Skipped the posts that weren't on the first page, so sorry if what I'm about to say has already been said/rebuttled. If I get time I'll read through and come back and edit.
I suppose the OP's argument is over whether or not Loghain intentionally betrays Cailan @ Ostagar, so I'll try to stick to that.
1. Was Arl Eamon poisoned before or after the battle?
There's no clear indication either way where on the timeline this falls. However, it's worth considering that Loghain doesn't necessarily need this done before the battle at Ostagar. As long as Eamon is put out of commision before he can start rabble rousing, then it's all gravy as far as Loghain's interests are concerned.
That being said, Arl Eamon was also absent from the meeting of nobles (Loghain and Anora on the speaking balcony) this would suggest that Eamon was poisoned/indisposed sometime very near the battle where Cailan dies. [Note: I'm fairly certain this was a meeting of nobles, since Bann Teagan
was there.]
2. Loghain sided with Uldred
Can't really recall how this relates, so I'll keep silent.
3. Slavery
Not really related to whether or not Loghain betrayed Cailan & co. @ Ostagar, though I suppose it does show his character. Speculation: I guess it could support Loghain's going against the King if he were setting the slaving operation's foundations beforehand. However, I can't recall anything that would support this, so yes, using this point to support either side of the argument would be silly.
4. The Murder of the Couslands
If you're Human Noble & talk with Cailan about it, he'll assure you that once the darkspawn are dealt with he'll turn his attention to Highever to lay the smackdown on Howe. King also wonders why Howe would do this, since he must know the repercussions for his actions.
It could logically follow that Howe is only brazen enough to attack the Couslands because he knows there will be no reprisal (due to Loghain's plotting, in my view). I suppose this is never stated in the game, so it's really just speculation based on Howe's actions & conversations with various characters.
5. The Battle of Ostagar
I saw this as Loghain purposefully turning his back on Cailan, Grey Wardens, and troops, so I guess this is just differing interpretations based on a quick cutscene. I think the player's dialogue (and Ser what's her name's response in the cutscene @ battle) would suggest that Loghain is, at best, being
extremely shady.
6. Loghain's Madness
This is it. This is the entire assumption that Loghain's guilt depends on.
I suppose his "madness" could contribute, but other evidence suggests there are many other things (see previous points) that point toward his guilt. Another thing to consider is that Loghain killing the Archdemon (and himself) is a way for him to get redemption for his previous jerk-itude.
7. Word of God
Not sure what point you're making here, and I don't want to just pick at a few things you say to be contrary. Maybe there'll further explanation in the pages I haven't read yet. If there is I'll come back to this.
8. My Conclusion
My conclusion would probably be that this is something that leaves room for the player's own interpretation (perhaps the ambiguity is purposeful) to allow more variety in playthroughs. Loghain, to me, is a massive jerk looking out for numero uno. The rest I decide as I play.
Modifié par CraigxGibson, 10 janvier 2010 - 08:06 .