This is what I wanted for the ending--an epic castle siege battle in which I flung goats over the ramparts to humiliate the Red Templars and emptied the privies on the poor Wardens climbing ladders to get over my walls. All those troops, all those upgrades, all those quarries and logging stands and for what? A cheesy floating ruin in which I spanked the high priest of nobody.
I have died and there is water all over my monitor.
I'm still not sure I understand. It seems like knowledge can lose its authority/credibility, too.
And it seems to me that the type of Inquisition that would gain power and recognition via political manipulation, thereby forcing factions to recognize it as an authority or risk self-harm (as opposed to everyone coming together to ally against a common enemy) shouldn't be supported.
That War-Table option when the neutral Nevarran family offers to help the Inquisition.
Josephine suggests sending diplomats and gently lulling them into revealing more of how much they're willing to help.
Cullen says we should emphasize our military power, since Nevarran nobles dig military power. (Also hunky soldiers.)
Leliana says we should reveal we have all of the family's dirty little secrets, so they better send us more aid.
Um, no?
While I certainly appreciate Leliana being prepared for anything, if a neutral party approaches you and is friendly, you're friendly back. If they string the Inquisition along, then maybe. Maybe. If they're doing something like the Chantry and directly obstructing the Inquisition's goal, then sure, twist their arm, reveal the dark secrets of Lord Such-And-Such's midnight rendezvous with Lord Woolsley. But blackmailing them in return for a friendly gesture? Come on, Lels! 
I can't remember if I posted this or not, but my current Solasmance feels music: https://www.youtube....h?v=NaEB9FIwoqM
Art time again!
Solas and Lavellan in the Fade(?)
http://manatobi.tumb...ge/111277320748
-----
Solas and Lavellan again.
http://ra-ttarie.tum...drew-some-fools
-----
A nice Solas sketch.
http://em-kat.tumblr...-me-ages-to-get
-----
Solas doodle.
http://diavall.tumbl...band-because-im
-----
And a painting of Solas.
http://aicosu.tumblr...-out-the-paints
-----
*Edited to add*-- Long-haired Solas.
http://diavall.tumbl...haired-solas-no
On a random impulse, I decided to edit one of the maps for the wiki to show what Orlais looked like at the height of its power in the years before Maric's rebellion succeeded, and then maybe a map of Drakon's conquests. Really, really easy work, and just like the idea of having a bunch of them.
Orlais is decaying. It didn't quite sink in until then. They've fallen into the same trap as so many empires in our own history have. Ferelden, it would seem, is Thedas's Graveyard of Empires.
Overexpansion. A focus on military elan and brutal occupations of all their neighbors means no friends to fall back on. If half of their borders weren't up against the inhospitable wasteland of the Sea of Ash, and was instead more neighbors like Nevarra and Ferelden, Orlais would be almost gone.
Orlais's shrunken down and its politicians have grown ever more insane in their plotting against each other, the Chantry, their main source of influence and power over the other nations, has been neutered by the Mage-Templar War and the Conclave Explosion.
I mean, they're still one of the strongest empires in Thedas. We'll probably see a resurgence or two. But I don't see them climbing back up in power.
I think Tevinter has a chance of having a resurgence, if the Qunari could be dislodged. The constant warfare has been a drain on both their resources and morale, but it's also made Tevinter a nation very adept at war.
But I doubt the Qunari will be dislodged.
Cue Sunset Invasion by the kossith. 
Omg me too! I love that song so much. Twinsies!I can't remember if I posted this or not, but my current Solasmance feels music:
Spoiler
On a random impulse, I decided to edit one of the maps for the wiki to show what Orlais looked like at the height of its power in the years before Maric's rebellion succeeded, and then maybe a map of Drakon's conquests. Really, really easy work, and just like the idea of having a bunch of them.
Orlais is decaying. It didn't quite sink in until then. They've fallen into the same trap as so many empires in our own history have. Ferelden, it would seem, is Thedas's Graveyard of Empires.
Overexpansion. A focus on military elan and brutal occupations of all their neighbors means no friends to fall back on. If half of their borders weren't up against the inhospitable wasteland of the Sea of Ash, and was instead more neighbors like Nevarra and Ferelden, Orlais would be almost gone.
Orlais's shrunken down and its politicians have grown ever more insane in their plotting against each other, the Chantry, their main source of influence and power over the other nations, has been neutered by the Mage-Templar War and the Conclave Explosion.
I mean, they're still one of the strongest empires in Thedas. We'll probably see a resurgence or two. But I don't see them climbing back up in power.
I think Tevinter has a chance of having a resurgence, if the Qunari could be dislodged. The constant warfare has been a drain on both their resources and morale, but it's also made Tevinter a nation very adept at war.
But I doubt the Qunari will be dislodged.
Cue Sunset Invasion by the kossith.
Oh~ This is actually really interesting if you think about it in the context of history - Louis XIV was worshipped by the people of France for most of his reign, but it's partly his over expansion and search for glory (he had a bit of a Cailan streak tbh) through conquest that drained France's coffers and inadvertently led to the French Revolution under XVI. I don't really see Celene falling into the same trap (since she's not a conquistadora and much too intelligent/savvy to play the role of XVI and Antoinette) so maybeee Gaspard ruling is the canon or Celene surviving the first assassination attempt only to fall to a second and a frivolous not very intelligent heir taking the throne.
And then we get to have an Orlesian Revolution! With storms on the White Spire and everything~
Oh~ This is actually really interesting if you think about it in the context of history - Louis XIV was worshipped by the people of France for most of his reign, but it's partly his over expansion and search for glory (he had a bit of a Cailan streak tbh) through conquest that drained France's coffers and inadvertently led to the French Revolution under XVI. I don't really see Celene falling into the same trap (since she's not a conquistadora and much too intelligent/savvy to play the role of XVI and Antoinette) so maybeee Gaspard ruling is the canon or Celene surviving the first assassination attempt only to fall to a second and a frivolous not very intelligent heir taking the throne.
And then we get to have an Orlesian Revolution! With storms on the White Spire and everything~
I largely go with Gaspard+Briala, with Josephine making sure that old man stays on his side of the border, for precisely this reason. As much as I dislike Orlais, it's sort of the boogeymen that keeps everyone else in the South from getting too powerful. Nevarra can't put too much effort into uniting the Free Marches without feeling Orlais's dagger at its back, even if Tevinter dealt with the Qunari, they wouldn't relish the idea of meeting Orlais head to head. Ferelden is an amusing case of the nation seemingly not having any expansionist streaks after they bloodily united the tribes. Just the occasional massacre of Chasind or Avvar tribes in retribution for raids. (Or making up raids as an excuse to go raid them.)
Celene+Briala could also work to keep Orlais stable. A focus on peace, culture, and arts, while still maintaining something of its old military strength, is what Orlais needs. Trying to play Kordillus Drakon and claim the glories of the past will let them feel virile for a few years, before it all comes crashing down much worse than if they had stayed at home. *Discreetly glances at a certain fan of Peter the Great*
An Orlesian Revolution would be all kinds of fascinating. I don't see the peasants and Alienages allying easily, but they could both be throwing their own riots.
Describing the Sun King as having 'a bit of a Cailan streak' is my new favorite thing.
Gaspard is old, Briala doesn't have 'legitimate' power, and Celene doesn't seem to be having children anytime soon. A full-blown succession crisis in Orlais would pave the way for further decay.
What is it with me and vestigial empires?! I swear.
This is completely off topic, but look, look: I made this ginger Trevelyan dude that I'm actually pretty happy with. Rejoice! He ended up kind of reminding me of Ryan Gosling, actually...
So the only question now is who will he look better mackin' on? Cassie or Dorian? I was thinking Dorian initially. But I've played him for about 4hrs now and Cass is looking mighty fine. I'm taking all the flirt options, regardless, because y'know. I'm shameless. Anyone who's done either/both romances have any thoughts?
Bonus info: his name's Gavin, and he's a rogue. I've been playing him as polite, kind and pragmatic, Andrastian, but not pushy about his beliefs and unsure of the whole "Herald of Andraste" thing. I'm also not sure whether to recruit the templars or mages this time around (I've always done the mage path).
Gghh. And despite finally succeeding in creating a male character that doesn't look like a girl, a huge part of me just wants to jump ship, crawl back to character creation, painstakingly roll another Lavellan and romance the pants off Solas again. *sigh* God damn it. What is this hell.
So the only question now is who will he look better mackin' on? Cassie or Dorian? I was thinking Dorian initially. But I've played him for about 4hrs now and Cass is looking mighty fine. I'm taking all the flirt options, regardless, because y'know. I'm shameless. Anyone who's done either/both romances have any thoughts?
I flirted with everyone playing as Adaar, figuring I'd just romance whomever I triggered first. Then Dorian opened his mouth and that was that 
But I am heavily, heavily biased toward Dorian. I wouldn't say I'm out of Solavellan hell per se; I don't think I'll ever leave it until the relationship gets resolved. But thanks to Dorian I can occasionally come up for air now, so that's something.
This is completely off topic, but look, look: I made this ginger Trevelyan dude that I'm actually pretty happy with. Rejoice! He ended up kind of reminding me of Ryan Gosling, actually...
So the only question now is who will he look better mackin' on? Cassie or Dorian? I was thinking Dorian initially. But I've played him for about 4hrs now and Cass is looking mighty fine. I'm taking all the flirt options, regardless, because y'know. I'm shameless. Anyone who's done either/both romances have any thoughts?
I flirted with everyone playing as Adaar, figuring I'd just romance whomever I triggered first. Then Dorian opened his mouth and that was that
I do love me some Dorian. And my Lavellan was pleasantly surprised at how close they became after In Hushed Whispers. Lavellan and Pavus: pals 4 lyfe. Guess sharing in a time travel hell will do that. 
... I guess I could always start another Lavellan, and flit back and forth between the two. Oi.
I haven't romanced Cass yet, but I love Dorian to death. I romance whomever I feel like my Inquisitor has chemistry with, and if you're feeling it with Cass, then I say go for her
THERE ARE TOO MANY AMAZING COMPANIONS, GUYS. This game is gonna eat so many more hours of my life, it's ridiculous.
Giton - This is for you. Falon'Din is so unhappy. When Solas let him out, he was down to his last tub of glitter.
Spoiler
YES.
I want to see a certain movie for many reasons, namely space werewolf on space roller-blades reasons. Also bees.
When I saw the below costuming I could only think: Work that Elvhen Pantheon Realness. WORK.
I do love me some Dorian. And my Lavellan was pleasantly surprised at how close they became after In Hushed Whispers. Lavellan and Pavus: pals 4 lyfe. Guess sharing in a time travel hell will do that.
I didn't even share a time travel hell with him during my Lavellan playthrough, and they were still BFFs forever. Part of that has to do with how quickly Dorian's content unlocks compared to some of the other characters. As long as you're not a dick to him, he warms to the quizzy really quickly. Which I've always found both sweet and sad. Regardless of whether it's platonic or romantic, having someone love him for who he is means so much to him.
Mostly I wanna run around Thedas shaking all the unfortunate fools who are not yet pals with Dorian Pavus
Um, someone asked for a fic based on this, so... ask and you shall receive? I am so, so sorry.
You...
This is beautiful.
Sharing the new Lavellan face I made. I report with deepest regret, sympathy, and self-loathing that the Skrillex haircut just didn't work with this one. So we can just pretend that she has the most glorious undercut and/ or side shave with a badass braid and or flowing locks. ADELA'S HAIR MOD WILL SAVE ME. Later.
Spoiler
Also, she even looked good in the clown-face jail scene. What the craaaaap.
She is cute. I approve of the lip scar. Also, June vallaslin, I can't quit you.
In other news, I'm thinking about writing a small thing about a certain well-thighed elf. This is your fault.
Um, someone asked for a fic based on this, so... ask and you shall receive? I am so, so sorry.
So, I finally read the fic. That was tragic and beautiful. 
She is cut. I approve of the lip scar. Also, June vallaslin, I can't quit you.
In other news, I'm thinking about writing a small thing about a certain well-thighed elf. This is your fault.
You write that Adventures of Elrond story. I beg you.
You write that Adventures of Elrond story. I beg you.
And then he grabbed a shield and used it like a serf-board and glided down the stair-case. While he was shield-serfing, he kept shooting arrows! Because he is an elf. And elves are cool like that. He couldn't stop, wouldn't stop shooting arrows. It was badass. Also, his hair looked good.
I saw this and got really excited before I remembered I've already owned the game for a year.
I think Madrar got it, she was asking for advice.
All signs point to Ireland 1066, is all I'm saying.
As for Sebastian.
Ugh.
Just.
Ugh.
I've admittedly only seen videos of his scenes.
But the man invades and tries to annex Kirkwall for 'sheltering Anders'.
The thing is, Anders is one of the few members of the Mage Underground left standing by Act III. The main people sheltering him at that point are the poor people the Chantry couldn't help but were helped by Anders, and Hawke and company. Including Sebastian.
And the rest of Kirkwall is distinctly not cool with Anders after he blows up the Chantry. Orsino is horrified. Meredith is willing to wipe out the Circle over it, even though they had nothing to do with it. If Anders is alive, Sebastian's beef is with Anders and Hawke for sparing him. If he felt so strongly about it, he should have killed him himself right then and there. (Admittedly possibly a death sentence for himself, but then again, trying to take over and instill order in Kirkwall is a death sentence.)
So he invades a city-state to find a terrorist who isn't there to avenge the death of a pacifist woman on people who hate the terrorist as much as he does. And then gets knocked out of the city by an irate Aveline and the support of some Inquisition agents.
I do like some of his banters, it's just...ugh. I can't describe the hatred I have for being people misblamed. Like the old, "If that one student doesn't stop screwing around, I'm punishing the whole class," It never made me try to stop the student, it made me despise the teacher for resorting to sloppy techniques and being that lazy. The two main results are either that the students turn on that one, or they unite against you. Both results are bad. It used to get me so furious that I could barely breathe. Actual serious instances of it are much worse.
I apologize for ranting.
POOR SEBASTIAN! </3
Ok, he didn't sweep me off my feet but after getting to know him I do kind of feel for the guy. Before his DLC, despite playing mages I was determined not to take sides between mages and templars - which left me feeling like there was a side to the story I wanted to be a part of but was missing from the game. For example, when it came to deciding how to complete a quest, my reasoning depended on the nature of the actions of those involved. Templars exercising personal grudges against mages = no. Same for mages against templars = no. Templars abusing power = not so good. Mages abusing blood magic = not so good also. Of course, I was inevitably forced to choose at the final battle (I assumed for future narrative purposes, which turned out to be true).
Sebastian came along and suddenly we had the side to the story that applied to me. Yes, he put many people off with his holier-than-thou attitude, but he didn't take a clear side against mages of templars. Rather, his approval depending on whether their actions were constructive or destructive.
He was also particularly found of Grand Cleric Elthina (I think that was her name?) and she of him. Sebastian's personal story involved him trying to work out what path he should take in life - to complete his vows with the Chantry, or step up to Prince of Starkhaven. Conversations between Elthina - and Hawke - were pivotal. He also attempts to persuade Elthina to involve herself in the dispute between mages and templars, and is frustrated that Elthina and the Chantry refuse to facilitate peace where (he feels) they could.
From this perspective - seeing Elthina die in the Chantry, my heart went out to him. Especially the cutscene following where he drops to his knees in agony! UGHHHH
And then he asks Hawke to kill Anders in return. I imagine Sebastian asked and did not kill Anders himself because... Hawke is badass and would have kicked his ass if she didn't approve.
Luckily, me and my mage Hawke sympathised with Anders cause, but 100% did not approve of his methods. Knowing Anders shared a body with a spirit which was capable of this? There was no telling how many other innocent lives were at stake if we let him live. I never had any problem with killing Anders, and playing through with a friendmanced Sebastian made it feel even more justified.
Unfortunately I am pretty sure Anders always intended to become the "martyr" for his cause, with all the implications of that legacy, and part of me is annoyed that I allow him that.
Sebastian, if rivalmanced is a Prince on an angry revenge mission if Hawke did not kill Anders (I supposed this was yes, punishing a city which learned to revere the blasphemous Hawke - but since I did not rivalmance him, that did not concern me). If friendmanced, Sebastian joins the Chantry - is merely an influential Chantry advisor to Starkhaven's court (albeit still a member of the royal family) - and encourages the invasion of Kirkwall on the grounds of dealing with moral corruption at its most foul (let's face it, during DA:I Kirkwall is still covered in Red Lyrium amongst other things...).Either way I don't think it is as simple as "punishing the class for the actions of one person". I do think that Sebastian sees Kirkwall as a completely lost shithole of a cause, in need of regrouping but unable to do so without aid (welcome or not).
In my DA:I game however, since I kill Anders and friendmance Sebastian, Kirkwall is not invaded, Starkhaven allies with the Inquisition, and Sebastian leaves to follow Hawke to Weisshaupt after the events at Adamant.
And then he grabbed a shield and used it like a serf-board and glided down the stair-case. While he was shield-serfing, he kept shooting arrows! Because he is an elf. And elves are cool like that. He couldn't stop, wouldn't stop shooting arrows. It was badass. Also, his hair looked good.
I have this glorious image of Falon'din body-surfing (the rock star way, not the Corypheus way. 
) across hordes of elven serfs to move from temple to temple, and Solas in the background just pinching the bridge of his nose and sighing.
Excellent points as always, Sis Squish. I just feel like an impromptu invasion of a completely lost shithole of a cause has always made things that much worse. 
Retour en haut
