have an ability that makes it hard if not impossible to be mad at them
It's very easy to be mad at mind rape.
have an ability that makes it hard if not impossible to be mad at them
It's very easy to be mad at mind rape.
I'd consider that a rather offensive misuse of the term "rape." Unless you think that rape generally elicits mild-to-moderate annoyance in the victims.
I'd consider that a rather offensive misuse of the term "rape." Unless you think that rape generally elicits mild-to-moderate annoyance in the victims.
The fact that it elicits "mild-to-moderate annoyance in the victims" despite the fact that it is a violation of the deepest, most private, most personal, and most sacrosanct thing that a person has, is one of the many many things that is frustrating about its portrayal in the game. Then again, that opinion isn't universally shared...but since the main reactions against it are from characters you don't like, I suppose it's easy to see how you wouldn't really care about that.
Sera reacts strongly against it, but you don't think Sera should be allowed to have personal feelings and want her to be banished to the Fade, so. Vivienne reacts strongly against it, but you view Vivienne as the mage equivalent of hanjian, so. Solas is completely okay with it unless it's being used on him, in which case he shuts Cole down hard and alters his memory, because hypocrisy is fun. Everybody else is generally uncomfortable with it up to the point where Cole uses his magic magic spirit powers to tell the victim that he's just trying to make him feel better, at which point they're all "welp okay whatever".
The intention is to point up just how violating the act of reading somebody's mind actually is, not to trivialize rape. But I'll admit that the exact last thing I want to do is trigger anything for a rape survivor, so I'll refrain from using the word like that again...but that doesn't change how violating Cole's power actually is.
I've changed my mind about Sera. I've decided that she's not malicious about it and has issues with the Dalish more due to honest misconceptions and the Dalish themselves not putting their best foot forward around her and likely other city elves. As for Vivienne, your comparison is unwarranted; she'd be just as horrible if she wasn't a mage.
However, neither Sera nor Vivienne have reactions against Cole because of what he does, but rather what he is: a spirit. Vivienne thinks he's a demon and Sera just doesn't like the Fade. So it's not an issue of mental violation either way, and given that the lack of it being a major issue with mental violation is consistent across all companions, I'm going to say that, within the context of the game (which is the only context in which Cole and his powers exist), it's not seen as being as violating as you claim it is.
However, neither Sera nor Vivienne have reactions against Cole because of what he does, but rather what he is: a spirit. Vivienne thinks he's a demon and Sera just doesn't like the Fade. So it's not an issue of mental violation either way, and given that the lack of it being a major issue with mental violation is consistent across all companions, I'm going to say that, within the context of the game (which is the only context in which Cole and his powers exist), it's not seen as being as violating as you claim it is.
The fact that it elicits "mild-to-moderate annoyance in the victims" despite the fact that it is a violation of the deepest, most private, most personal, and most sacrosanct thing that a person has, is one of the many many things that is frustrating about its portrayal in the game. Then again, that opinion isn't universally shared...but since the main reactions against it are from characters you don't like, I suppose it's easy to see how you wouldn't really care about that.
Sera reacts strongly against it, but you don't think Sera should be allowed to have personal feelings and want her to be banished to the Fade, so. Vivienne reacts strongly against it, but you view Vivienne as the mage equivalent of hanjian, so. Solas is completely okay with it unless it's being used on him, in which case he shuts Cole down hard and alters his memory, because hypocrisy is fun. Everybody else is generally uncomfortable with it up to the point where Cole uses his magic magic spirit powers to tell the victim that he's just trying to make him feel better, at which point they're all "welp okay whatever".
The intention is to point up just how violating the act of reading somebody's mind actually is, not to trivialize rape. But I'll admit that the exact last thing I want to do is trigger anything for a rape survivor, so I'll refrain from using the word like that again...but that doesn't change how violating Cole's power actually is.
Neither Sera nor Vivienne 'react strong against' Cole's power, but they rather hate who he is- a spirit or 'demon' in their eyes.
Most of the time Cole is able to read thoughts about someone when they're hurting, as such he'll be able to help them. It's what he was created to do and it's a noble purpose, he can't just stop it because it's against his very nature and existence. Solas actually lets Cole read his mind most of the time, except once when he decides that he doesn't want to discuss that one hurt. Cassandra is strongly against it at first, but then begins to understand and respect him. So does Blackwall. Because he was able to help them both after figuring out exactly what's wrong.
Sera and Vivienne repeatedly include variations on the phrase "get out of my head" in their banter with Cole. That's not "eww a spirit", that is you are not wanted in there LEAVE ME THE HELL ALONE. They are ignored.
It's true that they don't like Cole or his origins, but that doesn't make the complaint of mind violation any less valid, because that is exactly what he is doing despite repeatedly expressed wishes for him to stop.
Actually, I don't think Cole is capable of stopping. Would you prefer it if he stopped talking about it?
Actually, I don't think Cole is capable of stopping. Would you prefer it if he stopped talking about it?
I am neither Sera nor Vivienne. I can't speak for what they'd prefer.
If Cole isn't capable of stopping, then he should remove himself from the presence of those who tell him to stop; if that's not possible, then 'not talking about it' would be the least possible concession to make to others' right to privacy.
But I'm done on this topic; this thread isn't about Cole, it's about Josephine, and I'd much rather talk about things like this. Because I am a sucker for "tiny girlfriend" d'awwwws.
True, true. I'd wonder if Josephine does anything like that with an elf Inquisitor, though the size difference might not be large enough for it... and she's probably still stronger, given that she can lift Josephine up and twirl her.
Also, while I have other things I'd want in DLC with Josephine, I'd also be happy with getting to meet her parents.
But I'm done on this topic; this thread isn't about Cole, it's about Josephine, and I'd much rather talk about things like this. Because I am a sucker for "tiny girlfriend" d'awwwws.
I was debating about who best to romance her with and now am definitely going to romance her as a Qunari, this ship has won me over. Adaar having a "tiny girlfriend" and not understanding how humans work makes me laugh.
Anyone else thinking about Adaar and Varric conspiring to make all the furniture in Skyhold sized for Qunari and Dwarves, leaving the humans and elves to suddenly realise how awkward it must be for them to have to constantly deal with ill-sized furniture on a daily basis?
Also, while I have other things I'd want in DLC with Josephine, I'd also be happy with getting to meet her parents.
I kind of want to meet Josephine's dad, he sounds like an awesome guy? While all we know about him is that he's a painter, does anyone else the vibe that he's probably this really eccentric guy who has an entire art studio with weird and wonderful creations?
I played a multiplayer mission which was initiated and commented on by Josephine. I have to say it broke my heart to hear her shaken voice informing the group picked by her didn't survive. I was like "Oh my goodness, never again. I need to try harder." ![]()
More scenes like when Dorian and Cullen play chess would be great for the 'advisor' banter, I think that is a good template, although it wouldn't have to be a full cutscene of course
More scenes like when Dorian and Cullen play chess would be great for the 'advisor' banter, I think that is a good template, although it wouldn't have to be a full cutscene of course
As Basement Cat has suggested a few times and I agreed with, the interlude tea parties Josephine has for the advisers would be a great choice for this since all three are in the same room as just people rather than their roles.
As Basement Cat has suggested a few times and I agreed with, the interlude tea parties Josephine has for the advisers would be a great choice for this since all three are in the same room as just people rather than their roles.
Cat's suggestions are usually good...
Romance party banter isn't all that frequent as people want to make them out to be, and the advisors have their own banter
The advisor banter doesn't trigger frequently. And I don't mean romance banter. I mean regular banter. Like the Cassandra punching a bear one.
How was I to know that Cassandra preferred roses to teddy bears? Worst Valentine's Day ever. She took the toy and tied it to a jousting post. At least Josephine waited till I left the room before she put in that shoebox under her bed.
I tried to look in it once before she walked into the room. All I saw was a tiny porcelain hand. Then, she took the box, and told me to leave before I woke Mrs. Norris.
In defense of Cole...
I'm not sure that he actually gets inside people's heads. The way I understand it is that people's thoughts and dreams, with the exception of the dwarves, simultaneously exist in the Fade. Peoples minds are almost like radios broadcasting these signals into the Fade where they can be read or experienced by Spirits or Demons.
Unless I'm mistaken on that particular bit of DA lore, I'm not sure it's fair to call what Cole is doing 'rape.' He may not even have a much of choice in shutting it off, just as it would be difficult for us to shut out all sound that reaches our ears.
People just need to think more quietly around Cole.
People just need to think more quietly around Cole.
I will say this about Cole...
He'd be a God tier wingman for any single guy or gal.
I just finished the game and romanced Josephine and despite the kinda ominous epilogue, Me and my hon Josie had a lovely parting shot, looking off into the sunrise. I was so hoping for that, I'm happy.
I plan to retire to her family's vineyards and do some taste testing.
Early on in the game I wanted to romance Cassandra, who I think is the best-looking woman in the game (sorry, Josie), but she was a bit too earnest. Later, she shows her girlish side (Varrick's novels) and a pretty sly, sarcastic sense of humor, but by that time I was committed to Josie, and I think Josie would make the better wife and partner of an inquisitor, diplomat that she is. Two fighters (Inquisitor & Cass) less so, I feel.
Cassie prettier than Josie? Don't really see it. She's got nicer legs, mind you, but Josie's quite pretty.
I will say this about Cole...
He'd be a God tier wingman for any single guy or gal.
He already is for at least one guy in Val Royeuax ![]()
"The woman in the red dress thinks you'd look good naked. She wants someone to compliment her hat."
Cassie prettier than Josie? Don't really see it. She's got nicer legs, mind you, but Josie's quite pretty.
Sure, Josephine is a fine looking woman, and when she looks at me with half-lidded eyes she's quite alluring. And she's such a sweetheart. I luv Josie.
It's a matter of taste, I suppose, but I prefer Cassandra's sharper facial features. And yes, those mile-long legs.
Sure, Josephine is a fine looking woman, and when she looks at me with half-lidded eyes she's quite alluring. And she's such a sweetheart. I luv Josie.
It's a matter of taste, I suppose, but I prefer Cassandra's sharper facial features. And yes, those mile-long legs.
It really is a matter of taste. My best friend thinks Josie is ugly- I did punch him when he said that though ![]()
It really is a matter of taste. My best friend thinks Josie is ugly- I did punch him when he said that though
Good Job. No smack talks Josie, and gets away with it.