Alistair was never so smug, I see Gale as, that guy in 101 who has never read the textbook but thinks he knows it better than the lecturer. Alistair was earnest, Gale is just smarmy and up himself.
Minthara is the best character and she NEEDS to be recruitable if you side with the grove! Also- I support the important thread in the suggestions: Let everyone in the Party Speak
