some_stars | (no subject)

so I finally managed to get popular support at the landsmeet, then obliquely cheated my way through the duel--I've won it before with a warrior character I felt comfortable with but I didn't think I had any this round that could do it honestly, so although you can't use the killallhostiles cheat at the duel, I just kept healing Shale over and over and letting her pound on him until she won. And then, because it was in character, I had Loghain join the Grey Wardens, and Alistair...threw a hissy fit. I mean, seriously, it lowered my estimation of him considerably. I adore the guy, but emotionally mature he is not. However, it was nonetheless heartbreaking to see him LEAVE, after pleading with my character. Poor guy. Next time through I'm going to pursue a romance with him--it just wasn't in the cards this time around with the City Elf who is violent and practical and not particularly attached to the Wardens as an institution, or good at flirting. Plus she was busy doing Leliana.

Now I'm afraid I'm going to get the horrible ending where Alistair is a homeless drunk. Or whatever, I've only heard about it. IT SOUNDS SAD :(

Oh, I also have some thoughts on Shale! Namely, that while I like the Stone Prisoner quest because there's a puzzle and options about whether to save the girl or not, the Shale's-origin quest is just a really boring dungeon crawl with a totally unsurprising ending. Also I disapprove of the fact that you get two INSANELY POWERFUL objects just for playing through some premium content. I'm pleased with the character so far, though. But I want more Shale/NPC chatter while walking around! That is the BEST PART.

Also, going into the final battle with Sten is a truly inspiring experience. Dude does the BEST pre-battle pep talks.