153434 réponses à ce sujet

[The Oracle]

Or he slipped away. I get the feeling that Solas can be a subtle sneaky sneak when he wishes. Plus, at that time, the sky had just be cracked open again by Coryfish, a dragon had appeared, half of the Temple of Sacred Ashes was floating about in the sky. i doubt that they would have been taking the time to do more than pay a passing notice to Solas, especially considering that he's a trusted ally at that point. Most likely they were too busy scouting for leftover baddies and celebrating to do more than make a cursory note.

[drosophila]

Speaking of Solas' escape, when did he have the time to paint the final unfinished panel of the mural? My impression is that upon arrival at Skyhold, Leliana tells Inky that her people have already been looking for him, but couldn't find him. He must've sneaked back into Skyhold long before everybody else, painted it, and left. 

[midnight tea]

Speaking of eluvian, Skyhold and ending... I've seen quite a few people are convinced that the last panel of Solas' mural must be painted by Solas himself, and I can never understand why.

 

First - when and why would he do that? He was distraught, in a hurry and likely not in a mood to even consider finishing his magnum opus. EVEN if it is argued that he might have returned to Skyhold before others to use Morrigan's eluvian, I can't see him stopping in the rotunda to slap it on the wall, while apparently staying invisible to anyone left in Skyhold.

 

Second - the last panel is not only sloppily drawn, it's sloppy in itself; drawn by someone with less talent or experience. And I'm talking it from a perspective of someone whose rough sketches are usually sloppy as heck; even then, the last panel does NOT look like a handiwork of the same artist.

 

Third - how can some people see a wolf standing above a dragon eludes me. IMO, it's nothing more than a sloppily drawn dragon (either Mythal's guardian or Morrigan) standing above a beaten Red Lyrium dragon, pinned to the ground by sword from Inquisition's symbol - a simple symbolic depiction of victory over Cory and his pet, drawn by someone who hated to see the empty last panel, after a more skilled artist left to parts unknown.

 

Some may argue... "well the paw looks wolf-ish, rather then dragony"... well yes, but that's the only thing that looks remotely wolf-ish. The rest looks way more dragon-like, with horns, dinosaur-like teeth, what looks like beginning a wing on its back (that goes way beyond a neck/shoulder slope would end) and a distinct, lizard-like pattern on the chest. Therefore I'm befuddled when in a picture where 90% parts that look dragony, some look at 10% that's kinda un-dragony and claim that it's a wolf  For me it's just a clear sign that the wannabe-artist has no idea how to draw dragons (aside from OBVIOUSLY not knowing how to compose a cadre), as he/she probably never saw them up close.

[Cee]

To me, it looks like the sketch before the artist refines things and goes to work. To me, it's an indicator that he did not intend to leave suddenly, and even wanted to come back and finish that out and part from the Inquisition amicably once he had the orb. But it broke and his plans changed and so, there is an unfinished section.

 

There's nothing to indicate anyone else would've done that, especially with the symbolism inherent.

[Abelas Forever!]

To me, it looks like the sketch before the artist refines things and goes to work. To me, it's an indicator that he did not intend to leave suddenly, and even wanted to come back and finish that out and part from the Inquisition amicably once he had the orb. But it broke and his plans changes and so, there is an unfinished section.

 

There's nothing to indicate anyone else would've done that, especially with the symbolism inherent.

I think it must be like you said that he started to create that mural before the final battle and he planned to finish it later. I  also don't know why anybody else would have wanted to continue his his work so soon after the final battle. I mean why? Because that would mean that they know for some reason that he isn't coming back. I also think it's quite unlikely that he would have come back to Skyhold and start making it but not finishing it after the final battle because I believe he has some urgent things to do now because his orb is broken. I don't believe he has time to go back to Skyhold and start making it and then leave without meeting you again. Although one possibility could be that for some reason he went back to Skyhold and made that sketch because he wanted to give some hint of something? Whatever that might be. But I don't believe that was the case.

[drosophila]

Speaking of eluvian, Skyhold and ending... I've seen quite a few people are convinced that the last panel of Solas' mural must be painted by Solas himself, and I can never understand why.

 

First - when and why would he do that? He was distraught, in a hurry and likely not in a mood to even consider finishing his magnum opus. EVEN if it is argued that he might have returned to Skyhold before others to use Morrigan's eluvian, I can't see him stopping in the rotunda to slap it on the wall, while apparently staying invisible to anyone left in Skyhold.

 

But who else would paint it and why?

 

I'm not saying he used the eluvian. There's not enough clues to tell. 

 

As to why he would choose this moment to paint it, how can we tell when he does not say at all why he painted the earlier parts in the first place? Maybe he wants to leave some clues, maybe it's very important for him that the Inquisiton has at least something to remember him by, maybe he just really likes to paint, maybe painting is his way of letting out the feels in his distraught state. 

 

 

Second - the last panel is not only sloppily drawn, it's sloppy in itself; drawn by someone with less talent or experience. And I'm talking it from a perspective of someone whose rough sketches are usually sloppy as heck; even then, the last panel does NOT look like a handiwork of the same artist.

 

I don't know much about art, but how can one tell from a hasty line drawing that has barely been started that the person who drew it has less talent than the person who drew the rest? When I compare the last panel to the previous ones, all I can tell is that it has been barely started and done in a hurry.

 

 

Third - how can some people see a wolf standing above a dragon eludes me. IMO, it's nothing more than a sloppily drawn dragon (either Mythal's guardian or Morrigan) standing above a beaten Red Lyrium dragon, pinned to the ground by sword from Inquisition's symbol - a simple symbolic depiction of victory over Cory and his pet, drawn by someone who hated to see the empty last panel, after a more skilled artist left to parts unknown.

 

Some may argue... "well the paw looks wolf-ish, rather then dragony"... well yes, but that's the only thing that looks remotely wolf-ish. The rest looks way more dragon-like, with horns, dinosaur-like teeth, what looks like beginning a wing on its back (that goes way beyond a neck/shoulder slope would end) and a distinct, lizard-like pattern on the chest. Therefore I'm befuddled when in a picture where 90% parts that look dragony, some look at 10% that's kinda un-dragony and claim that it's a wolf  For me it's just a clear sign that the wannabe-artist has no idea how to draw dragons (aside from OBVIOUSLY not knowing how to compose a cadre), as he/she probably never saw them up close.

 

Maybe the ambiguity between a wolf and a dragon is intentional. Personally, I cannot tell either way, and it might actually be a composite animal. It could either be done to confuse, or to allude to Fen'Harel absorbing a part of Mythal. 

 

 

To me, it looks like the sketch before the artist refines things and goes to work. To me, it's an indicator that he did not intend to leave suddenly, and even wanted to come back and finish that out and part from the Inquisition amicably once he had the orb. But it broke and his plans changed and so, there is an unfinished section.

 

There's nothing to indicate anyone else would've done that, especially with the symbolism inherent.

 

I'd like to think that maybe he started it before the battle, it makes the timing of everything seem a lot more simple. But the last time the Inquisitor talks to him, he does not sound convinced in their victory, so why would he start drawing the dragon being defeated?

[Avejajed]

I'm starting to be unable to contain my excite.

[Reznore57]

About the painting ,It's possible Solas started it before going to see Corfifish.

Afterall if you'd lost the fight , chances are everyone would be dead.

Besides if others stuff had happened , he could paint all over it and start over.

 

Makes more sense to me than Solas sneaking back in Skyhold to start a painting he wouldn't be able to finish.

[Illyria]

Speaking of that excellent wolf jaw by AslinnMoonbreeze, I think I might know what that Wolf Jaw is. If you look at magic in other fantasy realms, I am sure you will come across something known as a Druid's Totem. A Totem allows a Druid to shapeshift into a particular animal and it usually believed that a certain animal totem represents that Druid's spirit.

 

I think the Wolf Jaw bone is SolaFen's Totem. I think each and every mage who are capable of shapeshifting have some form of Totem that is unique to them which allows them to shapeshift. Yes I know Morrigan tells us that we just have to study a particular animal closely to be that animal but shapeshifting magic in most fantasy realms is a highly complex magic that I am sure does not just happen by simple study.

 

The problem with this theory is that it contricts what Morrigan says in the first game (as you pointed out).  Magic in Thedas is imposing your own will on the world around you - shapeshifting fits with this.  It's not just study, it takes magical engery too.  There's been no hints that mages have to use totems to shapeshift in the lore.  Plus, Morrigan has several prefered shapes (bird, dog and giant spider).  Shapeshifting seems to be an anicent elven pratice (something a Dalish can bring up with Morrigan in DAO) which is why Morrigan is able to use it.

[Illyria]

Well yes, but that assumes that there's an intact eluvian anywhere close to ruins of Temple of the Sacred Ashes... and the closest we know of is in Skyhold, which lies north of the Temple, while Solas was seen heading West. I'm also pretty sure that Leliana's people would track him heading towards a huge, glowing mirror.

 

Therefore the more likely possibility for me is a. he shapeshifted and escaped in animal form, b. he disappeared in a puff of smoke, like Flemythal does when we summon her to Mythal's altar and c. he modified Leliana's people memories, like he did Cole's.

 

I don't think Solas can actually affect memories.  I got the impression that he got Cole to do that to himself (if you take the Spirit path then Cole shows he's able to make himself forget certain things) because he knew that his friend wouldn't be able to not try and help him, and he didn't want him in danger.

[Neoleviathan]

Maybe the mural was always there & we just couldn't see it. Sneaky elfy magics.

[midnight tea]

To me, it looks like the sketch before the artist refines things and goes to work. To me, it's an indicator that he did not intend to leave suddenly, and even wanted to come back and finish that out and part from the Inquisition amicably once he had the orb. But it broke and his plans changed and so, there is an unfinished section.

 

There's nothing to indicate anyone else would've done that, especially with the symbolism inherent.

 

There's nothing indicating that it was Solas who did it, other than a quick logical leap that if he was the one who began the mural, he must have finished it as well. Aside from questions when he's done it (he obviously didn't begin to draw it before the battle, as the panel is clear prior to it), the artwork itself is a strong indicator against such notion.

 

Like I said - for me; someone who does art professionally (AND has rather sloppy drafts and sketches), the style of the sketch itself is too unrefined to look like it came from the same artist. Those who are skilled in drawing don't suddenly forget how to draw or compose things - those dragons/creatures were drawn by someone who clearly has issues with proportions and composition overall. It's hardly even the same style.

 

 

But who else would paint it and why?

 

Why wouldn't someone else want to finish the panel for the crowning achievement of the Inquisition, even if the original artist is gone?

 

From the note we know that his work was observed, studied, cataloged even, so there are people in Skyhold who have at least a rudimentary knowledge of art, even if they don't have Solas' skill in painting.

 

 

 

As to why he would choose this moment to paint it, how can we tell when he does not say at all why he painted the earlier parts in the first place? Maybe he wants to leave some clues, maybe it's very important for him that the Inquisiton has at least something to remember him by, maybe he just really likes to paint, maybe painting is his way of letting out the feels in his distraught state. 

 

Um, he DOES say why he painted earlier parts in the first place. You can find the codex entry when you climb the ladder, near the blue flame: http://dragonage.wik..._and_the_Fresco

 

Quote: "On the mural, all messere would say is, "Skyhold is his/her fortress (meaning of course the Inquisitor). These are his/her actions." He is, of course, correct; the subject of each addition is self-evident."

 

That quote alone indicates that Solas records the deeds of Inquisitor in visual form. Hence the more reason against the notion that the last panel is something different altogether.

 

We also have no indication that Solas paints or draws away his feelings. There's no banter, no scattered sketches, nothing that indicates that - he seems to be painting the mural in his spare time, while in Skyhold, and the codex itself notes that this is all very thought out, with longs periods of study before he even begins to paint, which also fits Solas personality as we know it.

 

I don't know much about art, but how can one tell from a hasty line drawing that has barely been started that the person who drew it has less talent than the person who drew the rest?

 

Well, here's the thing - I DO know much about art, considering that I've been doing it professionally for years

 

So I hope you'll consider to believing me when I tell things from experience: once a person draws enough, observes enough, they learn to distinguish such things. I mean, it's like that with everything. Those who practice something enough years, usually notice things faster than those who are yet to get there in terms of skills. And to put it bluntly - those who have been drawing for years have certain steadiness of hand and eye for detail and proportion that will be apparent even in their raw sketches.

 

I mean, even if this thing was drawn by the very same artist in Bioware base, it was certainly made to look distinct, not just in a sense that it's an unfinished draft. The proportions are all sloppy, the linework is atrocious and the composition is non-existent - it's just right smack in the center of panel, instead of being carefully laid out in entirety of the wall, like the rest of panels. It's almost like it's a child's drawing; the proportions are this bad.

 

Maybe the ambiguity between a wolf and a dragon is intentional. Personally, I cannot tell either way, and it might actually be a composite animal. It could either be done to confuse, or to allude to Fen'Harel absorbing a part of Mythal. 

 

We don't have dragons anywhere in other panels, but we can easily compare that "wolf" to wolves drawn by Solas just two panels away from that sketch. And they look nothing alike.

 

The far more plausible explanation is the one I've given before - that it was drawn by someone who's wasn't skilled enough, plus has likely never really seen a dragon.

 

I'd like to think that maybe he started it before the battle, it makes the timing of everything seem a lot more simple. But the last time the Inquisitor talks to him, he does not sound convinced in their victory, so why would he start drawing the dragon being defeated?

 

Yes, exactly - why would he start before the battle, without knowing the outcome? And we never see him start painting this or any other panel prior to events that they depict.

 

We also don't really know if Solas absolutely knew what he has to do now, not with him saying to romanced/befriended Inquisitor "Whatever comes next, I want you to know that what we had was real/that you will always have my respect".

 

We also have little to no time-frame to post-epilogue scene, but we do know from Morrigan's account that at last a full month has passed between the post-battle party and us going back to control Inquisitor again after the credits, since the Divine has been chosen a month after defeating Corypheus.

[midnight tea]

I don't think Solas can actually affect memories.  I got the impression that he got Cole to do that to himself (if you take the Spirit path then Cole shows he's able to make himself forget certain things) because he knew that his friend wouldn't be able to not try and help him, and he didn't want him in danger.

 

I actually suspect he might. Maybe not to an extent Cole does (him erasing Cole's memories results in Cole recounting his last spoken words), but he does appear to be able to affect people, be it as an expert Dreamer, someone with strong link to the Fade and knowledge of spirits, or as ancient elf and a potential god.

 

We do know that he can basically kick Inquisitor from the Fade with a simple 'wake up', we also do know that he has at least a peek into someone's memories or emotional state (remember how he tells Cole about templar's pain and regret, in Cole's personal quest? Or how he feels that's familiarity between him and Blackwall, even if the details of Blackwall's past eluded him?), or make himself or his emotional state 'invisible' even to Cole - there are also suggestions from both Solas and Weekes that, throughout his romance, Solas may have even considered forgetting some things himself.

 

Solas tells Inquisitor that he's not forgotten their kiss in the Fade (which I wouldn't be surprised that he considered), while Weekes said (in NerdAppropriate interview) that Solas is ready to 'lose himself and forget about the past' - and in both cases I think they mean it very literally.

[dawnstone]

 

There's nothing indicating that it was Solas who did it, other than a quick logical leap that if he was the one who began the mural, he must have finished it as well. Aside from questions when he's done it (he obviously didn't begin to draw it before the battle, as the panel is clear prior to it), the artwork itself is a strong indicator against such notion.

 

Like I said - for me; someone who does art professionally (AND has rather sloppy drafts and sketches), the style of the sketch itself is too unrefined to look like it came from the same artist. Those who are skilled in drawing don't suddenly forget how to draw or compose things - those dragons/creatures were drawn by someone who clearly has issues with proportions and composition overall. It's hardly even the same style.

 

 

 

Why wouldn't someone else want to finish the panel for the crowning achievement of the Inquisition, even if the original artist is gone?

 

From the note we know that his work was observed, studied, cataloged even, so there are people in Skyhold who have at least a rudimentary knowledge of art, even if they don't have Solas' skill in painting.

 

 

 

Um, he DOES say why he painted earlier parts in the first place. You can find the codex entry when you climb the ladder, near the blue flame: http://dragonage.wik..._and_the_Fresco

 

Quote: "On the mural, all messere would say is, "Skyhold is his/her fortress (meaning of course the Inquisitor). These are his/her actions." He is, of course, correct; the subject of each addition is self-evident."

 

That quote alone indicates that Solas records the deeds of Inquisitor in visual form. Hence the more reason against the notion that the last panel is something different altogether.

 

We also have no indication that Solas paints or draws away his feelings. There's no banter, no scattered sketches, nothing that indicates that - he seems to be painting the mural in his spare time, while in Skyhold, and the codex itself notes that this is all very thought out, with longs periods of study before he even begins to paint, which also fits Solas personality as we know it.

 

 

Well, here's the thing - I DO know much about art, considering that I've been doing it professionally for years

 

So I hope you'll consider to believing me when I tell things from experience: once a person draws enough, observes enough, they learn to distinguish such things. I mean, it's like that with everything. Those who practice something enough years, usually notice things faster than those who are yet to get there in terms of skills. And to put it bluntly - those who have been drawing for years have certain steadiness of hand and eye for detail and proportion that will be apparent even in their raw sketches.

 

I mean, even if this thing was drawn by the very same artist in Bioware base, it was certainly made to look distinct, not just in a sense that it's an unfinished draft. The proportions are all sloppy, the linework is atrocious and the composition is non-existent - it's just right smack in the center of panel, instead of being carefully laid out in entirety of the wall, like the rest of panels. It's almost like it's a child's drawing; the proportions are this bad.

 

 

We don't have dragons anywhere in other panels, but we can easily compare that "wolf" to wolves drawn by Solas just two panels away from that sketch. And they look nothing alike.

 

The far more plausible explanation is the one I've given before - that it was drawn by someone who's wasn't skilled enough, plus has likely never really seen a dragon.

 

 

Yes, exactly - why would he start before the battle, without knowing the outcome? And we never see him start painting this or any other panel prior to events that they depict.

 

We also don't really know if Solas absolutely knew what he has to do now, not with him saying to romanced/befriended Inquisitor "Whatever comes next, I want you to know that what we had was real/that you will always have my respect".

 

We also have little to no time-frame to post-epilogue scene, but we do know from Morrigan's account that at last a full month has passed between the post-battle party and us going back to control Inquisitor again after the credits, since the Divine has been chosen a month after defeating Corypheus.

 

As someone who has also created art and studied it for years as a student and as a collector, I do think it was Solas who incised the last panel into the plaster with great speed, and did a quick wash of paint to delineate certain details, like the ears, ruff and barrel chest of the beast. He uses a great deal of simple geometry and stylization in his compositions and that is no different here, size is indicative of nothing, else why would the one-legged sentinels in the next panel over be gigantic next to the tiny Well of Sorrows? The murals are largely meant to be symbolic.

 

The monster coming out of the Fade (you can see the Fade green from the tree in the panel next to it, flowing logically to the next panel) from above, is not a wolf, it is the Dread Wolf. The sword represents the Inquisition as it has elsewhere in the mural, the dragon could be Mythal, but why would the sword of the Inquisition have been shown slaying her, when Solas did so himself? I believe, therefore that the dragon represents Corypheus and his attempt to usurp the place of an Old God (which are known to have the form of dragons). I believe the last panel is meant to invoke the coming of the Dread Wolf, after the Inquisition has liberated his orb. If anyone would know what the Dread Wolf looks like, it would be Solas.

 

I believe Solas knew he would show himself for what he was at that point, but he did not know what would come of it except that it would be his final act in service of the Inquisition. He said himself - "It was not supposed to happen this way." He believed when they left for the final battle, that his victory was assured.

[FrankWisdom]

Ooooh, that's right, Mythal is represented by the moon, I somehow forgot that, I was so caught up by the fact Falon'Din is called "The Guide" to consider her, this way the two parts of the verse contrast each other (which is kind of lovely in poetry), him being the All-Father and her the All-Mother, him being the god of vengeance and she justice, etc. 

The moon can be easily considered a guide in night, reflecting the sun's light and shinning the way through.

Nice!

 

Now that I think about it, they are yin yang, "yin" = shaddy side, which represents female and "yang" = sunny side, male.

There is also something similar in Tarot -

The High Priestess is represented by the moon (you can see it in the card itself as well).

Her counterpart is the Hierophant (which is, by the way, Solas' romance card), it isn't directly related to the sun but the imagery in the card usually has those red & yellow tones.

Both cards have a lot to do with spirituality.

 

As for the rest, just yesterday I took a screenshot of the codex you are now referencing, "On Skyhold". For some reason I ignored a lot of lore in the first two playthroughs (probably because I wasn't armed with the WoT 1 & 2 at the time), it's funny this codex surfaces now after seeing it yesterday.

I like the parallels you've found in that codex translation, it makes a lot of sense.

 

You're new to the forums but every time your name pops up I expect gold, you're very insightful :]

I don't know if you've been officially welcomed to the thread - but welcome

 

 

Lol thanks. It's not really that hard... The people I've interacted with (such as yourself) have been very respectful and also bring up very interesting theories and discussions. I'm just a cog in the already well-oiled machine, so don't sell yourself short! I'm glad you enjoyed the parallels I brought up and thanks for posting the song, I always enjoy listening to it

[midnight tea]

As someone who has also created art and studied it for years as a student and as a collector, I do think it was Solas who incised the last panel into the plaster with great speed, and did a quick wash of paint to delineate certain details, like the ears, ruff and barrel chest of the beast. He uses a great deal of simple geometry and stylization in his compositions and that is no different here, size is indicative of nothing, else why would the one-legged sentinels in the next panel over be gigantic next to the tiny Well of Sorrows? The murals are largely meant to be symbolic.

 

Yet all those geometric shapes are different in application and proportions compared to previous panels. So saying that simple forms were across the mural used means little unless it's considered how different they look compared to other parts of it. Like I said - the composition is near non-existent and hardly follows the triangular/vertical pattern prevalent in the design.

 

The last panel sticking out like a sore thumb in terms of skill or composition is especially apparent if we look at full fresco: http://img2.wikia.no...hold_Fresco.jpg

 

The 'ground' line under the beasts is especially jarring. There's not even an attempt to compose the lower parts of the panel (while every other central creature/figure is situated way lower, pretty much at the bottom of every panel), or perhaps soften it with an arch, like in a part with Corypheus.

The proportions and shapes are also very different, generally speaking. They're far more chunkier, wonky and horizontal, compared to elegant, elongated and vertical forms of every other figure or creature in other panels (you can hardly see horizontal lines, especially this prominent, anywhere else in the fresco).

 

Also - the murals being symbolic is the reason why I doubt Solas would depict what he literally does to Mythal, instead of someone trying to ineptly follow the fresco's theme to symbolically depict victory of Inquisition over Corypheus and his pet "Archdemon".

 

 

 

The monster coming out of the Fade (you can see the Fade green from the tree in the panel next to it, flowing logically to the next panel) from above, is not a wolf, it is the Dread Wolf. The sword represents the Inquisition as it has elsewhere in the mural, the dragon could be Mythal, but why would the sword of the Inquisition have been shown slaying her, when Solas did so himself? 

 

Solas also didn't use a sword, did he? 

 

And as I explained already - it's likely the "Archdemon" or Red Lyrium Dragon that is slayed by the Inquisition's symbolic sword, while Mythal's guardian/Morrigan's draconic form stands victorious above it.

 

I mean, think about it - the dragon fight would be the only thing visible for people who stayed on the ground while Corypheus whisked the IQ and his/her team towards the Breach, and visible really only to a point where both of them fall on the floating island. And considering that Inquisitor and the rest emerged victorious, nobody on the ground would likely wonder how the fight between dragons ended - other than it was victorious and Herald's summoned dragon (which likely was considered another miracle) defeated the "Archdemon". Works both symbolically and literally, especially that we consider that the painter might not be as sophisticated when it comes to creating visual metaphors as Solas was.

 

 

I believe Solas knew he would show himself for what he was at that point, but he did not know what would come of it except that it would be his final act in service of the Inquisition. He said himself - "It was not supposed to happen this way." He believed when they left for the final battle, that his victory was assured.

 

I don't think he did. He says to Inquisitor "with luck, some of the past may yet survive". And romanced Lavellan even can tell him "You sound like your'e going to die. Stop. We're going to make through this." to which he meekly responds "I hope you're right". And after the breakup, when she asks if he'd speak to her later, he says "if we both survive this, then I promise you, everything will be made clear".

 

I think it indicates pretty strongly that Solas might not have been as certain of victory, or things going well, even if he hoped for it. I mean, at this point probably neither of them knew that Corypheus will be desperate enough to re-open the Breach, even if he suggested that whatever he does after defeat in Arbor Wilds will not be subtle.

[Cee]

The winners of the relics contest were posted, and man, I love the last one.

 

http://blog.bioware....ontest-winners/

 

As far as the art matter goes, Solas doesn't seem to be one to simply rest upon presumed victory. So it seems to me like he simply put down the foundation with hope and an intent to return.

[Avejajed]

I just want to see Solas in full power. As himself, not as who he is pretending to be. Because that's going to be HOT.

 

Just imagining the first time he sees Lavellan and can be perfectly himself, even if they just spot each other across the room and he's just radiating with power and I get chills. Please let the dread wolf be ****** awesome.

[dawnstone]

*snip*

Yes, yes of course. You clearly enjoy your theories, as I enjoy mine. Alas, I lack the time to argue them so thoroughly.

[midnight tea]

Yes, yes of course. You clearly enjoy your theories, as I enjoy mine. Alas, I lack the time to argue them so thoroughly.

 

I enjoy moments when I can talk about something artsy with fellow artsy people, especially when we dig deep into intricacies of design, or issues with particular piece of art - so forgive me my 'thorough arguments'. They're thorough/wall-of-text'ish, because I can actually talk about something that's both my passion and my chosen field of expertise^^;

[The Oracle]

I always thought the last mural sketch was done almost with a "think it to win it" approach. It's him getting behind the quizzy, almost saying "we'll win and then I'll come back to finish this off". And if they lost? Well, what else more clearly spells horrible defeat than a mural left unfinished, it's victorious ending never realised? Still, if I were his lover or good friend, I'd think it so sad afterwards to walk past the walls detailing the victories you'd made together and to see it lingering unresolved.

[Suketchi]

 

There's nothing indicating that it was Solas who did it, other than a quick logical leap that if he was the one who began the mural, he must have finished it as well. Aside from questions when he's done it (he obviously didn't begin to draw it before the battle, as the panel is clear prior to it), the artwork itself is a strong indicator against such notion.

 

Like I said - for me; someone who does art professionally (AND has rather sloppy drafts and sketches), the style of the sketch itself is too unrefined to look like it came from the same artist. Those who are skilled in drawing don't suddenly forget how to draw or compose things - those dragons/creatures were drawn by someone who clearly has issues with proportions and composition overall. It's hardly even the same style.

 

 

 

Why wouldn't someone else want to finish the panel for the crowning achievement of the Inquisition, even if the original artist is gone?

 

From the note we know that his work was observed, studied, cataloged even, so there are people in Skyhold who have at least a rudimentary knowledge of art, even if they don't have Solas' skill in painting.

 

 

 

Um, he DOES say why he painted earlier parts in the first place. You can find the codex entry when you climb the ladder, near the blue flame: http://dragonage.wik..._and_the_Fresco

 

Quote: "On the mural, all messere would say is, "Skyhold is his/her fortress (meaning of course the Inquisitor). These are his/her actions." He is, of course, correct; the subject of each addition is self-evident."

 

That quote alone indicates that Solas records the deeds of Inquisitor in visual form. Hence the more reason against the notion that the last panel is something different altogether.

 

We also have no indication that Solas paints or draws away his feelings. There's no banter, no scattered sketches, nothing that indicates that - he seems to be painting the mural in his spare time, while in Skyhold, and the codex itself notes that this is all very thought out, with longs periods of study before he even begins to paint, which also fits Solas personality as we know it.

 

 

Well, here's the thing - I DO know much about art, considering that I've been doing it professionally for years

 

So I hope you'll consider to believing me when I tell things from experience: once a person draws enough, observes enough, they learn to distinguish such things. I mean, it's like that with everything. Those who practice something enough years, usually notice things faster than those who are yet to get there in terms of skills. And to put it bluntly - those who have been drawing for years have certain steadiness of hand and eye for detail and proportion that will be apparent even in their raw sketches.

 

I mean, even if this thing was drawn by the very same artist in Bioware base, it was certainly made to look distinct, not just in a sense that it's an unfinished draft. The proportions are all sloppy, the linework is atrocious and the composition is non-existent - it's just right smack in the center of panel, instead of being carefully laid out in entirety of the wall, like the rest of panels. It's almost like it's a child's drawing; the proportions are this bad.

 

 

We don't have dragons anywhere in other panels, but we can easily compare that "wolf" to wolves drawn by Solas just two panels away from that sketch. And they look nothing alike.

 

The far more plausible explanation is the one I've given before - that it was drawn by someone who's wasn't skilled enough, plus has likely never really seen a dragon.

 

 

Yes, exactly - why would he start before the battle, without knowing the outcome? And we never see him start painting this or any other panel prior to events that they depict.

 

We also don't really know if Solas absolutely knew what he has to do now, not with him saying to romanced/befriended Inquisitor "Whatever comes next, I want you to know that what we had was real/that you will always have my respect".

 

We also have little to no time-frame to post-epilogue scene, but we do know from Morrigan's account that at last a full month has passed between the post-battle party and us going back to control Inquisitor again after the credits, since the Divine has been chosen a month after defeating Corypheus.

 

 

I seriously doubt anyone would add anything to Solas's mural after he left. That's pretty much the most WRONG thing you could do to an artist, aside from actually destroying an artist's work.

 

This just proves to me that Solas rushed back to Skyhold to finish the mural, before the Inquisition could return. If Solas is the kind of artist who puts a lot of thought into his work, it makes sense that his last mural wouldn't quite match the others in terms of proportion and composition. An artist is capable of inconsistency, especially if you're rushing. If I try to sketch something out in under five minutes, it's going to look like s**t.

[Sable Rhapsody]

I just want to see Solas in full power. As himself, not as who he is pretending to be. Because that's going to be HOT.

 

Just imagining the first time he sees Lavellan and can be perfectly himself, even if they just spot each other across the room and he's just radiating with power and I get chills. Please let the dread wolf be ****** awesome.

 

More and more often now in RPGs, we get NPCs who aren't henchmen or sidekicks.  Who are perfectly capable of going toe-to-toe with a PC at the height of their power.  And I love it

[midnight tea]

I seriously doubt anyone would add anything to Solas's mural after he left. That's pretty much the most WRONG thing you could do to an artist, aside from actually destroying an artist's work.

 

*cough*

 

 

Just because it's inconsiderate for an artist, it doesn't mean that there aren't those who THINK they can finish or correct their job. The Dunning-Kruger effect is a pretty prevalent cognitive bias after all.

 

 

An artist is capable of inconsistency, especially if you're rushing.

 

Not THAT much inconsistency. It's one thing to rush a work, it's another to paint something that's so... off.

 

 

 

I always thought the last mural sketch was done almost with a "think it to win it" approach. It's him getting behind the quizzy, almost saying "we'll win and then I'll come back to finish this off". And if they lost? Well, what else more clearly spells horrible defeat than a mural left unfinished, it's victorious ending never realised? Still, if I were his lover or good friend, I'd think it so sad afterwards to walk past the walls detailing the victories you'd made together and to see it lingering unresolved.

 

It's even worse to see it being butchered 

[drosophila]

More and more often now in RPGs, we get NPCs who aren't henchmen or sidekicks.  Who are perfectly capable of going toe-to-toe with a PC at the height of their power.  And I love it

 

Word! I don't want my Inky to be a special snowflake who miraculously outsmarts and defeats everyone simply by virtue of being the main character. Even the best don't consistently win, and I want that reflected in the game.

 

All I want to say about art is how much I despise Illustrator right now.