel7589 stay mad

[@slevinchannel7589]

@@funa2865 Ah, having to make up that someone is mad. Ah, yes, a show how strong your position/stance is. Ah, yes. Ah. Jokes aside though: Its none of my buisness but in a similar way how doctors dislike healingcrystals, i as a Relationship-Therapist do have Beef with the internet-myth of polyamory’s healthyness. Long story short: polyamory isnt rare af for no reason.

[@timothywells8589]

Thanks for uploading, I would never have seen these. Halsin gives me such creepy pervy uncle vibes that I always just instantly shut down any approach from him.

[@hellscarnage]

i wouldn't be able to after hearing karlach's reaction. i would immediately feel like garbage for making her feel bad. they should have made her choices going back to halsin either "yeah she was ok with it." or "no she wasn't ok with it." nothing against polyarmory of course, just karlach's reaction was pure hurt and it broke my heart.

[@nenmaster5218]

"Nothing against polyarmory of course" If a relationship is polyamory, incest or has a thousand yer agegap it can be judged to be unhealthy immedietlyy Let me guess you heard online one shulld be acepting odf polyamory?

[@hellscarnage]

@@nenmaster5218 lol no i've literally been in a poly relationship before, and am still friends with the poly couple that i was with, it's just not for me. i have other friends who are also poly, and love them all dearly. i just didn't want anyone to take my comment as me shitting on polyamory, and it seemed someone found a way to do that anyway haha i am well aware that any relationship can be unhealthy or not, romantic or otherwise.

[@nenmaster5218]

@@hellscarnage Yeah and "Me doing it ust mean its ethical" is a non-argument. Sooooo? Im sorry oyu got tricked into it, probably by that thing Bo Burnham sings about - the internet -but why do oyu make it sound like its still valid? Haha, no its not. Its not rare for a reason. Y shouldnt believe everything the internet tells you. If Poly was unproblematic, te world wouldnt look like it does. I feel silly even pointing the obvious out here but its not hyper-rare for no reason and monogamys pravalnce is hardly a random fluke and anyone seeing that otherwise should checkout the famous song of Welcome to the internet bo burnham. That video is releavnt to all of this, i iplore you to finish it.

[@hellscarnage]

@@nenmaster5218 lol you sure do make a lot of assumptions about people based off an internet comment. bo burnham has nothing to do with this at all. my poly relationship was back in like 2015/16, and i wasn't tricked into anything. i willingly went into it with people i trusted. it just turns out i'm monogamous, and that's ok. just like it's ok for others to be poly. literally fuck off with your assumptions. all you're doing is making yourself look like an asshole. I swear people will find any little fucking thing to start an arguement about on the internet. unbelievable lol literally sitting here "being poly is perfectly fine!" and you're STILL finding an issue with that somehow haha

[@everyinsaneday]

SH agreeing to you having other partners has always felt like posturing to me. She’s doesn’t like you taking Mizora for a spin and she does get pretty jealous when you kiss Halsin in front of her after this. She agrees to the drow if you’ve already had your first time with her and she’s convinced of your commitment to her. I also think it’s no coincidence that someone who has had no autonomy until recently just goes along with whatever the only person she’s ever trusted wants. Maybe it’s copium, but she’s so supportive here that it feels like overcompensation

[@justarandomcommenterdontmi4485]

how cool would it be if, on a new game plus sort of deal, you, playing as one of the characters, could actually recruit tav who's personality was programmed by the things you had picked in a previous playthrough Oh the amount of absolutely psychopathic tavs would be glorious

[@Violets_and_Madness]

The way Astarion mimics Halsin still makes my cry laughing

[@thearcanamodernau8130]

What I like about this is that the reason why they are/aren't poly makes sense depending on their personality and background and their according reactions are very in character

[@loturzelrestaurant]

NNobody "is" poly. Dont believe everything the internet tells you.

[@Quotenwagnerianer]

Climb Mount Halsin? ROFL! Shadowheart is a freak!

[@tamarakw7724]

I had to pause the video there I was laughing so hard

[@alliu6562]

SHADOWHEART’S RESPONSE IM WHEEZING (honestly, me too girl, me too). I’m gonna start calling him that. (If I can get the guts to break up with Gale first :(((((( I feel so bad bc like, he wasn’t even in my party for most of my playthrough… he just suddenly was like “hey! I love you!” And I was like “😀 when”)

[@porcelainsharp6610]

13:16 His mind immediately went to the future/what he sees the future as, this is why I’m a Gale stan

[@gloriadoylicious2152]

I wish it would give you an option with astarion to say nevermind "I want to be with you" because the way he reacted made me so sad 😢

[@igf_d4189]

ohmygod this game got me so worried about hurting any of these precious charatcers.. goddamit

[@jaxxemire896]

Noticing a trend in the comments of "but it's out of character for them!" when talking about Shadowheart or Astarion. However, do keep in-mind where else we've heard the "it's out of character" excuse in the past when it comes to a character's relationship preferences.

[@mattbriggs3364]

So glad I've been super loyal to BaeZel this whole game knowing how she'd feel now. Us Gith don't share well with others

[@madamefluffy4788]

I simply could never, ever do that my love interests in the game - with their approval or not.

[@nathanieljefferies5491]

Not surprised the elves are open to it(not astarion really cause sexual trauma and loneliness and all that no matter what he says)

[@tinytitmouse7019]

Astarion’s dialogue changes slightly if he has confronted Cazador. Either way he’s always ok with it. If Ascended he will say “Don’t worry. You’re Mine. Nobody can change that.” If he’s still a spawn he says “I trust you wouldn’t do anything to harm what’s between us”

[@tantan_44]

I love Halsin, I love how he immediately stands out because of his ideology, and I wish I could get to that spicy bear stuff, but I'm so opposed to the whole polyamorous thing. Every time Halsin mentions this, "Free to roam', "Nature designed", etc, I can't help but get the ick. SPOILERS ahead: I watched the romance ending on yt, and it couldn't hurt me more, to see him leave to be "free, as we always were". We weren't free, we were together 😭

[@Furubatsu]

Karlach knows she's probably on borrowed time so agrees so you'll have someone after she's gone, but it's clear that under other circumstances she wouldn't be as comfortable. I knew her general reaction was "Go for it but I don't wanna hear about it" but Christ, Samantha Béart's delivery here is heartbreaking. Astarion's a little bit in between, yeah. He let's his insecurities show in the moment (Amazing for him, to let himself be vulnerable with you) but later party banters and developments suggest that's less of an issue for you two moving forward. Plus, general High Elven opinions on Wood Elven Polyamory means that he probably doesn't *actually* see Halsin as a threat, just a stress toy for you. Meanwhile Shadowheart's like "Damn bitch, get it" and out of the three, her party banter with a polyshipped Halsin when he DOES offer for them to join she's the only one who doesn't say "No". Though that smug little "Yes, I *AM* the best and so understanding, arent I?" is cute too.

[@Polomance862]

I'm having doubts with Karlach "approving" you and Halsin. I think she's desperately afraid of losing you but accepts that life is very short, probably shorter for you both while you're infected with the Tadpole. But I don't take her unconfident approval as a complete "yes". She can't fathom taking on someone else for herself, it'd be unfair to just let you do the same.

[@martinabubymonti]

Astarion is the sweetest as always. The subtle insecurity he showed because he didn’t want to use his body for a while…so sweet ❤ Also Gale is a revelation!!! I think I’ll romance him next time. No ok, I can’t betray my beloved vampire 🤣

[@cecilialeitet2794]

Gales respons is so real. I mean that is how 98% of people would react if they were asked something like this. 1% would be Karlach/Astarion and pretend to be cool with it. And then there is 1% who says yes cause they wanna do it with others too...

[@Leddderz2TheEdditerz]

Then there's people like Halsin who understand that love isn't a zero-sum game.

[@cecilialeitet2794]

@@Leddderz2TheEdditerz Sure. But the people who TRULY believe that are significantly less than 1%. They do exist though, I agree on that.

[@Leddderz2TheEdditerz]

@@cecilialeitet2794 For sure!

[@falconeshield]

Then there's Giggleheart

[@afgusti4269]

​@@Leddderz2TheEdditerz it's no really about understanding thou. It's about what you want and what you are comfortable with it. Don't make this a simple matter about what is goodbor bad

[@bi11y5pazm]

Tav: “So Halsin, what’s your type…?” Halsin: “Yes”

[@wolflithay6380]

Poor Astarion he’s so insecure, i could never do that to him 😢

[@EvIlTwInOfDaRkNeSs98]

Shadowheart being thirsty for Halsin is so real of her 🤣

[@sarahhenry3262]

I wish there was an option to turn halsin down after you’ve spoken with Astarion, and then go back and tell Astarion you’re not doing it. He’s very clearly not ok with it

[@THCRAnimalSanctuary]

Halsin be like: Alright, everyone, I am taking you all on a field trip. However, if you want to go, you must ask your parents first. Lmao.

[@MoistCrumpet]

I love that all of the companions react so differently to sharing. Gale, Laezel, Wyll and Minthara are all monogamous and do not agree to allowing you to share with Halsin. Karlach is always very hesitant about it but allows it until she is able to touch again. And while Shadowheart is super chill about being polyamorous with any of the companions (excluding Laezel maybe), Astarion is also fine with sharing so long as it’s with Halsin. He doesn’t agree to sharing with anyone else.

[@IsilwenTelemna]

For anyone saying Astarion is "faking approval": no, he's not. He's just worried cause he's not having sex with you for A WHILE. Seems like he rejects sex since middle of act 2 (aprox) if you romance him (because of reasons......) and he's worried about your needs and wants. He wants to make sure you're not running to Halsin cause he's not giving you enough, so he chooses the healthy option: communication. He says what worries him, you clear a possible misunderstanding and that's it. He's not faking anything. It's a normal reaction for an non-monogamous/polyamorous person who is sex-relpulsed (atm or forever, who knows?) and has a partner who is not sex-repulsed. And in case anyone comes to say "he's not sex repulsed, he has sex with you": he is either asexual or has sexual aversion disorder. If you know little about any of those two things, don't bother commenting, cause they are complex and delicate matters, hard to understand and really painful.

[@Edgypoo]

As a SA survivor I find Astarion very relatable sadly. The way he dissociates while having sex, the way he is worried about not being enough, not wanting to have sex because of being repulsed but at the same time being awfully aware of that, worrying his SO is not satisfied when he isnt having sex for a while, its painful, heartbreaking and I just want him to feel better. I want to hug Astarion (if he feels like it) and tell him he doesnt have to force himself to do anything for anyone other than himself anymore and that I want to help him become the happiest version of himself 😢

[@Dan-vo7vc]

He's not a real person; he's a written character who wasn't designed by someone trying to emulate diagnostic criteria in the DSM; no one is wrong in how they read and interpret it.

[@IsilwenTelemna]

​@@Edgypoo SAME. TO EVERYTHING. SO HARD. I mean, I understand that so many ppl don't see the signs, but they're there. It's subtle, but so well done! My partner didn't romance him and didn't notice anything untill I pointed some things and compared them to behaviours I have/had and then he started to see the rest for himself. Once you see it, you can't unsee it. I'm playing the game again, romancing another charachter and it's SO HARD to not prioritice him, cause taking care of him feels like taking care of myself a few years ago....

[@IsilwenTelemna]

@@Dan-vo7vc Just cause he's fictional does not mean he can't be well written. What you're saying is the same as saying "just cause you see two women kissing doesn't mean they're bi/lesbians, you can think they're just good friends". And today we know that is called bi/lesbian erasure. Rings a bell? It's the same. Also, tell me you know nothing about SA without telling me you know nothing about SA.....

[@Dan-vo7vc]

@IsilwenTelemna ohhh, well that's called a "straw man fallacy," and you just demonstrated enormous malice and bad faith in your argument, which was thin to begin with. Congratulations, you're everything wrong with the internet.

[@arachnidyts523]

Karlach: Ouch.. But all right. If it makes you happy. Lae'zel: Do it and our bond will be never more. Wyll: I'm monogamous. Gale: You aren't food, and I am a bomb. Astarion: Cool, he's hot! But it's not because we haven't in a while right?? Shadowheart: Tell me everything when you're back, and let me join next time.

[@mudstick]

i went with it because i was playing a druid and i wanted to see if there was any special dialogue for the encounter. like "listen, babe, its a druidic thing. sometimes you gotta suck a homie off in the woods, its just natures way."

[@kaiju1281]

everyone else: how could you even suggest that? Shadowheart: my FUCKING god girl took you long enough

[@chiffa37]

If you talk to Shadowheart after visiting Shar temple (at least in case she rejects Shar) you'll know she is afraid of loneliness. And listen closely to what she says after you cheat with Mizora and in this clip, you can understand that she says it all only to keep you so she doesn't have to be alone again. So she goes along with anything you want.

[@arsenicbug1537]

tbh, maybe it was just jen english's delivery on the mizora scene, but despite her repeatedly saying she isn't mad, she sounds like she's seething under it.

[@kalicula7718]

She gives off the "I thought you'd be diffrent vibe"

[@timcampbell2594]

That being said though, Shadowheart is EXTREMELY eager when it comes to the Drow Siblings in the brothel, even when Halsin is involved, so I think its more of a kink for her.

[@JB-xl2jc]

@@timcampbell2594 Yeah I think it said that the whole night was spent doing things that she "all too readily suggested" haha

[@phugindomas]

Shadowheart is a ho, you find out in the brothel, she's got a thing for gale, halsin, and especially for karlach.

[@paulinapaz7381]

ppl saying Astarion is cool with it, I don't know. If you had the sex scene with him in act I and then you have the sex scene with Gale in act 2, he'll ask you to pick between them

[@heydude4193]

I love the realistic responses here, but man I really wish they would have had a male character that’s into poly that actually does want it even if you read between the lines. As a gay man it’s a bit of a bummer the only one totally 100% cool with poly is Shadowheart.

[@slevinchannel7589]

Polyamory aka the misguided belief that consent is like magic and turns all it touches to gold, nothing can ever be wrong even harems or concbines-BUT-modern can be wrong

[@Momofan69]

Gale rlly thinks you'd suggest making babies with baby mindflayers burrowing into your brain.

[@MellowMink]

He might have been thinking about adoption.

[@sinistralwing]

These comments are horrific and pretty much typical of the way most monogamous people have no conception of what polyamory entails or even what healthy communication looks like in ANY relationship. Ascribing all kinds of wild ulterior motives to what characters are saying instead of trusting them to be honest about their feelings, not to mention infantilizing the hell out of Astarion like his stans love to do, as if abuse survivors can’t ever heal and cannot be trusted to know their own feelings. I’m praying all of y’all are like 15 or something because if you’re grown adults thinking about actual relationships like this i feel really sorry for you and whoever you decide to date.

[@s1b3r11]

"Ascribing all kinds of wild ulterior motives to what characters are saying instead of trusting them to be honest about their feelings, not to mention infantilizing the hell out of Astarion like his stans love to do" 1. Hey Astarion what are your honest thoughts on Scratch Astarion: a stupid dog, a don't care about him also Astation: cries the most if Scratch dies 2. Hey, Astarion are you a vampire Astarion: no, why? Also Astarion: is a vampire 3. Hey, Astarion do you want to have sex and start a relationship (act 1) Astarion: of course darling also Astarion: I wasn't attracted to you at the beginning, just wanted to use you to gain safety from my master... I only fell in love later 4. Hey Astarion do you want to let this kid stay at our camp Astarion: of course not, let her die I don't care Also Astarion: approves when you let the random kid stay at the camp 5. Hey, Astarion do you want to ascend and kill all those people Astarion: Obviously, I don't care about the rest, they are just spawns Also Astarion: I'm so grateful that you stopped me from ascending Tav 6. Hey Ascended Astarion do you want to have foursome with the drow twins? Ascended Astarion: Obviously, seems thrilling. If I stop liking it I will stop it myself obviously. Also Ascended Astarion: ENDS UP FUCKING DISASSOCIATING 7. Hey Astarion, do you mind if I sleep with the drow twins? Astarion: No, why? Have fun. Also Astarion: Elven prostitutes, again?!! 8. Hey Astarion are you ok with me sleeping with Mizora Astarion: No why? I only regret that you haven't invited me. So how was it I need all the detail? Tav: I regret it Astarion: It happens, best to move to the next conquest Tav: It's not healthy... Astarion: No, but it works... wait it doesn't work it just makes you feel slightly less TERRIBLE 9. Hey, Astarion does pretending and ignoring things works? Astarion: No, but it is better than facing up to it. 10, Hey, Astarion are you jealous of x (insert name of the companion) Astarion: Of course no, go and have fun with them Also Astarion the next day: is visibly jealous. 11. Hey Astarion, I want to be with you not with companion x Astarion: Naturally, I'm the best after all ---- Also Astarion: wait... did you say you choose me over them.... but why, I don't understand... 12. hey Astarion let's have sex (act 2) Astarion: ok Also Astarion: I didn't want it and you should have known it. I hate that you made me do it and now I'm breaking up with you. And those are only examples from the top of my head. Yeah... you are right only naive monogamous people could potentially realize that Astarion tends to lie. Thankfully enlightened polyamorous people are there to educate us that we should always "trust him to be honest" because he obviously never lies and is the paragon of healthy communication. Bonus Astarion: I don't really know if I want to be in any sort of relationship, it's just so new and confusing to me. You: "HoW cAN yOu SUggEsT ThAt He DoEsN'T KnOw hIs feeLiNGs??? It'S InFaNTaLiZiNG!" Aren't you the one who said that we should always trust him?

[@Mercilesstantalus]

@@s1b3r11 I don't know who you are, but thank you for this!

[@kendi2852]

Karlach definitely wasn’t okay with it 😢

[@kuro4843]

Shadowheart really gets it. We all want to climb Mount Halsin

[@theshove1]

opening this video with its title and to have scratch standing next to halsin with available dialogue is..... something

[@QuayNemSorr]

Aw, Karlach. Been there and I feel your pain.

[@renlock539]

I love how everyone also low key thirsts for Halsin or says something like: "Halsin The hottie?? It makes sense"" lmao

[@williammills4460]

Okay I don't get it she's okay with him but she's not okay with karlach

[@EquaYonah]

I get it. Bigger chance of Karlach stealing your man than Halsin lol

[@digi-stranger0234]

From all these comments, poly doesn’t work with anyone, two are doing it for their partners, one might be having a out of character moment just to be the only one okay with it, the others want you for themselves. Halsin is the only man okay with you being with other people and being open

[@andybodle7560]

Shart's response isn't out of character - see her comments on you being thrashed by Abdirak and meeting Karlach

[@kukurydza007]

SORRY HALSIN MOMMY LAE'ZEL SAID NO

[@KarolaTea]

Woah, I had no clue that Karlach also agrees. But damn, there should be an "...I don't think this is actually a good idea" option when talking to Halsin. Or a "hey, you can say no, it's ok" for Karlach. Like, her words say yes, but everything else says no, quite clearly. Thanks for the video!

[@cormorantcolors]

Astarion’s response actually hit so hard, it makes me want to try out a romance route with him

[@CrimsonCutie666]

I think the thing a lot of people are missing is that elves seem yo be naturally poly in some respect, likely do to their long life spans. Hence why Halsin, Shadowheart and Astarion seem relatively at ease with the notion.

[@panbaguette4400]

Yeah. Though I do believe that only applies to wood elves. I could be wrong, but from what I remember of the lore, high elves are pretty monogamous and mostly believe that there’s only one soulmate for everyone. Could be wrong though, haven’t brushed up in a while!

[@CrimsonCutie666]

@@panbaguette4400 I could see that but BG3 seems to say all elves as Halsin and Ast are High Elves. I'm more surprised they didn't include more elven lore into the game with so many elf/half elf companions.

[@panbaguette4400]

@@CrimsonCutie666 I thought halsin was a wood elf and ast was a high elf? I might not have been paying attention

[@oddbychoice6105]

I need to sleep. For a second i thought to myself "where's Minthara?"😂

[@thechuck141]

The voice actor is unreal ha Bethesda take note of this.

[@susinok]

Yeah, really! Or most other games. Cyberpunk was good though.

[@ADHeyDonuts]

You missed a dialogue option. You missed the one where it says "they said no, but I'm choosing you"

[@CharlieCat18]

I’m surprised at Lae’zel! Gith are usually polyamorous by culture

[@HortonScoutHD]

She's surprised at herself too. Gith don't normally have the type of relationships she has with your character.

[@falconeshield]

Bae'zel is nuts for you 200%

[@amberbreslin6213]

I was shook when I got this scene. SHOOK!

[@elliottcrain3097]

Ah, yes. Gale of I-will-blow-us-the-fuck-up Waterdeep