And yes, thank you for pointing out that Gaspard wish to reinvade Ferelden would leave the empire vulnerable to Nevarra and would likely end as a horrible disaster for the empire.
With Orlais in a civil war, weakening itself from the inside, I can see Nevarra taking the opportunity to do just that.
Not sure if it has been noticed/mentioned yet, but Belgarion (The Belgariad, The Malloreon, etc.) and Michel both have horses named Cheritenne.
i've never heard of those other series, but cool
Speaking in-character. During the apparent chaotic events of the introduction, my Inquisitor experiences visions, and interprets his ability to close the Veil tears as a charge by the Maker to not only save Orlais, but to lead it as a prophet towards redemption. Of course, I imagine what that redemption entails, and what actions necessitate redemption, will be a large source of contention among the major factions.
Nobility is a lie. To lie is to sin.
"Sunshine, nobility is just an expensive lifestyle"
- Varric Tethras.
Probably. I mean, we did get some much expanded lore on Nevarra last year. We're not going to Nevarra, but Nevarra may come to us.With Orlais in a civil war, weakening itself from the inside, I can see Nevarra taking the opportunity to do just that.
I feel like I have to add my praise for this book here, too ... It's really, really good. Never boring, I had to finish it in two days. And it got me even more excited for DA:I! I so can't wait to find out how to solve all this mess ...
"Sunshine, nobility is just an expensive lifestyle"
- Varric Tethras.
You forge masks, manifestations of your hubris, and cover your faces. But you cannot hide your shame from the Maker.
Restore your faith. Cast off your masks, fall to your knees, and lament.
Not sure if it has been noticed/mentioned yet, but Belgarion (The Belgariad, The Malloreon, etc.) and Michel both have horses named Cheritenne.
I noticed it too! LOVE David Eddings- there was also a mention of a Lady Elspeth (a tip of the hat to Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar series, I'm guessing, since Elspeth is the name of several prominent queens and princesses in that series) and Felassan's name was suspiciously similar to F'lar and Lessa's son Falessan (or F'lessan, after he impressed his bronze) from Anne McCaffery's immortal Pern series. There were a few others in there as well, I just can't bring them to mind at the moment. I just remember appreciating the moments and chuckling over the fact that Mr Weekes and I might have similar taste in literature... or at least in fantasy writers.
I finally had a break from end of term madness yesterday and gleefully settled in to read Masked Empire- it was such a great way to spend my afternoon (and evening) off! Not sure if you ever look at the forums Mr. Weekes, but just in case you do, I IMMENSELY enjoyed reading your book. After Asunder, which I also enjoyed very much, I was a little nervous about reading a Dragon Age novel written by someone other than David Gaider; and I confess that I worried about a Mass Effect-ization of beloved Thedas. However, I was enthralled by the grandeur and politics of Orlais (I am loving hating The Game, just as I did/do in George R.R.'s masterpieces and Robert Jordan's novels... before I got bored of his depiction of every woman as basically exactly the same and gave up on Wheel of Time, that is) and intrigued by the Felassan story line. Also- the fights were great. Really, really great. My only real issue- the chevalier's code seems to be only vaguely defined, and actually appears to contradict itself. In later novels, or lore, or codex entries, or whatever, some added definition to what, exactly, the Code of the Chevalier is would be helpful- especially in defining the Grand Duke's character. As it stands, it is very difficult for me to believe that a man who has lived every bit of his ife by both the letter and spirit of the code as Gaspard apparently has would
I just wanted to add as well that I truly enjoyed The Masked Empire! I care a great deal about the city elves and I find the Dread Wolf fascinating, and getting so much of both in this novel was fantastic! As Blue Gloves mentioned above, if you are reading this thread, Mr. Weekes, thank you from me as well for this novel! 
I'm currently reading the masked empire and i'm enjoying it too ! We have some awesome characters like Felassan and Gaspard.
Here an awesome line that made me laugh hard :
OMG. 
I'm currently reading the masked empire and i'm enjoying it too ! We have some awesome characters like Felassan and Gaspard.
Here an awesome line that made me laugh hard :
Spoiler
OMG.
It wouldn't surprise me if Weekes drew some inspiration from the multitudes of Templar vs Mages threads that infest BSN.
I'm currently reading the masked empire and i'm enjoying it too ! We have some awesome characters like Felassan and Gaspard.
Here an awesome line that made me laugh hard :
Spoiler
OMG.
it is a brilliant strategy when you think about it
Who will be in Higlands? Please under spoiler.
I have no idea what you're talking about.Who will be in Higlands? Please under spoiler.
Nobody knows it.Who will be in Higlands? Please under spoiler.
I have no idea what you're talking about.
Ah, I'd forgotten about that.At PAX Bioware said that in the Highlands (a snowy area with a strong Red templars presence) a character from TME will be present.
Ah, I'd forgotten about that.
Spoiler
I noticed it too! LOVE David Eddings- there was also a mention of a Lady Elspeth (a tip of the hat to Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar series, I'm guessing, since Elspeth is the name of several prominent queens and princesses in that series) and Felassan's name was suspiciously similar to F'lar and Lessa's son Falessan (or F'lessan, after he impressed his bronze) from Anne McCaffery's immortal Pern series. There were a few others in there as well, I just can't bring them to mind at the moment. I just remember appreciating the moments and chuckling over the fact that Mr Weekes and I might have similar taste in literature... or at least in fantasy writers.
also- just remembered- "Call me Imshael" I chuckled. Even though Moby Dick is one of the only 3 novels I have ever in my life begun, but been unable to finish (I mean, honestly! How Melville managed to make an obsessive captain piloting a diverse crew into hell to chase his demons in the form of a man eating whit whale boring, I can't explain, but he managed) I still chuckled at that line.
I was finally able to finish The Masked Empire yesterday and wow. Think I'm still trying to recover from what happened. It was amazing.
I didn't think it was possible for me to hate Orlais more than I did. The Game, nobles always wearing masks, fancy parties.... Fascinating to actually read about it and see The Game in action so to speak. Like some others have expressed, I'll stay in Ferelden with the dogs and not so fancy cooking.
The characters were quite complex with all the gray. I enjoyed how there is no clear cut right/wrong. Gaspard surprised me as I didn't expect to garner any sort of respect for him but alas, I did. Still not sure if I like him or not but I respect him.
Gotta mention Felassan. He was entertaining and his dialogue made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion. My fav character from the book and not just because I found him entertaining. I found him to be a puzzle and was waiting for him to stab someone in the back but he never did. Mysterious that one is.
To be honest, I'm not sure I'm in favor of pro-elven freedom. The problem with the Dales when the elves were their own nation is that they isolated themselves. This led to the elves having no human allies which made it easy for the Chantry to demonize them. I prefer what happened in Ferelden after the 5th blight, that the city elves be given their own noble who can legally advocate for elven rights in court. This is part of why Briala wanted to work with Celene.
That said, while I like Celene, if she did killed Briala parents to protect her claim to the throne then she is a horribly ruthless person. I just don't think what happened in Halamshiral was heavy handed. In fact, I found her handing of the situation as more cautious then she needed to be out of real concern and sympathy for the elves. She knew they were only rebelling because of one dumb noble who she wished she had just a little more time to get rid off.
I know how you feel buddy. Reading this book has left me with a strong desire to burn every Orlesian noble house to the ground. I really despise this "grand game" of theirs and I can't express it strongly enough with words.
I prefer impalement, the Draka way, with a stake that if you stand on tip-toes doesn't kill you, but if you let that slip, condemns you to the slow death of ruptured bowels. Ten of those every milestone through out the nation should send a strong enough message.
After reading TME, I'm left wondering if the Briala and Felassan rescue scene is a prelude to how combat in DA:I can be, with our archer climbing up to high vantage points to rain down their arrows and stuff. (And anyone else hoping their mage gets a "collapsible" staff like Fel? Finally, a way to be inconspicuous.)
Also, am I the only one expecting
After reading TME, I'm left wondering if the Briala and Felassan rescue scene is a prelude to how combat in DA:I can be, with our archer climbing up to high vantage points to rain down their arrows and stuff. (And anyone else hoping their mage gets a "collapsible" staff like Fel? Finally, a way to be inconspicuous.)
Also, am I the only one expecting
Spoiler
i always laughed in da2 when i'd have a four way mage party walking around (in act one), and no one could figure it out despite the robes and staves.
i always laughed in da2 when i'd have a four way mage party walking around (in act one), and no one could figure it out despite the robes and staves.
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