How do you keep Alistair with the wardens?

How do you keep Alistair with the Wardens?

In the world of Dragon Age: Origins, the Grey Wardens are an elite group of soldiers dedicated to fighting the darkest of evils. Among them, Alistair, the Warden-Commander, is a standout figure. However, at various points in the game, Alistair may be forced to make a difficult choice that could determine the fate of the Warden and the fate of Ferelden. In this article, we will delve into the various ways you can keep Alistair with the Wardens.

Convincing Alistair to Perform the Dark Ritual

One way to keep Alistair with the Wardens is by convincing him to perform the dark ritual with Morrigan. This is only possible if you have been fostering a romantic relationship with Morrigan and have already kissed her. If not, Alistair will choose to sacrifice himself in her place, and it is impossible to change his mind.

Consequences of Choosing the Dark Ritual

When Alistair decides to perform the dark ritual with Morrigan, a cutscene will play depicting their union. This marks a significant turning point in the game, as both characters will now be bound together by the dark magic they have unleashed. As the Wardens, you and Alistair will still need to face the looming threat of the Archdemon, but with their new bond, you can proceed to the final battles confident in your abilities to face the enemy together.

Alternative Options

Not every player may want Alistair to perform the dark ritual with Morrigan, which is understandable. Another alternative is to have him kill Loghain at the Landsmeet, securing your position as the next Warden-Commander.

The Landsmeet Alternative

If you fail to convince Alistair to perform the dark ritual or choose not to explore this option, you still have the opportunity to redeem his character at the Landsmeet. Here, he has the option to refuse King Cailan’s invitation to duel Loghain, effectively ending any blood feud between the two men. This choice results in Alistair accepting Anora’s proposal to rule Ferelden together and effectively ending his involvement in the Grey Wardens. It is essential to realize that this choice will cause tensions between Alistair and the Wardens due to his new role, possibly leading to his decision to leave the group eventually.

The Consequences of Choosing the Landsmeet Route

When Alistair chooses to accept the duel with Loghain or refuses the invitation at the Landsmeet, consequences are inevitable. If you proceed with the duel and ultimately kill Loghain, Alistair may then choose to marry Anora, effectively ending any prospect of him joining forces with the Wardens for their final battle. A cutscene will play featuring a heartbroken Alistair, and he may ask you to leave. Should you choose to disregard this request, he might, in a fit of despair, decide to give you a chance to reason with him. If Alistair is still persuaded at this point, a romance can still be revived; however, this also brings about the risk that, in the heat of the moment, he may still choose to leave the Wardens altogether.

The Choice Awaits

Regardless of the path you have chosen, the fate of the Wardens and their struggles against the Archdemon will continue. To effectively keep Alistair with the Wardens and their final battle, explore alternative options and consider developing the story through your personal bond with him. When playing through the game for the first time, or multiple times, the weight of these choices can only strengthen your connection to these complex characters.

Recap

In conclusion, choosing the right path regarding Alistair’s decisions during the game can significantly impact the story and the fate of the Wardens. You may choose to have Alistair perform the dark ritual with Morrigan to guarantee his presence in the final battles or opt to give him a chance with Anora at the Landsmeet. Each choice serves its purpose, and though alternatives may arise, having control over Alistair’s fate is crucial.

Remember, the world of Dragon Age: Origins provides opportunities for players to tailor the story to their likings, and the art of storytelling is a matter of choice.