I am still 30 pages behind, but feel compelled to re-post this video because it is hilarious and completely awesome:
I think by now i've made an alternate story of dragon age but i don't care I'm happy.
Sashimi_taco, you are my hero.
PS: If I don't see a picture of Solas and Flemeth standing side-by-side with photoshopped matching t-shirts that say 'He's/She's My Bestie' by the time I catch up to this page, I am going to be sorely disappointed in this thread. 
My concern is that eventually there will be nothing left we can draw from the real world for conversations or theories because every real world parallel has been take off the table for fear of offending someone.
I understand, though, and will respect all of that for the peace of the thread.
However, if anyone wants to talk dick length and religious parallels please feel free to pm me.
Especially with the smut. Do want.
That's my problem with the call for censorship. Technically the forum rules are pretty strict, but it was fun when we can just talk about anything. Where should we draw the line anyway? Talking about Hades is ok, but Satan isn't? Talking about balls is ok, but sex dolls aren't? Not gonna lie. I miss the smut talk a bit. It was definitely wilder here even before the incident that started the argument about NSFW stuff making people uncomfortable.
Just scrolling past things you don't like covers a lot of bases.
Best heart line. Polite nerdy compliment... on to the Fade tongue!
Wait wait...what heart line is this? I THOUGHT I TOOK THEM ALL. 8[
Quick quote followup:
Solas: "Unfortunately, using blood magic seems to make it more difficult to enter the fade."
Suggestive, but admittedly not definitive. Not enough to entirely rule out tremendous blood magic being able to pull it off, though the thought that (using blood magic) it would somehow be easier to enter the Fade in body than in spirit feels distinctly counter-intuitive. And I don't disagree that there would be something a bit unsatisfying in a double fake-out, if that's what it is.
Still, until we find a way to fit pieces together that support an actual Fade trip, opening a blood ritual path to the physical City seems the more likely possibility to me. It also might add another dimension to the "betrayal" Cole picks up on in Corypheus' thoughts regarding the City. Not simply that it was Black and empty, but also that it was in the physical world, counter to what he expected / was promised.
I wonder if we're not reading too far into this Solas quote (then again, if we didn't make a habit of reading too far into things, this thread wouldn't be half as interesting...). But, in this case it could just be that Solas, with his unique ability to enter the Fade through dreaming, would in fact have more trouble if he practiced blood magic. There's a lot of evidence (largely anecdotal, mind, but it's referenced enough in the game and books that I think it's true in most cases) that the use of blood magic attracts the attention of demons. So, were a Somniari like Solas to practice it, he would have a harder time entering and navigating the Fade with all the pesky demons about going 'pick me! pick me! no? well, how 'bouts we fight dude!?' In his case it could simply be that the practice of blood magic would turn an enjoyable experience for him into an irritating or dangerous one.
Though I do wonder what it is exactly that attracts demons when blood magic is practiced. Why is it that areas that have seen a lot of death, where blood has been spilled, or blood magic practiced (like Kirkwall) draw spirits and demons the way they do. What is it about blood that weakens the veil? I know it ties into the whole three cups (blight/blood/Fade) theory, but... I don't know. I'm still not getting the the more practical 'why?'.
Actually, that's an interesting observation. He does have that reversed-triangle shape normally associated with swimmers. I like how the male characters run the gamut of body types. At one end you've got Iron Bull, who's got insane muscles. Then there's Blackwall, who looks like a guy who used to be really fit in his younger days but has acquired a bit of a paunch since then. Cullen's a warrior in his prime, and he's got your standard quarterback build. So does Dorian, but I'd anticipate that's mostly good genes. He strikes me as kinda lazy. And finally you've got Solas. Compared to the humans and the Qunari he's practically lithe, but he's got way more bulk to him than your standard elf. It's the broad shoulders and narrow hips that really caught my attention when I saw him in his sweater-tunic. His hobo armor doesn't do his build justice. It breaks up all of those nice, clean lines. His Skyhold outfit, though, is actually quite flattering. It really shows him off.
Anybody have a really good full-body shot of Solas in his casual clothes?
I quite like his body type too! Particularly compared to the male elves that stand so strangely. Solas does it sometimes too but in his basic Skyhold clothes he always looks fine.
I feel like my Inquisitor would always be trying to touch his shoulders somehow. She's not used to them being so broad on an elf!
Wait wait...what heart line is this? I THOUGHT I TOOK THEM ALL. 8[
It's the one that you get when you talk to him after doing In Hushed Whispers and you nerd out about time travel magic together. I loved that conversation. Especially given that I'd just seen him die for me and I needed some fluff after that.
Same. There's something aesthetically pleasing about it. Not too muscular, not too thin. He's just the right size.
Exactly. He's also the only elf with a butt in Thedas. 
Also: Please, please let this put an end to all the 'OMG Solas was coerced into the romance and never wanted it.'
If he's bringing up the kiss even after you say let's be friends, that is a guy in pursuit. He is willingly going for it.
I think it's a bug though so that doesn't count. I don't think he's coerced into the romance at all. Lavellan did a little bit of chasing, but there is usually a bit of chasing at the beginning of many relationships.
That's my problem with the call for censorship. Technically the forum rules are pretty strict, but it was fun when we can just talk about anything. Where should we draw the line anyway? Talking about Hades is ok, but Satan isn't? Talking about balls is ok, but sex dolls aren't? Not gonna lie. I miss the smut talk a bit. It was definitely wilder here even before the incident that started the argument about NSFW stuff making people uncomfortable.
It's not that the sex doll thing was particularly worse. It's just that I don't want us to be seen as that thread, you know? Listing prices for such dolls as if it's a thing someone is actually going to do takes things to a whole new level of creepy, at least in my opinion. I guess devs never visit us anymore, though, so who's going to see?
I'm of a mind that you can say what you want to say as long as it won't get you banned. Just know that some people are going to cringe away from it if you do!
Edit: Just because it's a joke doesn't mean some won't be like "ehhhhhh" about it.
I wonder if we're not reading too far into this Solas quote (then again, if we didn't make a habit of reading too far into things, this thread wouldn't be half as interesting...). But, in this case it could just be that Solas, with his unique ability to enter the Fade through dreaming, would in fact have more trouble if he practiced blood magic. There's a lot of evidence (largely anecdotal, mind, but it's referenced enough in the game and books that I think it's true in most cases) that the use of blood magic attracts the attention of demons. So, were a Somniari like Solas to practice it, he would have a harder time entering and navigating the Fade with all the pesky demons about going 'pick me! pick me! no? well, how 'bouts we fight dude!?' In his case it could simply be that the practice of blood magic would turn an enjoyable experience for him into an irritating or dangerous one.
Though I do wonder what it is exactly that attracts demons when blood magic is practiced. Why is it that areas that have seen a lot of death, where blood has been spilled, or blood magic practiced (like Kirkwall) draw spirits and demons the way they do. What is it about blood that weakens the veil? I know it ties into the whole three cups (blight/blood/Fade) theory, but... I don't know. I'm still not getting the the more practical 'why?'.
Maybe blood is just something that corrupts. Maybe the blight is based on the blood of some ancient creature/being.
It's not that the sex doll thing was particularly worse. It's just that I don't want us to be seen as that thread, you know? Listing prices for such dolls as if it's a thing someone is actually going to do takes things to a whole new level of creepy, at least in my opinion. I guess devs never visit us anymore, though, so who's going to see?
I'm of a mind that you can say what you want to say as long as it won't get you banned. Just know that some people are going to cringe away from it if you do!
Well, I thought the doll thing was clearly a joke, but I guess some people didn't realize it.
Clearly we need to change the topic to nsfw stuff. Hmm, Solas' body is so manly. Is it considered a swimmer's body?
*De-lurks.*
Hmm... I think he definately has... *snickers*... ballet dancer thighs... *drools everywhere.* 
Iwasnotstaringreally *wipes drool from mouth.*
Erm... carry on.. with the things.. that everyone was... stuff.
Totallystillnotstaring.
*Scampers away giggling.*
I think it's a bug though so that doesn't count. I don't think he's coerced into the romance at all. Lavellan did a little bit of chasing, but there is usually a bit of chasing at the beginning of many relationships.
It's the one that you get when you talk to him after doing In Hushed Whispers and you nerd out about time travel magic together. I loved that conversation. Especially given that I'd just seen him die for me and I needed some fluff after that.
Exactly. He's also the only elf with a butt in Thedas.
Did you have the Arcane Knowledge perk? I NEVER GOT IT THAT OPTION.
and...dat ass. :3
WOAH... That'll teach me to draw in photoshop for an hour...
I'd really much rather move on, but I will say that people have valid reasons to compare Solas to a literary interpretation of Satan/Lucifer/what have you. The fact is that our western literary tradition is steeped in biblical allusions, and Inquisition draws on those quite heavily. The Inquisitor is quite blatantly set up as a messiah figure. Promotional war table shots mapped very heavily onto Da Vinci's The Last Supper. The themes of godhood, ascention, belief, and faith are very central to the story. So people aren't just taking these comparisons out of thin air. The developers are very consciously drawing upon this literary tradition. And while I don't think it's a perfect comparison, the fact of the matter is that Milton's interpretation of Satan as a rebellious figure may have had some influence on the creation of the Fen'harel/Solas character. I drew comparisons to Prometheus myself, but Milton also made the comparison between Lucifer and Prometheus himself in his own work. In order to participate in literary theory and criticism, then you kind of have to be aware of the biblical roots of a great majority of western literature, and be able to separate that from personal beliefs. So no, I really don't think the subject should be declared forbidden, so long as we acknowledge that we're talking about stories and not doctrine.
I am out of likes. This. Thank you.
Sorry for offending anyone in making that parallel. I made it very clear I was not referring to a biblical representation of Satan/ Lucifer, but Milton's Paradise Lost. A work of classic literature that is by no means meant to represent or act in place of scripture. A poem that is part of English and literature curriculum across the nation and the world. While I happen to be a person of faith, I believe that there is incredible merit in being able to dissect, analyze, and compare literature and art to the symbolism and storytelling present in Judeo-Christian myth. In fact, it is impossible to look at the history of Western thought, art, and written tradition without taking it into account.
The Dragon Age universe pulls HEAVILY from Judeo-Christian myth in its founding narrative, structure of the Chantry, presentation of the Chant as scripture, usage of hymns, themes of deity, prophets, betrayal, and much, much more. Refusing to acknowledge such or forbidding academic discussion of the parallels is detrimental to the deconstruction of the narrative and the conversation.
I was not, nor was anyone else, making any value or judgement statements about religion. Neither were we saying that Solas was a "Prince of Darkness." We were merely looking at how Milton's literary character and this likewise fictional video game character followed similar paths in their hero's journey and story structure. I even went out of my way to translate Fen'Harel's backstory into the Dragon Age universe and removed all religious context, except for the Elven Pantheon. Which is fictional. Like Milton's Satan.
I'm all for being respectful, tactful, and open minded. I think we all are. So let's keep the discussion open and intellectual. If the topic doesn't interest you, I apologize. No one is forcing you to participate, believe, or align yourself with the topics we address. But I do not believe in shutting down healthy literary analysis and comparison.
I am still 30 pages behind, but feel compelled to re-post this video because it is hilarious and completely awesome:
Sashimi_taco, you are my hero.
PS: If I don't see a picture of Solas and Flemeth standing side-by-side with photoshopped matching t-shirts that say 'He's/She's My Bestie' by the time I catch up to this page, I am going to be sorely disappointed in this thread.
Freeing slaves is totally my thing.
The bug is that you can pursue both romances, though - not that he brings up the kiss again.
But with the bug, it's not a full romance. He doesn't call you vhenan I think.
Though I do wonder what it is exactly that attracts demons when blood magic is practiced. Why is it that areas that have seen a lot of death, where blood has been spilled, or blood magic practiced (like Kirkwall) draw spirits and demons the way they do. What is it about blood that weakens the veil? I know it ties into the whole three cups (blight/blood/Fade) theory, but... I don't know. I'm still not getting the the more practical 'why?'.
Yeah, that's an interesting thing to think about. Solas talks about it with Cass a bit. Places that see a lot of bloodshed, a lot of pain, a lot of negative emotion and suffering weakens the veil. I think he suggested that it was because of the sheer intensity of those emotions. As we saw with the Fear Demon, the more powerful the emotion the more powerful the demon. Negative emotions give rise to tons of very powerful and dangerous demons. So it may not even necessarily need to be the blood, but the pain. There are codex entries that suggest that Kirkwall was built to be the site of a great bloodmagic ritual. Slaves routinely disappeared and there were grooves carved into the understreets and sewer system that were supposed to be channels for blood to flow. Because of that history of pain and blood magic, the veil in Kirkwall is thin, which gives rise to a lot more bloodmagic and abominations than anywhere else in the area. Kirkwall is basically sitting on a manufactured hellmouth.
That's my problem with the call for censorship. Technically the forum rules are pretty strict, but it was fun when we can just talk about anything. Where should we draw the line anyway? Talking about Hades is ok, but Satan isn't? Talking about balls is ok, but sex dolls aren't? Not gonna lie. I miss the smut talk a bit. It was definitely wilder here even before the incident that started the argument about NSFW stuff making people uncomfortable.
If you guys want to make a NSFW group, I wouldn't mind joining. I found the ball talk amusing honestly. Not so much the sex dolls, but I've been around the Internet a loooong time; I ceased being easily offended years and years ago. 
Here is my Ellana Halla lavellan with Halla god's Vallaslin.. and modded hair silver blue hair color x3 I think she looks adorable
I quite like his body type too! Particularly compared to the male elves that stand so strangely. Solas does it sometimes too but in his basic Skyhold clothes he always looks fine.
I feel like my Inquisitor would always be trying to touch his shoulders somehow. She's not used to them being so broad on an elf!
Oh heck yes! 
He's certainly nicely built compared to other male elves. His Skyhold outfit is definitely my favorite outfit for him. For obvious reasons. 
And those broad shoulders.... Oooh, those shoulders... 
It's the one that you get when you talk to him after doing In Hushed Whispers and you nerd out about time travel magic together. I loved that conversation. Especially given that I'd just seen him die for me and I needed some fluff after that.
I never brought Solas with me during In Hushed Whispers because I had Dorian as my mage (I generally never take more than one mage with me in a party). As much as it would pain me to do so (since I'll see him get killed there), I shall try bringing him along when I replay my Lavellan PT... for Science™!
Exactly. He's also the only elf with a butt in Thedas.
I'll shut up now...
In a meanwhile..
Just like that. LOL. I felt like such an idiot when my elven lady who was wearing Mythal tattoos was in the temple asking who Mythal was. It was a true facepalm moment.
Total smh moment right there XD I pretended she was being sarcastic, mine made a really funny smiley face when she said it anyways haha.
and...dat ass. :3
Solas has the best butt in Thedas. I just keep hearing "Baby Got Back" in my head every time I see a side shot of his butt like that.
I'm no regular but I am wondering if anyone has taken Solas and Blackwall to Therinfall Redoubt.
Blackwall will call the Red Templars "traitors to their kin" and Solas will answer "Indeed. There are few crimes worses."
Methinks he was talking about the other elven gods there.
Speaking of the influence of religion and other real world philosophy on this game, I think it's clear that the game draws upon Abrahamic religions, Greek mythology, and Communism (the Qunari). Are there any other major belief systems that I missed? Sometimes I wonder what the game would look like if some of the races/characters are based on Asian belief systems such as Daoism and Buddhism. It would be so fun if my Lavellan could have said something like this in response to a question of how she plans to rule.
"Governing a large country is like frying small fish. " ~Taken from the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu
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