#i am pointing out a bit of tbe character that can be really relatable but that I often see being mentioned as a sign he us a dick

[minty-bunni]

I can't find the right words to explain it right now, but I honestly think that Astarion would calm down about his hunger for power if given time in a safe and supportive environment.

He specifically references never having to fear Cazador (or anyone if he ascends) again when it gets to the point where he decides on whether to stay a spawn or not and that sort of feeling and behavior isn't exactly uncommon among abuse victims? If given a chance to actually realize he is safe, that Cazador is gone, and that no one will be Cazador version 2.0, those thoughts would likely lessen. Maybe not totally go away, but he probably wouldn't actually consider sacrificing 7000 souls to ensure his safety.

He is upset, not in a good mental state, and still learning that people care for him and that he will never have to go through Cazador's torture ever again. He wants power over people like Cazador had power over him in order to make sure no one could (or would even try to) force him back into the hell he just escaped from.

And this is just one of the reasons I think he is good representation. He shows some of the ugly of recovering from an abusive situation that some victims experience.

#astarion #i can promise it gets better or at least it did in my case #spent a few years as an absolute terror who went after any priest I could get my hands on and starting fights with everyone though #point is I regret that and I think Astarion would end up regretting ascension if he still had his soul afterwards #he is still very mad at the world for allowing him to suffer 200 years of absolute hell #he will learn to cope and maybe one day lose some of the anger #i don't care what yall prefer and am not trying to start discourse #i am pointing out a bit of tbe character that can be really relatable but that I often see being mentioned as a sign he us a dick #i prefer spawn because I like letting him break the cycle and finally be free #but whatever floats your boat #he isn't exactly in the best mental state at that point un time #point is don't condemn him right off the bat for wanting power because people can and do change #especially in his situation