Thank you so much for making Aloth romance-able! <3

[Faerunner]

I don't know if this has been discussed or if this is the right place to post it, but since most fan feedback here seems to be negative and the the Deadfire Stories forum is a place to "discuss your favorite stories about your playthroughs of [Deadfire]," so... Okay! Going for it!

 

Thank you so much for making Aloth romance-able in Deadfire! <3

 

I know a lot of people had their hearts set Eder and were really disappointed, and I truly feel for them. It also seems like a lot of people prefer Tekehu, and that's totally cool too. I'm very endeared to him myself.

 

But Aloth has been far and away my favorite character of this series since the first game, and my "canon" Wild Orlan Watcher has been heel-over-head in love with him since practically the moment they first met in my first playthru.

 

It always seemed foolish to hope for, since the devs always seemed to take a dim view of video game romances (and even mocked a number of times in different places), and a large part of the fandom scorns and ridicules it.

 

Plus... my vote tends to be the death kiss of any character. If I want them to be romance-able, they're sure not to be. If I want them to live, they're sure to die. If I want them to return for a sequel, they never do. So since I loved Aloth so much, it seemed like, "Well, now that I like him, of course he won't turn up for the sequel." And when he was announced I thought, "Well, of course he won't be romance-able." Then when I learned he was I thought, "Well, of course he won't be into my short, hairy wild orlan." And, I kid you not, I hyperventilated, squeed, and swooned when I found out I was wrong, I was so happy!

 

I know it's such a silly thing, but I feel like it really does enhance the story. To me, video games are interact-able stories, not just stylized combat simulators. And I like stories that are more than just "kill kill kill!" More than just "crawl through a dungeon, kill everyone there, loot their trousers, sell their trousers, then buy slightly better weapons and armor to do it all over again." I like stories that also have a very "human" and emotional element. I like games that at least give players the option to explore other facets of the human condition than just "kill, loot, trade, repeat." (But obviously let them skip it if the player is not interested.) And, to me, companion relationships, friendships, and, yes, romance is another avenue to add to that emotional element.

 

And the Aloth Romance feels that much more special to me because we're building off the relationship he and the Watcher developed in the first game.

 

In the first game, I loved all the companions (except Durance  ) and their stories and character development. Aloth was just something special. It warmed my heart and made me want to cry, learning about his past, why he was the way he was, and helping him slowly learn to trust the Watcher.

 

I loved that when the Watcher first encounters him in Gilded Veil he's "scared, alone, and desperate for direction." And how he slowly, timidly opens up to the Watcher and asks for help with his Awakened soul. And how, in his personal quest, he slowly lets down his tightly held guard and reveals more about his past. How the Watcher can hold his hand and assure him he's okay when he's lost in one of the worst memories of his life, and help him make sense of Iselmyr because he trusts and respects your opinion. How he confides in you about his past with the Leaden Key, so obviously scared that you'll hate and reject him like everyone else in his life. And how the Watcher can assure him, "I forgive you, Aloth. But I want you beside me, not behind me. I won't have you trade one master for another." How the Watcher can help him become more assertive and confident, gain a sense of control and independence in his life, and help him find new purpose and direction.

 

And I love how that character development carries over into this game. How Aloth's character growth from the last game (embrace or suppress Iselmyr, take over or take down the Leaden Key, etc) gets acknowledged and built on here.

 

And, yes, how that ties into the romance. I'm sure most of you don't care about my endless squee-ing and gushing or how all these little moments warmed my heart. So, just from a writing perspective, I LOVE all the little touches to the romance that either call back or build from their relationship in the first game.

 

I love how when she first flirts with him he thinks she's joking, due to being sassy in the first game? (Don't know if he says "I'd forgotten how much you like a good joke. Even one at my expense," even if your Watcher didn't have a Clever reputation, but it felt immersive for my sassy little orlan.)  And when she says she's not kidding, our characteristically wary elf with low self-esteem thinks she can't POSSIBLY be serious, and is almost afraid to hope. And then he slowly warms up to her as she gains his approval and trust (as ya do, cuz it's Aloth <3) and for their first kiss he seems torn between wanting to push her away and draw her close, and finally settles on tentatively placing his hands on her back and the back of her head, muscles straining like he doesn't dare pull her close. And lets her  know that he's spent so long hiding parts of himself from others that he doesn't feel comfortable committing to a full relationship.

 

And...

 

Spoilers...

 

How their relationship can progress from that. How, once Aloth gets more comfortable with the Watcher, he often holds their hand or seems like he wants to hold their hand, which seems like a nice call-back to when the Watcher could hold his hand during his personal quest in the first game. I love how when he starts talking about their uncertain future, the Watcher can say, "I'm glad to have you here beside me, Aloth," which seems like a nice call-back from when the Watch told him they want him beside them, not behind them in the first game. For the final kiss before the end-game, this time he has no problem pulling you close, showing how much he's come to trust you and let you in. And that's just the tip of the iceberg for me!

 

It's all just so well-written, and ties so well into his ongoing character development and strengthening friendship with the Watcher over two games. It wouldn't have been possible if we just met him this game (obviously), or if romance was barred at all.

 

And I'm just so happy it was possible. Thank you very much, everyone at Obsidian. Thank you for this opportunity. It really enriched my Deadfire story roleplay experience. <3

 

 

[Knoebroesel]

I can relate to many of the things you said ( except for Durance, I loved that character! ) - Aloth has always been one of my favourite companions, and I was also certain that he wouldn't be romanceable by my Watcher for different reasons. It was a wonderful surprise when I learned that that was not the case!

 

I have to admit I haven't finished Deadfire yet, but I was able to start his romance a little while ago and so far, it does not disapppoint!

 

I like how subtle and low-key it is, and how much the little changes to his voice and dialogue actually speak about the development of their relationship. It seems very well in character for Aloth so far, and it also looks like there are still some nice scenes to look forward to?  

 

There is also a mod now that offers more Aloth for those who cannot get enough of him:

 

https://www.nexusmods.com/pillarsofeternity2/mods/51

This looks well worth checking out on a second playthrough!

 

Unfortunately, it seems his personality tags are all over the place right now and so quite a few people are having trouble to get approval or disapproval with Aloth. I hope that this will be sorted out with the next patch so that everyone can enjoy their favourite elf and won't have to grumble about it anymore!

[Noctoi]

I completely agree with pretty much everything you said! :D

 

Which is why there is so much angst on many of the threads at the moment. He's a really popular character, with a rich and heartbreaking background that many of our Watchers bonded with him over in the first game. 

 

It's also why a few of us are not game enough to keep playing Deadfire atm. His quest and his reputation mechanics are so broken for a lot of players, so we can't play the full story with the one character we were so looking forward to seeing again 

 

Hopefully the companion systems and the reputation mechanics/triggers will be fixed properly soon and we can all start squeeing on the forums instead of despairing! :D

[Slotharingia]

I love POE1 Aloth and also that he's romanceable. Sadly my Watchers leave him totally cold.

 

I can relate to many of the things you said ( except for Durance, I loved that character! ) - Aloth has always been one of my favourite companions, and I was also certain that he wouldn't be romanceable by my Watcher for different reasons. It was a wonderful surprise when I learned that that was not the case!

 

I have to admit I haven't finished Deadfire yet, but I was able to start his romance a little while ago and so far, it does not disapppoint!

 

I like how subtle and low-key it is, and how much the little changes to his voice and dialogue actually speak about the development of their relationship. It seems very well in character for Aloth so far, and it also looks like there are still some nice scenes to look forward to?

 

There is also a mod now that offers more Aloth for those who cannot get enough of him:

 

https://www.nexusmods.com/pillarsofeternity2/mods/51

This looks well worth checking out on a second playthrough!

 

Unfortunately, it seems his personality tags are all over the place right now and so quite a few people are having trouble to get approval or disapproval with Aloth. I hope that this will be sorted out with the next patch so that everyone can enjoy their favourite elf and won't have to grumble about it anymore!

Easy enough to get disapproval with him tbh, I personally just don't want it , cos even if I can't get him to like me and it annoys the hell out of me, I don't want him to hate me either xD

[Knoebroesel]

I can understand your frustration, Slotharingia. But since the poor guy is bugged right now, I hope you will give him another chance after they overhauled the companion dialogue tags?

 

I certainly hope he will be a little less judgmental then. Although I personally find it hilarious how Aloth practically hates EVERYTHING that Tekehu has to say.

[Slotharingia]

I can understand your frustration, Slotharingia. But since the poor guy is bugged right now, I hope you will give him another chance after they overhauled the companion dialogue tags?

 

I certainly hope he will be a little less judgmental then. Although I personally find it hilarious how Aloth practically hates EVERYTHING that Tekehu has to say.

I'm not convinced he is broken since a lot of people seem to think he's not. But obviously, if they change it, I'll revise my opinion. Oddly, my first Watcher who romanced Tekehu managed to get more approval from Aloth than my current one that's actually trying to get it. I've reloaded every time he disapproved and tried to pick dialogue options he wouldn't object to while still cracking jokes when he shuts up about it. This one didn't even pick Tek up until it seemed unreasonable to wait any longer. Additionally, Aloth's personal quest bugged out and didn't trigger any convos until the very last stage where you go to the island with the Chieftain with the relevant memories, so I didn't even get any approval from that. *sigh*

[CENIC]

The negative approval romance dialogue fits my Clever Watcher better than the positive approval anyway. She's a rogue with a heart of gold.

 

Still hoping Rekke is a full companion with a romance in the next game though.

[Aramintai]

Hey, just gonna add my +1 here. Aloth is a great companion material, and I'm glad he's both in the sequel and is romanceable. Let's just hope his bugs are fixed.

[Tarlonniel]

I 500% agree. My Watcher fell for Aloth way back in Gilded Vale and it's so nice to finally be able to do something about that. I think the romance is wonderfully written and I especially appreciate that he and the Watcher can remain together in the end.

 

Of course, since I adore the grumpy elf I'm always going to want more interaction with him, which is why I created the above mod, but I'm not in any way dissatisfied with the official version. It's darned near perfect.

 

And feel free to continue squeeing, gushing, etc. It's nice to know I'm not the only one who fangirls over Aloth

[Mimia]

Absolutely loved Aloth's romance! Easily my favorite of the group, I'll probably stick with it for most of my playthroughs.

 

 

 

I can understand your frustration, Slotharingia. But since the poor guy is bugged right now, I hope you will give him another chance after they overhauled the companion dialogue tags?

 

I certainly hope he will be a little less judgmental then. Although I personally find it hilarious how Aloth practically hates EVERYTHING that Tekehu has to say.

I'm not convinced he is broken since a lot of people seem to think he's not. But obviously, if they change it, I'll revise my opinion. Oddly, my first Watcher who romanced Tekehu managed to get more approval from Aloth than my current one that's actually trying to get it. I've reloaded every time he disapproved and tried to pick dialogue options he wouldn't object to while still cracking jokes when he shuts up about it. This one didn't even pick Tek up until it seemed unreasonable to wait any longer. Additionally, Aloth's personal quest bugged out and didn't trigger any convos until the very last stage where you go to the island with the Chieftain with the relevant memories, so I didn't even get any approval from that. *sigh*

 

 

Obsidian has already confirmed in a stream that Aloth is bugged. Though it may not fix your problem if you are playing a character contrary to his personality, a patch should make it easier to get Aloth to +2 or -2, both routes which result in romance.

 

At the moment it is difficult to push Aloth beyond +1/0/-1 because of conflicting dispositions.

 

That said I think a lot of people are looking at the reputation system the wrong way. Characters who hit negative dispositions do not hate one another. Almost all of them that I have encountered resolved their conflicts amicably or developed a better understanding of one another because of the conflict between them. By the end of the game I was actually hoping characters would disapprove more often, because those conversations had a lot more character development.

[NocturnalTrance]

It worked out pretty great in my playthrough, since my priest of Magran was agressive and a little passionate. He even noted that my watcher is a lot like Iselmyr and that he thinks it's a funny coinsidence that they fell in love.

[Aramintai]

 I think the romance is wonderfully written and I especially appreciate that he and the Watcher can remain together in the end.

I like that out of all romances it's the Watcher who initiates the romance in this one. And it is even well explained why. Never liked romances where companions actively try to jump into protag's pants, some aggressively so.

[Tarlonniel]

Never liked romances where companions actively try to jump into protag's pants, some aggressively so.

Me neither, which had me dreading the Tekehu romance (though I still had to try it, of course, for science).

 

I think it's significant that Aloth doesn't make any advances and that his romance doesn't actually start until the +/-2 conversation, not +/-1. If you want him you have to be patient, turn down the other LIs who are probably trying to get in your pants and seize the opportunity when it comes. It's an interesting dynamic.

Edited May 26, 2018 by Tarlonniel

[Slotharingia]

 

Never liked romances where companions actively try to jump into protag's pants, some aggressively so.

Me neither, which had me dreading the Tekehu romance (though I still had to try it, of course, for science).

 

I think it's significant that Aloth doesn't make any advances and that his romance doesn't actually start until the +/-2 conversation, not +/-1. If you want him you have to be patient, turn down the other LIs who are probably trying to get in your pants and seize the opportunity when it comes. It's an interesting dynamic.

 

Yeah or you can spend the entire game trying to please him and still be at 0 at the end like me xD

[Aridea]

 

Never liked romances where companions actively try to jump into protag's pants, some aggressively so.

Me neither, which had me dreading the Tekehu romance (though I still had to try it, of course, for science).

 

I think it's significant that Aloth doesn't make any advances and that his romance doesn't actually start until the +/-2 conversation, not +/-1. If you want him you have to be patient, turn down the other LIs who are probably trying to get in your pants and seize the opportunity when it comes. It's an interesting dynamic.

 

 

I kinda like both, when everyone is trying to jump into your Watcher's pants, and when someone doesn't. I think there has to be a healthy mix in-between to please different people.

I'd rather not have to have my character running around and harassing everyone with their love. Call it in-game vanity :D

 

Oh and +1 to the post. Love the guy to bits.

There are more of us Obsidian fans who actually like romance in their games (as broken, unfinished and bug-ridden as it is) contrary to what some especially vocal members will say. I think a lot of people who enjoy the game and content don't post here, but rather play and create their fan arts and fan fictions and share them with the world.

Edited May 26, 2018 by Aridea

[Tarlonniel]

I think a lot of people who enjoy the game and content don't post here, but rather play and create their fan arts and fan fictions and share them with the world.

Speaking of which, if anyone has links to good Aloth fanart, do share them. I like these ones.

Edited May 26, 2018 by Tarlonniel

[bugarup]

I like that out of all romances it's the Watcher who initiates the romance in this one. And it is even well explained why. Never liked romances where companions actively try to jump into protag's pants, some aggressively so.

 

 

The opposite here. I don't like giving chase and jumping through hoops, especially when one wrong answer can fudge everything, so usually the first character to ask "Hey boss, wanna f†ck?" gets it.

 

But back to our Aloth. How do you guys make that -2 romance work? Tried, it went nowhere. I made a Bleak Walker/Corpse Eater for my arsehole run and I wouldn't mind imposing this gentleman of exquisite manners and refined gastronomical tastes on Aloth. Especially when I managed to antagonize him into -1 even before reaching Neketaka.

Edited May 26, 2018 by bugarup

[Aridea]

 

I think a lot of people who enjoy the game and content don't post here, but rather play and create their fan arts and fan fictions and share them with the world.

Speaking of which, if anyone has links to good Aloth fanart, do share them.

 

You only have to go on tumblr and search for Aloth, there is plenty of stuff there. But beware, because you know... Tumblr is a cesspool of corruption

Edited May 26, 2018 by Aridea

[Aramintai]

But back to our Aloth. How do you guys make that -2 romance work? Tried, it went nowhere. I made a Bleak Walker/Corpse Eater for my arsehole run and I wouldn't mind imposing this gentleman of exquisite manners and refined gastronomical tastes on Aloth. Especially when I managed to antagonize him into -1 even before reaching Neketaka.

 

I don't think it actually works. It's been datamined that protag can have an angry kiss with him, but that's about it. It doesn't mean he'd like to have a romance after that.

[Tarlonniel]

I'm not sure how much there is to the -2 romance; I've been waiting for them to fix the suppressed Iselmyr version before I try it out. I'm curious about which ending slides you end up with, romanced or non-romanced.

[CENIC]

I'll be testing out the negative approval romance once the next wave of patches come out, so I'll let you know.

[Slotharingia]

The opposite here. I don't like giving chase and jumping through hoops, especially when one wrong answer can fudge everything, so usually the first character to ask "Hey boss, wanna f†ck?" gets it.

 

But back to our Aloth. How do you guys make that -2 romance work? Tried, it went nowhere. I made a Bleak Walker/Corpse Eater for my arsehole run and I wouldn't mind imposing this gentleman of exquisite manners and refined gastronomical tastes on Aloth. Especially when I managed to antagonize him into -1 even before reaching Neketaka.

Good grief, this sounds so much like me, I thought I'd written it and got really confused lmao. :D I also made a Bleak Walker / Corpse eater to see if I could get the rivalmance, and he gave me the "u 2 trad. bruh" talk on the boat like 10 min after I recruited him and I'd done nothing traditional. I'll likely ditch that character though. I was tempted to use my current one who's still @ 0 in spite of trying really hard to please the guy to get the rivalmance as all I have to do is go to the bar and have a laugh with Tek to get to -1, and -2 shouldn't be that hard after that. But if all it is is a weird angry kiss, I can't be bothered. And yeah I also don't like being pushy in those types of relationships. In Dragon Age Inquisition, you have to pretty much harass some people to get anywhere and it really doesn't fit to a lot of characters. OTOH, I haven't been suffering from the lechery some people report in Deadfire. Only Tekehu has made a pass at me (and Rekke kind of, which doesn't count).

[Aridea]

In Dragon Age Inquisition, you have to pretty much harass some people to get anywhere and it really doesn't fit to a lot of characters. OTOH, I haven't been suffering from the lechery some people report in Deadfire. Only Tekehu has made a pass at me (and Rekke kind of, which doesn't count).

 

I understand why they did it in DAI - too much listening to rabid fans, which is never healthy. But that kinda cheapened some of the relationships vs what NPCs could form between each other, those felt more natural. Or maybe it was the way dialogues were written, that characters just kind of agreed to your harassment. Idk it was weird.

As for Deadefire, Maia hits on the Watcher pretty fast. And there are couple of harmless flirts with Serafen here and there, even if you just treat him as a bro.

[drael6464]

So there are three male romancible characters and one female right? So I suppose this is generally for the female audience by that reasoning?

 

Xoti is kind of a strange one. She flirts with you incessantly, but it goes nowhere. 

[CENIC]

So there are three male romancible characters and one female right? So I suppose this is generally for the female audience by that reasoning?

 

Xoti is kind of a strange one. She flirts with you incessantly, but it goes nowhere.

Maia is a female option, but I guess amazonian shark tomboys are an acquired taste.