Doesn't anyone want Neera to be bissexual alongside Dorn or Rasaad?
I expected this to be the case before the AMAA. I would have preferred it in the sense that then I could have had all the romances with a female CHARNAME I think it's awesome of Overhaul to have a male bisexual NPC, however.
I hope the NPC's bisexuality is written in (as opposed to the NPC just being straight or gay depending on the playthrough) because I think it would make an interesting contribution to the character.
Reading your post I get the feeling that people who are gay/bi has to act in a certain way (once again except for just sexuality) and this way of acting makes them gay/bi .
Since we're talking of the game (right?) we're talking about the expectations on how the bisexual romance is written. Yes?
@Scypher1 Why should Rasad tell people that not all monasteries allow same sex romances or bisexual monks? Neither I as a player or my CHARNAME would care at all about that information. And, as I stated earlier Word of God from the creator of the Realms is that no one cares about sexual preferences. So it's a big non-issue except amongst players who, apparently, harbor some sort of bigotry in that area. No one in the Realms cares who you are attracted to, or who you are having a romance with. The players might care, but none of the other characters will. Why go out of your way to write to make bigots feel happy?
I think that all ballyhoo around gay romance is only marketing trick.
Author 1: We need more moneyyyyyyyyy.... Author 2: Sweet money ! Author 3: What about another romance ? Author 2: Imposible, we allready have three new character and three romance. Author 3: We can use little trick... Author 1: I like money. Author 2: Tell me more. Author 3: We can change all sentences like " You are beautiful woman " too " You are beautiful man ". Author 3: Two romance instead one, and same price ! Author 2: Sneaky.... i like that ! Author 1: More money ? Author 3: Yes, more money... Author 1: Money !!!!! Author 2: Ok, we will do that. Players are stupid they do´t notice that.
anyway, if i recall correctly, developers mentioned that character will be pansexual, not bisexual (similar as bisexual but even more all-inclusive regarding sex and gender).
this means two things: the romance will probably be more or less the same for both genders and pansexuality a part of a character (not gay/straight depending on the replay).
second- this concept can fit ANYONE regardless of their class, race, background etc. "i just want to fuck you/love you, because i find you attractive (mentally, physically,spiritually, whatever) regardless of your gender" is a statement you could equally like hear from any of the new characters. rasaad could be more interested in your spirit as someone who cares for such things the most. neera could be simply flexible with a wild, chaotic streak loving/bedding people as the mood moves her. dorn could simply want to screw anything with suitable body temperature.
so it is only a matter of writing decision, just as the quality of romance depends on execution of said writing :gasp:
therefore, in my humble opinion, there is absolutely no "better" or "right" choice for bisexual character, especially since creators of d&d stated that "bisexuality and homosexuality exists in d&D and is not a big deal". it seems it all boils down to our personal preferences.
Any romance, what is same for men and women ( " You are beautiful woman " or " You are beautiful man " ) can´t be good. I admit that some NPC can be bisexual but it must suit their character and something like that is very hard to do.
I again must use example with Anders from DA2, because it is textbook case how romance must not be done. Same dialogs for men and women was absolutely ruin Anders personality. This will be probably same...
Make good bisexual NPC is VERY hard, much harder then two heterosexual.
I thought people will be asking for a romance with their favorite npc, but instead this thread is about: bi/gay npc are bad/you racist it's ok, there should be more. Also i don't understand this whole commotion about bi monk. As many people said before it's not an order that take wovs of chasity. For me it's ok as long as he won't be so persistent i will have to go with my back against a wall or stay in last row. Well in either case i don't have to invite him to my team. But returning to main subject i hope there will be some mods or later dlc with more npc that have some banter, quests and interesting story. More romances would also be welcome. Still it's a shame overhaul can't modify old bg npc, add some more life to them.
dorn could be great, but i am somewhat skeptical of his "bloodthirsty monster and loving it" presentation. talking about power all the time and how fun it is slaughtering the peasants could quickly wear on my nerves. if he has meaningful conflict (not redemption) that includes some more mundane themes, corrupted love, rivalmance etc... could work out, without making the evil look any less evil or banal for that matter.
rasaad (i would prefer him as bisexual romance) was described as luke skywalker, a bit naive hero that will bloom in the face of experience. now that sound like a potential boredom par excellence. bloom how exactly? by staring dramatically into distance after every combat sighing and wondering about meaning of it all? if so, he will very quickly fly like aerie... um, i mean BIRD, out of my party, bisexual or not. and i play good aligned party almost all the time. he could also be very interesting as monk, dealing with spiritual matters, evolving into outsider, gaining new and new insights and trying to fuse them with reality and relationships around himself. naive could be good, if he matures and develops kind but a bit sardonic attitude.
neera... well, i was mostly focused on male characters so i don't know. she could be attention whore with her nagging how she hurts everbody she loves ( ohmigod my powerful wild magic makes me so special i must flee into forest not to damage anyone!). she could also be cool, determined woman, ready to deal with her situation after some initial recoil. and by the way, her portrait is stunning. she is really, really beautiful. were i straight i would be totally happy for her adittion (now i am just very pleased, mages are precious and wild mages are interesting)
we shall see what will happen. npc's and their relationships are one of the most important parts of this game, i'm sure developers put their best effort into it (as they will be judgeg for it), but no way everybody will be pleased.
Neither I as a player or my CHARNAME would care at all about that information. As I stated earlier Word of God from the creator of the Realms is that no one cares about sexual preferences. So it's a big non-issue... No one in the Realms cares who you are attracted to, or who you are having a romance with...
Beautiful... And that folks is the reason I love Baldur's Gate and Faerun... Thanks for the big love up @LadyRhian . You made me feel all good inside :P
I can't... But another reason I think Rasaad is the bi one: he's the only one of the three included by default on all platforms. If I had to pick only one to include, the NPC romanceable by both genders seems most fair.
Or maybe to make the gay content more selective, so only who want would take that NPC (no biased comment here just another possibility) the bi character would be a DLC only NPC, that comes in windows version just because windows version has all the extras already.
We can't try to read the devs mind, let's wait and see in game who will be the bi NPC. Just hope the romances run a bit faster, i lost many romance banters in the old game because of the long time between each trigger.
Lady rhian (and moomintroll,which practically stated the same thing)
"Why should Rasad tell people that not all monasteries allow same sex romances or bisexual monks? Neither I as a player or my CHARNAME would care at all about that information. And, as I stated earlier Word of God from the creator of the Realms is that no one cares about sexual preferences. So it's a big non-issue except amongst players who, apparently, harbor some sort of bigotry in that area. No one in the Realms cares who you are attracted to, or who you are having a romance with. The players might care, but none of the other characters will. Why go out of your way to write to make bigots feel happy?"
First, you said that according to the creator,same sex romances exist in the realms and alustriel is among the deities whose followers practice it. But the realms are a diverse place with a great variety of civilizations and cultures. I find almost impossible that all would interact with that issue in the same manner. If thats the case it is an incredibly dumb thing. Why would a religion beeing the antithesis of the other happen to share the same opinion regarding this issue? It makes no sense.
I repeat that having everyone,regarding of story background, having the same,homogenic opinion is dumbing up the game,it is artificial. It makes the game LOOK LIKE (even if not literally beeing) a piece of propaganda.
You say that because people have different ideas of your own,they are bigots. But that is what freedom and plurarity are. And discordance is not an agression. Forcing everyone to have a single opinion, is not what freedom is.
My suggestion is (if rasaad ends up beeing the bi one) to make the character ask in a banter to rasaad if he can engage in relationships,since he is a monk. Rasaad would then say that he can,but would just state (regarding other orders) that some tell chastity ,while others speak about the possibility of marriage with men and women (and are non vocal bout the rest), and than would inform that his order is neutral regarding this.
Just this. This would take almost no game energy,would not be weird,political or anything. And would make the game more interesting and realist. Showing reality how it is : different cultures,different people,different opinions!
@scypher1 is asking for the gay romance to be a main char intitative only romance, if i'm not wrong. I support the idea but expect a lot of flame for it dude, cos people will find it a prejudice (i don't think this way but people will think).
In my opinion, the new romances shoud make the evolution that every BG mod made and let the romance be started or continued by the main char. Almost every new romance in mods are started by main char, as the new NPCs normally have a list of banters when we force talk with them (F1).
Every new game today (Mass effect, Dragon Age, Skyrim...), on them all the main char is the one that start the flirts (or make specific actions that trigger the romances). While the old content can't be changed i would truly like the possibility of start by action all the new romances (otherwise i would expect Neera to be the bi romance, as Haer'Dalis is the best elegible bi possibility on the entire BG saga).
Though I have my reserves about turning old characters in romanceables (except for women players and maybe to the small races) ,specially if changing their sexuality. HOWEVER , there are exactly 2 characters in which this could potentially work properly. And they are Haer dalis and Nalia (the hot lesbian sex? ;P) ,which maybe could be bisexual characters without having their backgrounds changed too much.
There is a reason why beamdog did not allow changes in dialogue of old bg characters,and that is precisely to avoid them having their personality changed into something that does not fit. That is what made the trilogy banter mods so good. Because they DEVELOPED the personality of the characters in perfect symmetry with what we knew about them in the vanilla. They did not CHANGE it into some other thing. No doubt that sexuality is one of the main characteristcs of someone,and there is no former indication of other characters beeing bi or homosexual. Putting this in characters without background indication would be kinda absurd. One way to take a proof of this is to pay attention in the romance dialogue,and to see if those of the 4 characters ( jaheira,aerie,viconia and anomen) give much importance to heterosexuality, that is ,if there is a strong or faint connection to relationship if men and women. If the sex of the player is frequently stated and given an important evaluation that is a sign of strong heterosexuality.
In nalias case for example,i have been told that if you create a female character you may ask her in marriage after her quest. That is a possible indication of backround to bi or lesbian relationship.
@scypher1 - I'll try to keep this simple and short.
Yes it's a game. You said that adding something as you suggest would make the game less artificial. I think game designers tend to think that it's better to be artificial than to potentially alienate their audience by putting in content that may offend people. There's enough bullshit in the real life and gay/bi/non-homophobic gamers don't really need to be reminded of that in a game, which is supposed to be fun and escapist. In any case, if people in the forgotten realms are said to not care about sexual preference, then your problem is with the setting. Maybe you should find some other kind of RPG universe to cater for what you want (good luck).
And by the way, hiding behind this facade of being the standard bearer of freedom and plurality is pretty transparent. Just so you know.
@kamuizin - "the gay romance to be a main char intitative only romance, if i'm not wrong. I support the idea but expect a lot of flame for it dude, cos people will find it a prejudice (i don't think this way but people will think)"
It would be worth it if only to stop the inevitable topics that spawn as a result from some gamer getting hit on by an avatar of the same sex. There was a particularly legendary one on Dragon Age about Zevran with some guy asking how he could undo having sex with Zevran because he couldn't live with continuing his game knowing that his character had received some manloving. Shame I don't know where the link would be...bloody hilarious
"Every new game today (Mass effect, Dragon Age, Skyrim...), on them all the main char is the one that start the flirts (or make specific actions that trigger the romances). While the old content can't be changed i would truly like the possibility of start by action all the new romances (otherwise i would expect Neera to be the bi romance, as Haer'Dalis is the best elegible bi possibility on the entire BG saga). "
yes that makes sense and would be the conservative(lol) idea to take. However that still imput homogeinity to the game. But ill let beamdog decide wheter the want to chicken out or want to be daredevil and make something new.
Anyone be free to correct me if i'm wrong, but from what i read of Baldur's Gate on these years, Haer'Dalis isn't an entirely new idea of romance character as he was intented to be the 2° male romanceable character in the original BG 2. However in reason of the pressure to launch the game the devs never finshed Haer'Dalis romance banters.
Probally Haer'Dalis has lost strings in the .tlk file for the romance (if he was truly the 2° romance that wasn't finshed), so i really hope that Beamdog if still blocked of work on the original content, ask for a special permission to finsh the half work made in Haer'Dalis.
You don't propose to nalia, you just make an agreement with her to put the Ar'nise Keep out of the reach of the Roenals, she doesn't appear to be interested im main char in love terms.
I disagree with you @scypher1 about Viconia, as she probally had a lot of lesbians experiences before leave underdark, males in drow culture are submissive and a little better than slaves, if they're good enough in something they achieve the status of a "tool" or in some rare ocasions a "pet", and a tool is the better status a drow male can have there.
Anomen and Jaheira would be 2 impossible bi romances, i give you that but Aerie is a doubt, and viconia surelly already has a lot of experience on this matter.
And to end Haer'Dalis would have no problem with bi romances, this is pretty clear in his behavior and i expect for his romance (be it bi or only straight) to be finshed in BG2, while i truly like Anomen, options well made are always good.
"I disagree with you @scypher1 about Viconia, as she probally had a lot of lesbians experiences before leave underdark, males in drow culture are submissive and a little better than slaves, if they're good enough in something they achieve the status of a "tool" or in some rare ocasions a "pet", and a tool is the better status a drow male can have there."
Maybe you are right. I admit that i never had viconia in my group for long. I just save her in the games but never really had her much time in my party. The only evil characters of my party were usually edwin and xzar.
One of them is bisexual? I don't think that really fits any of those characters...
Dorn seems to be the "man rules over woman, woman cleans house" type person, so it is almost assuredly not him.
Raasad is a monk, so that would at least imply he is religious in some way, and if we pull a real-life correlation, religion is typically heterosexist. Plus, being a monk, he would naturally have stricter views on chastity and romance, regardless of heterosexism or lack thereof. He is a possibility, but not a likely one in my mind.
Neera is the best bet I feel. She doesn't have any particularly imposing cultural values pushed on her, and elves (if I am correct) tend to be a little more liberal sexually speaking. I still feel a little wary just because, with her background, she seems almost the helpless type that would rely on her Prince Charming, but I feel she fits the bi role better than the others.
"There's enough bullshit in the real life and gay/bi/non-homophobic gamers don't really need to be reminded of that in a game, which is supposed to be fun and escapist "
What there is of offensive in saying that some MONK ORDERS have codes (and as stated before,some faerun orders DO have codes regarding this) regarding chastity and marriage? This is not the hate and bygotry you are affirming. You should re-read my suggestion regarding the banters:
-My suggestion is (if rasaad ends up beeing the bi one) to make the character ask in a banter to rasaad if he can engage in relationships,since he is a monk. Rasaad would then say that he can,but would just state (regarding other orders) that some tell chastity ,while others marriage with men and women, and than would inform that his order is neutral regarding this.
I agree that there should not be people talking about homosexuality openly as a polemic and not in the same way of the real world. That would be insane and would probably be unconfortable. But to state that orders have different codes regarding relationships (again,re-read what i wrote regarding the banter) without spousing any kind of hate or getting too deep in the idea,would be harmless and offend zero people.
reposting (with a little change to adequate to your fair request of non polemics and weirdness):
-My suggestion is (if rasaad ends up beeing the bi one) to make the character ask in a banter to rasaad if he can engage in relationships,since he is a monk. Rasaad would then say that he can,but would just state (regarding other orders) that some tell chastity ,while others speak about the possibility of marriage with men and women (and are non vocal bout the rest), and than would inform that his order is neutral regarding this.
"In any case, if people in the forgotten realms are said to not care about sexual preference, then your problem is with the setting. Maybe you should find some other kind of RPG universe to cater for what you want (good luck)."
Im not saying that there should be open conflicts and discussions about a subject so complicated as homosexuality . Im just saying that having all religions and orders coindentally and frequently having homosexuals just for the sake of being "inclusive" is dumb and artificial. And it is. Also, there makes no sense to have everyone showing this same pattern.
"And by the way, hiding behind this facade of being the standard bearer of freedom and plurality is pretty transparent. Just so you know."
No tirany hiding there, since differently of what you say .democracy does not belong to a single group. And Homogenic opinion IS the destruction of freedom.
Comments
I hope the NPC's bisexuality is written in (as opposed to the NPC just being straight or gay depending on the playthrough) because I think it would make an interesting contribution to the character.
Author 1: We need more moneyyyyyyyyy....
Author 2: Sweet money !
Author 3: What about another romance ?
Author 2: Imposible, we allready have three new character and three romance.
Author 3: We can use little trick...
Author 1: I like money.
Author 2: Tell me more.
Author 3: We can change all sentences like " You are beautiful woman " too " You are beautiful man ".
Author 3: Two romance instead one, and same price !
Author 2: Sneaky.... i like that !
Author 1: More money ?
Author 3: Yes, more money...
Author 1: Money !!!!!
Author 2: Ok, we will do that. Players are stupid they do´t notice that.
anyway, if i recall correctly, developers mentioned that character will be pansexual, not bisexual (similar as bisexual but even more all-inclusive regarding sex and gender).
this means two things: the romance will probably be more or less the same for both genders and pansexuality a part of a character (not gay/straight depending on the replay).
second- this concept can fit ANYONE regardless of their class, race, background etc. "i just want to fuck you/love you, because i find you attractive (mentally, physically,spiritually, whatever) regardless of your gender" is a statement you could equally like hear from any of the new characters. rasaad could be more interested in your spirit as someone who cares for such things the most. neera could be simply flexible with a wild, chaotic streak loving/bedding people as the mood moves her. dorn could simply want to screw anything with suitable body temperature.
so it is only a matter of writing decision, just as the quality of romance depends on execution of said writing :gasp:
therefore, in my humble opinion, there is absolutely no "better" or "right" choice for bisexual character, especially since creators of d&d stated that "bisexuality and homosexuality exists in d&D and is not a big deal". it seems it all boils down to our personal preferences.
I again must use example with Anders from DA2, because it is textbook case how romance must not be done. Same dialogs for men and women was absolutely ruin Anders personality. This will be probably same...
Make good bisexual NPC is VERY hard, much harder then two heterosexual.
Also i don't understand this whole commotion about bi monk. As many people said before it's not an order that take wovs of chasity. For me it's ok as long as he won't be so persistent i will have to go with my back against a wall or stay in last row. Well in either case i don't have to invite him to my team.
But returning to main subject i hope there will be some mods or later dlc with more npc that have some banter, quests and interesting story. More romances would also be welcome. Still it's a shame overhaul can't modify old bg npc, add some more life to them.
dorn could be great, but i am somewhat skeptical of his "bloodthirsty monster and loving it" presentation. talking about power all the time and how fun it is slaughtering the peasants could quickly wear on my nerves. if he has meaningful conflict (not redemption) that includes some more mundane themes, corrupted love, rivalmance etc... could work out, without making the evil look any less evil or banal for that matter.
rasaad (i would prefer him as bisexual romance) was described as luke skywalker, a bit naive hero that will bloom in the face of experience. now that sound like a potential boredom par excellence. bloom how exactly? by staring dramatically into distance after every combat sighing and wondering about meaning of it all? if so, he will very quickly fly like aerie... um, i mean BIRD, out of my party, bisexual or not. and i play good aligned party almost all the time.
he could also be very interesting as monk, dealing with spiritual matters, evolving into outsider, gaining new and new insights and trying to fuse them with reality and relationships around himself. naive could be good, if he matures and develops kind but a bit sardonic attitude.
neera... well, i was mostly focused on male characters so i don't know. she could be attention whore with her nagging how she hurts everbody she loves ( ohmigod my powerful wild magic makes me so special i must flee into forest not to damage anyone!). she could also be cool, determined woman, ready to deal with her situation after some initial recoil.
and by the way, her portrait is stunning. she is really, really beautiful. were i straight i would be totally happy for her adittion (now i am just very pleased, mages are precious and wild mages are interesting)
we shall see what will happen. npc's and their relationships are one of the most important parts of this game, i'm sure developers put their best effort into it (as they will be judgeg for it), but no way everybody will be pleased.
We can't try to read the devs mind, let's wait and see in game who will be the bi NPC. Just hope the romances run a bit faster, i lost many romance banters in the old game because of the long time between each trigger.
Still, my male kensai is really hoping we're right...
"Why should Rasad tell people that not all monasteries allow same sex romances or bisexual monks? Neither I as a player or my CHARNAME would care at all about that information. And, as I stated earlier Word of God from the creator of the Realms is that no one cares about sexual preferences. So it's a big non-issue except amongst players who, apparently, harbor some sort of bigotry in that area. No one in the Realms cares who you are attracted to, or who you are having a romance with. The players might care, but none of the other characters will. Why go out of your way to write to make bigots feel happy?"
First, you said that according to the creator,same sex romances exist in the realms and alustriel is among the deities whose followers practice it. But the realms are a diverse place with a great variety of civilizations and cultures. I find almost impossible that all would interact with that issue in the same manner. If thats the case it is an incredibly dumb thing. Why would a religion beeing the antithesis of the other happen to share the same opinion regarding this issue? It makes no sense.
I repeat that having everyone,regarding of story background, having the same,homogenic opinion is dumbing up the game,it is artificial. It makes the game LOOK LIKE (even if not literally beeing) a piece of propaganda.
You say that because people have different ideas of your own,they are bigots. But that is what freedom and plurarity are. And discordance is not an agression. Forcing everyone to have a single opinion, is not what freedom is.
My suggestion is (if rasaad ends up beeing the bi one) to make the character ask in a banter to rasaad if he can engage in relationships,since he is a monk. Rasaad would then say that he can,but would just state (regarding other orders) that some tell chastity ,while others speak about the possibility of marriage with men and women (and are non vocal bout the rest), and than would inform that his order is neutral regarding this.
Just this. This would take almost no game energy,would not be weird,political or anything. And would make the game more interesting and realist. Showing reality how it is : different cultures,different people,different opinions!
Did you also ask this from the romanceable Clerics in BG2? I still don't see why you need something like that from a Monk.
In my opinion, the new romances shoud make the evolution that every BG mod made and let the romance be started or continued by the main char. Almost every new romance in mods are started by main char, as the new NPCs normally have a list of banters when we force talk with them (F1).
Every new game today (Mass effect, Dragon Age, Skyrim...), on them all the main char is the one that start the flirts (or make specific actions that trigger the romances). While the old content can't be changed i would truly like the possibility of start by action all the new romances (otherwise i would expect Neera to be the bi romance, as Haer'Dalis is the best elegible bi possibility on the entire BG saga).
Though I have my reserves about turning old characters in romanceables (except for women players and maybe to the small races) ,specially if changing their sexuality. HOWEVER , there are exactly 2 characters in which this could potentially work properly. And they are Haer dalis and Nalia (the hot lesbian sex? ;P) ,which maybe could be bisexual characters without having their backgrounds changed too much.
There is a reason why beamdog did not allow changes in dialogue of old bg characters,and that is precisely to avoid them having their personality changed into something that does not fit. That is what made the trilogy banter mods so good. Because they DEVELOPED the personality of the characters in perfect symmetry with what we knew about them in the vanilla. They did not CHANGE it into some other thing.
No doubt that sexuality is one of the main characteristcs of someone,and there is no former indication of other characters beeing bi or homosexual. Putting this in characters without background indication would be kinda absurd. One way to take a proof of this is to pay attention in the romance dialogue,and to see if those of the 4 characters ( jaheira,aerie,viconia and anomen) give much importance to heterosexuality, that is ,if there is a strong or faint connection to relationship if men and women. If the sex of the player is frequently stated and given an important evaluation that is a sign of strong heterosexuality.
In nalias case for example,i have been told that if you create a female character you may ask her in marriage after her quest. That is a possible indication of backround to bi or lesbian relationship.
Yes it's a game. You said that adding something as you suggest would make the game less artificial. I think game designers tend to think that it's better to be artificial than to potentially alienate their audience by putting in content that may offend people. There's enough bullshit in the real life and gay/bi/non-homophobic gamers don't really need to be reminded of that in a game, which is supposed to be fun and escapist. In any case, if people in the forgotten realms are said to not care about sexual preference, then your problem is with the setting. Maybe you should find some other kind of RPG universe to cater for what you want (good luck).
And by the way, hiding behind this facade of being the standard bearer of freedom and plurality is pretty transparent. Just so you know.
@kamuizin - "the gay romance to be a main char intitative only romance, if i'm not wrong. I support the idea but expect a lot of flame for it dude, cos people will find it a prejudice (i don't think this way but people will think)"
It would be worth it if only to stop the inevitable topics that spawn as a result from some gamer getting hit on by an avatar of the same sex. There was a particularly legendary one on Dragon Age about Zevran with some guy asking how he could undo having sex with Zevran because he couldn't live with continuing his game knowing that his character had received some manloving. Shame I don't know where the link would be...bloody hilarious
"Every new game today (Mass effect, Dragon Age, Skyrim...), on them all the main char is the one that start the flirts (or make specific actions that trigger the romances). While the old content can't be changed i would truly like the possibility of start by action all the new romances (otherwise i would expect Neera to be the bi romance, as Haer'Dalis is the best elegible bi possibility on the entire BG saga). "
yes that makes sense and would be the conservative(lol) idea to take. However that still imput homogeinity to the game. But ill let beamdog decide wheter the want to chicken out or want to be daredevil and make something new.
Just read what i posted before. Clerics must fit the teachings of their deity. So they are much simpler to deal than monks.
Probally Haer'Dalis has lost strings in the .tlk file for the romance (if he was truly the 2° romance that wasn't finshed), so i really hope that Beamdog if still blocked of work on the original content, ask for a special permission to finsh the half work made in Haer'Dalis.
You don't propose to nalia, you just make an agreement with her to put the Ar'nise Keep out of the reach of the Roenals, she doesn't appear to be interested im main char in love terms.
I disagree with you @scypher1 about Viconia, as she probally had a lot of lesbians experiences before leave underdark, males in drow culture are submissive and a little better than slaves, if they're good enough in something they achieve the status of a "tool" or in some rare ocasions a "pet", and a tool is the better status a drow male can have there.
Anomen and Jaheira would be 2 impossible bi romances, i give you that but Aerie is a doubt, and viconia surelly already has a lot of experience on this matter.
And to end Haer'Dalis would have no problem with bi romances, this is pretty clear in his behavior and i expect for his romance (be it bi or only straight) to be finshed in BG2, while i truly like Anomen, options well made are always good.
Maybe you are right. I admit that i never had viconia in my group for long. I just save her in the games but never really had her much time in my party. The only evil characters of my party were usually edwin and xzar.
I'm pretty sure they can, which would make this even less of an issue.
Dorn seems to be the "man rules over woman, woman cleans house" type person, so it is almost assuredly not him.
Raasad is a monk, so that would at least imply he is religious in some way, and if we pull a real-life correlation, religion is typically heterosexist. Plus, being a monk, he would naturally have stricter views on chastity and romance, regardless of heterosexism or lack thereof. He is a possibility, but not a likely one in my mind.
Neera is the best bet I feel. She doesn't have any particularly imposing cultural values pushed on her, and elves (if I am correct) tend to be a little more liberal sexually speaking. I still feel a little wary just because, with her background, she seems almost the helpless type that would rely on her Prince Charming, but I feel she fits the bi role better than the others.
"There's enough bullshit in the real life and gay/bi/non-homophobic gamers don't really need to be reminded of that in a game, which is supposed to be fun and escapist "
What there is of offensive in saying that some MONK ORDERS have codes (and as stated before,some faerun orders DO have codes regarding this) regarding chastity and marriage? This is not the hate and bygotry you are affirming. You should re-read my suggestion regarding the banters:
-My suggestion is (if rasaad ends up beeing the bi one) to make the character ask in a banter to rasaad if he can engage in relationships,since he is a monk. Rasaad would then say that he can,but would just state (regarding other orders) that some tell chastity ,while others marriage with men and women, and than would inform that his order is neutral regarding this.
I agree that there should not be people talking about homosexuality openly as a polemic and not in the same way of the real world. That would be insane and would probably be unconfortable. But to state that orders have different codes regarding relationships (again,re-read what i wrote regarding the banter) without spousing any kind of hate or getting too deep in the idea,would be harmless and offend zero people.
reposting (with a little change to adequate to your fair request of non polemics and weirdness):
-My suggestion is (if rasaad ends up beeing the bi one) to make the character ask in a banter to rasaad if he can engage in relationships,since he is a monk. Rasaad would then say that he can,but would just state (regarding other orders) that some tell chastity ,while others speak about the possibility of marriage with men and women (and are non vocal bout the rest), and than would inform that his order is neutral regarding this.
"In any case, if people in the forgotten realms are said to not care about sexual preference, then your problem is with the setting. Maybe you should find some other kind of RPG universe to cater for what you want (good luck)."
Im not saying that there should be open conflicts and discussions about a subject so complicated as homosexuality . Im just saying that having all religions and orders coindentally and frequently having homosexuals just for the sake of being "inclusive" is dumb and artificial. And it is. Also, there makes no sense to have everyone showing this same pattern.
"And by the way, hiding behind this facade of being the standard bearer of freedom and plurality is pretty transparent. Just so you know."
No tirany hiding there, since differently of what you say .democracy does not belong to a single group. And Homogenic opinion IS the destruction of freedom.