Anders

{{Quote|The people fear what we can do, but to use that fear to bludgeon us into submission is wrong! And they do it with our blessing!}}

<onlyinclude>{{CharacterTransformer
|style          = {{{style|}}}
|name           = [[Anders]]
|image          = <gallery>
Anders.png|Origins
Andersedited.png|Dragon Age II<!-- need a decent Inquisition image also -->
</gallery>
|class          = [[Mage]]
|specialization = [[Spirit Healer (Origins)|Spirit Healer]] (''[[Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening|Awakening]]'') <br> [[Vengeance]] (''[[Dragon Age II]]'')
|gender         = Male
|race           = [[Human]]
|title          = [[Circle of Magi|Circle Mage]] <small>(formerly)</small> <br> [[Grey Wardens|Grey Warden]] 
|location       = [[Vigil's Keep]] (''[[Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening|Awakening]]'') <br> [[Anders's Clinic]], [[Darktown]] (''[[Dragon Age II]]'')
|voice          = [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0254862/ Greg Ellis] (''[[Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening|Awakening]]'') <br> [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3540491/ Adam Howden] (''[[Dragon Age II]]'')
|appearances    = [[Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening]] <br> [[Dragon Age II]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Inquisition]] (mentioned) <br> [[Heroes of Dragon Age]]
|affiliation = [[Circle of Magi]] <small>(formerly)</small> <br> [[Grey Wardens]] <small>(formerly)</small><br> [[Hawke]]
|quests = [[Freedom for Anders]] <br> [[Tranquility]] <br> [[Talk to Anders]] <br> [[Anders in the Fade]] <br> [[Dissent]] <br> [[Questioning Beliefs (Anders Act 2)]] <br> [[Visit Anders]] <br> [[Tevinter Chantry Amulet]] <br> [[Check on Anders]] <br> [[Justice (quest)|Justice]] <br> [[Questioning Beliefs (Anders Act 3)]] <br> [[Arcane Feathers]]
}}</onlyinclude>

'''Anders''' is a human [[mage]] determined to escape the [[Circle of Magi]] and the [[Templar Order|templars]], with whom he has developed a rather antagonistic relationship. Nothing they have done to him has dampened his desire for personal freedom. Although initially only concerned with his own freedom, he develops a passion to help the downtrodden and underprivileged and has an affinity for cats. He is a [[Companions (Dragon Age II)|companion]] in ''[[Dragon Age II]]'' and a potential one in ''[[Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening]]''. In the former he is also a [[Romance (Dragon Age II)|romance]] option for [[Hawke]].

== Background ==
Anders was born and raised in a small village in [[Ferelden]]. His father was originally from the [[Anderfels]], but had come to Ferelden as a boy. Anders was well-liked in his village, and could often be seen surrounded by a gaggle of village children. When he was twelve years old, he accidentally set a barn on fire with magic. While his mother still loved him and wanted to protect him, his father grew afraid of him and called the [[Templar Order|templars]]. He was handcuffed and taken by the templars to the [[Circle Tower]] in [[Ferelden]].<ref name="Short story">[[Anders (short story)|Anders's short story]]</ref> The only personal possession he was allowed to keep was a pillow hand-embroidered by his mother.  

Upon arriving to the Circle, Anders refused to speak, not even to tell the other apprentices his name. They began calling him "the Ander" because of his Anders heritage, and Anders eventually became the only name he'd use. Anders despised the Circle and compared it to a prison. His first escape attempt was made six months after arriving there. When asked why he escaped, he tearfully replied that he had simply wanted to go home.<ref>{{Cite wot2|160-162}}</ref> He made at least seven attempts<ref name="Codex entry">[[Codex entry: Anders (Dragon Age II)]]</ref>, each time being re-captured. Despite this, [[Irving|First Enchanter Irving]] believed that Anders, however reckless, posed no true threat.<ref name="Codex entry" /> 

When Anders was still an apprentice, he met and befriended an older boy, [[Karl Thekla]]. The two were inseparable for many years. Anders made no escape attempts in the years when the two were together. Shortly after their [[Harrowing]], Karl was transferred to [[Kirkwall]]'s [[Gallows]], a move which Anders did not take well. He attempted to escape shortly after, only to be recaptured on the docks in West Hill, attempting to buy passage to Kirkwall.

Anders's next-to-last escape earned him a year of solitary confinement, in which the only company he had most days was the tower's mouser named Mr. Wiggums. According to Anders, the cat became possessed by a [[rage demon]] and took out three templars. His final escape from Kinloch Hold occurred just prior to [[Uldred]]'s [[Broken Circle|coup]]. <ref name="Thedas UK">Thedas UK (January 14, 2012). [http://swooping-is-bad.livejournal.com/1286233.html "David Gaider Interview"]. Retrieved January 29, 2012.</ref>

{{See also|Anders (short story)}} {{Note|This story takes place after the events of [[Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening]] and before [[Dragon Age II]].}}

== Involvement ==
=== ''Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening'' ===
{{SpoilerDAOA|
[[File:Anders-04.jpg||270px|thumb|right|Anders is casting a spell]]

[[The Warden-Commander]] first encounters Anders in [[Vigil's Keep]] during the [[The Assault on Vigil's Keep|assault]] on it. He is surrounded by dead [[darkspawn]] and [[Templar Order|templars]], but claims he didn't kill the latter. Prior to the darkspawn [[Battle of Vigil's Keep|attack]], the templars recaptured him after his latest escape from the Circle and brought him to the Keep. If the main character is an imported [[The Warden|''Origins'' character]] of the [[Magi Origin]], Anders mentions remembering them from the Fereldan [[Circle Tower]]. If, in later conversation, the Warden-Commander asks him to join the [[Companions (Origins)|group]], Anders does so. Alternatively, if the Warden-Commander tells him to flee, Anders is later found on the rooftop of Vigil's Keep spying on [[the Withered]] and [[Varel]]. He warns the Warden-Commander about the danger ahead and confesses that he came back because he wanted to help kill the darkspawn. He automatically joins the party.

When the templar [[Rylock]] arrives with Alistair/Anora, she wants to arrest Anders and claims that he killed the templars who were guarding him. If the Warden-Commander returns Anders to the templars' custody, he permanently leaves the party. Alternatively, the Warden-Commander (with subtle prompting from Alistair/Anora) can invoke the [[Right of Conscription]]. Rylock's objection to conscription will be overruled. Anders undertakes [[the Joining]] ritual and drops unconscious. He survives and becomes a [[Grey Wardens|Grey Warden]].

If [[Tamra|Ser Tamra]] isn't persuaded to reveal the conspiracy against the Warden-Commander when pledging the [[Oaths of Fealty]], Anders will say that he heard [[A Brewing Conspiracy|ominous whispers]] from some nobles.

When the party visits the [[City of Amaranthine]], the Warden-Commander [[Freedom for Anders|encounters]] an [[Elf|elven]] woman named Namaya whom Anders appears to know. Anders explains that she is his friend and the reason he came to the city before being caught. During the [[Blight]] the templars moved their store of [[phylactery|phylacteries]] to Amaranthine and Namaya learned that Anders's phylactery is among them. Anders asks the Warden-Commander to help him destroy it. Should the Warden-Commander refuse, the quest is completed.

Otherwise, the Warden-Commander follows Anders to the [[Abandoned Warehouse|abandoned warehouse]] only to find Rylock waiting there with a group of templars. Rylock admits that the phylacteries were in the warehouse in the past, but none are there now. She demands that Anders be handed over to the templars. If the Warden-Commander allows them to take him, Anders permanently leaves the party. If the Warden-Commander stands by him, the templars turn hostile and have to be killed. Anders subsequently thanks the Warden-Commander for the help.

The Warden-Commander can give the [[kitten]] found in the Vigil's Keep to Anders. Anders names the kitten [[Ser Pounce-a-lot]] and intends to keep him for a while.

If Anders is present when [[Wynne]] informs the Warden-Commander that the [[Fraternities of Enchanters|Libertarians]] are going to propose to pull entirely from the [[Chantry]] at the forthcoming convening of the College of the Magi, he calls it a "recipe for disaster."

Along with the other companions of the Warden-Commander, Anders can meet the spirit of [[Justice]]. [[Anders/Dialogue#Anders and Justice|In their conversations]], Anders wonders about the relation between [[spirit]]s and [[demon]]s. Justice in his turn wonders why Anders does nothing to help the other mages.

Anders is the only companion who prefers to stay at Vigil's Keep and disapproves of being taken to [[City of Amaranthine|Amaranthine]] when the Warden-Commander receives news of the attack on the city. If in the party, Anders approves of [[The Assault on Amaranthine|saving Amaranthine]] instead of going back to the Keep, and advocate for [[Depths of Depravity|killing]] [[the Architect]].

'''Epilogue'''
* If the Warden-Commander refused to [[Freedom for Anders|help Anders]], he is captured again when he resigns from the Wardens. With his phylactery secure, he is unable to evade the templars. After two subsequent escape attempts, he vanishes for a third and final time.
* If left to defend the Keep without enough upgrades to it, he is found dead with an arrow through his neck with hundreds of darkspawn dead in a circle around him; none were touched with a blade, but all were felled by magic.
* If left to defend the Keep, Anders is hailed a hero by the few survivors of Vigil's Keep by using his magic to hold off hundreds of darkspawn. He gets invited by the men to engage in a drinking contest. He loses.
* If in the party during the final assault, Anders remains with the Grey Wardens to train the Order's next generation of mages. When he is called by the [[Circle of Magi]] to deliver a lecture on the nature of [[the Architect]], much to the templars' dismay, he tells the Commander of the Grey that his time with the Wardens is over.
**''(V1)'' Since he is no longer a part of the Wardens, the [[Chantry]] brands him an [[apostate]], but never captures him. He is last seen on a pirate ship with a familiar woman.
**''(V2)'' However, not two months later, he returns and the Wardens remain his home and lasting companions.
}}

=== ''Dragon Age II'' ===
{{SpoilerDA2|
==== Events after ''Awakening'' ====
Despite the various potential outcomes of ''Awakening'', Anders becomes a [[Grey Wardens|Grey Warden]], meets [[Justice]] and survives. If Anders is left to defend [[Vigil's Keep]] and it was not fully upgraded, he doesn't die but rather escapes using a badly burned body in robes as a decoy. Anders tells this to [[Nathaniel Howe]] if they [[Finding Nathaniel|meet]] in the [[Deep Roads]] seven years later.

The Wardens force Anders to give [[Ser Pounce-a-lot]] to a friend in [[Amaranthine]], claiming that he made Anders too soft. Anders misses the cat and keeps mentioning it.

Anders had discussed with [[Justice]] about the oppression of mages, and had been contemplating being more proactive in righting the injustice of the Circle of Magi. One day, Justice, Anders, and several other Wardens were sent on an assignment.

A former [[Templar Order|templar]], Rolan, infiltrates the Grey Warden ranks to keep a close watch on Anders. After Anders allows Justice to use his body as a host, Rolan accuses him of becoming an [[abomination]] and brings the templars down on him, stating that the Wardens agreed with the decision. Anders kills Rolan, the templars, and the Wardens and flees.<ref name="Short story" /> The Wardens investigated the disappearance of their missing men and tracked the missing Wardens' last camp to a forest south of Amaranthine. They've only found the rotting bodies of men torn limb from limb and a clearing of charred tree stumps. Neither Anders nor Justice were among the dead.<ref>{{Cite wot2|163}}</ref>

==== Act 1 ====
[[File:Anders healing.jpg||270px|thumb|right|Anders healing a refugee]]

Anders has left the Wardens to live in [[Kirkwall]], where he uses his healing abilities to aid Fereldan refugees free of charge. He can be found in [[Anders's Clinic]] in [[Darktown]]. [[Hawke]] is led to Anders by [[Varric Tethras]] and [[Lirene]] in the [[The Deep Roads Expedition|search]] for an entrance into the [[Deep Roads]]. Anders offers to trade Grey Warden maps showing such entrances for Hawke's [[Tranquility|assistance]] in freeing his friend [[Karl Thekla|Karl]] who seeks to escape the Kirkwall Circle. 

[[File:Andersda2.jpg||270px|thumb|right|Anders being possessed by [[Justice|Justice/Vengeance]]]]
Upon arriving at the [[Kirkwall chantry|Chantry]] at night, Anders and Hawke discover that Karl has been made [[Tranquil]] and has lured Anders into a trap set by the templars. Enraged, Anders reveals himself to be possessed by [[Justice]] and kills the templars with Hawke's aid. Karl abruptly regains all his emotions, saying that Anders "brought a piece of the [[Fade]] into this world". He describes being Tranquil as a horrific experience and begs Anders to kill him before the effect wears off. Once Karl becomes Tranquil again, Anders [[Murder knife|stabs]] him before the party leaves the Chantry.

When Hawke visits Anders at his clinic, he explains that prior to the clash with Rolan<ref name="Short story" /> he agreed to be Justice's host. He believed that together they could bring justice to every mage ever forced into the [[Circle of Magi|Circle]]. However, Anders's anger warped Justice into a force of [[Vengeance]]: Anders must now struggle to maintain control. Anders gives Hawke the maps and joins as a companion. The next time Hawke [[talk to Anders|talks]] to Anders at his clinic, he apologises for putting his problems on Hawke. If Hawke replies with a diplomatic tone, Anders flirts with Hawke. Some replies lead to Vengeance manifesting again.

If Hawke takes both their sibling and Anders into the Deep Roads, Anders can prevent the tainted sibling from dying. Anders reveals that he stole the maps from a Grey Warden who came to Kirkwall; Anders wanted to know if the Warden was looking for him. In reality, the Wardens were planning their own expedition and Anders knows their location. Should Hawke choose to look for the Wardens, they will meet their leader [[Stroud]], who is reluctant to help. Anders persuades him to allow the sibling undertake the [[Joining]].

==== Act 2 ====
[[File:Justice.jpg||250px|thumb|right|Justice in control]]

After the death of [[Karl Thekla|Karl]] Anders has joined the [[Codex entry: The Mage Underground|mage underground]] and is helping mages escape the Kirkwall Circle. Hawke keeps finding Anders's manifestos all over the [[Hawke Estate|High Town estate]]. Anders is still healing the refugees, but is getting few cases. When Hawke comes to [[visit Anders]], he admits that he is losing control over Justice/Vengeance.

Later, Anders asks Hawke to help him [[Dissent|investigate the plot]] of the templar [[Otto Alrik|Ser Alrik]]. Anders believes that he is working on a deliberate plan to turn all mages in the [[Free Marches]] [[Tranquil]]. If Hawke refuses, the quest is canceled. Otherwise, Hawke follows Anders as he descends into [[Gallows Dungeon|the tunnels]] leading to the [[Gallows]] that were built by [[lyrium]] smugglers. There, they encounter Ser Alrik with a group of other [[Templar Order|templars]] threatening to make an escaped mage girl [[Ella]] Tranquil. Angered, Justice takes control of Anders's body and attacks the templars. Once they are dead, Ella calls Justice "a [[demon]]", which further angers him. 

If the amount of friendship/rivalry with Anders is not high enough, Hawke is helpless to act and Vengeance kills the girl. Alternatively, a special dialogue option becomes available and Hawke can persuade Anders not to harm her. As Anders regains control, he flees, terrified. Searching the bodies of dead templars, Hawke gets [[Codex entry: Ser Alrik's Letter|evidence]] that Ser Alrik's plan existed, but was rejected by both [[Meredith Stannard|Meredith]] and [[Divine Justinia V|the Divine]].

Hawke finds Anders in his clinic trashing things. He is deeply upset and convinced that he and Justice have turned into a monster. If Hawke confronts Anders and tells him to go away, he permanently leaves the party. He still shows up [[the Last Straw|in the end of Act 3]]. If Hawke comforts him or confronts him but asks him to stay, Anders wonders whether the "Tranquil Solution" was another of his delusions. Presented with Ser Alrik's papers, he is relieved and willing to speak to the [[Elthina|Grand Cleric]] who "might be more reasonable" than he thought.

Hawke can take Anders into [[the Fade]] so as to help [[Feynriel]] face his [[Night Terrors]]. There, Justice takes control of Anders again. A [[sloth demon]] Torpor offers a deal: should Hawke help the demon [[Abomination|possess]] Feynriel, Hawke will receive power, knowledge, or magic in return. If the offer is accepted, Justice turns on Hawke and the Champion defeats him. If it is rejected, Anders can't be seduced by the remaining two demons as Justice protects him. If Anders was killed in the Fade, he feels [[Anders in the Fade|angry and betrayed]]. However, if Hawke killed Torpor in the end instead of honoring the deal and uses the special dialogue option to tell Anders about it, Hawke gains Anders's friendship rather than rivalry. 

Regardless of how Hawke handles Torpor, Anders admits he found it unnerving to be self-aware in the Fade and yet have no control over his body or Justice's responses and decisions, and that as a result he has been staying outside the Fade since the incident. 

If Hawke takes Anders to Bartrand's Estate while assisting [[Varric Tethras|Varric]] with his [[Family Matter|family matter]], Anders can temporarily cure [[Bartrand Tethras|Bartrand]]. If Anders is not in the party, Bartrand can't be healed.

[[Questioning Beliefs (Anders Act 2)|The final conversation]] with Anders in Act 2 changes depending on the friendship or rivalry score:
* ''If a rival'', he is writing a manifesto to convince Hawke to side with the mages. If prompted, he reads it aloud.
* ''If a friend'', Anders is laying out milk for the cats. He thanks Hawke for Hawke's help and support.

==== Act 3 ====
In the beginning of the Act, Anders [[Check on Anders|tells]] Hawke that in the past three years [[Meredith Stannard|Meredith]] has destroyed the [[Codex entry: The Mage Underground|mage underground]], and Anders is now preparing for the worst.

Later, Anders claims that he seeks to be separated from Justice. He asks for Hawke's help in [[Justice (quest)|obtaining ingredients]] for a [[Tevinter Imperium|Tevinter]] potion that will let them both free without either being killed. If Hawke refuses, the quest is completed. Otherwise Hawke assists Anders in collecting [[Sela Petrae]] and [[Drakestone]].

After that, Anders asks Hawke to distract [[Elthina|Grand Cleric Elthina]] for him to get inside the [[Kirkwall chantry|Chantry]] unseen. Back at the clinic, Anders confesses that he lied and there is no potion, but refuses to reveal his plan. Anders insists that Hawke must help him if Hawke cares for the freedom of mages and for him personally. Hawke can refuse at this point, to which Anders angrily retorts that he has always been on his own, but only that he had forgotten for a time. Should Hawke agree, Anders promises that whatever happens, it's on his head.

If Hawke has decided not to help Anders from the beginning or not to distract Elthina, Hawke can warn Elthina via a special dialogue option. Otherwise, Hawke keeps Elthina busy discussing the mages and the templars until Anders shows up claiming that he was "looking for Hawke everywhere".

Hawke can subsequently talk to Anders only if all his requests were fulfilled:
* If Anders is ''not a 100% friend'', Anders [[Justice (quest)|says]] that the spirit inside him is exultant. He refuses to explain what happened in the Chantry, but says that the war will happen: the clock is ticking down and it will be midnight soon.
* If Anders is ''a 100% rival'', Hawke tries to [[Questioning Beliefs (Anders Act 3)|convince]] him that whatever he planned, it is not too late to stop it. Anders agrees that there is still time, then Justice takes over and demands that Hawke leave, saying "Anders has no need of you". As Anders regains control, he does not remember what he was saying and admits that he is having more and more blank spots in his memory. He tells Hawke that he tried his best to control Vengeance and asks Hawke not to blame him for failing.
* If Anders is ''a 100% friend'', he [[Questioning Beliefs (Anders Act 3)|hints]] that he is going to die for something that matters more than his life and thanks Hawke for standing by him when he gave Hawke every reason to turn away. He says that he hoped to find a better way, but states that Justice and Vengeance are too intertwined and he can't tell one from the other. Anders asks Hawke never to blame themselves for what will happen.

After any of these conversations the colour of [[Renegade's Coat|Anders's coat]] changes to black.

==== The Last Straw ====
In [[The Last Straw|the end]], regardless of Hawke's previous actions, Anders blows up the [[Kirkwall chantry|Chantry]], killing Grand Cleric Elthina and everybody else inside. Anders's magical blast was not contained, and the blast also rained deadly debris from the Chantry over half of Kirkwall.<ref>{{Twitter|author=[[Mary Kirby]]|url=https://twitter.com/BioMaryKirby/status/485140931352342528}}</ref> Both Meredith and [[Orsino]] leave Anders for the Champion to deal with. 

Anders sits on a crate and talks facing away while he awaits Hawke's judgement:
* If Anders is Hawke's ''rival'', he says that Vengeance took him over and expresses deep regret for his actions. He does not trust himself to control Vengeance any longer and begs Hawke to kill him "before there is nothing left of me". Hawke can tell Anders that they forgive him if the amount of rivalry is high enough.
* If Anders is Hawke's ''friend'', he insists that the decision was his own as he and Justice are one now. He tells Hawke that he wanted to make Thedas see the injustice of the Circle and thus to change the world. Anders still wishes to be killed, seeing it as bringing justice to those who were sacrificed for his cause. If the amount of friendship is high enough, Hawke can tell Anders that they might have understood if he'd only told them.

Hawke has the following options:
* Whoever the Champion has chosen to support, Hawke can kill Anders by [[murder knife|stabbing]] him in the back.
* If Anders is spared, [[Sebastian Vael|Sebastian]] leaves the party, vowing to return to [[Starkhaven]] and build an army to attack Kirkwall and avenge Grand Cleric Elthina.
**If Hawke sides with the ''templars'' then allows Anders to walk away, he later confronts Hawke inside the [[Gallows]] and all dialogue options lead to Hawke having to kill him in combat.
**Anders maintains a firm conviction in his cause and refuses to turn against the mages, unless Hawke is his 100% rival and has previously [[Questioning Beliefs (Anders Act 3)|spoken]] to him. If Hawke persuades him to atone for what he has done by helping the ''templars'', he is crushed and hints at wishing to take his own life after the final battle if he is not killed first.  A romanced Anders will exchange a final kiss with Hawke if the star option is chosen.
**If Hawke supports the ''mages'' then tells Anders to leave, he is later encountered again inside the Gallows, wanting to be a part of the battle. If his aid is accepted, he rejoins the party. If it is rejected, he wishes Hawke victory and leaves permanently.
**If Hawke asks Anders to defend the ''mages'', he is surprised by Hawke allowing him to stay in addition to his life, but eagerly agrees to fight the templars; however, he admits that it is worse than he thought it would be. If he is in a romance with Hawke, he offers Hawke to come on the run with him as a fugitive after the final battle.

==== DLCs ====
Anders can [[Legacy|venture]] with Hawke into the Grey Warden prison in [[Vimmark Mountains]]. Since Anders is a Warden, he starts hearing the voice of [[Corypheus]] through the [[taint]]. As the voice gets louder, Anders struggles to shut it out. Finally, Justice takes control but is quickly overcome by Corypheus' influence, this initiates battle and summons two [[shade]]s. Defeating Anders-Justice and the shades breaks Corypheus' hold on the pair, Anders then apologises and promises to try harder to hold against the voice and Justice. He also comments that the phrase "you never leave the Grey Wardens" rings true.

Before [[Corypheus]] attacks Hawke, he claims that he is one of the ancient [[magister]]s who entered the [[Golden City]]. Anders expresses his belief that the [[Chantry]] made up this story to induce the fear of magic and that the [[darkspawn]] were created by the [[Old Gods]]. After the battle with Corypheus, Hawke checks his remains and finds an [[Seal of Dumat|ancient Tevinter amulet]] belonging to a [[Dumat]]-worshiping cult. Anders is baffled: he admits that Corypheus was one of the ancient magisters and wonders if the Chantry knows more than he thought.

If Anders [[Mark of the Assassin|accompanies]] Hawke to [[Chateau Haine]], Hawke finds [[Arcane Feathers]] similar to those on Anders's coat and learns that they belong to a "simir" bird and have magical properties.
}}

=== ''Dragon Age: Inquisition'' ===
{{SpoilerDAI|{{clrl}}
{{CodexConditionalParagraph|Anders Survived|{{clrl}}
The [[Inquisitor]] can ask [[Varric Tethras]] about his fate. If Hawke sided with the mages, Varric will state that Anders fled with the [[Circle of Magi]] and stayed with them for awhile. A lot of mages blamed him for forcing them to live as fugitives and he had to move on. If Hawke sided with the templars, Varric will state that Anders had to move on from Kirkwall, as no one wanted him to stay in the city. Varric then states he doesn't know Anders' whereabouts or what happened to him after and adds that he doesn't care either.
}}
{{CodexConditionalParagraph|Romanced Anders|{{clrl}}
Later, upon asking Hawke why they are alone, they will state that they've seen [[Corypheus]] affect Anders's mind before and if he was involved they couldn't risk it happening again. 

Then in the fade, the Nightmare demon begins to taunt the party with things they fear. He says to Hawke: "Anders is going to die, just like your family and everyone else you ever cared about." Hawke then remarks their defiance and annoyance at the demon's intent to use what they love to hurt them most. Later, if Hawke survives and travels to Weisshaupt, Varric will mention that Anders will reunite with them if Justice hasn't driven him mad or he hasn't been killed.
}}
{{CodexConditionalParagraph|Anders's Manifesto|{{clrl}}
When completing the quest [[A Glowing Key]] in the Storm Coast, Anders's manifesto can be found in [[Codex entry: Notes Found in a Mage's Hut]], which is picked up from a table inside the cabin.}}
}}

== Romance ==
{{SpoilerDA2|
Anders is a [[romance]] option for both genders. If Hawke is male, he will mention that Karl was his "first." If Hawke is female, he does not mention Karl romantically. Hawke can announce interest in Anders after his personal quest, much to his surprise. Anders will say he should "check a looking glass more often." If Hawke chooses the 'good' dialogue options over the romantic ones, Anders will flirt with Hawke, and then apologise and berate himself. 

[[File:AndersRomanceScene.jpg|thumb|250px|Anders and Hawke during a romantic scene]]

In the beginning of the romance, Anders will insist that he would hurt Hawke, saying that they might have been able to be together before he merged with [[Justice]]. A romance can still be pursued, however, if Hawke continues to flirt in later dialogue.

In Act 2, choosing certain dialogue options during Anders's personal quest will result in a later conversation that initiates the first real romance scene with him, in [[Questioning Beliefs (Anders Act 2)|Questioning Beliefs]]. If Hawke continues to flirt here, Anders will kiss Hawke, then tell Hawke that he will come to the [[Hawke Estate]] at night. The next time Hawke enters the estate, Anders will be there and the romantic cutscene will be initiated. If Hawke has previously romanced another companion, Anders expresses skepticism that Hawke really wants him, which leaves Hawke with four options: 
* If Hawke decides not to cheat on Fenris, Isabela, or Merrill, Anders leaves and the romance is dropped. 
* Hawke can deny that the other relationship existed. 
* Hawke can claim that their involvement with the other companion was simply a dalliance, after which Anders decides not to push the issue.
* In the case of Fenris or Isabela, Hawke can confirm that the other relationship took place, but claim it is now over because Fenris left Hawke, effectively ending their relationship, or because Isabela didn't want to tie herself down. In this case, Anders apologises that his/her actions hurt Hawke, but admits he doesn't regret that this led Hawke to him. 

Anders will confess to being in love with Hawke and, if certain dialogue options are chosen, will move in with Hawke at the beginning of Act 3. 

{{Note| During [[Questioning Beliefs (Anders Act 2)|Questioning Beliefs]], if Anders is a rival and Hawke asks what he is writing, then chooses the diplomatic option "It's a good argument," the conversation will not lead to the flirt options. It is unknown whether or not this effectively locks Hawke out of any further romance with Anders.}}

In Act 2, Anders can end the romance with Hawke during [[Anders in the Fade]], which is available if a deal is made with Torpor the sloth demon during [[Night Terrors]], and Hawke chooses not to kill the demon (instead killing Anders in the Fade). Accepting the demon's offer and not killing it will result in rivalry points with Anders, and he ends any possible romance, snidely advising that Hawke take up with Merrill instead due to their mutual deal with demons. The romance can be continued normally, even if Anders is killed in the Fade, by killing the demon in the end and afterwards telling Anders it was all a ruse, using the special option in the dialogue wheel. 

{{Note| PC v1.04, If you have completed the romance after [[Questioning Beliefs (Anders Act 2)|Questioning Beliefs]], attacking Anders will end the romance even if Hawke killed the sloth demon. The special option is available but the romance is ended and no flirt options are available afterwards, such as when giving the [[Tevinter Chantry Amulet]] gift. However, if [[Night Terrors]] is done before [[Questioning Beliefs (Anders Act 2)|Questioning Beliefs]], then the romance can continue as normal if Hawke killed Anders and then rejected the demon's deal by using the special option "It was a ruse."}}

A conversation with Isabela can happen in Act 2 if Hawke is with Anders. This has no effect on either relationship. 

A second companion quest inside the [[Check on Anders]] companion quest, called [[Key to Your Heart]] appears if Anders has moved in during Act 2. Hawke can give Anders a key to the underground passage that leads from the outside of his clinic to the Amell estate at the beginning of Act 3.

{{Note|If you sleep with Anders and immediately afterwards end the relationship it seems to give no rivalry points, even if you mock his performance. (Confirmed for PC v1.04)}}

After finishing Anders's personal quest in Act 3, [[Justice (Quest)]], he will apologise in advance for breaking Hawke's heart, presumably because of what he is planning to do with the Chantry. He will, however, continue to stay at the Hawke estate and tell Hawke that he values their support if in a friendmance, or if in a rivalmance talk about how the Circle may really be able to be changed from the inside, although this has no effect on the game ending. In the Gallows Prison, if Hawke chooses to side with the mages, Hawke can choose to run away with him after the battle, and the romance will be complete. If Hawke chooses to side with the templars, they will have what appears to be a final farewell kiss before the last battle and Anders is not mentioned in the epilogue.

During the DLC [[Legacy]], Anders will act as if he and Hawke are no longer in a romance if you have sided with the templars and are playing after Act 3. At the beginning of the DLC, Anders expresses worry that Hawke's pursuers can "get at" Hawke. During the course of events, he has some romance-specific lines for Hawke, such as begging Hawke to help him overcome the voices and calling Hawke "love". 

In [[Mark of the Assassin]], Anders can grow jealous if you flirt with [[Tallis]], and worries over Hawke's safety when Hawke is captured with Tallis. He also makes some note of knowing what's coming or perhaps what has happened by saying "I wish we could stay like this forever, love" when clicked on.
}}

== Friendship and rivalry ==
{{See|the [[Anders/Approval#Dragon Age II|approval]] page for more information}}

''Friendship'' with Anders can generally be earned by siding with the mages, by confronting demons and blood mages, and by being agreeable in conversations with him.

''Rivalry'' with Anders can generally be earned by siding with the templars and blood mages, by striking deals with demons, or by being disagreeable (i.e. referring to Anders as an abomination).

== Quests ==
=== ''Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening'' ===
{{:Freedom for Anders|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}

=== ''Dragon Age II'' ===
'''Act 1'''
{{:Tranquility|style=iconmini2}}{{clrl}}
{{:Talk to Anders|style=iconmini2}}{{clrl}}

'''Act 2'''
{{:Visit Anders|style=iconmini2}}{{clrl}}
{{:Dissent|style=iconmini2}}{{clrl}}
{{:Questioning Beliefs (Anders Act 2)|style=iconmini2}}{{clrl}}
{{:Anders in the Fade|style=iconmini2}}{{clrl}}
{{:Tevinter Chantry Amulet (quest)|style=iconmini2}} (gift){{clrl}}

'''Act 3'''
{{:Check on Anders|style=iconmini2}}{{clrl}}
{{:The Key to Your Heart|style=iconmini2}}{{clrl}}
{{:Justice (quest)|style=iconmini2}}{{clrl}}
{{:Questioning Beliefs (Anders Act 3)|style=iconmini2}}{{clrl}}

'''Mark of the Assassin'''

{{:Arcane Feathers|style=iconmini2}}

== Gifts ==
=== ''Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening'' ===
Anders takes great pride in his appearance and enjoys fine things.

{{ItemGiftTable|
{{:Bell Collar|style=itemgiftrow}}
{{:Gold Earring|style=itemgiftrow}}
{{:Engraved Silver Bracers|style=itemgiftrow}}
{{:Kitten|style=itemgiftrow}}
{{:Knitted Scarf|style=itemgiftrow}}
{{:Phylacteries: A History Written in Blood|style=itemgiftrow}}
}}

=== ''Dragon Age II'' ===
* The [[Tevinter Chantry Amulet]] can be found during the quest [[A Bitter Pill]].

== Initial statistics ==
=== ''Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening'' ===
==== Specialization ====
{{:Spirit Healer (Origins)|style=iconmini}}

==== Skills ====
{{:Herbalism|style=iconmini}} &ensp; {{:Runecrafting|style=iconmini}} &ensp; {{:Combat Tactics|style=iconmini|tier=2}} &ensp; {{:Clarity|style=iconmini}}

==== Spells ====
{| class="daotable"
| [[Arcane spells (Origins)|Arcane]]
| {{:Arcane Bolt|style=iconmini}} &ensp; {{:Arcane Shield (Origins)|style=iconmini}}
|-
| [[Spirit Healer (Origins)|Spirit Healer]]
| {{:Group Heal (Origins)|style=iconmini}} &ensp; {{:Revival (Origins)|style=iconmini}} &ensp; {{:Lifeward|style=iconmini}}
|-
| [[Primal spells (Origins)|Primal]]
| {{:Winter's Grasp (Origins)|style=iconmini}} &ensp; {{:Frost Weapons|style=iconmini}} &ensp; {{:Cone of Cold (Origins)|style=iconmini}}
|-
| [[Creation spells (Origins)|Creation]]
| {{:Heal (Origins)|style=iconmini}} &ensp; {{:Heroic Offense|style=iconmini}}
|-
| [[Spirit spells (Origins)|Spirit]]
| {{:Walking Bomb (Origins)|style=iconmini}} &ensp; {{:Mind Blast (Origins)|style=iconmini}}
|-
| [[Entropy spells (Origins)|Entropy]]
| {{:Weakness|style=iconmini}} &ensp; {{:Paralyze|style=iconmini}} &ensp; {{:Drain Life|style=iconmini}}
|}

==== Equipment ====
{| class="daotable"
| [[Weapons (Origins)|Weapons]]
| {{:Magister's Staff|style=iconmini}}
|-
| [[Clothing]]
| {{:Tevinter Mage Robes|style=iconmini}}
|-
| [[Armor (Origins)|Armor]]
| {{:Polar Gauntlets|style=iconmini}} &ensp; {{:Magus War Boots|style=iconmini}}
|-
| [[Accessories (Origins)|Accessories]]
| {{:Magister's Cinch|style=iconmini}} &ensp; {{:Hailstone|style=iconmini}} &ensp; {{:Ring of Faith|style=iconmini}}
|}

=== ''Dragon Age II'' ===
==== Spell trees ====
{| class="daotable"
! Available spell trees
! Initially selected spells
|-
| {{:Elemental spells|style=iconmini}}
| {{:Winter's Grasp (Dragon Age II)|style=iconmini}}
|-
| {{:Primal spells (Dragon Age II)|style=iconmini}}
|
|-
| {{:Spirit spells (Dragon Age II)|style=iconmini}}
|
|-
| {{:Arcane spells (Dragon Age II)|style=iconmini}}
| {{:Mind Blast (Dragon Age II)|style=iconmini}}
|-
| {{:Creation spells (Dragon Age II)|style=iconmini}}
| {{:Heal (Dragon Age II)|style=iconmini}}
|-
| {{:Vengeance|style=iconmini}} ([[Classes and specializations (Dragon Age II)|specialization]])
|
|}

==== Equipment ====
{| class="daotable"
| [[Weapons (Dragon Age II)|Weapons]]
| {{:Freedom's Call|style=iconmini}}
|}

== Restricted gear ==
=== ''Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening'' ===
{{:Fox's Pendant|style=iconmini}}

=== ''Dragon Age II'' ===
==== Armor ====
{{See also|Companion armor}}

{{multiple image
| footer    = 
| width     = 64
| direction = horizontal
| image1    = Anders armor.png
| image2    = Anders armor (Renegade's Coat).png
}}

Upgrades to Anders's armor, [[Renegade's Coat]], can be found at the following locations:

* Act 2 – {{:Armor Struts|style=iconmini}} – available at [[Lirene's Fereldan Imports]] in [[Lowtown]]. Increases armor.
* Act 2 – {{:Lyrium Weave|style=iconmini}} – available at [[Mage Goods]] in the [[Gallows Courtyard]]. Increases attack.
* Act 2 – {{:Spirit Essence|style=iconmini}} – found during the [[Dissent]] quest. After killing Ser Alrik, search the nearby dead end chambers just west of the exit before leaving the area. +10% magic resistance.
* Act 3 – {{:Sigil of the Mage Underground|style=iconmini}} – found during the [[Best Served Cold]] quest. Extra rune slot.

If Hawke helps Anders during the quest [[Justice (quest)|Justice]] in Act 3 and subsequently talks to him either as a part of this quest or during the follow-up quest [[Questioning Beliefs (Anders Act 3)|Questioning Beliefs]], Anders will wear a black version of his armour.

[[File:DA2 Renegade's Coat - Before and After Comparison - Anders companion armor.jpg|thumb|224px|right|Anders before & after armor change]]

==== Other ====
{{:Freedom's Call|style=iconmini}}, Anders starts with this staff.<br>
{{:Ring of the Awakened|style=iconmini}}, requires ''[[Mage Item Pack]]'' [[Downloadable content (Dragon Age II)|DLC]].{{clrl}}
{{:Seal of Dumat|style=iconmini}}, requires ''[[Legacy]]'' DLC.<br>
{{:Visionary's Girdle|style=iconmini}}, requires ''[[Mage Item Pack II]]'' DLC.<br>
{{:Birds of a Feather|style=iconmini}}, requires ''[[Mark of the Assassin]]'' DLC.

== Plot skills ==
{{Plot skills|companion=Anders in ''Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening''|gender=male|attribute=willpower}}

== Dialogue points ==
Below are the spots where the player can initiate dialogue with Anders in ''Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening'':

* [[Vigil's Keep]]: The statue of [[Andraste]] in the middle of the courtyard.
* [[City of Amaranthine]]: A pine tree on the left side of the path just before the first gate.
* [[Kal'Hirol - Trade Quarter]]: A basket of [[lyrium]] at the far end of the forge area (where the repair anvil is).
* [[Vigil's Keep - Throne Room]]: By clicking on Anders.

== Quotes ==
[[File:Anders concept art.jpg|300px|thumb|Concept art of Anders for ''[[Dragon Age II]]'']]
{{main|Anders/Dialogue}}

=== ''Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening'' ===
* "All I want is a pretty girl, a decent meal, and the right to shoot lightning at fools."
* "After my seventh escape attempt, you think they'd have given me credit for trying."
* "Magic isn't for your amusement! Why don't I just do a little dance? Anders' Spicy Shimmy?"
* "The problem is that mages are tolerated. Barely. It's like you need permission to be alive."
* "The only thing I ever missed about the Circle was that cat, to be honest."
* (''When deselected in the party selection screen) ''"Andraste's knicker weasels!"

=== ''Dragon Age II'' ===
* ''(To Hawke and party [[Tranquility|upon first meeting]])'' "I have made this place a sanctum of healing and salvation! Why do you threaten it?"
* "Since when is Justice happy? Justice is righteous. Justice is hard."
* "The oppression of mages stems from the fears of men. Not the will of the [[Maker]]."
* "It is the Maker who creates mages. The Chantry was built by men, and it can be brought down by them."
* ''(During [[The Last Straw]])'' "I will not stand by and watch [[Meredith Stannard|you]] treat all mages like criminals, while [[Orsino|those who would lead us]] bow to their templar jailors!"

== Trivia ==
[[File:VengeanceAndersHoDA_Tier4.jpg|thumb|400px|Tier progression of Vengeance Anders in ''[[Heroes of Dragon Age]]'']]
* [[David Gaider]] wrote Anders in ''Awakening'', while [[Jennifer Hepler]] took over the role for ''Dragon Age II''. However, David Gaider confirmed<ref>{{BWF|author=[[David Gaider]]|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818114956/https://forum.bioware.com/topic/209969-dear-david-gaider-why-didnt-you-write-anders/?p=5716103/?p=5716103|title=Dear David Gaider: Why didn't you write Anders?}}</ref> that the role Anders plays in the sequel was set by himself prior to anyone writing him.
* Anders will recognise an imported mage Warden from the Circle in ''Awakening'' and certain dialogue choices with him are different in this case. 
* Though Anders uses a fire spell when you first meet him in ''Awakening'', he does not have the spell when he joins the party.
* If Anders specializes in [[Blood Mage (Origins)|Blood Magic]], the player can have another additional line of dialogue with Anders when speaking about Anders's past with the templars. When Anders remarks there really isn't much of a reason to arrest him, the Warden can point out that Anders is an actual blood mage now, to which Anders laughs.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pT0ZwMeNkOo If you make Anders a blood mage]</ref> He is the only character to acknowledge the blood mage specialization. However, Anders is opposed to blood magic in ''Dragon Age II'' even if you make him a blood mage in ''Awakening''.
* In the library in the Circle of Magi during the ''[[Witch Hunt]]'' DLC one can find some old notes left in a book in which a young mage made sketches in the margins of templars being eaten by a tiger named "Ser Pounce-a-lot".
* The mage [[Finn]] reveals through dialogue that Anders once escaped the Circle of Magi by swimming across [[Lake Calenhad]] during a weekly training exercise for the apprentices. He was caught again one week later.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQQ0dYqxbEA Finn mentions Anders]</ref>
* The writers weren't sure Anders would be the ''Awakening'' character coming over to Dragon Age II and merging with [[Justice]] — for a while it was going to be [[Velanna]].<ref>{{Tumblr|author=[[David Gaider]]|url=http://the-gaider-archives.tumblr.com/post/108928778173/answering-questions-on-anders|title=Answering questions on Anders}}</ref>
* During the events of ''[[Dragon Age II]]'', while in the [[Fade]], when Justice takes complete control, the passive spell [[Vengeance (spell)|Vengeance]] is active whether or not you have assigned it to Anders. It will remain unlocked after the quest is completed.
* If Hawke invited Anders to move in and proposed that [[Orana]] work for Hawke, you can click on the lute in Hawke's bedroom to learn that "Anders may have talents, but playing the lute isn't one of them".
* Anders uses the line "There can be no peace" in Act 3, as does [[Flemeth]] in the beginning of the game.
* Anders serves a similar role to [[Wynne]], being the healer of the group. He is even possessed by a Fade spirit like Wynne. However, while her possession is much more peaceful and beneficial, his merging with Justice is the opposite.
* Jennifer Hepler describes the choice of keeping Anders alive as "poetic justice", as he would have to face and suffer the knowledge of the lives he took. She also states her belief that he wishes death so that the people whom he killed receive justice as well.<ref>{{BWF|author=[[Jennifer Hepler]]|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818115000/https://forum.bioware.com/topic/183173-andrastes-flaming-pants-anders-spoilers/page-8|title=Andrastes flaming pants, Anders! (Spoilers)}}</ref>
* David Gaider stated that Anders being merged with Justice may have one of the two effects on his Calling: "One is that the spirit within Anders can affect the level of his corruption, so it may delay or remove the necessity for his Calling altogether. Either that or at some point the corruption within Anders is going to corrupt the spirit." He refused to tell which one the writers prefer due to the possibility of Anders appearing in future games.<ref name="Thedas UK" />
* David Gaider confirmed that if Hawke killed Anders, he is ultimately dead. [[Justice]], however, may be another story.<ref>{{BWF|author=[[David Gaider]]|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311160345/http://forum.bioware.com/topic/311011-ask-a-question-to-the-dragon-age-team-at-pax-east/page-9#entry9566339|title=Ask a question to the Dragon Age Team at PAX East}}</ref>
* Anders is the second character encountered who is both tainted and possessed after [[Sophia Dryden]].
* In ''Mass Effect 2'', [[w:c:masseffect:Ronald Taylor|Ronald Taylor]] mentions an officer in his crew named Anders who had an accident which led to tension between the crew and officers.
{{Tabletop RPG material}}
* Anders was a member of the Libertarian Fraternity at Kinloch Hold, though his contributions were limited to escaping alone, and the occasional manifesto or diatribe.<ref>''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Faces of Thedas, pg 4</ref>
* If Anders lives to flee Kirkwall, rumour places him in the Anderfels, the Free Marches, Seheron, Minrathous, and the Brecilian Forest—sometimes simultaneously. <ref>''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Faces of Thedas, pg 6</ref>
== Bugs ==
* If Hawke is in a romance with Anders but kills him in the end, or spares him but breaks up with him before the last battle, in the epilogue Varric mistakenly says that all the companions parted ways except for Anders.

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
Anders-05.jpg
Anders-01.jpg
Screenshot20110315031724271.jpg|Anders's second outfit, unlocked after completion of [[Justice (quest)|Justice]]
Anders-fresco.jpg|Dragon Age II loading screen style fresco of Anders
AndersHoDA.png|Tier progression of Anders in ''[[Heroes of Dragon Age]]''
Gxa anders.png|Anders Awakening epilogue slide
</gallery>

== Codex entries ==
{{:Codex entry: Anders|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
{{:Codex entry: Anders (Dragon Age II)|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
{{:Codex entry: Anders - After the Deep Roads|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
{{:Codex entry: Anders - The Last Three Years|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [http://na.llnet.bioware.cdn.ea.com/u/f/eagames/bioware/dragonage2/assets/content/world/short_stories/anders.pdf Anders's short story] by Jennifer Hepler
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqYLe3V5usc Dragon Age: Awakening - Anders Companion Trailer]

{{Companions (Origins)}}
{{Companions (Dragon Age II)}}

[[de:Anders]]
[[es:Anders]]
[[fr:Anders]]
[[pl:Anders]]
[[pt-br:Anders]]
[[ru:Андерс]]
[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening characters]]
[[Category:Dragon Age II characters]]
[[Category:Heroes of Dragon Age characters]]
[[Category:Love interests]]
[[Category:Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening companions]]
[[Category:Humans]]
[[Category:Anders]]
[[Category:Magi]]
[[Category:Circle of Magi members]]
[[Category:Apostates]]
[[Category:Grey Wardens]]
[[Category:Spirit healers]]
[[Category:Abominations]]