I'm Pro-mage, for the most part, but I am in no way anti-Templar or anti-Chantry. I can understand, at least in principle, that magic can be dangerous, and in the hands of people with corrupt or evil characters, it can present a problem. Mages who are untrained can also be a threat simply because they don't know how to handle their abilities yet.
But, I think things have gotten way out of control. Partially this is because of the role and power the Chantry and Templars have when it comes to how to handle the issue of magic. (Also, saying magic is a sin and a sign of the Maker's disfavor does not help their case.) I believe the Chantry and the Templars have become jailers rather than the teachers and mentors I think they could very well be.
I have thought about if I were solving the problem, what would I do:
I think it's ridiculous that mages aren't at least allowed some sort of normal life. Granted, they aren't ordinary people and have a special set of problems to deal with. But, I think instead of punishing them for what they -might- do or manipulating them through fear and terror, why not reward mages who help others, shoe good character, and use magic responsibly?
Think of it like Operant Conditioning (did I spell that right?). We know based on this principle from various studies that punishment is less effective in promoting desired behavior than reinforcements.
(Oh no, not real world logic!) D:
Mages who show good character can be rewarded with freedoms- starting with visiting parent, supervised visits in a village. In adulthood it could lead to a home, the ability to have a family (who isn't taken away from them), less Templar scrutiny provided they can demonstrate that they can be trusted.
In this system, the Chantry wouldn't be directly involved in running the Circle, just there to offer advice and spiritual support if the mage wanted it. The Templars would mostly be there for supervision, but as more of a mentor and adviser and to be there if something should go amiss, instead of keeping mages imprisoned and killing them or making them tranquil for less than ideal reasons. For the most part, mages and even non-mages or non-templars would have some role in managing the Circle, most likely political or even independent
bodies.
Obviously, those who are caught using blood magic or using magic to manipulate and hurt others for self-gain would still be punished.
I know this is mostly wishful thinking, though. But, I think after hearing about Tevinter and seeing Kirkwall I think this would be a much more balanced approach. It's not an ideal solution though, some mages would still want more and try to escape. The possibility of death and Tranquility are still a possibility. And not everyone would agree that this is a balanced or fair approach.
But, in summary, I believe mages are treated horribly. I understand the reasoning behind The Circle of Magi and the Chantry philosophy in regards to magic, at least from the standpoint of that we've seen how dangerous magic can be in the wrong hands. But, the role they have made for themselves and their Templars and how they have been handling the situation is no short of unacceptable. However, Mages are people like anyone else, and with power like that, they do need to be educated and taught to control their powers. But, that doesn't mean they should be stripped away from vital support networks and resources that could help them achieve that end.
The Templars and the Chantry need to change. their is no question about it. New Leadership, New Rules, pretty much a complete strip-down back to square one. Maybe even a schism might be necessary. More power placed to political parties rather than religious ones.
But, I disagree with eradicating them. If so, I think that is no better than the Templars use of the Right of Annulment on a Circle of Magi.
I know that are both people to admire and people to condemn on both sides. It is the same for any group, in any universe, anywhere.
I am in the camp of people who believes what Anders did was aweful. Was it necessary for change? I honestly don't know. I agree with him in ends but I disagree with his methods. Either way, I couldn't change what he did. That didn't mean I had to go along with it, And I could decide what to do with him afterwards. It was one of the hardest decisions in the game for me. It will be even harder when I get the Exiled Prince DLC.
I pity Meredith and Orsino for giving into their worst fears and becoming the very thing they feared the most: possessed by great evil and turning on their comrades. I feel sad the Grand Cleric died, even if she wasn't much help and I tended to clash with her from time to time.
Ok.... so not a summary then. I knind of went overboard, but I think that's the closest thing to what I feel about it right now.
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