numphet:

Even though DA2 is often criticized, and mostly even for valid reasons, I’d still say that at least it does this one particular thing better than the two other games.

DA2 really gives you the impression that your companions are having their own lives and making their own decisions, while you pretty much just have to deal with their life choices, instead of making those decisions for them. 

Like, yeah, of course you’re directing their course of actions to some extent, but ultimately the game allows you feel like you’re not personally in charge of each and every little decision your companions make, and that’s really very nice for a change?

naddaya:

I have a lot of feelings about Leandra but my main gripes are these:

– She blames Hawke for their sibling’s death during their escape from Lothering, and it’s implied she kept blaming them for at least a year (Act 1). I understand that she was shocked and grieving but that’s still an incredibly shitty thing to say to Hawke, who 1) probably couldn’t have saved them even if they immediately threw themselves at the ogre, 2) wasn’t that much older than the twins, and 3) already had the responsibility for their entire family’s well-being on their shoulders since Malcolm died. She never properly apologizes for it and if Hawke brings it up again in Kirkwall she brushes it off with ‘oh you know I didn’t mean it’

– Again, everything’s on Hawke. Supporting the family, protecting their sibling, regaining the Amell title and fortune. Hawke has all the responsibility and none of the practical/emotional support, their needs are always put behind their duty towards the family and
Leandra’s dream of regaining her old life. Besides, mage!Hawke and Bethany are in obvious danger in Kirkwall and Carver finds it hard to build a life for himself there too (partially thanks to Aveline), staying there definitely isn’t making Hawke’s job easier

– Her attitude towards Gamlen grates on me. He’s a piece of work but his request for Leandra & kids to contribute to food/rent isn’t unreasonable at all. He DID squander all the inheritance and lied about the will, but there’s no changing it now. He’s broke. He didn’t think she’d ever come back.
She returns to Kirkwall after decades and expects everything to be as
she left it, and once she realizes the family fortune is gone she expects
everyone else to do all the work in gaining it back (even before learning about the will)

I loved Hawke’s family dynamics and I think Leandra truly loved her children, but she was often selfish and irresponsible. Their relationship was pretty toxic at times and the whole thing hit a little too close to home