#the portrayal of the industry would be positive whilst acknowledging that vigor's decision was a product of his circumstances

[tamedstray]

Not Sunday any more, but, have some thoughts. Only mildly ns.ft tbh. More a testament to Vigor's tragedy and desperation. Anyway, Vigor has strongly considered doing s.ex w.ork.

I am unsure as to how to tag this. There is discussion of how Vigor's work and abuse has affected his personal boundaries, as well as a brief mention of social stigma around sex work. Please ask to tag, and do not read if you are unsure as to how this headcanon will affect you. Thank you ♡

Vigor would often visit brothels, including Sharess' Caress, as Irnvar had built contacts in these businesses to gain information (blackmailing patrons, whispers of shady business dealing, etc.) Vigor was the gentle but charming man who offered no judgement and a significant bribe, and so he was well liked by those that were not offended by the selling of client's private information.

      However, despite being there for secrets himself, he was not immune to the charms of the workers, letting it slip that he was unhappy working for Irnvar, even hinting that he did not do so willingly. Thankfully, his friends kept quiet. Vigor also mentioned that the money he used for bribes was solely for that purpose, and that he was not really paid by Irnvar, just housed and feed and gifted a small stipend. Vigor had little to no money of his own, as Irnvar feared giving him means to escape his grasp; he had enough to buy new plants, books, or the occasional treat, but not money to flee the city and bribe any witnesses to his escape along the way.

      So, having bonded with a few workers, who then learned of his situation, one eventually suggested that he work at the brothel himself. They knew he was charming, and was evidently pretty. It was also blatantly obvious that was lonely, even if he refrained from mentioning it. What they couldn't have known, however, was that Vigor was already more than used to flirting with people he wasn't personally interested in; he never took things further than flirting and perhaps a quick make out session, only ever sleeping with people he wanted to, but the point being that Vigor had already broken down his personal boundaries years ago.

      So, to then take it a step further and sleep with people he had no personal interest in was not unreasonable to him. In fact, it was made clear to Vigor that he would be allowed to freely accept or refuse a potential client, with his connection to the workers there already making him feel safer than working under Irnvar ever did.

      If he did, he could save up enough money to make a new life for himself, all while forgetting about his troubles for a little while. Hell, Vigor was already making and using his own birth control. He also already had friends in the scene who would help him find his feet and hide from Irnvar. So, why not? Why did he change his mind?

      The fear then was that Irnvar would find out very quickly. He might trust the bonds he'd made, but he couldn't trust the patrons coming through any brothel he might potentially work at. After all, Vigor personally knew just how many Upper City nobles would frequent the establishments, and feared being discovered, even if he took residence outside of Baldur's Gate. There was also the social stigma that he was raised around; no amount of personal experience with kind s.ex w.orkers could prevent the shame and guilt of social expectations, even if those who spouted the hate were also the most frequent customers.

      In the end, Vigor turns down the job offer, returning to Irnvar with nought but fear and self-loathing.

      However, I am open to writing an AU where he does accept, choosing that life over escaping into the wilderness. Location would be flexible, but it would have to be a safe and supportive place of work. I wouldn't ignore that Vigor has poor personal boundaries, and only considered the work out of desperation to escape his abusive adoptive father; the tragedy would come from Vigor himself, not the industry itself or his chosen brothel.