22176 réponses à ce sujet

[Joe25]

*sniff* Fine, laugh at Dorian's glorious boob window. It's chibis from now on!


[source]

Dorian would have way to much fun at carnival.

[GGGenesis]

Dorian would have way to much fun at carnival.

you mean Pride events, right?

[Joe25]

you mean Pride events, right?

Right..... I wasn't think of the other really big parade in Rio were it is socially acceptable to walk around in two inches of shiny mesh fabric.

[Gervaise]

I don't know about a carnival, since they don't seem to have the equivalent in Thedas, which is a pity, but I did get the impression that Saturnalia is pretty wild in Tevinter.   (Brandy and blood magic don't mix).     In fact, apart from the Winter Palace ball and the hunting lodge do with Prosper in MoA, which was a similar sort of affair being Orlesian, we never really get to see how the different cultures enjoy themselves.    We are told about the Grand Tourney in the Freemarches or some sort of fun festival in Rivain but that's not really the same as being there.    If we do go north to Tevinter next time, I really hope we actually get to experience some of the distinct culture that Dorian feels is worth preserving.   From what he says of the psyche of the Tevinter people and his comments about the Winter Palace, I would imagine that the Tevinter can throw some really wild parties but they also have these seasonal festivals that are surely so much more than just balls without masks.   If nothing else I would like to think their clothes are more colourful and flamboyant than down south; after all it is a hotter climate so can go for more silks and gauzy affairs and for some reason I do imagine a lot of feathers on display.    After all, whilst the majority of the time they maintain this false aura of respectability, I can envisage them really letting their hair down on certain specific occasions, like the festivals.   Come to think of it I probably am describing a Carnival.

[nightscrawl]

Here is an interesting bit... in the post-Adamant dialog when Dorian asks if you're all right, if you reply with "I'm fine," he doesn't react very well. "You're fine? I was there, I saw it." "Yes." "Well, bravo." Dorian slightly disapproves.

 

His reaction seems to suggest that he thinks your response is total bullshit and he doesn't like that you're not being straight with him. This is even more interesting if you consider that he basically just admitted his feelings for you with his previous remarks.

 

 

As an aside, I like how the Inquisitor's face changes very slightly (like, so slightly it's basically a few pixels worth) after the admission. I do wish it was a tad more obvious, but at the same time, much praise for the Frostbite engine.

[GGGenesis]

I don't know about a carnival, since they don't seem to have the equivalent in Thedas, which is a pity, but I did get the impression that Saturnalia is pretty wild in Tevinter.   (Brandy and blood magic don't mix).     In fact, apart from the Winter Palace ball and the hunting lodge do with Prosper in MoA, which was a similar sort of affair being Orlesian, we never really get to see how the different cultures enjoy themselves.    We are told about the Grand Tourney in the Freemarches or some sort of fun festival in Rivain but that's not really the same as being there.    If we do go north to Tevinter next time, I really hope we actually get to experience some of the distinct culture that Dorian feels is worth preserving.   From what he says of the psyche of the Tevinter people and his comments about the Winter Palace, I would imagine that the Tevinter can throw some really wild parties but they also have these seasonal festivals that are surely so much more than just balls without masks.   If nothing else I would like to think their clothes are more colourful and flamboyant than down south; after all it is a hotter climate so can go for more silks and gauzy affairs and for some reason I do imagine a lot of feathers on display.    After all, whilst the majority of the time they maintain this false aura of respectability, I can envisage them really letting their hair down on certain specific occasions, like the festivals.   Come to think of it I probably am describing a Carnival.

That's basically how I envision Tevinter as well. I get this really strong North African/Middle East vibe from there, just think of Morocco, Iran and Turkey. I'd be a little disappointed if Tevinter didn't have all of those lovely arched doorways and intricate mosaics with frankincense, strong teas and myrrh hanging in the air...*sigh* I've been to Egypt and Turkey and the culture is so vibrant and colourful...it's just such a shame with what's happening there now. Basically, Tevinter reads to me like Ottoman empire with Sultans and silks and perfumes and incense and expensive teas and coloured powders and mosaic lanterns.

 

 

and he doesn't like that you're not being straight with him. 

*snorts*

 

I have this scene captured on shadowplay. Will upload. One of my favourite Dorian scenes is when he asks you if his influence is undue, and selecting the 'good' option he teases you with 'overdue?' and the IQ does an embarrassed smile/blush. Opting for the 'rude' option he gets really offended and suggests they may as well end the relationship...Should upload that...

[nightscrawl]

Basically, Tevinter reads to me like Ottoman empire with Sultans and silks and perfumes and incense and expensive teas and coloured powders and mosaic lanterns.

I've always thought it was more heavily influenced by Rome than anything else.
 
 
[edit]
I'm super excited to see how Minrathous is presented in the November comic. I've described it in writing a bit, some of which was influenced by official descriptions, and the rest made up. It will be very nice to see it actually depicted. But... my main wish is to see it in a game.
 
The Art of Dragon Age: Inquisition uses terms like "razor-sharp" and "dire opulence." I am so enamored of the Tevinter aesthetic that I would just love to see a living, breathing, environment full of it, despite the decrepitude.

[GGGenesis]

I've always thought it was more heavily influenced by Rome than anything else.
 
 
[edit]
I'm super excited to see how Minrathous is presented in the November comic. I've described it in writing a bit, some of which was influenced by official descriptions, and the rest made up. It will be very nice to see it actually depicted. But... my main wish is to see it in a game.
 
The Art of Dragon Age: Inquisition uses terms like "razor-sharp" and "dire opulence." I am so enamored of the Tevinter aesthetic that I would just love to see a living, breathing, environment full of it, despite the decrepitude.

Tevinter looks confused, like if Rome and Turkey had a baby. But seriously, look up the Hagia Sophia from Istanbul and you'll get what I mean. I wouldn't be surprised if the designers end up blending the two, the Ottoman empire was well travelled and had many architectural influences and influenced many as well. It was a weird time in the renaissance. But Orlais feels very renaissance France and Venice, going to Rome for Tevinter just feels so...uninspired. Also, I'm infatuated with what Ubisoft did with Istanbul in AC:Revelations. It's beautiful. :3

[Gervaise]

You have to remember that under Constantine the capital of the Empire was moved to Constantinople (modern Istanbul).   That is why we have the Hagia Sophia which was rebuilt by the Christian Emperor (Justinian) to be the greatest religious building in the Empire.   In fact for many hundreds of years the main centre of the Empire was Constantinople and it was a bridge between east and west, so there would have been a wonderful mix of cultures there.      So taking Tevinter as corresponding to Rome (the Empire) does not mean it has to be boring or westernised.     There would always have been a cultural mix what with the important centres of Egypt and the rest of north Africa bringing trade and visitors to both Rome and Constantinople.   The latter was also at the end of the silk road, which was the reason silk became such a popular cloth in the eastern empire.

 

Right round the Mediterranean there is a culture of festivals associated with religious holidays and other important occasions and no matter where you go, they know how to enjoy themselves.     That is the legacy of Roman culture mixed in with local flavour. 

[tklivory]

This isn't really intended to be self-promotion, but I just wanted to *gasp* share some art (i know, i know, how shocking coming from me), but this time it has a personal connection since it's a piece I commissioned, so please bear with me.

I'm in the process of writing and publishing a fanfiction where Dorian becomes the Inquisitor after the first Inquisitor is killed. Mainly, I wanted to (as a writer) explore what would happen if one of the *least* popular people became Inquisitor (evil Tevinter magister, yo), but hopefully the story is interesting beyond the politics &c.

AT ANY RATE. I commissioned a piece of Dorian with the Anchor because that's what I do, I guess. The artist does beautiful work, particularly with Dorian, so here's sad Dorian wondering what he's going to do after losing his best friend in the worst possible way.


[source]

[nightscrawl]

I'm in the process of writing and publishing a fanfiction where Dorian becomes the Inquisitor after the first Inquisitor is killed. Mainly, I wanted to (as a writer) explore what would happen if one of the *least* popular people became Inquisitor (evil Tevinter magister, yo), but hopefully the story is interesting beyond the politics &c.

Holy cows over Minrathous, you've certainly decided to f with his head in a big way.

That's a great piece of art, I really love the artist's messy Dorian look. Also, the tear-streaked eyeliner in that piece is a nice touch, given the circumstances... Poor Dorian.


It's an interesting concept and also begs the question: what qualifies one to be Inquisitor? When the PC takes the title in the game Cassandra explains that "The Inquisition needs a leader, the one who has already been leading it." Sure, you may have been thrust into that position (of leadership) because of the Anchor, but the Anchor didn't necessarily have to dictate your actions.

For example, in real life I am generally more of a follower-type -- highly dependent on circumstances, and if I were put in that position I would most likely agree to join the Inquisition (as the PC is given the 'option' of doing), but then just defer to Cassandra as my primary leader when out dealing with the world. Of course the conflict then comes in where people just address you by default since you're the Herald of Andraste, which also happens in the game.

 

With Dorian specifically, I like the idea of playing with his leadership abilities. He was, quite literally, born to lead. He is certainly no shrinking violet, but because he has no personal desire for that kind of power, or to have that kind of life, his strong personality asserts itself in other ways when he interacts with people.

 

In Crestwood when you address the Spirit of Command, Dorian starts in with, "It's a spirit. But what's it doing--" and is interrupted by Command who says, "Silence! Let the other one talk!" [I may be slightly misquoting here] referring to the Inquisitor. Dorian shuts up immediately.

[tklivory]

*snip*

 

It's an interesting concept and also begs the question: what qualifies one to be Inquisitor? When the PC takes the title in the game Cassandra explains that "The Inquisition needs a leader, the one who has already been leading it." Sure, you may have been thrust into that position (of leadership) because of the Anchor, but the Anchor didn't necessarily have to dictate your actions.

For example, in real life I am generally more of a follower-type -- highly dependent on circumstances, and if I were put in that position I would most likely agree to join the Inquisition (as the PC is given the 'option' of doing), but then just defer to Cassandra as my primary leader when out dealing with the world. Of course the conflict then comes in where people just address you by default since you're the Herald of Andraste, which also happens in the game.

 

With Dorian specifically, I like the idea of playing with his leadership abilities. He was, quite literally, born to lead. He is certainly no shrinking violet, but because he has no personal desire for that kind of power, or to have that kind of life, his strong personality asserts itself in other ways when he interacts with people.
 

 

Pretty much all this is why the idea first occurred to me. Of anyone in the Inquisition with the possible exception of Cassandra, Dorian has the best and worst background to actually become Inquisitor. He was born to rule, as you said, and then deliberately chose to eschew that rule. He understands what pressure to excel and conform is, and he walked away from it. He eagerly adopts the role of being a follower to the Inquisition, giving of his knowledge and talents, but never, ever steps forward into a leadership or even leading role.

 

A large part of the beginning of the fic won't be 'yay Dorian saves the world' but Dorian figuring out pretty damn quickly that nothing is going to be handed to him, and everything that happens will have to happen because of what *he* does, and not because of the lingering legacy of Lavellan. He's not the Inquisitor, not the Herald, and everyone in the Inquisition knows it. He's got a green glowing hand, and that's it. So he'll either choose to be 'the guy who gets sent to close rifts' or he'll have to choose to do more.

 

So.... yeah. The character analysis of Dorian and seeing how he steps up, why he steps up, and what he chooses to do are all very important to me and my appreciation of the character. So many basic defaults of the game get turned on their head when Dorian is in charge (the enemy is Tevinter, and, in this fic's case, led by another Tevinter Calpernia). Halamshiral is completely different, because Dorian can't laugh at it, he has to influence it - and if there's anything Orlais hates worse than a Qunari or an elf, it's a Tevinter.

 

Obviously I'll make him take control and 'win' over time, but he will have to earn every step of the way. I'm really looking forward to analyzing him that deeply, tbh. I love the romance - it's my absolute favorite in the series - but I love Dorian more than the I love the romance, and this was my way to try to really delve into his character.

 

Poor Dorian. I'm really mean as a writer, too.

[GGGenesis]

My friend wrote a fic about Dorian getting executed. I swore at him so he changed it. For now... *squinty eyes*

[Dr. Doctor]

This isn't really intended to be self-promotion, but I just wanted to *gasp* share some art (i know, i know, how shocking coming from me), but this time it has a personal connection since it's a piece I commissioned, so please bear with me.
I'm in the process of writing and publishing a fanfiction where Dorian becomes the Inquisitor after the first Inquisitor is killed. Mainly, I wanted to (as a writer) explore what would happen if one of the *least* popular people became Inquisitor (evil Tevinter magister, yo), but hopefully the story is interesting beyond the politics &c.
AT ANY RATE. I commissioned a piece of Dorian with the Anchor because that's what I do, I guess. The artist does beautiful work, particularly with Dorian, so here's sad Dorian wondering what he's going to do after losing his best friend in the worst possible way.
[source]

Dorian: You know, in retrospect it's not the worst thing I could catch.

Solas: You do make an excellent point.

Dorian: I mean who would want to have ancient, barely understood elven magic, permanently affixed to their hand? Present company excluded of course.

Solas: Of course.

As for leadership, I've got a mental image of Dorian teaming up with Calpernia for her Danerys Targaryen-meets-Spartacus plan. He at least knows how the game is played and has a considerable amount of charm, which could help quite a bit.

[nightscrawl]

My friend wrote a fic about Dorian getting executed. I swore at him so he changed it. For now... *squinty eyes*

Omfg... who are all these horrible writers?! And here I thought giving my Inquisitor a nightmare where Dorian died was bad (it was one of those Anchor-influenced real-seeming nightmares). I like writing angst, but I tend to stop short of actual tragedy.

Although... I kinda wanna know what prompted the execution now.

[Dr. Doctor]

Omfg... who are all these horrible writers?! And here I thought giving my Inquisitor a nightmare where Dorian died was bad (it was one of those Anchor-influenced real-seeming nightmares). I like writing angst, but I tend to stop short of actual tragedy.
Although... I kinda wanna know what prompted the execution now.

He gave someone loaded dice?

https://www.youtube....h?v=d2TP6DZpmfA

[nightscrawl]

Does anyone primarily pick the aggressive options? Does that work for you with how you interact with Dorian? For example, in my current play I've been experimenting by picking all of the options just to see them, and I dunno about some of these...
 
During In Hushed Whispers you get things like:
* I’m here now. No matter what, I’ll drive them all back to Tevinter.
* That magister’s going to regret he didn’t just kill me.
* We’re going to kill Alexius. Come with us.
* And I’ll make sure Alexius suffers for his crimes.
 
His tone when he says some of these just makes me want to say, "Geez, chill the f out dude..."
 
I haven't finished the mission yet, but I'm sure there are more interesting gems. Based on Dorian's response if you kill Ponchard for the amulet, I don't imagine that he would be too into a guy who was too aggressive and wanting to use violence as the solution to everything. Then again, I suppose it just depends on the circumstances. He does make a joke about the Inquisitor being good at killing people... lol >.>. Although in that instance I wasn't sure if it was a genuine joke or one of those fourth-wall-breakers, like his banter with Cole about "friendly fire."
 
I'll add that I never thought that Alexius was that bad -- aside from the whole oculara thing (which is completely horrific and inexcusable), which you may or may not know about when you do the mission. His actions basically amounted to driving away Arl Teagan and his people, and manipulating Fiona into signing over her charges into servitude. But other than that he hasn't really done anything when we meet him. And I really don't see how it's appropriate to be indignant about the future when it didn't even happen. I don't know how Dorian personally feels about the whole future trip (any anxiety, fear, etc), but my Inquisitor is just relieved that it's over, they were successful, and that only the two of them experienced it.

 
As an aside, the humorous options during this mission are hilarious. Alexius counters with some decent banter of his own; makes me appreciate him even more.
 
I am also putting together a dialog reference post with all of the options. I'll link that when I'm done.

[Dr. Doctor]

Some of the Inquisitor's lines can be a bit...bloodthirsty. Although my D&D group wondered why just killing Alexius in the tavern wasn't an option, since strange magic and Tevinter Magister is pretty much a dead giveaway who's causing trouble. But then again most plots fall apart with genre savvy players.

[nightscrawl]

I think that killing him outright at that point would be a bit extreme. He doesn't do anything overt and you don't even know what is going on until you get a clearer picture from Dorian and Felix in the chantry. IMO just killing him because of weird circumstances is rather barbaric.

[GGGenesis]

I kind of liked Alexius...he seemed like a nice guy who genuinely believed he was doing good. I mean I was sus with him at first and all "This guy is a psychopathic idiot." But then his reaction to Felix and Felix doing Felix things made me feel for him. I'm not a parent, but I just recently got a new fur baby so my paternal instincts are set to high when I play this game. I was interested in helping the both of them since it became pretty obvious that Alexius cared for his son and didn't know what he was doing was going to make it all worse.

 

As an aside, I hate Dorian now. I saw pictures of him in that Avvar armor and the Qunari armor and I really don't need these DLC packs, but dammit! Why is so irresistible in everything he wears?!

[nightscrawl]

OH link pics please. I have no interest in buying that but I would love to see Dorian in it. The one picture I saw of Solas's abs he looked deformed. There is something seriously wrong with male elf bodies in this game.

 

 

At any rate, I don't feel that Alexius ever bought the Venatori line about "raising the Imperium from its own ashes," I think he did it all because of Felix. To me that makes it even more pathetic. After he says a bunch of Tevinter-superiority stuff to Dorian in the Redcliffe Castle throne room he walks toward the fire, facing the camera. That is one miserable human being, and not the look of someone who believes in the cause he just promoted.

 

Pretty much everything Dorian ever says about Alexius, as well as his WoT Vol. 2 information, shows him to be a decent guy who cared for his family, a pragmatist, and an intellectual. Then a traumatic event happened in his life and he was willing to throw away everything he believed in in order to save his son.

[GGGenesis]

Please, refrain from nosebleeding everywhere like I did.

Spoils of the Avvar

Spoiler

Just a screenie from BioFan's review: 

Spoils of the Qunari (low quality since it's XB only atm):

Spoiler

He didn't lie, he does look good in rope:

[Dr. Doctor]

I think that killing him outright at that point would be a bit extreme. He doesn't do anything overt and you don't even know what is going on until you get a clearer picture from Dorian and Felix in the chantry. IMO just killing him because of weird circumstances is rather barbaric.

I would agree. Most people wouldn't kill someone just because something seems off. My group has the problem of killing things that seem plot related.

[nightscrawl]

For me one of the disincentives for trying out other dialog options for a really involved mission like In Hushed Whispers is that there are very few save points, so there are long cinematic conversations unbroken by anything. Since I started my current project -- I had to do the Alexius fight 8 times... yay -- it's been fun seeing some of the dialog I never take.

 

Here is one I never saw before:

Dorian: He lost Felix long ago and didn’t even notice. Oh, Alexius…
[1. This must be hard for you.] I know you cared for him.
Dorian: Once he was a man to whom I compared all others. Sad, isn’t it?

 

I quite like Dorian's response here, and I found it surprising that he was so candid. In hindsight, the comment certainly doesn't do Halward any favors... I usually pick the option that says, "This Alexius was too far gone. But the Alexius in our time might still be reasoned with," but I think I will go with this one from now on.

 

 

Also, for those of you who have never picked the alternate dialogs for Dorian recruitment, here you go...

 

Dorian: It’s my duty to stand with you. That future will not come to pass.
[1. I’m glad you’re staying.] There’s no one I’d rather be stranded in time with, future or present.
Dorian: Excellent choice! But let’s not get “stranded” again anytime soon, yes?

[3. We’ll keep an eye on you.] Stay if you must, but you’ll be watched.
Dorian: Watch away. I have nothing to hide, and evidently plenty to prove.

[6. I don’t want you here.] I never asked for your help.
Dorian: No, you didn’t. Yet it’s my homeland that’s involved, isn’t it?
Herald: That’s exactly why I don’t want you here.
Dorian: I suppose I could argue, but if you won’t support me, I doubt the others will. Have it your way. I’ll do what I can from afar.

 

I happen to really like it when Dorian says, "Have it your way." He uses that line several times throughout the game, and in the romance. He took the rejection better than I thought he would, but it did seem like he wasn't surprised, and also that he was annoyed. I mean, geez he just did all that stuff with you in the future, risked his life as well, basically saved your ass, and is treated like crap for it. Dang...

 

Does anyone know if anything comes from his "I'll do what I can from afar" remark? Since we've recruited the mages we'll be getting Cole during In Your Heart Shall Burn, so I was curious to know whether Dorian (or mention of him) pops up anywhere else.

[GGGenesis]

So I was looking at pictures of Bollywood actors for La Bayadere costume ideas for my ballet student's solo and came across this:

Spoiler

Is it just me or does he look awfully familiar?