Can Anders Side With Templars? Exploring a Dragon Age Paradox
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No, Anders cannot side with the Templars in Dragon Age 2. Anders’ entire character arc revolves around his deep-seated hatred for the Templar Order and his advocacy for mage rights. His actions throughout the game, culminating in the destruction of the Kirkwall Chantry, are fundamentally opposed to the Templar cause. It’s impossible for him to align with them given his established character and storyline.
Understanding Anders and His Conflict
Anders is a complex and tragic figure in the Dragon Age universe. He starts as a relatively lighthearted apostate mage seeking freedom from the oppressive Circle system. However, his fusion with the spirit of Justice transforms him into a radical zealot, determined to liberate mages by any means necessary. This transformation directly clashes with the Templars, who are tasked with controlling and suppressing mages, especially those deemed dangerous. To imagine Anders siding with the Templars is to fundamentally misunderstand his character and the core narrative of Dragon Age 2. His rivalry or friendship with Hawke only affects the intensity of his relationship and the final outcome of his actions, not his fundamental alignment.
Dragon Age Lore and Character Consistency
The Dragon Age series emphasizes the importance of consistent character development and lore. Allowing Anders to side with the Templars would create a significant plot hole and contradict established canon. His actions are driven by his belief that mages deserve freedom and that the Templar Order is inherently oppressive. This belief fuels his every action, making a Templar alliance impossible. Furthermore, his fusion with Justice creates a dynamic where he actively seeks to punish perceived injustices against mages, further cementing his anti-Templar stance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Anders and the Templars
Here are some frequently asked questions that delve deeper into Anders’ relationship with the Templars and other related topics:
Can Anders be persuaded not to blow up the Chantry?
No, Anders cannot be persuaded to refrain from destroying the Chantry. This event is a fixed point in the Dragon Age 2 narrative. Regardless of your relationship with him (friendship or rivalry), and regardless of your dialogue choices, he will ultimately detonate the Chantry, triggering the mage-Templar war. The only choice players have is how to react to his actions afterward.
What happens if you have a rivalry with Anders?
Having a rivalry with Anders doesn’t change the core events of the game, such as the Chantry explosion. However, it does affect the tone of your interactions and the ending you receive with him. A rivalmance with Anders is possible, even though he is deeply unhappy about how he is treated. Rivalmance can lead to a tragic end, as a rival Hawke is more likely to kill Anders at the end of the game.
What happens if you have a friendship with Anders?
A friendship with Anders doesn’t prevent the Chantry explosion either. However, it results in a more intimate and heartfelt relationship. Anders may express regret and guilt about his actions, and your interactions will be characterized by a deeper emotional connection. A friend Hawke is more likely to let Anders run away at the end of the game.
Can Anders be killed?
Yes, Anders can be killed by Hawke at the end of Dragon Age 2, depending on your choices following the destruction of the Chantry. After the event, Hawke will confront Anders. The player can choose to either execute him or let him go, depending on their personal feelings and overall strategy.
Does Anders’ romance affect the ending of Dragon Age 2?
Yes, Anders’ romance significantly affects the ending of Dragon Age 2. Whether you have a friendship or rivalry romance, the emotional weight of his betrayal with the destruction of the Chantry will be heightened. Your decision to kill him or let him go will feel much more impactful if you’re romantically involved.
How does Anders’ story connect to Dragon Age: Inquisition?
Anders’ actions in Dragon Age 2 have far-reaching consequences that directly influence the events of Dragon Age: Inquisition. The Chantry’s destruction sparks a full-blown mage-Templar war, destabilizing Thedas and creating the political turmoil that serves as the backdrop for Inquisition. While Anders himself doesn’t appear in Inquisition, his legacy looms large.
What are the arguments for supporting the Templars?
The Templars believe in order and control, seeing themselves as a necessary force to prevent mages from becoming dangerous or falling prey to demonic influence. They argue that the Circle system, while restrictive, provides a safe environment for mages and protects society from potential threats. Some players support the Templars out of a belief in law and order, or a fear of unchecked magical power.
What are the arguments for supporting the mages?
Mages argue for freedom and self-determination, believing they should have the right to control their own lives and magical abilities without being subjected to constant surveillance and oppression. They see the Circle system as a prison that stifles their potential and fosters resentment. Supporters of the mages advocate for their rights and believe that with proper education and support, mages can be valuable members of society.
Can you prevent the mage-Templar war?
No, you cannot prevent the mage-Templar war in Dragon Age 2. Anders’ destruction of the Chantry is the catalyst for the conflict, and it’s an unavoidable event in the game’s narrative. The game explores the escalating tensions between mages and Templars, culminating in a tragic explosion.
Is there a “right” choice in the mage-Templar conflict?
There is no definitively “right” choice in the mage-Templar conflict. The Dragon Age series is designed to explore moral ambiguities and present players with difficult decisions that have significant consequences. Both sides have valid arguments and legitimate grievances, and the player’s choice ultimately reflects their own personal beliefs and values.
How do companions react to your choice in the mage-Templar conflict?
Your companions in Dragon Age 2 will react differently to your stance in the mage-Templar conflict. Some companions, like Anders and Merrill, are staunch advocates for mage rights and will approve of decisions that support mages. Others, like Fenris and Aveline, are more sympathetic to the Templars and will approve of decisions that prioritize order and control.
Does the choice between mages and Templars affect Dragon Age: Inquisition?
Yes, your choice between supporting mages or Templars in Dragon Age: Origins and Dragon Age 2 has consequences in Dragon Age: Inquisition. The state of the mage-Templar war will influence the political landscape of Thedas and affect which factions are available for the Inquisition to ally with. Your past decisions create a branching narrative with varied outcomes.
How does Anders influence the plot of Dragon Age: Inquisition?
While Anders doesn’t physically appear in Dragon Age: Inquisition, his actions in Dragon Age 2 directly influence the game’s plot. The ongoing mage-Templar conflict, sparked by his destruction of the Chantry, creates the chaos that the Inquisition must address. His legacy serves as a constant reminder of the dangers of extremism and the complexities of the mage-Templar issue.
Where can I find more information on the Dragon Age universe?
There are many resources available to learn more about the Dragon Age universe, including the Dragon Age wikia, official forums, and community websites. You can also explore academic discussions on the narrative and moral complexities presented in the game, such as those found through the Games Learning Society. The GamesLearningSociety.org website and its associated resources offer valuable insights into how games like Dragon Age explore complex themes and promote critical thinking.
Can you romance Anders if you support the Templars?
Yes, even if you choose to side with the Templars in Dragon Age 2, it is still possible to romance Anders. It makes the story rather tragic. This is because the romance can continue even if Hawke and Anders have different views on the mage-templar conflict. However, depending on how far you take your support for the Templars, the conflicting values can create a lot of tension and tragedy.
This detailed exploration underscores the central point: Anders is inextricably linked to the cause of mage freedom and cannot, under any circumstances, side with the Templars. His character, his motivations, and the overarching narrative of Dragon Age 2 simply do not allow for such an alignment.