They aren't clearly true. WoT even uses the words "wealthy city-states" in the opening paragraph about the Free Marches.
"Wealthy" is a tricky word. The Nobles and chantry control all the money leaving civilians and their buildings in poor state as the wiki states. The Free Marches was not strong to begin with, especially after Nevarra left now add the new events of Kirkwall and Free marches is practically Starkhaven now as the other city states are quite insignificant.
There's no reason to think that Kirkwall's poverty is any more pervasive than anywhere else. And even if it was, there's no reason to think that Starkhaven is the same way. The Free Marches are still strong enough to challenge any nation in Thedas when they work together. That's explicitly stated outright. So obviously they aren't that insignificant.
And given that the region is also described as "the Breadbasket of Thedas" I'd say their trade is the opposite of worthless.
There's no reason to think that Kirkwall's poverty is any more pervasive than anywhere else. And even if it was, there's no reason to think that Starkhaven is the same way. The Free Marches are still strong enough to challenge any nation in Thedas when they work together. That's explicitly stated outright. So obviously they aren't that insignificant.
And given that the region is also described as "the Breadbasket of Thedas" I'd say their trade is the opposite of worthless.
I SERIOUSLY doubt that as Orlais kept free marches under its thumb before its own civil war. Also Templars are its strongest army, hence stating how weak its army is to be outnumbered by Templar order.
The exact word for trade is disparate, I think you know what it means.
I hope so! Sebastian was probably my favourite companion in the second game. The character himself had three possible fates/endings while most characters only came with two or so. I liked Anders, too, so Sebastian made the ending very interesting. Needless to say, Anders did not always survive anymore.
While I leave headcanons to the actual owners of the story, I still have some wishful thinking & hoping regarding Sebastian.
I like to think that should you spare Anders, a vengeful Sebastian would have dared to take more drastic actions in reclaiming Starkhaven and would already have managed it. We'd hear about the attack on Kirkwall if nothing else.
A rivaled Sebastian, lacking a deeper goal, would still be in progress of reclaiming the throne. I really have no idea how we'd even meet or hear of him without visiting Starkhaven itself. We probably wouldn't.
And finally the friendly Sebastian, who vowed to become a brother in a Chantry. I believe the world is in too great of a turmoil for him to actually become just a brother. I hope someone would have noticed his skills and he would have been made into a similar Chantry agent as Leliana is. Maybe the two would even team up.
But as I said, just wishful thinking.
No it didn't. There were numerous failed invasions of the Marcher city states by an Orlesian Lord. The Templars are the strongest army in Kirkwall, not the whole Free Marches.
Besides "a united military that even the greatest power cannot ignore" is pretty explicit wording. The Marcher states are collectively very strong.
And uh, disparate means "different" not "worthless."
No it didn't. There were numerous failed invasions of the Marcher city states by an Orlesian Lord. The Templars are the strongest army in Kirkwall, not the whole Free Marches.
Besides "a united military that even the greatest power cannot ignore" is pretty explicit wording. The Marcher states are collectively very strong.
And uh, disparate means "different" not "worthless."
Yes they can't "ignore" them but Free marches is the smallest and most unorganized nation in Thedas even weaker than Ferelden as stated. Its the only nation Tevinter was able to reconquer quite easily after Andrastian wars and a world wide exalted march was necessary to free Starkhaven from tevinter again. "Nevarra started out as a member of the Free Marches, but has expanded in size and power far beyond its former peers." meaning Nevarra is far superior to Free marches. Ferelden is quite weak too and if Free marches is weaker than Ferelden it makes it the weakest nation of Thedas, although still not ignorable. Adding the recent events its in its weakest state.
Yes they can't "ignore" them but Free marches is the smallest and most unorganized nation in Thedas even weaker than Ferelden as stated. Its the only nation Tevinter was able to reconquer quite easily after Andrastian wars and a world wide exalted march was necessary to free Starkhaven from tevinter again. "Nevarra started out as a member of the Free Marches, but has expanded in size and power far beyond its former peers." meaning Nevarra is far superior to Free marches. Ferelden is quite weak too and if Free marches is weaker than Ferelden it makes it the weakest nation of Thedas, although still not ignorable. Adding the recent events its in its weakest state.
There are different kinds of weakness. For what we've seen and what we've read, the Free Marches weakness' comes from their lack of unity and political infighting. When they are united, like when Warden Garahel leaded them, they can defeat even a Blight.
In fact, it sounds a lot like Ancient Greece and Renaissance Italy. A country filled with city-states, ranging from cosmopolitan commercial hubs to small towns. United, or even just half-united (like the Greek states against the Persians), they can stand up to any invasor. Of course, if they aren't, they become easy prey to any united central power from outside (Macedon and Rome for the Greeks; France and Spain for the Italians; Orlais and Tevinter for the Free Marchers).
"Wealthy" is a tricky word. The Nobles and chantry control all the money leaving civilians and their buildings in poor state as the wiki states.
You mean just like every other nation in Thedas?
You mean just like every other nation in Thedas?
Of course. The scale of that however is quite different.
There are different kinds of weakness. For what we've seen and what we've read, the Free Marches weakness' comes from their lack of unity and political infighting. When they are united, like when Warden Garahel leaded them, they can defeat even a Blight.
In fact, it sounds a lot like Ancient Greece and Renaissance Italy. A country filled with city-states, ranging from cosmopolitan commercial hubs to small towns. United, or even just half-united (like the Greek states against the Persians), they can stand up to any invasor. Of course, if they aren't, they become easy prey to any united central power from outside (Macedon and Rome for the Greeks; France and Spain for the Italians; Orlais and Tevinter for the Free Marchers).
Well I don't know which invasion you are talking about as Greece was invaded quite a lot. If its the famous Spartan vs Persian story then yes they sure put up a fight and stood against them but fell regardless because it was a power they could not possibly defeat no matter how united.
Also my emphasis was towards right now, not about glories of free marches. Nevarra was part if Free marches when Garahel rallied free marches to battle the blight. Now its not and Nevarra is quite strong, rivaling even Orlais. Kirkwall is also out of the picture and I'm being kind here its worse than that. Now the only place of importance is Starkhaven along with a few and small city states some being mere towns such as Ostwick.
To make things simpler. Imagine Free Marches power rating was 100%. 50% of that was gone when Nevarra left and another 20% after events of kirkwall. Now only 30% percent of it remains.
Of course. The scale of that however is quite different.
Well I don't know which invasion you are talking about as Greece was invaded quite a lot. If its the famous Spartan vs Persian story then yes they sure put up a fight and stood against them but fell regardless because it was a power they could not possibly defeat no matter how united.
Also my emphasis was towards right now, not about glories of free marches. Nevarra was part if Free marches when Garahel rallied free marches to battle the blight. Now its not and Nevarra is quite strong, rivaling even Orlais. Kirkwall is also out of the picture and I'm being kind here its worse than that. Now the only place of importance is Starkhaven along with a few and small city states some being mere towns such as Ostwick.
To make things simpler. Imagine Free Marches power rating was 100%. 50% of that was gone when Nevarra left and another 20% after events of kirkwall. Now only 30% percent of it remains.
*looks at huge power/wealth difference in nations like Orlais and Tevinter compared to Free Marshes* Yeah, the scale is different all right.
*cough* Greece kicks Persian Empire out in the end *cough*
And well, we have your dear boy Anders to thank for Kirkwall's current condition, don't we?
First he'd have to take back Starkhaven which....honestly? I can't see him accomplishing on his own. I imagine he'd show up there all full of fury only to learn that to raise an army first he has to get an actual army, take the city, then get the city to actually agree to march on another city to satisfy the newly apointed leaders grudge.
Didn't Flora Harriman during the quest Repentance say that they would back him if he tried to take back Starkhaven
*looks at huge power/wealth difference in nations like Orlais and Tevinter compared to Free Marshes* Yeah, the scale is different all right.
*cough* Greece kicks Persian Empire out in the end *cough*
And well, we have your dear boy Anders to thank for Kirkwall's current condition, don't we?
Well check the time stamps lol. There is a huge time difference between Spartan defeat and Greece invasion of Persia which by then Persia was no longer a power broker. But that is not the point of this conversation as for example Nevarra is still a power broker in area therefore Free Marches does not stand rat's chance against them.
Anders is purely product of chantry. Hated by his own parents because of chantry propaganda, years of solitude in circle prison etc...(aka events of Anders' life prior to merging with Justice) Its your own hate and oppression exploding in your own face, literally. Maybe that particular chantry didn't deserve it but chantry in general surely did.
Anders is purely product of chantry. Hated by his own parents because of chantry propaganda, years of solitude in circle prison etc...(aka events of Anders' life prior to merging with Justice) Its your own hate and oppression exploding in your own face, literally. Maybe that particular chantry didn't deserve it but chantry in general surely did.
Yeah damn you chantry for providing him safe life ,life of luxury and traning of his abilities he was so abused he was so poor those comfortable beds or delicious meals and everything for free ahh pure abuse 
Yeah damn you chantry for providing him safe life ,life of luxury and traning of his abilities he was so abused he was so poor those comfortable beds or delicious meals and everything for free ahh pure abuse
Well check the time stamps lol. There is a huge time difference between Spartan defeat and Greece invasion of Persia which by then Persia was no longer a power broker. But that is not the point of this conversation as for example Nevarra is still a power broker in area therefore Free Marches does not stand rat's chance against them.
Ah, but the example is quite fitting. Because it was not Greece that invaded Persia, but Macedon with a league of united Greeks.
Let's see, where can we find in Thedas an equivalent of Macedon? A state closely related to a country full of bickering city-sates? A state that has been slowly but surely gaining more and more power at the expense of their neighbors, being them the aforementioned city-sates or foreign powers outside? A country known by their militarism, as well as their imperial dreams?
Oh, I know. It's Nevarra.
However, I agree the example does speak volumes of the Free Marches' inability to put that economic power (they're the breadbasket of Thedas) into effective political power. They will probably end up becoming part of Nevarra or of another powerful neighbour, bit by bit, even if it takes centuries, like the real Ancient Greece and Reinassance Italy.
Mage supporting Hawke is gone from Kirkwall, so I can't see why Sebastian would march on it. A viscount Hawke who spared Anders might make more sese, though the whole scenario seems kind of bizarre to me.
I do think Sebastian is one of the companions with the most obviously unfinished story. So it'd be good to have him turn up in some more than cameo role.
Spoiler
It was i just love how others try paint anders as victim when practically his life before was better than most of peoples living in thedas outside tranquil karl circle didn't harm and even gave him better life than he would have without it him in any way as far he escaped 7 times and he didn't face any devastating consequences.And as far chantry isn't responsible for peoples thinking that mages are cursed (properly) mages were hated before chantry and before circles even more because peoples had to deal with sh** that mages were causing so well so there is little chantry blame that peoples hate mages and more blame in mages who deliver only suffering to non-mages...
I hope not. I've had enough of that wishy-washy, whining Jesus freak to last me a lifetime.
It was i just love how others try paint anders as victim when practically his life before was better than most of peoples living in thedas outside tranquil karl circle didn't harm and even gave him better life than he would have without it him in any way as far he escaped 7 times and he didn't face any devastating consequences.And as far chantry isn't responsible for peoples thinking that mages are cursed (properly) mages were hated before chantry and before circles even more because peoples had to deal with sh** that mages were causing so well so there is little chantry blame that peoples hate mages and more blame in mages who deliver only suffering to non-mages...
So if we kidnap you, you'll be perfectly happy as long as we feed you and give you some books to read, right?
Sounds like a dare to me.
Considering that the Chantry is in general disarray, Orlais is in the midst of a civil war, and there's a Mage-Templar war going on Sebastian might finally get his head on straight and decide that he has to go back to Starkhaven.
Alec Newman (Sebastian's VA) played Paul Atriedes in the Dune miniseries. Sebastian's had his parents killed thanks to political intrigue, was exiled, and had adventures far away from Starkhaven, might as well be time for him to retake his city.
So if we kidnap you, you'll be perfectly happy as long as we feed you and give you some books to read, right?
Sounds like a dare to me.
Well happy is perhaps too big word but i wouldn't be devastated if get live that mages have for free they live like nobles doing nothing for most of their lifes i could have worse fate... and well if you give me that what mages got well i would agree goverment and society already imposes restrictions on me so if i will get presidential suite for that i won't cry 
Wasn't there a theory that the expansion pac for DA2 would be implemented in DAI? If so, that would be a prime place to encounter Sebastian.
Not certain if that is really the case, as it was theorized a while back, but it is possible.
And there is the possibility of us going to Nevarra in relation to the battle over succession in Cassandra's family.
Of course. The scale of that however is quite different.
Well I don't know which invasion you are talking about as Greece was invaded quite a lot. If its the famous Spartan vs Persian story then yes they sure put up a fight and stood against them but fell regardless because it was a power they could not possibly defeat no matter how united.
I don't know that Macedonia is the best allegory. For one, I don't really understand why Macedonia isn't considered Greek. They took part in Greek conflicts and worshiped Greek gods. I'm not a historian though, so I'll admit ignorance.Ah, but the example is quite fitting. Because it was not Greece that invaded Persia, but Macedonian league of united Greeks.
Let's see, where can we find in Thedas an equivalent of Macedon? A state closely related to a country full of bickering city-sates? A state that has been slowly but surely gaining more and more power at the expense of their neighbors, being them the aforementioned city-sates or foreign powers outside? A country known by their militarism, as well as their imperial dreams?
Oh, I know. It's Nevarra.
However, I agree the example does speak volumes of the Free Marches' inability to put that economic power (they're the breadbasket of Thedas) into effective political power. They will probably end up becoming part of Nevarra or of another powerful neighbour, bit by bit, even if it takes centuries, like the real Ancient Greece and Reinassance Italy.
Yes they can't "ignore" them but Free marches is the smallest and most unorganized nation in Thedas even weaker than Ferelden as stated. Its the only nation Tevinter was able to reconquer quite easily after Andrastian wars and a world wide exalted march was necessary to free Starkhaven from tevinter again. "Nevarra started out as a member of the Free Marches, but has expanded in size and power far beyond its former peers." meaning Nevarra is far superior to Free marches. Ferelden is quite weak too and if Free marches is weaker than Ferelden it makes it the weakest nation of Thedas, although still not ignorable. Adding the recent events its in its weakest state.
Tevinter only ever briefly reconquered a couple individual cities. Since Andraste's Exalted March, and even then they were able to do so with trickery, not force. Nevarra expanded in size and power beyond any individual city state in the Free Marches. Not the whole of them put together. In the Blessed Age, Nevarra tried to conquer the Free Marches but was stopped before even conquering Tantervale.
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