Becoming Royalty: Your Guide to Queendom with Alistair in Dragon Age: Origins
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Yes, you absolutely can become Queen of Ferelden alongside Alistair in Dragon Age: Origins! However, it’s not as simple as just batting your eyelashes and hoping for the best. It requires a very specific set of choices and circumstances to align. The primary conditions are:
- You must play as a Human Noble character. This is the only origin story that provides the necessary bloodline and political standing for you to claim the throne.
- You must romance Alistair and reach 100% approval with him. This ensures he’s receptive to the idea of sharing the crown and ruling alongside you.
- During the Landsmeet, when the issue of succession is debated, you must choose the dialogue option that explicitly states Alistair will be King and you will rule beside him.
- You might need to harden him, although the article states that “It’s easier to convince Alistair to do it if you harden him after his personal quest.”
Let’s dive into the intricacies of achieving this regal ambition, as well as answers to some burning questions that may come up along the way.
The Royal Roadmap: Paving Your Way to the Throne
The journey to becoming Queen is a complex one. A deep understanding of the game’s narrative is required for the Warden to acheive the role of Queen.
Step 1: The Noble Birthright
Your adventure begins with character creation. Selecting the Human Noble origin is non-negotiable. This origin establishes your claim to nobility and provides the necessary political leverage to even be considered as a potential ruler. Without it, the option to rule alongside Alistair simply won’t be available.
Step 2: The Royal Romance
Romancing Alistair is equally crucial. This isn’t just about pretty words and stolen kisses; it’s about building a deep connection and earning his trust. Reach 100% approval by consistently siding with him, supporting his decisions, and completing his personal quest. The romance option unlocks specific dialogue choices during the Landsmeet that will allow you to propose a joint rule. It also gives him incentive to rule alongside you.
Step 3: Navigating the Landsmeet
The Landsmeet is the pivotal moment. This is where the fate of Ferelden and your own destiny will be decided. You must convince the assembled nobles that Alistair is the rightful heir and that he should take the throne. You can only get Alistair on the throne if you agree that you will rule beside him.
Step 4: Hardening Alistair (Maybe)
While not strictly required, hardening Alistair after his personal quest (finding his sister, Goldanna) can make the Landsmeet process significantly easier. “Hardening” involves encouraging him to embrace his responsibilities and become a more decisive leader. A hardened Alistair is generally more willing to accept the throne and less resistant to the idea of executing Loghain. The excerpt implies that a hardened Alistair makes it easier to convince him, although not explicitly necessary.
Step 5: The Loghain Dilemma
The fate of Loghain Mac Tir, the traitor to the throne, also plays a role. While sparing Loghain is possible in some playthroughs, doing so might complicate your path to queendom with Alistair. He is the main obstacle to get Alistair on the throne.
Step 6: Surviving the Blight
Last but certainly not least, you and Alistair must survive the Blight! If Alistair dies, Anora will become Queen, regardless of your Landsmeet machinations. So, steel yourself, gather your allies, and prepare for the final battle against the Archdemon!
FAQs: Your Royal Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions, covering important intricacies about your Dragon Age: Origins playthroughs:
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Can you become Queen without hardening Alistair? The provided information suggests it’s possible to become Queen without hardening Alistair, but it’s significantly easier if you do. Hardening him makes him more willing to accept the throne and execute Loghain, both of which streamline your path to becoming Queen.
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Can you put Alistair on the throne and recruit Loghain? It’s generally very difficult to have both Alistair on the throne and Loghain alive. Alistair, as King, typically orders Loghain’s execution. The only exception is if Alistair marries Anora; her affection for her father might sway him.
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Does Alistair have to be king? If Alistair isn’t made King, he’ll simply return to the Grey Wardens. He does not get the role of King unless you choose him during the landsmeet.
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Can Alistair still be king if Loghain lives? The only way for Alistair to become King while Loghain is alive is if Alistair marries Anora and is hardened.
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Should I let Alistair sleep with Morrigan? Allowing Alistair (or yourself) to perform Morrigan’s Dark Ritual ensures that no Grey Warden dies during the final battle against the Archdemon. From a strategic standpoint, it’s highly recommended.
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Can you keep Alistair and Loghain alive? Keeping both alive while making Alistair King is extremely challenging and requires Alistair to marry Anora. Otherwise, Alistair will most likely execute Loghain.
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Can the Grey Warden become queen? Yes! It’s possible, but only under very specific circumstances (Human Noble origin, romancing Alistair, Landsmeet choices).
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Can the warden become queen? Only if Alistair survives. If Alistair dies, Anora becomes Queen regardless of your Landsmeet decisions.
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Can you marry Alistair as a city elf? No. You can only marry Alistair as a Human Noble. A City Elf character can, however, become Bann of the Alienage in the epilogue, achieving a position of nobility.
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Can an elf rule with Alistair? No. You must be a Human Noble to marry Alistair and become Queen. An elf character can be Bann of the Alienage at the end of the story.
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Can Alistair and the warden both live? Yes, both can survive, especially if Loghain is the one who performs the Dark Ritual and sacrifices himself to kill the Archdemon.
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Should I convince Alistair to marry Anora? It’s a strategic choice. Anora is politically savvy, while Alistair has charisma and kindness. Some argue that their combined strengths make them a better ruling pair. Convincing Alistair to marry Anora might be a good choice, especially if you are not a human noble.
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What happens if you don’t sleep with Morrigan? If no one performs the Dark Ritual with Morrigan, someone will die during the final battle with the Archdemon. If Alistair strikes the final blow, he dies instead of you.
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Is Loghain a Grey Warden? Yes, if you accept Riordan’s offer, Loghain can undergo the Joining ritual and become a Grey Warden companion.
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Should you harden Alistair or not? If you want Alistair to become King, hardening him is highly recommended. It makes him more decisive and willing to accept his royal responsibilities. Hardening him also prevents him from breaking up with you if you make him king and are playing as a non-human noble.
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Hopefully, with this knowledge, you will be able to navigate the turbulent political landscape of Ferelden, secure Alistair’s love, and claim your rightful place as Queen! Good luck, and may your reign be long and prosperous!