22176 réponses à ce sujet

[Jeneline]

Hello,

 

Thank you for the link Nightscrawl.  I have mixed feelings about him not playing any of the games, but I guess there must have been a group working directly with the writers that could give feedback about how the dialogs flow in game? I don't know..

 

Here's a video about early character concepts that shows that they do have a general outline of the characters (hope it shows up, as I can't paste anything in this browser..yay..). David talks about the rock star mage around minute 4, but I think the whole video is worth watching :3 :

 

 

 

o.o ! ehh <poof!> back to the shadows..

[devSin]

Thank you for the link Nightscrawl.  I have mixed feelings about him not playing any of the games, but I guess there must have been a group working directly with the writers that could give feedback about how the dialogs flow in game? I don't know..

When David says he's never played a DA game, it means he's never gone back to play them all the way through after they're released.

He's "played" the games an endless number of times throughout development and testing.

[Melbella]

Catching up with this thread is making me want to replay Marcus so he can romance Dorian again.  But no...nonono....first I have to finish the two new characters I started. Maybe.

From Trespasser

Spoiler

[Morry]

Your inquisitor looks v nice! I like seeing the more masculine inquisitors, they're hard to make look good sometimes.

 

I've also been thinking about replaying my Dorian romanced inquisitor, mainly because it was my first play through (and my first time ever playing dragon age) so i did make a lot of mistakes. Plus it would just be fun to replay, I could never get tired of that romance.

[Melbella]

Your inquisitor looks v nice! I like seeing the more masculine inquisitors, they're hard to make look good sometimes.
 
I've also been thinking about replaying my Dorian romanced inquisitor, mainly because it was my first play through (and my first time ever playing dragon age) so i did make a lot of mistakes. Plus it would just be fun to replay, I could never get tired of that romance.

 

Thanks! I totally have a crush on him and am very jealous of Dorian.  

[Jeneline]

Thank you for the clarification DevSin :3

[nightscrawl]

I don't think I've heard this comment either, do you know where around Crestwood you heard it?

 

I always like small comments like that, where at first they sound kind of like nothing, but then you think about it. It also kind of sucks that you might never hear the comments due to where they are triggered.. like, I never heard Dorian's comment at the Storm Coast where he says something along the lines of not liking being near the waves because it makes him feel seasick. I finally heard it on my third play through, somehow it took that long for me to step in the right spot on the coast.

They sound like small off-hand comments but they're nice to hear because if you think about them you get some small info on the character and it's nice!

 

It's one of his environmental banters that he will say randomly.

 

As for the line itself, I took it to be more of a "those filthy animals" kind of line, rather than an "afraid of the scary mabari" line. Ferelden is really into its dogs in a general sense. Unfortunately -- I assume due to game limitations -- the only dogs and dog models we've ever seen have only been mabari in all three games -- excepting the puny Orlesian hunting dogs in DA2's Mark of the Assassin DLC -- including absurd unlikely amounts of them as mobs in DA2. Also, owning a mabari is rare, a sign of privilege and rank (I've no idea how Hawke got hold of one), so not all of the dogs owned by the Dog Lords will be mabari.

 

As for dogs in general, I'd imagine that Dorian wouldn't be too keen on their, as Anders puts it, "Open slobbery affection," and might be more of a cat person because of that fact.

 

 

When David says he's never played a DA game, it means he's never gone back to play them all the way through after they're released.

He's "played" the games an endless number of times throughout development and testing.

 

To add to this. "Play the game" is a bit inaccurate, since the devs, ALL of the devs, will "play" various parts as part of their job in testing. And of course nothing is complete with all the textures and everything when they see it like that. So even though it seems impossible to miss some bugs and players want to say, "How can you miss something so simple, it's right there, don't you guys play the game?!" Well no, they don't really, not in the same sense that the players do. So, I'd imagine that after the game's release that they might look at playing the actual game as somewhat of a chore. It's not really the same as an actor or director watching the movie they made because that's only a two hour commitment, whereas a game in the Dragon Age series has scores of hours of content.

[Arlee]

Speaking of the new items... I love the flavor text for the Ring of Doubt. I would put it on Dorian but I dislike the stealth proc.

Spoiler

 

I did actually give him the Ring of Doubt in one of my PTs and the stealth seemed to help him survive a lot better... of course then sometimes he'd be stuck in stealth out of combat and that was weird ><

 

Tiny Dorian tidbit from a recent DG interview. Man, I'm gonna miss this guy working on Dragon Age.
 
He was answering a question about handing out writing assignments as the head writer and spoke about characters...

 
I imagine that if they had a general outline for the character that most of them knew David would want to write him from the get-go. And I've gotta say, it is nearly impossible to imagine him being written by anyone else, or that I would like the character quite as much.

 

(Oh, and we didn't get a dog because we had a horse.)

 

Yea I read that and there were a number of interesting things there including him talking about how it was hard for him to hand Cole over to Patrick Weekes since Gaider created Cole. Also, I can't help wonder if any of the writers had fun with him a bit and acted like they might want to write Dorian. From there interactions on Twitter i could imagine that happening, but who knows how representative that sample is. But I like to think some of them did because that's more fun; also the AD played a joke on one of the artists which got him to draw lots pictures of male anatomy, so it's possible

 

To add to this. "Play the game" is a bit inaccurate, since the devs, ALL of the devs, will "play" various parts as part of their job in testing. And of course nothing is complete with all the textures and everything when they see it like that. So even though it seems impossible to miss some bugs and players want to say, "How can you miss something so simple, it's right there, don't you guys play the game?!" Well no, they don't really, not in the same sense that the players do. So, I'd imagine that after the game's release that they might look at playing the actual game as somewhat of a chore. It's not really the same as an actor or director watching the movie they made because that's only a two hour commitment, whereas a game in the Dragon Age series has scores of hours of content.

 

Another aspect of this is a lot of the Devs are interested in and like to play other games as well (which is a very good thing). It isn't surprising that after spending so much time working on a specific it game it seems more interesting to play something totally different.

[SgtSteel91]

When Dorian says he wants to redeem/reform Tevinter, that includes ending slaver, right? Like, does everyone here believes he let go of that thought that slaver is better than poverty?

[Arlee]

When Dorian says he wants to redeem/reform Tevinter, that includes ending slaver, right? Like, does everyone here believes he let go of that thought that slaver is better than poverty?

 

I don't think he particularly thought slavery was better than poverty, he said both options have absolute awful sides to them. That said yes I think he'd want to free the slaves, but he wouldn't do it in such a way where all the former slaves just become the new poor because that's not a good solution either.

[nightscrawl]

I think when it comes to the slavery issue that Dorian might have to make some tough decisions and decide what his end goals are. Really, the type of slavery that Tevinter practices is not sustainable. They need to have a continual supply from nations all across Thedas just to keep it going, which we saw elements of in DAO and DA2. The Imperium would fall apart without its slaves, but Dorian doesn't want it to "fall apart," he wants to fix it. On the other hand, sometimes it does take drastic change for there to be ANY change, so perhaps some sort of slave revolt is the only thing that will drive home the point to the altus in power just how precarious their situation is.

 

As much as I admire Dorian for his effort in this, it just seems futile to me, particularly in the hints that we got in Trespasser of how he's going to be doing it: joining with Maevaris in the formation of a new political party of fellow magisters that want real, positive change. We know how Alexius was before the whole mess in DAI, and we also know how Dorian's father was. So the entire lucerni party is not going to be composed of idealistic youths.

 

Even though I thought the difference in letters between a friend and romanced Inquisitor were nice, you do get more insight into the political process from the friend version:
 

Inquisitor,

 

It was good to hear from you, my friend. For months I've had only the Society of Maevaris's fledgling Lucerni party: Junior members of the Magisterium so filled with fire and zeal, and so wildly inept at politics, Mae keeps a bucket of ice water on hand in case one accidentally immolates himself. Lest I give you the wrong impression, we are making progress. But it will take a great deal of skill to keep the Lucerni alive through the usual schedule of Minrathous scheming long enough to become a real political faction. Fortunately, they do have me.

 

I'm sorry to hear that politics are plaguing you as well. Must be something going around, like a pestilence or an Orlesian fashioned trend. Hopefully Josephine can defuse the Fereldan outcry and persuade the Orlesians to stop circling you with a collar and leash. You know she did always love a challenge.

I'll find an excuse to make a trip south soon. We should really catch up in person, don't you agree?

 

Dorian

 

 

At the end of Trespasser we learn that the Qunari renew with vigor their campaigns against Tevinter. Obviously we don't know the plot of DA4, or what the significance of the post-credit scene (knife through Tevinter) will have for the next game, but I can say one thing for certain: if there is a large-scale slave revolt while the Imperial Army is trying to put down these Qunari incursions the Imperium WILL fall. Their slaves support the army, and they will need an army to put down a slave revolt as well as to continue in their efforts against the Qunari. They will NOT be able to manage both.

 

We also learn from the Dorian/Bull romance slides that the Venatori are still a thing and still a threat in their own right, so that's something to be concerned with as well.

 

Dorian knows all these things. He is not naive. I think at some point he will have to admit to himself that what Tevinter really needs is to be rebuilt from the ground up, by people who care more about her and her people than about themselves and their own power. It will take time, but I think he can certainly be the one to do it.

[Hazegurl]

The more I hear about Tevinter's problems the more I think that it's fall is inevitable.  They just have too many factors that remind me of when the Roman Empire fell. 

 

Too many invasions

Overly reliant on slave labor

Government corruption

Political instability and infighting

 

Not that I don't believe in Dorian and his group but that I think it may be far too late for them to do anything about it.  If they freed the slaves, how many would become citizens? Would making them citizens be a good thing?  Or cause the people of Tevinter to be further divided?  Will the country be able to financially support former slaves? With the loss of slave Labor, how many citizens would be able to financially support themselves?  If citizens can't financially support themselves, then how many will seek financial stability elsewhere causing a population decline. Which is another factor in Rome's collapse. 

 

Dorian's group could very well end up furthering the internal division and weakness of the country which will hasten Tevinter's end more than save it. 

 

The fall of Tevinter may not be the worse thing in the world, it's the oldest country in Thedas so it's time is simply at an end. 

 

But if Dorian really wants to save Tevinter then he's going to have to play dirty and perhaps make some very brutal decisions. He may have to forgive the men who murdered his father and work with them, Convince the other Magisters that they need to go on the offense with the Qunari... Or create a disease and infect the Qunari with, sort of like a Genophage.

 

Dangle freedom on a stick to the slaves by ending slavery officially, but not unofficially (ie Sharecropping). 

 

In other words they have to get the slaves invested in the well being of the country while still maintaining their slave labor to prevent a rebellion , create a united government while working toward severely weakening the Qunari threat once and for all.

 

But that may still not be enough.

[Arlee]

It is a very thick tangle and quite a complex problem to tease apart even in the best of circumstances. The point about the renewed Qunari threat and the problems of either a slave revolt or release of slaves concurrent is a really good point, dealing with both of those things at the same time would pretty much ensure Tevinter falls.

 

Which also makes me wonder about what the percentage of human slaves vs elf slaves in Tevinter is. If the majority of their slaves are elves, and Solas is really gathering  them to him, then Tevinter could be pretty much doomed anyways. Actually even if the majority of slaves aren't elves but there's still a substantial part, like 30%+, Tevinter would still be pretty hosed.

[nightscrawl]

We're all such supportive boyfriends... Poor Dorian.

 

Man... the more I think about it the more I REALLY want the next game to take place in Tevinter and to revolve around all this stuff, even if Dorian isn't in it at all. We've heard so much about the place and two of our DA followers have been from there and told us much about it. I wanna see!!

[Reznore57]

"Free slaves " is not something I picture on Dorian's To-Do List.

I don't think he has a problem with slavery per se , as long as people are willing to sell themselves and don't get abused .

I imagine he would try to pass laws protecting slaves interests and well being perhaps , but no more than that.

 

The way I see it he probably want to gets rid of the death grip the Altus have on the magisterium.

Having some kind of meritocracy on top instead of something fueled by tradition meant to keep and reinforce tradition forever.

 

I'm not sure it can work though , because the Altus are kind of the worst and less likely to want any change but they are resistant little cockroaches.

They survived a massive witch hunt when the Chantry was created , they survived Exalted Marches , Blight ,inner conflict , slaves uprising , 200 years of fighting the Qunari all by themselves.

The most corrupted are also probably the most powerful .

They could perhaps back down a little and make some compromises if the pressure of the Qunari ,and Solas agitating slaves gets a bit serious , but once this is dealt with well you better be quick and unleash a vicious witch hunt again.

It would not be pretty .

[nightscrawl]

^ Don't forget that by the time Trespasser rolls around he's been away from Tevinter and that mindset for three years. That is a really long time, and he admits that he'd already started thinking differently about the whole slavery thing. I don't think it's really fair to assume what his current views on the subject are, or what he's willing to do about it.

[Morry]

I've been intensely reading this discussion without really putting my own input. I'm starting to worry over Dorian and what may happen in the next game...I mean, there's no stopping what comes for Tevinter (most likely). I was already worrying with Dorian going back to Tevinter and taking the place of power his father previously held, due to the fact his father was very likely assassinated. And piecing together Tevinter's issues, comparing it to the fall of the Roman empire, and so on.......

 

Boy i want this next game to be based in Tevinter so bad now. I do of course want to see Dorian and of course that's part of the reason why I want it in Tevinter, but I want to see Tevinter before it crashes and falls. I feel like if it is in Tevinter, Dorian may become a large figure, maybe not right away (I guess it would depend on what time it is and how long Dorian has been there doing things) but. It makes me worry for Dorian.....

[BloodKaiden]

If something tragic happens to Dorian in the next game I have no idea how I would handle it. But even if a fraction of his version for a newer Tevinter comes to light I'd be satisfied.

[Morry]

yeah, even just a mention of Dorian is all I really need..... But if Dorian does end up getting involved I would be forever stressed that something bad would happen to him, considering his position. I hate how worried I am over this guy, but I am

[Joe25]

This isn't Dorian, but it is so true.

[nightscrawl]

^ In anime I always have a thing for guys with glasses, not sure why.

 

So, fun stuff... Continuing to work on Dorian edits... Input welcome. These are color edits to his default armor. Yes, I know the lighting is really bad, but Haven.

Spoiler

[Arlee]

^ In anime I always have a thing for guys with glasses, not sure why.

 

Me too!

 

Also I like the white version Hard to tell the difference on the smokey one though because of fail lighting

[Morry]

So, fun stuff... Continuing to work on Dorian edits... Input welcome. These are color edits to his default armor. Yes, I know the lighting is really bad, but Haven.

Spoiler

the white looks really cool, i like it a lot! I also like the smokey, while hard to see in that screenshot (i turned up my screen brightness to see it haha).

 

tbh I didn't think that outfit in while would look really good.. but I do like it a bit.

[Gervaise]

Dorian has slipped to page 2: this just won't do.    How have people been finding companion dialogue lately?    I know some have suggested that if anything Trespasser has made it even less during the main game.   I don't know whether that is the case but I do seem to find they are silent for very long periods.    Although some companions do seem to trigger more frequently than others.    Each time I put Solas back in the party I fairly quickly get another dialogue with Dorian.   The same was true last run with Cassandra but I have tried to avoid using her much this time round so I can get more dialogue with Blackwall and Bull.    However, it is just not working out that way.   

 

The other odd thing is companion comments, like Dorian's about sea sickness, triggering in not quite the right place.    In the past he does this when looking at the sea but the first time it came up on the Storm Coast we were about as far inland as you could get.  

 

Am just replaying Wicked Hearts again.    It occurred to me there is one thing I would really like to see but sadly probably never will: Dorian's dance of the ten silk scarves (presumably his variation of the dance of the seven veils).   Clearly will just have to use my imagination.   Luckily I have a good imagination!

[nightscrawl]

^ Regarding the banter; I typically run with either Dorian, Cole, and Cassandra, or swap Cass for Varric. I've noticed that they seem generally more chatty with Cass in the party than with Varric for some reason, with the banter time averaging ~10 minutes for the Cass grouping and ~15 for the Varric group.