Friends In Low Places Da2

Friends in Low Places? More Like Frenemies in Fancy Outfits

Okay, Dragon Age fans, let's talk. Specifically, let's talk about Dragon Age 2. And even more specifically? Let's dive headfirst into the chaos that is Hawke's...uh...friend group.

Now, I love a good RPG party. I truly do. But let's be honest, half the time I'm wondering why these people are even hanging out with Hawke. It's like they're all contractually obligated to tolerate each other. Is it the constant danger? The promise of loot? I'm not entirely sure.

Take Aveline Vallen, for example. Aveline is great. She's loyal. She's a fantastic tank. But let's face it, she spends most of her time looking at Hawke like they've just insulted her grandmother's prized chrysalis. She judges everything. Every decision. Every snarky comment. Every questionable outfit choice (and let's be real, Hawke has made some questionable outfit choices).

And then there's Varric Tethras. Okay, I adore Varric. Who doesn't? He's got a heart of gold and a witty quip for every occasion. But sometimes, I can't help but feel like Hawke is just a really, really good story for him. A long, drawn-out, potentially disastrous story, but a story nonetheless. He's basically using Hawke for content! And he's getting away with it!

Fenris? Don't even get me started. He's the brooding elf with the complicated past and the intense hatred of mages. He’s like a walking, talking, lyrium-tattooed mood swing. One minute he's (maybe) kind of flirting, the next he's yelling about something. It’s exhausting! And yet, we all secretly (or not-so-secretly) love him anyway. Why? The Dragon Age fandom works in mysterious ways.

And let's not forget the mages! Anders and Merrill. Bless their hearts. They both mean well, but their definitions of "well" are… slightly different. Anders wants to liberate all mages, even if it means blowing up a Chantry or two (okay, maybe more than two). And Merrill? Sweet, innocent Merrill who accidentally opens a portal to demonic realms every Tuesday. It's a wonder Hawke survives a single week with these two.

Honestly, it feels like Hawke is constantly mediating some incredibly awkward dinner party. "Aveline, please stop glaring at Anders. Anders, put down the explosives. Merrill, maybe don't touch that glowing orb. Varric, stop taking notes!" It's a never-ending cycle of drama and questionable decisions.

I think that's why I love Dragon Age 2. It's messy. It's complicated. And the friendships? They're anything but perfect. It’s a bunch of wildly different personalities, thrown together by circumstance and a shared love of killing darkspawn (and arguing about literally everything else).

So, next time you're playing Dragon Age 2, take a moment to appreciate the glorious dysfunction of Hawke's friend group. They might drive you crazy, but you wouldn't trade them for the world. Or maybe you would. I wouldn't judge you either way.

Just remember, when the world gets tough, you've got your friends. Even if those friends are a grumpy templar, a storyteller with a pen, a brooding elf, and a couple of mages with a penchant for disaster. Hey, nobody's perfect, right?

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to try and convince Aveline to lighten up. Wish me luck. I'm going to need it.