With my first Listmas list this year, I said that when it comes to favorite friends and families in games, my mind immediately goes to BioWare titles. For the past three lists, I’ve actively avoided its output in an attempt to, quite literally, think outside the “BioWare box.” Well, with my holiday gatherings list, it’s all BioWare, all the time! Because I can’t think of any other crew I’d want to spend time with during this season. Here’s who I’d have at my jaunty jubilee.
Varric (The one who enraptures, or bores, everyone with stories)
When one of his stories hits just right, it’s the kind that makes everyone forget that their dinner is getting very cold.
Mordin (The one who starts singing Christmas songs upon getting a little tipsy)
The thing about Mordin is that he may not even need to imbibe before taking to song!
Alistair (The one everyone swoons over but is taken by an oath)
Alas, Alistair’s heart, no matter how large or sweetly sarcastic it may be, will always rest with the Grey Wardens…unless siding with Lohgain happens. Then Alistair might be the one singing Christmas carols at the top of his lungs!
ARia T’Loak (The one who Will Ensure that no one calls the cops, because she’s the law)
Don’t get me wrong, Liara’s the sweetest Asari around, and while she might be good at keeping the peace, I’d feel better about having Aria around to make sure the festivities don’t get out of hand. If she just wants to sit and scowl all night, that’s fine by me.
Aveline (The one somewhat reluctant but secretly pleased designated driver)
Avaliene is absolutely the best friend any person could have. She’s determined, loyal, and will always make sure everyone gets home safe, even though she might initially “complain” otherwise.
Wrex (The one who looks intimidating but is surprisingly delightful)
The key to unlocking Wrex’s very hidden charm is that one just has to get him talking about Tuchanka. Of course, he won’t stop once he starts talking about his homeland, so be prepared for a long night!
Bellara (The one who wants to talk to everyone about everything)
Sweetheart Bellara really doesn’t mean to get under your skin in a bad way, she’s simply infinitely curious. And best of all, she’ll never find your typically “boring” small talk boring at all!
Kasumi (The one who just wants to lurk from the sidelines)
There’s no need to pay Kasumi any mind as she takes it all in from the shadows. Sure, it might be weird for everyone else at first, but she prefers it that way.
Dorian (The one who can pull off [ahem, no pun intended] any ugly Christmas sweater)
Dorian would never be one to indulge in holiday tackiness…or, at least, that’s what he would want everyone to think. Deep down, he’s ready to win that yearly ugly holiday sweater contest, oh yes he is!
Jaal (The one who everyone gravitates to, and they aren’t entirely sure why)
Jaal’s strange charisma that combines modest naiveté, honest curiosity, and a hint of offbeat humor makes him the life of the party, even if no one realizes it the whole night.
Lede image captured by author during PC gameplay of Dragon Age: Inquisition (© BioWare).
VIRTUAL BASTION 