#the magic ones??? ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING HOW FEW MAGES THERE ALREADY ARE and how DANGEROUS THEDAS IS FOR MAGES | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

sleepy-sunlight · 3 years

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uhh idk if you do these anymore- but if u do... maybe an inquisitor who is quite physically weak but packs a whole load of magic to make up for it... but having such a vast amount of magical potential in a small and fragile body, it sometimes hurts her? 👀 she never says anything, but mayhaps that pain one day gets much too unbearable

Absolutely! I’d like to get back into writing prompts again, especially since I still have a ridiculous love for Dragon Age and have now played the whole series! Hopefully, you enjoy this prompt and have a marvelous day, thank you <3

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Since you were a child your magic was known to be... finicky. ‘Finicky’ was the word the Grand Enchanter would use to describe your surges when a simple spell resulted in a ball of fire destroying a good chunk of the parlor. ‘Terrifying’ was the term the templars preferred, but few could stay mad at the sniveling child sheepishly trying to clean up their mess that was you.

You’d spent many nights with your fellow mages learning all the best methods to keep your magic under control -- falling asleep into the late hours over books and a cloak that the Grand Enchanter would drape over you. Yet no matter what you did, no matter the training and the desperate efforts, somewhere, somehow it always spiraled out of control. Eventually, it cast a toll on your entire body -- so feeble and tiny your childhood became littered with fevers and aching limbs.

You didn’t grow much as you aged. Of course, your legs earned a few inches, but your magic only multiplied. The mage circle, however, found a way to contain you. Instead of spurts that left the tower’s library in shambles or the quarters with a sizable hole in its wall, your magic was contained within you -- a thousand stitches to cover up loose ends where your magic poured out.

The only problem remaining was the pain and the great deal of it that came with the containment. It was a fire brimming upon a thin layer, you could always feel the pressure against your body like a dull, forceful knocking upon a door -- brash knuckles banging again and again without end. Thankfully, you’d gotten used to it... most of the time. Everyone had their breaking point after all, and your sutures too, came undone.

Of course, being the Inquisitor did little to help the situation. Every moment you stepped out of Skyhold’s gates you were opening yourself up to every facet for danger and peril. But it could’ve been worse -- you could’ve not had the Commander waiting for you each time you returned. The wrinkles upon Cullen’s face when he smiled at the sight of you and the way his eyes glimmered would’ve been awful to miss out on.

“Emerald Graves,” Cullen said quietly to himself as the two of you walked the barracks. “How was it?” The day you were expected to return Cullen couldn’t help pacing about Skyhold’s courtyard -- letters only did so much, after all. Your first evenings back were always spent catching up with your Commander -- ‘strategy and reports’ were the official reasoning, but everyone knew better.

You chuckled. “Well, considering on the first day we stumbled into a dragon... I’d say just peachy. But otherwise, peaking so quickly the rest felt a bit boring.”

“Oh, I know that can’t be true,” Cullen remarked, nudging you amusedly. “Between your daily hobbies of reading and puzzles I find it hard to believe taking down red templars is ‘boring’.”

Admittedly, he wasn’t wrong, but you didn’t exactly have a splendid time either.

Taking down a High Dragon on the first day was an exciting, thrilling task, but a taxing one as well. Your magic had been unyielding and vigorous but each spell cast brought a shiver down your spine and fire sparking in your lungs. It took all your remaining strength not to collapse alongside the dragon when the beast fell in defeat.

Since then you’d made poor attempts to keep your shambling body under control -- sparks of magic erupting from your fingertips and a continuous delirium heavy upon your mind. The reason most of your trip was ‘boring’ was because you could barely remember it. Even now your magic had yet to settle itself. You clenched your firsts together tightly just to keep a crackle of lightning or an inferno from surging out.

“I mean it,” You managed a faint if strained laugh. “I doubt Varric would even use any of it for his writing.”

Mentioning Varric reminded you that you’d have to actually ask him for a recap.

“Nothing... bad happened did it? Nothing you’d want to leave out of reports?”

Cullen was always dreadfully good at reading people -- something awful considering he himself could be impossible to read in comparison.

A red hot searing pain pressed against your skin and you cringed, knowing it all too well. You clenched your jaw. “No! Nothing. Just uneventful.”

“I didn’t think such a thing existed in Thedas,” Cullen muttered. “Especially wherever the Herald of Andraste went.”

Your strained laugh didn’t help to assuage his suspicions. It was slow and heavy like your slowing footsteps on the cobblestone. “Miracles still happen I suppose!”

Cullen reached for your hands and even beneath the thickness of his gloves he felt the warmth radiating off you. His eyes widened like saucers and his brows furrowed into a deep knot. “Maker’s breath, are you alright?”

You wrenched your arm back as a sharp sting burst at his touch. Your feet staggered backward against the barrack wall and that split second in which your hands broke apart was all it took for your secret to be revealed.

In an instant, an explosion of lightning crackled forth from your fingertips and a ripple of pain shot through your core. Your legs buckled beneath you and you folded your stomach over your hands as you hunched over, heaving and gasping from the small shocks still igniting.

Anyone else would’ve run -- perhaps to find help or to shelter themselves. Yet Cullen, as you’d found, wasn’t like most others.

He rushed after you and knelt down with an expression painted with panic and concern. Cullen perhaps best represented the definition of a worrier.

“What’s happening? What can I do?” He looked over you frantically. His hands were stretched out but still utterly bewildered on just what to do. This wasn’t a blood mage revealing themself or a demon overtaking a vessel in a possession. This was you, his love, in pain and afraid.

Whatever words you managed to sputter out were lost in a harrowing scream. Tears brimmed at the edge of your eyes and your heart had leaped to your throat. The only thing you could manage to do was look up at Cullen. It reminded Cullen how he couldn’t stand to be helpless.

He wanted to do something. He had to do something, and so he did the only thing that came to mind. He held you.

He pulled you into his arms and gripped you tight. One could’ve thought you stood on the edge of disaster by his hold, and they wouldn’t be entirely wrong.

When he held you, you felt the soft fur of his shroud and took in the smell of Skyhold’s garden and the thick smell of ink and parchment from all his reports and writings. He truly never stopped working, did he?

The thought brought up a weary laugh. Your throat had gone hoarse from your yelling, leaving your shoulders heaving and dry breaths spilling out -- but for just a moment you laughed. In the next few seconds the pain would overwhelm you to such an extent that you’d pass out but even if only briefly, you knew relief.

You later woke in your quarters, moonlight streaming through the windows and the faintest night breeze sweeping under your blankets. From the hall, you heard Cullen’s voice amid a few others, hushed and nervous until the door was shut.

You hardly managed to sit up before realizing the weight hanging over your chest. Your lungs scrambled for a breath and each inch of yourself was wracked with discomfort. The pain you’d known was gone, at least.

Cullen entered the room slowly but at the sight of you, he bolted to your bedside. “You’re up! How’re you feeling?”

“About as expected,” You groaned. “Have you been here the whole time?”

Cullen scoffed as if the answer were clear as glass. “Of course. Where else would I be?”

“Well, didn’t you have others thing to do I-I didn’t mean to-”

“Hush. I want to be here,” A grin cracked across his face. “It’s not like I’d rather be writing those damned reports anyway.”

He paused, reaching his hand up to touch you but hesitated. You’d been in so much agony earlier.

“Can I...?”

You nodded and took Cullen’s hand to press against your cheek, sinking against his palm and all the grooves and healed over scars drawing his skin.

You offered him a gentle smile, but a tinge still weighed upon Cullen’s shoulders.

“Are you okay?”

It was a question that warmed your heart. You pressed a small kiss to his palm, and all the pain of earlier felt so far away.

“I will be.” You murmured. “Would you stay until then?”

It was a question that you both already knew the answer to. Still, Cullen nodded, saying a quiet ‘yes’.

And if only a little bit, you already began to feel better.

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jackdawyt · 4 years

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I’ve picked out my hot takes from this entire book, that I’d like to discuss. Following the Dwarf’s tale first, we’ve got quite a few things to breakdown:

Solas has a network of agents working for him, many Dalish Elves believe in his cause, and even the Ancient Elves have been acquired for his schemes.

“And now we know that the Dread Wolf has agents working for him,”

The Dalish Elves following Solas believe that he will free the Elven Gods once he acquires the red lyrium idol, they’ve created a potion that weakens lyrium’s effects.

"He’s learned it from a dream. Some old legend of his people says the idol is in her body, and if he gets it out, he can free his gods or something like that.”

The Ancient Elves appear bare-faced; having no vallaslin, they equip themselves with fine gear. Some of them speak like normal Fereldens, while others have a hint of a Dalish accent.

“No crap on their face like the Dalish, and they don’t have that little hunch a city elf has, hoping you don’t notice them. They’ve got fancy armor and bows out, and they case the room like professionals. One of them says that the idol must have been moved, and his accent is your normal Ferelden, not like the Dalish, who always sound like they’re talking through a mouthful of toffee.”

Solas’s agents are chasing down every single source until they find the red lyrium idol, the idol is required for Solas’s next phase of action in his attempts to destroy the veil.

“The Dread Wolf wants that idol, and he’s not afraid to get his hands bloody to get it.”

Solas can, and has the ability to kill his rivals in their sleep. He or his group of agents killed Carta Dwarves as they slept, which is deemed impossible because they have no connection to the Fade. However, somehow Solas made the Dwarves dream in order to kill them.

“And that he has the power to kill those who oppose him as they sleep.”

The red lyrium idol has been on the wildest goose-chase across Thedas. It was carved out of Meredith’s thawed body, sold to Tevinter’s House Qintara, then resold to House Danarius, then taken to Nevvara’s Mortalitasi for an ultimate ritual, then taken back to Tevinter. Its current whereabouts are unknown if we understand that Solas’s tale within the novel was a lie, meaning that he’s still looking for it. Perhaps the Qunari have acquired the idol.

“In the middle of the room, sitting on a satin pillow that rested upon a stone pedestal wrought with protective runework, was the red lyrium idol.”

The red lyrium idol, still enigmatic as heck, apparently belongs to Solas, or more aptly the Dread Wolf.

“YOU USE MY IDOL CARELESSLY TO VANDALIZE THE SEA OF DREAMS. NOW FEEL THE PAIN OF WHAT YOU HAVE CREATED.”

It means something personal to Solas, more than just an object of power, he cares for it, at least understand what it is. Two couples hugging? A sacrificial en-carving? A crowned figure comforting another?

“He whispered something as he picked it up, tracing his gloved fingers gently along the crowned figure who comforted the other, but I could not make out the words, for I fear they were elven.”

Whatever it may be. It belongs to Solas, and he wants it back.

Hence The Dread Wolf Rises teaser title for Dragon Age 4 - Solas has already risen in his Dread Wolf form as malicious and evil as he appears. He is truly haunting and is ready to wreak havoc on Thedas.

“The words battered us like storm winds, and the Dread Wolf’s jaws closed upon the Tevinter mage, snapping him up in an instant as he screamed in terror. The lesser demons rushed down upon us, crackling with fire and lightning and our.”

The Dread Wolf has taken residence in the Fade where spirits and demons serve him willingly. If anyone dares bind a spirit to their own will, the Dread Wolf will haunt and kill you, for this is the new law he has declared.

“As the Avvar do. But whatever fear the name Dread Wolf carries, he has earned. While we might visit the Fade, it is his natural home, and the spirits there serve him gladly. They whisper in my dreams now, accusing me of crimes I never.”

Binding Spirits and Blood Mage is forbidden under the Dread Wolf’s watch. This magic disturbs the ritual he has set in motion for the Fade.

“And as clear as the Dread Wolf’s anger at what we had done— the Mortalitasi binding spirits he considered his own, the Tevinter mage using forbidden blood magic— was the feeling that we had disrupted his own work.”

Solas tells his fake tale of how the Bard had witnessed the Dread Wolf acquire the red lyrium idol, though this may not be true, this is true in his story. For instance, Solas shares a very useful insight regarding the Qunari invasion, stating that the Antamm will crush and capitalize over everything east of Vryantium, and northern Antiva as well.

“You all know that the Antaam invaded without permission of the other branches of Qunari government? We had assumed this would hobble them, but it appears the priests and workers were a moderating influence. Without them, the Antaam have crushed the Tevinter opposition in the east, and I fear everything east of Vyrantium will be under their control within a year, and northern Antiva as well.”

Solas, as the Bard in the story, shares prominent, influential faces throughout all of the Dragon Age games, like Isabella, Amund the Avvar, Sebastian, Tallis, The Divine, and a most intriguing Warden Commander. Solas knows about all of our previous characters, he’s made himself aware of potential threats which could mean that not many characters will be returning as companions in the next game.

“An Avvar augur laughed loudly at a Rivaini pirate captain’s dirty joke. A soberly clad noble from Starkhaven glared at an auburn- haired elf whose dagger- knot gave her away as an agent of the Qunari spies, the Ben- Hassrath. A Warden- Commander spoke with a woman who was robed and masked, but as I passed her, I recognized the voice of Divine Victoria herself.”

When the Bard is revealed to be the Solas, it’s made aware that before the Executor could share their knowledge on the Wolf, Solas spoke first, and killed the Executor.

“Before the Executor could answer, the Bard raised his hands. “I believe I know where the mage carrying the lyrium idol went next. S’il vous plaît, allow me to continue its tale.”

He later called the Executors “dangerous”, meaning that they pose a threat to Solas, out of everyone in the room, Solas killed the Executor. They must know something or have something that can rival Solas. Therefore they will be a most worthy ally in the future.

“I would caution you in dealing with those across the sea,” he said. “They are dangerous.”

What was mentioned at the start, was that the Qunari Ben-Hassrath know the most about Solas’s movements across Thedas, making them a huge rival against the Dread Wolf, and potentially a grand ally for anyone against Solas.

“As did the Ben- Hassrath.” She grimaced. “The latter is especially disappointing. They had more knowledge of Solas’s movements than anyone else.”

And finally, Solas tells Charter to let the Inquisitor know that he’s sorry once more, explaining that he is not a God, he’s simply a prideful, hotheaded fool who is doing what he must.

“I know that feeling well. I am not a god, Charter. I am prideful, hotheaded, and foolish, and I am doing what I must. When you report back to the Inquisitor …” His voice faltered. “Say that I am sorry.”

That’s it for this breakdown on 'The Dread Wolf Take You’, there’s been so much to uncover and this was just one story in Tevinter Nights. I am working on a separate post/video that will look at everything Tevinter Nights tells us about Solas going forward, so don’t worry, the Solas speculation has just begun, I’ve merely just given you all the facts for now. But there’s plenty of tinfoil ahead!

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mllemaenad · 5 years

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(Chantry Asker) I don't defend the Chantry because I think is "has to be good", but part of what Dragon Age encourages us to do is consider the difficulty faced by well-intentioned factions. The Inquisition, for example, has problems, becoming vulnerable to infiltration, and depending on how you played the game, may have done worse. It's not easy to help people, but the Chantry TRIES. Many Thedosian groups don't even do that. If not the Chantry, then to whom do the downtrodden and hopeless turn?

But Anonymous person: this is exactly what I mean. Whence comes this desire to treat the Chantry like some kind of beleaguered, underfunded kindergarten teacher?

“She’s trying, okay? She’s trying.”

Do you feel the need to defend Mass Effect’s Cerberus, too? Sometimes an evil organisation is just an evil organisation.

Why on earth do you think the Chantry is ‘trying’? Again: absolutely no one is saying that a particular revered mother (or Chantry brother or sister) may not be a good person who attempts to help people. That’s not in question. But ‘the Chantry’ is a continent-wide political organisation with massive resources and influence. It is led by a divine and by grand clerics, and on the other side by lord and lady Seekers and by knight-commanders of the templars. It has shaped the world. That’s the scale we are working on here.

No one group in history has impacted life in Thedas more than the Chantry. The influence of this church of the Maker prevails across most of the continent’s kingdoms, and the bulk of humanity pays at least lip service to its tenets. Belief in the Maker has started wars and forced those outside the Chantry to the fringes of society.

– The World of Thedas Volume I

So that’s a good start.

"The Keepers, Shaperate, Qun, Augers, Seers, and Shamen don't help. Only the Chantry.”

That’s one of the first things you said to me. And it’s so confusing because ... it reads like you really don’t grasp that these people are not in Lothering because, largely, they have been driven to the margins by Orlais and its Chantry. They can’t be there. They would die.

Just as an example – can you imagine what would happen to an augur who set up in some Chantry-dominated village? Started summoning his gods, offering guidance and assistance, suggesting spirit possession to help training young mages? The poor bastard wouldn’t live out the day. But that wouldn’t be his fault. His people aren’t the ones practising religious persecution.

How – how – does that demonstrate the virtue of the Chantry? You can’t give someone points for being the only game in town when they’ve killed all the other players.

The Chantry began and has continued to be a predominantly human organisation. Other races are seen to be further from the Maker. The elves have their false pantheon of idols. The dwarves worship themselves. The Qunari are the worst of all, actively crushing worship of the Maker and desecrating Chantry values in the name of the Qun.

– The World of Thedas Volume I

They have built the racism right into their doctrine, so that’s nice. And the religious persecution. And just ... zero self-awareness in that they hate the Qunari for converting by force when they do the same thing.

But let’s think about your "downtrodden and hopeless”, shall we?

Why is it that most of the elves in Thedas live in abject poverty, and regardless of their skills are effectively barred from bettering their lot? Oh, that’s right. Because the Chantry invaded their homeland, stole it from them, and forced them to live in slums and convert to the Chantry faith.

But you already know that something went wrong. A small elven raiding party attacked the nearby human village of Red Crossing, an act of anger that prompted the Chantry to retaliate and, with their superior numbers, conquer the Dales.

We were not enslaved as we had been before, but our worship of the ancient gods was now forbidden. We were allowed to live among the humans only as second-class citizens who worshipped their Maker, forgetting once more the scraps of lore we had maintained through the centuries.

– The City Elves

Why is it that most mages are dependant on Chantry run Circles to house, feed and clothe them? Oh, that’s right. Because the Chantry kidnaps them as children, prevents them from inheriting their family titles and property, and steals their children in turn should they have any.

Chantry law requires those with significant magical ability to join the nearest Circle and live under its supervision. While Thedosians with extremely low levels of magical talent are generally permitted to go about their lives, they are still closely watched. In most nations, practising magic and not joining a Circle is to be branded an apostate and, thus, a danger to society. Those who survive capture are turned over to the Circle to become students or prisoners, depending on the circumstances.

– The World of Thedas Volume I

So that’s ... pretty great. It sounds as though you’re suggesting – best case scenario – that the Chantry should get points for setting up a soup kitchen for the homeless, when they were the ones who burned down those people’s houses. And built an ugly mansion on the land.

But that really is a ... best case scenario. It doesn’t really fit with the reality of how the Chantry operates. I mean: the Chantry takeover in Kirkwall was a fucking disaster. Meredith had death squads. I mean – death squads. That whole situation was a dystopian nightmare.

And then there’s whatever the fuck is going on in Tantervale:

Chantry law is all but absolute in Tantervale, earning the city its dour reputation. The city guard is obsessed with enforcement. A street urchin would get a year in the dungeon for something that would get him a pat on the back in Orlais.

– World of Thedas Volume I

So ... yay for theocracy? And then there’s the clusterfuck in Jader:

The overpopulation and poor living conditions led to an outbreak of disease that nearly crippled the city, followed by famine in the poorer sections when it was quarantined.

Mother Giselle, whose prosperous chantry was in a wealthier quarter, wrote to Val Royeaux asking for assistance from the Chantry. When help was not immediately forthcoming, it is said that she addressed the clerics of her chantry. “As Andraste herself said, ‘My faith sustains me; I shall not fear the legion,’ then so shall faith sustain the hungry in this time of need,” Giselle told them. “As we have devoted our lives to divine contemplation, such a diet should come to us quite easily.” With that she took the unprecedented step of taking all of her chantry’s food into the poor quarters of Jader, distributing it to peasants who would otherwise have starved to death.

Shocked and shamed by what some in Val Royeaux privately referred to as an ostentatious bullying tactic, Chantry officials coordinated relief efforts. Food arrived quickly, along with instructions on how it was to be distributed: first to the Jader chantry to end the hunger strike, then to the Orlesian peasants, then to the Fereldan refugees, and finally to the elves of the alienages. Mother Giselle famously replied to the orders by saying, “If we believe that some have fallen further from the Maker’s grace than others, then those who have fallen further are in greatest need of our care. We cannot fill their souls until we have filled their bellies.” With the support of Lady Seryl of Jader, who was directing relief efforts of her own, Giselle ignored the directives and fed the poor of the city without regard for race or nationality.

Her actions saved thousands of lives in Jader and made her a beloved figure among the poor in Orlais and Ferelden alike. Those actions also destroyed her chances of any official political advancement in the Chantry, as the grand clerics did not look kindly on being shown up in such a manner.

– World of Thedas Volume II

So, five important points here:

1) Mother Giselle’s actions are ‘unprecedented’. So stepping up like that and forcing the Chantry to give aid in a time of crisis is not actually standard practice.

2) This is a clear example of a person attempting to do good and being stymied by the Chantry hierarchy.

3) The Chantry is, in case anyone forgot, really fucking racist.

4) Ending a famine also ended this woman’s political career, because the Chantry just cannot stop being The Worst.

5) While Giselle is undeniably doing some really awesome stuff here, that bit about not being able to fill people’s souls before filling their bellies indicates that even good people tend to do harm when following Chantry doctrine, because they can’t just ‘do good’. They’re also pushing conversion.

Whenever and wherever the Chantry has real power, they tend to do terrible harm. They do it on such a scale, on such a level of ‘these bloody hands may never be clean again’ awful that ... a few acts of kindness can’t easily redeem them.

To be critical of the Chantry, I don’t need to have another option. I can critique a thing without going further – especially since ‘The Chantry killed everyone else’ is ... pretty much why other people aren’t around to help. But ... it really isn’t as if no one else knows how to do good?

I mean – look at Alistair. Assuming you made him king, he shows up with ships to bring the Fereldan refugees home, and offers aid to rebel mages. He fights with Meredith about it. That aid continues into Inquisition. While the Chantry is busy tearing Kirkwall apart, Alistair is helping. Anders runs a clinic for the poor and dispossessed in the Kirkwall sewers. He’s so damn popular that a mob turns up to defend him. That’s just one man. Most people like him are locked up, so they can’t help. Imagine a thousand clinics run by spirit healers.

Or ... did ... no one listen to Merrill?

Merrill: What does your Chantry do? I mean, you keep saying how great it is. Anders and Isabela tell me to stay away from it. But what does it do? Among the Dalish, the Keepers teach the children, preserve our history, perform magic. The priestesses here just... sing.

Sebastian: The Chantry does many charitable works. It cares for widows and orphans –

Merrill: Who in the Dalish would just be part of the clan, like everyone else. I just don't get it.

...

Bethany: So, there's no Circle among the Dalish?

Merrill: Any child with the gift of magic is apprenticed to a Keeper... in another clan if there's no need in her own.

Bethany: That sounds nice.

Merrill: Magic is a gift of the Creators. Why wouldn't we use it? It just seems... wasteful for humans to lock their mages away where they can't do any good.

– Merrill Dialogue

The Dalish would regard ‘charity’ as a communal duty, and magic as a tool to help people. She’s not wildly impressed by the Chantry, which is not doing enough good of any kind for her to notice. Merrill lives in one of the poorest parts of the city. So. Maybe her way might be worth a try?

Individuals can do good. Organisations can do good. These things are not in question. But the Chantry is – and I say this again – an imperial religion. Its primary function is to serve the Orlesian empire, which is racist, power hungry and deeply religiously intolerant. Empires are bad news.

I’ve seen the examples you’ve given. They exist. Some of them are real instances of a Chantry official, or a small, local chantry, doing a Good Thing. But I have to ask ...

Can you really look at a set of scales that has ‘genocide’ on one side and ‘helped out a single mum that one time’ on the other and say “Sure, that balances”?

#dragon age #chantry critical #Anonymous

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segadoraa · 5 years

Text

Blinded Chapter 6: A Fighting Chance

Summary: A plan is formed and new players are introduced to the war council, leaving Ellana doubtful of their decision to move forward.

Read the rest of the story on AO3.

For once, Ellana was almost glad that Cassandra wasn’t here to barrage Varric with questions over his friends’ loyalties and previous whereabouts. She had heard a lot about Merrill—both from Varric himself and from his colorful depiction of her in one of his novels—and Ellana was grateful for whatever help she could offer.

“Welcome to the Inquisition, Merrill,” she said warmly.

“Thank you,” Merrill replied lightly, obviously relieved at Ellana’s response. “I hope I am able to help with your cause.” Varric nodded.

“I think she will be able to help, although some of you might not like what she has to say,” he said. He scanned the room and his eyes rested on Sera for a moment.

“Right,” Sera chimed in, “I’ve had about enough of you all talking like we’re not here. Does someone want to fill us in or what?”

“My apologies,” Ellana replied. “Some time after the Exalted Council, when it became clear that… Fen’Harel,” she all but spat the name out, “meant to end the waking world as we know it, Morrigan discovered an ancient enchantment that might help us if it came to—”

“His Wolfiness deciding to kill us all? I gathered that bit,” Sera said, rolling her eyes. Ellana’s mouth twitched, threatening a smile, at the nickname.

“What kind of enchantment do you mean?” Blackwall asked darkly.

“It’s simple enough, as I understand it,” Ellana replied calmly. “A rune is placed on a small object, which then acts as a barrier against the Fade and, presumably, the magic that erupts when the Veil is torn. We believe the person who carries it will be protected against this magic.”

“Unfortunately,” Leliana added, “this protection is only extended to the wearer, thus far. We have only been able to sustain enough runes for the people in this room, if you accept them.”

“It also places mages at a severe disadvantage,” Dorian said mildly, yet a brief look of disgust twisted his face. “Blocking their connection to the Fade effectively blocks the source of their magic and, therefore, their defense against demons and other attacks after the Veil comes down, which is why I’ve refused to carry one just yet.”

“That may no longer be a luxury we can afford,” Josephine replied. “With the last artifact in Fen’Harel’s possession, the Veil may come down at any time. We need a way to protect as many as possible from the magical outburst we expect when the Veil is torn. We must preserve the people of Thedas and secure a place in the world to come.”

“Right, so what’s this bit we might not like? Not more elfy elf business?” Sera shot a glare at Merrill.

“Well,” Merrill began with a nervous glance at Sera, “I might have found a way to extend the reach of the rune. What I need is more time to continue researching, but I know time is something we don’t have. It is also very difficult to test without access to the Fade, but…” she trailed off and glanced at Varric, who gave her a nod in encouragement. Hawke stayed behind her and crossed his arms. “But, there is a spell I found that would bind the rune to the wearer and extend its reach exponentially, with enough focus.”

Cullen sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Why do I have the feeling this has something to do with blood magic?” he asked darkly, squeezing his eyes shut. Vivienne narrowed her eyes to slits and turned sharply to face Merrill, who blushed a deep crimson and took a step back.

“Well, I—” she began.

“Blood magic? Whatever makes you think this will benefit us?” Vivienne snapped. “And to inflict it upon enough people to suggest it would protect those across Thedas, are you mad? My dear Inquisitor, you cannot justify this preposterous proposal.”

“I agree, we must use caution,” Cullen added. “I’ve seen firsthand what blood magic can do. I’m not sure it is wise to utilize such a dangerous tactic, even now.”

“Who called it? More elfy elf business,” Sera said with a glare.

“Would you let her finish?” Varric boomed, silencing the room. “It’s no wonder Stones always looks like she needs about ten drinks after these meetings. You people are like vultures.” Ellana hid her smile behind a cough.

“I wouldn’t cast it on anyone who was not willing!” Merrill’s voice had become slightly shrill, but she glared back at Vivienne and held her ground. “It would only need to be cast on the person wielding the rune. With their consent, I could use their blood to bind them to the rune and—” glancing sheepishly at Ellana, “—the more blood used, the further the reach of the enchantment could extend, especially if we marked a few additional locations within the vicinity.” There was a soft hush over the room as everyone considered her proposition.

“I’m sorry, my lady,” Blackwall said, breaking the short-lived silence, “I’m not sure I’ve earned the right to speak at one of these meetings, but to me, that seems like a lot left to chance based only on theory. Cullen’s right, blood magic’s dangerous. Personally, I wouldn’t want to volunteer my blood unless I knew for certain this plan would succeed and wouldn’t corrupt me, somehow.”

“And faced with the choice of either blood magic or death?” Leliana cut in. “What would you choose? Because that is what we are all facing now. Without the enchantment, you and everyone you know will die. We might have a chance to save even a small number of people. Will you decline, with the blood of the people of Thedas on your hands?”

At this, everyone seemed to shout at the same time.

“That’s not what I—” Blackwall retorted.

“It’s hardly fair to direct the blame—” Vivienne began.

“Now, see here you—” Sera spat.

“Enough.” Ellana slammed a hand down on the table. She squeezed her eyes shut as the force sent a dizzying tremor through her fatigued body. The room quieted and everyone turned toward her.

“We gain nothing when we are divided,” she continued, though more softly. “If it will put everyone at ease, I will test Merrill’s theory myself here at Skyhold. We can hold a large enough number of people here if we are successful and it would be a good start if we are to project our runes across Thedas.”

The room’s silence elongated. Ellana felt everyone’s eyes on her again as they considered her words. After a moment that seemed like it stretched out for ages, Leliana stepped forward, grabbing Ellana’s arm.

“No, Inquisitor. You are too valuable and you may be needed elsewhere to further our cause. I volunteer myself to test this theory and to protect Skyhold while you work to expand our reach,” she said, decided. Ellana knew from the resigned look in her eye that it was pointless to argue.

“Very well,” she replied, and turned toward Merrill. “How soon can we act?”

“Oh! Goodness, well… Let me see…” Merrill scrambled through some papers in her bag. “Ah, yes. Well, perhaps… tomorrow? I’d love to have more time! But if we must act now… I’ll prepare myself.” She shot a concerned look at Leliana.

“You should rest.”

“It’s settled then,” Ellana concluded, straightening to her full height. “In the morning, we will meet in the hall. For now,” she regarded the weary crew, some still muttering under their breath, “I suggest we all get some sleep. We will need to be as alert as possible tomorrow.”

Sera scowled and marched straight out the door, followed closely by Vivienne, who shook her head at Merrill as she left. Varric gave Ellana an apologetic shrug, then escorted Merrill and Hawke out. Blackwall lingered, fiddling with one of his straps.

“Well that went well,” Dorian huffed. “Perhaps we should leave them and their measly forces to face down he-who-turns-his-enemies-to-stone themselves?”

“Ah, they’ll come around,” Bull said as he clapped a hand a little too hard against Dorian’s back with a wink. “Don’t worry, Boss.” Ellana smiled as the two left, bickering, and Blackwall tentatively strode forward.

“Inquisitor,” he said to Ellana with a grave stare, “I didn’t mean to… When it comes down to it, I’ll follow your lead and do whatever it takes. I just… wish it wouldn’t.”

“Thank you, Thom. I understand.” Ellana gave him a tight nod and he held her gaze a moment before he retreated and left the room, leaving just Cullen, Leliana, and Josephine. She stepped back and slumped against the wall, bringing her hand to her face.

“We are doing the right thing, Inquisitor,” Josephine strode forward and patted her shoulder gently. “They may not see it now, but this could save Thedas.” Ellana lowered her hand and regarded her council—her friends—and once again felt the unbearable weight of everyone’s lives in her hand.

“How can I ask them, ask you all, to risk your lives for something I don’t even know will work?” She turned to face Leliana. “I’ve already watched you die for me—”

“And I already told you I would do it again,” Leliana cut her off with a wave of her hand. “This may not work, but it is our best and only defense against what is to come. I have, and will, bet my life on it. If this means we still have a fighting chance, then it will be worth it.”

Ellana searched each of their faces—Josephine still patted Ellana’s shoulder with a sad smile. Leliana clenched her jaw and gazed determinedly at her. Cullen’s brow was still furrowed and he seemed to be warring with several emotions. She sighed.

“I cannot ask any of you to do this for me. The decision is yours alone. I’ll admit, I know no other way to protect the people of Thedas, but I understand it is a lot to ask of you.” She directed the last statement mostly at Cullen. “I don’t say it enough, but thank you. I would not still be here without your guidance and support. The Inquisition is all of us, and I’m proud of what we have become.” Her eyes pricked as tears threatened to spill over onto her cheeks. Josephine gave her shoulder one last squeeze.

“To bed, then,” she said. “And tomorrow, to battle.”

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softdekus · 5 years

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Tell us about your DA characters!!!!

aa thank you! I’ll put it under a read more so it doesn’t take up too much space, and fair warning...it’s pretty long.

Tldr i have Feynhel and Pirras Lavellan, Selanz Adaar, Luelle and Hayden deLoriot- Camriel, and Tenar Brosca. I dont have any canon hawkes yet bc i haven’t gotten to play da2 and i wanna wait till i can to do that asdfas

First there’s Feynhel Lavellan, my most developed da character; he went through a backstory overhaul within the last year or two! When Inquisition starts he’s around 27, and he’d show up at Haven to be a companion pretty soon after the start of the game. He’s a gay trans man, and usually he ends up with either Pirras or Dorian(though if he were an actual companion he’d be open to romance by any male inquisitor). that’s a whole other subject entirely though that should probably be a post of it own lmao

He was born in Orlais and left his family there to go join his father’s Dalish clan (Lavellan) when he was around 12. It was a fresh start he dearly needed considering his history with his mother. He’s a mage but had no interest in being First despite being very gifted with his magic, instead he was content to learn the basics and try to help out around the clan where needed. He apprenticed under the Clan’s craftmaster (Pirras’s father) and helped out the Hunters on occasion. Feyn’s father Thelras is a hunter and his stepmom, Shi’thra is a scout. He also has a younger brother named Cyrris, who’s now about 14 when Inquisition starts.

A big defining moment for him was when he was around 14/15 and had a close call with some Templars who wandered too close to where he was gathering craft supplies. He survived the encounter just barely, but since one of the Templars managed to retreat it made him paranoid of the possibility of being tracked. It’s part of the reason why he agreed to study under the Traveling Keeper who came to his clan looking for an apprentice some years later. He left for that when he was around 18/19 and has been away from his clan for most of the time after that, save for when he checks up with them in accordance to his duties.

He takes his duties very seriously and has explored quite a few ruins in search of knowledge. He’s friendly with many and has quite a number of friends in the clans he’s visited across Thedas, as well as contacts outside of the clans. He loves to tell stories about the places he has visited and things he’s seen. He also will tend to hide the fact the he’s a mage(and by extension a Keeper) from most people until necessary, and he prefers to use a long sword or a dagger in most combat situations. He uses it as a focus for his magic and claims he simply had the blade enchanted. Overall he has a fairly diplomatic stance about many things, but he has strong morals and is very vocal about them if confronted with situations that challenge them. He’s generally a very warm and pleasant person to be around, although he’s tired pretty much all the time because he just refuses to sleep until he absolutely has to. I love him very much...

After him there’s my current/consequential Inquisitor, Pirras Lavellan. He has a lot less development but I have added a lot to him recently. When Inquisition starts he’s about 29, a couple years older than Feyn. He’s very bi, and very into Iron Bull if he and Feyn don’t get together. He’s Inquisitor only because he went to the conclave with Feyn and a small party of other Dalish scouts, but got too impatient and went ahead before everyone else.

Pirras’ whole arc is about him growing out of his previously childish and arrogant behavior. It takes him until the end of Inquisition though and its pretty back and forth. He has a natural feel for magic and out of other apprentices he was pretty much a shoe-in for First. Family-wise, it’s been just him and his father Tala’ren since he was young, since his older brother(a mage) and mother were lost to Templars when returning from visiting another clan. After that he was fairly withdrawn even when his magic manifested. It wasn’t until Feyn showed up and tried to befriend him that he really opened up and became more outgoing. Pirras was constantly(and still does) treat everything like a competition and feels the need to try to impress everyone, especially Feyn. (despite Feyn telling him numerous times he doesn’t need to)

Shortly before Feyn left and Pirras became First, he went into the forest to try and prove how ready he was and promptly got his ass handed to him by a bear that had been giving the clan’s hunters trouble. He barely made it by virtue of Feyn and another hunter showing up, only because Feyn and Tala’ren had an idea he might do something foolish. Up till and even after then he was fairly sheltered about life outside the clan, never having ventured to speak to humans when the clan traded largely due to his own strong dislike of them.

The events of Inquisition were a pretty big shock to him and he grows a lot and learns much more about responsibility than he did in the clan. Though he’s certainly eager to return to the clan after Corypheus is defeated. Pirras and Feyn have a..complicated on and off relationship that really needs more space than this to talk abt lol.

Aside from those two we have my other Inquisitor, Selanz Adaar, who I haven’t really worked on in a long time. She’s 25 at the start of Inquisition, and fresh off her parent’s farm in Ferelden, only having done mercenary work for a couple of years when she heads to the conclave.

She’s a dual-wield rogue, and one of her moms is a former Saarebas. Selanz is smart and cheerful and always ready for more action. She becomes fast friends with Sera, and most of the other companions(Sera and Selanz end up getting married in Trespasser and she later joins the Red Jennies.) She’s really intrigued by history and lore, and spends a lot of time in either the library going through all the books, or the garden checking on the various herbs growing since she knows her way around plants. As i said she isn’t nearly as developed as some others, but i should do another playthrough with her and fix that,,,

After that there’s Luelle and Hayden du Loriot-Camriel. Luelle is in their mid/late thirties, nonbinary(genderfluid they/she) and pan. Hayden is 25/26, a trans man and is bi.They’re both mages, Luelle trained as a Knight Enchanter and Hayden is a Spirit Healer.I’m toying with the idea of Luelle becoming my new HOF so their story is likely to change.

Luelle and Hayden are half-siblings, sharing the same human father of a minor noble house, while Hayden’s mother is actually a mistress. Though since both Luelle and Hayden’s mothers were quite close Hayden and his mother were allowed to live on the estate. Luelle was very protective of Hayden growing up, and still is currently, and Hayden feels the same way.

Luelle’s magic manifested when she was around 14 and at a very bad time. Her elder sibling and Heir to the house had a number of bad habits, one of which included being particularly shitty to Luelle, a number of the servants, and even their parents. It was really a long time coming, but after a particular instance Luelle’s anger bubbled up and the magic just manifesting reacted to it in an explosive manner. Quite literally. The fiery explosion was so intense that it killed their sibling and burned her arm so badly it needed to be amputated. Their parents notified the Templars and after medical treatment they took Luelle to Ostwick before being transferred to the Ferelden circle(this is where it would branch to becoming HOF). At the circle she learned to control her magic very quickly under the constant watch of the Templars because she had already proven she could be dangerous. However, they were a quick learner and by the time the the events of Origins rolled around they were going to begin studying under a Knight Enchanter. In the event Luelle isn’t the HOF, they go through with their Knight Enchanter training but disappear

Meanwhile, since Luelle was a mage Hayden was left as the only heir. He didn’t want to be the heir but he took it in stride and was pretty spoiled, though he turned out very kind. He was upset with his father for sending Luelle so far away and not even telling him where,though he never actually brought it up and didn’t fully understand why it was such a bad thing that she was a mage. In secret, between his studies in the library he had actually been obtaining and reading books on magic. His magic manifested in a much more subtle way than Luelle’s did, he awoke one night to find his sheets had frozen where he was gripping them after a dream. He was able to keep his abilities a secret for a few months as he tried to learn more about controlling them from his books. His father found out on accident one day during dinner, where their mabari spooked him and he froze his glass.

In contrast to Luelle’s situation, their parents were now desperate to keep some sort of heir. Instead of informing the Templars, Hayden’s father sought to hire an apostate tutor in secret, despite Hayden’s own desire to learn in a Circle(with the goal of finding out which circle Luelle had been sent to). Before his father could find an apostate to hire, Hayden simply packed up and left in the middle of the night to find Templars to take him to a circle. He was around 12, and like Luelle he learned very quickly and had a strong desire to become a healer. He became a capable spirit healer about 3-4 years before Inquisition starts, and if he joins the Inquisition as a healer after being contacted near the Crossroads in Ferelden while accompanying a group of mages and tranquil in aiding refugees from the fighting.

Then theres my main Hero of Ferelden, Tenar Brosca. He’s a two-handed warrior and Berserker specialization. He’s trans and bi bc i say so, and romanced either Zevran or Alistair.(i did playthrough for each and couldn’t,,,decide which i liked more) He is sort of morally questionable with a dark sense of humor(him and Morrigan get along rlly well), but from exposure to his companions he’s grown a bit and is trying to be a better person. He doesn’t have nearly as much to his backstory bc i haven’t really messed w him in a while, but he goes along with the dark ritual with Morrigan, and does some adventuring with Zevran before he eventually plans to help the Wardens rebuild.

There’s also a few other characters i have but for the main ones thats it sldakfj

#Anonymous #dragon age oc #da oc #feynhel lavellan #pirras lavellan #hayden camriel #luelle camriel #selanz adaar #tenar brosca #thank you for asking!! i love them all alot...

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moodybidoof · 5 years

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The benefit of being stuck in the suburbs is I finally got around to answering this questionnaire. It’s really long and unedited and I don’t expect anyone to read it lol, but it was fun to do.

If nothing else you should look at the question “What stories does the clan have with moral lessons?” bc I literally just copied my favorite childhood fairy tale and it’s raw af.

Where in Thedas does the clan reside?

Until relatively recently they stayed close to the Frostback Mountains, mostly towards the south near the Arbor Wilds. During a lean winter in 8:82 Blessed, while settled in the Frostback Basin, they were attacked by a group of Avvar warriors who aimed to appease their gods with a live sacrifice. Several of the elves were killed, including the clan’s Second, and the Keeper was seriously wounded, so Marethari took charge and had them flee into the eastern lowlands.

They moved around the Korcari Wild and Brecilian Forest up until the start of the Fifth Blight, when they took a ship to the Free Marches and, as we all know, got stuck outside Kirkwall for years. After Marethari’s death and the chantry explosion, some of the clan members joined up with Merrill and the Kirkwall city elves to get to safety, and they continue to use the name Sabrae for their hodgepodge clan.

They stayed near Kirkwall and were offered a permanent home outside the city by Viscount Tethras in 9:44 Dragon - a gift for aiding in the reconstruction of the city.

What are the dangers of living where they live?

The Veil is thin around Sundermount, though that’s not so much of a problem as long as the clan is careful. Templars and apostates were obviously an issue soon after the chantry explosion, and not long after that there were red templars to deal with. Forces from Starkhaven also tried their hand at conquering the city, and all this chaos attracted looters, bandits, and the like.

Needless to say, things were a mess for a while.

Nowadays they still have to worry about the creatures that share Sundermount with them, but things have calmed down considerably. The biggest issue is finding game to hunt. The clan had already been in the area for several years and they're competing with the indigenous predators of the Vimmark Mountains. Also, the whole thin Veil issue was only exacerbated by all the death and magic that dominated Kirkwall for the last almost decade.

What are the benefits of living where they live?

In the years after Corypheus’ defeat, Varric’s boone to the elves went a long way to normalize their presence and give them the recognition they deserve, and of course they also have a friend in Guard-Captain Aveline. All things considered, the clan has very much made itself part of the city in a way that few elves of any origin have before

Since Kirkwall has once again become a trading hub, Clan Sabrae has access to goods from all across Thedas. Also, they’re settled right near a trove of ancient elven artifacts.

In what ways has their location shaped their culture and way of life?

Like I said before, they’re a part of the surrounding community to an extent that’s really unique to Dalish elves for sure, and even city elves; probably the only thing that’s comparable is Wycome’s city counsel, after the Inquisition got involved there. Many of the clan members are former city elves, so they still keep up close relations with those that chose to remain in the Alienage, and the clan is more attuned to the problems of their city cousins. It won’t be a surprise if within a generation, the Dalish children of Clan Sabrae grow up hearing a mix of traditional and modern elven stories.

Going back a bit, living in the Frostbacks for so long created a culture very much focused on preparing for the worst. They farmed and hunted when it was warm, then pickled and tanned anything they didn’t immediately need for the winter. If push came to shove, they would trade with trusted Avvar clans. Resources were scarce so they were very practical about how they used everything, and while they encouraged resourcefulness, they avoided anything that seemed like an unnecessary risk. There was a certain way of doing things, so that was the way it was done.

Halla can’t survive in the cold climates of the Frostbacks, so the clan hearded and bred harts instead - greater frostback elks, specifically - to use as draft animals. They didn’t start keeping halla again until they settled further east.

The wheels on their aravels could be switched out to sled runners.

Living near the Avvar and then in the Brecilian Forest meant that the clan had up close experience with spirits and hedge magic. Prior to the incident with Tamlen and Mahariel most of the clan members had a healthy suspicion of such things (for example, traditionally putting up wards in the doorways of their aravels and around camp to guard against spirits) but it wasn’t something that was taboo either. In fact, it wasn’t uncommon for the mages to create and work with docile sylvans to aid and protect the clan.

They knew many stories about ancient elven magic and old myths about Thedas’ wilder places, but after Marethari became Keeper she began telling those stories with a darker edge to them. After the Avvar attack, a trek through the Fallow Mire, and run in with feral sylvan and other demons, her view of wilder magic was tinged with fear - and then there was the incident with Tamlen and Mahariel. Marethari’s time as Keeper shifted the clan’s culture, but Merrill is trying help them shed their fear of mysterious magic.

Have they always been here, or did they come from elsewhere?

Oops I already wrote their whole story in the first question. So yeah, they’re from the Frostbacks originally, then southern Ferelden, before settling where they are now.

If so, where were they from before, when did they leave, and why?

Long story short, Avvar attacked the clan, the Keeper was injured and the second killed so Marethari had to make split-second decision as the clan’s First and lead them into the lowlands to the east. They traveled towards through the Korcari Wilds, where Marethari tracked down Flemeth and made a deal with her to secure the clan safe passage. They moved around the Wilds and the Brecilian Forest for almost 50 years until fear of the Blight and mounting suspicion from local Templars forced them north.

Are they nomadic? Semi-nomadic? Or do they have a permanent settlement? How has this affected them?

They used to be semi-nomadic, staying in roughly the same area but moving around enough to make sure they wouldn’t overuse the resources in one place or outstay their welcome with any nearby human settlements. Especially when they were in southern Ferelden, they were dogged by rumors of walking trees and “demon elves” (which weren’t entirely untrue), which attracted attention from the Chantry, so they had to make sure the Templars never caught up with them. This was just all the more reason for them to be as practical and cautious as possible, especially around the Chantry.

Their hunters had seen anything and everything you could think of; lurkers, giant spiders, demon trees, templars, the walking dead - you name it and they’ve probably had to fight it while they traveled through some of the weirder parts of Thedas. As a result, most of the clan members are trained to fight in some capacity, just in case.

They’re still getting used to having a permanent home now. Even the original Sabrae clan members among them have been around Kirkwall for ages at this point, but being in limbo is very different from settling in for the long haul. Though they are an independent settlement, they’re fairly involved in what’s going on in Kirkwall proper and obviously have strong connections with its people.

If they are nomadic/semi-nomadic, what are their migration habits like?

While they lived in the Frostbacks the clan moved as the weather changed, going further north in the winter and back south in the summer. They followed wild harts to ensure they always had game to hunt and pastures for their own animals. While they were settled in for a season they would set up tents covered in furs and skins to provide space to rest outside their aravels.

They ended up moving more often when they starting living further east because the land was far more unpredictable and they had to make sure they didn’t attract attention from any nearby human settlements. As a result they mostly lived out of their aravels and clearly had two types - ones to transport stuff, and ones that were homes.

In what ways does the clan sustain themselves? What do they have for resources, and how do they acquire/use/maintain them?

The nearby caves are full of nugs, mushrooms, and various ore, and even the giant spiders and deepstalkers can be used for the webs, venom, and scales.

The mountains themselves are home to august rams, hares, coyotes, and black bears, which provide the clan with meat, furs, leather, and (in the case of the rams) horns which can be carved into most anything. There’s also plenty of herbs and flowers native to the area, including a clearing of ironbark trees not far from the camp, which is of course an incredible resource.

In a pinch the clan could also always send a hunting party to the Planasene Forest or simply peruse the Kirkwall market stalls.

The problem is that almost everything in and under the mountains is dangerous, so scouts and hunters try to prepare themselves for anything from wild animals to darkspawn. Though, ideally, they won’t have to fight at all - instead preferring to use traps, poison, and stealth to their advantage. Clan Sabrae also has an abundance of mages from the fallen Circle, and having a magic on your side always makes things a little easier.

Imagine a spirit looking down at their site. What would they see?

Banners hung from stones at the city-side entrance to the camp, both a welcome and a warning to those arriving for Kirkwall. It’s a familiar shade of red, emblazoned with the white face of a halla.

Large aravels wrapped around the edges of an alcove in the mountain, forming makeshift walls. Some are flat-topped and covered in warm furs and skins; others look more like the landships humans expect to see, their red-orange sails wrapped tight for now. The camp itself has grown since the elves first arrived in Kirkwall, expanding further into the VImmark Mountains to accommodate the elves who’ve arrived from cities, Circles, and other Dalish clans. You can see from their mismatched clothing and the number of bare faces among the crowd that these elves all come from very different backgrounds, but the atmosphere of the camp is undeniably warm.

A shop is set up, where an old elf is chastising his young apprentices for the way they’re handling their ironbark tools. A red-headed elf sits among the halla, who’ve been penned just outside the camp; she looks at them like they’re her own children. A hunting party armed with wooden bows and ironbark blades returns from their adventures further into the mountains; they leave their catch - a deer - with another elf, before settling down by the campfire to listen to the stories a harhen is telling. The world was turned upside down, and these hunters know they must protect their clan from much worse than wild animals, but for a moment, in this place, they are safe.

What is their typical style of dress?

Furs and leather to keep them warm and protected, but otherwise it’s a hodgepodge. There are elves from all over that have joined the clan, and while a Circle mage might not want to keep wearing her robes, it’s easy enough to use to reuse the fabric and turn it into something new. They wear more shem-style clothing than you’d expected from a Dalish clan, but it’s all layered underneath typical elven armor, embroidered with elven style patterns, and tailored to better suit their tastes. Also, they wear closed toed shoes! They live on a mountain, they can’t just walk around barefoot.

What are their interactions/relations with outsiders/other Dalish like?

Like everything with this clan, it’s a mixed bag. They’ve welcomed elves from all over and even helped human mages, plus Keeper Merrill is obviously pretty on top of what’s happening with people in Kirkwall, so the clan itself is pretty open to outsiders but that doesn’t mean everyone is comfortable trusting shem yet, or that the shemlen are thrilled to have a Dalish clan right outside the city. If nothing else, the arrangement’s been good for trade.

As for other Dalish, there’s some tension there. Word has spread about Marethari’s death and Merrill’s eluvian, and while some people are thrilled to Clan Sabrae to share what they’ve learned at the next Arlathven, others seem to think that there might be some truth to the rumors of demons in their midst. There are also clans that disapprove of how many city elves they’ve taken in, but that’s something the clans have always disagreed about.

If strangers were to approach them, how do they react?

With a welcoming smile and dozens of elven arrows trained on the stranger from afar. Like their Keeper, the clan is warm and friendly, but they’re not naive. In addition to the usual dangers that the Dalish face, they’ve also had to deal with people looking for apostates among their ranks or elven servants who’ve been “stolen” from their homes, and obviously Clan Sabrae isn’t going to give up anyone who comes to them for protection.

What are their interactions/relations with each other like?

Like any family, there’s ups and downs. 8P

It was rough at first. After Marethari’s death the clan was leaderless, and those that chose to stay near Kirkwall did so mainly just because they had no idea where else to go. Even more fled after the Chantry explosion, and not all who stayed to help the city were willing to work with Merrill until it became clear that no one else could be the leader she’d become. It was hard to hold on to their fear of her when they saw her risk her life to protect them and the city elves; saw in her the familiar young woman many of them had grown up with, more willful and loving than ever - not some abomination.

There’s still some tension around the mages, and of course arguments arise around day-to-day cultural differences but at the end of the day they’ve all got each other’s backs.

If a clan member wanted to leave the clan, how do they react?

There’d be a kerfuffle as they said their goodbyes and the clan would send them off with some supplies for the journey ahead, but no one’s gonna stop them. At this point they have a lot of elves coming and going, but even clan members who’ve been around forever are always free to leave if they wish.

What roles does the clan have, and what do they consist of?

Ofc there’s the Keeper, with her First and Second.

Master Illen is the master craftsman, and he trains many apprentices in creating armor, weapons, aravels, furniture, and even overpriced trinkets to sell to shemlen. After living so close to Kirkwall for so long they’ve started sending dedicated merchants into the city, many of whom are former city elves. With more mages in the clan they’ve also started enchanting amulets and such, though they mostly keep those for their hunters.

Maren is the head groom and Halla Keeper, and there are others who tend to the horses and mules they now keep as well.

A Hearthkeeper tends to things at home along with many of the other haren, keeping watch over the young children while their parents go about their daily duties.

There’s a healer whose versed in both healing magic and herbal remedies.

In recent years two Master Huntsmen have taken up training everyone in the clan to defend themselves, in addition to running more intensive drills with the hunters and scouts. There are always guards posted around the camp at all times - day and night - and those who venture from the camp always travel in tight-knit groups. The clan’s Second has also become involved in training the hunters who are mages, taking special care to make sure they can defend themselves against templars (both human and red).

How many people are part of the clan on average?

About 40 and growing. They’ve been stationary for a long time, which made it easy for other elves to find a join them. While many members fled after the Chantry explosion, new elves joined them seeking protection, especially mages who were fleeing the Gallows. Now that their home has been officially recognized by the Viscount they’ve attracted that much more attention.

What is the history behind the formation and building of the clan?

Sabrae was an elven lord during the time of the Dales, and a friend of the Emerald Knights Mahariel and Talas. During the Second Exalted March, Sabrae and Talas fled into the Arbor Wilds, leaving Mahariel and the other Emerald Knights behind to fight in Chantry invasion. As the Andrastian forces moved even further south, the newly formed clan continued into the Frostback Mountains.

The clan is obviously named after Sabrae, and Talas’ ancestors remained with the clan right up until recently; the line ended with Marethari. (Mahariel went on to found a different clan, where Mahariel’s name and mother are from. The ancient history between the clan founders is part of the reason why Mom’s elders didn’t want her to be with the Keeper of Clan Sabrae.)

What stories does the clan have with moral lessons?

The Halla and Her Three Kids, a fairy tale in which a halla mother goes out to forage, and warns her children not to leave the aravel while she’s away. She sings them a song and tells them to only open the door when they hear it. A servant of the Dread Wolf hears this and uses his wicked magic to change his voice and trick the kids into letting him in - only the youngest child is clever enough to be suspicious, and he hides while his two brothers are gobbled up.

When the mother halla returns she’s of course devastated, but her grief and rage are a powerful motivator. She calls upon Mythal as both a mother and as one seeking justice, Falon'Din to guide her lost children, and thanks Sylaise for keeping at least one child safe - and then she and her youngest begin to work on a trap.

The mother cooks a rich meal, and sets a special seat over a hidden pit, which is filled with embers and slow-burning firewood. She then invites the wolf to come to her home and mourn with her, as if she doesn’t know he is to blame. As he eats the chair grows heavier and heavier, until it collapses and he falls into the fire below. As he burns and pleads for his life, the mother tells him that she does as the gods have taught her: “a death for a death and a burn for a burn”. She and the child then finish off their enemy with a stoning, and all the halla in the clan celebrate with a real feast.

(This is an actual story I grew up with.)

What legends does the clan have about their people/history?

Clan Sabrae tells the story of a skilled hunter named Harralan, whose clan once lived in the Brecilian Forest. Harralan was arrogant and full of anger; he resented the life his people lived and dreamed of returning to the days when his people ruled cities and nations of their own. Though his wish was understandable, he thought of little else and allowed his heart to be clouded by his bitterness; so full of hate was he, that he attracted the attention of a rage demon.

The demon transformed him into Mythallen - a child of vengeance. Though he espoused concern for the future of the People, and for the injustices they have suffered, in truth he understood nothing of sympathy, compassion, forgiveness, or true leadership. Instead, he enslaved, yoking others to his revenge, transforming them into little more than weapons, extensions of his will.

The clan was able to destroy Mythallen, but too few of them remained to continue on as one. The remaining elves joined other clans, while their dead were remembered in legend.

How do clan members spend their leisure time? What do they do for fun?

They’ve picked up some games from humans - Wicked Grace being a particularly popular one. They also have their own gambling game that involves a four sided top, and some clan members have started combining both games.

The harens don’t like it, but rock climbing is becoming the entertainment of choice for the younger members of the clan.

Also, reading! Many of the mages brought books with them from the Circle, plus Clan Sabrae now has unprecedented access to books that human and dwarven traders brought with them to Kirkwall.

What kind of laws/rules does the clan have?

Aside from the obvious, “be a respectable member of society” stuff, hunters and craftsmen are taught to respect the balance of the land and to use every part of the animals they hunt.

Everyone has a job to do, and every job is important. Whether you watch the children, whittle trinkets, or are the Keeper, every role is equally important to the survival of the clan.

Members of the clan are obligated to give mythvhen - a word that literally translates to righteousness, or righteous heart. This means to help others simply for the sake of helping, without receiving or expecting any recognition in return.

There are all sorts of rules associated with specific holidays and religious practices.

If a clan member breaks these rules, what punishments are there?

Depends on the severity obviously. A scolding from the Keeper (and probably every hahren, just for good measure), extra community work, exile at the worst. Unless something really terrible happens, the focus is less on punishment and more on understanding why the rule was broken, and explaining to the clan member why it’s important.

What is the clan’s culture surrounding birth?

During the first three months of pregnancy, couples and the healer won’t tell anyone else about the birth, to protect the baby from the evil eye. Even after the pregnancy is revealed, parents won’t even discuss naming the baby and nothing is prepared aside from what the child will need right after it’s born (so no toys and things like that).

Wards on the family’s aravel should be inspected, to make sure that spirits are being kept out.

A mother usually prays more often to Mythal, and a father to Elgar’nan. They pray to Sylaise to make their home safe and welcoming, and Andruil to keep the Dread Wolf at bay.

The birth itself is a joyous occasion, and the whole clan gets involved. A week after the child is born, the clan celebrates with a feast and welcomes them into the family. This is when the child is named, and the Keeper will say the first prayer for them using their new name, asking each god to watch over them.

What is the clan’s culture surrounding death?

When a clan members dies, the burial process begins immediately.

The dead is covered until they are with the Keeper, at which point they are uncovered and washed with water from a mountain stream. They are then dressed in simple burial clothing - white cloth, nothing more - and a sash is wrapped around their waist and tied in a way that represents the god of their vallaslin. (If they were too young to have been tattooed yet, the sash represents Falon'Din.)

From death until burial the dead is never alone, and those with them regularly recite prayers to Falon’Din, asking for safe passage into the beyond.

No more than a day after the death, the body is brought to the graveyard at the top of Sundermount and laid to rest alongside their ancestors. A tree is planted to mark their grave, and the Keeper asks Mythal to watch over her people even in death - the prayer directed towards the statue of Mythal that stands in the graveyard.

The deceased’s family mourn for a week, rarely leaving their aravel and putting vanity aside to allow themselves all possible space to grieve and process. Clan members will take care to bring them food and drink, keep them company, and take over their daily duties. After the week is up they return to work, but of course the clan is mindful of the pain they are still feeling.

What are the most monumental parts of life for clan members?

Receiving their vallaslin is an obvious one, as it means they are now an adult in the clan’s eyes. Young elves spend the day in contemplation, meditating on which vallaslin is most suited to them. Once they’re ready, they will wash and purify themselves, then don a traditional shawl that has likely been passed through their family. At sundown the Keeper will begin applying the vallaslin, during which time the young elf must make sure not to make a sound.

In what ways does the clan honor and revere the Elven Pantheon?

In every way? Lol

By which I mean, there are prayers for literally everything. Before a hunt, after a hunt, when skinning an animal, when purifying a home, when setting magical wards, when eating a meal, when making an herbal remedy. A prayer for an elven birth, a different prayer for a halla birth. A prayer to keep a secret, and a prayer to reveal hidden knowledge. And so on.

Some are longer than others, some are more formal, some are made up on the spot, but the gods are woven into everything. The clan doesn’t pray with the intention of being heard, but they want to acknowledge their heritage and give thanks that they can carry on these traditions.

What practices does the clan have in regards to vallaslin? How is an elf determined to be ready? How is the design chosen?

Oops I already talked about this a little bit. To add on from question 27, elves receive their valasllin soon after their 17th birthday. The Keeper and the hahrens discuss among themselves whether or not a child is ready, based on how mature they are; in other words, how ready they seem to take on the burden of being an adult in the clan.

What is the clan’s vallaslin like?

Just the normal vallaslin from DA:O.

#aisling mahariel #bran mahariel #clan sabrae #dragon age

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zefyre · 7 years

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Update!

Through the Looking Glass, To You Crossover: Inuyasha/Dragon Age II

Rated: M Drama/Angst/Romance

Fenris/Kagome H. Words: 50,243, Chapters:10/10, Complete

It’s been a year since Fenris ran from Danarius, and he hasn’t stopped running since.

Meanwhile, after an unfortunate tumble into a magical mirror, Kagome finds herself in a strange world with even stranger people and no way back. For years she’s been travelling throughout Thedas in search of information on the mysterious ‘Eluvian.’

It’s on her way out of the Imperium that she stumbles across an unconscious elf with white hair and tattoos, covered in blood.

Catch Up via:

FFN AO3

(a/n: my intention was to post the epilogue along with the prologue of the sequel, so ppl could just jump over to subscribe/add it to their alerts then and there on ffn and ao3. but since it has been so long t.t i’ve decided to at least post it here lol)

also tagging, @masquerabe, @miniroonie, @kagomes-lover, @saey0ungs, @ephemeren bc you guys are amazing and have been an incredible constant source of inspiration and motivation for this fic. without you guys there’s no way i could have finished it, never mind started it in the first place <333

Part X: Epilogue

The next day when Kagome woke it was already nearing midday.

Rising with a mumbled, quiet groan, she rubbed the sleep from her eyes with the back of her hand, carefully rolling her aching shoulders to work out the kinks, her face twisting into an uncomfortable grimace when the twinges of pain began to hit.

The room was quiet she realized moments later when she had gotten through the worst of it, her hand falling away from her face. Empty.

Her heart tripped a bit, she couldn’t deny, when the utter silence of the mansion finally registered. Panic spiked in her chest, constricting her throat – the feeling wasn’t so much as fleeting as she forcibly pushed it away to calm herself and think.

((more under the cut))

A glance towards the corner of the room showed Fenris’ bed already made and his things, both armor and blade, missing. She could hear nothing but the noise of the bustling crowd outside rising through the window, and figured, reasoned, that he must have decided to let her sleep in. A gesture she appreciated, once taking a moment to think, especially after the long day she had yesterday – she was only surprised that she hadn’t slept longer what with how tired she yet still felt.

Gingerly, Kagome climbed to her feet, mindful of her wounds as she rose – especially the ones at her waist and thigh. The salves she had used to relieve pain and hasten their healing had worn out overnight and she was certainly feeling them now. Padding over to the window, she leaned heavily against the frame and looked out, taking a moment to watch as people milled through the town square below as she breathed through each throbbing wave of pain washing over her.

She found herself smiling soon at the sight when the pain soon began to ebb away – a few who were passing through did so with arms laden with what must be their morning shopping. She watched as one young man stopped to help an older woman carrying her load; to the side, a young couple took shelter in the shade of a neighboring mansion, a woman leaning down to thread the stem of a bright yellow flower through her lover’s long, dark hair, taking a moment to press a lingering kiss to her temple; and three small children, two girls and a boy, weaved through the heavy crowd to chase one another.

She could hear their laughter floating up to where she stood.

Despite the peaceful sight below, her smile did not linger long, fading once she turned back to gaze at Fenris’ empty bed.

She couldn’t expect him to wait around until she finally woke up, of course. He likely already had plans made for the day – she’d only just arrived yesterday, after all. And it wasn’t as if he could leave her note – as far as she knew, he still couldn’t read, nevertheless write…

Still, she was a little disappointed that she wouldn’t get to talk to him yet, to see him, until he returned – whenever that may be.

Kagome sighed, and turned, and contemplated going back to sleep for a little longer as she steered her gaze back to her own makeshift bed.

Her stomach growling in the following second, loud and long and heavy, threw that idea right out the window.

Well, now she knew why she woke up in the first place.

Another sigh leaving her lips, Kagome decided she might as well head out instead. Perhaps while she fetched something to eat, she could walk around and get familiar with Kirkwall a little since she was planning to stick around for a while.

It was only on her way out after tending to her wounds, changing her bandages, and getting dressed that she noticed it: on the bench facing the fireplace sat a cherry red apple, shiny and smooth, placed on top of a neatly folded handkerchief.

When she finally stepped outside the mansion, hood pulled over her head and the dark olive piece of cloth tucked carefully into her utility belt, Kagome bit into the juicy fruit with a small smile on her face.

Kagome spent only a few hours exploring before her injuries bade her to return to Fenris’ mansion. She’d used the time to roam Kirkwall’s streets, Hightown and Lowtown both, to make note of the vendors – as well as check out the guards that patrolled the streets.

Not all were from the city’s force. More than a few wore the emboldened insignia of Andraste’s glory across their breastplate, proving Caralina’s concerns to be true and giving Kagome the urge to tug down her hood even lower to further hide her face, just in case any of the pirate’s crew were wandering nearby.

Instead, she clutched her bucket of cleaning supplies tighter to her chest and hastened her steps back to Hightown and Fenris’ mansion.

She had picked the supplies up while she was out, figuring she’d take a look at the room Fenris intended to set up for her and see what needed to be done to fix it up; considering what she saw of the mansion so far, that was as good of an indicator as any that he himself didn’t keep any on hand.

The crowd was larger now than when she first set out, she noticed as she stepped into the plaza that the Chantry overlooked and rounded the corner to the section where the mansion was located. She found herself having to squeeze through the thick throng and bumping shoulders more than once on her way to the side entrance of Fenris’ place.

She had almost made it when she felt her elbow clip another passerby, wincing as she both heard someone hitting the ground – a small crash, coupled with the thump of a body falling to the stone and a gasp – and stumbled herself, straining her injuries.

The crowd finally parted some ways to give room, if only barely, but continued to flow unperturbed aside from that.

Kagome wasted no time to help the man she knocked over once her balance settled. “I am so sorry,” she hastened to say, crouching slowly before setting her bucket to the side to help collect the man’s scattered possessions. “Here, let me help you!”

The man looked to be a bit older but nicely kept with grey hair, a neatly trimmed beard, and in clothes just shy of finery. A quick scan told her that he’d been carrying a small collection of books and parchment. A scribe, she assumed, until she took a closer look and realized his books weren’t just simple texts.

They were tomes, she noticed as she begun stacking them up. Old ones too at that, but the faded titles of those that she could make out were written in a language other the Common. Tevene, she realized, her brow furrowing – Ancient Tevene.

Another book appeared on top of her pile cutting her staring short, this one blank.

Kagome lifted her gaze to meet another’s stare, one sharp and wary. She made no comment about what she saw, instead trying for a friendly smile. “I hope you’re not hurt,” she said before rising, tone sincere.

The man blinked as she held out her hand for him. There was a noticeable pause before he cautiously accepted it and pulled himself up.

As he dusted himself off, she took the opportunity to hook her arm through her bucket as well as pick up the tomes from the ground, holding the stack out for the man to take once he finished.

She caught him staring as she held out his things, studying her really, it felt like. His eyes lingered on her own for a long moment, too wide and intense in a way that had Kagome trying not to fidget underneath his scrutiny. Instead, she tilted her head, waiting patiently and passing it off as him trying to make sure it wasn’t trick.

The mages she met outside of Tevinter and the Circles were often a suspicious bunch, and for good reason. The ones in Kirkwall had an even better one to be, honestly.

Soon enough the man’s pale green gaze dropped down to the books still in her hands, as if only realizing what she had. “Oh!” Swiftly, he took the books from her with careful hands and graciously murmured, “Why thank you, you’re so very kind.” Then, he flashed her a charming smile.

“Think nothing of it,” Kagome replied with a shake of her head. She then realized her hood had fallen back, no doubt from the collision. Her fingers twitched to yank it back up, despite doing so right now would only raise suspicions of herself. Clearing her throat, she ducked her head a little and added, “I was the one who knocked you down, after all. Again, I’m very sorry about that.”

“It’s quite alright, my dear. That’s the risk one takes when shopping at this time in Hightown,” the man said, waving off her apology. Just then, a man carrying a large sack over one shoulder strode by and came dangerously close to knocking his other with Kagome, grumbling at the pair not to just stand there blocking traffic.

Across from her, the man she’d bumped into gave her a sardonic smile, his point succinctly proven. Kagome snorted, and as he smiled wider he tipped his head to the side, a gesture to walk with him so they weren’t standing in the way that she then followed.

“Pardon my rudeness,” the man said as they made their way to the side, coincidentally where Kagome was heading to in the first place – near the side entrance to Fenris’ mansion. “But you aren’t from around here, are you?”

Bemused, she shook her head.

“Ah, I thought as much,” he mused, and at Kagome’s curious look he added with a small grin, “I have an ear for accents. Yours, however, is one I can’t rightly place… Rivain, perhaps?”

“Estwatch, actually,” she fibbed. Technically it was where she had come from. Besides, she spent long enough on the island that it wouldn’t be a surprise to have picked up a faint accent.

“That must be it!” If he had the free hand, Kagome had little doubt the man would be snapping his fingers, “Never met anyone from there before,” he added, now sounding intrigued, “Are you passing though?”

Kagome smiled, ducking her head as Fenris flashed in her mind. “Thinking about staying, actually,” she admitted.

“Ah, how nice,” he murmured, “Kirkwall could do with some more kind people like you, dear. But, I’ve kept you long enough and should be going. Perhaps we’ll meet again – oh,” he broke off, face morphing into a look of contrite, “I’m terribly sorry, I never did catch your name!”

“Kagome,” she introduced herself, before adding, “And perhaps we will.” She waved farewell to the man, whose name he replied with was Kalem, and as she watched him disappear through the crowd, a wry smile playing on her lips, she couldn’t help but think how nice it was for a change to bump into someone that wasn’t actually trying to mug her.

The thought incidentally had Kagome patting down for her coin purse just in case because in this city? She wouldn’t be surprised. Just as she was about to relax upon confirming it was still there and held money inside, she nearly jumped out of her skin at the dry chuckle that announced itself just inches away from where she stood.

“Did you really think he might’ve made away with your money, even though he lingered to chat?”

“By the gods,” Kagome nearly shrieked, whirling around to glare at the now smirking elf standing before her. She wondered when he’d got there. She also wondered how long he’d been there. “You know how much I hate it when you do that!”

The way Fenris’ smirk widened told her that yes, he certainly remembered, and had no intentions to stop anytime soon. “Perhaps if you paid more attention to your surroundings,” he reminded, teasing.

“A little difficult in a crowd like this,” she deadpanned, jerking her head to gesture to the many people rushing past them through the small neighborhood square.

Fenris only chuckled, shaking his head. “You are awake,” he said after a moment, voice strikingly gentle.

Kagome found herself drawing closer to him in turn. “Finally, right?” she murmured, lips curling. “Thank you. For letting me get some rest.”

But Fenris frowned, a shadow coming across his face. “I apologize for not being able to greet you,” he demurred, “I had a previous job lined up for today that I couldn’t reschedule.”

Kagome shook her head, quickly waving it off. “I got your note,” she assured him, meaning the apple, and the sight of his face lighting up at the mention of it had her heart fluttering in a way that had her biting her lip. His frown had faded, a faint curve to his mouth left in its place. Softer, she added, “I figured it was something like that.” Lifting her arm, she then showed him her load. “And I got to pick some stuff up while I was out looking around. Thought I could tackle that room so I’m not sleeping on the floor tonight.”

Fenris hummed. “May I?” he requested, holding a hand out. Kagome gratefully handed over the bucket of supplies. “How are your wounds?” he asked, eyes dropping to her side where Hadriana had struck her. “You seem stiff.”

“My little tumble a few minutes ago certainly didn’t help,” she admitted, gingerly rubbing at the ache in her side. “But the salve helped heal the rest of it overnight, so I’m sure it’s just sore, not reopened.”

With another hum, Fenris stepped away towards the door. “I’ve already opened up the windows to air out the room and cleared it out a bit,” he informed her as he opened the door and held it for her, gesturing to go first. “I was taking the mattress to air out as well when I heard you down here, making friends.”

Kagome raised an eyebrow at his amused tone as she strode by, not missing beat, “Speaking of friends, you didn’t happen you pick up any of yours on the way, hmm?”

Fenris’ answering silence was telling enough but she couldn’t help but laugh as she spun around to face him, walking backwards into the mansion now. “At least tell me you cleared them out of the room I’m staying in!”

“It was the first thing I did,” he was quick to assure, and Kagome laughed a little more.

Where are you now, Kagome wondered later that evening, as she and Fenris shared a meal in front of the fireplace of her new, freshly cleaned room under the dilapidated roof of his appropriated mansion, fingertips prodding the band around her left index finger.

A pause, and then another, before she finally felt a tingle and a pulse of warmth in reply.

Ferelden, came – not so much a whisper, but a feeling. All right? came another.

Her fingers curled tighter around the ring. Yes, she willed forward, basking in the surge or pure happiness inside her chest, hoping it would carry. Found him. She paused a moment, then added, Kirkwall. Staying.

Minutes had passed before she received any reply, in which she busied herself by finishing up the rest of her meal: a rich, hearty stew from one of Hightown’s inns and a favorite of Fenris’. His treat as well to welcome her to the city.

From the ring she felt a jolt of worry, of reprimand. Dangerous, it came, quickly followed by something cooler, calmer, more wry. Morrigan.

Be safe.

Kagome felt herself smile, turned her head ever so slightly, just enough to catch the glint of white that was Fenris’ hair under the low light given by the fire.

As if feeling her stare he turned, his gaze warm and dark and his mouth curling into a shy smile to match her own. The sight of it had a warm feeling swelling inside her chest, spreading out to fill her entire being, and she ducked her head, twisting her ring once more as her own smile stretched even wider.

I will.

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thejourneymaninn · 7 years

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Januanders Day 9 - The Chantry explosion

The Chantry explosion is the one argument pretty much everyone throws around when it comes to criticizing Anders, claiming it is an unforgivable act that condemns him no matter what (spoiler alert: I don’t agree), so many people have written about it already, defending and explaining it a lot better than I could, and I doubt there’s any argument in defense of Anders that hasn’t been brought up (and, unfortunately, ignored) yet.

Thus, I’m only going to ramble about a few things that are of personal importance to me when it comes to this oddly controversial topic. And yes, I used “oddly” for a reason, because I honestly don’t understand how anyone could actually think this is something you should condemn him for.

I know Bioware had him use an explosion precisely because they knew what people would associate that with and because they wanted us to react that way, yet to this day, I still can’t believe that actually worked. Yet it seems it did, considering people that criticize (and often, downright hate him) keep insisting that “Anders blew up a church and killed hundreds of innocent people. He destroyed every possibility of a peaceful solution.” Which is especially frustrating considering that this is simply…not true.

“Church”

Yes, Anders blew up a “church”, yet in Thedas, that term hold quite a different meaning than the one we tend to associate with it.

Everyone is completely terrified of the Chantry, just look at the Viscount’s reaction when you tell him Seamus has been lured to there. He leaves his son in danger (as it turns out, he even leaves him to die) because he “cannot be seen interfering in Chantry affairs”. He literally begs Hawke to go in his place, he is desperate and paralyzed with fear – and with good reason. Cross the Chantry, and you have an Exalted March coming your way.

So while technically, the building itself may be considered a “church”, it is far more than a “peaceful place of worship”. It is the gilded centre of power of the highest authority and military power in all of Southern Thedas (or, in this particular case, Kirkwall). And it also just happens to be the head of the army that controls and imprisons mages. It is their leaders that Anders attacked, and it is hardly his fault that they use religion as a means to control the world.

“Peaceful Solution”

The argument that he should have found a peaceful solution is downright disgusting, for not only does it put the responsibility of ending oppression on the oppressed, it also essentially asks them to place the lives of the rest of the population above their own. It literally tells mages to wait quietly, let themselves at best (!) be stripped of all rights and imprisoned for life, at worst abused, killed or made tranquil, for perhaps another ten, fifty or thousand years so they won’t inconvenience anyone. Because the lives of others are deemed to have more worth than those of mages, or let’s be real, any worth at all. What a very Chantry argument to make.

And as if that wasn’t bad enough, they are expected to do this despite not actually having means to achieve “peaceful change”. They are not allowed to leave the Circle, they have no rights, no voice, and if they do try to speak up…well, the consequences are listed above. And yet, they are expected to somehow gain freedom by smiling and bowing their heads.

“Innocent victims”

Anders killed people. No one is arguing that. We can debate numbers, but I don’t think those even really matter, for a) No matter how high we go, they’d still be far lower than the number of mages killed if Meredith had gone through with the Rite of Annulment (which she had sent for long before the explosion), and b) the people he killed weren’t innocent (to be clear: I am in no way suggesting they deserved death, just that there are no “innocent bystanders” when it comes to the treatment of mages in Thedas.)

Elthina isn’t innocent. The way I see her, she is the biggest (and best) manipulator in the game, someone who knows exactly how to stay in power, and how to appear like a friend to everyone while you’re doing so. And even if she isn’t, if her “I feel for them, but I can’t get involved” act is genuine, she is in no way innocent. As Meredith’s superior, it was her job to intervene, and she chose to ignore it, knowing full well her inaction cost lives.

And the other people in the Chantry, or the people killed in the streets? Aside from the fact that most of the deaths of people who were not in the Chantry are on the Templars (demons, fighting and abomination were a direct result of the invocation of the Rite of Annulment) – the general population is not “innocent” either. They are complicit in the oppression of mages. “Let the Templars and mages solve their own problems” gets thrown around quite a lot in Inquisition, as if mages just appeared out of nowhere someday when they are in fact, a part of the population until their magic manifests and the rest of the population is only too happy to let them be taken away. Calling the Templars on mages, or outright lynching them as soon as they set foot into a village – the general population is more than willing to do the Templars’ jobs for them. If they didn’t participate, or at the very least ignore, the oppression, the Chantry would have a much harder time keeping the oppressive system in place.

And yes, the Chantry is largely to blame for the populations’ attitude towards magic. They keep them misinformed, poor, and struggling to survive. When you’re literally living in dirt trying not to starve, I doubt freeing mages is your biggest priority. They, too, are victims of the Chantry, but that doesn’t absolve them of their responsibility for their part in the oppression of mages (and elves, for that matter), and they have to face the consequences.

Of course, you can make the argument that killing people is never ok, no matter the cause. I even understand that, to a certain degree; I don’t like the thought of death and destruction either. The only problem with this argument is that in cases of oppression and tyranny, inaction doesn’t cause less death. It just means the killings continue behind closed doors, where we don’t have to see them or deal with them.

Accordingly, Anders didn’t cause more violence. He just brought it to the people who up until then, had had the luxury of ignoring it. After a lifetime of having been taught the opposite, he finally decided that no, their lives were not worth more than the lives of mages. And I couldn’t agree more.

As for how the Chantry Boom fit in with Anders’ character…. Well, after years of trying to change the way mages are treated, and the extra push towards action from Justice, I feel it made sense for him to do it. I don’t think it was something he wanted to do, though. He may not exactly regret it, but he certainly isn’t happy about it either. Anders spent ten years trying to find other ways, to make people understand and listen, because when it comes down to it, he is not a violent person. He didn’t want mages to have to fight a war for their freedom, he wanted people to understand that mages are people like everyone else and thus deserve that freedom. He wanted to make them understand so they would give mages freedom. After all he had suffered, after decades of having lived in the Circle, he still tried to believe it was possible.

I say”tried” because I am not sure he ever fully did believe it (looking at, for instance, banter he has with Bethany in Act 1), but he tried anyway. And of course, he eventually had to realize he was wrong. He could not convince anyone – the opinion of the population is controlled by the Chantry, and even if he’d had a platform to actually reach enough people, he wouldn’t have been able to counter the hate and misinformation they had been spreading for over a thousand years with just his smile and words (it’s a nice smile, but it’s not enough).

And while he did have some access to the people in power (the Chantry and in this specific case, Elthina), they had no interest in changing the lot of mages, as it is a huge part of where there power comes from. Fear of mages provides them with both an army of Templars, the mages’/tranquils’ workforce and their magic to aid their army. It also strengthens their role (and presumed necessity) as the “protector of the people” against the “curse of magic” - why would they be willing to give that up? I’m not entirely certain even Anders fully realizes just how much keeping people in fear of mages and mages themselves locked up benefits the Chantry, but I think by the time he finally decides to act, he has come to the conclusion that they have no intention of ever doing anything to help mages.

I know a lot of people accuse Anders of “betraying” their Hawke and I suppose if you played a Hawke who didn’t fully support Anders’ views, you might feel that way. It’s true that he gets extremely manipulative if Hawke doesn’t agree to help right away; I can understand if people find that upsetting (though I’d still argue that the words he chooses leave little doubt about the nature of what he’s planning. He does lie, but he also makes it rather obvious he is planning something big).

Since my Hawke shared Anders views and agreed to help immediately, I didn’t have that problem; the only feeling of “betrayal” there might possibly have been was along the lines of “What the fuck, Anders?! I wanted to do that myself! Way to steal my thunder, bro.”

I don’t have to “excuse” what he did in order to like him, I fully believe he was right. And I wish the game had given my Hawkes the option to support him as wholeheartedly as I do.

#januanders #januanderstakeback #anders positive #chantry explosion #mage rights #ramblings

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