Asking who is the better ruler in Dragon Age is nothing new. It happened in Orzammar and later in Dragon Age: Inquisition, as to solving the power struggle between Celene, Briala, and Gaspard in Orlais. Choosing the next ruler of Ferelden felt a little more interesting to players, though, as one of the contenders is a companion character they have traveled with throughout the game.
To this day, fans are still not sure if Alistair or Anora are the best for Ferelden. On one hand, Anora seems far more interested and experienced. On the other hand, she proved to be manipulative and self-serving when rescued and turning in her rescuers to law enforcement. Alistair can also react differently to rulership depending on how players treat his personal quest. With Dragon Age 4 on the horizon, some wonder if King Alistair of Queen Anora will come into play in a big way.
Why Fans Chose Anora
Anora is chosen mostly for her education and experience. She was raised in politics and already knows what is expected of her through being Cailan's wife. In fact, she claims she basically ran the nation already for Cailan in recent years. Next to Anora, Alistair has little preparedness, with his experience suiting more of a military role. Her being ruler and him staying a Grey Warden is a way to let pieces fall into the places they want to be. Alistair loves being a Grey Warden, and he will no longer be able to be one as a King.
Of course, some players also choose based on whether they want Loghain as a Grey Warden or not. As a King, Alistair will not allow that, while Anora would. Some also claim that Alistair, unhardened, will be just a puppet for Arl Eamon to rule. There is also the perspective that the citizens of Ferelden may see Alistair's rule as a Grey Warden a coup, rather than returning Theirin blood to the throne. Lastly, Alistair is still physically a Grey Warden. If he is made King, the Calling will take him away sooner than the citizens will expect.
Why Fans Chose Alistair
Fans that chose Alistair often do so because they trust him more than Anora. Some believe Alistair does not need the experience to be a good King either, as he can have the help of advisors. Those that put Alistair on the throne do not argue that Anora is more politically savvy, but add that her experience with no loyalty to the main cast of characters can make her dangerous later.
Those who harden Alistair in his personal quest also argue that he becomes more competent, but unlike Anora, he has a stronger moral compass. Anora is more brutal, as she will want to execute Alistair when she becomes Queen. Alistair does not feel right in killing rivals and instead imprisons her in a tower. Some fans also do not want any Loghain influence on the throne, and Anora is his daughter. She may harbor some of his anti-Orlais and anti-Warden feelings.
Marrying Alistair And Anora
Marriage is actually on the table, not only between Alistair and Anora, but also for the protagonist to marry either of them depending on their origin and gender. A player can become Queen with Alistair if they are a female Coulsand that romanced him. As a human male noble, players can also marry Anora. Either one is a popular choice among fans because they can feel more like they are in control and able to keep Alistair or Anora in check.
Lastly, there is the option to marry Alistair and Anora together. Some fans argue this to be the best choice, because Anora and Alistair are very different people who can make up for each other's faults. Anora can be good with the dirty details of politics while Alistair can be a great leader in terms of kindness and charisma. Some say that either of them alone on the throne is a bad idea because of all their faults, so marriage makes the most sense.
Dragon Age 4 is in development.