This would be the comic:
Not dissimilar from the fanart, but then the woman above is not a warrior, or a fighter of any kind.
The straps are a lot wider. I think the fan art straps just look as if they are there to cover nipples rather than keep breasts under control when moving. The lower armour is also less V shaped and higher. Thanks for posting, puts perspective on things.
You're surprised that a thread full of women who want equal treatment and respect for women in games roll their eyes at a battle bikini picture? Really? There's nothing wrong with being sexy, or even wearing skimpy clothing. There are places and times where this is appropriate such as the beach, a nightclub, etc...and places where it's not appropriate such as in combat. As for objectification, sexual objectification is all about treating a person as a sexual object with no regard for their dignity so yes, this kind of thing applies. Such a picture tells us nothing about her personality or skills and is there to tantalize male viewers. Her attire makes no practical sense even from a barbarian "I don't wear armor" perspective. Large breasts like that are painful when running without an extreme amount of support (I'm talking 3 layered tight sports bras or some actual binding here) and those two straps she has on the upper part of her breasts offer no support. In addition, large breasts swinging free (and lets be real, they would fall out of that flimsy harness in 2 seconds) really throw off your balance. Any smart fighter would bind them down.
I spend an inordinate amount of money on supportive bras for this reason, and even then running downstairs is never a good plan 
I think binding them very tightly would be the only real way for me to do anything strenuous, so I can't imagine it being much different even for mythical warriors with gravity-defying figures 
Archery, darts, etc- they're not brilliant with large breasts either. Their primary purpose appears to be getting in the way at inopportune times, and serving as a gravity well for icing sugar
This would be the comic:
Not dissimilar from the fanart, but then the woman above is not a warrior, or a fighter of any kind.
To me Rasaan's (sp?) outfit screams "valuable property of the Qun"
Jewels, assets displayed, bulky collar- commonly attributed in depictions to women in rigid social circumstances, generally controlled by a higher 'authority', but of course in warmer climates.
Proto-martial sapects like the gauntlets show that she is from a martial culture but the amount of exposed skin indicates that she is not expected to defend herself. It's a revealing outfit in more ways than one.
Since the Qun does not allow for female warriors, it does make me wonder how a female Vashoth warrior would choose to dress, looking at the influences available to them.
You're surprised that a thread full of women who want equal treatment and respect for women in games roll their eyes at a battle bikini picture? Really? There's nothing wrong with being sexy, or even wearing skimpy clothing. There are places and times where this is appropriate such as the beach, a nightclub, etc...and places where it's not appropriate such as in combat. As for objectification, sexual objectification is all about treating a person as a sexual object with no regard for their dignity so yes, this kind of thing applies. Such a picture tells us nothing about her personality or skills and is there to tantalize male viewers. Her attire makes no practical sense even from a barbarian "I don't wear armor" perspective. Large breasts like that are painful when running without an extreme amount of support (I'm talking 3 layered tight sports bras or some actual binding here) and those two straps she has on the upper part of her breasts offer no support. In addition, large breasts swinging free (and lets be real, they would fall out of that flimsy harness in 2 seconds) really throw off your balance. Any smart fighter would bind them down.
Never bind graceful beast Freedom!!!!
Since the Qun does not allow for female warriors, it does make me wonder how a female Vashoth warrior would choose to dress, looking at the influences available to them.
Look at Sten's Arishok outfit:
He is the supreme military commander of the Qunari, yet he doesn't dress all that differently from Rasaan. I think we can safely assume Qunari don't wear a lot of armor, or clothes for that matter, which makes sense given that they live in a jungle 
Look at Sten's Arishok outfit:
He is the supreme military commander of the Qunari, yet he doesn't dress all that differently from Rasaan. I think we can safely assume Qunari don't wear a lot of armor, or clothes for that matter, which makes sense given that they live in a jungle
Yes but Orlais is far from a jungle I'd rather my Qun!Quisitor didn't get frostbite anywhere sensitive
As much as dressing and moving lightly does make sense in the hot, humid conditions of a jungle, where too much armour would make moving through the environment difficult, I still think a female Qunari would need a little more support than a selection of straps up top. Large breasts are very heavy, among all the movement concerns. I envisage some kind of bindings first, then if crossed straps really are a national costume they'd have to be very tight, and clipped in at the back.
I've never minded Rasaan's outfit purely because all the male qunari also walk around without shirts on. But the lack of binding is still an issue because it's so obviously impractical to anybody with breasts. I remember looking at a cosplay of Rasaan once, and the cosplayer noted that she almost slipped out just from her partner's arm brushing up against her a little too hard when they posed for a photo.
It's just as silly as Jack's leather straps covering her nipples. If you tried to move around in either of these things, you'd be exposed in half a second.
I've never minded Rasaan's outfit purely because all the male qunari also walk around without shirts on. But the lack of binding is still an issue because it's so obviously impractical to anybody with breasts. I remember looking at a cosplay of Rasaan once, and the cosplayer noted that she almost slipped out just from her partner's arm brushing up against her a little too hard when they posed for a photo.
It's just as silly as Jack's leather straps covering her nipples. If you tried to move around in either of these things, you'd be exposed in half a second.
Maybe Qunari women and Jack just use a lot of boob glue you never know 
I've never minded Rasaan's outfit purely because all the male qunari also walk around without shirts on. But the lack of binding is still an issue because it's so obviously impractical to anybody with breasts. I remember looking at a cosplay of Rasaan once, and the cosplayer noted that she almost slipped out just from her partner's arm brushing up against her a little too hard when they posed for a photo.
It's just as silly as Jack's leather straps covering her nipples. If you tried to move around in either of these things, you'd be exposed in half a second.
I'm going to guess the concept artists didn't have breasts
I do like the straps, in a purely aesthetic fashion even xD, simply because I think they fit much better (with the culture, the weather, and the rest of the outfit) than the standard bras you'll see all other women wearing. Men wear the same straps too, so I think it makes perfect sense the Qunari wouldn't care about having men and women dress all that differently.
I just can't think of any alternative that works just as well, so maybe some modifications to make it more practical are in order?
The more you know: In medieval times, some cultures went to war naked. Did you ever see 300? Did you know that the armor is authentic to the time, including some of the not so armored Persians? I get that you want to comment on "oversexualized", but lets not confuse that with authenticity of armor. In the screenshot, yeah, I don't think I'd go out of my way to procure that armor for anyone, but frankly, if she put on some pants, and went into battle topless, it wouldn't be inconsistent with reality, it has been done before, out here in the real world, although it has been a few centuries for some. The reality is, some people couldn't afford, or weren't allowed to own armor, or weapons for that matter, particularly, the invention of things like kamas, which are adaptations of farming implements for cultures where owning a sword would get them killed outright. When the bandits raided their villages, or tyrannical governments(but what's the difference really)they didn't shout: Wait, I have to go put my armor on before I can fight.
I stand by my assertion that full plate was invented by Europeans that didn't want to break a nail during combat, and that means the men.
Actually most Spartans wore armor consisting of the typical hoplite armor worn by most other Greeks of the time- and they certainly would have done so for a planned battle like the one at Thermopylae. Actual "Spartan warriors" and not their Helot slaves were the elite of Spartan society and would've been unlikely to go unprepared into battle at all if given a choice. And using the "She might not have the money for real armor" excuse seems a little ridiculous since A- we can clearly see that she can afford the bracers, gloves, and shoulder guards (would those be considered pauldrons?) but somehow, inexplicably, not a breast plate? and B- we already know she is the Inquisitor- gatherer of armies and leader of most of Free Thedas, if she can afford Vivienne, she can probably afford armor that at least covers her very nicely drawn abs. Additionally, I would just like to point out that I never said that going into battle half naked was historically inaccurate, just imprudent. I will reiterate that I think that the male Qunari redesign was a tad heavy on the half-naked-barbarian-berserker trope, but at least their design seems to be a concession to the heat of Seheron and a philosophy of fearlessness in battle and not an overt attempt at sexualizing them- not that I would expect Bioware to do such a thing anyway. I stand by my original statements which were exactly these: " I think anyone planning on melee combat who doesn't take basic precautions- like guarding against superficial cuts which can distract you during combat, cause a lack of focus and other issues due to sudden (if mild) blood loss, and can end up leading to less superficial wounds- is sacrificing rather a lot for vanity," and "I mean, why did Arvaraad wear a helmet? He didn't even have a shirt! Surely any competent opponent would just aim for the heart, ribs, or guts? All a helmet could really do is impair vision. However, its not my game, and DA2 set the precedent for scantily clad Qunari warriors, so the most I'm really looking for is a lack of overt sexualization for no other reason than to be eye candy."
I would say this much.
To assume something is offensive, objectified, or just wrong because it has sexualized traits would be the real act of sexism.
No one should be ashamed because the decided to dress sexy for an occasion and neither should anyone feel ashamed if there are depictions of sexuality.
It's kind of like claiming someone got raped because they dressed sexy. In this case it seems some of the arguments I'm feeling in here is that someone has been objectified because they are sexy. That's just seems like a horribly sexist perception even if it comes from a female.
What? No. Nothing I said has anything, at all, in common with "claiming someone got raped because they dressed sexy" and I never claimed that dressing scantily is bad, wrong, or any way shameful. I live in Hawaii for Heaven's sake, if I was really such a prude, I'm fairly certain I would've blinded myself by now. What I said, exactly, was: "Not to disparage some fan's lovely art skills- but why in Heaven's name is that Kossith woman half nude? What possible reason could there be for the shoulder guards and bracers when her entire core is exposed?" And I stand by it. Sexuality and being sexy is one thing, I have no problem, for example, with Morrigan's attire, she was a mage, didn't engage in melee combat, and her clothes were a big part of her personality; but showcasing a woman in a completely impossible battle bikini with strange, elbow and shoulder protecting armor, posed with her hip cocked out and her breasts prominently displayed while her male companions stand around looking tough and ready for a fight is an issue. Battle-time and sexy-time are two separate and distinct things. If a warrior fights in the nude, is he or she sexualized? No. If every other member of a group/battle party/comic/picture/whatever is clothed for battle and ready to go, and the female in the picture is wearing armor inconsistent with her colleagues and posed in a provocative manner, is she sexualized? Yes, and you know what? I'm allowed to think that that sucks without being accused of "shaming" anyone.
In previous games the Inquisitor could take his/her clothes off anytime. So technically, you would see everything excluding his/her private parts. On the topic of sexualized clothing, I usually like to point out a couple of things:
- I fail to see how sexualization is demeaning to a character. Yet again, is just an expression of his/her experiences and/or personality. Plenty of people "sexualize" themselves by choosing to dress as far from conservative as possible, and that goes for both genders. For all we know, that picture was drawn by a woman (although I agree the opposite is maybe more likely). Isn't saying that sexy=bad kind of offensive toward people who like looking sexy, again from both genders?
- The practicality issue. I pointed out in some other thread that historically, many groups when to battle with very little if any armor. And quite often, this wasn't a matter of armor not being available, but a choice not to wear it. The most extreme example are the Picts, who had both male and female warriors who went to battle naked. The Romans never were able to conquer the naked barbarians nevertheless, despite having the best army of their time. How embarrassing.
Pretty much everything I said above applies here, but I just want to add that, if I was reading a story about everyone going into battle naked, or even just Qunari going into battle half-dressed, I would have no issues with the "sexuality" of the matter, I'd just think they were silly for leaving themselves open to a lot of superficial, unnecessary injuries. Nudity does not bother me, nor does dressing sexily. I don't head out for my morning paddle in a turtle neck and kulots, after all 
. Similarly, it absolutely doesn't bother me when men or women think a character or a person is sexy. Its not a crime to like breasts (thank the Maker!) or to admire someone's well muscled physique (I freely admit to being mesmerized by Varric's... well, you know). What bothers me is when a fantasy world, or art of same, depicts a caste of male characters as dressing and acting in one way, and then props up a provocatively posed, scantily clad female who's supposed to a warrior or rogue type (I'm guessing the Kossith in question is supposed to be a rogue, judging by the little dagger she's holding up) but who would clearly be incapable of doing her job, both because her attire is inadequate to the task and because she's probably suffering from an inordinate amount of back pain due to the unnatural way she stands with both her buttocks and breasts shoved out at weird angles. To be fair, I'm pretty certain I'd have the same issue if a male was treated in the same manner- I'd hate to imagine my son as nothing more than a piece of meat to be ogled at for his looks but dismissed as a meaningful human being in any other way.
The straps are a lot wider. I think the fan art straps just look as if they are there to cover nipples rather than keep breasts under control when moving. The lower armour is also less V shaped and higher. Thanks for posting, puts perspective on things.
Trust me, those things could barely keep breasts under control when moving. An ex had an outfit like that, and she certainly didn't wear it for the purpose of going outside and meeting people.
Pretty much everything I said above applies here, but I just want to add that, if I was reading a story about everyone going into battle naked, or even just Qunari going into battle half-dressed, I would have no issues with the "sexuality" of the matter, I'd just think they were silly for leaving themselves open to a lot of superficial, unnecessary injuries. Nudity does not bother me, nor does dressing sexily. I don't head out for my morning paddle in a turtle neck and kulots, after all
But that a character wears suggestive clothing or adopts equally suggestive poses doesn't say anything about his/her combat skills. Is it that hard to believe (within a fictional story) that a skilled but extremely arrogant fighter wouldn't use armor or would use it in a very inconsistent way? Or that a rogue whose fighting style relied more on speed and/or stealth would do the same? Or that a character who is a showoff in every possible way not only has a very flashy fighting style but also stands around looking hot when not in combat? My issue comes from sexy=weak.
The woman in the fanart is already wearing more armor than most companions in DA. Non-warriors rarely bother getting any armor at all. In the very same image, Iron Bull and Varric aren't any more protected than her, that I can see.
But that a character wears suggestive clothing or adopts equally suggestive poses doesn't say anything about his/her combat skills. Is it that hard to believe (within a fictional story) that a skilled but extremely arrogant fighter wouldn't use armor or would use it in a very inconsistent way? Or that a rogue whose fighting style relied more on speed and/or stealth would do the same? Or that a character who is a showoff in every possible way not only has a very flashy fighting style but also stands around looking hot when not in combat? My issue comes from sexy=weak.
The woman in the fanart is already wearing more armor than most companions in DA. Non-warriors rarely bother getting any armor at all. In the very same image, Iron Bull and Varric aren't any more protected than her, that I can see.
You honestly don't think that Varric is less likely to incur any superficial damage, or that Iron Bull is less likely to incur said damage in a place that could prove incredibly distracting due to his anatomy? And I would argue that the outfit in question says quite a bit about one's knowledge of battle. There is no possible way that a warrior/rogue/or even a secretary who rarely leaves her desk could possibly move comfortably with that top on. Unlike some of the other female posters, I am not possessed of very large breasts, but even my chest aches at the thought of attempting to maneuver a simple set of stairs in those straps, forget about a battle or a long ruckmarch!
Also (this is said with absolutely no snark or sarcasm intended; I want to know, so I can correct the problem) where, in any post I have made, does it appear to you that I have equated sexy with weak? I certainly have my laundry list of faults and biases, but I never imagined that that was one of them. If it is, I need to do some serious self-examination on the issue, b/c I 100% do not believe that sexy=weak.
The woman in the fanart is already wearing more armor than most companions in DA.
Well, she's certainly wearing more armor than Isabela, at least, or any of the mages (except for Merril's armor in Act 3, if you've romanced her, of course) but that was not my point. My point is that the only armor she is wearing doesn't seem to serve much of a purpose. I find it puzzling that anyone would wear large, restrictive shoulder guards (pauldrons?), heavy bracers, and gloves into battle without bothering to protect her breasts or stomach. I know from experience just how painful an accidental scratch on an unprotected upper portion of the breast can be when its caused by an overly enthusiastic dachshund puppy- I can't image the distraction of a dagger or sword wound there, even a shallow, superficial one.
You honestly don't think that Varric is less likely to incur any superficial damage, or that Iron Bull is less likely to incur said damage in a place that could prove incredibly distracting due to his anatomy?
Not particularly, no. Swords cut through cloth as if it were butter.
And I would argue that the outfit in question says quite a bit about one's knowledge of battle. There is no possible way that a warrior/rogue/or even a secretary who rarely leaves her desk could possibly move comfortably with that top on. Unlike some of the other female posters, I am not possessed of very large breasts, but even my chest aches at the thought of attempting to maneuver a simple set of stairs in those straps, forget about a battle or a long ruckmarch!
I agree the straps are very problematic. I thought I had made that clear before, my bad. The same could be said of the weird looking, low cut leggings, though that is easily solved by having it be more uniform and higher. It's the rest of the outfit I fail to see a problem with.
Also (this is said with absolutely no snark or sarcasm intended; I want to know, so I can correct the problem) where, in any post I have made, does it appear to you that I have equated sexy with weak? I certainly have my laundry list of faults and biases, but I never imagined that that was one of them. If it is, I need to do some serious self-examination on the issue, b/c I 100% do not believe that sexy=weak.
I was referring to when you said she is clearly incapable of doing her job because of her clothes and her pose. I pointed out that how someone dresses and stands doesn't say anything about their skill in combat. That's it. I didn't mean to offend 
This is not about finding other people "sexy" or not. It's about how people choose to present themselves. If a character is sexualized, the implication is that the character chose to dress and act that way within the story. That does says something about the character, therefore sexualization is not just about titilliation.
Well, she's certainly wearing more armor than Isabela, at least, or any of the mages (except for Merril's armor in Act 3, if you've romanced her, of course) but that was not my point. My point is that the only armor she is wearing doesn't seem to serve much of a purpose. I find it puzzling that anyone would wear large, restrictive shoulder guards (pauldrons?), heavy bracers, and gloves into battle without bothering to protect her breasts or stomach. I know from experience just how painful an accidental scratch on an unprotected upper portion of the breast can be when its caused by an overly enthusiastic dachshund puppy- I can't image the distraction of a dagger or sword wound there, even a shallow, superficial one.
Gladiator armor is like that. Sure, they didn't choose to wear it themselves, but my point is armor like that exists and there are people that, for one reason or another, would use it. You're assuming everyone's prudent, and that every skilled fighter is.
Get my point?
Well, she's certainly wearing more armor than Isabela, at least, or any of the mages (except for Merril's armor in Act 3, if you've romanced her, of course) but that was not my point. My point is that the only armor she is wearing doesn't seem to serve much of a purpose. I find it puzzling that anyone would wear large, restrictive shoulder guards (pauldrons?), heavy bracers, and gloves into battle without bothering to protect her breasts or stomach. I know from experience just how painful an accidental scratch on an unprotected upper portion of the breast can be when its caused by an overly enthusiastic dachshund puppy- I can't image the distraction of a dagger or sword wound there, even a shallow, superficial one.
Actually, Merrill always had on almost full-body armor. It was just chainmail that she wore under her robes.
I wouldn't mind seeing my femquis wearing the same armor that Flemeth wore in DA2.
Gladiator armor is like that. Sure, they didn't choose to wear it themselves, but my point is armor like that exists and there are people that, for one reason or another, would use it. You're assuming everyone's prudent, and that every skilled fighter is.
Get my point?
I get your point, but gladiator armor is decidedly not like that. Gladiator armor differed depending on the caserma dei gladiatori or the ludus they belonged to, and the major point of that style of combat was not war, or even the attempt to win a street fight. It was entertainment and the opponents were armored, or not, according to the type of fight desired by the crowd or owners. Even so, it is doubtful that any gladiator, anywhere, would've worn such comprehensive armor on his or arms and shoulders, but none elsewhere. Such a thing wouldve likely been more a hindrance to arena combat than an advantage. I think that gladiator armor has very little bearing on this discussion however, since the Inquisitor will, presumably, not be fighting in a ring for the entertainment of Tevinter Dominae and Domini. If this turns out not to be true, and the Kossith in question fights and poses solely at the discretion of her masters, I will, of course, amend my way of thinking 
Actually, Merrill always had on almost full-body armor. It was just chainmail that she wore under her robes.
yep- you're right- Merril's pretty well armored, especially for a mage who doesn't enagage (on purpose) in direct melee combat. Serves to strengthen my point.
I get your point, but gladiator armor is decidedly not like that. Gladiator armor differed depending on the caserma dei gladiatori or the ludus they belonged to, and the major point of that style of combat was not war, or even the attempt to win a street fight. It was entertainment and the opponents were armored, or not, according to the type of fight desired by the crowd or owners. Even so, it is doubtful that any gladiator, anywhere, would've worn such comprehensive armor on his or arms and shoulders, but none elsewhere. Such a thing wouldve likely been more a hindrance to arena combat than an advantage. I think that gladiator armor has very little bearing on this discussion however, since the Inquisitor will, presumably, not be fighting in a ring for the entertainment of Tevinter Dominae and Domini. If this turns out not to be true, and the Kossith in question fights and poses solely at the discretion of her masters, I will, of course, amend my way of thinking
I know, I know... I simply meant that at least some types of gladiator armor don't include protection for the chest. I'm aware it's a skin deep comparison at best.
yep- you're right- Merril's pretty well armored, especially for a mage who doesn't enagage (on purpose) in direct melee combat. Serves to strengthen my point.
On the other hand, Morrigan is dressed in rags, and Wynne, Anders, Velanna, Vivienne, and Dorian dress in the most impractical clothing known to Thedas: the much dreaded.... ROBES!!! Also, Varric, Isabela, Cole and Leliana (in DA2 and DAI) don't wear any armor, and Sera's and Zevran's are only boiled leather.
I don't even know why warriors bother with armor at this point
Actually, Merrill always had on almost full-body armor. It was just chainmail that she wore under her robes.
Would not recommend that without padding it chafes badly. Having chainmail driven into your flesh could cause more damage than no armour at all.
Without something like this under it, your asking for trouble.
No idea why her armpits are expsosed, as I've never seen chainmail made like that, it's always been a shirt or hauberk. The gaps make less sense than bikini armour.
You honestly don't think that Varric is less likely to incur any superficial damage, or that Iron Bull is less likely to incur said damage in a place that could prove incredibly distracting due to his anatomy? And I would argue that the outfit in question says quite a bit about one's knowledge of battle. There is no possible way that a warrior/rogue/or even a secretary who rarely leaves her desk could possibly move comfortably with that top on. Unlike some of the other female posters, I am not possessed of very large breasts, but even my chest aches at the thought of attempting to maneuver a simple set of stairs in those straps, forget about a battle or a long ruckmarch!
Also (this is said with absolutely no snark or sarcasm intended; I want to know, so I can correct the problem) where, in any post I have made, does it appear to you that I have equated sexy with weak? I certainly have my laundry list of faults and biases, but I never imagined that that was one of them. If it is, I need to do some serious self-examination on the issue, b/c I 100% do not believe that sexy=weak.
Well as someone with big breasts yeah I wouldn't be jumping around in that.
Nor would I in Isabela's outfit to be frank.
Not particularly, no. Swords cut through cloth as if it were butter.
I agree the straps are very problematic. I thought I had made that clear before, my bad. The same could be said of the weird looking, low cut leggings, though that is easily solved by having it be more uniform and higher. It's the rest of the outfit I fail to see a problem with.
I was referring to when you said she is clearly incapable of doing her job because of her clothes and her pose. I pointed out that how someone dresses and stands doesn't say anything about their skill in combat. That's it. I didn't mean to offend
Not offended- just making sure . Id hate to get so cemented in my own views that I fail to identify and attempt to correct their inherent flaws.
I still think that the Kossith in question would absolutely be incapable, or at least severely hindered, of doing her job (if she's a rogue) while dressed that way. Performing acrobatic maneuvers in that costume would be painful and difficult. Standing in that way for a prolonged period of time would also cause muscle fatigue and pain, and, in severe cases, joint misalignment and warped posture. I did not mean to imply that a person who dresses all sexi-fied when off the job is anything less than competent while on the job because of his or her choice of civilian attire. However, yes, I do think that if you wear that outfit into combat, you are likely to be both ridiculously unaware of your own mortality and to display a fiar amount of incompetence at your job.
Finally, I am confused. You don't think the straps or extremely low cut battle leggings (or whatever they are) are appropriate, then what is your point? The only other thing she is wearing is a short jacket. Pretty sure noone has a beef with that, including me.
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