In that setting where nothing really bad can happen to you, she's basically just like an aunt setting you up for crazy blind dates.
With the recall stone you're not in any danger.
And she's doing a solid for most of the girls if you think about it. Nicci can't move and she's powerful enough that I assume the enchantment doesn't lead many adventurers to her naturally before they outgrow the forest.
So yeah the little trickery is completely harmless. With the one exception of the campers and that's a special case she couldn't see coming.
Also, she never forces you to do anything you might not want to do. Nicci's the one who attacks you. The game won't let you play an asshole so you do not get the option of just letting the campers starve.
I'm with Aesthetic here. Vivian's fine. You guys are overexaggerating.
The soul-sucking thing nearly did happen, though. It's only due to the timely intervention of the other two that you do survive, so no, nobody is exaggerating. And Nicci is powerful enough where her pollen isn't just an aphrodisiac, but borderline strong enough to lure most adventurers into her clutches. Vivian opting to set Nicci up with free food is fine. It's that she isn't up front about the conditions involved. If you wanted a friend to help you with something and they omitted details that would impact your decision ahead of time, you'd be rightfully pissed.
Also, addictions are a real thing in this world, as we've seen with the manticore. So, Nicci's pollen is potentially screwing up an adventurer who huffed it too long. I wouldn't call that harmless. I also feel Vivian should be aware from past adventurers and even the trio of campers that yeah, one has a bit of a restraint issue. That's information you figure out ASAP so you don't have an avoidable accident. That's basic common sense.
Your whole "she never forces you to do anything you wouldn't want to do" is such a stupid and detached perspective. Millions of Amazon workers
don't have to work for that company. They also don't have to eat, have a roof over their head, etc. Our character
is in fucking debt. The central plot of the entire game is a pretty damn good excuse to do the side jobs Vivian asks of you, conditions notwithstanding. Someone in a desperate enough situation is going to shovel shit with their hands for a few dollars. Vivian preys on desperation, and the entire system that put you in debt is designed to ensure you're desperate.
