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The Grey Wardens and the Qunari (Question for writers and discussion).


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#1
KnightofPhoenix

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We all know that the Qunari are a force to be recknoned with. Physically powerful and technologically advanced, it took multiple exalted march to push them back. So I ask. Were the Grey Wardens interested in recruiting Qunari into their ranks, and / or form a treaty with them? Surely, the Qun's power and technology must have interested the Wardens, as a weapon against future blights.

This also makes me wonder. Did the Wardens participate in the Exalted marches against the Qunari? On one hand, the Qunari invaded nations in Thedas where the Grey Wardens were present, so I can imagine them fighting the invaders. On the otherhand, the Wardens are only (or mostly) interested in the Blight. So how much were they involved in the wars against the Qunari?

The Qunari have been in Thedas for 4 centuries. And their power adn technology is impressive. Did the Grey Wardens attempt to negotiate with the Qunari? Seeing that the Qun do not know much, or anything, about the Blight (Sten was sent to gather info about this), the answer is probably no. But did the Wardens at least try to make contact and explain their purpose? Or did they not see that the Qunari can be powerful allies against future blights?

EDIT: By Qunari, I do not mean individual rebel Qunaris (it is poissible that some were recruited). But rather the Qunari as a nation and Empire.

Modifié par KnightofPhoenix, 21 janvier 2010 - 07:48 .


#2
Bhatair

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I think if they tried, the Qunari would quickly turn it around by trying to 'recruit' the Grey Wardens themselves.

#3
Giles_Warrior_Champion

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Ya I've wondered about this actually. Why you couldn't choose to be a Qunari because they are pretty awesome on the game like you said, Incredibly strong, and technologically advanced. Makes for a pretty powerful ally.

#4
Eruanna Guerrein

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Because they aren't a part of Ferelden, I'm sure. Sten hints at the Qunari invading Ferelden one day though. I have a feeling we'll be getting to know them much better in the future.

#5
KnightofPhoenix

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It is possible that the Qunari refused to negotiate at all. But we know from Sten that the Qunari accept foreign traders and he didn't specify if they were converted or not. Some traders came from Antiva, so most likely not. Plus, the PC can go with Sten to his homeland. That shows that the Qunari are not completely isolated. I do not see them refusing to meet with a Warden and allowing him to make his case. Perhaps they would not believe him. But did the Wardens attempt to establish a treaty with the Qunari? Because that's the rational and sound thing to do.

#6
KnightofPhoenix

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Eruanna Guerrein wrote...

Because they aren't a part of Ferelden, I'm sure. Sten hints at the Qunari invading Ferelden one day though. I have a feeling we'll be getting to know them much better in the future.


They are in Thedas. The Grey Wardens are present in all nations of Thedas. My question was if the Wardens have attempted to ally with the Qunari and make a treaty with them. It doesn't have much to do with the game itself, just the lore (and maybe the sequel, I hope).

#7
cachx

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The way the Qunari are portrayed, it seems they would not go out "seeking adventure" (there are a few mercenaries here and there...).

And joining The Wardens seems unlikely, as they must see them as a potential enemy, or a threat. Because the Qunari WILL start a war, it's just a matter of when.

#8
Skadi_the_Evil_Elf

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Given unyielding dogmatic nature of the Qun, and their mentality of "you will be assimilated, whether you want it or not" it is highly unlikely any sort of negotiation is possible. The qunari are not exactly the negotiating type. You either accept the Qun, or you die/get sent to a labor camp. I've seen no evidence in the game that the qunari have any alliances themselves. Given that the entire of qunari society is basically and completely ruled bu the Qun, I doubt the qunari would accept such an arangement.



With human lands, the Chantry is not an all encompassing philosophy. Human society has a dogmatic religion, but has a more secular government where kings and nobles run the show. The Chantry really only has authority over mages. Dwarven and Dalish societies are also similar, in that they have religion that doesn't rule over all aspects of society. Thus, getting these entities to sign treaties for the Blight is alot easier.



Given qunari views on caste/place in the collective, I do not think that such an idea is compatible with the Grey warden right of conscription and attitude of accepting anyone.



I'm sure the Grey Wardens might have sent emmissaries or something, but the success of such a gesture I think would be unlikely.

#9
KnightofPhoenix

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They seem to have some relation with Rivain (whether Rivain is directly ruled by the Qunari or is a vassal state is unclear, but they didn't seem to make everyone a Qun convert). And they accept traders. So I do not think they are completely un-diplomatic and isolationist. But yes I can imagine them not trusting the Wardens, and certainly not allowing Qunaris to become Wardens. I am curious however, as to what the Wardens think of the Qunari.

#10
Eruanna Guerrein

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KnightofPhoenix wrote...

Eruanna Guerrein wrote...

Because they aren't a part of Ferelden, I'm sure. Sten hints at the Qunari invading Ferelden one day though. I have a feeling we'll be getting to know them much better in the future.


They are in Thedas. The Grey Wardens are present in all nations of Thedas. My question was if the Wardens have attempted to ally with the Qunari and make a treaty with them. It doesn't have much to do with the game itself, just the lore (and maybe the sequel, I hope).


I was actually responding to Giles' post about having a Qunari origin. I know some Quns are in Ferelden but I believe most of them are rebels. From what I understand, when the Qunari come, they invade.

I think the GWs trying to recruit the Qunari would be a great idea. I haven't seen anything to determine whether they have already or not though.

#11
Herr Uhl

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They ought to be interested, but Qunari are not the best diplomats there are. The Qunari have yet to see a blight, so they would have no need of GW. Sten's quest might have been a first step in their own investigation



And the ones that are left are the Qunari gone rogue, and they are probably not the easiest thing to get a hold of.



And it's about 300 years, not 4 centuries.

#12
Skadi_the_Evil_Elf

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KnightofPhoenix wrote...

They seem to have some relation with Rivain (whether Rivain is directly ruled by the Qunari or is a vassal state is unclear, but they didn't seem to make everyone a Qun convert). And they accept traders. So I do not think they are completely un-diplomatic and isolationist. But yes I can imagine them not trusting the Wardens, and certainly not allowing Qunaris to become Wardens. I am curious however, as to what the Wardens think of the Qunari.



The Grey wardens, as it is said, recruit anyone, so I'm sure that in times past, several Warden commanders certainly entertained, perhaps even tried, the idea of some sort of treaty. The qunari are fearsome warriors, and are extremely single minded when given direction and orders, which a Warden Commander would find very useful. They are unlikely to allow personal issues get in the way of their goal. But the society as a whole and the lack of flexibility amongst the qunari could prove to be problematic, as it takes alot more than great prowess and dedication to the cause to be a Warden.

Rivain was once occupied by the Qunari, hence their continued relationship. When the qunari were driven out, many of the people of Rivain did not convert back to the Chantry, but remained qun believers. Thus, the common bond of beliefs ties them together.

#13
Mary Kirby

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KnightofPhoenix wrote...

This also makes me wonder. Did the Wardens participate in the Exalted marches against the Qunari? On one hand, the Qunari invaded nations in Thedas where the Grey Wardens were present, so I can imagine them fighting the invaders. On the otherhand, the Wardens are only (or mostly) interested in the Blight. So how much were they involved in the wars against the Qunari?


Wardens don't participate in Exalted Marches.  They don't care if the country they're in gets invaded.   They are politically
neutral -- they don't go to war unless it is against darkspawn.  This is crucial for them: They can't count on the support of the nations of Thedas in the event of a Blight if they start picking sides in territorial or religious wars.  They'd be in danger of losing the Right of Conscription as well.

The Qunari have been in Thedas for 4 centuries. And their power adn technology is impressive. Did the Grey Wardens attempt to negotiate with the Qunari? Seeing that the Qun do not know much, or anything, about the Blight (Sten was sent to gather info about this), the answer is probably no. But did the Wardens at least try to make contact and explain their purpose? Or did they not see that the Qunari can be powerful allies against future blights?

EDIT: By Qunari, I do not mean individual rebel Qunaris (it is poissible that some were recruited). But rather the Qunari as a nation and Empire.


The Qunari of Par Vollen would probably allow at least some talks with the Wardens, but if there is anything the Qunari are incapable of, it's political neutrality.  They wouldn't even try to pretend to be doing that.  Would they be willing to put aside their own interests in order to fight the common enemy that the Blight represents?  Maybe, but a) They don't currently know what Blights are, so persuading them to do that would have been really trickyB) Even if they understood the danger, and agreed to help fight and not conquer anybody afterward, you'd never in a million years persuade any country where a Blight was starting to let them in.  Nobody (except maybe Rivain) is filled with joy by the sight of the antaam massing on their doorstep.

Modifié par Mary Kirby, 21 janvier 2010 - 08:58 .


#14
KnightofPhoenix

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Thank you Mary for your response.

Yes I figured it would be difficult to have the Qunari as allies, and the others to accept them. But the Wardens did manage to convince Orlais and Tevinter to unite their efforts against the blight, despite the animosity between the two. So I do not think it's impossible. But of course the Qunari need to witness a blight, or even be invaded by it, for them to consider the option.

Also, they do seem interested in knowing more about the blight. That was Sten's purpose. So I don't think they are oblivious to it. I think the Qunari would be willing to fight alongside the Wardens, should a massive epic Blight like those in the old days happen. Or mayeb that's wishful thinking.

Modifié par KnightofPhoenix, 21 janvier 2010 - 09:06 .


#15
Herr Uhl

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Well, if Sten reports back to the antaam about the danger of blights, would they try and get GW of their own?



And in that case, how would they go about it?

#16
KnightofPhoenix

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I don't think Sten knows how a Grey Warden is made precicely. He might know about the ritual and the taint, but not the details.

#17
Bhatair

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Possibly, although it's possible to never rescue Sten from Lothering. So now we get into the whole "what is canon and what isn't?" conundrum.

#18
Herr Uhl

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KnightofPhoenix wrote...

I don't think Sten knows how a Grey Warden is made precicely. He might know about the ritual and the taint, but not the details.


Yes, that was the second part. Would they allow magi to research into it and try to make their own, invade and force the knowledge out of GW or try and make a deal with the GW?

#19
KnightofPhoenix

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The Qunari hate magic and anythign involved with it. The taint is almost magical in nature. I am not sure the Qunari would like their men becoming tainted.

#20
Mary Kirby

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Herr Uhl wrote...

Well, if Sten reports back to the antaam about the danger of blights, would they try and get GW of their own?

And in that case, how would they go about it?


Well, the simplest solution would be to assimilate-- er, open negotiations with the Grey Wardens.  What would come of that, however, is anybody's guess.  

#21
Bhatair

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Those quirky Qunari, what will they conquer next?

#22
cachx

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Herr Uhl wrote...

Well, if Sten reports back to the antaam about the danger of blights, would they try and get GW of their own?

And in that case, how would they go about it?


Assuming the rituals were not kept secret by your character or Alistair :P
Also, aren't Ogres supposed to be from Qunari-Broodmothers? they must have encountered at least some small bands of darkspawn before.

#23
Mary Kirby

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My suggestion to any Grey Warden commanders trying to persuade the Qunari to let them take potential recruits out of Seheron and Par Vollen: Bring a lot of baked goods.  If the Arishok ends talks and throws you out, just lay a trail of cookies outside the city, and wait for recruits to come to you...

#24
Bhatair

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Perhaps Qunari broodmothers are the product of rogue Qunari who abandon the Qun, the ones which we meet in game who are simply labeled as 'Qunari mercenary'.

Edit: Aaah, the power of sweet crunchy baked goods :wub:

Modifié par Bhatair, 21 janvier 2010 - 09:21 .


#25
Herr Uhl

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Those silly Qunari and their fascination with baked goods.



Is sugar against the Qun or something?