Is Hawke Related to the Warden in Dragon Age 2? Unraveling the Family Ties
Yes, Hawke and the Warden can be related in Dragon Age 2, but it’s contingent on specific choices made during the Dragon Age: Origins playthrough and imported into Dragon Age 2. The connection hinges on the Human Magi Warden origin story and the familial ties through Hawke’s mother, Leandra Amell. Leandra’s maiden name being Amell establishes her as a member of the prominent Amell family, who are a noble family within Ferelden. If the player chooses the Human Magi origin in Dragon Age: Origins, the Warden is also an Amell. Therefore, Hawke is the second cousin to the Human Magi Warden from the Magi Origin through Leandra. Additionally, If the Warden has a child with Morrigan via the dark ritual and the player chose to have the Warden remain with Morrigan by going through the Eluvian after the defeat of the Archdemon, the relationship between Hawke and Kieran is established as second cousin once removed through their mutual Warden relative.
Understanding the Amell Family Connection
The Amell family plays a crucial role in establishing this potential connection. Their noble status in Ferelden and presence in both Dragon Age: Origins and Dragon Age 2 allows for the possibility of familial links between the two protagonists. This connection is more than just a narrative footnote; it adds depth to the characters and the world of Thedas.
The Importance of World State Imports
The Dragon Age series is renowned for its world state import feature, where decisions made in previous games directly impact the events and character relationships in subsequent titles. This is particularly significant for the Hawke-Warden connection. Without a Dragon Age: Origins save file featuring a Human Magi Warden, the family link cannot be established.
Hawke’s Acknowledgment of the Connection
While not always explicitly stated, there are hints and subtle references within Dragon Age 2 that suggest Hawke is aware of the potential relationship. Dialogue options and character interactions can subtly acknowledge the Warden’s existence and the Amell family connection. However, the game doesn’t dwell heavily on this connection, ensuring it remains a background detail rather than a central plot point. This subtle approach is characteristic of BioWare’s storytelling, allowing players to discover these connections organically.
Exploring the Narrative Impact
The potential relationship between Hawke and the Warden adds another layer to the already rich tapestry of the Dragon Age universe. It reinforces the idea that even seemingly unrelated characters can be connected through shared history and lineage. This connection serves as a reminder that in the world of Thedas, family ties and ancestral legacies can have far-reaching consequences, and exploring topics such as this, can be a great way to engage in innovative education through gaming, similar to the kind of projects being done by the Games Learning Society. The GamesLearningSociety.org strives to bridge the gap between educational methods and digital entertainment to create a more engaging experience for the learner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hawke and the Warden
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide additional valuable information about the relationship between Hawke and the Warden:
1. Are Hawke and the Warden Always Related?
No. The relationship only exists if the player imports a Dragon Age: Origins save where the Warden is a Human Magi of the Amell family.
2. Does Hawke Directly Interact With the Warden in Dragon Age 2?
No. The Warden is not physically present in Dragon Age 2. Any interaction is limited to mentions in dialogue or lore.
3. Does the Game Explain the Relationship in Detail?
The game provides subtle hints, but it doesn’t explicitly spell out the relationship. Players need to connect the dots based on world state imports and dialogue.
4. How Much Older is the Warden Than Hawke?
Considering the canon where the imported DA:O save was of a human mage, Warden Amell is at least 8 years older than Hawke, making him or her 33 during the events of Origins and 43 by DA2’s Act 3 climax.
5. Who Are Hawke’s Siblings?
Hawke has two younger twin siblings, Carver and Bethany, who are mutually exclusive potential companions in Dragon Age 2.
6. What Is Hawke’s Full Name?
Hawke’s full name is Ser Garrett Hawke.
7. Is Hawke Always Human?
Yes, Hawke is always human in Dragon Age 2. The player can choose their class and gender but not their race.
8. Is Anders a Grey Warden in Dragon Age 2?
Yes, Anders was a Grey Warden before the events of Dragon Age 2, having survived the events of Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening but later deserted the order.
9. What Happens to Bethany if She Goes on the Deep Roads Expedition?
If Bethany is taken on the Deep Roads expedition, she contracts the taint and dies unless Anders is in the party, in which case she can be recruited into the Grey Wardens as a means to save her life.
10. Who Survives Dragon Age 2: Bethany or Carver?
The sibling that survives depends on Hawke’s class. If Hawke is a warrior or rogue, Bethany survives. If Hawke is a mage, Carver survives.
11. Is Hawke Canonically Male?
Hawke’s gender is player-defined. There is no canon gender, although marketing materials often featured a male Hawke.
12. How Old is Hawke at the Start of Dragon Age 2?
Hawke is 25 at the start of Dragon Age 2 and 35 during the Battle of Kirkwall in Act 3.
13. Are There Other Significant Amell Family Members?
Aside from Leandra and the Human Magi Warden, other Amell family members are mentioned in lore but don’t have significant roles in the games.
14. What Is the Significance of Hawke’s Heritage?
Hawke is the eldest child of the renegade Ferelden mage Malcolm Hawke and the Free Marcher noblewoman Leandra Amell.
15. How Does Hawke’s Family Background Influence the Story?
Hawke’s family background establishes their initial circumstances as refugees and shapes their motivations and relationships throughout the Dragon Age 2 storyline.
By understanding the family ties, choices, and potential relationships within the Dragon Age universe, players can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich storytelling and interconnected narratives that define the series.