Every male companion wants to bang me. LITERALLY.

[Joghurt]

Originally posted by SWEDENKVIST:

I honestly have to agree... A few days ago, I thought the people complaining about the gay characters were just homophobic but now, literally EVERY male companion I have has tried to get with me... At first it was Astarion but that's understandable, he is what he is. Then it was also Gale at the party in the camp and I was like "oh, so he's gay or bi, I guess that's cool". Then Halsin dropped a comment about how I'm one of the "beautiful creations of nature" or something and then Wyll also started hitting on me. I'm not against gay characters or anything but I'm straight IRL and I'm role-playing a straight character. It sort of breaks my immersion that my character has somehow ended up in a group where every single male character wants to bang him.

I know they're different "genres" of fantasy but it would be just as weird if every member of e.g. The Fellowship of the Ring were also gay and hitting on each other. I know there's a ton of people who would be down for that but it's like Larian designed every companion purely for the fangirls shipping gay romances.

Okay, so I got up this morning and wrote this comment on another Discussion here just 20 minutes ago while eating breakfast and now I just booted up the game.

The first thing that happens is that Gale wants me to go somewhere "more suitable for a private conversation". I was like "Okay, I'll bite. Maybe he wants to share some secret with me. Let's see if we can just do something fun as friends. He has already acknowledged that I'm with Shadowheart, surely we can just hang out without him hitting on me?".

So we go to the private place he mentioned and my character sits down veeery close to him. Gale says something about "the fantasy of lovers" and my character and Gale look each other in the eyes with extremely suggestive smiles...

Also, my character ended up in a similar position with Wyll just yesterday when i joined him for his dance (which didn't even look like a romantic situation to begin with since they were just twirling around with a lot of distance between each other). It didn't take long for Wyll to suggest a more "intimate dance". I thought that I might as well try since it would be fun if my character would learn to dance in order to impress women. Guys can bond over that. Nope, they both ended up veeery close looking deeply into each other's eyes.

There is LITERALLY no platonic relationships in this game. Every character is just trying to bang you, even after you have already started a relationship with another character... of a different gender, no less! This seriously undermines any friendly feelings I might have for the guys in my party since they keep giving me these invitations. And if all special interactions are romantic interactions, avoiding the romantic interactions almost means not interacting with or getting to know a character at all. It's great that the main character can romance any companion, now we don't need mods for that like with Dragon Age! But (to me) it feels like the characters now feel really weird and unrealistic since they want to get with you every opportunity that they get. And if you are the same gender as them, it's really immersion-breaking since the whole scenario is pretty implausible and weird.

It reminds me of a friend I hung out with when I was in New York a few years ago. He is gay but even though he knew I was straight, he kept dropping passive flirtatious lines. He has since told me he regrets it and I didn't really mind at all but, at the time, I felt like I couldn't really bond with him as friends since I got the feeling that he had an underlying agenda or that he might get the wrong idea if I just relaxed and enjoyed myself. And you do get sort of frustrated when it keeps happening even though you have already established that you're just not into that and that it's not "them".

Honestly, having one character that keeps doing this would be kind of fun (looking at you, Astarion) but EVERY. SINGLE. MALE. CHARACTER...? It's WEIRD. I no longer blame anyone complaining about the gay relationships in this game, they're really weird!

I'm glad there's diversity in the game but I don't want "diversity" to mean that I'm incapable of forming friendships because everyone just wants to bang me!

[Vindred]

Originally posted by Late Game Wonder:

"boohoo sad gay Afghan kid"

You don't have anything convincing to say or you'd say it instead of urging a cessation to the conversation. There are plenty of mods to cry to if you think I've said something actionable, "So why don't you do that," he asked, smirking, knowing that he'd done nothing wrong.

[Mysta67]

Originally posted by Zerostalgia:

Originally posted by Brakiros:

How is it homophobic is somebody is straight and DOES NOT want a gay relationship?

It's not.

Originally posted by OTSEchoZenLogos:

being sexualized and platonic relationships being nigh-on impossible in this game is

Originally posted by SWEDENKVIST:

[There is LITERALLY no platonic relationships in this game.
[...]
Honestly, having one character that keeps doing this would be kind of fun (looking at you, Astarion) but EVERY. SINGLE. MALE. CHARACTER...? It's WEIRD. I no longer blame anyone complaining about the gay relationships in this game, they're really weird!

It is homophobic to lie and say you can't have a platonic relationship with the characters and that it's forcing a romantic relationship and declare there's an agenda or forced wokeness so the game is bad when you can opt out easily.

I'm so sick and tired of tide pod eaters using "Woke" in the incorrect context. You "Woke a person up who was sleeping", it is not a state of being, and yes you chose the options that lead you down that path. There is a choice in the game. I'll take a friendship hit to not end up there.

[Cosgar]

Originally posted by Brakiros:

Oh yet another homophobic thread, I wish the mods were active and cleaned up all this garbage.

Mods probably think they don't have to work because everyone in these topics keep self reporting

[Vindred]

Originally posted by Mysta67:

I'm so sick and tired of tide pod eaters using "Woke" in the incorrect context. You "Woke a person up who was sleeping", it is not a state of being

I don't understand how you can hear a word so often as to be tired of it without realizing that's because it's a word. What you used was was a homonym of that word, but that doesn't rob it of its currency.

You don't have to use it, but you can only pretend at this point not to know what it means.

[Mingy]

This is my post that I am copy-pasting:

Consider this analogy: when a woman forges a friendship with a man, should he attempt to transcend that boundary into romantic realms, a sense of unease can arise. Consequently, it would be reasonable for the woman to opt for discontinuing the relationship or friendship. This parallel can be extended to two men, one heterosexual and the other not. Irrespective of your complete acceptance of your friend's homosexuality, it remains inappropriate for him to engage in flirtatious behavior if it generates discomfort on your part.

Now, let's delve into BG3. My contention is that the game lacks the option to develop a genuine "brother in arms" bond with male companions. The sentiment of unwavering camaraderie becomes complicated when your "brother" starts making romantic advances. The question arises – why must all characters be bisexual? It would add depth to the narrative if characters had diverse sexual orientations.

Reflecting on my favorite character, Minsc from BG1 and BG2, his appeal stems from his unique personality. However, envision if he were to initiate romantic overtures towards my character; it would undoubtedly alter the dynamic of the relationship, it just wouldn't be the same.

A central issue I find with BG3 lies in how NPCs interact with your character, irrespective of your character's gender. In real life, we adjust our language and tone based on the audience. A notable illustration of this phenomenon is how men tend to adopt distinct conversational styles when in the company of other men versus when women are present. This discrepancy is also evident in the noticeable modulation of one's voice when addressing women versus addressing men. It's intriguing how one naturally employs a softer and more gentle tone when speaking to a woman, as opposed to a man. A case in point: I recently received a call from a woman, and I instinctively greeted her with a higher-pitched and mellower voice. However, when her male partner subsequently called from the same phone, my voice promptly transitioned to a lower, more assertive timbre. This nuanced adaptation is an automatic response rather than a conscious consideration.

I might have become a bit off topic in the preceding paragraph, but my core argument remains: it's impossible to cultivate a robust male friendship bond within this game without it being overtaken by romantic connotations.

[Quillithe]

Originally posted by Mingy:

This is my post that I am copy-pasting:

Consider this analogy: when a woman forges a friendship with a man, should he attempt to transcend that boundary into romantic realms, a sense of unease can arise. Consequently, it would be reasonable for the woman to opt for discontinuing the relationship or friendship. This parallel can be extended to two men, one heterosexual and the other not. Irrespective of your complete acceptance of your friend's homosexuality, it remains inappropriate for him to engage in flirtatious behavior if it generates discomfort on your part.

Now, let's delve into BG3. My contention is that the game lacks the option to develop a genuine "brother in arms" bond with male companions. The sentiment of unwavering camaraderie becomes complicated when your "brother" starts making romantic advances. The question arises – why must all characters be bisexual? It would add depth to the narrative if characters had diverse sexual orientations.

Reflecting on my favorite character, Minsc from BG1 and BG2, his appeal stems from his unique personality. However, envision if he were to initiate romantic overtures towards my character; it would undoubtedly alter the dynamic of the relationship, it just wouldn't be the same.

A central issue I find with BG3 lies in how NPCs interact with your character, irrespective of your character's gender. In real life, we adjust our language and tone based on the audience. A notable illustration of this phenomenon is how men tend to adopt distinct conversational styles when in the company of other men versus when women are present. This discrepancy is also evident in the noticeable modulation of one's voice when addressing women versus addressing men. It's intriguing how one naturally employs a softer and more gentle tone when speaking to a woman, as opposed to a man. A case in point: I recently received a call from a woman, and I instinctively greeted her with a higher-pitched and mellower voice. However, when her male partner subsequently called from the same phone, my voice promptly transitioned to a lower, more assertive timbre. This nuanced adaptation is an automatic response rather than a conscious consideration.

I might have become a bit off topic in the preceding paragraph, but my core argument remains: it's impossible to cultivate a robust male friendship bond within this game without it being overtaken by romantic connotations.

I've teased Astarion and he's told me about his insecurities and his life story. Not even the vaguest hint of romance between us

So, no don't think so. And it's kinda weird to talk to people differently based on their gender IMO.

[Late Game Wonder]

Originally posted by Quillithe:

Originally posted by Mingy:

This is my post that I am copy-pasting:

Consider this analogy: when a woman forges a friendship with a man, should he attempt to transcend that boundary into romantic realms, a sense of unease can arise. Consequently, it would be reasonable for the woman to opt for discontinuing the relationship or friendship. This parallel can be extended to two men, one heterosexual and the other not. Irrespective of your complete acceptance of your friend's homosexuality, it remains inappropriate for him to engage in flirtatious behavior if it generates discomfort on your part.

Now, let's delve into BG3. My contention is that the game lacks the option to develop a genuine "brother in arms" bond with male companions. The sentiment of unwavering camaraderie becomes complicated when your "brother" starts making romantic advances. The question arises – why must all characters be bisexual? It would add depth to the narrative if characters had diverse sexual orientations.

Reflecting on my favorite character, Minsc from BG1 and BG2, his appeal stems from his unique personality. However, envision if he were to initiate romantic overtures towards my character; it would undoubtedly alter the dynamic of the relationship, it just wouldn't be the same.

A central issue I find with BG3 lies in how NPCs interact with your character, irrespective of your character's gender. In real life, we adjust our language and tone based on the audience. A notable illustration of this phenomenon is how men tend to adopt distinct conversational styles when in the company of other men versus when women are present. This discrepancy is also evident in the noticeable modulation of one's voice when addressing women versus addressing men. It's intriguing how one naturally employs a softer and more gentle tone when speaking to a woman, as opposed to a man. A case in point: I recently received a call from a woman, and I instinctively greeted her with a higher-pitched and mellower voice. However, when her male partner subsequently called from the same phone, my voice promptly transitioned to a lower, more assertive timbre. This nuanced adaptation is an automatic response rather than a conscious consideration.

I might have become a bit off topic in the preceding paragraph, but my core argument remains: it's impossible to cultivate a robust male friendship bond within this game without it being overtaken by romantic connotations.

I've teased Astarion and he's told me about his insecurities and his life story. Not even the vaguest hint of romance between us

So, no don't think so. And it's kinda weird to talk to people differently based on their gender IMO.

I have been defending Gale and Wyll at every turn and none of them have tried anything more with me either.
People want to go through every dialog tree and wonder why some lead to romance lol

[Late Game Wonder]

Originally posted by Vindred:

Originally posted by Late Game Wonder:

"boohoo sad gay Afghan kid"

You don't have anything convincing to say or you'd say it instead of urging a cessation to the conversation. There are plenty of mods to cry to if you think I've said something actionable, "So why don't you do that," he asked, smirking, knowing that he'd done nothing wrong.

It might shock you, but I would rather you be able to speak your vile mind than to be censured.

[Hyena]

Originally posted by Quillithe:

Originally posted by Mingy:

This is my post that I am copy-pasting:

Consider this analogy: when a woman forges a friendship with a man, should he attempt to transcend that boundary into romantic realms, a sense of unease can arise. Consequently, it would be reasonable for the woman to opt for discontinuing the relationship or friendship. This parallel can be extended to two men, one heterosexual and the other not. Irrespective of your complete acceptance of your friend's homosexuality, it remains inappropriate for him to engage in flirtatious behavior if it generates discomfort on your part.

Now, let's delve into BG3. My contention is that the game lacks the option to develop a genuine "brother in arms" bond with male companions. The sentiment of unwavering camaraderie becomes complicated when your "brother" starts making romantic advances. The question arises – why must all characters be bisexual? It would add depth to the narrative if characters had diverse sexual orientations.

Reflecting on my favorite character, Minsc from BG1 and BG2, his appeal stems from his unique personality. However, envision if he were to initiate romantic overtures towards my character; it would undoubtedly alter the dynamic of the relationship, it just wouldn't be the same.

A central issue I find with BG3 lies in how NPCs interact with your character, irrespective of your character's gender. In real life, we adjust our language and tone based on the audience. A notable illustration of this phenomenon is how men tend to adopt distinct conversational styles when in the company of other men versus when women are present. This discrepancy is also evident in the noticeable modulation of one's voice when addressing women versus addressing men. It's intriguing how one naturally employs a softer and more gentle tone when speaking to a woman, as opposed to a man. A case in point: I recently received a call from a woman, and I instinctively greeted her with a higher-pitched and mellower voice. However, when her male partner subsequently called from the same phone, my voice promptly transitioned to a lower, more assertive timbre. This nuanced adaptation is an automatic response rather than a conscious consideration.

I might have become a bit off topic in the preceding paragraph, but my core argument remains: it's impossible to cultivate a robust male friendship bond within this game without it being overtaken by romantic connotations.

I've teased Astarion and he's told me about his insecurities and his life story. Not even the vaguest hint of romance between us

So, no don't think so. And it's kinda weird to talk to people differently based on their gender IMO.

Yeah cause guys deal well with it when their mates call them fat, we should also tell girl friends that they're fat.

[BIG E.]

Just let the player initate the romance instead of companions.

Larian always did it that way in previous games, why the ♥♥♥♥ is it the other way around in this game i will never understand.

That way LGBT people can get their relations and i don't have to listen halsin telling me "he wants me" because i made the terrible mistake of not taking his head in Act 1.

[Quillithe]

Originally posted by BIG E.:

Just let the player initate the romance instead of companions.

Larian always did it that way in previous games, why the ♥♥♥♥ is it the other way around in this game i will never understand.

Because the companions are much better written?

[BIG E.]

Originally posted by Quillithe:

Originally posted by BIG E.:

Just let the player initate the romance instead of companions.

Larian always did it that way in previous games, why the ♥♥♥♥ is it the other way around in this game i will never understand.

Because the companions are much better written?

Disagree.

[Quillithe]

Originally posted by BIG E.:

Originally posted by Quillithe:

Because the companions are much better written?

Disagree.

Than DOS2? Easily, they never really had much personality and were very flat.

Heck, I'd give these the edge over almost all companions with how they hide things and actually have character arcs where they grow. It's pretty rare.

[BIG E.]

Originally posted by Quillithe:

Originally posted by BIG E.:

Disagree.

Than DOS2? Easily, they never really had much personality and were very flat.

Heck, I'd give these the edge over almost all companions with how they hide things and actually have character arcs where they grow. It's pretty rare.

Again i disagree.

[Quillithe]

Originally posted by BIG E.:

Originally posted by Quillithe:

Than DOS2? Easily, they never really had much personality and were very flat.

Heck, I'd give these the edge over almost all companions with how they hide things and actually have character arcs where they grow. It's pretty rare.

Again i disagree.

Well sure. But anyway there's at least much more dialogue here than DOS2 and an actual romance. Instead of just randomly asking for sex out of nowhere with anyone.