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[CDR Aedan Cousland]

Still totally not getting why it's so bloody important to have numerical "equality".

 

My take is this: Did you have a romance option you liked?  

 

Yes?  OUTSTANDING, YOU WIN THE UNIVERSE.

 

No?  Aww, too bad.  I have many feels for you, as this was my situation in Origins.  HOPE YOU GET ONE NEXT GO AROUND!!!!

 

Did you not get "as many" options for your preferred character as someone else might have for their preferred character?  Cue WORLD'S SMALLEST VIOLIN.  Sorry, too busy focusing my feels on the people who didn't have anyone they liked--unless they're of the 'not enough blond pornstar babes' variety, because screw those shallow twits.  

 

Well... You're not wrong...

[Grieving Natashina]

Well... You're not wrong...

I guess I'm reading your posts differently.  I've been watching you toss out all sorts of ideas, not just numbers.  You've also been very open and receptive to feedback, including any criticisms tossed your way.  To put it simply, you have your stances and ideas and you aren't being a jerk about it.  To me, that's the only thing that matters.   You're also not being condescending towards anyone about this and I can tell you'll just roll with whatever BioWare comes up with next.   You're just offering your thoughts.  

[CDR Aedan Cousland]

Just got to ignore the whole her and Rainier thing. 

 

For real, what the heck was up with that? I personally couldn't see any compatibility between the two (not to mention the age difference). I know Bioware really likes their behind-the-scenes romances, but... No, just no. Same with IB and Dorian. "We've got one bisexual man and one gay man! Of course they're compatible!" Eugh. That pairing grosses me out. I'm almost tempted to avoid recruiting IB with my female Inquisitor just so this pairing never happens.

 

Of course that means way less content, so I don't know. At least in DAO, I wasn't missing out when I killed Zevran. I wasn't missing out when I killed Velanna. DA2, though, is where you start missing out big time if you don't recruit someone.

[CDR Aedan Cousland]

I guess I'm reading your posts differently.  I've been watching you toss out all sorts of ideas, not just numbers.  You've also been very open and receptive to feedback, including any criticisms tossed your way.  To put it simply, you have your stances and ideas and you aren't being a jerk about it.  To me, that's the only thing that matters.   You're also not being condescending towards anyone about this and I can tell you'll just roll with whatever BioWare comes up with next.   You're just offering your thoughts.  

 

Thank you! Psycho's certainly right about the whole "blonde pornstar thing," though, lol! And I had the same problem in Origins: no good options to choose from. And for me it was just a "better luck next time!" kind of deal. I've got my "headcanon" for a certain Howe, and I'm really happy with it! Thankfully, DA2 had Anders, and DAI has Dorian and Josie. If I played as a straight guy, I'd be really happy to have Cassie, and Cullen, as a straight woman.

 

Still, I don't see the problem with thinking in numbers? They're video games, for goodness' sake. Bioware themselves, prior to this game, always used a number system for companions and LI's to balance things out. Of course, in the Mass Effect games, it gets incredibly convoluted by ME3, so it's harder to notice the numbers and supposed balance.

[Hanako Ikezawa]

Sorry, too busy focusing my feels on the people who didn't have anyone they liked--unless they're of the 'not enough blond pornstar babes' variety, because screw those shallow twits.  

To be fair, there has yet to be one blond female romance option for guys in either Dragon Age or Mass Effect. 

[CDR Aedan Cousland]

To be fair, there has yet to be one blond female romance option in either Dragon Age or Mass Effect. 

 

If they had stuck with keeping Miranda blonde (which would have looked better IMO), there could have possibly been fewer complaints about that kind of thing. Can't change the past, though! It really is about time they add a blonde lady (who isn't a lesbian, that is).

[Cobwebmaster]

Solas is always evasive. And why should't he be? He doesn't want to be recognized as a ancient elf, probably responsible (at least in part) of the end of the elvhen ancient culture. He is not afraid (as Bull and Cullen make it clear, he is a powerful mage, but who doesn't attire attention over himself) but he surely is wottied about Cassandra and templars. More than one time he make it clear he isn't totally at ease in the Inquisition (Haven) since he is an apostate mage surrounded by templars. (hey, his first flirt option is about protecting him from being imprisoned!)

His dialogues with Cassandra are quite interesting. He is very curious (and probably worried) about the templars ability to stop magic. and about the Maker he is very contemplative of the idea of a divinity who doesn't need to prove itself. He is no believer, but he contemplate the idea, and respect Cassandra.

 

Cassandra is much less terrible that you make her. She isn't the bloodlust fanatic you make her be (she isn't Sera Just sayng) . Just as not the entire Chantry is. To me, you read too much in some things, and extremize them.

 

By the way, the devs have already said that the existance of the Maker will never be confirmed. Or denyed.

I've explained my reason for that stance. Respect for your enemy is the right approach and discovering their capabilities is essential for proper defence.  

I think Cassandra is about punishment and vengeance rather than restraint,  wisdom, and foresight. She is certainly a capable warrior, and one driven by her personal failures as she sees them. I have no issue with Sandra's character at all, which I believe is in turmoil and shows few positive aspects,but loads of hunger for pretty much anything which allows physical, or mental relief. Warrior and Crusader, a dangerous combination which should be recognised for both it's limitations, and as a tool for others. As for being a romanceable character? Not my taste at all, as I am too easily bruised and Cassandra is the sort that will always find someone to punish. In fact the only one that does  appeal and that is for political advantage only,  is the clever Jospehine, who can open doors to the corridors of power. For me little if any but surface attraction exists for any of the available prospects for either gender in my book, as I find them shallow and venal. But redemption is here with the irrepressible  and delightful Sera, who definitely has class issues with all nobles or anyone wealthy , has no problem seeking out boogers while trying to sneak up on someone, and relishes in recounting gruesome and obscene stories. Not romanceable but I loved Sera as a character, playful, cynical, and contemptuous alike. Hilarious dialogue lines! Leliana the unapproachable would be the best ally and friend, but she is very much a tool, and a powerful advocate for the chantry. Her ability to control and influence Cassandra is impressive 

Sorry I digress last sentence

And there you have it! The continuing story of faith versus evidence, of creationism versus science and the repression of the growth of knowledge of greater things both spiritual, and beneficial to society as a whole

[Cobwebmaster]

 

As for everyone else, they don't need to be explained (though I'd still like to know how some elven spirit can have a sexuality, much less a specific one). If they simply aren't into the same sex or opposite sex, that's just them, and they never had a story reason to get into it (nor would a straight person need one anyway, haha.) Personally, though, unless Egg is explained (and explained well, at that) I'd have no issue with people "headcanon-ing" him or Cullen as bisexual, considering it was originally in the works anyway.

 

 

Good point. We have Morrigan's testimony in DAO that Flemeth (Mythal avatar) would often "have her way" with victims before destroying them. Sex and death don't seem to work for me though I could understand that how not being able to have a cigarette afterwards might drive one to distraction! Attributes such as asexuality would seem to be relevant  if say a spirit was capable of reproduction while inhabiting a  physical form. You are right highly speculative

Maybe it's because I've been playing Bioware games for too long, but I do start to compare new NPCs with ones from previous Games. Cullen reminds me very much of Aribeth de Tylmarand in NWN. The same resolution and obligations of duty, with ability and the constant striving for justice order, and even handedness. Cullen has come a long way from being a terrified young Templar in Ferelden's mage tower.  Personally I really don't care about his sexuality, but he is a strong leader and a good commander. Like Leliana a bit out of a newbie inquisitor's league

[Terodil]

Good points in the last two pages. But they made me realise that I'm still stumped on one of the most basic assumptions, apparently. Can somebody please explain to me why 'representation' is such a big thing, and in fact, why NPCs in the game are supposed to 'represent' real people? Sorry if I'm opening a can of worms here (somehow the 'Jaws' theme is playing in my head), but I've never understood it. I personally take every character as just that, a character, and am happy if the characters we get are as diverse as possible, because variation and choice is good. But I've never had the urge to break out my 'representation matrix chart' and tick off if everybody was included at least once... there are simply too many attributes per person to cover, IMO every attempt to 'represent' is doomed to fail.

[KaiserShep]

People tend to enjoy seeing something they can identify with on a certain level in fiction, particularly if it's representation of a group that is typically given the short end of the stick.

[Terodil]

People tend to enjoy seeing something they can identify with on a certain level in fiction, particularly if it's representation of a group that is typically given the short end of the stick.

Phew. I don't see how that can work.

Let's see: We are <x1> years old, <x2> cm tall, weigh <x3> kgs, we have (rgb1)-coloured hair, (rgb2)-coloured eyes, (...), we are straight/bi/gay/trans/..., we are aggressive/peaceful/humorous/sad, we are quick/slow/deliberate, we are perfectionists/we like doing things quick and dirty, we like reading/partying/mountain climbing, ...

See where I'm going with this? Representation is a useless goal, because goals need to be both specific and attainable. This goal will never be reached. And picking one criterion out of the hundreds if not thousands I could have listed above is more or less arbitrary. The list is getting longer and longer too, so far we seem to have: sex, looks, sexual orientation, positive/negative picture... how do you suggest a developer should 'represent'?

[KaiserShep]

It'd work a lot better without all the false equivalence.

[Terodil]

It'd work a lot better without all the false equivalence.

Good grief. ELABORATE PLEASE or are you content just spouting axiomatic nonsense?

[KaiserShep]

Rather content actually. I'm no longer interested in taking this seriously.

[Han Shot First]

If they had stuck with keeping Miranda blonde (which would have looked better IMO), there could have possibly been fewer complaints about that kind of thing. Can't change the past, though! It really is about time they add a blonde lady (who isn't a lesbian, that is).

 

With Mass Effect that was probably changed because blonde hair did not look good in the games. It was easier to conceal some of the engine's flaws with rendering hair when the character's hair was dark.

[Cobwebmaster]

Phew. I don't see how that can work.

Let's see: We are <x1> years old, <x2> cm tall, weigh <x3> kgs, we have (rgb1)-coloured hair, (rgb2)-coloured eyes, (...), we are straight/bi/gay/trans/..., we are aggressive/peaceful/humorous/sad, we are quick/slow/deliberate, we are perfectionists/we like doing things quick and dirty, we like reading/partying/mountain climbing, ...

See where I'm going with this? Representation is a useless goal, because goals need to be both specific and attainable. This goal will never be reached. And picking one criterion out of the hundreds if not thousands I could have listed above is more or less arbitrary. The list is getting longer and longer too, so far we seem to have: sex, looks, sexual orientation, positive/negative picture... how do you suggest a developer should 'represent'?

I see the need to try and avoid generalisations but combat, war, and conflict - threats to civilisation as we know it et al; aren't they supposed to be great levellers? Does sexuality actually matter? Why is it necessary to have a symbol in a talk wheel to point a player in a certain direction? Might as well have a tattoo on a shoulder guard stating "This Way To Heaven" as wearing armour is a constant irritant so scratching an itch opens up a whole new relationship (or in Iron Bull's case a dollop of grease!) I think for it to be meaningful, any relationship should be naturally progressive to whatever conclusion. Let the player decide and discover for him or her self. Who needs an idiot's guide to copulation anyway isn't it a natural thing?

And all done in the best possible taste of course!

[KaiserShep]

With Mass Effect that was probably changed because blonde hair did not look good in the games. It was easier to conceal some of the engine's flaws with rendering hair when the character's hair was dark.

Are there any long-haired blonde NPC's in the game at all? I honestly cannot remember a single one.

[Grieving Natashina]

Are there any long-haired blonde NPC's in the game at all? I honestly cannot remember a single one.

Yeah, I'm racking my brain and I'm in the middle of the series.  I can't think of one that has hair like Miranda or Allers.  Plenty of blonde ladies with ponytails, but that's about it. 

[VickVeel]

I don't know what you're smoking man. Straight male inquisitors have zero options unless you put a paper bag over christopher & joseph's heads.

[SnakeCode]

To be fair, there has yet to be one blond female romance option for guys in either Dragon Age or Mass Effect. 

 

At least as far as Mass Effect goes, I think it  was because the engine rendered blonde hair horribly, that's why they made Miranda a brunette, despite using Yvonne Strahovski's appearence.

[CDR Aedan Cousland]

Oh goodness, my thread was graced by the presence of VickVeel! Rejoice! I am truly blessed.

[Han Shot First]

Are there any long-haired blonde NPC's in the game at all? I honestly cannot remember a single one.

 

I don't believe there was any, now that you mention it.

[Terodil]

You'd think that after how many games? 6? 8? where hair was customisable and kinda important (see the multitudes of hair mods), BW would get the cue and invest a little time into de-catastrophising their 'hair rendering engines'. You'd THINK!

[CDR Aedan Cousland]

You'd think that after how many games? 6? 8? where hair was customisable and kinda important (see the multitudes of hair mods), BW would get the cue and invest a little time into de-catastrophising their 'hair rendering engines'. You'd THINK!

 

You'd also think it's not possible to regress when it comes to modeling hair styles, but then ME3 and DAI happened.

[Terodil]

Hey, ME3 introduced the (hand-crafted, apparently) Femshep haircut, which I liked. But IIRC you could only use that with the pre-generated Femshep, and not with a custom-generated one?

I still love the high ponytail best if I can't get anything else. At least the engine can't ruin it much