​
I’ve been getting more into discussions about Astarion lately and realized most spaces default pretty quickly into moral labels (“good ending vs bad ending,” “this version is right/wrong,” etc.).
I’m more interested in looking at him as a continuous character across different states—how his behavior shifts depending on power, control, and context, rather than splitting him into separate identities.
Things like:
• how his traits express under different conditions
• what ascension actually does structurally, not just morally
• how attachment, control, and autonomy interact in his arc
Both spawn and ascended routes are part of the discussion—no hierarchy, no “correct version.” More interested in how each path shifts his behavior and what that reveals about his core structure.
I’m thinking of putting together a small Discord (really just a handful of people) for slower, more in-depth discussion without the usual labeling or player-judgment.
I’m aiming for a space that allows for ambiguity and holds multiple interpretations without reducing them.
No judgment, no harassment, no dismissing takes as “wrong” or “bad.”
The focus is on understanding how the character functions, not correcting each other into one version.
If that’s something you’re into, feel free to comment. 🤘