Quote Originally Posted by KizuyaKatogami View Post
But then where’s the threat? Where’s the suspense of what’s happening to them if we know they’re going to be okay. A story shouldn’t be one-sided, especially because in the case of ShB, in order to keep a certain character alive, they had to rely on half-assed plot armor which completely contradicted the story elements. If it’s something that makes them contradict their own points they wrote in the story, then that should be dealt with. Look at HW. The deaths were impactful to many but it wasn’t forced or anything like that. There were actually consequences for the protags that shaped them. ShB has none of that and it’s no wonder ShB also has less overall character development barring a couple of the scions (Thancred and Alphinaud most notably).
Let's be clear on one thing: the main characters' plot armor is not invincible. We've already seen lasting, meaningful changes in the cast - and death is only one kind of thing that is a lasting, meaningful change. Papalymo is one example that actually is a death, and he was one of the few main characters we have that actually dates back to the original 1.0 version of the game. Some non-death significant changes include Raubahn's departure as Flame General of the Immortal Flames; the guy was basically the face of the Grand Company. Another example, Yda has left the Scions, and is now a side character.

The fact that new characters have JOINED the Scions (and not died immediately, as Moenbreyda did) is significant, as well. The group is fluid and changing.

The plot armor around the Scions is not as thick as you seem to think it is, and I never go into an expansion without some concern that some of them might not make it out unscathed. At the same time, to suggest that some percentage of them need to die periodically for things to be realistic is silly. These folks are the best of the best, and it's hardly surprising that they are difficult to take down. That said, Y'shtola's chronic brushes with death are more than a little eye-rolling, I'll grant.

The only character I know will never die is the WoL, for obvious reasons. Anyone else? Even Y'shtola? Fair game. Do I think it's LIKELY they'll die? Not really. Do I think it would be absurd if none of them die? No, I don't think that either - they're tenacious bastards, and for them to pull through even against overwhelming odds is what heroic fantasy is all about.