Childer, Witches and Oh My! - Let's Play Dragon Age DLC!

Come Awakening, they'd actually gotten pretty good at making the player model make faces, but it has limits, and it really shows at times. I'm partly the culprit in some cases because I gave her such a bright eye colour, but sometimes it's all animation. Or poor screenshot timing. Or my purposely choosing the silliest shot because Bioware's import has established my Warden clearly spent DAO being a hapless moron. I must oblige by the established canon!

Yes, it's a bit like the first Sims. There were only so many nice faces, so they ended up being recycled to the point where the entire town was filled with clones. Come Sims 2 and it... helped. I'm reaching the point of repetition in DA2, too, really. Once I reinstall it, I should see about getting the hair package off the nexus for that, too.

Unlike Default Femshep, I am so in love with Default LadyHawke, that I honestly don't think I'll ever roll a character not spotting the default look.

If my thread was any indicator, I think Bioware nailed her look. I'm addicted to playing around in CC's, but a lot of people were talking about how much they liked default Fem!Hawke. Not as much love for the default male, which I suppose makes Hawke the anti-Shepard.

Yeah, Default BroHawke kinda just looks like Generic Scruffy Fantasy Man. Default LadyHakwe has tons of character though! I was kinda disappointed that I couldn't recreate her look in Mass Effect 3 :(

I really love both Garret and Marian, I never use their default look because it feels less personal for me - I used only Marian's face after changing a few things in the CC.

(I liked default!FemShep only in ME3 while I don't like default Male!Shep at all, but that's just me.)

(Okay, I posted this mostly because Sebastian looks funny. I don't like much the idea of the two franchise mixing.)

Btw yes, Utha is a Silent Sister, she was in The Calling - The Book Where We Found Out Why Loghain Hates People Part 2.

I never really understood what was the point of the Architect's experiments there.

I love this so much.

Headcanon accepted. And I love this more than I can say.

Seriously. I understand the taking of the blood, but switching the equipment and making people into ghouls... yeah.

Maybe he was trying to scare the hell out of them? "LOOK, THIS IS WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO YOU".

Wouldn't put it past him. Really don't like the guy XD

So, because I spent most of my allotted game time collecting banter, the actual update is only 20 images. In my defense it's ENDGAME soon. Last chance to get them. And all the more chance to look like a moron running in and out of the inn in Amaranthine.

Anders opens.

Anders: Have I ever told you that I find tattoos on women incredibly attractive?
Velanna: Have I ever told you that I find most humans physically and morally repulsive?
Anders: Good to know!

I give you the rest of their banter a bit out of context because ANOTHER bug keeps Anders looping the first banter at her which is INCREDIBLY annoying.

Anders: Perhaps one day we could sit down to discuss magic?
Velanna: What would that accomplish?
Anders: Lots? Great civilizations are built on the sharing of ideas.
Velanna: Sharing? You mean stealing, of course. Followed by crushing those you stole from.
Anders: You know that chip on your shoulder? I think it has replaced your head.

Anders says it as it is and I love him for it.

Velanna: You escaped your Circle, didn't you?
Anders: Several times. But they always found me using my phylactery. Not that I minded being caught much. They always assigned the same templar to track me down. Or perhaps she asked. I hope it's the latter. On those long trips back to the tower -- I in manacles, she, glaring silently -- the air practically sizzled.
Velanna: You escaped your Circle, repeatedly, for a woman?!
Anders: Well, not for her. But she made being caught more fun. That's me, always looking on the bright side!

Velanna: My fireballs are bigger than yours...
Anders: It's not the size that counts, Velanna.
Velanna: Did they tell you that in your Circle? They were trying not to hurt your feelings...
Anders: The Circle lied to me?! Andraste's sword, my world is falling apart! I have been unmanned!

Velanna: Ugh... your skin is peeling.
Justice: Oh really? I didn't notice.
Velanna: Can I give you a poultice? Anything that can help?
Justice: No, I thank you for the offer, but Kristoff's body is dead. There is nothing that can be done.
Velanna: I shant hope for the smell to improve then...?
Justice: No, you probably shouldn't...

Justice is so terribly ashamed of the fact he smells like... well... death.

Velanna: So you not only gave up on killing the Grey Warden who murdered your father, you actually joined the order.
Nathaniel: Are you trying to pick a fight, Velanna? Baiting me like this is juvenile...
Velanna: I just wanted to know how you felt...
Nathaniel: How do you feel knowing you murdered all those people because you were too arrogant to check your facts?
Velanna: Warm and fuzzy.
Nathaniel: You're a terrible person. And your ears are clownish.
Velanna: What?! Who's juvenile now?!

Amazing voice acting. Amazing Nathaniel.

Nathaniel: You believe that your ancestors used to be immortal.
Velanna: I don't "believe" it. It's true!
Nathaniel: How do you know?
Velanna: *sigh* Why would the elders lie?
Nathaniel: Why indeed?

Anders: You seem fascinated with Ser Pounce-a-lot.
Ser Pounce-a-lot: *Meows*
Sigrun: We don't have cats in Orzammar. Well, maybe some nobles have them, if they buy them from a surface merchant.
Anders: Everyone needs a pet.
Sigrun: Well, I had a nug once. For about an hour. Before my uncle slaughtered him and ate him.

Sigrun ;_;

Sigrun: Could you set that bush on fire?!
Anders: Probably, but why would I want to?
Sigrun: Could you freeze it?!
Anders: Why do you want me to kill the bush?
Sigrun: Because it's there! It's an eeeevil bush! Do it!
Anders: Magic isn't for your amusement! Why don't I just do a little dance? Anders' Spicy Shimmy? *hums*
Sigrun: Oh, eww. I'll pass.

Sadly, no, not animated.

Anders: Are you saying that you could become a demon, Justice?
Justice: I said no such thing!
Anders: You said that demons were spirits perverted by their desires.
Justice: I have no such desires.
Anders: You must have some desires...
Justice: I have none! Desist your questions!

Anders: I apologize, Justice. I didn't mean to suggest you would become a demon.
Justice: I should certainly hope not...
Anders: I just wondered what relation there is between spirits and demons. Demons are a worry to any mage.
Justice: I do not know what makes demons as they are. Such evil angers me, but I do not understand it.
Anders: Well, I hope you never come to understand.
Justice: I as well, mage. More than you could possibly know...

And now, shenigans:

Sigrun: Here's your dagger back.
Justice: Did I drop this..?
Sigrun: Oh, no. I nicked it from your belt. Old habits die hard, you know.
Justice: Stealing is wrong.
Sigrun: Only if you get caught! And need I remind you that I wasn't caught?

Justice: I have tied my dagger to my belt. Should you try to steal it again, the rope will remind you that stealing is wrong.
Sigrun: But... er, you just told me I can no longer steal it. Why would I even try?
Justice: I...
Sigrun: Anyway, here's your ring back!

Velanna: What will happen to you once Kristoff's body has fully decayed?
Justice: I do not know. Perhaps I will be drawn back to the Fade?
Velanna: Or remain here, bound to the tiny motes of dust that once were Kristoff.
Justice: Do you think that's possible?
Velanna: I know less about this than you. How securely is your spirit bound to this body? Can you leave it?
Justice: I could, if I chose to.
Velanna: Do you want to leave it?
Justice: I... do not know anymore.

Nathaniel: Were you there when my father was killed?
Oghren: *Sigh* Don't go digging in the dust for things laid to rest. It does no one any good.
Nathaniel: Whatever people say about him, he was still my father. And I just want to know if he... if he suffered.
Oghren: I'm not the person to ask.
Nathaniel: *Sigh* Very well, Oghren. Evade the question.

He wasn't. Whenever I play, anyway, it's always Leliana, Wynne and Alistair. Always.

Nathaniel: That part of Orzammar--Dust Town, it's called? Is it really as I've heard?
Sigrun: I've no idea. What have you heard?
Nathaniel: That's it's like a really terrible slum. Or an alienage.
Sigrun: Oh, no, no. I've seen an alienage. It was rather nice.
Nathaniel: I'm beginning to feel very fortunate...
Sigrun: Isn't perspective wonderful? You'd think people who are so tall would have more of it.

Sigrun: I found something under my bed at the keep. Something tells me it's yours.
Nathaniel: Miss Maggie! I remember her. She's not mine--she belonged to my sister, Delilah. Miss Maggie was her favourite doll.
Sigrun: Miss Maggie appears to be missing her arms...
Nathaniel: Delilah and I had a fight. Then I ripped off Maggie's arms and hid them in places where Delilah would find them later.
Sigrun: What a sweetheart you were...

Second half. Nate is the best.

Nathaniel: Your glares suggest that you do not care for my presence.
Velanna: I am simply wondering how your kind can call yourselves "nobles." It seems ironic.
Nathaniel: We like irony. And it rolls off the tongue better than "oppressors."
Velanna: Ah, so you're a funny human.
Nathaniel: Not I. I wouldn't dare lighten your mood, my lady...
Velanna: *Grunt*

Nathaniel: Still with the deadly looks, my lady?
Velanna: "My lady" is such a human thing to call someone.
Nathaniel: It is a term of respect. You think it's human to be respectful?
Velanna: Now you're mocking me.
Nathaniel: I think you're a lovely woman, and due some respect. So I call you a lady.
Velanna: Well... stop it!

Velanna: I may have misjudged you a little...
Nathaniel: Just a little?
Velanna: I sometimes paint all humans with the same brush...
Nathaniel: As long as it's such a pretty brush, I don't mind...
Velanna: I'm sure I don't know what that means.
Nathaniel: It means your apology is appreciated, my lady.
Velanna: Well, then. Good!

Velanna: So you don't believe the elves were immortal.
Nathaniel: When did I say that?
Velanna: You asked me if I believed that my ancestors were once immortal.
Nathaniel: And where in that question was it implied that I believed otherwise?
Velanna: Then you do believe the elves were immortal.
Nathaniel: I didn't say that either...
Velanna: You... are... exasperating.

Nathaniel: So you have a sister? A younger sister?
Velanna: That is no secret. I've mentioned her several times now.
Nathaniel: For the longest time, I thought my sister was dead. When we were children, she put beetles in my blankets. She would laugh to hear me shriek.
Velanna: Seranni liked to put sap in my hair. She also pushed me into an icy river. Twice.
Nathaniel: Ouch.
Velanna: Hmm. Yes. Why did I want to rescue her, again?

Velanna: It seems you actually like this world.
Justice: I do. I have had experiences I cannot even begin to explain.
Velanna: A pity that you'll soon fall apart...
Justice: I could find and inhabit another corpse. A female body might offer a different perspective, wouldn't you think?
Velanna: If I die in your presence, you stay away from my body, you hear me?!
Justice: Your objection is noted.

I can't fault her.

Velanna: If you must be so close, dwarf, I'd prefer that you turn your head.
Oghren: Well, sorry for looking. I can't help that your womanly splendor is at eye level...
Velanna: What? I was referring to your --
Oghren: Oh, you weren't talking about -- er, what were you talking about?
Velanna: Your breath, dwarf. The fell cloud that emanates from your gaping maw.
Oghren: *Chuckle* They didn't call me the ladykiller of Orzammar for nothing.

Velanna: Tell me about your people, dwarf.
Oghren: Well, elf, for starters, we do not like being called "dwarf."
Velanna: I apologize. Please tell me about your people, Oghren.
Oghren: I'll tell you one thing -- you bony human and elven types have nothing on our women.
Velanna: You think I'm bony?
Oghren: Yeah. Look at that rump. You call that a rump? A man needs some cushion.

Velanna: Why do your people revere the Stone so much?
Oghren: It's because we come from the Stone. When we come out of our mothers, we're small, round rocks. Pink-streaked rocks are girls, and gray ones are boys. The rocks must be dipped in lava for a few moments each day to keep warm. Every year, a few unlucky parents drop the rock into the lava and can't get it out. Very sad. But do it right, and in a few weeks, the rock cracks open, revealing a bouncing dwarven baby.
Velanna: Like... an egg? That can't be right.
Oghren: Are you questioning dwarven nature and tradition? I'm insulted.

Velanna: Sigrun, is it true that dwarves are born as rocks?
Sigrun: "Born as rocks?"
Velanna: I knew it! That slimy, foul-breathed toadstool! "Pink rocks are girls, gray ones are boys." Ugh, and I almost believed him!
Sigrun: Who? Oghren? You believed Oghren?

Now this starts a tricky sequence. First, you need to get Sigrun and Oghren without Velanna to chat... and... they immediately start all their other banter.

Oghren: Why are you so resistant, woman!?
Sigrun: I'm not resistant.
Oghren: Really? Great! You, me, the bushes. Let's get those branches a-rustling.
Sigrun: Sure. Just one question, though...
Oghren: Speak your mind, you spicy kumquat.
Sigrun: I'm going to prefer women by the time this is over, right?
Oghren: Ooh, and she hits below the belt!

Branka of course having left him for Hespith.

Oghren: What's it take to get that cold heart beating for Oghren?
Sigrun: Not this again.
Oghren: Come on, don't tell me you wouldn't like to feel hot blood pumping through those dead Legionnare veins.
Sigrun: Oghren. I don't want anything to do with you or the words "hot" and "pumping".
Oghren: I'll get through to you, lady. Oghren'll keep ramming up against that armor of yours.
Sigrun: Go away. Please. You're embarrassing.

Sigrun: All right Oghren, let's be serious for once.
Oghren: Oghren's gonna get serious all over-
Sigrun: Oghren! Why are you constantly so obscene? Do you really like me, or are you just obnoxious?
Oghren: What's with women's preoccupations with talking about feelings? Yeah, I like you! I thought it'd be obvious.
Sigrun: Well, good. Maybe we should discuss it, and this time, keep the dirty talk for later?

Finally:

Sigrun: Did you tell Velanna that dwarves are born as little rocks?
Oghren: No... maybe? Yes? Velanna takes herself too seriously. And come on. It was funny!
Sigrun: *Laugh* All right, it was funny. You should have seen her afterwards! She was huffing like a constipated bronto.
Oghren: Hot.

And now back to Oghren and Velanna.

Velanna: Is it true that dwarves are dwindling? The darkspawn always at the gates of Orzammar, threatening to overwhelm you?
Oghren: Yes. And yes, it's only a matter of time.
Velanna: We elves are few in number, and every one of us is precious. But you... you isolate your casteless, forbid them from bearing weapons. And you saw what happened in Kal'Hirol.
Oghren: Yes, well. The noble caste has a stick up its collective butt. A stick called "tradition."

Oghren: *Groan* Don't say anything. Every noise feels like a rusty nail shoved in my forehead.
Velanna: Had a bit too much fun last night? I can help. I had clanmates as bad as you. They used this root as a remedy, powdered and mixed with water. Here.
Oghren: Thanks.

How benevolent.

Oghren: What's wrong with you, woman!? What was that thing you gave me?
Velanna: Just a little something to caution you against telling me more tales about baby rocks...
Oghren: I just told you a harmless lie, but you... you... When does the swelling go down? It's throbbing!
Velanna: *Laugh*

My oh my.

Sigrun: You're the first elf I've ever known. Do you feel honored?
Velanna: Why would I feel honored?
Sigrun: Your actions will influence my opinion of your race. Forever.
Velanna: Oh. Thank you. I needed more anxiety.
Sigrun: Glad to help!

Sigrun: You're really, really grumpy!
Velanna: You noticed.
Sigrun: I'm good at reading people.
Velanna: Ah, so it has nothing to do with the fact that I'm terribly obvious about it...

Velanna: Why are you so loyal to your Legion of the Dead? And to Orzammar? Don't they hate you?
Sigrun: They do. I'm casteless, so I'm worthless to them.
Velanna: And yet you'll give your life away to prove...what?
Sigrun: That I...I'm more than they say I am?
Velanna: You don't owe them anything. you don't need to prove your worth to them!
Sigrun: Maybe I need to prove it to myself...

Sigrun: Your ears are so pointy, like an animal. Do they make it easier for you to hear?
Velanna: Are you...are you saying my ears are big?
Sigrun: Not excessively so...
Velanna: You think they're clownish, don't you?!
Sigrun: You know, now that you mention it...
Velanna: I knew it! Don't talk to me!

Nathaniel may have done some damage.

Nathaniel: My brother used to drink like you do, dwarf.
Oghren: Fun fellow to have around then, your brother?
Nathaniel: He could find his fun almost anywhere. And then he would vomit on your shoes.
Oghren: Ah, good times!

Weird to get this last, discounting all the banter Anders is bugged and can't trigger. I usually get this first.

The imagine of Velanna being worried that her ears are clownish is adorable.

And Grey DeIsle makes her sound so heartbroken, too XD. I love how she's over-sensitive about it every time her ears are brought up. Poor thing, so vain.

The banter between Anders and Justice is...um...interesting. Justice has no desires? Doesn't he desire...Justice...

He does sound awfully defensive when it's brought up. I'm not sure what the mechanics are, either. I suppose his carrying out Justice is a compulsion and a reflex more than a desire, but it's an iffy area. DA spirit lore is one of those things that sound like it makes sense and then gets contradictory when you start looking into it more. I mean, Justice very clearly has emotions and he has it pre-body, too. He specifically mentions 'seething' at the Baroness' treatment of the villagers while in the Fade.

I think that Merrill was probably right about the "spirits are more like people" part, both Demon and Spirits embodie something in a general way. Unless that part about "Spirits who believe in the Maker because humans believe in the Maker" applies also to the concept of Justice and stuff.
Dunno.

Anyway, I don't think that Justice "desires" Justice. He is Justice, so he acts that way. In the same way, you can say that he is angry about how the Baroness' treats the villagers because that's not Justice so it goes against to his own existence.
I think.

It just mostly makes me question if....

I am tired bordering on incoherent, so I hope the update comes out readable. Goddamn IKEA.

Sigrun, no. No ;_;

The screenshot after her pouty face doesn't appear.

Huh. It shows up on my screen. Is anyone else having trouble? It might be some lag. Can you try checking if it's still bad in a fresh window?

There hasn't been too many votes for a while, but the one at the end of this is pretty important as far as these things go. It matters quite the bit more because this time we will not go and do the area later anyway. This is an actual choose this and let this go vote.

That's also why there's only one update. Not because I need to also get my ass in gear and figure out how to work custom backgrounds in Arcanum.

<3

Custom portrait was fun. First concluding the images looked goddamn awful once converted to the usable format, 256 bit, and then didn't even port right at which instance I went "Adding in the images later might actually be less WORK than this."

At least in a game like that it's a valid option. I hope the custom backgrounds will work better, though. I have specific things in mind. I'd also like to actually have an interface, but at least on the Windows 7 the game doesn't lag.

Obvious bias is obvious: I want Sigrun, Nathaniel, and Justice.

Three rogues and a tank is totes a valid party, right? Right?

It is if you have enough potions and don't get any stuns XD

I did that kind of thing a lot in DA2 because shut up, Anders.

It actually tended to work pretty well, because Team Cuisinart would just DPS their way through everything before they had the chance to take a lot of damage.

I could see that working out really well, yeah! DAO is a bit trickier, trickier than Awakening, too, because so many enemies have those annoying pinning abilities where a mage is your only shot at survival.

If it's not too late/not already underway, I agree with Sigrun, Nate, and Justice.

It's definitely not! I'm not planning on more updates today, so there's easily 20ish hours to decide in.

Sigrun, Nate and Velanna/Anders. Mages for the win.

Nate, Justice, and Anders.

You should keep Justice and Anders together...see if there's anything in the final battle that foreshadows what happens in DA2.

Bold it!