How to survive from the devastating realization that Alistair is just pixels and some sexy audio files? It's a tough job, but doable. Actually you can just break up with Alistair. It hurts to go and try to forget that charming man, but listen to me, relationships between fictional character and you don't (sometimes) work. Anyway, you should make it absolutely clear to yourself and to Alistair: this is over.
How to do it? You must harden yourself (hope that Alistair is hardened too, then he will get over you quicker). Then the easiest thing to do is avoid him and search some other company. Give gifts to Zevran and visit his tent, sooner or later Alistair will notice you aren't in his control anymore and confronts you. Tell him what you want but remember, this has to be done, the good way or the bad way. You want everlasting misery in the end of the game when you don't get the prince and your half of the kingdom, instead of peace of mind? You know what to do.
You might want to spend some time alone, so kick him off your party asap. It is easier to deal with your feelings when he isn't there obeying your every whim. When you think you are ready to see him again, or you need him on a quest, make rules. No flirting, no kissing. You might even want to mute your speakers so his sweet words won't seduce you like so many times before.
You should deal with Alistair just like every other npc, no more excessive gifts and stop giving the best armour to him. You might even want to mistreat him, then the rest of the party knows it is over with you and Alistair. It breaks every girl's heart to do so, but keep in mind: the liking meter between "just friends" doesn't have to be 100%. Speaking with other party members is therapeutic and can help you overcome the torment. Slowly detach yourself from Alistair and his oh-so-realistic affection for you. Remember, Alistair is just like any other man out there, just waiting for the next player to step in and create another gorgeus female character. One could argue that it's just how he is programmed, but I tell myself that's the real Alistair. He doesn't care for you like you care for him. There is plenty of fish in the sea and besides, humans are the most boring race in DA:O. It's 21th century, go experimenting with dwarves and elves, it's taboo no more!
Once you really feel that you are over him you can go and enjoy the game to the fullest. There is so much to see and kill, looking back the hours spent flirting and talking to Alistair feels like such a waste. Who needs too-perfect-to-be-true boyfriends when you have your trusty swords and your healthbar full? You even might - gasp - finish the game when you don't have Alistair slowing you down. Find out all the secrets, hidden things and quests. You'll find the secrets of the Grey Wardens more satisfying than the nights spent in Alistair's tent. I mean they were nice, but all you got was some +points with him and it doesn't help you killing monsters faster.
Think of your career first. After the war is over you have all the time in the world to meet the guys. Soon the thing you have with Alistair is really nothing but a scar reminding you of the brief moments of happiness spent during the chaotic times of war. There is a lesson to learn: don't mix love and work. With Alistair at your side as a tank and nothing more will serve you better, trust me. Then you don't have to worry so much about every hit he takes and every CC he puts his head into. You have other things on your mind, like maximizing your dps. Do your thing and not his!
There you are, after a huge struggle with your heart, body and soul, you are finally free and victorious. Alistair is just another guy you met, loved and abandoned. Now you can start it all over with a different character and see if true love can find a dwarven girl too... Or you can download the mod and have some hot boy on boy action with Alistair.
Dragon Age: Origins - Eternal imagination of mod maker's mind
i'm not really sure who you are but i came across this article and read it and i can't stop laughing. this is hilarious. but then i look at your screencaps of alistair's sad face and i want to cry hahaha
ReplyDeleteThank you so much 劉汝清 for your comment! I'm just a girl from Finland who enjoys playing videogames. :) If you liked this article, please share it with other people also, especially if you know any Alistair fans out there!
ReplyDelete-Sybelia
"Who needs too-perfect-to-be-true boyfriends when you have your trusty swords and your healthbar full?" - Me. :)
ReplyDeleteIs it really necessary to harden yourself (and maybe Alistair too) just to avoid a very bad feeling end? I wonder if you even would break up with Alistair, if there is a perfect Happy Ending. Just because he's unreal? I don't know.
Dragon Age is a very rare emotional game, probably more than the designer expected, and not only for girls. I really enjoyed that. I almost cry in my end of the game. What is so wrong in that? Why only movies or books are allowed to make you cry? What sense make all the art, literature and music without feelings?
It seems, that you just try to run away from bad feeling in the easiest way: Harden yourself, being a bad girl and avoid sad moments. But to be a real human also means to learn to acept that. It isn't always all happy. And the most important part: All the happy moments are worth to live them, even if you know, that there's a sad end.
Sure, Alistair isn't real. Movies aren't real too. Take it as an rare emotional Experience and enjoy Alistair if you like that Charakter, as much as we enjoy and love other movie or game characters.
I totally agree with you Taa. :)
ReplyDeleteI love games, movies and books which make me cry, as weird as it sounds. Something which makes you feel strong emotions, makes you sad or happy, is really rare in a storytelling aspect in games nowadays and I always cherish those experiences since it makes me feel really nice after finishing the game. Sad ending or not. :)