#bitey boy

There was talks about Larian's devs and one (romance) ending that was so heartbreaking they hardly got through making it. Since then, lots of speculation about which character this was about has been going on.

I personally have two theories as to who it could be (and why) so let me get into it. I'm going to start with the most popular theory so far (from what I've seen): our favorite bitey boy.

Astarion

He seems like the most popular choice for anticipated heartbreak (with the heart breaking being ours, of course). His carefully constructed mask of cruelty, arrogance, and delusions of grandeur would fit the narrative of betrayal and regret for more good-hearted Tavs for sure. Yet... I believe the path with him will ultimately depend on whether or not Tav can tear down this mask and address the underlying issues.

He's been alone for centuries, alone in the sense of being abandoned and abused, with no end to it in sight. As a result, he took refuge in his newfound condition (he's the only companion who wants to keep the tadpole and merely control it) and dove right into power and revenge fantasies (he wants to become more powerful than Cazador). It's a completely understandable defense mechanism. A low approval Tav will get nothing out of him, he's too guarded for that. But a medium or high approval Tav will learn more and more about his experiences, and, most importantly, plans. (Referencing EA only here)

Here's the thing though: No one willing to get that much power without second thought tells a stranger (or worse: friend) about their plans. I firmly believe that Astarion simply doesn't know better, coming out of centuries of torture so bad it made him forget his own natural eye color. I also believe he wants to be stopped and guided onto a better path – subconsciously of course. (Why bother asking how the world sees him? If power would be the true ultimate goal what should he care?)

So, what about that tragic ending? I think the betrayal and regret theories are spot on.

When researching a cure for vampire spawns in the DnD rules I found something interesting: True Resurrection, a spell that can be cast by druids or clerics, can bring back a vampire (spawn) that has been dead no longer than 200 years. Which is exactly the number of years Astarion references as being under Cazador's thumb. Coincidence? (Nah.)

I think ultimately the party will fight Cazador and Astarion will have the choice of either drinking from his former master, thus turning himself into a vampire, or killing Cazador and then letting an ally (Halsin? Shadowheart? Someone else?) resurrect him (as vampires are technically dead) with said spell, curing Astarion of his condition.

An Astarion who witnessed Tav being selfish, power-hungry, or cruel, might increase the chances of him turning his back on them. Why cure himself and accept his (former) victimhood if he could become the master (and abuser) instead? Why bother being good and complicated when Tav sets the example that only power and selfishness gets you to where you want to go? I can see this ending play out. And I can see this ending being really sad. Astarion becoming a vampire, maybe even attacking Tav in the process, or with Tav having to fight and kill him next – yeah, that's tragic alright. (But also please don't let anything happen to my snarky boy. I need him.)

Wait a minute. Why should Astarion be the only one who could betray someone?

So I'll do you one better: Tav does the betraying.

Thinking in ultimate roleplaying choices, a Tav that is selfish, cruel, and/or power-hungry (fueled by the abuse of their ilithid powers??), could absolutely give Astarion back to Cazador – in return for power, or favors, or even something lowely as gold (or shits and giggles). Picture this: Astarion, anticipating the long awaited revenge with his new friend and ally (or even lover!!!) Tav, walking straight into the trap Cazador and Tav laid out for him. The ending that would leave him right where he started – a prisoner to his abuser once more, betrayed by the first person he opened up to in centuries; the first person he let see him, maybe even beyond his mask.

And now that we're sufficiently sad, I'm going to take a break before writing the next option for the most tragic ending (tm) I can think of.

Let me know what you think!