I've recently been considering what decisions a Dalish warden might make in DA:O and DA:A based on how their ethnic/cultural/historic background might influence their world view. I've left out major decisions that do not inherently relate to Dalish culture (e.g killing or saving Connor).
- Broken Circle: side with the mages. The mages are generally more tolerant of elves and magic (which is a revered aspect of Dalish society) than are the Templars who appear to lack elves in their ranks and naturally distrust Dalish communities due to the freedom and power given to certain mages. As evidenced by Eadric (at the Circle Tower), there are even some elven mages seeking to study and reclaim aspects of elven history via the Circle of Magi, so wiping them out would be a big no-no.
- The Urn of Sacred Ashes: preserve the ashes but refuse to disclose the information of their whereabouts. Andraste and Shartan were allies who both fought to bring freedom to Tevinter slaves. For this reason, a Dalish warden would likely preserve the ashes out of respect for Andraste who played an integral role in the creation of the second Dalish state. Nevertheless, a Dalish warden would likely dislike the Chantry due to its role in destroying the Dales long after Andraste's death, and the ashes (as a powerful religious artefact) might be a symbolic means for the Chantry to spread and further consolidate its power over much of Thedas.
- Nature of the Beast: Dalish wardens would most likely side with their fellow Dalish elves, though in what way is uncertain. On the one hand, the warden might kill all the werewolves on sight in revenge for their killing of innocent members of the Dalish clan and to appease Zathrian, though on the other, they might move against Zathrian (forcing him to lift the curse and die in the process) due to his lying to the clan and his use of blood magic (that many Dalish appear to abhor due to its association with the enslavement of Arlathan by the Tevinter Imperium).
- A Paragon of Her Kind: Harrowmont's more conservative, traditional views may appeal more to a Dalish elf than Bhelen's radical reforms as Dalish are known to prize history and maintaining historical culture and traditions. Destroying the Anvil of the Void would also be a very Dalish thing to do as it is connected to dark magic and the enslavement of mortals (abhorred by the Dalish).
- Unrest in the Alienage: Caladrius represents many of the things most hated by the Dalish: he is a Tevinter human enslaving elves and wielding the same blood magic that was used to enslave Arlathan. So no form of compromise would be made here.
- Dark Ritual: Based on Dalish religion, the Archdemon may well represent one of the 'Forgotten Ones' who were imprisoned by Fen'Harel. As enemies of the Creators, it would be unlikely that a Dalish warden would be willing to allow Morrigan to preserve the soul of what could essentially be one of their religion's 'devils'. While it isn't confirmed that the Archdemons/Old Gods equate to the 'Forgotten Ones', it's nevertheless speculation that a Dalish warden might well believe.
- The Architect: Velanna is in favour of siding with the architect, equating his freeing of the darkspawn to the liberation of elvenkind, though this view is likely coloured by her love for her sister who is in the architect camp. Nevertheless, the architect and the darkspawn are direct representations of the corruption of the Tevinter Imperium which was a great enemy of the elves, and so it's more likely that a Dalish warden would refuse any compromise with such creatures and slay the architect.
This is my opinion on how a Dalish elf warden would react at various points in DA:O and DA:A. Any thoughts on what you think a Dalish warden might do differently?





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