If you're ever out and about with one of the characters from Dragon Age, maybe going shopping or to a party or meeting some friends for a drink, don't trust him to tell you if you have food in your teeth or if your fly is open or if the tag on the back of your shirt is sticking out. Because after a battle, these people carry on with each other with nary a word about the spots of blood on their faces.

I'd be all, like, "You know what, Alistair, I want to hear what you think about Logain, I really do, but you have something there, on your face. Right there. No, lower. Also, there. To the left. You know what? Here. Let me get you a towel." In Bioware's fantasy world, personal grooming does not require wiping fluids off your face when you interact with people. So these people certainly aren't going to say anything if you have a piece of spinach in your teeth from the salad you had at lunch.

Although maybe that sort of social propriety doesn't kick in until a character likes you enough. Maybe you have to get that "how much I like you" bar really high before someone tells you that you have a spot of blood on your cheek. But it's hard to make close friends in Dragon Age. Yeah, sure, teaming up to save the world from darkspawn brings you close, but not as close as exchanging gifts. Every day is Christmas in Dragon Age.

So, here, Alistair, have this veal bone. I was going to give it to the dog, but his "how much I like you bar" is already maxed out, so you can have it since you've been whining a lot lately.

By the way, I shelled out nearly eight gold sovereigns for some doo-dad I figured Leliana would like. What thanks do I get? +1. Spoiled little hussy. She can just carry on with flecks of blood all around her mouth, nose, and eyes for all I care.

Tomorrow: Is this going to be on the final?

(Click here for the previous Dragon Age game diary.)