153429 réponses à ce sujet

[Bayonet Hipshot]

I think what spirits cannot give Solas is a sense of belonging. He seems to form deep emotional bonds with some spirits like Wisdom and Cole, but they can't fill the void at the center of his being, which I think has to do with longing for the past. His loneliness is not so much for lack of people or beings he could interract with, but ones he can identify with. His land, his people, his way of life, are almost entirely gone and he seems to be one of few survivors. I think it's an important point that during the balcony scene he almost slips to tell Inky not just that he respect their wisdom and actions, but that they remind him so much of ancient Elvhenan, and this is the scene that starts the romance or friendship with Solas. In party banter he also tells Blackwall, "It is calming to see something familiar in another." I think he is torn between desperately trying to find something in common with another, salvage some sense of belonging to comfort him, and focusing on all that has been lost. 

 

This also relates to his fear of dying alone. I see it interpreted literally in a lot of art and fics, that he literally does not to be alone while he is dying. Those are all heart-wrenching creative works that I love, but I think his fear is more about dying with no community, friends, or loved ones, and what that means. One of the ways we can deal with mortality is through sharing with others, and many people find comfort when dying in the thought that shared experiences, the relationships they formed, and memories of the impact they had on others will remain after their death. Solas doens't have that. Anyone he might've loved is gone. His community is gone. His legacy has been warped into the tales of Fen'Harel. Even the Inquisition will remember him as the mask of the quiet elven apostate. In a banter he tells Varric, "How can you be happy surrendering, knowing it will all end with you?" I think this is at the heart of his pain of being alone and his fear of dying alone. If he dies, it's not just him that is lost, it is all lost. 

 

I am surprised that Solas does not take a leaf out of Mythal's book and make Horcruxes to prevent his death. Also, I think the Horcruxes are known as Soul Gems in Thedas. Think back to the spirit who teaches you Arcane Warrior specialization. He tells you that he put himself into the phylactery, expecting to be released but no one came for him and he became weak and wished to die instead.

[drosophila]

Omg DLC is out on Xbox marketplace.

 

Damn, Xbox players! I'm jealous

[Uirebhiril]

This thread (and my current Lavellan) playthrough makes me yearn to write a NSFW fanfic, but it would be so out of character for Solas T.T .

Anyone else thinks we never got this particular scene we all were waiting for, because Solas fears that if he let Lavellan get that close, he wouldn't be able to walk away?

 

This has come up before, and I feel the same now as I did about it then -- that it puts too much importance on the sexual aspect of a relationship. I just can't get behind that idea, because it suggests that a relationship is "more real" or "more special" just because the individuals engage in physical intimacy. At least for my Lavellan and Solas, the sex was a nice benefit and something they did engage in as willing adults, but the true intimacy was in the emotion. Sex is nothing compared to that, and something so trivial as the physical actions of two bodies wouldn't have blinded him to his true goals or whatever mission he left her for.

 

I am glad the level of intimacy was left up to the player, and glad that they didn't include a sex scene for that reason. I don't need to see naked pixels to believe they shared a few nights together. Maybe they didn't have time to animate the scene, or maybe they really did want to just leave it ambiguous, but thank goodness either way.

[Looney]

I think what spirits cannot give Solas is a sense of belonging. He seems to form deep emotional bonds with some spirits like Wisdom and Cole, but they can't fill the void at the center of his being, which I think has to do with longing for the past. His loneliness is not so much for lack of people or beings he could interract with, but ones he can identify with. His land, his people, his way of life, are almost entirely gone and he seems to be one of few survivors. I think it's an important point that during the balcony scene he almost slips to tell Inky not just that he respect their wisdom and actions, but that they remind him so much of ancient Elvhenan, and this is the scene that starts the romance or friendship with Solas. In party banter he also tells Blackwall, "It is calming to see something familiar in another." I think he is torn between desperately trying to find something in common with another, salvage some sense of belonging to comfort him, and focusing on all that has been lost. 

 

This also relates to his fear of dying alone. I see it interpreted literally in a lot of art and fics, that he literally does not to be alone while he is dying. Those are all heart-wrenching creative works that I love, but I think his fear is more about dying with no community, friends, or loved ones, and what that means. One of the ways we can deal with mortality is through sharing with others, and many people find comfort when dying in the thought that shared experiences, the relationships they formed, and memories of the impact they had on others will remain after their death. Solas doens't have that. Anyone he might've loved is gone. His community is gone. His legacy has been warped into the tales of Fen'Harel. Even the Inquisition will remember him as the mask of the quiet elven apostate. In a banter he tells Varric, "How can you be happy surrendering, knowing it will all end with you?" I think this is at the heart of his pain of being alone and his fear of dying alone. If he dies, it's not just him that is lost, it is all lost. 

I also think the fear of losing a mortal loved one could come in here, because he is really interested if you feel the mark had altered your spirit. I've had this issue in my fanfic, that most likely he is immortal in sense of sickness and age(as it was normal for the ancient elves) and the mark (which stays with you even after you complete the game) could have also given the Inquisitor this immortality, as it is an old even artifact with strong magical powers. Additionally it enforces a strong connection to the fade, which could also add up to this. No one would notice until 10 - 20 years had gone by, and even then they may not be sure, if they see correctly. Bilbo Baggins stayed 50 for more than 50 years and people slowly started to wonder.

[drosophila]

I am glad the level of intimacy was left up to the player, and glad that they didn't include a sex scene for that reason. I don't need to see naked pixels to believe they shared a few nights together. Maybe they didn't have time to animate the scene, or maybe they really did want to just leave it ambiguous, but thank goodness either way.

 

I don't think it's a coincidence that my favorite romances (Solas and Josie) are the ones without a sex scene. I don't think the animation is up to the task. For romances as a whole, I find the emotion conveyed in the writing and voice acting much more important than what's on the screen. I think it's best that the scenes do most to develop great characters, show their dynamics, and suggest some intimacy, leaving plenty of blanks to be filled by imagination or smut.  

[midnight tea]

I think what spirits cannot give Solas is a sense of belonging. He seems to form deep emotional bonds with some spirits like Wisdom and Cole, but they can't fill the void at the center of his being, which I think has to do with longing for the past. His loneliness is not so much for lack of people or beings he could interract with, but ones he can identify with. His land, his people, his way of life, are almost entirely gone and he seems to be one of few survivors. I think it's an important point that during the balcony scene he almost slips to tell Inky not just that he respect their wisdom and actions, but that they remind him so much of ancient Elvhenan, and this is the scene that starts the romance or friendship with Solas. In party banter he also tells Blackwall, "It is calming to see something familiar in another." I think he is torn between desperately trying to find something in common with another, salvage some sense of belonging to comfort him, and focusing on all that has been lost. 

 

This also relates to his fear of dying alone. I see it interpreted literally in a lot of art and fics, that he literally does not to be alone while he is dying. Those are all heart-wrenching creative works that I love, but I think his fear is more about dying with no community, friends, or loved ones, and what that means. One of the ways we can deal with mortality is through sharing with others, and many people find comfort when dying in the thought that shared experiences, the relationships they formed, and memories of the impact they had on others will remain after their death. Solas doens't have that. Anyone he might've loved is gone. His community is gone. His legacy has been warped into the tales of Fen'Harel. Even the Inquisition will remember him as the mask of the quiet elven apostate. In a banter he tells Varric, "How can you be happy surrendering, knowing it will all end with you?" I think this is at the heart of his pain of being alone and his fear of dying alone. If he dies, it's not just him that is lost, it is all lost.

 

It's all true and I agree, though I can't help but to think that even among 'his people' Solas may have difficulty finding people who truly share either all his views or interests, or maybe a particular position he's found himself in - which I think resonates with a particular position Inquisitor's in: they're both sort of 'caught between worlds', between opportunity and duty, wielding powers and responsibilities not many people do, or can, understand. It can be pretty lonely at the top, hence I think he's drawn to - befriended or romanced - Inquisitors, if he finds that they indeed have a lot in common.

 

I think - especially after so many years alone - he might be going through identity crisis, which is why (if Inquisitor asks after Halamshiral who his people are) he responds "good question!". I don't think he knows anymore.

 

That way he also mirrors Sera's fears, I mean - she might be very opposed to elven life style, but truth is she can't find her place in the world as well, which is why her greatest fear is 'nothingness' - which can be interpreted as pretty much the same fear as 'dying alone' after a live with no redefined identity, no sense of belonging and not leaving enough impression on anyone's life to be remembered (well I suppose she'd only be a remembered as 'yet another elf', rather than herself).

(I'm just going off-topic here a bit to say that I think identity and what it means to be something or be a person seems to be a pretty deeply explored topic in Inquisition/DA. A lot of people seem to struggle in finding their place in the world)

 

One ironic thing about Solas being all deceptive and hidden in Inquisition though, is that I think Inquisitors can see him for what he truly is - I mean, his real name or motives may be obscured, but his personality doesn't appear to be a lie. That way IQs can like him or view him not for being an ancient being, or a former god or a god or whatever, but know him 'how he is' - a smartass with quirky hobby and a hidden depth

[midnight tea]

I am surprised that Solas does not take a leaf out of Mythal's book and make Horcruxes to prevent his death. Also, I think the Horcruxes are known as Soul Gems in Thedas. Think back to the spirit who teaches you Arcane Warrior specialization. He tells you that he put himself into the phylactery, expecting to be released but no one came for him and he became weak and wished to die instead.

 

Well, to be honest... we don't know that, do we? I mean, Mythal was slain and it's probably why she must (can?) do this whole 'horcrux' thing, but for Solas we just don't know. Was he ever a being like Mythal? Is he still now? Is that actually his original body? Or is there something else going on?

[Illyria]

Have you guys seen geeky-jez's shop: http://www.redbubble...eople/geeky-jez

[drosophila]

I also think the fear of losing a mortal loved one could come in here, because he is really interested if you feel the mark had altered your spirit. I've had this issue in my fanfic, that most likely he is immortal in sense of sickness and age(as it was normal for the ancient elves) and the mark (which stays with you even after you complete the game) could have also given the Inquisitor this immortality, as it is an old even artifact with strong magical powers. Additionally it enforces a strong connection to the fade, which could also add up to this. No one would notice until 10 - 20 years had gone by, and even then they may not be sure, if they see correctly. Bilbo Baggins stayed 50 for more than 50 years and people slowly started to wonder.

 

Care to share a link to that?

 

One of the main issues in my fic (if I ever write at least a part of the blighted thing to completion, I'm the slowest writer there is and life gets in the way  ) is home and whether there can be such a thing at all for him and Lavellan, and what would it be like. I guess it has to do with me having been an expat for many years, though I'm almost entirely a Varric and not a Solas when it comes to the past and one's ancestry. 

 

It's all true and I agree, though I can't help but to think that even among 'his people' Solas may have difficulty finding people who truly share either all his views or interests, or maybe a particular position he's found himself in - which I think resonates with a particular position Inquisitor's in: they're both sort of 'caught between worlds', between opportunity and duty, wielding powers and responsibilities not many people do, or can, understand. It can be pretty lonely at the top, hence I think he's drawn to - befriended or romanced - Inquisitors, if he finds that they indeed have a lot in common.

 

I think - especially after so many years alone - he might suffer through identity crisis, which is why (if Inquisitor asks after Halamshiral who his people are) he responds "good question!". I don't think he knows anymore.

 

 

Yes, I've had the exact same thought about that line! It's why I imagine him answering, "Good question, who are yours? Can someone like you or me truly say they belong anywhere?" I thought it was just me headcanoning everything to oblivion, lol. 

 

I think at some point he shared much with his people, or at least felt very attached to them, but that may have changed even before the fall of the ancient elves. It's how I interpret the end of this banter with Blackwall:

 

Blackwall: I am sorry about your... friend. Losing someone is difficult.

Solas: Thank you. The death itself was less painful than what came before.

Solas: Seeing a good spirit twisted, its nature defiled.

Solas: Those mages knew nothing of my friend. Worse, they did not care.

Blackwall: I... don't know what to say.

Solas: Nor will you, until you've seen ignorance snatch away all that you love.

Solas: Pray such a day never finds you.

[Bayonet Hipshot]

Well, to be honest... we don't know that, do we? I mean, Mythal was slain and it's probably why she must (can?) do this whole 'horcrux' thing, but for Solas we just don't know. Was he ever a being like Mythal? Is he still now? Is that actually his original body? Or is there something else going on?

 

I think that Solas is in his original body. I don't imagine the fandom will react well to the idea that their vhenan was in someone else's body. I think Dragon Age players can accept romanceable characters hiding their identities but not their core personalities and not their bodies.

 

Then again, the Weekes works in mysterious and unfathomable ways.

 

I think Solas is formidable but he is not on the level of Mythal. Personally, I am of the opinion that Fen'Harel's strength comes from the fact he can think strategically, deceive people and the fact that he pursues esoteric knowledge such as understanding the fade, through beings as spirits. Fen'Harel was never about outright power.

 

Other mages, regardless of their power levels, would spend their time with fire, ice, lightning, blood magic, shapeshifting, etc. I mean, prior to this game, we have never heard of mages anywhere who spent their time studying the Fade. I am sure they exist but their numbers must be minute.

[Cee]

All of that, and it would cheapen  the reveal and even the lengths they went to to create Solas' look and all his subtle emotions and all of those expressions, from his hobo apostate look and demeanor to the grace he shows later. The choice to go in this direction, even making him bald and subtler is why that concept art that some people seem to love so much was changed.

 

I think if we have another 'vessel' thing happen for anyone but Mythal (if Morrigan takes over being Mythal as seems likely, I don't think anyone would mind), it would just feel cheap.

 

They played that card already. Do something else.

[Looney]

 

Care to share a link to that?

 

Sorry, it's in German, I suck at writing in English. If by luck someone speaks German too this is the fic http://www.fanfiktio...6/1/Wolfswinter
 

 

I think Solas is formidable but he is not on the level of Mythal. Personally, I am of the opinion that Fen'Harel's strength comes from the fact he can think strategically, deceive people and the fact that he pursues esoteric knowledge such as understanding the fade, through beings as spirits. Fen'Harel was never about outright power.

 

Other mages, regardless of their power levels, would spend their time with fire, ice, lightning, blood magic, shapeshifting, etc. I mean, prior to this game, we have never heard of mages anywhere who spent their time studying the Fade. I am sure they exist but their numbers must be minute.

 

Well, but in DA2 we met Feynriel (not entirely sure about that name) who was a somnari/dreamer. He didn't show strong signs of elemental magic, still the codex says the somnari once were the top of Tevinter society. What if these old elven gods were all powerful somnari? If I remember correctly some of the talent a somnari possessed was a special power over things that happen in the fade (yes, I'm looking at you, Solas) and the ability to go into the dreams of other people and even kill them through their dreams. Seems subtle, yet really powerful to me.
 

[Sable Rhapsody]

I think that Solas is in his original body. I don't imagine the fandom will react well to the idea that their vhenan was in someone else's body. I think Dragon Age players can accept romanceable characters hiding their identities but not their core personalities and not their bodies.

 

Agreed.  I'd be 100% down with my Lavellan grabbing his soul wisp if he dies and becoming the new Dread Wolf, but I think I'm in the minority there 

[drosophila]

Well, to be honest... we don't know that, do we? I mean, Mythal was slain and it's probably why she must (can?) do this whole 'horcrux' thing, but for Solas we just don't know. Was he ever a being like Mythal? Is he still now? Is that actually his original body? Or is there something else going on?

 

All speculation at this point, so here's what I believe by mere fancy:

 

I don't think he was ever as powerful as Mythal and I don't think he is now, otherwise why would he let himself remain inprisoned for a year in a cell and his body corrupted by red lyrium. However: I always thought he was very calm, too calm, when he said, "I am dying but no matter." in that cell. Originally I thought, "Solas, you're badass as a martyr and a hero, my heart goes out to you!" But then I wondered if he's so nonchalant, because he has some sort of a backup plan. Maybe he hasn't stored pieces of himself anywhere, but there's a chance he can find another body as a spirit.

 

I would really, really prefer him to be in his original body. I've grown attached to those freckles and I hope he was born with them. 

 

As I said, though, not enough to go on right now.

[drosophila]

Sorry, it's in German, I suck at writing in English. If by luck someone speaks German too this is the fic http://www.fanfiktio...6/1/Wolfswinter

 

Heh, I speak German, it's my lucky day Vielen Dank!

[Bayonet Hipshot]

Well, but in DA2 we met Feynriel (not entirely sure about that name) who was a somnari/dreamer. He didn't show strong signs of elemental magic, still the codex says the somnari once were the top of Tevinter society. What if these old elven gods were all powerful somnari? If I remember correctly some of the talent a somnari possessed was a special power over things that happen in the fade (yes, I'm looking at you, Solas) and the ability to go into the dreams of other people and even kill them through their dreams. Seems subtle, yet really powerful to me.
 

 

I think the rulers of both ancient Tevinter and ancient Elven civilizations were powerful somniari. I would hazard a guess that rulers of ancient Dwarven thaigs were something more than typical Dwarves as well.

 

There is another thing that has been bugging me about Solas and that is the series of verbal exchange he can have with Abelas in the Temple of Mythal.

 

"The are other places friend, other duties. Your people yet linger" & "There is a place for you lethallin, if you seek it."

 

Does that mean what I think it does ? Does this mean that the ancient Elves are quietly thriving in the remote corner of a magical forest somewhere ? Are they rebuilding and repopulating ? Are they doing all this while waiting for the return of their ruler-deities so that they can launch the offensive and take back their place ? Or perhaps they are simply content to rebuild and live in isolation, solitude and peace, away from the shemlen and the durgen'len ?

 

"Elvhen such as you ?" & "Yes, such as I."

 

What does this one mean ? Does it mean that Abelas recognized Solas as Fen'Harel ? If so, does it mean that other Elven ruler-deities are up and about ? Or does it simply mean that other ancient Elves are about ?

[midnight tea]

I think that Solas is in his original body. I don't imagine the fandom will react well to the idea that their vhenan was in someone else's body. I think Dragon Age players can accept romanceable characters hiding their identities but not their core personalities and not their bodies.

 

Then again, the Weekes works in mysterious and unfathomable ways.

 

I think Solas is formidable but he is not on the level of Mythal. Personally, I am of the opinion that Fen'Harel's strength comes from the fact he can think strategically, deceive people and the fact that he pursues esoteric knowledge such as understanding the fade, through beings as spirits. Fen'Harel was never about outright power.

 

Other mages, regardless of their power levels, would spend their time with fire, ice, lightning, blood magic, shapeshifting, etc. I mean, prior to this game, we have never heard of mages anywhere who spent their time studying the Fade. I am sure they exist but their numbers must be minute.

 

I agree that for many people it would likely be hard to accept AND that they've worked hard to establish Solas both in terms of how he looks and how he behaves... truth is however it IS Bioware we're talking about^^; That, and from what I know Mr. Weekes is a fan of "Dr. Who" and the one thing I know about Dr. Who is that he changes bodies every season? (well, and that he has a machine named Tardis).

 

He even called Solas an "elven Timelord" in one of his tweets, although how far similarities go is anyone's guess at this point.

 

 

 

All speculation at this point, so here's what I believe by mere fancy:

 

I don't think he was ever as powerful as Mythal and I don't think he is now, otherwise why would he let himself remain inprisoned for a year in a cell and his body corrupted by red lyrium. However: I always thought he was very calm, too calm, when he said, "I am dying but no matter." in that cell. Originally I thought, "Solas, you're badass as a martyr and a hero, my heart goes out to you!" But then I wondered if he's so nonchalant, because he has some sort of a backup plan. Maybe he hasn't stored pieces of himself anywhere, but there's a chance he can find another body as a spirit.

 

I would really, really prefer him to be in his original body. I've grown attached to those freckles and I hope he was born with them. 

 

As I said, though, not enough to go on right now.

 

Truth is, I've always read this as Solas giving up after he ran out of time or opportunities to save... well, whoever he's trying to save. We also don't know when he was captured by Venatori after Inquisitor "died" in Redcliffe. He might've been captured some time later.

 

That, and he likely was weakened by Veil shattering the way it did - I can imagine that may have had a negative effect on him, just like I think Breach had - Cole and Solas mention the negative effect it has on spirits and Fade, and him being so attuned to Fade, he might have been affected by it in some way. He even says something in the Fade scene that seems to suggest that it might be the case - when Inquisitor asks where he would go (after he revealed that he was ready to flee), he said he'd go 'somewhere far away (Crossroad-like place?) where he could study the Breach before its effects reach him'...

[Illyria]

There is now a mod that ports the DAO vallaslin over to DAI.

[nikki-tikki]

There is now a mod that ports the DAO vallaslin over to DAI.

 

There is also a mod that gives Cole a beard so he's not a child anymore.

 

Made by the genius RabbitonFire.

[Illyria]

There is also a mod that gives Cole a beard so he's not a child anymore.

 

I saw that.  It makes him look very manly.

[BoscoBread]

I think it makes him like an unwashed Hobo.  Partner to Hobo!SOlas mebbe? 

[drosophila]

I think it makes him like an unwashed Hobo.  Partner to Hobo!SOlas mebbe? 

 

Time for Varric to teach him how to shave. 

[Bayonet Hipshot]

Cole now looks like a homeless vagabond.

[Cee]

I think it makes him like an unwashed Hobo.  Partner to Hobo!SOlas mebbe? 

 

Yeaaah, the hat and raggedy Cole outfit don't help that impression. Now he just needs one of those reeds in his mouth like in cartoons.

 

[NightSymphony]

Feeling like crap..art helps..

 

Dreams Comic 1

http://ioana-muresan...ams-1-552762134

 

Dreams Comic 2

http://ioana-muresan...eam-2-552762071

 

Stuck in Solavellan Hell

http://corn4corn.dev...-ears-552785954

 

Roadstory!AU  post-apocalyptic Thedas 1

http://ladytheirin.d...ry-AU-552788518

 

Roadstory!AU  post-apocalyptic Thedas 2

http://ladytheirin.d...ry-AU-552789801

 

Roadstory!AU  post-apocalyptic Thedas 3

http://ladytheirin.d...ry-AU-552790996