153433 réponses à ce sujet

[jellobell]

Spoiler

Completely 100% agree with you. This reminds me deeply of that first banter conversation where you have a choice during the prologue - it's when you go up to that one cave past that house on fire before you head up the mountain to continue and he talks about his run-ins with the Dalish in the past and it not necessarily being a good thing. You can sort of question him there - and that's all he sounds. Tired of trying to lead them down another path they refuse to recognize or consider due to years of lost knowledge and ignorance.

That is, truly, what makes Lavellan unique if you romance him in a friendly way. She asks him questions, she wants to know more, she's willing to consider that which her people would discard out of fear or cultural bias.

 

 

I think I'm gonna cry now...    And I want to give that silly egghead Fade nerd a big hug and tell him that everything will be alright. I sure hope he knows what he's doing this time (and hopefully won't get killed in the process, dammit).

 

 

I think I'm making myself sad at this point.  But god, it's so wonderfully multi-layered. And it'll be so worth it if we're actually able to give Solas that big hug at the end and tell him it'll be okay. I just love stories like that. Where two people conquer every sh*tty thing life throws at them and come out battered but whole on the other side.

 

 

^ Accurate representation of me right now.

 

 

On a happier note of sunshine and unicorns, did anyone else feel like the kiss-centric romance felt oddly.. Princess Bride? There's a level of purity, reverence, and devotion to it that flat out smites me straight through the heart. Also - if they want to end whatever Solas DLC that's headed our way the way they ended the Princess Bride.. I'll take it. We know their animators can do it. 
 

 

-snip-

“Since the invention of the kiss, there have only been five kisses that were rated the most passionate, the most pure. This one left them all behind.”

Yessss. I know there were some grumblings over the lack of a "sex scene", but I just never felt it was necessary. There really is a certain reverence to the way Solas interacts with the Inquisitor. As if he can't quite believe this is happening. Less poetically, he looks at her like the sun shines out of her ass.   It's the most adorable thing. This thousand-plus year old god (?) falling in love so thoroughly. Really warms the heart. And now Hallelujah is playing in my head again. Thanks, Patrick Weekes. You gave us the ultimate Solavellan song. And it's even written into the game! Can't get much better than that.

 

And speaking of the Princess Bride, the moment I learned that "ma nuvenin" basically translates to "as you wish" I really really wanted him to say it to Lavellan. Alas, he uses it twice but never on her (though I guess that's what fanfic is for).

[Aetheria]

Exactly. It's a vicious cycle. And the more he tries to connect to others and fails, the more he puts up emotional barriers. When questioned by an Inquisitor he doesn't like, he isn't even really angry most of the time. He just sounds tired. Tired and sad and sick of fighting only to get knocked down again and again.

 

That's what makes his relationship with Lavellan so beautiful. She reaches out to him. She turns his attention from the Fade. She's someone that he can finally connect with, who might truly understand him. And he realizes just how lucky he is to have found this. "But losing you would..." It's precisely the thing he's wanted for so long but could never have. Is it any wonder he falls so quickly and so hard?

 

*wibble*

 

Argh the feels.

 

You're right though. Maybe the thing that makes the romance so compelling is that the writing, voiceover, cinematics, all this stuff really makes you feel for that silly egg. And not in the "ok I need to solve this character's problems by giving them a pep talk so they'll get over it and sleep with me" way.

 

On a happier note of sunshine and unicorns, did anyone else feel like the kiss-centric romance felt oddly.. Princess Bride? There's a level of purity, reverence, and devotion to it that flat out smites me straight through the heart. Also - if they want to end whatever Solas DLC that's headed our way the way they ended the princess bride.. I'll take it.

 

I know I've expounded upon this before, but yes. It seemed really... fitting somehow that the scenes we got were not that eventful physically (well in the Fade scene, I guess literally nothing happens physically!) - not even a lot of walking around or dramatic gestures really - but instead very emotionally intense.

[tsunamitigerdragon]

.

[OxidantsHappen]

/snip

 

You all can't stop me. I am going down with this ship.

 

 

I thought you said you were on the optimism dreadnaught? Dreadnaught's don't sink, they explode.

 

 

 

[Rabbitonfire]

Just finished my first playthrough. I was a bit late to the game...thanks to lack of funds. *shakes any fist at life*. But yes OMG Solas. So many things made sense in the end with him and I can say mind is blown. I was so happy I avoided reading all the spoilers ^w^

it's ok i haven't finished yet. but i like spoilers.

[tsunamitigerdragon]

. 

[jellobell]

And... my heart is broken again. And i shall headcanon into the eternities that he says "ma nuvenin" each time she asks him for a new tale from the fade or about the ancient elvhen. Because in a way, her voicing her curiosity, her open mindedness is a reminder to him of the reasons he loves her. You all can't stop me. I am going down with this ship.

I accept your headcanon and claim it as my own.

 

I mean, he uses "ma nuvenin" on Mihris when he's being snarky with her. And then says it to his friend when she asks him to help her die. It's probably a phrase he uses often. And just imagining him saying it to Lavellan is giving me butterflies.    I've watched the Princess Bride too many times to see "as you wish" as anything other than deeply romantic.

[Doveberry]

On a happier note of sunshine and unicorns, did anyone else feel like the kiss-centric romance felt oddly.. Princess Bride? There's a level of purity, reverence, and devotion to it that flat out smites me straight through the heart. Also - if they want to end whatever Solas DLC that's headed our way the way they ended the Princess Bride.. I'll take it. We know their animators can do it.

I'm sure that you didn't mean it that way, but the idea that no sex should equal purity makes me extremely uncomfortable and deeply unhappy. Sex is (or at the very least, it can be) seriously one of the purest expressions of emotion and affection available to humanity. The fact that society frequently tells us that it is "dirty" is to me one of the most horrible ideas ever forced upon the collective human psyche. This is why more sex in games is better, in my opinion (as long as it is between consenting adults). The fact that violence is more socially acceptable than sex depresses me to no end.

 

I do love the Princess Bride, though, and the comparison made me smile. This was not meant as an attack on your comment, the choice of words just gave me sad feels.

[tsunamitigerdragon]

I'm sure that you didn't mean it that way, but the idea that no sex should equal purity makes me extremely uncomfortable and deeply unhappy. Sex is (or at the very least, it can be) seriously one of the purest expressions of emotion and affection available to humanity. The fact that society frequently tells us that it is "dirty" is to me one of the most horrible ideas ever forced upon the collective human psyche. This is why more sex in games is better, in my opinion (as long as it is between consenting adults). The fact that violence is more socially acceptable than sex depresses me to no end.

 

I do love the Princess Bride, though, and the comparison made me smile. This was not meant as an attack on your comment, the choice of words just gave me sad feels.

I believe that to be a misinterpretation of how I meant purity. Purity to me doesn't mean abstinence, it meant purity of feeling and emotion. They're in the relationship because of the genuine love they feel, not because of what they get out of it. Hope that makes you understand my meaning better.

Also I think the lack of sex in this romance was done for a number of reasons I've posted in the past few pages. Namely mass reactions of calling the relationship sick, abusive, or ill-intentioned, as well as the "little black dress" way of dealing with romance. Less sometimes really is more. By keeping the details of it hidden, they remain intimate and deeply personal.

[madrar]

Exactly. It's a vicious cycle. And the more he tries to connect to others and fails, the more he puts up emotional barriers. When questioned by an Inquisitor he doesn't like, he isn't even really angry most of the time. He just sounds tired. Tired and sad and sick of fighting only to get knocked down again and again.

 

 

Actually, as soothing as his usual calm, observational demeanor is, this is why I like angry Solas so damn much.  

 

The way he describes his inner calm in his banter with Cole is just... gah.  I don't know. I realize it's a hard-won peace after countless years of struggle and failure, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.  It may not be precisely what the writers intended, but it makes it sound as if he's learned to let the currents of the world simply carry him along, making as few ripples as possible.  Calm at the cost of being connected.  Passive.  Detached. 

 

Those moments of anger are the only confirmation that his original fire- the heat that drove him to fight the current with all his strength instead of simply letting it take him- is still in there.  It's still alive.  Until the last scenes of the game, the only time he ever takes action is when he's pushed to anger.

 

Do not let Thedas go gentle into that good night, Solas.  I know the flame of Falon'Din is still in there somewhere.  Come on.  

[jellobell]

I'm sure that you didn't mean it that way, but the idea that no sex should equal purity makes me extremely uncomfortable and deeply unhappy. Sex is (or at the very least, it can be) seriously one of the purest expressions of emotion and affection available to humanity. The fact that society frequently tells us that it is "dirty" is to me one of the most horrible ideas ever forced upon the collective human psyche. This is why more sex in games is better, in my opinion (as long as it is between consenting adults). The fact that violence is more socially acceptable than sex depresses me to no end.

I see what you're saying, and I agree. Though, personally, I think the romance has tons of sexual tension. Just no sex "scene". And that's what I really liked. It takes the emphasis off the act itself, and places it on the chemistry that the two characters have together. Everything, from the way he looks at her, to the way he avoids touching her right up until he can't help himself anymore, all speaks to just how much he's attracted to her. But he's attracted to Lavellan because she's her. He loves her for her mind, her morals, and the thoughtful way she interacts with the world. In the end, the romance isn't about the sex, like it is in Iron Bull's romance (in IB's romance it's specifically through sex that he shows he cares). At most, it's an "enjoyable side-benefit". That's why you can imagine that it didn't even happen and the romance wouldn't fundamentally change.

[Caddius]

Actually, as soothing as his usual calm, observational demeanor is, this is why I like angry Solas so damn much.  

 

The way he describes his inner calm in his banter with Cole is just... gah.  I don't know. I realize it's a hard-won peace after uncounted years of struggle and failure, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.  It may not be precisely what the writers intended, but it makes it sound as if he's learned to let the currents of the world simply carry him along, making as few ripples as possible.  Calm at the cost of being connected.  Passive.  Detached. 

 

Those moments of anger are the only confirmation that his original fire- the heat that drove him to fight the current with all his strength instead of simply letting it take him- is still in there.  It's still alive.  Until the last scenes of the game, the only time he ever takes action is when he's pushed to anger.

 

Do not let Thedas go gentle into that good night, Solas.  I know the flame of Falon'Din is still in there somewhere.  Come on.  

I was reading up on Avvar religion and came across the factoid that Sigfrost the Great Bear is the guardian of Wisdom, and sits at the foot of Korth the Mountain-Father. Dirthamen has the legend that the bears were the only ones wise enough to keep their secrets to themselves. This pantheon also has a trickster god, Imhar the Clever.

CONSPIRACY THEORIES UNITE!

EDIT: Oh. I forgot to add in the bit I where I responded to your quote. *facepalm*

Angry Solas is always a welcome surprise. It's kind of like the 'Beware the Nice Ones' TV Tropes entry. The Nice Ones spend so much damn energy trying to keep it together keeping their anger in check, that it's scary and awe-inspiring in equal measure when they finally vent that.

And Solas has a couple thousand years of that held tightly back.

My headcanon is that Solas is really holding back in combat throughout Inquisition. How he deals with the mages is more representative of his non-powered up god mode. Quick, brutal power, maximum effectiveness, with no flashiness. (Except for that it, was, um, Flashfire...) And he seems more experienced in magical combat and tricks than Vivienne, judging by his lovely sass. Hell, he probably has more experience fighting than the Inner Circle combined.

[Kittn]

Also - if they want to end whatever Solas DLC that's headed our way the way they ended the Princess Bride.. I'll take it. We know their animators can do it. 
 
 

“Since the invention of the kiss, there have only been five kisses that were rated the most passionate, the most pure. This one left them all behind.”

 

[tsunamitigerdragon]

I see what you're saying, and I agree. Though, personally, I think the romance has tons of sexual tension. Just no sex "scene". And that's what I really liked. It takes the emphasis off the act itself, and places it on the chemistry that the two characters have together. Everything, from the way he looks at her, to the way he avoids touching her right up until he can't help himself anymore, all speaks to just how much he's attracted to her. But he's attracted to Lavellan because she's her. He loves her for her mind, her morals, and the thoughtful way she interacts with the world. In the end, the romance isn't about the sex, like it is in Iron Bull's romance (in IB's romance it's specifically through sex that he shows he cares). At most, it's an "enjoyable side-benefit". That's why you can imagine that it didn't even happen and the romance wouldn't fundamentally change.

 

THIS. Sexual attraction exists in this couple, but it's ultimately not the reason these two people choose each other or why they fall in love. It's about WHO they are and WHAT they offer to each other mentally and emotionally. The relationship oozes sexual tension, so it's clear they're very attracted to each other in a healthy, normal way. But that attraction extends beyond physicality and in some ways, I see the physicality/ hunger they feel for one another as an outgrowth of their joint interpersonal mental-emotional attraction. They want who the other person is in their entirety.

This isn't true of every relationship, nor does this mean it should be some ideal I'm claiming all relationships should aspire to. It's just what I've gleaned from what I experienced in game. That is all.

[Hedinve]

My headcanon is that the feelings between Solas and Lavellean goes beyond words and they love each other so much that they can't get close enough. So they best way to express their feelings is touch and thus sex. Sex doesn't have to be that way, casual sex has it's own beauty sometimes and it can be plain fun, but Solas and Lavellan seem to want to melt into each other. It also makes sense to me as a action of truth, there is nothing so real and true as emotionally fuelled sex. 

 

Edit; Note to self, do not think about sex in shared office space... Fangirly sighs does not sound like writers block frustration.

[Janic99]

I am trying to do this nice drawing of Solas.. been drawing for 1 hour for now.. blah.. it is just an early beginning x_X

[laurelinvanyar]

So I saw an interesting codex in the Emerald Graves that I can't seem to find online (I'm playing on PS3, so no screenies). It's about how Keeper Gisharel of clan Ralaferin seems to be the definitive source of dalish "lore". I know from multiplayer that Gisharel is famous for disclosing dalish lore to outsiders, but did Gisharel write the book (so to speak) for other dalish as well? I'm also interested in WHEN the information was given, since it seems there was a break in dalish knowledge that occured in the towers age. If somebody could dig this codex up, I would really appreciate it.

[madrar]

Finally caught up, and I missed all the wonderful theories about the elven pantheon!   So even though it has nothing to do with the present conversation, I'm adding my own thoughts (Sorry, carry on!) In the story concerning Andruil and the Void it says:

 

Andruil put on armor made of the Void, and all forgot her true face. She made weapons of darkness....

 

So Mythal spread rumors of a monstrous creature and took the form of a great serpent, waiting for Andruil at the base of a mountain. When Andruil came, Mythal sprang on the hunter. They fought for three days and nights, Andruil slashing deep gouges in the serpent's hide.

 

I agree with what many have said that Andruil's armor and weapons may have been made of red lyrium and that's what caused her madness. If she wounded Mythal deeply with a weapon like that, is it possible that Mythal became poisoned and eventually died because of it? In the dark future of the Hushed Whispers quest, Solas is infected with red lyrium and it's implied he will die of it, the same as any other companion.

 

The Dalish got a lot wrong, but I find it really odd that there are no stories of Mythal's murder. Maybe she returned to her temple and only her close followers like Abelas knew the truth about her wounds?

 

I know this is idea is crazy and probably Elgar'nan just stabbed her in the back or something, but Mythal claims that whoever betrayed her also betrayed the world, correct? Pretty sure bringing red lyrium (linked to the Blight?) into Thedas counts, intentional or not.

 

 

I can't say for sure that the weapons had no effect, but I think there's evidence for a good, long interval in the timeline between the Mythal/Andruil showdown and Mythal's death.  It leans on the the FalonDin/Dirthamen -> Dread Wolf -> Fen'Harel progression theory, though, so if that's out for you, I've got nothing.

 

If you're on board with that, the timeline is forced to stretch a bit due to the circumstances of FD's reintroduction to the Pantheon by means of his necessary contribution to Andruil's "recovery".  Once he's been reinstated and Mythal entrusted to keep an eye on him, add in a bit time for him to win her over to his way of thinking, courtesy of Solas' speciality: incessant Socratic worldview-prodding.  (Which takes- what?  About 5 minutes by my Inquisitor's estimation?  Mythal might have held out longer, though.) Then comes all the planning that has to go into setting up Rebellion #2 and inflaming a full-on civil war before Elgar'nan murders Mythal for turning traitor.  

 

There's certainly more to it than that, and I'm still not sure about what side Andruil comes down on when everything hits the fan.  Trying to pin down her loyalties is a mess.  

[Gwyvian]

So, I don't normally post poetry online, but I thought I would place this here and quietly tiptoe away again to continue aching in the shadows. I mean, continue enjoying from the sidelines all this wonderful conversation that I will join at some point; until then, I hope this serves its purpose.

 

No solace

 

My despair dons flesh and drew me in too far:

why should I suffer so, when you knew this would come?

was I momentary relief, brief sanctuary for your ancient soul?

now a mere burden you can no longer shoulder? my sweet sorrow

is forever incomplete, hollowed out by your lack of trust to

show me what you truly are, and were all along—

were all your soft words mere jest, each a mistake to be erased?

I wish you had said all you felt, in your heart of mirrors that

glow with the darkness of ancient halls and spirit’s whispers;

I wish you had stopped my heart from opening right at

the start, or that you would have given up your dream of

gods for but a short time in my arms…

I wish I understood what you have done to feed my vengeance—

anything to escape the memories that bleed with desire and

the cold desperation of wishing you had stayed; I wish

I had never let myself be betrayed by your lips, that I could

forget as easily as you; for in the end, what am I

compared to the burdens you carry in your chest?

…and yet there was that quiet desperation behind your eyes

that snared me as helplessly as a rabbit in the hunt—

I knew all along that I could never resist, though I have been

the hunter before, a killer; but most cherished: once, for but a fleeting

dream, I thought I had been your love, haunted as I was and

mesmerized by the cold loneliness I wished to kindle with warmth;

and to this end, all that was unspoken left me too weak to struggle

as all we had thought to build crumbled at your fading touch

and my heart knows the Dread Wolf has taken part of my soul,

and left me to weep in your settling dust.

 

January 6, 2015

[Fandango]

Golly what a passionate thread! Listened to the Nerd Appropriate podcast yesterday and am totally kicking myself for not paying proper attention to Solus during my first jaunt through the game. I'm thinking of rolling a Quizzy who is profoundly distrustful of magic and free Elves more generally second time around, so it'll be interesting to see how that relationship plays out.

In any case, kudos to Patrick for duping me so. Excellent, excellent character.

[Cezelle]

Has this been shared on here yet?

 

http://thedosianimpo...e-you-know-that

 

It's a compilation of Solas' grunts.....my mother walked in partway through.....it was an awkward time.

 

This is the most awkward and wonderful thing that has ever existed. Thank god I had headphones on while listening to this though   though it doesn't help that I'm giggling like a little schoolgirl now... 

[Doveberry]

OMG everyone! I've just found the perfect thing to hold us over until we get our DLC/expansion/wolf hunt!

It's a series called Merlin, and it fits Solas so much. It's, of course, about "The adventures of the legendary sorcerer as a young man.", and it is really a very fitting parallel to a young Solas, making his way into the intrigue and politics of Arlathan, naturally gifted with his magic. His personality and looks are also strikingly similar to a young Solas, trying to make things right with cunning and wits. I highly recommend you give it a try, you'll recognize Solas immediately. 

I did love the first seasons of Merlin, however...

 

Merlin spoiler incoming. Do not read unless you want hints about the ending of the series:

Spoiler

... Merlin may break your heart in the end as surely as the Solas romance does.

 

I will agree that there are plenty of ways one can connect Merlin's character to Solas.

[madrar]

I can't. I can't with this. Solas chuckle compilation. 

 

http://boobacat.tumb...ing-compilation

 

The snort thing at the end always does me in! 

 

Also, I love that whenever he laughs it's either bitterly, at someone or wryly. 

 

It's so contagious, right?

 

Makes me want to sidle up to a really uptight, pious ancient worshiper of F'D and whisper, "Your god snorts when he laughs."

[Addai]

That conversation.  If you pick the middle option he says something along the lines of being run off due to superstition (referring to the superstition of the dread wolf).  If only the inquisitor could've been... inquisitive... and asked "and what superstition is that?" Game over. Mystery solved. Everyone can go home. Save us a bunch of heartbreak.

He says he tried to share knowledge, but I doubt he went up to a Dalish clan and told them who he was. I mean, maybe, but I interpreted it as he went and started saying "you know, this god over here was kind of a jerk" or talking about how their memory of Arlathan was full of BS. And they didn't react well.

About the "no friends but spirits" discussion overnight, I took that option on my human character and it definitely broke the wibble meter. I can co-sign all of jellobell's posts about it. I know some people were mad at PW's "to make it sadder" comment, but with Solas being who he is, how are you going to show what he's like under the facade without the one person in all Thedas who can draw his attention from the Fade? I'll be mad if they end up using the romance to humanize him but then throw it away without resolution. Gotta think they aren't going to do that. People are twice shy from their experiences in ME with Thane and Jacob, but thus far the DA team has been very respectful of romance arcs- to a fault, even.

[SamanthaJ]

Surprise cute animals to occupy you while you wait for the continuation of the Solas saga!