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[Nyaore]

That image made me realize how much I took for granted underwear.

 

I must confess I haven't really explored any other Dragon Age media outside the games... *hangs head in shame*, but that's pretty cool looking.

All the Ken dolls. ALL OF THEM. Agreed though, I never thought I'd miss the under-roos from Origins... 

[Doreith]

*Tips hat* So you liked it, then?

 

I suppose that story could also be called "What Happens When You Bring Two Mages and a Rogue". No wonder they were losing. 

I did! And it's like rubbing salt in open wounds... is that wrong that I want more? :I

[Kulyok]

I've been re-watching first and second Solas' scenes before going to sleep (not the third one, oh nooooo, can't do it to myself when I'm sleepy and vulnerable), and I loved one (non-spoilery!) dialogue reply after the first scene:

 

"I've never done it before. On a number of levels."

 

And it's open to interpretation, but I choose to believe that my character's never really done it before - and she means the kiss, too. So you can roleplay that she's never been with anyone, never physically kissed or loved anyone(which is pretty wise in a tightly-knit clan - if you start a relationship with someone you're not interested and then break it, you've got awkwardness or enemies for life, possibly, and maybe that's why it seems to me Dalish don't take relationships lightly: take Tamlen and Mahariel, or Cammen and Gheyna). 

 

And I'm loving it.

 

 

(In other news, I noticed that the not-default Lavellan's voice sounds exactly like Your Trainer's, if you choose to be a Rift Mage! Myahaha! Well, they ARE pretty close. But seriously, I like the default voice, the one that most of our lovely Solas fans use in Youtube cutscenes, much more.)

[jellobell]

I did! And it's like rubbing salt in open wounds... is that wrong that I want more? :I

No. The romance is heartwrenching, but in a good way.

 

God, I'm hoping for a reunion so much though. I know I shouldn't do this to myself, but I can't help it (heh). Best I can do is force myself to not write happy fic (because if it doesn't turn out like that I'll be even more devastated) but rather melancholy but hopeful fic.

 

Though thinking about all of the lore implications that Solas brings to the table is actually cheering me up immensely. Because this stuff is just so cool. And it makes the story 110% better.

 

On the surface of it, Inquisition's story isn't really that amazing. You build up your forces, bad guy finds you, you build up your forces again and then beat the bad guy. So far, so standard. But there's this underlying narrative that you don't notice at first. Part of it is who Solas really is, but running through the whole game is the theme of the power of belief. Your position as Inquisitor and Herald is founded on belief. People need something to believe in, and you're it, whether or not you believe in yourself. And that belief holds power. Really, that first conversation with Solas sort of lays out the themes of the game. He talks about the power that perception has both in and out of the Fade. If enough people believe something, then it will be true. If enough people remember something a certain way, then that memory will exist in the Fade. If enough people believe that you're a messiah, then that has real, tangible effects. It's a theme that Solas keeps coming back to. Take his dislike of how the chantry preaches fear of magic. The chantry commands the belief of so many people in Thedas. Their version of what magic is is, to many people, the only possible way. And that perception shapes reality. Circle mages are taught the "correct" way to use magic, but they are both learning and being limited at the same time. Magic draws upon the Fade, which is raw possibility. As soon as you define possibility then it is constrained. Sort of like language. There's a debate in linguistics about whether we can conceive of something we have no words for.

 

It's heady stuff, and it makes me wonder about the elven gods again. Perhaps they were gods because their followers believed they were gods. And if they had less restricted views of magic than mages in modern Thedas have, then they might have been so much more powerful. After all, magic is essentially shaping the nature of reality. If you do it on a large enough scale, how is it functionally different than Divinity?

[Nika]

[Silith]

Did anyone notice how in the last romance scene Solas

Spoiler

shakes his head after removing the vallaslin?  He does that in every romance scene lol ^^  Almost like he can't believe how beautiful she is or something.

Spoiler

I also really like how if you choose the middle flirt option when he talks about showing how much you mean to him you say "I have a few suggestions *wink wink nudge nudge*" and he's like "I shall bear that in mind *wink wink nudge nudge*" XD  I swear I didn't think he'd be so confident in flirting.  It was a pleasant surprise.

I fell for him back in Haven - you can talk to him about Magic or something and he goes explaining that just because you want to reach a goal it's still okay to like the way to reach it or something like that. He then goes on to explain that Lavellan trained so hard and now moves gracefully when firing arrows (I played a Rogue). To which Lavellan can reply "You're suggesting I'm graceful?" Solas: "I'm not suggesting it, I am stating it. It was not open for debate". And I was like wtf I thought he was the shy nerdy elf?!? He's so HOT!?

Cullen had no chance after that.

 

This thread moves too fast for me, and ung the Feels, I have to bow out again.

 

Spoiler

“Nowhere to run, Inquisitor.”

 

Mocking laughter from the Venatori mage standing above her. Lavellan could hear the sounds of battle. Dorian and Vivienne reinforcing each other’s barriers, desperately trying to conserve their magic for one last push. Cole surrounded by four Venatori, pinning him in place. They would not be able to reach her in time.

 

The blow had taken her by surprise, and she had been on her knees before it had even registered. She looked up into the face of the man who was preparing to kill her, his eyes full of triumph. A whisper of memory tickled the back of her mind and, inexplicably, she found her thoughts wandering. She heard a voice, as dear to her as any she had ever known.

 

It is called Veilfire. The tone was warm, patient. She recalled the words so easily. A memory of flame that burns in this world where the Veil is thin. Her eyes were drawn down to the ground. Earth, cracked and dry. But had it always been that way? Her head hurt, but she seemed to remember… Yes, a passage from a history of the region that she had skimmed while hiding in the library. This place had once been different.

 

The Venatori mage brought her back to reality with a kick to the stomach, obviously displeased at her calm. Lavellan gasped, looking up once again. Their eyes met. Then she grinned. The mage took a step back, but he was not quick enough. A torrent of water burst from the ground under his feet. The geyser flung his body into the air like a rag doll, flying in an arc before falling with a sickening crunch. Lavellan rose to her feet, turning just in time to see three more Venatori charge her. A second column of water downed them all, and in an instant she was joined by her allies. The remnants of the Venatori patrol did not stand a chance.

 

After it was over, Vivienne and Dorian approached their Inquisitor. Dorian clucked sympathetically over Lavellan’s head wound, but Vivienne gave her an odd look. When she finally spoke, she seemed to be choosing her words carefully.

 

“That spell, dear. I have never seen anything like it.” Lavellan looked up, blinking away dizziness. Vivienne continued. “And I was sure you had depleted your mana during the fight.”

 

“It…I read about it in a book.”

 

“The spell?”

 

“No.” Lavellan shook her head, then winced. “This place, it’s a dry lakebed. A century ago we would’ve been underwater. So I simply…drew that memory from across the Veil.” She smiled wanly. “It’s the same principle as when we fix a bridge.” Cole, silent as ever, appeared beside her.

 

“It remembers,” he said in that quiet way of his, a note of approval in his voice. “It wants to change.”

 

“How utterly fascinating.” Dorian’s eyes shone with interest, but Vivienne looked disturbed.

 

“You know, dear, you are beginning to sound like…” Lavellan’s heart gave a sick little squeeze, and there was a rushing in her ears. Cole moved towards her, feeling that raw pain, but she waved him away.

 

“We, ah, should be getting back to camp,” Dorian said, obviously sensing her change in mood as well. “Discussions on the principles of magic can wait until you get that awful-looking goose-egg seen to.” Lavellan gave him a grateful smile.

 

Before they left, however, she spared one last look for the fallen Venatori.

 

“Ma serannas, Vhenan,” she whispered. “You saved me again.” And as she turned away, the air behind her seemed to ripple.

 

Ar lath ma, Vhenan. Like the lake, the words would always be there. He was not gone, so long as she remembered him.

 

Now I'm all teared up. *cries* *flees*

[hex0mega]

Honestly, it was disappointing to discover that it's impossible to start romance earlier on. The inquisitor went with the templars last time, and went with the mages this time around (Nightmare run). After all the things that happened in the mages run it would have been nice to get some romance-exclusive dialogue, but nah. Noticed that when we first walked in Solas was staking out the place like a wolf on a hunt.

 

Also, as with last time, I quickly ran out of dialogue options with him early on and it's been several hours of playtime with the only option just being "Goodbye." This game needed wayyyy more dialogue for Solas. I feel like most of the other characters (save Leliana and Cole) always have something new or relevant to my quests to discuss while Solas is just empty. Booooo. 

[Tamyn]

I've been re-watching first and second Solas' scenes before going to sleep (not the third one, oh nooooo, can't do it to myself when I'm sleepy and vulnerable), and I loved one (non-spoilery!) dialogue reply after the first scene:

 

"I've never done it before. On a number of levels."

 

And it's open to interpretation, but I choose to believe that my character's never really done it before - and she means the kiss, too. So you can roleplay that she's never been with anyone, never physically kissed or loved anyone(which is pretty wise in a tightly-knit clan - if you start a relationship with someone you're not interested and then break it, you've got awkwardness or enemies for life, possibly, and maybe that's why it seems to me Dalish don't take relationships lightly: take Tamlen and Mahariel, or Cammen and Gheyna). 

 

And I'm loving it.

 

It helps me that Solas says he's more bold in the Fade, because I'd like to think of my Lavellan that way too. I was resistant to her making the first move physically but since that's the only way to romance him ( ) I just imagine that she'd do things in the Fade she'd be too shy to in the waking world. And the first "real kiss" is started by him after his personal quest.

[Nyaore]

No. The romance is heartwrenching, but in a good way.

 

God, I'm hoping for a reunion so much though. I know I shouldn't do this to myself, but I can't help it (heh). Best I can do is force myself to not write happy fic (because if it doesn't turn out like that I'll be even more devastated) but rather melancholy but hopeful fic.

 

Though thinking about all of the lore implications that Solas brings to the table is actually cheering me up immensely. Because this stuff is just so cool. And it makes the story 110% better.

 

On the surface of it, Inquisition's story isn't really that amazing. You build up your forces, bad guy finds you, you build up your forces again and then beat the bad guy. So far, so standard. But there's this underlying narrative that you don't notice at first. Part of it is who Solas really is, but running through the whole game is the theme of the power of belief. Your position as Inquisitor and Herald is founded on belief. People need something to believe in, and you're it, whether or not you believe in yourself. And that belief holds power. Really, that first conversation with Solas sort of lays out the themes of the game. He talks about the power that perception has both in and out of the Fade. If enough people believe something, then it will be true. If enough people remember something a certain way, then that memory will exist in the Fade. If enough people believe that you're a messiah, then that has real, tangible effects. It's a theme that Solas keeps coming back to. Take his dislike of how the chantry preaches fear of magic. The chantry commands the belief of so many people in Thedas. Their version of what magic is is, to many people, the only possible way. And that perception shapes reality. Circle mages are taught the "correct" way to use magic, but they are both learning and being limited at the same time. Magic draws upon the Fade, which is raw possibility. As soon as you define possibility then it is constrained. Sort of like language. There's a debate in linguistics about whether we can conceive of something we have no words for.

 

It's heady stuff, and it makes me wonder about the elven gods again. Perhaps they were gods because their followers believed they were gods. And if they had less restricted views of magic than mages in modern Thedas have, then they might have been so much more powerful. After all, magic is essentially shaping the nature of reality. If you do it on a large enough scale, how is it functionally different than Divinity?

 

I'm powerfully reminded of the Forgotten Realms setting with your analysis. By the very nature that governs the divine there, at least from my browsings of the lore, a god cannot exist without the beliefs of their followers. Belief is strength. Strength enough to conquer. Strength enough to shed your humanity and rise into divinity. However, the very moment that belief is broken - the moment your name becomes lost to time - you die. You are the sum of all the parts that are willing to worship you in the first place. Yes, you need the Overgod Ao's approval to even establish a permanent power in that setting but as the quote on the wikia sums it up:
"Worshipers are necessary for the continued existence and powers of a deity. The numbers and fervor of a god's worshipers determine in large part the power of the deity. Deities without worshipers or who are fading in popularity fade in power, and in extreme cases can even die from neglect."

I'd be absolutely estactic if something like that were true of Thedas. Though it does have implications for the myth of the Maker. Does he exist? Or did the belief in him spring him to life? Or neither? Does, say, Mythal retain their powers due to the continued beliefs of the Dalish? Are they weakened? Is it something that never fades? 

Edit: It also explains why that one god, as Solas puts it, waged war to earn more worshipers. He wanted more power.

[Tamyn]

Did anyone else have Abelas call your elf "shemlen"? I found that annoying.

[jellobell]

 

I'm powerfully reminded of the Forgotten Realms setting with your analysis. By the very nature that governs the divine there, at least from my browsings of the lore, a god cannot exist without the beliefs of their followers. Belief is strength. Strength enough to conquer. Strength enough to shed your humanity and rise into divinity. However, the very moment that belief is broken - the moment your name becomes lost to time - you die. You are the sum of all the parts that are willing to worship you in the first place. Yes, you need the Overgod Ao's approval to even establish a permanent power in that setting but as the quote on the wikia sums it up:
"Worshipers are necessary for the continued existence and powers of a deity. The numbers and fervor of a god's worshipers determine in large part the power of the deity. Deities without worshipers or who are fading in popularity fade in power, and in extreme cases can even die from neglect."

I'd be absolutely estactic if something like that were true of Thedas. Though it does have implications for the myth of the Maker. Does he exist? Or did the belief in him spring him to life? Or neither? Does, say, Mythal retain their powers due to the continued beliefs of the Dalish? Are they weakened? Is it something that never fades? 

Edit: It also explains why that one god, as Solas puts it, waged war to earn more worshipers. He wanted more power.

 

Yeah, all of this is giving me Planescape: Torment flashbacks, which is a really really good thing.

 

I also think it might have some intersection with the orbs. Perhaps the orbs collected and concentrated the belief of its god's worshipers? The Dalish still believe in the Dread Wolf, after all, but not in the same way as the ancient elves probably did.

[kalasaurus]

Did anyone else have Abelas call your elf "shemlen"? I found that annoying.

 

Yeah, that was after you thanked him, yes?  I found that annoying too... Either it was an oversight, or he's a jerk.

[Nyaore]

 

Yeah, that was after you thanked him, yes?  I found that annoying too... Either it was an oversight, or he's a jerk.

Kind of makes sense to me since earlier he sort of sneered at the idea that the Dalish considered themselves Elvhen. Shemlen literally means quick children, and all elves currently alive who descended from those in Arlathan have quickened to the same life span as a human. It sort of make sense, even if it's incredibly douchy.

 

Yeah, all of this is giving me Planescape: Torment flashbacks, which is a really really good thing.

 

I also think it might have some intersection with the orbs. Perhaps the orbs collected and concentrated the belief of its god's worshipers? The Dalish still believe in the Dread Wolf, after all, but not in the same way as the ancient elves probably did.

Gah, now I really - really want to have the expansion now so we might learn more about all of this. There's so much we're missing on the matter, but just enough there to tantalize and speculate over.

Spoiler

I wonder if that might be why that epilogue happened though. That orb isn't there anymore, so a certain someone can't return to full form or power. Perhaps consolidating what he could with Flemthal is the only way to even approach his former power?

[Ajna]

Yeah, that was after you thanked him, yes?  I found that annoying too... Either it was an oversight, or he's a jerk.

Shemlen means "quick children" we're mortal, so it's just Abelas speaking the truth, I didn't feel insulted. But maybe he's a bit of a jerk too..*shrug*

[Addai]

I was thinking about that video of all possible romance endings.

Spoiler

The timing of his break seems significant. It's right after the Temple of Mythal, where he comments about how amazed he is that it survived. It's possible that it reminded him of his purpose and gave him an indication that Mythal was alive. So when he says "I've distracted you from your duties" he really means he has let himself be distracted and is trying to course correct.

I also noticed for the first time that he grabs her ass during the final kiss. Nice work, Solas. Get one more squeeze in before you vamoos.

[Silith]

This game is killing me. Did someone of you speak to Cole after the very end of the game? I never bothered talking to anybody after Cullen had nothing to say to me in my first playthrough, I figured they all had no dialogue. But just now I did (Cassandra is really funny, lol) and this happened to me:

 

Spoiler

When you approach Cole he says without being prompted:

"I'm sorry, Cole, but with your gift, I fear that you might see the path I now must walk in solitude forever. This fate is mine alone. Indeed, I would not wish it on an enemy, much less someone I once cared for. Though you reach out in compassion, I must now insist that you forget. ... I'm... what were we talking about?"

Cole even says it in the same rhythm Solas talks in.

But oh my god the poor... god, walking in solitude forever?!  Noooo! And who is the one he "once cared for"? I'm guessing he means Cole, but... Does he say the same in a non-romance playthrough?

 

The Feels...

[CrazyRah]

This game is killing me. Did someone of you speak to Cole after the very end of the game? I never bothered talking to anybody after Cullen had nothing to say to me in my first playthrough, I figured they all had no dialogue. But just now I did (Cassandra is really funny, lol) and this happened to me:

 

Spoiler

When you approach Cole he says without being prompted:

"I'm sorry, Cole, but with your gift, I fear that you might see the path I now must walk in solitude forever. This fate is mine alone. Indeed, I would not wish it on an enemy, much less someone I once cared for. Though you reach out in compassion, I must now insist that you forget. ... I'm... what were we talking about?"

Cole even says it in the same rhythm Solas talks in.

But oh my god the poor... god, walking in solitude forever?!  Noooo! And who is the one he "once cared for"? I'm guessing he means Cole, but... Does he say the same in a non-romance playthrough?

 

The Feels...

 

Oh that's powerful stuff..

[Ajna]

This game is killing me. Did someone of you speak to Cole after the very end of the game? I never bothered talking to anybody after Cullen had nothing to say to me in my first playthrough, I figured they all had no dialogue. But just now I did (Cassandra is really funny, lol) and this happened to me:

 

Spoiler

When you approach Cole he says without being prompted:

"I'm sorry, Cole, but with your gift, I fear that you might see the path I now must walk in solitude forever. This fate is mine alone. Indeed, I would not wish it on an enemy, much less someone I once cared for. Though you reach out in compassion, I must now insist that you forget. ... I'm... what were we talking about?"

Cole even says it in the same rhythm Solas talks in.

But oh my god the poor... god, walking in solitude forever?!  Noooo! And who is the one he "once cared for"? I'm guessing he means Cole, but... Does he say the same in a non-romance playthrough?

 

The Feels...

Spoiler

That one definitely hits you right in the feels, he's so fecking stubborn...my reaction to that was something like "NO! DON'T SAY THAT! LET ME HELP YOU I HAVE YOUR BLOODY GOD HAND!"

[kalasaurus]

This game is killing me. Did someone of you speak to Cole after the very end of the game? I never bothered talking to anybody after Cullen had nothing to say to me in my first playthrough, I figured they all had no dialogue. But just now I did (Cassandra is really funny, lol) and this happened to me:

 

Spoiler

When you approach Cole he says without being prompted:

"I'm sorry, Cole, but with your gift, I fear that you might see the path I now must walk in solitude forever. This fate is mine alone. Indeed, I would not wish it on an enemy, much less someone I once cared for. Though you reach out in compassion, I must now insist that you forget. ... I'm... what were we talking about?"

Cole even says it in the same rhythm Solas talks in.

But oh my god the poor... god, walking in solitude forever?!  Noooo! And who is the one he "once cared for"? I'm guessing he means Cole, but... Does he say the same in a non-romance playthrough?

 

The Feels...

 

   

 

Spoiler

I'm holding out hope for a "Wolf Hunt" DLC where Lavellan/Inquisitor can at least confront him, learn the truth and say good bye.  I won't hope for any more, for risk of massive disappointment 

[TheComfyCat]

I was wandering around in Crestwood, and stumbled across that pretty little glade from the last romance scene. Hit me right in the feels... was not expecting that...

[Ajna]

I'm making this my Solas/Lavellan song...

 

 

Spoiler

I've seen the terrible hand of struggle
and felt the pain that hubris brings
I have tasted the wisdom of divinity
and the horror of its sting

And though they tell you i am lost
and their words report my death is come
the fates have left me breathing still
Very much alive

And though my mind is cut by battles
fought so long ago
I return victorious
I am coming home
And if the paths that I have followed
have tread against the flow
there is no need for sorrow
I am coming home

For the distance I have traveled
Upon and ocean of despair
have led me back into your arms once more
an answer to a little prayer

[Liedeke]

This is once again off topic. I hate to tell you guys, but the new DSM V eliminated the diagnoses of Aspergers and it's only Autism now. I am not saying that I agree wtih the decision, but technically Aspergers don't exist. =/ At the end of the day it's just a label. What matters is how comfortable you are with yourself. Everyone is different to some degree anyway and that's what makes the world interesting.

 

You are right they did change it.

It's just easier to talk about it when you have a name for it, but yes, people are just people and there are a lot of different people.

[Lulumi_Lumi]

I also had no idea starting up Inquisition that I would romance Solas. I didn't find him attractive or was interested in him based on the screenshots I've seen and then I saw a tumlbr post saying 

Spoiler

"oh no why did he break up with me that was so sad"

and I thought to myself "well what's even the point in romancing him then? Good thing I'm not doing that!". I was so set on Sera and was so excited to get to know her but once I started talking to Solas that flew out the window. For me his main appeal is his personality and knowledge. Even based on my real life relationships I know for a fact that I'm attracted to people who know a lot of things and likes to discuss different point of views and possibilities of outcomes. People who can answer my questions and who doesn't look down on me for asking.

 

I think Solas easily could have been made into a stereotype when it comes to his character. The usual tropes are either "super obsessed about X thing fanatic crazy man a lá Albert Einstein" or the "high and mighty what-you-dont-even-know-about-that-thing? I'm surrounded by idiots! -researcher who thinks he is better than everyone else because he knows more", but with Solas you literally get approval by asking things and show a interest in learning. He is so enthusiastic about the fade and spirits and for me that's his most attractive point.

[Nyaore]

I also had no idea starting up Inquisition that I would romance Solas. I didn't find him attractive or was interested in him based on the screenshots I've seen and then I saw a tumlbr post saying 

Spoiler

"oh no why did he break up with me that was so sad"

and I thought to myself "well what's even the point in romancing him then? Good thing I'm not doing that!". I was so set on Sera and was so excited to get to know her but once I started talking to Solas that flew out the window. For me his main appeal is his personality and knowledge. Even based on my real life relationships I know for a fact that I'm attracted to people who know a lot of things and likes to discuss different point of views and possibilities of outcomes. People who can answer my questions and who doesn't look down on me for asking.

 

I think Solas easily could have been made into a stereotype when it comes to his character. The usual tropes are either "super obsessed about X thing fanatic crazy man a lá Albert Einstein" or the "high and mighty what-you-dont-even-know-about-that-thing? I'm surrounded by idiots! -researcher who thinks he is better than everyone else because he knows more", but with Solas you literally get approval by asking things and show a interest in learning. He is so enthusiastic about the fade and spirits and for me that's his most attractive point.

Agreed 100%. I love how he appreciates an inquisitive mind and doesn't hate you for asking questions. If anything he bleeds approval every time you question something in a respectful manner and is only too happy to talk about obscure aspects with you. It's very, very charming, to the point where I'm honestly not sure how successful I will be romancing anyone else. At least my Cullenmance allotted character is human, so there's no chance of accidentally going after him. 

 

Also started another Solas drawing... Oops...

[Arahnea]

This game is killing me. Did someone of you speak to Cole after the very end of the game? I never bothered talking to anybody after Cullen had nothing to say to me in my first playthrough, I figured they all had no dialogue. But just now I did (Cassandra is really funny, lol) and this happened to me:

 

Spoiler

When you approach Cole he says without being prompted:

"I'm sorry, Cole, but with your gift, I fear that you might see the path I now must walk in solitude forever. This fate is mine alone. Indeed, I would not wish it on an enemy, much less someone I once cared for. Though you reach out in compassion, I must now insist that you forget. ... I'm... what were we talking about?"

Cole even says it in the same rhythm Solas talks in.

But oh my god the poor... god, walking in solitude forever?!  Noooo! And who is the one he "once cared for"? I'm guessing he means Cole, but... Does he say the same in a non-romance playthrough?

 

The Feels...

Okay, I really need to know if he also says this with a nonromanced inquisitor.... So many possible theories  Also what does he mean "once cared for" ..doesn't he care anymore :'(